A curse. A fall from privilege. And a tavern owner with zero tolerance for nonsense.
The King and Vi blends gritty survival with slow-burn romance in all the right ways.
I’m finally sharing one of my all-time favorite series! Though this book first released in 2023, I never posted my thoughts—and now feels like the perfect time to revisit the entire trilogy. Whether you're new to Shana Galen or already a fan of her historical romances, this is a series worth savoring.
King and Vi kicks off the adventure with a mysterious curse, a swoon-worthy hero, and a captivating twist: the spotlight falls on three men at the heart of the series—an exciting shift from the heroine-led stories we often see in historical romance. This isn’t just a story about love—it’s about losing everything and learning what truly matters.
It only gets better from here... so let’s rewind and start where it all began.
Title: The King and Vi by Shana Galen
Series: Misfortunes Favorites #1
Publish Date: February 13, 2024
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Goodreads
Book Description
The bored and snobbish Marquess of Kingston—King to his friends—doesn’t believe in witches. Granted, he was cursed by a witch when he was thirteen, but King doesn’t believe in curses either. So surely it must be an aftereffect of too much drink and debauchery when, on the eve of his thirtieth birthday, the witch from his youth reappears to watch her curse on him take effect. And, whether King believes it or not, the next morning he’s gone from nobleman to nobody, a man without a title or farthing to his name.
It seems curses, and witches, are real after all.
Violet Baker has had enough of entitled aristocrats slumming it in Seven Dials and causing trouble in her family’s tavern. She has two younger brothers to support, and she can’t when her establishment is destroyed by raucous young bucks. The morning after the Marquess of Kingston’s brawling leaves her tavern in ruins, Violet confronts him and demands payment for the damages. But, surprisingly, King is in more trouble than she at the moment. He convinces her he’ll pay if she gives him a place to hide from his creditors—only for a day or two—until he sorts out the muddle his life has become.
Violet needs the money King owes and figures she can put up with anything and anyone for a couple of days. She soon realizes her mistake. King is spoiled, lazy, and reckless. His thoughtless behavior puts Vi and her brothers in danger from the neighborhood gang and its leader, Ferryman. But to her surprise, King reacts by vowing to protect her. As together they fight the mounting forces against them, Vi struggles to resist her growing feelings for King. They say a leopard can’t change his spots, but can a spoiled marquess change his ways?
And if he does, will it be too late to save the family and the plucky tavern owner he’s come to love?
My Review
Kingston starts off as everything you want to root against—arrogant, indulgent, and completely out of touch. But as Galen strips away his privilege, she reveals a man capable of humility, protection, and quiet courage. Watching him fall from grace and begin again in the slums of Seven Dials is as satisfying as it is romantic. His journey is messy, stubborn, and incredibly human.
Violet, meanwhile, is the kind of heroine you cheer for from page one. She’s practical, no-nonsense, and fiercely loyal to her younger brothers. Her strength doesn’t come from swordplay or sass, but from survival—and her refusal to accept less than what she and her family deserve. The chemistry between Vi and King sparks slowly, built through shared hardship and earned respect. It's deliciously slow-burn and incredibly rewarding.
The Weight of the Curse
The curse isn’t just a whimsical plot device—it’s the emotional spine of the story. Galen uses it as a metaphor for inherited failure, generational mistakes, and the shame characters carry beneath their titles. For King, the curse exposes every hollow part of his life and forces him to rebuild from the ground up. And in doing so, he becomes worthy—not just of Vi’s love, but of his own future.
It’s subtle, but powerful. The curse ties the series together, haunting each hero in a different way, and serves as a thematic reminder that change doesn’t come from magic—it comes from choice.
My Favorite Quote
“I think I’ve loved you since the second time I met you.”
Why I Think You Would Like This
If you love redemption arcs, class clash romance, and flawed heroes who actually learn from their mistakes—The King and Vi is for you. It has grit, banter, tenderness, and a heroine who never gives her heart away easily. This is the kind of Regency romance that feels grounded in emotion and real stakes, without losing that swoony, satisfying payoff.
The tension with the Ferryman gang brings urgency, and the slow trust that builds between King and Vi is handled with care. It’s not just about falling in love—it’s about becoming someone who deserves it. And Galen nails that balance beautifully.
My Final Thoughts
The King and Vi is the kind of historical romance that stays with you—not just because of the romance, but because of the transformation it demands from its characters. It’s a bold series starter with a rich emotional payoff, and one that makes you eager to see what Galen will do with the rest of the cursed heroes.
I devoured this in one sitting and immediately wanted more. If you’re ready for a flawed marquess, a fierce tavern keeper, and a slow-burn romance born in the grit of Seven Dials—this one’s for you.
About the Author
Shana Galen is a three-time RITA Award nominee and the bestselling author of fast-paced, witty, and adventurous Regency romances. Her books have been praised by Kirkus as “intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun,” and RT Book Reviews calls them “lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching.” Before writing full-time, she taught English for over a decade in Houston’s inner city schools. Today, she’s a full-time author, wife, and proud mom to a daughter who may just grow up to be a romance heroine herself. Learn more at shanagalen.com.📚 Reading Order: Misfortunes Favorites Series
- Book 1: The King and Vi
- Book 2: My Fair Katie – Review coming August 10
- Book 3: All About Genevieve – Coming Soon
Join the Conversation
Have you read The King and Vi or other books in the Misfortunes Favorites series? I’d love to know your thoughts on how Shana Galen explores redemption, curses, and class clashes in this emotional Regency world. Drop your thoughts in the comments or explore more historical romance favorites.
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My Fair Katie
Misfortunes Favorites #2
If you loved King and Vi’s story, don’t miss Henry and Katie’s emotional, redemptive romance in Book 2—full of curses, second chances, and slow-burn longing.
📅 Book 2 Review coming August 10 – check back for the link!
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