Elizabeth Boyle (1)

I might have laughed at Rockhurst a bit more then one should. Not in a bad way mind you, but its simply hilarious that the man is so awesome in so many ways, yet sadly doesn't understand that showing up at society's biggest event of the week, Almack's, he just made himself the most sought after man in town. Not just from hell demons, oh no, much worse. Now every marriage-minded mama wanted a piece of him.

I quite enjoyed the exchanges between himself and his cousin Mary, an avowed bluestocking. Other then invisible!Hermione no one else talked to him so freely. Well no one else female. Hermione was a puzzle to me. She was an odd mixture of typical fluff-headed debutante (even though she wasn't one) with no more then color, lace and style of dress on her mind and fierce she-cat. I felt so bad for her at first, when she's so awkward and timid. I was heartily happy when she began opening up (even if she had to be invisible to do it).

I hadn't read the book that is the lead-in companion, His Mistress by Morning, about Hermione's older brother Sebastian and his love of life Charlotte's adventures with Quince and her ring of magicks, but it wasn't a bother. Other then missing the original introduction of many of the characters, Sebastian/Charlotte aren't a big part of the book. They're mentioned, but not in a way that would confuse a reader.

I only became slightly peeved at how easily it seemed that Hermione could fool Rockhurst. While invisible Hermione never revealed who she was to him, out of low self-esteem issues, but I would have thought that Rockhurst would know somehow. I did however fall in love with the archery contest closer to the end. The scene at sunset was vivid as was how Rockhurst must have felt.… (mere)

Boyle and I have a love/hate relationship when it comes to her romances. I've liked a couple, but by in large I don't find her as captivating as say Julia Quinn or Sarah MacLean or Eloisa James. However the premise of this series (a town who's women are cursed to be spinsters pretty much) caught my attention and thus I found myself caught up in this book.

Happily Boyle doesn't drag out the letter writing alter egos plotline too long--both Daphne and Henry are clever and quick-witted, kind of seeing what was going on. The two play a cat and mouse game, trying to ferret out information, while trying to seem uninterested, and not coming to blows (since their families hate each other). Though I'd argue it was some of the best passages when the two would convince themselves who the other was (mentally) and then try to trip the other up. Admittedly it was frustrating at times because as soon as they convinced themselves, they un-convinced themselves for this or that reason, but it was amusing most of the time.


I hadn't read the first book in this series, Along Came a Duke, though that story is eluded to in the "forward" by the author explaining the Curse that has beset Kempton. Henry is related to Preston (his Uncle, though that's a farce) and Daphne is friends with Tabitha, but other than giving an excuse as to why Daphne is constantly around the Seldons, the previous novel doesn't affect the story here at all. The other characters throughout--especially Daphne's obnoxious cousin Crispin--were all right, but not very interesting. Boyle spends little enough time with many of them to make me feel interested. Harriet and Roxley, who are the main couple of the next book If Wishes Were Earls, feature during the house party at Owle Park, but they're the only ones that stand out (in a pleasing way).

As the attraction between Daphne and Henry is based off their banter it comes around well. Daphne gives as good as she gets from Henry (including a lovely turn around near the end). I do think the book went a bit overlong in that the charade was hard to allow stand once it became obvious the two were falling in love with their non-letter selves. Plus Daphne did some thoroughly reckless things, which if she had been wrong in any way would have spelled the end for her. I understood why she did those things, but each time I wanted to shake her and ask her why she exhibited so much intelligence one moment and no common sense the next.

Overall this was a fairly entertaining novel that moved quickly. As I said the bantering is the best part, but try to ignore the illogical moments as best you can.… (mere)

(this is also available as part of [b:The Mammoth Book of Regency Romance|7619815|The Mammoth Book of Regency Romance|Trisha Telep|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1408940641s/7619815.jpg|10092735])

Ella Cynders (see what she did there?) loved Viscount Ashe (come on you see the trend right?) years ago. A twist of fate may bring them together to have a happy ending to their very own fairy tale. I spent all of this story with a goofy smile on my face. It was just so sweet I couldn't help myself. I didn't even question the fact that Ella was ready to go recklessly into the night with Ashe. Plus Ashe's mom was some kind of ridiculous genius. Let me paraphrase why: Ashe "You knew?! You let my heart bleed all over the carpet for hours and didn't tell me? Why?!" Ashe's Mom: "Oh piffle dear I was hungry and wanted to eat."… (mere)

This anthology showcases three Regency-era novellas about characters from each author’s respective series, but you don’t need to be familiar with the full-length novels to understand and enjoy this book.

In “Lost and Found” by Stephanie Laurens, Reggie’s uncle is on his deathbed and that means big changes are coming to Reggie and the Carmarthen family. Soon enough, he’ll become a viscount and then an earl. When news of this hits the ton, all the matchmaking mamas and their daughters will chase after him for marriage. Reggie, a resolute bachelor, decides to find his own wife before they do. When he stumbles upon Anne Ashford in a heated discussion with another man, he comes to her rescue. After all, she’s his best friend’s sister and they’ve known each other for years. For the first time, he sees her in a different light. When they have to work side by side to help unite a sweet orphan with his long-lost family, loves blooms between them.
This is a sweet story and I liked it, but it was a little slow and the POV shifts were confusing.
3 Stars

In “The Matchmaker’s Bargain” by Elizabeth Boyle, Amanda finds herself stranded in a storm and takes shelter in the home of a mysterious old woman. She unknowingly drinks a potent tea and pays for the woman’s services. In the morning, she learns she has to find her heart’s desire and be married in a few days. Desperate to finally live her life on her terms, she enlists the help of Jemmy Reyburn, the old woman’s neighbor and Amanda’s unrequited love from years past, to help her escape the town unwed.
Jemmy doesn’t remember Amanda, but he’s entranced by her now. After serving in the war against Napoleon, he’s no longer the arrogant rake she remembers. He’s bitter, scarred, and has a bum leg. He’s given up on living until Amanda brings the light back into his world. As the town gathers to see her married, he soon realizes he wants her for himself, but can he convince her to give him a second chance and stay in Bromley Hollow?
Jemmy is definitely troubled, but he’s so kind and comes out of his shell around Amanda. She’s torn between what her heart wants and what she knows is polite decorum. They both find themselves and grow as characters throughout the story. I think Amanda’s parents are by far some of the worst parents I’ve ever read in a book. I really sympathized with the poor woman and the life she’s led. The story is well-written with no stray POV shifts. This is a wonderful story and my favorite in the anthology.
5 Stars

In “The Third Suitor” by Christina Dodd, Harry is on holiday in a sleepy English coastal town to relax after risking his life abroad serving his country. He’s bored and thinking about his next mission, whatever that might be, when he finds a young woman sneaking through the garden outside his rented cottage. Jessie is in hiding from a persistent suitor and beseeches Harry for his help. Friendship quickly blossoms between them, and Harry scares the man away. When he finds out she has three unwanted suitors (Jessie and her unwatchful chaperone are on holiday to meet to meet and pick from the men), he’s determined to help her out of the dreadful matches. Things heat up between them, but he’s a man with a past and his secrets could get her killed.
This is a great story and I love the characters. Harry is dashing and mysterious, Jessie is smart and brave, and the chemistry between them sizzled the pages. Though well-written, there were a few POV shifts. I felt a little lost during the climax. In my opinion, the beach scene could’ve used more description. I had a hard time picturing the cliff and the boulders, but maybe that’s just me.
4 Stars

Book Overall
4 Stars
… (mere)