I have not read the first in this series but I absolutely enjoyed this story and don’t feel I was left confused without having read the first book. A fact that I always appreciate in histrom series when it occurs. I feel like this story is very well suited to the modern feminist (and hater of the British museum and their history of theft lol). Basically it was written for people like me. And I truly enjoyed it although I don’t know how they will continue a certain familial relationship in the series after such a serious transgression—I won’t say more for spoilers.

I felt a lot of empathy for both lead character and I loved the interactions with the young boys. If you aren’t into romances involving the adoption of children (or similar as the case is here) this is not the book for you. The characters were truly good. A bit naive in places. A bit selfish in places. But their general intentions and motives for acting were full of goodness, which is something I like in a romance—not everyone needs a huge redemption arc. The word to best describe this romance is sweet or perhaps wholesome. There are some dark moments when the crisis comes to a head but overall the mood is tender. The lovers get to know one another and lean on each other for support. They enjoyed each other’s company as well. It was just…nice. It felt good to read it. I was happy with the ever after even though like life, not all relationships were repaired. There was an overarching theme of hope for the future that made me feel good. It was quite simply enjoyable.

I really enjoyed this book. It was the first I had read by the author. I felt that the romance was a too much of a slow burn. I really enjoyed the roles the other family members played.

I really adore this author so I was really excited to have been given the second one in this series!! I really enjoyed it! It was a quick read for me and I enjoyed every page! The story and spice were perfect! I can’t wait for what’s next!

Frances Cherrington is the last one of four sisters of marriage age in the London ton. Her brother is doing everything in his power to make sure she has a good match. Frances doesn’t want to get married. She wants the freedom of being a spinster. At a masquerade she has the idea for ruining herself is better than being on the marriage hunt.

Evan Locke, the Earl of Winthrop, has been running into Miss Cherrington at ball after ball. He finds her intriguing the more time he spends with her. Evan has also found himself in a bit of a dilemma. He has found out that he has three half brothers. He will be taking care of with help from Frances.

This story we see these two coming together over the boys. We also see how family becomes important to both of them. In the end we see how their love for each blooms and they can’t live without each other.

I found this book to be ok. It felt incredibly long. I had a hard time believing that Frances would purposely ruin in herself just to get out of the marriage mart. The romance was never really the focal point.

Thank you to Netgally, the publishers, and Jennifer Haymore

When I requested this book I was unaware that it was apart of a series, one that requires you to read the previous books for this one to make sense. I am unable to read all the previous books along with this one before the publish date. Therefore, I will rate this a fair 3/5 stars and will adjust the rating and review when I am able to read all the books in the series along with this one.

This was such a good read, i couldn't stop it, the characters and their conversations had me hooked from beginning to end, i will be definitely catching up with this author work.

I’m adoring this series! This book is full of banter and delicious steam and the characters are really vivid and well fleshed out. Evan is so very sweet, a cinnamon roll of a hero who wants to love and be loved. He’s not so bright, maybe, because otherwise he would have understood what was happening with Frances sooner (no spoilers!), but he has a great heart. I really hated Frances’s family and how they treated her (Charles was a hateful character in the previous book as well!) and I don’t think they made enough amends. Frances herself is somewhat annoying at the beginning, but as I got to know her, I understood her perfectly. I really loved how the author developed her character! The writing is gorgeous and descriptive, but not overtly much. Highly recommended!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really love books like this!

I first got into them in my Wattpad phase, and my love for them just never left.

If you haven’t read this yet, you should!

A great love story with rich characters and sizzling chemistry.
Many thanks to Entangled Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I loved the heroine in this and all the familial elements in this book with the Duke's found brothers. The plot was interesting enough to keep me engaged but I think for me it lacked enough to make it truly special. I listened to this on audiobook and the narrator was fantastic. The spice was spicing and the historical vibes were vibing. I was just left with wanting more.

I fear this review may come across a little scatterbrained for I am still trying to come down from the high of emotions it has wrought. I was immediately sucked into every moment of drama and indeed was held captive by the story. I will break this into two parts, firstly the fabulous story created by Jennifer Haymore and then the equally fabulous performance of Ashford Macnab who brought it to life in her audio. The introductory annoyance-to -lovers vibes (because they were never even close to enemies) gave some lovely banter between these two, but what I loved was the accidental compliments that would fall from each without thought, “perfect Lord” and “her hypnotic beauty”. Their attraction was apparent from the start. Their combative push and pull addictive. Everyone emotion I felt right alongside them, feeling literal shivers of excitement as their relationship grew. And oh my goodness, I was in love with Frances through Evan’s eyes. He so clearly ‘saw’ Frances from the very start like no one ever had. The way they were able to build their relationship through, dare I say it, open communication . It is so rare in HR and Haymore continues to create these couples that ‘speak’ to each other. It is beautiful. This story gave me literal chills, shivers of anticipation and heart-gripping longing. Frances’ strength and go get ‘em demeanour breathes new life into historical romance. Aside from the romance was a deeply moving love of the found family aspects. Each member of this family fit together to perfection. Frances intrinsically molding her place right from her very first interaction with each of the boys, and the love and attachment they feel to her is both instant and right. Those both broke my heart a dozen times over with their vulnerability and their tenacity. I cannot express the joy I felt for this story, truly, you must read it and see for yourself.
Secondly, the audio, Ashford Macnab may be my new favourite narrator. Her reading was compelling, intense and just plain fun. The emotions, the tension, read with such pure feeling. I could not get enough and it was equally because of this narration as much as the story contained within.

4.5 stars

So, while I enjoyed the two main characters, the heroine's family made me so very angry. Particularly the older brother. And for some reason, this took away a little bit of my enjoyment of the story. I'm not sure why? Stories are supposed to have villains. But he was insufferable.

Also, unusually for me, I really enjoyed the children in this book. Especially the caper towards the end.

Jennifer Haymore does it again! Her writing and characters always captivate me, and this book was no exception. Our heroine, Frances, is especially lovable in her determination to change her path.
The plot of this book is a rollercoaster, and it's at times laugh out loud funny.
I can't wait for the rest of the series!

Star Rating: 3.75/5
Tropes: Ruination, secret siblings

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great and fun read and I liked the main characters a lot. Haymore has a good eye for story and character

What a heart wrenching book this was! I loved every minute of it. Frances' and Evan's courtship was hot and stressful as she was to marry another. I loved little Bobby, Mark and Jasper and how Evan took his siblings in and made a family. Haymore has that perfect niche for regency romance! One of my favorite authors!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

A massive thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!! I really enjoyed this book; definitely something I will tell my friends about!

This love story was at once lighthearted, sexy and angsty. If you love a compromised/ruined and forced proximity trope, you should check this book out. I highly recommend it.

I received an ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest review.

This was such a lovely story! This was my first book by Jennifer Haymore - I enjoyed her writing in this book and cannot wait to pick up another one.

I really liked Frances and how determined she was to make her own way, even though she was constantly being pressured by her family.

While I thought the storyline with Evan’s brothers was very sweet, I do wish the romance between Evan and Frances had been the forefront of the story.

I loved this book! I haven't read any other books by Jennifer Haymore, but am interested in looking through her backlist to find more to enjoy!