Victoria (Tory) cannot read. Her perfect sister and drunken father are very happy to tell everyone that she cannot read. In fact, everyone knows and everyone treats her as though she is dumb and stupid. She is not. In fact, she is brighter than either her sister, her father or 95% of the people she knows. Other than being intelligent, Tory is also humorous, a talented artist, and a very good friend to nearly everyone she meets.

Dominic is her sister’s fiancee, until he isn’t. He is seriously involved with the House of Lords working to end slavery in the colonies. He believes that in order to succeed in politics, he needs a certain type of wife. When his sister dies and leaves her twin children to Dom, he believes that his perfect wife will need to learn to care for the twins as much he does. The twins, Florence and Valentine, are bright and very unusual thinkers. These youngsters are truly delightful characters.

This is a story of family. People do not always come from perfect families. People can learn to forgive imperfect families. Tory simply loves hers.

Tory and Dom are attracted to one another but overcoming some of their differences provides difficulties. Of course those difficulties are what makes the romance novel what it is. Their conversations are entertaining and show exactly who each of them are. They are honest people who want to do the right things in life.

There are no real surprises in the story. But, the journey to the “Happily Ever After” is a pleasant one.

Ms James is a talented author who creates complete characters and interesting plots.

I received this book from the publisher. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are completely my own.

I really love the way Eloisa handles characters that are quirky and builds families out of all sorts of people not necessarily connected by blood. She really pulls it off in VISCOUNT IN LOVE. The attraction between the Dom and Torie is strong from the first page and the emotional rollercoaster is fun to watch.

I recommend this sexy, fun, emotional, story of acceptance and love.

I love books with "found families". The poor orphaned twins are completely feral and an absolute hoot. The heat between Torie and Lord Kelbourne is delicious. I wasn't sure how he was going to get out of being engaged to Leonora, Torie's sister, but that's a fun little bit of legerdemain. I hope Nora pops up again in subsequent books.

Just a delightful new series and I can't wait for more more more.

This is a masterfully written romance from one of the best historical romance authors.

The success of this character-driven novel hinged on the chemistry between Torie and Dom--and thankfully, from the first time we see them together, they have it in spades. Dom and Torie are not meant for each other, both because of temperament and because Dom is engaged to Torie's sister. Nevertheless, they are almost friends when Torie's sister runs off with another groom, leaving Dom without a prospective spouse just when he's trying to establish some normalcy for his recently orphaned niece and nephew. Of course, they adore Torie and she them, so when Dom turns his sights on Torie, it doesn't take much persuasion to get her to relent. Both Dom and Torie are motivated by more than the children, though: they have an incendiary chemistry they are eager to explore. But will it lead to love, when they are such different people?

It's not a particularly action-packed plot, which is fine because the character development is so rich. Each character is particularly memorable and multi-dimensional, especially Dom and Torie. The central conflict is really about them learning to understand and trust each other--with Dom having a further way to go than Torie--and each scene carefully adds layers to their developing relationship. And their chemistry is hot, with their physical scenes reinforcing the more emotional scenes.

I was hooked from their first scene together, well before they were a prospective couple on the page. And as with other Eloisa James novels, you will have a delightful time watching Torie and Dom reach their happy ending.

Highly recommend!

I started reading this book during a reading period where nothing sounded good. In one night, I had read 33%.

It's a cute lighthearted regency romance with a Grumpy x Sunshine vibe and a "Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover"/"People Aren't Always What They Seem" theme.

Lady Victoria thinks her sister's viscount fiancee is grumpy and too serious - while also admiring his brawn. After 2 years of the engagement, the Viscount's scandalous sister and her husband are killed in an accident and he must take in his niece and nephew who are slightly odd. An argument with Lady Leonora leads to her marrying a much older lord and the Viscount growing closer to Lady Victoria, trying to convince her to marry him.

I enjoyed it but I really wanted the story of Clara, Lady Victoria's friend. Maybe she will be the second book?

I love Eloisa James and probably always will. Is this the best historical romance ever written? She has better ones. Is it super predictable? Yeah, but so are all the other ones. Was it still worth reading? You bet.

Delightful personalities, humorous conversation, fully developed characters, and a refreshing take on historical romance! I have to admit that I’m a huge Eloisa James fan. She is my number one go to for romance. Her books always seem that much more substantial and interesting. The characters she creates are flawed, loveable, and memorable. This book is no exception, and seems to be even more impactful because of her personal connection to some of the subject matter (as indicated by her afterword). I really liked how the author incorporated historical events and actual people of the time yet made the characters relatable to 21st century readers. Fluffy in the sense that the story will hit you in the feels and has lots of yummy spice, but also meaningful because it really will make you think about your attitude and some of the words you use. This one goes on the reread list for sure!

What a twisty-turny tale this was. This one was such a fun start to a series from Eloisa James, one of my favorite historical romance authors!

“There was no denying that his broad shoulders and muscled body were a pleasure to behold. Not that Torie would ever ogle her sister’s future husband.” Torie’s sister is betrothed to the Viscount Kellbourne, the muscled, fiery-tempered, stubborn Lord who has recently become guardian to his charming, if not eccentric, twin niece and nephew. The Viscount’s betrothed cannot keep far away from the children while Torie finds them enchanting and lovable (as did I!). Eventually Torie’s sister elopes, leaving behind the Viscount and his wards. As Torie’s affections for the twins grow, so does Viscount Kellbourne’s for the flamboyant, sensuous Torie, the opposite of her sister in every way. Though articulate, intelligent, and talented, Torie has been a joke of the her family and the Ton, and longs for a love who will be proud of her, despite her inability to read and write. Is Torie merely as she seems, the pretty, nurturing influence the twins need? Or will the Viscount uncover her deeper, secret passions? Five ⭐️ for the tender-hearted romance that undeniably changes both characters, the comedic charm of the twins, and the sizzling chemistry.

Thank you to the publisher for the NetGalley ARC of this book in exchange for a review.

This is a fun, historical romance about family, love, forgiveness, and learning to accept others.
When Tory and Dominic agree to wed, it starts out as a business arrangement and a need for a mother for Dom's orphaned niece and nephew. What neither one expected was to fall in love, and come to realize they are each worthy of love and each other. I enjoyed the banter between the characters, and thought the twins added humor to the story. Completely enjoyable.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is a solid Eloisa James. I caught myself at times like, “Is this old school EJ come back to bestow a gift of starchy heroes upon me???” Truly, it was just that magical.

Dominic Kelbourne, Lord Something Something, is starchy as hell. He’s got custody of his late scandalous sister’s children and his fiancé of a million years is even starchier. She’s put off their marriage for a long time cause she’s just not into this dude and his two wards are the end of the line for her. Introduce two hellions to the ton?! Hell no, she’s out on that. But thankfully her younger illiterate sister will just raise them in the country right?

Torie is illiterate. Why? Idk. She just is, people. She just can’t read at all. Is it a sight problem? Is she dyslexic? Idk. No clue, she can’t read and we don’t know why! So Torie’s ridiculed a lot, she’s got some marriage offers but does she really want to accept men that just think she’s an illiterate idiot? (But also WHY CANT YOU READ??) Torie doesn’t want to just retire to the country to raise her sister’s fiancé’s late scandalous sister’s children. She’s got more self respect than just resolving herself to nanny life. She’s committed to helping her sister see that these kids are actually great but only accomplishes falling in love with said children and scaring her sister off. Literally, her sister runs away and elopes with someone else to stay away from these children.

So now Dominic has no fiancé but what he does have is some lust for this woman who has come to the nursery every day and taken care of his wards. And now in true EJ fashion he HAS TO HAVE HER.

This book has a lot of things I absolutely love about Eloisa James books. Starchy possessive heroes, heroines who are like, “Ew, get away from me,” some absolutely PAINFUL hero blunders, some positively delightful groveling. and a really solid romance. SOLID. Loved this one.

Got an ARC, but review is my own

A fun upcoming romance from historical romance pro, Eloisa James! Interestingly, it actually takes place prior to her previous trilogy, as a set of side characters are actually the parents of her previous male lead. All in all, I really liked Viscount in Love. Torie is a delightful heroine. Dominic can be a bit of a pain, but has a good heart and grows to realize how much he loves Torie.

The true stars of the show are eleven-year-old twins Valentine and Florence. They are precocious as can be and stole my heart from their first scene. Torie bonds with them right off the bat, even when she just believes she'll be a future aunt. Orphaned after their distant parents die in a carriage accident, Val and Florence are all too familiar with death, and can sometimes be too smart for their own good. When they learn Torie can't read (while not named on the pages, she has dyslexia) they decide to read books and the stories Florence writes out loud to her. Torie soaks up information like a sponge, and her intelligence surprises those around her who assume she isn't smart since she is unable to read. I honestly hope we get books about both Florence and Valentine in the future, as I think they would both make delightful main characters.

Miss Victoria Sutton definitely does not think her sister's betrothed is smokin’ hot. Viscount Dominic Kebourne is actually for real just sort of mehhh about his fiancé because all he seeks is a woman with serious BVE—Big Viscountess Energy. When he suddenly becomes the guardian to his twin niece and nephew, his wife-to-be would rather NOPE her way to the altar with a lord in his sixties than become involved with children whose preferred topics of conversation include severed heads and flatulence. Dom is in a real pickle, and looks no further than his former betrothed’s sister to solve his dilemma.

Torie, is neurodivergent, dyslexic, illiterate and perfect. She is not afraid to tell Dominic exactly how it is—including turning down about 700 marriage proposals—and I love this for her. She is curious, intelligent, and very boldly herself. The plot twist at the end--BRILLIANT!

Dominic is your typical curmudgeonly lord. He thinks he wants a proper English wife, until he realizes VERY QUICKLY that what he wants is the woman who can’t paint the rear end of rabbits very well, is regularly the punch line of jokes made by her family and the entire ton, and most importantly who his wards love.

Like. VERY QUICKLY. If you’re a fellow feminist who finds the feminism floating right out of their body when they encounter a MY WIFE kinda guy—Eloisa James introduces you to a man who MY WIFEs his wife before they are even married…before she has even agreed to become his wife. In fact he MY WIFEs her while she might technically be affianced to someone else. But our boy have that persistence that only fictional men can make sexy and not terrifying.

I am an absolute sucker for a book with children who steal the show. Valentine and Florence are little weirdos after my own heart, and I adored their relationships with Torie and Dom. They were such a lovely addition to this story.

This was truly a delightful historical romance to read, and I’m absolutely coming back for the second installment!

4/5 ⭐️s

Thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Normally I love Eloisa James and couldn't wait to read this ARC. While this one didn't knock it out of the park for me, it still has much to recommend it. As bog-standard historical romances go, it was exactly what genre lovers are looking for. What starts as a marriage of convenience/a business arrangement leads to emotional hijinks and a HEA. The main characters themselves were only OK, but the chemistry felt real and the classic "miscommunications" are believable and resolved with no one having to act wildly out of character. What really makes this book shine is the twins who are central to our hero's involvement with his reluctant heroine. They are hilarious and precocious while playing off the other oddball characters in the series fantastically. I am looking forward to seeing more in the series and, as always, cant wait to read more from Eloisa James.

✨If he doesn’t start stripping mid-conversation to convince me to marry his gorgeous, gorgeous body, what’s even the point???✨

Do you ever read a book that basically cycles through all the star ratings? Like I thought this was going to be a two star book at points and then there were five star worthy scenes because I was GIGGLING…like that man was so unserious. Spoiler alert that’s not a spoiler because you can see my rating, I ended up really liking it and giving it four stars.

There were a lot of positive reviews that convinced me to read it, so me ultimately enjoying it is not that surprising, but there were definitely points where I was like YOU ALL ARE LYING LIARS WHO LIED. And then I calmed down and realized that yeah they kinda spilled. It was rather fun to see how it would all end up for me because I ended up just fighting with myself over things I thought I was angry about but were actually fine.

To be fair, and to get it out of the way (which I guess is kind of a spoiler but it SHOULDN’T be a spoiler because Eloisa is lucky I didn’t DNF), that man did not have a mistress at all during their relationship!!! But she makes you think he did, and I was SEETHING. I was still rightfully mad that he was mad that she even made the request to not have a mistress, because according to him, “it’s just when men do.” But in my opinion, he actually came back from this quite well and I loved his development and subsequent grovel.

My most favorite part was when he was trying to show off his muscles—because she made a comment about like an actor’s body (as opposed to her sister who was repulsed)—by casually stripping in front of her mid conversation. I really wish I could quote from ARCs because honestly, I think that scene is enough to sell the book. It should definitely be the little teaser included at the beginning.

Bonus points for nose kisses (personal favorite), stomach rubbing when she was stressed ??? (us cancerian girlies with stomach issues really won here!!!!), him getting very turned on by the thought of her being swollen with his child (another personal favorite), neurodivergent heroine (dyslexia), competence porn, baby bunnies, chaotic children, a hero who really puts in the work, plus a fun twist at the end. I’m definitely coming back for book two!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️.5/5


CWs: Dyslexia (I’m only mentioning this as a trigger because she was treated very poorly by society, her family, and even the hero at times for not being able to read, which could potentially be painful for some readers.)


I received an eARC via NetGalley from Avon Books. All opinions are honest and my own.

To be completely honest, Eloisa's last series was a bit of a snooze fest. Why then do I stick with her? Well, because when Ms. James gets it right, she hits it out of the park! Her Desperate Duchess series was similar in that I loved one book and slept through another.

This all brings us back to Viscount in Love, which coincidentally, I loved!

Summary:
Dominic Kelbourne is the uptight, no-nonsense Viscount, engaged to the equally uptight Whatever-Her-Name is. They have been engaged for over two years (red flag much?!?) Lady Saltine Cracker has an eccentric younger sister, Victoria (Torie) Sutton, who owns the fact that she is illiterate but can outdebate most people. Viscount Dom suddenly becomes the guardian of his uncivilized and mouthy nephew and niece. That was the breaking point for Lady Vanilla, who prefers to elope with a man near his deathbed than be a stepmom for two hoodlums. Then we get very Sound of Music (minus the Nazis and singing). They fall in love and HEA.

There were serval parts that I was laughing out loud! Thos kids were hilarious, and they made just the perfect little dysfunctional family.
I will always pick up Eloisa James' books because she can write some gems!

Thank you #NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this story the interaction with the children in the nursery with Dominic and Victoria and what kept being added to the Prohibited List. I will never look at a clothespin in the same way.

Viscount Dominic Kelbourne was betrothed to the proper Miss Leonora Sutton, she had put off setting a wedding date for two years. Dominic has now become ward to his niece and nephew after the death of his sister and husband. Valentine and Florence were odd children they came up with strange stories.

Dominic was still in mourning, but Leonora keep going to balls and eloped with another. Dominic demanded his payment back from Sir Williams immediately. Dominic said instead he will take Torrie.

Dominic has a temper and Torrie can’t read or write, both have a painful past, they have both been called fools. Reading about their love story unfold and Dom learning all about Torrie painting.

Viscount in Love by Eloisa James brought back my love for all things Regency. This book is lovely and easy to read and her lost in. I love Dom for his struggles reconciling himself with the great man he his despite his father’s harsh words. I loved Tori for her strong, confident character despite always being “less than” her peers. Solidly 4 out of 5 stars.

Miss Victoria Sutton or Torie, as she is known to all, is an unusual young woman. She is the younger sister of the seemingly perfect Lenora, who is currently engaged to be married to Dominic Kelbourne, a Viscount with wealth, good looks, and a reputation for his fierce behavior.
Torie has her opinions on her sister's match and on any number of things, but she is kind enough to share them only with her closest friend in confidence. While she has many ideas, Torie is thought of as "lacking" by her family and the nobility due to a learning issue from which she suffers, but she has learned to adapt.
Kelbourne is stern, darkly handsome, and humorless, but a respected member of the house of lords. It is during his engagement that he becomes guardian of his sister's twin children, a girl and boy, due to a tragic accident that killed both her and her husband. These two children are beyond eccentric and quirky and are most likely what would be described today as "gifted." They are also a governess' nightmare. Unfortunately, they have been neglected by their now deceased parents, and these unsocialized sprites are living with their bachelor uncle who is at his wits' end trying to understand them.
The twins, Florence and Valentine, are about 11 or so and are very entertaining to everyone except Kelbourne's fiance, Torie's sister, and this is where the plot begins to evolve.
Torie and Kelbourne both begin to notice each other in a less than familial manner, and lust rears its sultry head. Other colorful characters enter the fray and add to the story as the reader is pulled into the family dynamic as well as the heat of a developing romance.
This is a wonderful tale, funny, sometimes offbeat, romantic, and with a heat between the two main characters that keeps the pages turning. It was one of this author's best, and I highly recommend it. Definitely a book to curl up with and read all in a day as I did.

Fun read. Of course the children took center stage. I like fake engagements and this one was very well written. Good plot, character development and a sizzling remance.