A lovely and delightful read that will keep you entertained to the end. Ina is a serious sculptor and a strong, independent woman, who doesn't really care what others think of her, but is loyal to her family. When scandal catches her, Gavin, her best friend with a secret love for her, comes to the rescue and offers a marriage of convenience to save the family's reputation. There is much, very well written, exploration of emotions back and forth between them, leading them to a partnership of sorts. Gavin's family situation changes, forcing them to return to assume the reins of the family estate, and causing great difficulties in their marriage. The story is very well written, the characters compelling, and the plot is well developed. A great book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Julia Kelly knows how to tell a historical story and make it feel fresh and vibrant. I love her female characters most of all.

The first book in a new series that I am looking forward to. This book drew me in and did not let go until the last page I will be re-reading this one. I was given a copy and I am voluntarily reviewing it

Stevie‘s review of The Look of Love (The Matchmaker of Edinburgh, Book 1) by Julia Kelly
Historical Romance published by Pocket Star 09 Oct 17

It’s no secret that I love Edinburgh, but for such a beautiful city with so many centuries of history, it’s surprising that more historical romances aren’t set there. Julia Kelly looks set to rectify the situation a little, however, with a new Victorian-set series revolving around the clients and friends of one Moira Sullivan, matchmaker. Her first challenge is how to arrange the romantic affairs of one friend with no desire to be wed, and another with only one bride in mind, especially given the various scandals the pair seem destined to fall into.


Ina Duncan is an accomplished sculptor, frustrated at the lack of recognition her talent garners due to her gender. As an heiress, and the daughter of an eccentric recluse and a notoriously immoral mother, Ina sees no reason why she should marry – believing, in fact, that a husband would only impede her ambitions – and is blissfully unaware that her best friend, and friend also to her father, Gavin Barrett, is deeply in love with her. At one of Moira’s parties, Ina slips away from the main room in search of a painting by a female artist she admires, and finds herself trapped by an obnoxious, aging rake. He threatens to ruin what little good reputation Ina possesses in Edinburgh society, but Gavin and Moira step in with a solution: Ina can marry Gavin and he will see that not only will her reputation remain secure, but he will aid her in her ambitions to exhibit a piece at the Royal Sculpture Society’s exhibition.

Gavin and Ina agree to a marriage of convenience, in which Ina will continue with her artistic endeavours, while Gavin – already a published author, currently working as a journalist – continues to write. Fate intervenes when Gavin receives news that his father and elder brother have been killed in an accident, and he is now required to return to England and the home of his estranged family to take up the duties that come with a title he never expected or wanted to inherit.

Ina is devastated to leave Edinburgh, her father, and her studio, but is horrified when she meets Gavin’s mother, not to mention his widowed sister-in-law: the woman Gavin was once in love with, who threw him over in favour of his brother’s better prospects. Gavin’s mother, in her turn, despises Ina and wants nothing more than for Gavin to extract himself from that marriage in order to wed his previous love, who seems far more suited to the role of Lady Barrett.

I loved this book with its themes of how one can be torn between passion and duty in so many ways. Gavin is such an obliging hero, even as he tries to repair the damage wrought on the estate he has inherited, and on the lives of his tenants, by the neglect of its former overseers. Ina meanwhile is a thoroughly independent soul, who nevertheless cares deeply for her friend as well as for her home and her art. It was pure joy to see how all the seemingly insurmountable difficulties were resolved for the pair, and I’m greatly looking forward to the next book in this enchanting series.

Grade: A

The characters didn't grip me, I felt no investment in the story, even after a few chapters.

A heart wrenching story of unrequited love between two best friends. The author has spun a beautiful story with intriguing characters that made me read this book without putting it down through the night. I adored Gavin and Ina’s characters and would definitely recommend this book.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

"The Look of Love" by Julia Kelly is a very sweet romance. Ina has never been interested in marriage or the traditional role of a high society woman, she is a sculptor and only wants to be recognized for her sculpting. She has a male friend, Gavin, who fully supports her sculpting attempts. Gavin's problem is that he is in love with Ina and has been for years. He knows she isn't interested, but she turns to him when she is compromised by a disreputable man.
Gavin agrees that he should marry Ina to protect her reputation. Ina agrees to the marriage, but the couple starts off on shaky ground. They are no longer just friends. Ina realizes that she may actually desire Gavin and maybe she should pursue these feelings. So they do.
There are many misunderstandings between these two. And secrets that when uncovered will be painful for both. Gavin and Ina are a sweet couple, they really do belong together. Would recommend for readers who like their romances on the sweeter side, very good story.

~Reviewed by AnnMarie~~

The Look of Love is the first book in The Matchmaker of Edinburgh series by Julia Kelly.

Gavin Barret is the second son of a Baronet. His independence caused trouble between him and his father and their relationship suffered terribly for it.

Ina Duncan equally loves her independence but unlike Gavin, it hasn’t caused any rift in the family. She loves art and she especially loves to sculpt in marble. It is her dream to one day have her work shown in an all-male orientated society.

Gavin and Ina have been the best of friends for years, but for Gavin, it’s more than friendship, he has secretly loved her for as long. When Ina finds herself ruined by a notorious rake, one who was trying to force himself on her, Gavin steps in and offers to marry her. She knows it’s the only option she has, so they marry as quickly as possible.

One kiss at the church and Ina realises that she definitely would like more from Gavin, but he’s just her friend, how can she tell him she’d like to more than that from him. Their marriage is going along nicely until Gavin is called upon by his mother to return to his father’s estate, now HIS estate because of a tragic accident. Life, as he and Ina were enjoying, comes to an abrupt halt when he has to take on the responsibilities of being a Baronet. Can their marriage survive, or will they be ripped apart due to circumstances beyond their control?

I read this book in just one sitting because I needed to know just how it was going to end. I really couldn’t see how our couple could have a happy ending especially with Gavin’s mother making it obvious that she didn’t like Ina. Despite as well, an ex-love of Gavin’s being ready to throw herself at him. I love how the author made my heart ache for Gavin, and how even though I could have shaken Ina for being blind to Gavin’s love, I really felt for her as well. A book that can drag me into the story is a perfect book for me.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers’ copy of this book.

A wonderfully-written friends to lovers trope.

Ina Rose Duncan, a sculptor who longs to be a part of the Royal Sculptor Society but find it impossible as it requires male-only membership. That obstacle doesn't deter her from joining the sculptor competition by using just her initials to disguise her gender.

Gavin Barrett, Ina's best friend, second son of a baronet, a writer. Unbeknownst to Ina, Gavin has loved her for years.

Ina was found in a compromising situation which could lead to her ruination. Moira the matchmaker, has proposed a marriage of convenience between Ina and Gavin to save Ina's reputation. They marry in Edinburgh but Gavin's father and his brother the heir to the barony died, Gavin, accompanied by Ina, has gone back to England to assume the duties and responsibilities he never wanted.

Both of them were unprepared for the daunting task ahead of them. Gavin's obnoxious mother didn't help matters, this has put strain on their marriage, Ina fled back to Edinburgh.

This was a beautiful story of two people trying their hardest to make their marks in the world despite all odds. When Gavin followed his wife back to Edinburgh and grovel to win her back, they deserve their happy-ever-after.

I received a complimentary eGalley copy from the publisher. This is my honest review.

The recurring theme of woman’s rights and career is experienced in a clever and moving novel.

Great first book to a new series. I like matchmaker stories. These two definitely had their tribulations through the story but it made me enjoy the book even more. Can't wait for the next one!

This was a good book with strong, like able characters. The plot was somewhat expected, but I wwanted to read it and was anxious to do so.

'The Look of Love' by Julia Kelly is the First Book in a New Series called "The Matchmaker of Edinburgh".
Gavin and Ina are friends but Gavin has a secret that he has been keeping from Ina. Gavin is in love with her but as a second son he would not be able to pursue is feelings he thinks. Ina only has eyes for her work until she is scandalized and needs a husband fast. Moira Sullivan is a match maker and wants to help Ina. Moira talks Ina into asking Gavin to marry her and she does with several conditions he must meet. But later Gavin is graced with a Title and that may throw their marriage of convenience into something else.
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In this charming, Scottish romance tale, Moira, a professional matchmaker, brings together Ina, a woman who needs a husband quickly, and Gavin, Ina's best friend and also the man who has been secretly pining away for Ina. The story line was unique and refreshing, and the characters were heartwarming and endearing. There were so many wonderful, descriptive details, that Kelly made you feel as if you were a part of every scene.

I think that this book was a great start to The Matchmaker of Edinburgh series, and I definitely plan to read the next one.

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley & Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books in order to read and provide a voluntary and honest review, should I choose to do so.

Julia Kelly has written an entertaining novel set in Edinburgh, 1875. Ina Duncan is a sculptor, and Gavin Barrett is the man who loves her. Gavin, a thoroughly likable hero, stands up for Ina when she runs into trouble, and despite his fears that she will never return his feelings, does the right thing for his beloved. The pitfalls on the road to true love are mild, and the reader never doubts that these two will work out a path. As I say, an entertaining read.

Julia Kelly has delivered a quality introduction to her Matchmaker of Edinburgh series. Her writing is smooth, descriptive, easily assimilated. Her characters are well-developed and real, accompanied by all the human weaknesses we attribute to Victorian society. This all adds up to a very entertaining read.

Ina Duncan is an independent Scottish lady who has been allowed the freedom to pursue her passion for sculpting, even though it is frowned upon as a proper career for a female. Her father is engaged in interests of his own, and her mother, a lady of poor reputation, died when she was young. So when she found herself in a compromising situation, she turned to her closest friend, Gavin Barrett, an author and disowned second son of an English baronet. Together they forge a marriage supposedly based upon friendship. This is complicated by the fact that Gavin has loved her for years, and Ina is incapable of recognizing love, due to her lack of exposure to it. Consequently, misunderstandings abound.

I respected Gavin for his devotion to Ina, but he infuriated me with his secrets, especially when they had to travel to his English home. I felt for Ina because, as strong as she appeared, she was covering her insecurities. Lady Sophia and Grace, the ladies of Oak Park, were perfect bitches, as expected. And Moira Sullivan is the consummate matchmaker, certain of her perception of people and their suitability. She will be interesting to follow in the rest of the series.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is my first book by Julia Kelly and I really liked her style of writing.

Ina Duncan is a sculptor who is unconventional and not in any hurry to marry her life is complete . Her art and her best friend Gavin Barret is all she wants. Life has a way of throwing curveballs and that’s just what happened to Ina. At a social gathering she’s compromised by a rake but things aren’t what they seemed, her reputation is in tatters
Gavin has a secret he’s in love with his best friend has been for the longest time. Scared that if he made his feelings known to her he’d loose her friendship and a life without Ina isn’t what he wanted.
When the unthinkable happens and they’re husband and wife he doesn’t know what or how to act so he pushes her away after their unbelievable passionate night together!
When he becomes à baronet after his fathers and brothers death and old secrets are unveiled Ina and Gavin will have to put aside pride and fight for their happiness!
I truly enjoyed this story it was extremely heartwarming I love friends to lovers tropes.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book from the publisher through NetGalley, all opinion are my own.

What a wonderful first book in a new series!
Ms. Kelly has given us a strong, smart and talented heroine. She speaks her mind and is determined not to marry as her dreams are much more than that. It's because of her strong will and independence that she finds herself in a compromising situation.
Gavin is a second son, talented, handsome and best friends with Ina. While his heart wants more, he is content with being her friend.
Thankfully, the matchmaker sees much more in both of them. At her urging, Gavin offers a marriage of convenience with Ina to save her reputation.
The story is intriguing, exciting and unique. Can a marriage between friends work? What happens when the heart catches up? Can the marriage survive a twist of fate?
I encourage you to read the book to find out.
I look forward to more books in this series!

This was an entertaining story about a woman sculptor, Ina Duncan and her friend Gavin Barrett, a writer. This follows their relationship and the way in which Society of the day, dictated the path they should take. This doesn’t mean that they necessarily followed it! It emphasises how women’s capabilities were viewed by some men and the restrictions placed upon them. It also takes into account the way in which second sons were often viewed and the affect it had on the son. I found this book difficult to put down, it kept me gripped until the end. There were a number of interesting secondary characters as well. I received a copy from Netgalley and have voluntarily reviewed it. This is my honest review.

I am 15% into The Look of Love when an LGBT relationship between two women who "styled themselves as widows who shared a financial burden of a home. Few people understood.....that the two women in their eyes, ,,,,,a married couple." Pardon me, but I don't care. I requested this book due to the description of a romance involving a matchmaker, Ina and Gavin, not to read about two women. I will continue, but if Eva and Catriona's relationship gets deeper, I'm out. If Julia Kelly is any kind of good writer, she does not need to make political statements in her books. If someone wants an LGBT book, they can request it. I did not. At this time, I am giving one star until I read further.

My review -
This is my first Julia Kelly book, whom I found to be a really good writer who does not need to make political statements. EX – the two ‘pretend’ widows.

Gavin and Ina’s marriage begins due to the situation of a possible compromising at Ms. Sullivan’s, the matchmaker in this new series. They had been friends for year, although Gavin is secretly in love with Ina. Their marriage is off to a rocky start that messes with their friendship. They struggle with how to change from good friends to lovers. Neither want to ruin their friendship.

Then, the unthinkable happens to make Gavin a baronet. He and Ina quickly travel to his childhood home where more trouble awaits them. Gavin’s mother and his sister-in-law are two of the cruelest and most selfish people imaginable. They treat Ina with contempt and are not much nicer to Gavin.

There is a lot of sex in this book, maybe a bit more than needed. I love that Gavin returns to support Ina and that Ina is strong enough to keep her independence. Yet, the epilogue leaves a lot left unsaid. During the book, Gavin mentions making his recently acquired estate profitable again for the next heir, but never tells us whether he and Ina resolved the question of children. Ina gets what her heart desires eventually and they reach the HEA after a very rocky road. I just think there needed to be a bit more to the epilogue.