Title and author: The Look of Love by Julia Kelly
Series: Matchmaker of Edinburgh – Book 1
Publisher: Pocket Star
Releases: October 9, 2017
Purchase: http://tinyurl.com/y8mv6u77
Genre: Historical
Author website: http://www.juliakellywrites.com/
Rating: 4 Stars

In the first book of the Matchmaker of Edinburgh series, emotional issues become very complicated when turmoil enters the lives of two individuals. A man from England and a Scottish woman have a friendship in 1875, and while not everything in their lives is rosy, the many companionable moments they spend together bring much enjoyment. But it only takes one wrong decision to change both their lives forever. I eagerly kept reading to discover what would ultimately happen to them. Julia Kelly takes the couple down a path where choices are not always easy, and much soul-searching must be done when entanglements arise. THE LOOK OF LOVE has unpredicted developments, sincere feelings, and engaging characters.

Though most women Ina Duncan’s age would be looking for a husband, she plans to stay single since most men would not give their approval of her working on sculptures. While attending a gathering at the home of Moira Sullivan, she ends up in a situation where her reputation could be destroyed. With the host being a renowned matchmaker, she concocts a solution which will have Ina marrying her best friend, Gavin Barrett.

The writer has known Ina for several years, and although he has adored her since their first meeting, he has never revealed his feelings and just let her think of him as a close acquaintance. So when it is strongly suggested that he marry her so she will not be banished from society, Gavin readily agrees. When the couple wed, Ina has some rules for them to follow, yet like much in life, things do not always go as wished.

Julia Kelly begins her new series with a compelling theme about matchmaking, and THE LOOK OF LOVE is a historical romance filled with realistic challenges and heartfelt emotions. Although Gavin and Ina were very familiar with the other, neither thought a wedding would ever bind them together. I never knew what was going to happen to them, as one unpredictable incident after another keeps occurring. Both have aspirations that they want to achieve, but some type of obstacle often kept them from reaching a certain goal. During this time period, women were definitely hindered by how society dictated their behavior, while birth order frequently had a man seen as the less important son. Gavin and Ina may be good friends and share much of their life experiences with each other, but she is clueless as to how he really thinks about her. This secret plays a big part in the story, and what they come to realize as they explore the depths of their inner feelings could greatly affect their futures. Their relationship is believable, as reactions are candidly forthright, and some of their comments contain delightful humor. I enjoyed watching the couple go through the many ups and downs of being married. Julia Kelly has brought an entertaining romance to life with compelling details.

I voluntarily reviewed the book from the publisher via NetGalley, and all comments are my honest opinion

Ina Duncan is an accomplished sculptor with secret ambitions, who has managed to avoid marriage for years until an accidental encounter at a party with Lord Kier leaves her near ruin and in need of a husband. Determined to find a willing husband for Ina, Edinburgh’s most powerful matchmaker, Moira Sullivan, quickly realizes that the solution to Ina’s problem might be right in front of her & convinces Ina to propose a marriage of convenience to Gavin to save her from ruin
Ina’s best friend, Gavin Barrett, has a secret no one knows: he’s loved her for years. As the second son of a baronet who survives on a pittance of an allowance, he knows he has little chance with his brilliant, beautiful friend. Ina only wants two things from him in return: a vow she can continue to sculpt and a promise they’ll remain in Edinburgh.
After a rocky start, the newlyweds seem to be finding happiness until a twist of fate bestows the title of Sir Barrett on Gavin and forces him to assume responsibilities he’s never wanted. It also means they have to go to his estate in Northumberland & Ina has to deal with his mother & sister in law.
A well-written lovely story of friends to lovers. The characterisation is very good, Gavin & Ina are very well portrayed & very likeable although I wanted to shake each of them at times. His mother & sister in law are horrid & I was aghast as to how he didn’t banish them immediately. The attraction of the pair is SO apparent but they are both riddled with insecurities. I hope Moira has lots more matchmaking to do

I received this ARC from NetGalley and voluntarily chose to write a review.

This was actually pretty good. I was pleasantly surprised.

The writing was decent, but there were quite a few grammatical errors and typos, more than usual in an ARC. But that's okay, since I'm assuming these will all be fixed before publishing. My main issue with the writing has to do with the writer not clesrly describing the characters' physical appearances until much later. For instance, I never knew that Gavin was a blonde until after the wedding. Another example would be Norris. At first, I assumed that he was an aged butler and that's how I constantly pictured him. But then all of a sudden, we find out way after that Norris is actually a young, handsome man. It was hard to switch my perceptions this abruptly. I think characters should be described the minute they are introduced to reduce this kind of confusion for the reader.

I really enjoyed Ina as a character and I rooted for her from the very beginning. I did like Gavin at first, but then he started getting on my nerves. Surprisingly, I thought Ina was patient even though she needed to accept the fact that she was a baronet's wife. I understood where she was coming from, especially with Gavin's bitch of a mother and sister-in-law constantly degrading Ina.

Gavin started angering me after him and Ina went to Oak Park. And when he revealed his feelings, he had the nerve to act as though he deserved a cookie for having loved Ina for so many years. He acted belligerently as if he deserved to get Ina's love after being her good friend for so many years. What even?? It's like he completely changed. He wasn't like that at all before and I understand that he was saying this while he was angry, but still. That is too much. He even thought that Ina was disloyal after all the years he stood by her. I'm sorry, do you want another cookie for being a good friend? To be honest, I don't think Ina was disloyal at all. Gavin should have reprimanded his female relatives more harshly. And he should have done a better job defending his wife.

Anyway, that was my main complaint. I really did enjoy the angst though. I think the author did a great job with the marital conflict. In the end, both Ina and Gavin realize that they needed to compromise.

There were, however, some unresolved issues: Now that they are titled, will Gavin and Ina have children? They never discussed that. Did Gavin keep withdrawing after they reconciled? How exactly will they divide their time between England and Scotland?

Anyway, this was still an enjoyable read. I only wish these unresolved issues were answered. I look forward to Moray's story! I originally thought he might end up with one of Ina's friends, but his heroine is a new character. This should be exciting.

Super cute book about a guy in the friendzone who may escape that fate. I liked the creative main female and the supporting best friend man.

Gavin Barrett is a writer, English and very in love with Ina. Ina Duncan is a sculptor and Gavin is her best friend. Ina becomes compromised thru no fault of her own and she has to marry Gavin.
This was an amazing story. It is light hearted, but also a little dark because, of course , no one's life is easy going. The tale flows so smoothly and makes the reading very easy. It is full of misunderstandings and unsaid necessary thoughts and the evil mother-in-law. She does not understand love, she didn't get it from her father, so it is a hard concept for her. I found it hard to put down and finished it in one setting. I really loved this book and very highly recommend it, If you like wonderful, totally satisfying romantic story, this is one you will love.

This Ina and Gavin’s story. She thought they were friends. He was in love with her. He saves her from ruin. They marry and have a passionate marriage. The unthinkable happens his father and brother die. Gavin has become the baronet. There are many misunderstandings. With the help of matchmaker and a newspaper man she shows Gavin how much she loves him.

I am always up for a friends-to-lovers story, so I generally enjoyed the romance between the h and H, Ina and Gavin. I liked the steaminess in their romance. They were both accepting of each other's careers and I liked seeing Gavin's willingness to put himself in the line to help Ina. The reason for a star deduction was that I felt that Ina could have been more supportive of Gavin towards the end. You can be supportive without sacrificing your relationship. I felt like that for all he did for her, she could do a little more. Besides those elements of the plot, I enjoyed this read!

Here is what I like about this story – Ina. She is a sculptor who does not really care what others think of her. She loves her art. Gavin is a true friend. He will do everything in his power to help her. I really liked how they had to learn to live together – you know, the “does he love me, does she love me, am I saying the right thing, should I be aggressive”. Theirs is a nice story that shows the give and take in a relationship.

Definitely cannot wait for Moray’s story.

Englishman Gavin Barrett has loved Scottish sculptor Ina Duncan for years. Ina is talented, spirited and Gavin's dearest friend. She has more freedom than most young ladies living in Edinburgh and happily works on her sculptors while Gavin escorts her to society events. She secretly dreams of being recognized for her accomplishments. When Ina is nearly compromised by a rake at a party, Gavin steps up and agrees to marry her. Can Gavin settle for just being Ina's friend now that he's kissed her sweet lips? When a family tragedy changes Gavin's circumstances, will Ina stand by her husband and return to England with him?

This was a quick read and I finished the book in one sitting. The plot moves along well with witty banter, romance, misunderstandings and the ultimate sacrifice. Ms. Kelly allows the reader to know both Gavin and Ina inner thoughts and feelings, each feeling love blossom only to suffer the heartache of rejection. Cruel family members fuel Ina's insecurities and Gavin is pulled between his duty and his wife. Will he realize that his wife is the most important thing to him or will he be pulled under all the responsibilities suddenly heaped on his shoulders? And will Ina regret her actions and stand by her husband? No spoilers here. Read this enjoyable romance and find out.