This was such a wonderful debut! I absolutely love a good wallflower and rake story, and this one was simply marvelous. I loved watching the heroine, Imogen's journey of growth, and Caleb was just perfect for her. This was a winner and I cannot wait to read more of Ms Britton's novels!

Imogen Duncan is a plain, shy, spectacle wearing, twenty-six year old wallflower. She is participating in the season for her younger sister Mariah. While watching her (or trying to since her mother won't let her wear her spectacles in public) beautiful sister dance, she happens to overhear some matrons talking about her sisters, but when the talk turns to her, she gets upset and needs to escape the ballroom. She runs out to the gardens and straight into the arms and lips of Caleb Masters, Marquess of Willbridge.

Caleb has a tragedy in his past that he can't move on from, he drinks too much, wagers too much and wenches too much, all in a futile effort to escape the guilt and pain he feels. He is surprised by Imogen and tries to comfort her. But she refuses to tell him her name and returns to the ballroom.

By chance they meet again the next day at her home, he has joined his friends in calling on her sister Mariah. He is delighted to see her again and a bit dismayed to see how she is treated. He begins to seek her out and they strike up a friendship. With Imogen, Caleb finds peace, she grounds him. When his friends comment on the attention he pays her, he backs off, he doesn't want to ruin her, but Imogen stands up for herself and demands to know why he is ignoring her. She tells him she wants his friendship and doesn't care what anyone thinks. He apologizes and she asks for a favor, she wants adventure and hopes he can give it to her.

He agrees, but he is starting to desire Imogen and needs to be careful. When one of their adventures goes too far and they end up in bed - Caleb insists that they will marry, Imogen knows she loves him, but will not marry him. Caleb can't understand why she is refusing to marry and sets out to woo her. He will marry her!

He invites her and her father to his country seat and she meets his family. Immediately she knows something is wrong and wants to fix it - even though she has no intention of marrying him. Caleb is terrified that one of his siblings is going to tell her his dark secret and she will never marry him, so he decides to tell her everything, but every time he tries, they are interrupted. He can feel her slipping away, but is helpless to stop it.

I personally loved this book UNTIL they went to his estate, then it just became a giant pity-party, I feel like the miscommunication dragged on way too long and Imogen's reason was flimsy - everyone and I mean everyone, knew she loved him and was sure he cared for her, but she was adamant and this dragged out until the last few pages of the book AND then there was no epilogue! If ever a book NEEDED an epilogue - it was this one. I thought the writing was good and I won't rule out reading this author's work in the future, but this book didn't do it for me.

I loved this book! I loved the main characters Caleb, Marquess of Will bridge, and the Honorable Miss Imogen Duncan. He is titled, Wealthy, and handsome. He hides a tortured secret, that keeps him on the move in the rooms of widows. Imogen, wears glasses, needs them, however her forceful Mother, adamantly refuses to let her wear them . She has stunningly beautiful sisters, she loves them dearly, one, has been married off to an Earl, and she is terribly unhappy. Which is why Imogen, even though a wall flower, and her sister Mariah, the Diamond of this Season, will not settle for anything but love! Imogen and The Marquess meet under inaupiscious circumstances, however, she calms him, and of course, he does the opposite to her. They become very good friends, which the ton could destroy in a heartbeat! What will happen between these two different characters, is Imogen willing to give up love, to get away from her horrendous Mother, or will she decide being a spinster, will make her content?
I truly am thankful to Netgalley for finding me a tremendous new Author, who will only become better, wity each book that she writes. I cannot wait until the next book! I have pre ordered this one!
I highly Recommend! Thanks! Enjoy!
Carolintallahassee.blog

With love in sight is a sweet book. I love how the main character Caleb pulls Imogene out of her shell so well. Imogene is firmly on a the Shelf and only in London to support her younger sister's first season however meeting Caleb helps our confidence emerge. I love that Caleb loves her for who she is and supports her. However I feel like the book dragged on a little long I feel like I could have been wrapped up and fewer chapters than it was.

I thoroughly enjoyed my first taste of this author writing and look forward reading more of her books. She has the ability to pull you into the story and feel the heroines pain and her longing to be loved from the very beginning. This is the kind of story that you can't put down until you have finished reading it.
The is a tale of a wallflower coming into her own after being held back by self-esteem issues perpetuated by her mother and disparaging comments made by her peers and a rake who feels undeserving of the love of a good woman.
The characters are engaging, the story well developed and entertaining from beginning to end.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

The novel ‘With Love in Sight’, initially appeared to be the typical ‘ugly duckling finds love’ but partway into the storyline, this soon changed. Imogen Duncan is well past getting (she is 26 years old!) and is forever reminded by her mother, that she is a failure. She is even told to stop wearing her glasses for fear that this will damage her younger sister’s chance of getting married. However, at a London ball, she literally runs into Caleb Masters, the Marquess of Willbridge, who is considered by many, to lead a debaucherous lifestyle. He also afflicted by his own demons, blaming himself for his younger brother’s death and believing his family also does. It is here that the two form a friendship.
So, to the moment when this book changes – you will need to read the novel. Needless to say, it is through their friendship that Imogen starts to believe in her own worth. Despite refusing to marry Caleb, she does all that she can to bring him closer to his family. Here are a couple who are so right for each other, but unable to make it all happen. Both Caleb and Imogen’s family members add to the storyline, bringing a different perspective of why Caleb and Imogen have become who we see in the story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Debut Release by Christina Britton
With Love in Sight (Twice Shy book 1)

Imogen Duncan has been overshadowed by her beautiful sisters all her life.
First upon her debut her sister Francis and now at twenty-six by her younger sister Mariah. A wallflower at balls she’s not permitted to wear her glasses lest she bring shame to her family and ruin her sisters chances at a good match.
Always invisible always forgotten, her life one of spinsterhood and perhaps the care of her parents...until she literally runs into Caleb Masters the Marquess of Willbridge!

Caleb Masters is a man tortured by guilt and lives a life of sin and debauchery in excess. Nothing can take away the past for the last ten years he’s managed to put aside his demons in the arms of lonely widows, until a chance encounter with Imogen Duncan and THE kiss that turned his world upside down.
Imogen has her own insecurities to confront but will friendship and passion be enough that can end up empty like her sisters life or is she willing to be a spinster and alone?

This was a heart wrenching story of a woman who was overlooked by society and her family - her sisters and father truly loved her except for her dragon of a mother, didn’t care for her at all!
Until she develops a unlikely friendship with Caleb - a much sought after rogue. Both have secrets that are kept hidden, emotionally both were scarred. Imogen needs to be loved but can Caleb put the past behind him and truly give her the one thing she wants most? His Heart!

I really enjoyed this debut novel by Christina Britton, loved the characters they were likeable and the storyline was well developed. The chemistry was sensual and steamy. Caleb was a gentleman and thoughtful of Imogene feelings, he didn’t trick or deceive her in accepting his proposal. Even though she made it difficult, he eventually saw the light.
I highly recommend this new author, I wasn’t disappointed.
I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

An aging spinster at twenty-six, all Imogen Duncan sees ahead of her is a life of servitude to her overbearing mother. Her London Season has passed and her desperate shyness and reserved demeanour have destroyed any chance for a match. As her younger sister Mariah begins her own Season with a selection of suitors, Imogen believes her chances for excitement are well and truly lost. Until a case of mistaken identity and an accidental kiss brings her adventure. Burying his guilt from a decade-old tragedy beneath a life of debauchery, Caleb Masters, Marquis of Willbridge, is content enough to meet willing widows in dark gardens to numb the pain. But he is wholly unprepared when an innocent miss stumbles into him, turning his superficial world on its head.

Caleb & Imogen are drawn together, there is attraction but more than that they like each other & soon become the best of friends, however after a passionate encounter Caleb insists they marry but Imogen refuses as she’ll only settle for love. She knows Caleb likes her & wants her but doesn’t love her & no way will she have a marriage like her sisters. Caleb intensifies his pursuit of Imogen by inviting her father & her to his principal seat. There Imogen meets his mother & two sisters & it doesn’t take Imogen long to realise something is amiss & resolves to ‘put things right’.
A lovely debut novel, it’s utilises a well used trope but there is the twist of the Masters’ family pain. I really liked both Caleb & Imogen, however I wanted to bang their heads together at times as both were stubborn & couldn’t see what was plain to everyone else. It is rare for me to give 5 stars to a debut novel but this is a very accomplished novel & I so look forward to more from the author , after all there are siblings who deserve their HEAs especially Emily

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I absolutely loved Imogen and Caleb's story!!

An aging spinster meets a known rake and they form a friendship. It was so unusual for the H/H of a romance to become friends first and that was a nice change of pace. Of course, the more time they spend together and get to know the real person behind the image they portray, a mutual physical attraction develops. How will things progress for this known rake and determined spinster?

This debut novel by Britton was amazing! Her secondary characters were so engaging, that I want to read their stories too!! I'm hoping that Britton has plans for Imogen and Caleb's siblings to get stories of their own! I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!

Oh my! Loved this book with a delightful H and h! Unfortunately I read the first few chapters just before coming down with the flu, and must have set it aside and forgotten I had started it, then when I was feeling better read several other books. Happened to come upon it and thought I had read it, but couldn’t recall the story completely and looked it up on Goodreads and realized I hadn’t finished it and did so, loved it.
Imogen is a spinster sister of a beautiful younger sister, and resigned to never marry. Fleeing a ball to the gardens she inadvertently finds herself in the arms of a rake, being soundly kissed, her first kiss. He has , of course, mistaken her for someone else, but comes to her aid, realizing her distress at the time. Interestingly, he is drawn to find her, but doesn’t know her name. By chance, he meets up with friends visiting her sister and does find her name, a friendship ensues. They become closer and attend the same house party, as friends. During the house party their relationship deepens, resulting in his proposal. With no declaration of love she refuses. He doesn’t wish to lose her, and as the family returns home, he continues his pursuit. Did I mention her mother is a shrew? Quite overbearing and cruel, and dismissive of her daughter attracting any man. Our H insists upon further opportunity to win her. He is estranged from his family but decides to invite her and her father to meet them, a big step for him. Needless to say, she helps his family heal, and eventually we have our HEA, but not without some tears. I received a free arc in exchange for an honest review.

With Love in Sight has quite a few historical romance tropes that I really enjoy. Imogene was a great character and I loved her slow transformation into becoming an independent woman. What I was less enthralled with was the sense of martyrdom on the part of both characters, but the end enough was enough. I had stopped rooting for these two get to their happily ever after. Instead of giving the novel a sense of tension the continual roadblocks to their inevitable relationship ended up becoming tedious. For me, both characters needed more compelling reasons for keeping them apart.

Oh my goodness, this book gave me the chills! It is a beautiful love story, with enchanting characters and a romance that makes you wish you could step write into the heroine's shoes. I was only halfway through the book when I realized that this book would be a lovely addition to my Best Books of 2018 list. The story was so well-written, and I couldn't help but want more as soon as it ended. I didn't want to put it down.

Miss Imogen Duncan is quite used to being a wallflower. At 26, her mother has despaired of her ever making a match, so Imogen is relegated to spinster status while her beautiful, vivacious sister is the belle of the ball. One evening, while trying to escape the harsh criticism of her peers, she runs into the gardens and straight into the arms of Caleb Masters, Marquess of Willbridge, and a well-known rake and womanizer. However, despite his reputation, Caleb is kind to Imogen and gentle when most men would mock her in such an awkward situation. Even after they part, Caleb finds it difficult to keep his mind away from her, and he begins to seek her out. Soon everyone is assuming they are courting, and although Imogen longs for Caleb's heart, he makes it clear that while he holds her in great affection, he is incapable of offering her love. It becomes a battle of wills, and Caleb realizes that he may have more to lose than his best friend - he may lose his heart as well.

Caleb was the sweetest hero I have encountered in a historical romance to date. Hands down, competition is over, everyone can go home, because he is the clear winner. I can't even picture a better hero than him, honestly. He was such a kind person to Imogen when she needed it most, and he saw the real her and sought to bring it out in every situation. He stood up for her against her horrible mother, and his every action spoke of the kind of love that many, if not all, women wish for. They started out as friends, then became confidantes, and finally soulmates. Imogen reminded me so much of myself in many ways, and I enjoyed seeing her grow as a person and realize what awaited her if only she could see beyond the prejudices of society. She was so used to being seen as a plain jane, and when someone saw her as more, it took her time to realize that it was genuine and born from a place of love rather than trickery. Her growth as a character was extraordinary, and the love between Caleb and Imogen was so well-developed. Christina Britton has a gift!

I know I just wrote a review, but truly - it is so difficult to put into words how much I enjoyed this book. If you can get a copy, read it. You will love it, I guarantee it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Imogen Duncan at the age of twenty-six, is the spinster in her family. Facing a future as her parents aging companion she longs for an adventure. Her mother, forbidding Imogen from where spectacles while in public, browbeats Imogen at every opportunity. Seeking escape one evening she stumbles into the arms of a gentleman who mistakenly believes her to be someone else.
Caleb, Marquess of Willbridge is running from a tragic secret. Upon meeting Imogen, he is inexplicably drawn to the ‘plain-Jane.’ An unlikely friendship develops between the two that develops into something more.
Imogen has seen what a loveless marriage has done to her sister and refuses to enter a marriage where she is unloved. Caleb is determined to prove that he is the man she needs.
This is a quick read that I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters are well developed, and I was particularly drawn to Caleb, who loved Imogen for who she was and was unconcerned with looks. There is a sprinkling of passion and intrigue with compelling secondary characters in the form of Caleb’s family. I hope they get their own tales.

I received With Love in Sight by Christina Britton from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. It is the first in her Twice Shy Series. I have never read anything from Christina Britton and this was a delightful introduction to her.
Imogen Duncan is a twenty-six year old spinster whose destiny is to be in servitude of her parents. Caleb Masters is the Marquess of Willbridge living in guilt and numbing his pain with debauchery. When Imogen flees a party and lands in Caleb’s arms, an unlikely friendship develops into more.
This was a delightful book that I greatly enjoyed. I loved the fact that Christina started Caleb and Imogen’s relationship as friendship. It makes it much more enjoyable. As the story unfolds, both find their feeling changing and shifting and both struggle with that.
The ending fit the storyline. No explosive last minute kidnapping (or anything else!) The HEA was more of a normal relationship evolution that happens in all relationships I think. I look forward to more HEAs from Christina Britton. #WithLoveinSight #NetGalley

With Love in Sight is a sweet romance. It, at times, seems divided between the confident Caleb and shy Imogen we meet during the first half of the book and the weary, untrusting Caleb and confident Imogen we see during the second half of the book. Caleb goes about befriending Imogen with everything he has until his friends point out that his friendship with her could ruin her reputation. Imogen is cowed by her mother, as are all of her sisters, and appears to not believe she has worth as a person or as a possible wife.

The friendship they built is a strong, unusual one for ton friendships. They truly enjoy each others companionship and their adventures. Without realizing they are slowing falling in love, Caleb tries to protect Imogen, but by this time her confidence is strong enough that she will not allow what others think keep them apart. Once they cross the line from friendship to a physical relationship, there is no going back. Caleb continually tells Imogen she ‘grounds’ him, yet, she refuses his offers of marriage.

Caleb, who is estranged from his family due to the death of his brother, decides to invite Imogen and her father to his family estate. This is where we really see the change. One of Imogen’s sisters lives close by Caleb’s country home. She is miserable in her marriage and does not want to see any of sisters make the same mistake she did of marrying without reciprocal love. Imogen’s sister openly tells her not to marry, it is better to stay a spinster. Of course, Imogen is torn apart.

This was my first Christina Britton book. Her imaginative writing interspersed with kind, realistic, but typically dysfunctional families keeps you interested in her characters. Seeing her characters grow and love with a passion they do not understand is humbling and endearing. Hopefully, her future books will include Emily’s story and a change for Frances, with or without Lord Sumner.

Imogen is a spinster who is treated really poorly by her mother and overlooked in society. Her mother does not encourage Her and considers her a burden. Her sister gets the attention and is considered a beauty. Imogen forms an unlikely friendship with Caleb a Marquess. Caleb blames himself for his brothers death several years earlier and has held himself from his family because of it. Their friendship evolves into something more. Imogen should have stood up to her mother and is too tolerant especially at 26. I would have preferred that Caleb and Imogen were not so stubborn and communicated to their families much sooner. Thanks for the read.

A delightful book from a debut author.

Firmly on the shelf, Imogen Duncan is spending her days watching suitors fawn over her younger sister. She knows that at 26 her future consists of watching over her parents as they age. In a pity-party moment, Imogen flees the stifling crowd and runs straight into Caleb Masters, Marquess of Willbridge. A case of mistaken identity ends up with a kiss and soon blossoms into friendship for this unlikely pair.

The road to a happy ending is not an easy one but made believable with the strong friendship Imogen and Caleb built. This was my favorite part of the story. I loved the banter between the characters and I enjoyed their adventures together. The inner dialogues provided both humorous and heartbreaking details to the story.
My only complaint was since the HEA came so late in the story, an epilogue would have been a welcome d bonus.

I can't wait to see who the series continues with.

This is the first book by Christina Britton that I've ever read, but I don't think it will be the last - this novel was a treat! The hero and heroine develop a friendship, which is very meaningful to both of them, and I appreciate that Britton made that an important part of their relationship. The auxiliary characters were interesting as well.

I am not sure if the author meant to do this, but the play on words in the title is great. This is a very sweet story of two people who become friends, best friends, that slowly develops into love. Caleb seems likes a happy-go-lucky kind of guy but he cannot get past his demons. Imogen is a lovely character but she is a bit mousy when it comes to her mother. With the help of Imogen, Caleb finally overcomes his demons but in the process he loses his friend. Can he win back Imogen?

Imogen Duncan is 26 years old, and her London Season is long past. With no hope (or desire) of getting married, Imogen is prepared to live with her parents for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, her mother is overbearing and almost always disappointed in her oldest daughter. The woman won’t even let Imogen wear her spectacles in public because she is afraid that it will bring the family to ruin.

Caleb Masters, the Marquess of Willbridge, has spent the past ten years blaming himself for his younger brother’s death. This guilt has driven a wedge between him and his remaining family members. It has also led him to a life of debauchery with widowed women whom he believes will numb his pain for at least a short time.

Imogen and Caleb run into each other at a London ball. Imogen is there because her younger sister is having her Season, and she is there to support Mariah. Their other sister is locked in a loveless marriage that has broken her spirit. Imogen has vowed to make sure that Mariah does not end up in the same situation. Imogen and Caleb quickly strike up an unconventional friendship. Imogen sees Caleb as a guide to adventure – something she desperately wishes to have before settling into to the life of a spinster. Imogen brings peace into Caleb’s life – a feeling that he has longed for ever since his brother died. Friendship turns to passion, but Imogen repeatedly refuses Caleb’s offer of marriage because she refuses to marry a man who does not love her.

WITH LOVE IN SIGHT is a delightful Regency Romance. Imogen is the shy, awkward ugly duckling at the beginning of the novel. By the end, she has blossomed as she finds her backbone and realizes that she is a lot braver than she ever realized. Caleb is the brooding hero living a superficial, self-indulgent life of misery. Imogen’s friendship transforms his life, though he is a little too dense to realize that he is in love with her and she with him until it is almost too late. The secondary characters added to the novel – especially Caleb’s sister Emily. I appreciated Britton took the main characters away from the balls and rigid formality of the London Season, and instead has the second part of the novel taking place in a less formal, more intimate setting. Taking the Imogen and Caleb to his country’s manor house – the scene of his brother’s untimely, unfortunate death – allows for less conventionalism. It also brings Caleb’s family firmly into the story as they play a major role in Caleb’s unhappiness and eventual salvation.