This is the second book in the series. It can be read as a stand alone but it'll make more sense if you read the other one first.

At the beginning of the story, Timothy and Maryann have a frank relationship. She's a young lady with a fortune and he's looking to make an advantageous marriage, but he also wants someone he can grow to love.
As Maryann is tired of men only wanting her for her money, she asks Timothy to be honest with her about his intentions.
But then Uncle Elliott calls Timothy to tell him of his "marriage plan" and with his circumstances much improved, Timothy feels like he can pursue a different kind of woman to marry.

This changes the dynamics of the relationship between Maryann and Timothy and they declare themselves friends. Maryann feels she no longer has a chance since she doesn't meet any of the attributes on Timothy's list.

In the beginning, Maryann's feelings for Timothy were lukewarm at best, but as the story progresses, so do her feelings for him. Timothy, on the other hand, has much to learn as he realizes his perfect woman is more than a pretty package.

Timothy was very clueless at times and even says some hurtful things to Maryann. She's very self-deprecating and gets to the point where she doesn't think she deserves romantic love.

Despite their flaws, and maybe even because of them, I enjoyed seeing the main characters learn their lessons and discover where they truly belonged.

I also enjoyed seeing the characters of the first story.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

DAISIES AND DEVOTION – Josi S. Kilpack
Proper Romance, a Mayfield Family Regency - Book 2
Shadow Mountain Publishing
ISBN: 978-1629725529
May 2019
Historical Romance

London, 1822

Timothy Mayfield needs to marry a wealthy wife. His uncle Elliot Mayfield, the fifth Viscount Howardsford, currently provides Timothy an allowance. Timothy’s father married a maid from his household and then died leaving his wife and children nearly destitute. Timothy is a very polite and honest man, full of energy, very talkative, fun and often silly, but responsible. He finds Miss Maryann Merrington a woman he is interested in marrying. He tells her so and also tells her he would never marry a woman just for her money. He wants to have an emotional connection with anyone he marries. His intent changes when his Uncle Elliot tells him if he marries a woman he approves, he will give Timothy a London house and property that will provide enough profit to sustain the household. Suddenly Timothy feels free. He explains this to Maryann, who has become a good friend, and shows her the list he compiled of characteristics for the perfect wife for him. Maryann just doesn’t fit it.

Maryann is twenty-two, rather old for a debutante, but she has spent the last few years taking care of her mother until she died. Now she is just out of mourning and her older, married sister is acting as her chaperone in London. She thinks herself rather plain and knows most potential suitors are only interested in her inheritance, not in her; except Timothy. She enjoyed his company. He entertained her and his honesty impressed her. Now, just when she realizes she is in love with him, his circumstances have changed. He wants to remain good friends and shows her his list of characteristics for his perfect wife. She thinks it a silly effort. Timothy is deluding himself, for no woman can fulfill all the items on his list. He is also blind to Maryann’s desire. She agrees reluctantly to introduce him to some likely debutants. He will introduce some suitors to her. Soon they are both considering other suitable mates, but just when they both think they’ve found someone, things go askew.

Both Timothy and Maryann suffer from self-doubt, and both face difficulties discovering the person who will fulfill their deepest desires for a mate. The story has an interesting start, and the puzzle of Timothy and Maryann’s relationship builds to become more intricate, emotional, and anxious as the story continues. The situations are appropriate for the era, but also show that people, no matter the time, are people: very complex individuals who have their own aspirations and problems. Characters from the first volume, PROMISES AND PRIMROSES, appear in this story, and other new characters play important roles. Information related in the first volume does not impinge on a reader’s understanding of this entertaining story.

Robin Lee

Not a word I use often but delightful sums up this story quite nicely. This was a delightful read. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you publisher and netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review

Oh I loved this book! Such a delightful twist of a storyline! It was sweet and frustrating and romantic all at the same time. Highly recommend!

This story pulled me right in sooner than some of her others have. I fell in love with Timothy and Maryann's relationship right away.  Their honesty with each other made the novel refreshing and their relationship more meaningful. There were some beautifully written transitions in the development of their relationship.

I loved how Timothy's character was written; I both loved him and wanted to shake him. His complete and utter lack of awareness was written so well.  I felt like the perspective was a little heavy on Maryann's point of view and found myself wishing for more from Timothy. 

The focus on Maryann allowed Josi to pull you in to Maryann's emotions. Maryann was written in a way that allowed you to feel her hurt. Her unrequited love was written so well it was painful, and yet endearing.

Maryann's frequent lack and then need for a chaperone was a little confusing. I was pulled out of the story a time or two as I tried to figure out why she sometimes needed one and sometimes didn't. However, it didn't detract enough for me to not come away completely loving this book!

This is a heartbreakingly beautiful story about true friendship and unrealistic expectations in finding a spouse. It’s such a true reflection of today and society’s demanding “perfection”. I think it’s something that resonates with anyone, regardless of their level of self-esteem. I know I’ve felt EXACTLY as Maryann does here. If only more men had Timothy’s confidence and enlightenment!

This is the second book of the series, but the author does an excellent job of allowing it to stand alone. I can’t wait to see where Uncle Elliott takes us next - Donna? Or Harry?

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

So, normally I like for a Regency (or any book, really) to have a fun/beautiful girl and a swoon worthy guy...this book does not have that on the surface and yet I still enjoyed it.

Maryann isn’t a known beauty, she’s older (22 haha), and has a loud abrasive laugh. Timothy is boyish, silly, and full of impractical ideals. However, as the book progressives, Timothy becomes more endearing and Maryann makes up for what she might lack in beauty through her wit, kindness and intelligence. Timothy and Maryann have a fun, if not unusual, relationship but I enjoyed all the honesty and banter between them.

I always feel like some books make you feel things and others tell you an entertaining story. This was the latter. I could definitely picture it as a BBC show.

This is the 2nd book in a series, and although they don’t necessarily have to be read in order, it will make more sense if you do.

Review will be online on my blog March 1st iheartcleanbooks.Wordpress.com

Timothy Mayfield knows that he must marry a woman of wealth, as he has none of his own, but he hopes that he can also find a woman whom he can love.--and Maryann Morrington may be that woman. She isn't a great beauty, but she is the sister-in-law of his friend, has a fortune that will pass to her husband, and he enjoys her company and her wit.
Then Timothy's uncle Elliott, who is trying to bring respectability and stability his nieces and nephews, reveals that, upon Timothy making a match of which Elliott approves, Elliott is prepared to give him a generous amount of land as well as a home in London, suddenly he is free to forget about financial matters and find the perfect woman for him--and he promptly puts together a list of everything he desires in a woman, from blonde hair to artistic talent to a tinkling laugh.

Maryann knows that just about any man who shows any interest in her is likely attracted more by her fortune than herself, she appreciates Timothy's honest assertion that he while he needs a woman of means, he also is spending time with her in order to find out if they could connect on a deeper level. When Timothy returns from his uncle's and doesn't pay her any attention at all, she finds her heart wounded--and when another forthright conversation with him has him revealing his newfound circumstances as well as the list of qualities the perfect woman must have--few of which Maryann possesses--any dreams she had of a future with Timothy are shattered. Still, she enjoys his friendship and truly wants his happiness--and she even gives him pointers on how to dress and introduces him to ladies recently come to town in order to help him find the woman for him, while hoping, without any real hope, that someone will come along who can drive Timothy from her thoughts and heart.

This book had me hooked from the opening chapter and I couldn't wait to see how things worked outI loved how Maryann was both very direct and smart; the banter between Timothy and her was terrific from the beginning and continued throughout the book. I really liked Maryann's character--she was good and kind and strong but also somewhat wounded, and she just felt very real. Her pain at Timothy's rejection, as well as his inadvertent insults, was portrayed very realistically and I just hurt for her! I really liked Timothy's upbeat attitude and how he was funny and kind (with a few slip-ups), but at the same time, I got exasperated with him for Maryann's sake. I liked seeing the growth in his character and particularly enjoyed an enlightening conversation he had with his older brother. I also liked how the book ended; I was a little worried it was going to wrap up too easily and without adequate resolution, but I think things played out realistically and satisfactorily. This is a delightful book and one of my picks for best of 2019.

I read an ARC from the publisher #ShadowMountain via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#DaisiesAndDevotion

Mayfield Family, book 2

Love the Proper Romance series, it is so refreshing to read and never have to worry about offending content and yet also know you will get a superbly written book chock full of emotion and heart!

It was fun to read the two books available now in the Mayfield series back to back and compare and contrast the storylines and main characters. They are both alike and yet different. Maryann and Timothy are unique and not traditional romance characters. They share a very honest friendship and through that more may bloom. We get to take part in the ups and downs and in and outs of their friendship (and maybe more?) and witness the heartbreaks and love that brings. You can feel the emotion with which this book is written and will feel you truly know these characters with whom the story is driven. It is a compulsive read, one you will want to read cover to cover as soon as possible. I look forward to seeing who book 3 will be about, maybe the rake of a cousin?? Can’t wait to read it!!

**I was given an e-copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions expressed above are my own. Thanks to NetGalley, Shadow Mountain and Josi Kilpack for my copy!**

Josi Kilpack is an absolutely amazing author and Daises and Devotion is right up there with some of her best work. I adored the continuation of the Mayfield Family series. I love when characters intertwine with a series and this novel included those characters from Promises and Primroses. Timothy and MaryAnn were lovely characters, each with their own faults, but also easily likeable. I loved how their friendship grew and their interactions with the ton. Overall, this was a fun regency romance and I cannot wait for the next addition to the Mayfield Family series!

Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the eARC.

This is the second book in this author's Mayfield series and after reading it, I am tempted to go back and read the first one. This was a historical romance that was "proper" and I enjoyed it. Timothy Mayfield and Maryann Morrington are thrown together by her sister and her sister's husband in the hopes of making a match. Maryann has a huge fortune and at the beginning of the story, Timothy's circumstances determine that he must marry for money. As his circumstances change, their honesty leads them to an unlikely friendship. As they assist each other in finding their perfect match, they begin to realize that their perfect match may have been in front of them all along. I loved both characters, as imperfect as they were. Timothy was entertaining with his excessive energy and Maryann with her refusal to be the typical debutante. All in all, a very satisfying read.

I didn't realize that this book is second in a series. I don't think that hindered my understanding of this book. It's a cute sweet story. Fairly typical, but still warm hearted and charming. It's a clean romance and an engaging read. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

This is a sweet Regency romance.
Timothy Mayfield is looking for a wife. And Maryann Morrington is looking for a match. Timothy needs to marry money and Maryann is an heiress. But then Timothy's uncle Elliot tells him he can marry the woman he loves. Uncle Elliot will provide for Timothy money and a place to live. The only stipulation is that Elliot must approve of the woman Timothy chooses. That is when Timothy sets off to look for his perfect woman. And Maryann, who has become a good friend, helps him. But the perfect woman may be closer than they know.
The plot is quite good. I liked both Timothy and Maryann. They both have flaws and imperfections, but they are good people. The era and the season in London are well portrayed.
Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for a free copy of this book.

Daisies and Devotion, in typical Josi S. Killpack fashion, is a fun and engaging story. The characters are likeable, intelligent and playful. The romance is one that builds over time and is beautiful. The ending was a little too slow for my take, but still enjoyable. This book is definitely worth your time to read if you love a nice, clean romance.

**I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review. The opinions expressed are my own.**

Fun Clean Historical Romance. I loved book one in this series 'Promises & Primroses' and was excited to read this one. I was not disappointed. While this is part of a series it can be read as a stand alone. A truly delightful book.

This book sucked me in right away and as a result, I stayed up all night to finish it. And then went back and read all of my favorite parts over again (no small feat). That is super rare for me. It was just SO good.

I loved the premise for this book: that the interest and attraction is one-sided (realistic) and that there is character development and growth that changes things. The relationship that grows is based on friendship, playfulness, bringing out the best in each, confiding secrets and challenging each other- all of the best ingredients for a super sweet love story. Timothy was cheerful and worked hard to be a man of strong moral character, a delightful combination. He was honest to a fault. Most of the time, he was a very believable male character: a bit insensitive and not realizing how something sounded until after the fact. Maryann was strong, bold and intelligent.

The only thing I didn't like was Maryann's reaction at the very end. She dragged it out way too long and the refusal to hope or trust did not seem in line with the personality she displayed throughout the novel. And then, that leads to over the top gushy confessions which are not my cup of tea either. But overall, it was a small blip in an otherwise flawless story. Love love loved.

*Side note, I am especially hoping for redemptive stories for the especially bad family members, Harry in particular!

Timothy Mayfield is looking for a wife. His finances are not what he would wish so a girl with a dowry will be part of what attracts him to a woman. He is called to his uncle's house to receive an inheritance. if he chooses a woman his uncle will approve of. It's the "marriage mart" for him. He knows a woman, Maryann Morrington who has been a friend for many years. He decides to tell her that part of why he wants her is for the dowry. Since Timothy is looking for a woman who meets all the items on his list. Maryann decides to help him find the perfect woman. When he goes to London, he compares every woman to her. He finally finds someone that meets everything on his list but he doesn't love her and thinks only of Maryann. Miss Shaw is perfect for him. She meets all of his criteria, but why can't he stop thinking of Maryann. He goes to her sister's house to declare himself to her. She thinks it is a jest and he cannot possibly love her or is she best of a bad situation? Read this book for all the misunderstandings and love. I thought this book was amazing.. I really loved everything about it. I received this book from Net Galley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for a honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Mini review:

DNF

Trigger warning: None that I can think off.

I received this E-ARC via Shadow Mountain Publishing and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I liked the sounds of the synopsis so I request it! I didn't like it.

I really didn't like the male MC. I prefered the female. So I gave up.

This is a personal thing. I still recommend.

Daisies and Devotions is second in the Mayfield Family series and my second Josi Kilpack book. When I realized it was second in the series, I went back and read Primroses and Promises first. Daisies can be read as a stand alone, but I am glad I read them in sequence. Our hero, charming and entertaining Timothy Mayfield has a strong friendship with sweet, but somewhat plain heroine, Maryann Morrington. Maryann has strong feelings for Timothy, but realizes nothing will come of it.

Timothy is on the hunt for the perfect wife, he even has a list of which Maryann does not fit. In fact, she is everything his perfect wife is not. She sets aside her feelings and bruised heart to help him find his perfect fit. Another gentleman even comes along with whom Maryann could be happy. She begins to realize she cannot watch Timothy any longer with other women while on his hunt.

As you read, your heart breaks for Maryann, while you cheer her strength and willingness to see one she loves find happiness. Timothy charms so easily and is a friend to everyone. Their friendship is open and trusting, although many times hurtful for Maryann. Just when it seems Timothy will find his perfect wife, he sees his brother who has found happiness and love again. Their conversation is an eye opener for Timothy even though it may be too late.

This is a sweet, clean series that you will want to keep reading through both books and look forward to the next Mayfield to fall ‘victim’ to Uncle Elliott’s marriage campaign.

Daisies and Devotion is a pretty good read. I would give it four and a half stars and recommend it. I look forward more by Miss Kilpack in the future.