This is a super fun read. I really enjoyed this one!

Many thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

I had high hopes for this book but it fell flat for me. The plot seemed over the top and I had to suspend my belief that all of this would happen in such a short time span. I also thought the ending was wrapped up to quickly and I would have liked more closure.

I received a copy of the book from Netgalley to review. Thank you for the opportunity
An interesting idea behind this story but it sadly failed to deliver. The story is very contrived and there is little linking through the story, making it feel disjointed. The characters are quite dull and boring which make it difficult to engage with the story.
An OK read.

DNF after 15%. I found the main character, Dot, annoyingly naive, who when you first met her, cared nothing for fashion, and only for her cats, but as soon as she met the hero, she basically hated her cats, clothes, everything. The whole cat lady aspect, too, was grating, and embarrassing frankly. I might have read on only to learn more about what was happening with Mr Wolf, but I think that’s an ongoing storyline across the whole series. Not enough to keep my attention and get over my dislike of the heroine.

I'm a sucker for the female protatgonist who only becomes attractive when the guy gets to know her and this book delivers on this. Dot is gauche and a little too obsessed with her cats when Lord Appleton sets his sights on her - he's been drugged and swindled of his fortune and now needs to marry an heiress.
When he and Dot join forces to find a killer he realises there is more to Dot - she's smart and interesting and more than a little attractive. This book is a lot of fun.

Thankyou to Netgalley for allowing me to review this book.

This book is part of a series, however it can definitely be read as a stand alone book.

I really enjoyed that this book was not your traditional love story, but also has an element of a murder mystery. It begins with Lord Appleton losing a card game, having gambled the deeds to his ancestral home. In order to buy back the deeds he needs to marry an heiress, the new in town Dot Pankhurst. He and his sister befriend Dot, and he proposes to her within the week. They then begin an investigation to discover the murder of a young women, and over the course of the investigation Lord Appleton falls in love with Dot.
As someone involved with reenactment of the regency era, I feel that the Author knew about the era in which she was writing about, and had done some research.
Overall it was an enjoyable book, with a nice storyline.

Unlike many other books in this genre, the reader knows who the villain is right from the first page. They knew how and who Henry Wolf is going to ruin. The why comes out in the pages of the tale. What they don't know is how Lord Appleton will react. Not realizing that he was duped out of his fortune, he does the only thing he can, marry an heiress. His heiress comes in the form of a "country bumpkin" cat lady. How will he ever manage it. Does Forrester come to appreciate the person his Dot is, her intelligence, her inner beauty, her caring nature? Or will he be ruined entirely? I love the way Cheryl Bolen unwraps the layers that are Dot. She is one of my favorite heroines. And villain? We may know who he is, but our characters don't find out until the very end. How? Well you will need to read the book to find out!

Henry Wolf, nicknamed Penguin because of his looks, is a wealthy but evil man. He has his eye on the newly named Viscount Appleton. When Appleton gambles, he is always cognizant of what he is doing. But one night, a drug is put in his drink by a young dealer named Ellie which results in Appleton losing everything. Having arranged this and paying Ellie well, Wolf then buys up his IOUs. The next day he presents himself to Appleton telling him that he will return the IOUs if he will allow him to marry his sister, Annie Appleton. Incensed, Appleton refuses. Now, he must find a way to get the money to buy back the IOUs himself.

Appleton soon learns of a wealthy heiress in town. She is Dorothy (Dot) Pankhurst. She has come to Bath with her father and her cats whom she adores and takes everywhere with her. Her father is unwell and she hopes the waters of Bath will help him. Dot has no experience in society and also doesn’t know how to dance. On her way to a dressmaker, her cat jumps out of her arms and nearly into the mouth of a dog. However, Appleton happens to be nearby and rescues her cat. She is so grateful to him. With him is his sister, Annie, and the girls immediately become friends. Telling Annie of her lack of social graces, Annie invites her to come to her home where Appleton teaches her some dance steps and Annie loans her a dress to wear to a ball that night. As they are ready to leave, Appleton is quite taken with her transformation.

Before long, Dot is introduced to the large Appleton family and close group of friends. Her personality and pretty ways have them welcoming her. As Dot and Appleton become more friendly, they find themselves drawn to one another. Is there hope for them to find love and marriage? However, nothing can happen until a vile murder has been solved.

I have read and reviewed many of Cheryl Bolen’s books over the years and find her to be a very talented author. I especially appreciate that she writes sweet, clean romance novels. This book has great characters, plus an intriguing mystery. Quite enjoyable all around.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Henry Wolf is a friend to apparently no one, and never has been. He seems to have a particularly strong dislike for Timothy Appleton, and he sets a plan in motion to ruin him. When Timothy loses everything to Wolf, he needs a plan. The solution? Marry an heiress. That or sacrifice Annie to marry Wolf. When Dot and Timothy, or Forrest as she come to call him, meet, they are not the perfect match. They spend time with each other and both families, become friends, work to solve a murder, and fall in love. This is an entertaining romance with characters that are easy to love (except for Henry Wolf, who is even more evil than we know). I loved watching Dot bloom and Timothy mature. Mr. Pankhurst is a charming man, caring and funny. The interaction between Dot’s cats and the children is cute. I enjoyed this delightful story and the wonderful surprise at the end. I recommend this one and the Brides of Bath series.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Once Upon A Time in Bath is the seventh book in Cheryl Bolen’s regency series Brides of Bath. It can be read as a standalone. Forrester Timothy Appleton, Viscount Appleton, is drugged while at a gambling hall and wakes up in the morning to find out he’s lost everything. An evil villain has purchased his IOU’s and wants to marry Appleton’s sister in exchange for the debt. So as any good regency hero would do, he seeks out a rich heiress to save the day. Heiress Dorothea Pankhurst has spent most of her life at home in the country with her father and her cats coming to Bath and meeting a handsome Viscount who seems interested in her has her father in raptures.
Classic old school regency with kissing only and a mystery as well. I enjoyed reading this book even though I’m not really fond of the fortune hunter trope. Publishing Date October 26, 2020. #OnceUponATimeInBath #CherylBolen #RegencyRomance #HistoricalRomance #AuthorCollective20 #RegencyMystery #KissingBooks #bookstagram #bookstagrammer

Once Upon a Time in Bath by Cheryl Bolen is an enchanting story about a man who lost everything in a gambling hall and forges ahead with his plan to marry an heiress in order to save his family from ruin. Dot is a handsome young woman, fresh from the country, who wants nothing more than love. They meet, Appleton decides she will do and courts her, quickly. Dot falls in love before she is humiliated by the rambling of Appleton's youngest sister. Frightened of nothing more than the prospect of being wanted only for her money, she forges on. They hear of a young woman who was murdered. Appleton had known her; she worked in the gambling den where he had lost all his money. She was a good woman, not a fallen one. Her story breaks Dot's heart, this caring touches Appleton's heart and they decide to investigate and capture the killer. It gets complicated as things do.

This is a simple story, yet convoluted as Appleton navigates the circumstances of his downfall. It was a good plot, but seemed a little rushed in spots. Appleton starts as a rake and becomes a better man through knowing Dot. Dot is a simple, but extremely intelligent young woman, unwise to the ways of the world, which makes her a very sympathetic character. The initial premise is never explained very well and that is one of the plot holes, in my mind. The important thing is the happily-ever-after that a romance requires, even a romance including an element of mystery. I enjoyed it. It is worth a reader's time. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free ARC of Once Upon a Time in Bath by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #onceuponatimeinbath

This was a lovely historical romance. Appleton and Dot made a cute pair even though Appleton was initially only interested in her because she was a wealthy heiress. It was fun to watch her transformation from drab, crazy cat lady to fashionable and presentable. lady of the ton. Their romance was sweet and very enjoyable.
I did find the names of the characters somewhat of a tongue twister to pronounce and there were so many with the same name I got confused with who everybody was.

Dot is a country girl fresh into city living. But, the healing properties of Bath are to help her father recover from his many ailments. On their first outing, a humorous incident lands them in the middle of Bath’s high society. Luckily, Viscount Appleton and his sister Annie rescue them. Under the wing of the Appleton’s, Dot blossoms into a fine young woman.

Though, when she and the viscount set out to solve a murder, she is in much danger. Throughout the mystery, Appleton’s quest to find a bride with a fortune turns into full-on true love. The moment he realizes his feelings, he can't believe it. But, after the mystery concludes, he learns that his wanting to marry for love is in reach.

Bolen delivers us a pair of gems with Annie and Dot. These women are my favorite characters in the novel. I love Annie for her passion to protect Dot from ridicule. Though, she also prohibits impropriety at the hands of her brother. Both women are fireballs, but Dot is downright feisty. She gives as good as she gets, but with a full range of emotions. And, these women are avid readers who love the lending library! Who couldn’t love this attribute?

My favorite part of the story is not a particular scene but the progression of Viscount Appleton’s feelings for Dot. He sets out on a quest to find a bride with a fortune when he learns of the country girl with an affinity for cats. He sets his plan in motion, but as he goes from finding her unattractive to being a mad fool in love, he softens. This unfolding was fun to witness.

I am happy to award Once Upon a Time in Bath a full 5 out of 5 stars. I encourage those who love cozy, regency romances to read this book. Pick up the rest of the Brides of Bath series too.

In his course to save his inheritance, will he loose more than he expected ...

What a lively and lovely read this one is.
While it respect all the period’s rules and edicts, it is a very witty, clever and facetious with a surprising sensual edge.

Dorothea is the classic miss finding herself lost while navigating the muddy waters of society. She knows she is awkward, and mistakes she makes. Until unexpectedly a knight in shining armor comes to her rescue.
If only he was really a true knight.
And while Appleton has no nefarious goal, he is also not clean as a whistle. Aiming to secure the gawky heiress before anyone else.
With this delightful read the author present us, her hero having the table turned, him who would have married a heiress only for her wealth to secure what he lost. Slowly falls under her charms. Even if he was set upon, he is quite bittersweet on his way to face his newly discovered circumstances.
I confess I was upset at him, his harsh dealing of his affair, sacrificing Dot’s happiness to protect his sister’s. Yet in his own way, it is for the love of his family. Still I was wondering when the second shoe would drop as this kind of plot usually leads to a setback.
But the author took a different turn, with the sleuthing part, she brings her couple together, building precious bonds that will hold against any tempest thrown on their way.

While I have read none of the other books in this series, I never felt lost, I was just intrigued by the many visiting characters, wishing to have read their own stories.
The author offers us a great time with her heroes and their friends, following their inquiry in retracing the footsteps of the villain.
5 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

A regency crazy cat lady who solves a murder with her reluctant fiance? Why not? Dot Pankhurst has four cats, a hypochondriac father, an out-of-style wardrobe, and a fortune. She arrives in Bath just as Lord Appleton has lost everything in a setup at a gambling den. He pursues an acquaintance and then an engagement with Dot to save his home and family, but a makeover and a murder investigation must take place before they can wed. There's a little bit of lust between them, but no graphic sex scenes. I'm not sure I wholly agree with the message that Dot had to change her looks and behavior to fall in love, but all in all, it was a nice escapist story.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a digital ARC for the purpose of an unbiased review.

Once upon a time in Bath, the 7th book in the series ‘The Brides of Bath’, follows Lord Appleton, who has lost his fortune through gambling. His only way to escape losing the family home and all the entails, is to marry for money. He sets out to woo and marry Dot, Miss Dorothea Pankhurst, who has arrived in Bath with her father and her many cats. Despite her eccentric ways, she finds friendship with Appleton’s sister and becomes involved with the local ton. When a young dealer from the gambling house where Appleton lost his fortune is found murdered, he works with Dot to find the killer.
This was an engaging story with well described scenes in Bath. However, I found both characters of Dot and Appleton, difficult to warm to. Appleton’s character was not portrayed in the best light and whilst this did change, it didn’t seem that realistic. Dot’s character was definitely more engaging but even her naivety was exaggerated. A sweet story that had its moments.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Lord Appleton may be a bit of a rake but he’s never been one to lose his head at the gaming tables. Yet he loses everything on a night of which he has no memory. He manages to secure a months grace if he allows, Henry Wolf aka The Penguin to have a dance with his sister Annie. Forrester will do anything to reclaim their house and avoid hurting his family—even if it means having to marry a peculiar heiress. When Miss Dorothea Pankhurst arrives in Bath with her ailing father—and the four cats she’s never without—she is ignorant of the ways of Society, having never left her father’s significant estate in remote Lincolnshire. Then the kindly Lord Appleton and his gracious sister Annie take her under their wing. She is immediately smitten with the handsome viscount and thrilled beyond measure when he asks for her hand in marriage. After the murder of a young dealer at the gambling house where Appleton played, Dot and Appleton grow closer as they work together to find the killer. A well written engaging read, this is the seventh book in the series & whilst it's easily read on its own I did enjoy catching up with characters from earlier books. I liked both Forrester & dot & how his pursuit of her changed from purely mercenary to falling in love. I was left with a couple of questions at the end & would have liked an epilogue where these were addressed, however I thoroughly enjoyed it & I’d love for Forrester’s sisters to have their HEAs
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Once Upon a Time in Bath is the first book I’ve picked up by Cheryl Bolen, but I have been familiar with her name for a while, thanks to her being among the various random self published authors donated to my local library branch (now closed for renovations) and a few freebies I subsequently picked up once I acquired my eReaders. I was also somewhat aware she tended toward the sweet side, a bit of a Heyer/Carla Kelly-esque Traditional Regency, with a bit of a suspenseful side.

And I like Traditional Regencies, but it’s definitely been a while since I’ve read one. It’s fairly predictable, but it’s not always a bad thing. While the villain is not a mystery, the thrill of the chase is a ton of fun. And if nothing else, the ridiculousness of Lord Appleton being drugged and losing his fortune is definitely worth reading for.

However, the character depth is lacking. I didn’t feel much for Dot or Appleton throughout, so even though there were stakes, I never fully was invested. And Dot’s beauty is emphasized beyond anything else, and while I have nothing against beautiful people, it was just a bit too much.

While this book didn’t really work for me, Bolen’s writing is engaging, and I’m definitely interested in trying something else from her. If you love sweet Regency romance, perhaps you’ll enjoy this more than I did.

Although this was the seventh book in The Brides of Bath series it is still a stand alone novel .
A romance and a murder mystery that needs to be solved is the premise of this book.
A delightful read in this genre.

"Once Upon a Time in Bath" by Cheryl Bolen
I enjoyed this easy to read historical romance with a side of mystery/suspense. It is a sweet clean romance that has its roots in a decision to marry for convenience. I have read several stories that took place in Bath and this story felt like coming home to a place filled with fond memories. I hope you, too, will enjoy your time in this story and in Bath. Happy Reading ! !
Note: I requested and was granted an ARC of this story by the publisher with the request for an honest review.