Miss Newbury is getting married to a Duke that she hardly knows. Her family has longed for a title to come into the family. It will help with her younger brother's prospects and give them a bit of respectability. She is being traded for a parcel of land that the Duke wants back as part of his estate.

Rosalind is perfectly happy with this arrangement until her best friend returns to the country after a season in London. She remembers that she has a list of things she wants to accomplish before her wedding and seeks the help of her friend and her friend's cousin to complete the tasks.

Some of the goals need the help of another. She quickly finds that learning to swim is not something she should do on her own. Fortunately, Charlie is able to swim and rescues her from drowning. They become friends as he helps her with the list. It doesn't take long for her to figure out that a loveless arranged marriage is not something she wants.

This story was a joy to read. I loved, loved, loved Charlie and Rosalind. I also adored Rosalind's younger brother who will do all in his power to protect her reputation. Including beating up a pugilist who never loses.

For a while, it appeared that there would not be a HEA in her future. She has to find a way for love to conquer all without ruining her family.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

There is so much to love about this sweet story! Oh Charlie! If you enjoy regency romance, you won't want to miss this one!

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

Miss Newbury’s List is charmingly engaging. I admit the premise was what first snagged my attention. A Regency Bucket List? I’m Here. For. It. Ros had this delightful wholesomeness about her that just made you root for her. And Charlie? I loved how he encouraged Ros to follow her dreams. And moved heaven and earth to help her achieve her heart’s wishes! Such a sweet story!

Thank you, Netgalley for my copy. My opinions are my own.

Miss Newbury's List is the Regency Romance you Miss Newbury's List is the Regency Romance you need in your life right now.

Megan Walker introduces us to Rosalind Newbury who will soon be married to the Duke of Marlow. Although she's barely met him, it is an advantageous match for her family and Rosalind is hopeful that it will also be a happy match. But before she marries, she is determined to complete a list of "dreams" inspired by her late aunt's own list.

With the help of her friend Liza who is currently "baby-sitting" her errant cousin Charles Wilson, Rosalind attempts to complete her list in the three weeks before her marriage.
Charlie and Rosalind strike up a friendship, and the story artfully delves into both of their fears, failures and the change that comes from facing the future with courage.
There were some truly touching moments and laugh out loud scenes as well.
I highly recommend this to fans of sweet, happy ever after romances.
P.S. Little did I know picnics and pugilists were winning ingredients for me in a fun read!

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and Netgalley for an advanced digital copy. All opinions are my own.

Miss Newbury’s List by Megan Walker is a FIVE-STAR read! I loved every minute of this highly engaging, totally endearing story. The premise — a twenty-year old woman has entered into an engagement contract with a handsome, wealthy duke. Her family is thrilled. She is as well, but feels like she must complete a bucket list of things to accomplish before she is married. Her list is inspired by her beloved aunt who also completed a bucket list of adventures before she married the love of her life. When I read this premise, I was hooked. I knew I would like this unique story; and, boy, did I ever! Rosalind’s character is fantastic. She is exuberant and open-minded and highly motivated. And she is able to really see to the heart of matters, specifically Charlie’s issues with his family and that he is truly a genuine gentleman hiding behind grief and fear and insecurity. I love, love, love the relationship that grows between Rosalind and Charlie. Charlie is such a good protector, so naturally their friendship begins the day he saves Rosalind’s life. As Charlie aids Rosalind with more and more of her bucket list items, the two grow from fun friends to a couple who clearly love one another. And OH! MY! WORD!!!! The chemistry between Rosalind and Charlie is spectacular. Don’t get me wrong. This story is clean…no hanky panky, but the steamy moments are so good they took my breath away. I re-read whole chapters because they are excellently written. I also enjoyed the many themes discussed. My favorite topic is in regards to family and the realization that true family always has your back no matter what. Rosalind’s family is excellent in their love and support of her, but I also love how much Liza and Rosalind are like sisters proving that family is more than biology. OH! If you’re wondering about the duke, let me just say Walker had me so stressed out (in a good way) for about the last 1/3 of the novel because of this character. That’s all I will say. To find out the actual story, you have to get yourself a copy ASAP, and I highly recommend you do. Miss Newbury’s List is a must-read novel for 2023!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was a super fun book! I loved the characters in this book! Particularly the Hero! He was my favorite from the beginning! And the swoon was delightful! I would recommend this to anyone! I really enjoyed the descriptions of the houses and countryside! The description is the fighting was awesome as well! Enjoy!!

full teaser post at https://wellreadpiratequeen.blogspot.com/2023/02/miss-newburys-list-by-megan-walker-book.html
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In spite of surviving Mister Wrong Number, I have still more or less been on the "romance is bullshit" end of the spectrum. My poor NetGalley shelf is full of them, though, and I have been riddled with angst over the idea of constantly hitting the "I will not be giving feedback on this title" just because my heart was shattered and, you know, romance is bullshit.

On Monday afternoon I opened the book that I felt would be safest simply because it's from Shadow Mountain's Proper Romance series : Megan Walker's Miss Newbury's List.

I finished it Tuesday morning.

This was not a safe book.

The characters were absolutely delightful -- except for the ones who weren't meant to be. The storyline of trying to complete Miss Newbury's pre-marriage-to-do list was everything I had hoped and more (I do so love a good bucket list). The language and imagery were on-point for a Regency (as far as I know, anyway, never having actually been to Regency England). The pacing never felt rushed and it never dragged. It was magnificent and, at times, I thought it was going to kill me.

After all, with all of the rest came the romance.

"Romance is bullshit." Much of what I have encountered (online and off) has been far from "proper" ... and I have been quite tempted to adopt a little of kittens and just become a crazy old cat lady. Of course, I probably wouldn't make it to "old" because I'm allergic to cats and it would probably kill me ... but still. Pick your poisons, right? Death by cat dander .... or death by having your heart explode in your chest from love stories so good and right and, well, "proper" that it almost feels like it could really happen.

I think I need to go pick out a good serial killer book now .... or a very non-cozy mystery. Give me angst and blood and horror. You know, things I actually believe in.

Or maybe ....

Just maybe ....

Maybe I'll grab another "proper" romance and keep living vicariously between the pages.

Rosalind Newbury has made a most advantageous match. She’ll marry the Duke of Marlow and live her life in luxury and security, opening doors to her family that were previously closed. Before she marries, however, she wants to check off a list of ten things to do before marriage that she made as a child—including burying treasure in a pasture, learning to swim, and displaying her art in a public venue. Her best friend Liza tells her she can’t help because she has to watch over her cousin Charlie who is struggling with his family’s expectations. Rosalind goes ahead on her own and when things don’t go as planned, Charlie unexpectedly comes to her aid. Soon, Liza is on board and the three of them work together to finish the list before Rosalind’s wedding. But the more time Rosalind spends with Charlie, the more her feelings for him extend beyond friendship. Can she marry the duke when her heart might belong to someone else?

The hero and heroine in this story are both at different points in their lives. Rosalind has accepted her lot in life to marry well and have security in her life instead of love. Charlie struggles to accept his inheritance and place in society because he never wanted any of it. But as they come together to check off the adventures on Rosalind’s list, they both find pieces of themselves they didn’t know were missing. Each delightful diversion on the list features witty banter and a growing connection between Rosalind and Charlie. The romance was slow and sweet, but the question of whether they can really be together adds a bit of tension, especially when the duke steps in to claim what is his. The author does a wonderful job of writing characters who grow and change in a realistic manner and see the world and each other in a new way. Readers will enjoy this lovely romance with a heroine who dares to dream and a man who will risk anything to be with her.

Lives up to the hype!

I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance. It was sweet, with a fantastic premise, relatable characters, and of course, a happily ever after. The epilogue is perfection! This was a sweet romance, I'd rate PG for thematic violence and potentially scandalous situations for the time. This was a delightful read, one I'll look forward to revisiting.

It amazes me out many regency books I love and how authors keep finding a way to make them unique. Ros is going to marry a Duke and make her family proud. She doesn’t really know him however and is a little worried about giving up the life she knows to be a stuffy duchess. She finds a list from when she was 12 of things she wanted to do before she marries and is determined to complete it before she gets married. Her best friend and the cousin visiting her best friend come to her aid to make some of these seemingly impossible goals a reality.

I loved how she let herself live and let herself love. I also loved her family. Such a fun romance that focuses on a unique heroine. Proper romances never disappoint.

Miss Newbury’s List (Proper Romance), by Megan Walker — A Review

Romance stories exist on a spectrum, from the fluffiest feel-good escapism to the powerfully poignant and every combination in between. The very best romances explore relatable emotions with deep insight into how people evolve through relationships. Historical romance author Megan Walker has skillfully crafted her second novel, Miss Newbury’s List, with an appealing authenticity that will satisfy romance enthusiasts who enjoy some heartbreak and humor with their happily-ever-after.

Miss Rosalind Newbury, dutifully engaged to a duke

Miss Newbury has accepted her duty to bring a peerage title to her family and raise their prospects through her marriage of convenience to a duke who has negotiated the transfer of highly desirable land to himself in the arrangement. Her only regret is missing out on the thrill of meeting a potential suitor in a ballroom during a London Season she will never experience.

There’s just one last thing Miss Newbury must accomplish so that she will feel truly ready to commit her life to a veritable stranger—complete the ten items on her childhood list of things to do before she marries.

“I felt it in my bones. The aching. The hope. The surety that this was the key to everything that felt wrong in my life. I’d been so focused on my accomplishments that I’d missed my dreams. I had to claim them before it was too late.” (316)

Charlie Winston, miserably avoiding his duty

When Miss Newbury seeks her best friend’s help to complete her list in the few weeks she has left before permanently handing her independence over to her betrothed, she inadvertently also involves her friend’s enigmatic and infuriating cousin, Charlie Winston. Mr. Winston’s life has not gone according to plan. Grief from a recent loss coupled with the unfortunate consequences of amateur pugilism have led him to escape to his cousin’s house in the country in an effort to avoid responsibility.

“‘Tell me, Miss Newbury. What makes you angry?’
My eyes flicked to his. ‘I am a lady, Mr. Winston. I do not feel anger.’
He lowered his chin. ‘Is that so?’
On second thought, he made me angry. Mr. Winston, with all his strength and pride, embodied every frustration I’d suppressed since my engagement. He thought my life was as easy to fix as his own. That if I waved my fists around, I’d suddenly feel whole and complete and successful.” (814)

Miss Newbury’s List

As the trio work together to complete the whimsical, and sometimes risky, items on the list, the thrill of their adventures are a colorful contrast to the stark background of the looming nuptials and the unavoidable truths that must be faced.

“‘Why would you help me?’
Mr. Winston’s eyes dropped to mine. He gave me a thoughtful, lingering look that seemed to connect us for a beat. ‘Because no one should be rushed into a life they are not prepared for.’
His words seeped into me like warm tea, swirling and settling into my heart. ‘No,’ I agreed. ‘They should not.’” (1046)

Inspirational Romance

I have been greatly anticipating Megan Walker’s next novel ever since I read her lovely debut, Lakeshire Park, and I was not disappointed. Although my implausibility button was ever-so-slightly pushed by the convenient resolution of some fraught scenarios, overall the sweet story was captivating from start to finish. Indeed, I was utterly charmed by the authentic characters and inspirational exploration of duty versus desire. The slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance was delightful, even while heartbreaking at times.

In Conclusion

Readers seeking a meaningful and genuine love story will be enchanted by Miss Newbury’s List.

5 out of 5 Stars

Miss Newbury's List by Megan Walker is a clean romance historical fiction with an interesting plot and characters.

The story revolves around Rosalind, Charlie, and the list. I appreciate the author's way of making a list enjoyable. Also, I enjoyed the parts where Rosalind tries to accomplish her list with the help of her best friend, Liza and Charlie. How the main characters become more friends was also enjoyable to witness. I loved the development of their relationship, even if some might find it slow. Anyone who loves a good plot with fun characters will find this enjoyable.

Thanks to the publisher for giving me this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Rosalind Newbury is engaged to the Duke of Marlow. He’s young, handsome, seemingly kind, and her marriage will bring a title to the family. But Rosalind is unsettled about the idea. Years ago her aunt Alice made a list of dreams which she’d completed before her wedding.

Rosalind just knows if she can complete her list in the next three weeks she’ll be ready for the next stage of her life. She enlists the help of her best friend Liza, who comes with her troubled cousin, Mr. Charlie Wilson.

I can’t express how much I love this book! I cheered Rosalind on as she tried to find herself through her list. I ached for Charlie and the pain he’d been through. And I absolutely adored the banter between them! Liza was a good friend and had her hands full with these two. I couldn’t put it down!

I have so much love for this book!! Miss Newbury’s List by Megan Walker was a treat to savor.
Rosalind is bound by duty to her family, which she sees as the ultimate act of love. She’s willing to marry the duke and endures all the prep and training to become a duchess. Then she meets Charlie, her best friend’s wayward cousin, and a new trajectory is set. Charlie “sees”her from the get-go and challenges her to face her own desires. Ros’s list becomes a challenge they all set out to help her accomplish in time before her wedding. The list is due to an idea given to her by a beloved aunt before her wedding day to encourage her live before she settles as a married woman.
I love how Charlie manages to draw her out. At the same time, Ros sees the good heart in Charlie and is determined to help him grow into the man his path has set before him. The banter and dynamic between these two is so enjoyable. They press buttons, speak truth, and challenge the other to be a better version of themselves.
I found the story believable, well paced, and full of poignant truths. My heart was happy in all the right places when I finished.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

This is me officially begging you to read this book as soon as possible! This story is so unique and charming and I’m not sure I’ve ever read anything like it!

It’s hard to assign any tropes to this story, besides a delicious slow burn. We just have a happy, whimsical story about a girl trying to get the most out of her life before she’s married. Enter Mr. SWOON, aka Charlie, and you have all of the angst and longing and forbidden romance of your dreams. But my favorite part of this book was the themes of forgiveness and family. We all can use a reminder that our family, related or not, is always there to help and love us.

This just jumped to one of my top favorite romances of the year (and I don’t see it moving any time soon) and it’s out now!!

I received an advanced copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.

Rosalind Newbury has agreed to marry the Duke of Marlow even though he is 10 years her senior. Her parents are so proud of her and are busily preparing for her upcoming wedding.

Rosalind made a list some years ago of the things she wants to do before she gets married. She had hidden it and has just found it again. She knows that marriage is a major life change and she wants to feel she has achieved her goals before giving her life over to a man.

When Rosalind’s friend, Liza, returns from London after completing her season, she runs to her home only to find the footman saying the family isn’t receiving visitors. Shocked, Rosalind sneaks into the house and runs into a man whose face shows the signs of a severe beating. Liza introduces him as her cousin, Charlie, who is staying with them for awhile. He is a pugilist which upsets his family.

As Rosalind, Liza and Charlie spend time together, she confides about her list and Charlie begins to help her mark the items off her list. Their time together results in first a friendship that later develops to more than that. But the Duke is due soon for their wedding to take place. She realizes that her heart may belong to someone else.

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

I needed an escape from the business of life and this was it! Loved the desperate desire of Miss Newbury to live a full life before she completely changed her identity through marriage. Her brother was incredibly insightful and protective, which I loved reading about. The MMC was just enough of an unconventional fellow that I was guessing what he would do next.

Thank you to Net Galley for the advance copy. All opinions are expressly my own.

Miss Newbury's List by Megan Walker is an enthralling read with its masterfully paced plotline that strikes a perfect balance between action and contemplation for its endearing characters.

Do you have a bucket list?
This book defiantly inspired me to make one!

Rosiland wants to get her list of ten things done before she gets married, just like her aunt! But, with a marriage quickly approaching she has to hurry. This list was made when she was just a girl, but the list if full of things that took her on a fun journey!

Rosiland teams together with her best buddy Lisa and her cousin, Charlie, to complete the list in haste! What seems like a simple list becomes a journey of a lifetime! It also makes her question if marriage to a duke is what she truly wants in life...

I really enjoyed following Rosiland and her group through list completion. Charlie grew on me after a while, and I quickly started rooting for him. If love triangles scare you... no worries! I really liked how this love triangle didn't make me cringe and instead it made me try to figure out a way to get things to work out how I wanted them too.

Rosiland at first struck me as immature, but she quickly grew on me and by the middle of the book I was her biggest cheerleader and was on the edge of my seat wondering what was next! It helped the book feel lighthearted adding in humor, love and growth.

This group of characters I wish I could read about the rest of their lives and find out all the craziness they bring about.

Thank you to Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are my own.
Reviews posted on Bookbub, Goodreads, Instagram (soon), and Amazon.

#1 - learn to swim
#2 - run away for a day

Rosalind (Ros) made a list of ten things she wanted to do before marrying and now that she's engaged to a Duke, it's time to check things off. She enlists the help of her best friend, Liza, and Liza's cousin, Charlie.

Charlie, oh, Charlie! This man is the most aggravatingly smug, yet sweet, hero.

"Why are you so smug all the time? You've been cast out of your family home. No allowance. Burdening your family."
"Oh, I am not this smug all the time."
"No?"
"Just when I'm around you."

Charlie's fearlessness nearly undid both Ros and I, and his rough exterior, bold and blunt manner, brave and adventurous soul left both of us swooning. Yet...completing these tasks somehow frees her soul and I loved watching the shenanigans unfold, while allowing me to get to know these lovable characters even more and in different lights.

I loved this story. Loved it! Such a fun premise with likable characters plopped into precarious situations.

Content: mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*