Member Reviews

Book review: Miss Newbury’s List by Megan Walker
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“Perfection means having an expected outcome. Perfect lines, perfect colors, perfect brushstrokes. But perfection is unachievable. Indeed, it is the attempt, the strokes we did not mean to make, that leave us with an unexpected beauty.”
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Be still my heart! If I had to sum this book up in one word it would be “SWOON”. The romance in this book was 💋🤌🏻 *chef’s kiss* perfection! Charlie… sweet, wonderful Charlie. He is about as dreamy as an MC can get! I loved seeing him through Rosalind’s eyes. The book was written in her perspective so we get to see his true self shine through her perspective while he is finding it himself…it’s beautiful. They make such a perfect couple! Also, you know what I like? Series! And this book has enough lovable side characters that I think everyone needs their own book! Brothers, sisters, friends, love stories for everyone!
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Content: sweet and clean, just kisses
I received an eARC via NetGally. Thank you Shadow Mountain Publishing for the opportunity to read this wonderful book!

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If you asked me for three words to explain this story I would say; charming, romantic and perfect.

I had a strong feeling this would be a good book having recently read another by the author. Her writing is extremely easy to read and the romance wonderful to get lost in .

When I read the blurb and found out that Charlie would be a second son, a boxer and struggling with his new title as heir, all my favorite things were checked. I have a soft spot for second sons who aren't ready to take on the job their elder brother held and the ones who usually are a bit damaged and take to fisticuffs to beat down their pain. So yeah, Charlie fit the bill and I was so ready to meet him.

Rosalind is a lovely narrator bringing us into her life as a newly engaged young woman to an esteemed Duke. There is always something a bit icky about the arranged marriages of the 1800's and how many times they weren't about love but about titles, land or just an advantageous match. Sadly, this match with Rosalind and the Duke was not about love but Rosalind would do what's expected of her to elevate her family. That is until she visits her best friend and meets one Charlie Winston who would flip Rosalind's world from black and white to a beautiful watercolor paining full of excitement and love.

I read this in a single day. I saved it to savor it but once I opened the book I knew I wouldn't be able to stop reading until I was done and when I was done, I immediately went back to read my favorite parts over again.

I adored Rosalind's list. Yes it was written when she was a child but I think that time is when we have the purest dreams for ourselves. It's a time when we can simply want without the roles we play as we get older and the responsibilities that weigh us down. So now that Rosalind has to do her duty to marry, why wouldn't she want to find her list and do all that her younger self dreamed of?

The first item on the list had me worried for her but then I had a feeling who would come along and boy did he ever! Charlie is simply an amazing hero of our story who wants nothing but to make Rosalind happy; even if that means losing his heart to her and his stomach to many cheesecakes. I loved his boxing lessons and his fast work at the opera. I love his combining items on Rosalind's list and goodness but his idea of a near scandal was indeed scandalously delicious. He's a gentleman even if he doesn't want to be one and his vulnerability allows such growth in him that it was easy to fall head over feet for Mr. Winston.

Rosalind was a fun character to get to know. She has this pending marriage weighing on her shoulders and she knows she doesn't want to go through with it from the beginning. Her family has made it clear that her siblings would suffer if she didn't marry a titled man so of course she wants to do what's best for them. Even if what's best is at the sacrifice of her own hearts desire. I truly loved watching Rosalind fall in love with Charlie and see how strong she can be. From boxing lessons, to running away for a day to just fallowing her heart. Rosalind took us on a journey from a comfortable grove to standing on the edge of a cliff looking over the world to winning everything she ever dreamed of.

If you can't tell, I loved this book. It gave me every feeling I wanted and didn't want to the book to end.
Charming Charlie and Resplendent Rosalind now own a special place on my shelf and in my heart.

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This is one of those books that I knew had to have a happy ending, but I didn’t know how it would happen, and I loved that I didn’t know how everything would work out! This was such a cute story with laughs and great flirty dialogue! I really enjoyed it, and I look forward to reading more from Megan.

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Miss Newbury’s list is a unique regency romance with forced proximity, grumpy sunshine, redemption, and characters who are unabashedly themselves! I absolutely loved it and am still nursing a book hangover!

I was a little wary of the story in the beginning, Charlie came off strong as the “bad boy” and I was worried that he would rub off too much on Rosalind. I was also hesitant about the pugilist aspect of his character since it’s an illegal sport. But I loved getting to know Charlie and seeing the full depth of his character as the story progressed. I love that he never lied, and he never actually did anything wrong, there was just more to his story that needed to be discovered. I also loved Charlie’s blunt sense of humor, he’s not shy at all and says and does whatever he wants which often lands him in trouble, but always comes from a good heart. He’s a bit of a rogue, but when you get to know him, is totally lovable!

I loved how well matched Rosalind and Charlie are. Rosalind is so exuberant and full of life and determined, she knows what she wants and she goes after it. Since both Charlie and Rosalind are so genuine and authentic, they do really well together. I loved how Charlie helped Rosalind complete her list. In the beginning I was worried that Rosalind wouldn’t be able to finish it and would be convinced that she could never be happy because of it. I love how the list enabled Rosalind to get to know Charlie and discover the true nature of the Duke and allowed her to choose the life that would make her happiest.

I loved how supportive the family members were in this story! It really didn’t matter what Rosalind or Charlie did, their families backed them up, forgave them, and welcomed them with open arms. There was no bitterness or coercion, just love and support.

There were so many scenes that were so well written and had me laughing, swooning, or crying. But my favorite was the almost kiss! I honestly thought Charlie would kiss Rosalind and was both shocked and impressed that he didn’t! I felt like it was an opportunity to show Rosalind that he is a true gentleman despite the scrapes he continually lands himself in. I also loved their picnic, the moments they helped each other over fears and grief, and the moments they empowered each other to be better. Charlie and Rosalind truly help each other be better and pursue lives that make them the happiest they can be. I absolutely love that kind of dynamic.

Overall, this story was so fun and unpredictable! I loved the character growth, I loved the unique activities the characters engaged in thanks to Rosalind’s list. I honestly loved everything about it and I loved that it caught me off guard and everything I was wary of in the beginning ended up turning into something I absolutely loved and hadn’t anticipated!

If you enjoy Regency romances with deep characters, lots of growth, fun unique plots, and lots of funny and swoony moments, you absolutely must read Miss Newbury’s List!

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Regency novels take us back to a time when things were very different. Women didn't have much of a say in what happened to them, men could be brutes, but sometimes, true love was discovered.

Rosalind is engaged to a Duke whom she met by chance when he came to purchase land from her father. Seeing a step up for their family, she agrees to marry the Duke. What she doesn't expect is to meet Liza's cousin, Charlie, and fall head over heels in love. Granted, it takes some time for that to actually happen, but I think many others could see it before she does.

I always found it interesting that women had to have chaperones if they were unmarried. All for propriety and to not sully her reputation. Not that the women back then weren't a little crafty. Take Rosalind, for example. She spent a lot of time with Charlie but usually had Liza or her brother Ben with her. Ben might have been her little brother, but he took his role seriously as the heir in the family and made sure she wasn't compromised. He may have been 18, but I don't think he was fully mature yet. But I loved his devotion to her.

The purpose of this story was for Rosalind to complete a bucket list that she wrote when she was around 12. She got this great idea from her Aunt Alice and saw it as a way to celebrate the last of her singleness. I loved the idea, but why didn't she think to update the list? Most of the items were innocuous and would have been the same whether she was 12 or 20. However, some were a little dangerous. Doesn't matter; she worked her way through that list with the help of Liza and Charlie.

This was a fun story to read, and I appreciate the world today compared to then. However, sometimes times were simpler, and I know that I admire the strides women made over the last 200 years to bring us to where we are today.

I also enjoyed all of the antics and even some of the heart-pounding moments. We give this book 4 paws up.

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A slow burn friends to lovers romance with memorable banter and some fun scenes, I loved the idea of a bucket list with things to do before marriage instead of death (although with the wrong groom it could be the same in this era) I will be looking forward to more from this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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Miss Newbury's List is full of heart-warming romance and witty banter that will keep you pleased and intrigued until the very last page. A lot of historical romance deals with very similar plot lines and thematic elements, but Miss Newbury's List utilizes a unique plot point of what one might call a "bucket list" to propel the plot forward and it's magical.

As a proper romance, this will make you feel the same butterflies as your favorite early 2000s rom-coms that you watched as a child, and take it's rightful place on your romance shelf.

Miss Newbury's List is set to be published on Feb 7, 2023. Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing, Shadow Mountain, NetGalley and the author for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Miss Newbury’s List is a sweet, romantic Regency story that will have readers charmed. I liked both Charlie and Rosalind, and Rosalind’s bucket list was a great way to connect them. I will admit, I wasn’t always convinced they should be together. The timeline of the book—approximately three or four weeks—sometimes made it feel like the characters were flighty, but I did enjoy the ending. I sometimes struggle with stories where a main character is in a relationship with someone besides the other MC, so that plot point may also have been a roadblock for me. In any case, I enjoyed this book, and I’m looking forward to more from Megan Walker! 3.5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Megan Walker's writing gives me all the feels. I read her debut and new immediately, I'd want to read whatever she wrote. The way she puts emotions into her stories so I totally empathize with the character and feel their emotions is amazing.

In Miss Newbury's List, Rosalind Newbury is set to get married and isn't quite ready for the turn of events. I don't want to give anything a way but 1) I loved her list. It made me laugh at times when she tried to cross off an item. 2) I loved Charlie. He was an awesome hero. 3) The romance was off the charts.

This book was highly entertaining, causing me to read it all in one sitting. Unfortunately that means I have to wait for the next book. However, with her debut Lakeshire Park, I'm sure I'll be re-reading Miss Newbury's List when I need another dose of high romance, good writing, and characters I can empathize with.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.

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““…You are, without a doubt, the bravest woman I have ever met. You do not need my hand, nor anyone else's, to stand tall and face your fears. You have proven that since the day I met you."”

This is the second book I’ve read by Meg Walker and I was blown away how good this book was. The plot of Miss Newbury’s List takes gets your attention right away and takes you in such a fun journey.

Rosalind starts out engaged to a Duke and before she gets married she wants to complete ten things on a list she made when she was younger. Which we all know this means fun adventures and some mishaps along the way. Rosalind really comes into her own while finishing her list. I love that by the end of finishing her list, she is able to stand up for herself and the things she wanted.

Charlie was such a fun character to read about. One of the things In Rosalind’s list was change someone’s life, so it was pretty obvious Charlie was gonna be there person who falls into that category. Lol. I loved reading how Charlie starts to try and do better while helping Rosalind with her list. They both grew as they did the things on the list together. Which makes for some good romance. 😊

This book was fun and quick to read. Loved the characters and wished it was longer. This book is funny and will definitely make you smile as you read about Rosalind and Charlie adventures.

These thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

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What a delightful read! Take one bored adventurous English lady about to be married and one bored adventurous English gentleman sent to the country for miss behaving and a bucket list. What do you get ? A story full of excitement and adventure of course. Loved the characters and their growth throughout the story. This is a story of figuring out what you really want and what is most important.

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I received an ARC of MISS NEWBURY'S LIST from NetGalley and Shadowmountain Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.

Genre: Historical Romance
Spice Level: Low (kiss)

Historical romances are one of my favorite genres. Especially with feisty women.

Rosalind was inspired by an aunt and has only two weeks to complete her list before marrying a duke. The problem is that her list is quite difficult. How is she supposed to do some of these things? A painting in a public place—positively scandalous if she's caught.

In come her best friend and wayward cousin to help. Surprising. Brooding. Strong. Secretive. Oh, did I mention strong and quite surprising in his manners? You're going to love so much about him. Sadly, we didn't see as much of the best friend . . . but I see romance on the horizon for her, and I can hardly wait.

The duke is on point for what I'd actually expect from the ton in the region. Is he deliciously wicked? Or just wicked? You'll have to decide when you read it.

Whenever we have to read about characters and bodily functions such as "casting ones accounts" (vomiting), I mentally shiver. Yes—I know you might groan. But I really don't like that. Even so, I'm not marking it down in stars because that's a personal preference.

This is partly a redemption story, partly a story of "to thine own self be true", and definitely a romance.

I hope you love it as much as I did!

Happy reading!

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Rosalind (Ros) was engaged to marry a duke to help advance her family's circumstances, but she didn't feel at all ready so she comes up with a list of things to do before she marries in three, short weeks.

Then she meets Charlie, the cousin of her best friend Liz, and they become friends as they help Ros to complete her list only she ends up falling in love with Charlie. As the wedding draws closer, Ros has to decide whether to follow her heart or do her duty to her family.

The lesson of this book is that life is short and you should do the things which make you happiest, so I was glad to see the support of Ros' family after hearing her decision. It is also a sweet romance that anyone can read and it would be a great introduction book to the genre for this reason.

My honest review is given in exchange for receiving a free ARC of the book from Netgalley.

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This was such a fun book. I can't imagine how Rosalind was feeling as her life took a very different turn than she imagined. Her list was interesting and it was fun to see her accomplish it. Liza and Charlie are wonderful companions throughout this journey. I love how the list brought about changes in all of them. The romance is sweet and beautiful. There are times it seems impossible, but in the end love conquers all.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley and this is my honest review.

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Absolutely adored Miss Newbury’s List! A deliciously perfect read on a cold winter’s day. It’s a unique friends to more story with witty humor, swoonworthy romance, and a love letter that will leave you sighing. I loved the premise of the book, a heroine with a bucket list of items she wants to accomplish before she marries. And of course, a handsome companion to help her fulfill each goal. It’s definitely a book clean, regency romance fans will savor.

At the age of 12, Miss Rosalind Newbury was inspired by her aunt to create a list of 10 things she wanted to accomplish before she marries. The items range from writing down her childhood memories to hanging her painting in a public setting to running away for a day. Now eight years later, she tries to enlist her dearest friend Liza to help her accomplish each goal on her list before her upcoming marriage to a duke. Instead, she captures the attention of Liza’s mischievous cousin Charlie.

Charlie’s been temporarily disinherited for his fighting and unwillingness to accept his family responsibilities. While at first Rosalind is irritated by him, Charlie ends up rescuing her and she finds herself in his debt. She begins to see a new side to him as he sets out to help her accomplish her list. With each activity, they grow ever closer together. Unfortunately, as their friendship begins blossoms into something more, there’s Ros’ engagement between them. Will they succeed in crossing off all the items on the list and what happens when marriage to the duke doesn’t seem as appealing as it once was?

Loved Charlie and Ros! I enjoyed all those achingly romantic moments between them like the picnic scene, the cliff by the sea, the alcove at the dance, and of course the letter. The witty banter between them was so entertaining and I relished all their adventures together. I enjoyed the growth they experienced throughout the story as they inspire each other to become better. The last few chapters had me on pins and needles and I could not put it down. Also loved Liza and Ros’ brother Ben. I’m hoping we’ll hear more about them in the future.

This is definitely a well written, romantic story I’ll be rereading. Highly recommend! I received an advanced compimentary copy from the publisher. All opinons are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

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I really enjoyed this Regency romance. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I liked her writing style. Sometimes I get tired of first person point of view, but I enjoyed it in this story. I found the concept of this story unique - a young lady in the Regency era with a bucket list of items to complete before she is tied down in marriage to a duke. Miss Newbury ropes her best friend into helping her, and her friend’s cousin Charlie as well, though unintentionally. And then the fun begins as they check items off her list. Also I don’t remember the last time I read a book with the forbidden romance trope, and I really enjoyed it. I also liked how Rosalind and Charlie’s relationship started out as friendship, and they helped each other face fears and wrestle through tough decisions. This laid a strong foundation to their relationship. This really was a fun book, and the ending was truly perfect! Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for my review copy.

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What a sweet story! It was so gentle in nature, so endearing. Rosalind is a character that grows on you with every turn of the page. She is determined but in a quiet way. I loved her desire for adventure, the bucket list and the journey it took her on. The personal growth that led her to knowing herself better was a satisfying one with a lovely ending.

This is a super slow burn romance- actually more like a friendship for most of the book. In fact, Charlie isn't even a friend at first but obviously that changes. Once Charlie decides to help Rosalind with her list, he's all in. I loved how he encouraged, supported and provided opportunities for Rosalind to accomplish her goals. It was just all so very sweet. If you love regency novels, don't miss this one!

Content: mild peril, sweet ending kiss

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Very cute! Megan Walker is becoming one of my favorites of the newer Proper Romance authors. Solid books with charming leads with genuine chemistry.

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A sweet regency. Megan Walker is new to me, for sure will be looking for more of her books. If you like Regency romance, then I highly recommend it.

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Miss Newbury’s List by Megan Walker is a sweet clean regency romance. I was really excited to get an ARC of this book because I absolutely adored Megan’s earlier novel Lakeshire Park. While this book was a cute story it didn’t quite measure up for me.

Rosalind Newbury is engaged to a duke that she barely knows. She decides that is she could just complete a bucket list, that she made when she is 12 years old, she would then be ready to marry the duke. Little did she know that meeting Charlie would change everything.

I liked the idea of completing a bucket list, but the things on the list were a little silly and sometimes a little boring. I loved Charlie as the hero of the story. He was sweet and supportive and very swoon worthy. I didn’t care for the heroine of the story Ros. She was immature and didn’t seem to care about anyone else as long as she got what she wanted.

Overall the story was fun to read and I enjoyed it. I especially liked the last 3rd of the book when things started picking up and moving at a faster pace. It is a book I would recommend to regency lovers.

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