This book was wonderful. It had a very unique plot line.
I loved everything about it. I enjoyed hearing all about smallpox and how they dealt with the aftermath of it. I can’t imagine being a woman back then and having to rely on either your beauty or money to find a match and then having your face become marred.

This book was just lovely- it’s the first book I’ve read by this author and I can’t wait for more!

The Reluctant Baronet follows a gentleman Scottish chemist turned Baronet and a woman who survived smallpox and is now faced with finding someone to marry to help out her family.

I wanted to like this book as I tend to enjoy historical romances, but it just didn't hit the mark with me. It could simply be because I wasn't in the right mood for it at the time of reading. I might come back and reread to see if my opinion changes in the future.

Don't let my review stop you from reading it though. You could read it and end up loving it!

I had a hard time getting into this book. The author's writing style seemed disjointed at times, and overly descriptive at other times. Though I was intrigued the premise of the book, I was never sucked into the story or the characters.

It was a fun book. Had a sense of mystery to it. And it was engaging. I loved that the characters had flaws. They were relatable.

Absolutely loved this romantic, compelling, unique new addition to the Regency Romance genre! This is the first book I’ve read by Elizabeth W. Watkins and I can’t wait to read more. I enjoy books that include interesting historical aspects and have nods to literary classics. In this book, the author included intriguing discoveries in medicine and chemistry as part of the story as well as nods to A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The mystery, romance, and witty banter really kept me turning the pages.

Russell Parkinson is a Scottish chemist who’s done well for himself by making new, life saving discoveries. The last thing he expects is to be made a baronet. His friend convinces him that his new title and role in parliament will help him continue his important work. Meeting Selina Clifton was not part of the plan. Her intelligence and wit immediately draw him to her, but Selina seems to have another interested suitor. Will he be able to win her love?

Selina needs to marry to help save her father’s estate. Her bout with small pox left her with scars, but also made her more resilient. She has a suitor, but the dandyish man doesn’t really appeal to her. Meeting Sir Russell is like a breath of fresh air. She’s intrigued by his work and enjoys his forthright manner. But, the road to true love is fraught with difficulties and nearly insurmountable odds. Will she be able to find real happiness?

Loved Selina and Russell! Loved Russell’s forthright, blunt, Scottish demeanor. Selina is such an endearing character who you want to see get a happily ever after ending. Her two friends are also delightful. The mystery and tangles they all find themselves in seem insurmountable, but I loved the way everything was finally resolved. The beginning was a little confusing because so many characters were introduced at once, but after a few chapters I was easily able to sort out who was who and their relationship to each other.

I highly recommend listening to the audiobook version. The narrator did a fantastic job bringing the story to life and I enjoyed the way she distinguished each character especially Russell’s uncle with his Scottish brogue. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher but also purchased the audiobook. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

I was interested to read this book because of the blurb. Plus, it is a sweet clean regency book. The plot was intriguing. I wanted to like the characters. Unfortunately, it can sometimes get a little overwhelming because there are quite a few characters. I guess I couldn't connect with any of the main characters as I would've liked. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

This book intrigued me so I expected to enjoy it. I was not disappointed, the characters are well drawn and one can't help but champion them. I loved the modernity of the writing but in keeping with period also. The romance was dealt with pretty much early on, but the happy ever after had to wait with misunderstandings and confusion abounding. I can definitely recommend the The Reluctant Baronet, I think Russell might be one of my favourite heroes of late. The social issues of the day are given some coverage which only added to my interest. Well done Ms Watkins for an excellent read. Thank to Netgalley for the chance to read an ARC of the book.
#TheReluctantBaronet #NetGalley.

I enjoyed this Regency Romance by Elizabeth Watkins. I really loved the characters and how neither one of them was looking for love. I loved how well researched this book was and how those facts were included in an entertaining story. I loved watching Selina and Russell’s romance develop and wondering how things would work out in the end. I thought this book was well written with lovable characters.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

I love the regency England time period with the balls and social engagements and the intrigues. I especially enjoy seeing women who are overlooked as less-than stand up for themselves and thrive. This fits Selena perfectly. She is self-conscious because of scars on her face. She’s ready to make a desperate decision to save her family’s estate when she finds herself with not one but two suitors. She is a marvelous, strong woman and very determined. “She was almost certain that the slight headache she had been feeling ever since Mr. Hallett’s arrival could be magnified into something of significance, if only she set her mind to the task” (location 1428). That made me laugh.

Russell is a fascinating character. He is a chemist studying the effects of mercury, child labor, and more to see if he can improve living and working conditions. I loved the way he saw scars as a thing of beauty.

This is my first book from this author. I’d definitely read more. It was clean and enjoyable with interesting characters. I’d recommend it.

Thank you to Covenant Communications for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

The premise of this story intrigued me. The heroine, Selina, is a small pox survivor. The hero is a baron from Scotland who doesn’t want to be a baron. He is also a scientist. I wanted to like this story, but I just didn’t. The meeting and falling in love seemed kind-of rushed. Then they spent a lot of time apart which kind-of dragged out. The addition of two more complicated couples really distracts from the main couple. There were lots of details but I didn’t really connect with the characters. I hate giving these kinds of reviews.
This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review.

Mr. Russel Parkinson, first Baronet of Oakhurst Park, the son of a Scotsman, is a chemist and received his title by royal appointment from Prinny. Russel has developed a substitution for quicksilver/mercury in making hats. Now as a baron with his friend the Earl of Kersey, their goal is to push forward laws for the good of the common man in the House of Lords. Thoughts of marriage become a reality when Russell finds the lady he wants for his wife. Just as Russell decides to propose, disaster strikes. Three young ladies and three gentlemen are left with broken hearts. What possible hope is there to change the future? It's an emotional rollercoaster ride in a surprising twist to correct three wrongs.
A clean romance moving at a slow, sometimes confusing pace for happy ending. A new author for me to voluntarily read and review an advanced copy of this book.

The Reluctant Baronet is a sweet love story, that isn't sappy. Love sees beyond physical flaws, so growth can occur. Not all scars are visible. Some are hidden. Allow others to be open with you, by being open with them.

This was an enjoyable read. I found the Scottish traditions interesting and informative. The author uses unique vocabulary that kept me on my toes. The plot was engaging and had me anxious to see how the different love stories would work out. She did a great job at resolving the issues in the story. Not only do you get one love story, you actually get three in this novel by debut author, Elizabeth Watkins. Now I need to know if Uncle Tor gets a second chance at love. 😉

There was alot going on in this book!! And it was a SLOW BURN at a snails pace. But it was a good book. I quite liked it and appreciated the thought that went into it. Russel doesn’t want to be a Baron, he doesn’t want to marry, he just wants to live his life and experiment to his hearts content. But thanks to his friend Garrett, he is made a Baron and introduced into the TON, something he isn’t too happy about. Until he meets Selina, a woman scarred from illness who carry’s her head held high for the people she loves and their memories. She needs to marry, and it needs to happen this season. When Russel meets Selina, he changes his entire outlook on life. There are THREE love stories in this book and at first it was a little hard to keep them all straight, but once you figure out their names, the stories unfold quite nicely.

4.5 Stars

*I received aa copy of this book as an ARC reviewer, but a positive review wasn’t required. All thoughts are solely what I personally thought of this beautiful book.❤️❤️❤️

A sweet regency romance with a subtle mystery. A good debut novel from Elizabeth W. Watkins.

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

3.5 stars. Elizabeth Watkins is a new author to me, but I love the books I have read from this publisher, so I thought I would give it a go. I struggled at the beginning of this book. I had to restart it a couple of times to get into the flow. It felt like it was heavy in dialogue and words but no storyline plot. As I pressed on it became more interesting, and I began to enjoy the story. Then out of nowhere is this strange conversation between two brothers that are not named. I will say there were times, I didn’t think I could finish the book. The author definitely did her research on the many diseases and issues with the underprivileged. Set in the regency era, I felt like it was more historical than romance. There was marriage of convenience, some attraction, but no swoony type moments. The characters are interesting. As the plot thickens, there were definitely times I was enjoying the book but I don’t feel compelled to read it again. If you are inclined to read historical fiction with a little romance and a lot of Medical information (or a dislike of beaver hats), you may enjoy reading it. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Just so much fun! I did love that it wasn't just the main love interests point of view. We also go another view that helped immensely and has a bearing on the story. You don't know at first who it is, but it eventually comes out and it all blends beautifully. The story is beautiful. A lady who thinks she is too flawed to have a love match, and a man who thinks he is not worthy of the title he holds. Their story is sweet and honest. I loved every aspect of this story!

This was a sweet romance story by a new-to-me author. It was an enjoyable read and I appreciated Russell’s love for Selina.

It was a bit hard for me to keep track of all the characters and at times I had difficult understanding whose perspective we were in.

But if you like clean, regency romance novels with lots of historical details, you may enjoy this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Russell Parkinson never wanted to be a baron. He is mostly interested in science, his experiments, and helping others. His friend "helps" him do all of that on a larger scale by becoming part of the ton.

Selena wants to preserve her father's legacy and the servants that have become "family". But in order to do that, she must marry. Problem is, she has scars.

Russell and Selena find in each other a meeting of the minds and hearts. They are not definitely not impressed with the ton's focus on the outward appearances. But will it be enough to overcome the obstacles that are placed in their path?

These characters really had some things to overcome. I did enjoy their courtship and how they got to know each other.

I think I enjoyed this book more reflecting on it than I maybe did in the moment. The pace really picked up about 55% of the way in and the storylines finally started coming together! And then all the "plot thickens" events. The ending seemed to be strung out a bit. It was a good story but I think I was hoping for a little more... punch? umph? impact? I don't know. It's probably a total mood thing. Overall, a solid 3 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley for an eARC.

It started off a bit slow for me. There are parts where it switches to an elder and younger brother, but doesn't say their names and I was very confused as to what their part was in the story.

The last half of the book was better paced and had was more enjoyable than the first half. I would have enjoyed more interaction between Selina and Russell as they got to know each other, instead I feel like most of their interactions when he visited were just skimmed over.