I was fully prepared to hate Mateo at first.

I thought it was gonna be an “asshole to everyone until she breaks through to him and the change is magnificent” moment. I should have known better. Julia London doesn’t do those types of stories. Don’t get me wrong. I love those types of stories during certain moments but not during Victorian Romance novels.

Mateo turned out to be my favorite character in the whole book! He was suppressed and oppressed and I related to him in a way I have yet to relate to to very many male characters. The dual Point of View really helped to get the full story and I just *ugh* like just I love him.

The confidence and knowledge of herself that Hattie had was something to be obtained. She was literally goals. Despite the fact that she knew herself very well, she still had quite a lot of growing to do. Society played a huge role in this Victorian romance. And the way that Julia London made sure to include “modern” thoughts was wonderful. The sass level in Hattie was ultimate goals.

My favorite quote from Hattie to demonstrate: “As if one kiss would chase her from a position she sorely needed. Men were fools.”

Like hello. Literal perfection. There weren’t too many spicy scenes but the chemistry boiled over. I absolutely adored it. After I let myself actually read it, I devoured it.

The title definitely fits the story because Mateo and Hattie put me through the paces. Their story is so very entertaining with some missed ques and fake friends. Throw in some eccentric family members, high society and you have the perfect amount of drama to be completely vexed. I loved Mateo and Hattie, they were so well suited and were the only ones who could not immediately see it. The book was so interesting and kept me completely engaged and alternately, yelling at the pages, laughing, and wondering when they were going to get it together. I have loved reading this match series and look forward to more crazy on the way to a perfect match.

The Viscount Who Vexed Me is the royally entertaining new historical romance from Julia London that is pure enchantment!

Hattie Woodchurch is well aware that she is far from being a diamond of the first water. However, unlike most of her contemporaries, Hattie has great plans for her future which certainly do not hinge on matrimony. Hattie plans to earn her own living and make enough money in order to live far away and not be dependent on anybody. Nothing and nobody will deter Hattie from her plan – until an unexpected opportunity lands in her lap and makes her wonder whether she had been too hasty in erecting barriers around her heart.

Mateo Vincente, Duke of Santiava and the new Viscount Abbott, has just arrived in London and he immediately makes a splash in society – much to his embarrassment. The Ton is very eager to make his acquaintance and he is quickly inundated with letters and invitations – which cause a problem for the shy aristocrat. While Mateo’s spoken English is flawless, his writing is a completely different proposition. He is in desperate need of somebody to assist him and when Hattie is recommended to him, Mateo is sure that her linguistic dexterity is just what he is in need of, but could she also be in possession of other talents that would make her his perfect duchess?

As Mateo and Hattie bond over books and the bizarre quirks of society, a tentative friendship soon blossoms. However, when Hattie’s friend Flora becomes smitten with the viscount, things get even more complicated. Will Hattie jeopardize her friendship with Flora because of her feelings for Mateo? Is Flora the bride Mateo has been looking for all this time? Or has his happy ending been right under his nose all along?

Julia London’s The Viscount Who Vexed Me is a magical Victorian romance that will melt your heart! Witty, emotional, passionate and wonderfully romantic, The Viscount Who Vexed Me is a captivating tale of forbidden desire, illicit attraction and falling in love when you least expect it with a heroine it is impossible not to root for, a swoon-worthy hero and lashings of humor, charm, drama and sensuality to keep you reading all through the night.

A top-notch historical romance from a very gifted writer, The Viscount Who Vexed Me is another winner by Julia London.

The Viscount Who Vexed Me is the third book in the A Royal Match series by Julia London about a foreigner in London seeking a wife. Julia’s writing is witty with great dialogue. She also doesn’t give away secrets easily. Rather, juicy tidbits are parceled out throughout the book, which makes you eager to listen faster and long past your bedtime.

I listened to the audiobook version on this story, which is narrated by the highly talented Justin Hill. He provides varying voices for both male and female characters and inflects just the right amount of emotion in all the right places. Simply put, I can't wait to listen to other audiobooks in this wonderful new series!

Love Julia London! Hattie and Mateo were cute main characters- good dialogue. Fun and fast paced. A must read!

Charming and romantic, full of quick-witted banter, longing lustful looks and makes the heart melt!

Julia London is one of my go-to authors, I have read and loved so many of her books, even before I started reviewing and I still get a thrill whenever I see a brand new book of hers.

And this one is no different!

The Viscount Who Vexed Me is the third in the; Royal Match series and I have devoured everyone, but this one is definitely my favourite of the three. I loved the story, the way the plot flows effortlessly from one scene to the next, the drama, the romance, the gorgeous characters, and the banter all wrapped with that much loved London classic writing style.

Hattie and Mateo are an adorable and very fun couple to watch, I liked the way their romance blossoms steadily, it feels real the friendship is strong but the romance is gorgeous.

Another real winner from a much-loved author and I can't wait for what's to come next!

I didn't fall in love with Mateo, but I did believe their romance. It was a fun read (despite the fact that his mother was an absolute shrew) and I would recommend it to HR fans.

This was a wonderful story about finding love where you least expect it. The man of few words meets a woman with a lot on her mind. They connect and it turns out they are exactly what the other needed, a safe haven with no judgement. The story was fabulous and everything I wanted.

This book reminded me of one of my favorite movies Ever After but with a side of anything that can go wrong will. For this book, we get new characters in the form of Hattie and Mateo who you know just belong together. Instead of evil stepsisters, you get misbehaving family members and a few questionable friends. There are several familiar characters making a very welcome comeback. This was a fantastic story.

I adore Julia London's writing style and I enjoyed this fun romance. Hattie and Teo are so sweet together and their story had me captivated from the very beginning. The secondary characters add a quirky vibe and I can't wait for the next book in this series!

The matchmaker, Lady Aleksander, is at it again. Hired to find a bride for the Duke of Santiavan, she has her work cut out for her. The Duke, by nature, is not a talker, to anyone. How can she find him a bride if he won’t talk to any eligible young lady? This is a delightful story of a delightful young woman who brings the Duke out of his shell and brings light to his life. Loved this story.

Royal Match Book Three.

When Harriet "Hattie" Woodchurch takes a position working as the Duke of Santiava's scribe, she never expected to enjoy it. However, Mateo Vincente is surprisingly refreshing in that he does not make frivolous conversations. He says what he means and is perfectly content to be silent. Hattie helps him smooth out his rough edges in his correspondence and charms his entire household. However, Hattie's family could be her downfall or maybe her salvation?

If you've been waiting for Lila Alexander's next match made in catastrophe, this is the book for you!

Audio Review:
Justin Hill once again knocks it out of the park. He acts enough to add tension, but lets the characters and the story speak.

Hattie felt like she didn't belong in her family, the Duke had similar feelings about his. She was a "no body" but he ruled a country-it would never work.... He is just visiting England and needs help with his writing and understanding English terms. She needs money to escape her family situation with a Dad who will not even buy her a dress, a mom who collects all kinds of things (hoader) and brothers who are running wild. But as they get to know one another, anything can happen. Great characters and many humorous moments. My husband wondered why I was smiling as I read. Definitely a "feel good" book.

The Viscount Who Vexed Me by Julia London, book three in her Royal Match series, is another wonderful, enjoyable, charming, humorous addition to this historical romance series where a royal needs to find a mate and hopefully a love match with the help of a determined matchmaker and recurring characters assisting.

Matchmaker Lady Aleksander has her most challenging match to date. The Duke of Santiava now has the title of Viscount Abbott, and according to everyone but him, Mateo is in need of a wife. He is an introvert and barely social, only as necessary as his title demands. Trying to understand and get a handle on his grandfather’s estate he is advised to hire someone to help him with his correspondence since English isn’t his native language.

Hattie Woodchurch has had a most usual upbringing, her family is most difficult and her father a rich penny-pinching merchant who is not a member of polite society. Her only escape is to earn money to escape the madness of the household. When Lord Iddesleigh suggests she interview for the new Viscount she sees a way to earn the much needed money. When Hattie meets Mateo and he barely says two words, she of course needs to fill in the awkward silence. Mateo couldn’t believe the women, she seems to have no fear of his title. And now the matchmaker and his mother are demanding he meets with several women as possible candidates to be his wife; one which is a friend of Hattie. The longer Mateo and Hattie work together, the more he begins to interact and open up to her as well as discover that he and his entire household are enchanted with his scribe.

As Mateo meets all the eligible debutantes, he finds that he is only truly himself with Hattie and Hattie is finding herself increasingly infatuated with the Viscount. The matchmaker still has a few things up her sleeve to assist this pair, if the Viscount is willing to find his voice and stand up for what he wants.

Ms. London wrote a wonderful story filled with humor, witty banter, warmish love scenes, characters, secrets, heartache, and the magic of love that should not to be missed. I highly recommend The Viscount Who Vexed Me to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Julia London is always a favorite when looking for a historical romance, and she definitely came through again with this one. It's the perfect summer read, and being the third in the series, you get to see some reoccurring characters from previous books. Matchmaker Lady Aleksander, Beck and Mr. Donovan all take a bit of the spotlight for themselves.

Hattie is our gregarious heroine from an eccentric English Merchant Family - not really "Quality" but she can do in a pinch. Her family is ruled by her seriously cheap father, a man with money who refuses to spend it on his daughter or family to a frustrating degree! I've never wanted to throw my reader across the room more! After her Fiancé calls off the engagement due to her family, she realizes that she realizes that no matter how many rules she follows, it won't change her prospects. So, she decides to take control of her own life, without a husband.

I haven't seen a more hard-working heroine, she takes lessons, works at a shop, acts as a companion, any number of things to ensure she has what she wants - because her father surely isn't helping! So, when she's approached to help act as a secretary she agrees.

Mateo, Duke of a small country called Santiava and now, Viscount Abbott is the one who needs the help. While he's perfectly capable of speaking English (and being one of the most sought-after bachelors in London) his written English skills leave him scratching his head as he deciphers his late grandfather's estate papers and correspondence. Mateo is very quiet and reserved to Hattie's more outgoing nature, they really complement each other very well. It was very fun to see their chemistry and witty banter as they got to know each other.

Mateo's mother however is looking for a true English Lady that he can bring home to the Dukedom of Santiava. He fights the process all the way and then eventually Hattie and Mateo are fighting together for their love. This was one of those situations where you knew they would end up together, but you still worried for them because they were just so, so good together!

I definitely enjoyed this book and look forward to more from Julia London. There were definite Bridgerton vibes with this if you've read/watched that series.

All opinions are my own and freely given.

#julialondon #theviscountwhovexedme #historicalromance

I adored Hattie and Mateo's story! It was so much fun watching these two fall for one another! I can't wait to see what London has in store for us next!

Julia London’s third entry in her A Royal Match series, THE VISCOUNT WHO VEXED ME, has, I think, my favorite couple to date. Hattie and Mateo are perfect for each other despite the difference in their social status. Hattie is amazing and works hard to find her HEA and do whatever she has to in order to get away from her embarrassing family. That includes finding jobs for a respectable young lady: a paid companion to her “best” friend, books for a local sweet shop, and her latest: correspondence secretary for the newest addition to society: Mateo, Duke of Santiava and now, the Viscount Abbott, the most sought-after bachelor in London. Matteo is fluent in spoken English but finds the nuances of the written language a bit beyond him, he needs help with not only his invitations, but sorting through the business of his new estate. Matteo needs help, and Hattie is just the person.
Both Hattie and Mateo have family baggage. Hattie’s is embarrassing on all levels, and her father is a piece of work: a penny-pincher who will find any way to add to his fortune, refusing to spend money on his daughter (or, really, any of his family. I would cheerfully have strangled him any number of times. Mateo’s father left a lasting impression on him, he doesn’t talk and would be perfectly happy to stay home and bake. For this reason, his mother enlists the help of the royal matchmaker. Lady Aleksander has her work cut out for her, as Mateo has little to say to her and attends events under protest. Why is it easier to talk to Hattie than all his “options”?
It was so much fun watching Hattie draw Mateo out of his shell and help his confidence grow as their friendship builds. Can they find their HEA together or are they destined to go in different directions? It was great to revisit characters from previous stories, like Lady Aleksander, Beck, and, of course, Mr. Donovan! I highly recommend this if you are a fan of wonderful characters, humor, witty dialog, and fun historical romance (like some of the popular ones out there right now!).
Thanks to the publisher for the chance to read an advanced copy of the novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.
#theviscountwhovexedme #julialondon #aroyalmatch #historicalromance

Hattie Woodchurch is devastated because her fiance can't handle her eccentric family, so she decides to become independent on her own. Meanwhile, Mateo, the sovereign Duke of Santiava, has arrived in London to secure his inheritance as Viscount Abbot and settle his maternal grandfather's estate. His mother has also decided that he would return to the Santiavan duchy with a "proper" English bride. His English isn't that good, and the estate is complicated, so a friend, Lord Iddlesleigh, suggests hiring a secretary/scribe and even finds him the perfect candiate, a graduate of the Iddelsleigh School for Exceptional Girls -- Miss Hattie Woodchurch. As the two get to know each other through discussions other than business, he realizes she's the only one he wants. Now Teo must overcome both his mother and a matchmaker to follow his heart. Fortunately, Hattie has important friends, and they help the couple overcome all of the obstacles.

I loved the action between the two main characters. Mateo is quiet and reserved, Hattie is most certainly not; even though she learned to be part of The Quality she still takes the time to have tea with the help. Lots of twists and turns and help from both Lord Iddesleigh and the matchmaker help the two overcome their difference in stations and their families for their own HEA.

I requested an ARC of this book, and all opinions are my own.

The Cyrano de Bergerac trope is one of my favorites, and it worked so very well for this story. Hattie & Mateo's relationship was very sweet and fun to watch develop. I especially loved Hattie's version of the letters Mateo asked her to write - very clever and funny.

I really like how this series has expanded from the original set, and I look forward to reading more.

I found this book difficult to concentrate on, parts I Iiked others I found if I put the book down I wasn’t in a hurry to pick it up. As I read it it didn’t seem o flow but after saying this I did love bits of it. Mateo and Hattie were a bit wishy washy at times and couldn’t seem to make their minds up about what they wanted, I did end up liking it though I could not recommend it, I personally did not enjoy the storyline .