This was not my favorite book by Chalon Linton. It didn’t hold my interest as much as I would have liked. I usually finish a book in a day or two but this one took me 4-5 days. Chiara is not a likable character. I could see her growth throughout the book, but I still have a hard time with a demanding, self-pitying main character. I also have not read the previous book that contains Pheobe’s story and it was a little confusing with all the other characters mentioned. I would definitely read that book first before starting this one. Overall it was a well written regency romance, but probably not one I’d pick up again.
Thank you to Covenant Communications and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Abraham is a very proper gentleman who hasn't found a profession yet. Chiara is a fiery Italian that is bold to hide her frustration with her inability to choose for herself and her loneliness. When the two meet there are fireworks. This is an enemies to lovers trope. I loved Abrahams family. They are fun, loyal, full of personality and close. I really enjoyed this book.

Chiara starts unlikeable but her growth is worth reading. Abraham has healthy boundaries. Watching them fall in love was a very enjoyable experience.

I really enjoyed this sweet historical romance. Abraham Jamison is the second son of an untitled gentleman, he has no prospects and isn’t sure what to do with his life. Chaira is the daughter of an Italian Baron, never allowed to make any important decisions for herself she acts out any way she can to have some control over her life. When the two meet and Chiara tries to manipulate Abraham into doing her bidding she soon realizes her mistake. Although their association starts off in the wrong foot they cannot deny their growing interest in each other. Too bad Chiara has to marry a titled gentleman because she is increasingly impressed with Abraham. I’m always a sucker for forbidden romances and would recommend this book to anyone who feels likewise.

I'm a bit conflicted on what rating to give this book. It is a good story and well written. My problem comes from the fact that as much as I adore Abraham and his siblings, I really didn't like Chiara. I loved Chiara's brother too, even though he has learned some of his sister's behavior, but I just couldn't like her. Once well into the book, I understood her as the author intended for the reader to do, but still didn't like her. In the end, I could say that I'd started to like her a little bit but I can't help but wonder if she is going to throw tantrums even in her marriage. So you see my dilemma.

I do look forward to reading about the marriages of the other brothers. The siblings have a fun dynamic. There is a lot of great banter between them. A lot of good natured ribbing and some competitiveness as well. Their family is great. Much of Chiara's difficulties are based in the fact that her family isn't so great. Pretty dysfunctional in fact. I should cut her some slack because of that.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. I just wish I enjoyed Chiara as well.


No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC through NetGalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

I enjoyed Chiara's character, as an Italian lady who carries the weight of the expectations her family has for her. Her wit brings a liveliness to the story that's enjoyable, as well as her relationship with Abraham. If you enjoy historical fiction, you'll enjoy this.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

I loved this book by Chalon Linton. She wrote an amazing story with beautiful characters.

I just reviewed Chiara's Choice by Chalon Linton. #ChiarasChoice #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

Chiara’s Choice is not for me as my first Chalon Linton book. Chiara initially is not a likable character. In fact, she is bit of a brat. She wants her relationship with Abraham to proceed on her time schedule. Really? She speaks her thoughts aloud in her native language of Italian and does not have a clue that someone might know. “She could discern when to dole out her praise and attentions according to her wants.” Chiara is pretty much a brat.

Abraham is determined to not like Chiara because he begins with his belief that she is not for him. So, he is rude to her when she tries to get him to dance with her. Once he decides to befriend her, he continues to not let her know that he knows Italian even though he knows it will cause problems? When he tries to apologize, she blames him for not being allowed to have choices. Again, really? They just met!

Not sure these two should get together. No chemistry. Both are really self-involved with expectations that are too high and idealistic. It is as if Chalon Linton is trying to make Chiara into a strong female and Abraham into the man who will appreciate her. Instead she comes across as a bit b……. and he seems to not even know what he wants to do with his life as a second son. Geee, find your way. You have known you were not going to inherit the family seat. Get on with your life.

I feel like it’s been forever since I’ve been lost in the pages of a book by the amazing Chalon Linton. I’ve been anxiously waiting to get more of the Jamison family and be able to read each of the brother’s stories. So as soon as I found out we’d be getting Abraham’s book I was so excited. Add into that the fact that the heroine is Italian and I couldn’t wait to start this story.
Abraham’s quiet steadiness was the perfect match for Chiara’s strong out-going personality. These two were so fun to see and experienced how their relationship progressed. The push and pull between them created some great moments of romantic tension.
Strangely enough I also loved Abraham’s struggle with what to do with his life. As a second son he’s unsure of what to do with his future and how to move forward in life. So many times books are about the oldest son, so it was very interesting to get this perspective and insight into how a second son would make a living and support a family.
And of course I can’t not mention the fantastic, hilarious, and totally relatable relationship the Jamison siblings have. Getting a glimpse into the dynamics of this family is always so entertaining.
While overall I did LOVE this story there were a few small things that added up to be enough to not give this book the full five stars.
Most of that reasoning comes from the simple fact of how long it took me to finish this book. Despite being a stay-at-home mom I can finish books fairly quickly, so when a book takes more than two-three days to finish that speaks volumes to me. It means it wasn’t as exciting/engaging enough for me to do all I can to have the time to read and finish the story. This does NOT mean the book was boring or “bleh” because I still love this book and plan on buying it to add to my library, but just that it didn’t have that extra bit for me to stay up late or sneak in extra reading time throughout the day. Other than this, there were just a few things that prevented me from giving the five stars, and they are:
* In the beginning I really struggled liking Chiara, and even throughout the book I didn’t like how she acted. It is explained and I do “get” why she is the way she is, I just personally didn’t love some aspects of her personality.
* Also, having lived in Italy, learned Italian, and met my husband there (and my husband is still 100% fluent in Italian) it was a bit frustrating when the Italian wasn’t correct. It only happened a few times but it was enough to be a bit bothersome.
Overall I did LOVE this book and now I am so excited and ready to get the next story about either Geoffrey or Peter. I love Chalon’s writing and will always look forward to any and every story she decides to publish. This is the perfect book for anyone looking for a sweet historical romance.

This was a fun addition to this series, I like this authors writing style. It builds on past characters and adds new fun characters. Looking forward to the next one in the series.

This was a sweet book. It took me a little bit to get into it, but I ended up enjoying it. Chiara’s Choice is written by Chalon Linton and it follows closely after Forever Phoebe.
Abraham and Chiara were interesting characters. I was able to connect with Abraham from the beginning, however Chiara had to grow on me. I liked how steady Abraham was but how his family brought out the best in him. He was steady but he was also trying to figure out his plans for the future. He never expected Chiara to challenge him and make him reconsider life. Abraham had to learn to fight for what he believed in.
Chiara was more complicated. She presented a mask to society but underneath her mask, she was struggling. As I mentioned, Chiara had to grow on me but as I read more I grew to understand her. Abraham truly saw Chiara behind all of her masks and airs. Chiara had to learn to let others in and be willing to be vulnerable.
Chiara and Abraham balanced each other out. I like how they could match each other. They were drawn to each other from the beginning, but they had to work through their differences. The side characters were so much fun! I love Abraham’s siblings and Chiara’s brother.
Chiara’s Choice was a cute book. I enjoyed it and I would recommend it to those who enjoy historical romances. I am excited to see what the next book will hold, Abraham’s siblings need their own books.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Chalon Linton did it again! I really enjoyed Chiara’s story and how hard she had to fight to gain trust. Her love of her brother is incredibly heart warming and made me instantly like her even though she put on a front of being so self assured. I recommend this book to all those who love historical romance.

Breathtaking novel! Beautifully written, captivating from beginning until the end. Chiara, the heroine, most certainly has a choice and it is Abraham Jamison! The ever proper and handsome hero Mr. Jamison struggles with this beautiful and entertaining young lady for she is the one doing the chasing! Highly recommend this book!!

This was stunning! The plot was well-paced and completely captivating from start to finish. The characters were well-developed; complex, and intriguing. I highly recommend this beautiful telling of the power of love. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

I really enjoyed then story! I enjoyed seeing a relationship bloom between two individuals from different backgrounds. Chiara is the daughter of an Italian Baron, who has an absent, abusive father and a mother who want to control all of her choices. Desperate to control something in her life, Chiara is know to act out and be overbearing. But when she meets Abraham, she sees a challenge and someone who doesn't fall for her antics. From there, falling in love was easy, but being able to be together will challenge their relationship.

When expectations don’t align with feelings
This book has a more slowly moving plot and spends more time on character development. Chiara is an Italian noblewoman of marriageable age and her parents want he to marry well, meaning someone who can help her family increase or maintain its status. After prospects are not looking promising in Italy, her father sends her, her mother, and younger brother to England to marry someone meeting their standards and preferably with a title. Chiara chafes at this directive as she wishes to have some control in her life especially in the choice of her spouse. When she meets Abraham Jamison, a second son without wealth, status, title, or prospects, she is intrigued when he dismisses her saying that he does not meet society’s or her standards, so he should be of no interest to her. Thus begins the story of two people who, according to set standards, should not have any interest in each other and their growth and changes as they get to know each other better. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.