Really sweet novella about two people who have known each other since childhood, whose relationship progresses beyond friendship to love. The dynamic between them was so interesting considering their family drama and I loved how love grew and prevailed between them despite this. I loved the clever way Mary Balogh slowly revealed their plot to be together even though it wasn't allowed by their families initially. Really sweet story, though it was not as angsty as I expected, I still enjoyed it.

Reginald Mason comes from a wealthy family, but is not considered a gentleman among society in the ton, because he comes from new money. His father has been grooming Reginald for a marriage that will secure his place in society, while Reggie has been living the life of a roguish bachelor. Lady Annabelle Ashton has recently been disgraced by a scandal and is considered damaged goods among the ton, and she has shamed her father, the Earl of Havercroft. Reggie and Annabelle’s fathers see these circumstances as an opportunity to arrange a marriage between the two, to secure a place in society and to avoid a scandal. Unfortunately, these two families who are also neighbors, do not get along, but they must find a way to overcome their dislike of one another.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette Books for an ARC of A Matter of Class. This was my first read of a book by this author.

A Matter of Class is a quick, Regency era read. I found that it had everything that I like in a Regency romance, even though it is a short novella. I felt like Balogh gave just the right amount of insight into Reggie and Annabelle’s characters, with the dual timeline. The dual timelines worked really well for the pacing of the book.

I always like having a FMC in Regency era books, who fights against the stereotypes that women were put in during this time period. Annabelle is a great female protagonist, and there is more to her than it seems.

I also liked the tension between the fathers in the Mason and Havercroft families. It added just the right amount of drama to the story, but unfortunately shows how the lives of women were marginalized during the time.

I really enjoyed A Matter of Class and was able to read it in one sitting. If you are looking for a fast paced Regency romance, that is similar to the Bridgerton book series, then I would highly recommend A Matter of Class.

Title: A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh: A Regency Gem

"A Matter of Class" by Mary Balogh captivates from the first page to the last, weaving a tale of love and societal constraints in the Regency era. This delightful novel kept me enthralled, unable to put it down as I rooted wholeheartedly for the star-crossed lovers.

Balogh's vivid descriptions of the opulent balls and sumptuous gowns transported me effortlessly to the glittering world of the Regency aristocracy. Each scene was painted with such detail and finesse that I felt like a guest at the grandest of parties, swept away by the romance and intrigue unfolding before me.

The chemistry between the protagonists is palpable, and I found myself deeply invested in their journey, eagerly turning the pages to see how their love story would unfold. Balogh has a knack for creating characters with depth and authenticity, making them feel like old friends by the end of the novel.

As with all of Balogh's works, "A Matter of Class" left me longing for more. I savored every moment of this enchanting Regency tale and found myself wishing it was longer so I could continue indulging in its captivating world. Once again, Mary Balogh has proven herself a master of the genre, and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for her readers next.

A short, sweet Regency England story from one of the best in the historical romance genre. Can the son of a fabulously rice coal merchant and the daughter of an Earl marry during this period? Highly unlikely when the haughty nobleman and the proud self-made man hate each other at a time when bloodlines and family provenance is a huge part of British society.. But that doesn’t stop 8 year old Reggie and 5 year old Anna from becoming secret, childhood friends at their adjoining family country estates. Finally , at 24 and 21 they acknowledge that their long standing friendship has grown into something more but that still doesn’t overcome the huge gap in their class standings. The Earl would never allow his daughter marry a commoner, especially when he’s the son of his hated neighbor. But Anna is “ruined” after being caught attempting to elope with a household footman and Reggie is a foppish layabout who huge gambling debt irk his father.

Do you need a Regency romance, with a bit of spice, a lot of heart, and a clever plot? Well, look no further than A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh. Balogh, a true legend in the world of Regency romance, is one of my favorite romance writers and so my expectations were high, but she did not disappoint. Originally published in 2009, I must have missed this one at the time, because I surely would have remembered it. It is a quick, enjoyable, easy read.

We have the rake Reginald “Reggie” Mason, whose father only wishes their nouveau riche family would be accepted into the Ton. Living next door to the Masons we have Lady Annabelle Ashton, who knows Reggie from childhood encounters, but whose father is a snob and refuses to even greet the Masons at church.

You really don’t need to know more than that going in (the only thing I knew was that it was by Mary Balogh and that was enough for me!). I loved this so much that my only complaint is that I wish it were longer!

In A Matter of Class, Mary Bloagh depicts a regency romance set in almost a Romeo and Juliet fashion. While growing up on neighboring wealthy English countryside estates, Reggie and Annabelle were not allowed to be friends because Reggie comes from new money, and Annabelle's father was an Earl. when their young adult reputations catch up, Reggie and Annabelle are forced to marry under their current circumstances. This was a very cute, short, and sweet Regency romance, and while somewhat predictable, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I first read this novella in 2010 and it was one of the first romances I ever read. Nothing compares to reading this for the first time, but I was glad for the chance to read it again to see if I could see “it” coming. Still charming and clever and especially fun to read again knowing what will happen. Highly recommend!

If you need a quick, easy little summer beach read this is the one for you! I immediately got caught up in the “drama” between the Mason family and the Havercroft family. Reflecting back on this book it almost gives a nod to Romeo and Juliet but instead of tragedy it ends in happiness.

I thought it did a good job of having a good rise and fall in the plot and I didn’t feel like the climax was uneventful but surprising instead. Reading the book it felt like there was a filter over the protagonists thoughts. There were things that I was picking up on in the flashbacks that wasn’t coming through in the present day. But it was because the author was waiting to surprise us at the end! All in all a sweet story of unrequited love, family, duty and the pursuit of happiness in a time where class didn’t always allow for it.

Thanks to Hachette Books and Mary Balogh for allowing me to read this early copy of “A Matter of Class.”

This re-released short novel/novella shows Mary Balogh at the peak of her style and wit. The narrative is rich and detailed with a most excellent twist. Recommended for both Balogh fans and as an introduction for new readers.

This was an easy fast read. Having read other books by this author, I was disappointed there wasn’t more to the story. The heroine is nobility; the hero is not. Both sets of parents were caricatures one would expect. The plot had an interesting twist.

An absolutely charmer with a delightful surprise at the end. More Heyer than Austen - which is NOT an insult - I really enjoyed the heck out of it.

I liked this, though it wasn't totally what I was expecting. I didn't realize it was a novella, and it suprised that the entire narrative takes place before the wedding and then in the past during the main characters' shared childhood.

I enjoyed the story, and I kind of foresaw the twist, but it didn't blow me away.

I love the tension between the strictures of the regency period and the strength of female characters defying them without losing themselves in the process. Mary Balogh does a great job in this story of developing characters that change from initial impressions to better appreciation and understanding of them. The twists and turns are delicious! But that is all that I can reveal at the risk of ruining your fun. I love this author and will continue to read her works. They transport me to very different times where the characters are very human and therefore identifiable. "The more things change, the more they stay the same" comes to mind.

A lovely star-crossed lovers' story. The story was told in bits and pieces until the finale. I loved the story and so glad they found each other. Beautiful ending!

Oh, this is DELIGHTFUL! Short, only around 200 pages, this fun story will have you turning pages so fast. Mary Balogh is a dependable storyteller.

This is an unusual take on a historical regency romance, with the store almost being reversed in order! It was refreshingly different, the steam was lower than usual. There were some obvious gaps in the storyline but a fun, light read overall

Loved Reginald and Annabelle's story. Lots of drama! They are initially enemies thrown together for various reasons, and in the end it all works out. Mary Balogh is a classic historical romance author who never disappoints.

I really enjoyed this novel by Mary Balogh. It was a fun, lighthearted read.

Reggie Mason came from a working coal family and his father wanted to buy their way into the ton. Reggie’s father purchased a grand estate next to the Earl of Havercraft. The Earl‘s daughter, Annabelle finds herself in a situation where she needs to take a husband. But no respectable member of the ton will marry her.

This book is about how Reggie and Anna meet, and all the twist and turns that lead to their happily ever after.

I was given this book as an advanced reader copy from NetGalley, and this review is my opinion. I do recommend this book to others to read.

I loved this book for ages. I'm glad to see if it get a fresh push out into the world. I think it is one of Balogh's best books every.

It's innovative and will keep you flipping the pages until you reach THE END.

I highly recommend.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book is a re-release. Anna and Reggie are forced to marry by their parents. I really don't want to give away any of the plot because there are many twists and turns. I love this book so much. Don't read too many reviews, lest it spoil the book for you. Just read the book!
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.