This is a fun, historical romance about family, love, forgiveness, and learning to accept others.
When Tory and Dominic agree to wed, it starts out as a business arrangement and a need for a mother for Dom's orphaned niece and nephew. What neither one expected was to fall in love, and come to realize they are each worthy of love and each other. I enjoyed the banter between the characters, and thought the twins added humor to the story. Completely enjoyable.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is a solid Eloisa James. I caught myself at times like, “Is this old school EJ come back to bestow a gift of starchy heroes upon me???” Truly, it was just that magical.

Dominic Kelbourne, Lord Something Something, is starchy as hell. He’s got custody of his late scandalous sister’s children and his fiancé of a million years is even starchier. She’s put off their marriage for a long time cause she’s just not into this dude and his two wards are the end of the line for her. Introduce two hellions to the ton?! Hell no, she’s out on that. But thankfully her younger illiterate sister will just raise them in the country right?

Torie is illiterate. Why? Idk. She just is, people. She just can’t read at all. Is it a sight problem? Is she dyslexic? Idk. No clue, she can’t read and we don’t know why! So Torie’s ridiculed a lot, she’s got some marriage offers but does she really want to accept men that just think she’s an illiterate idiot? (But also WHY CANT YOU READ??) Torie doesn’t want to just retire to the country to raise her sister’s fiancé’s late scandalous sister’s children. She’s got more self respect than just resolving herself to nanny life. She’s committed to helping her sister see that these kids are actually great but only accomplishes falling in love with said children and scaring her sister off. Literally, her sister runs away and elopes with someone else to stay away from these children.

So now Dominic has no fiancé but what he does have is some lust for this woman who has come to the nursery every day and taken care of his wards. And now in true EJ fashion he HAS TO HAVE HER.

This book has a lot of things I absolutely love about Eloisa James books. Starchy possessive heroes, heroines who are like, “Ew, get away from me,” some absolutely PAINFUL hero blunders, some positively delightful groveling. and a really solid romance. SOLID. Loved this one.

Got an ARC, but review is my own

A fun upcoming romance from historical romance pro, Eloisa James! Interestingly, it actually takes place prior to her previous trilogy, as a set of side characters are actually the parents of her previous male lead. All in all, I really liked Viscount in Love. Torie is a delightful heroine. Dominic can be a bit of a pain, but has a good heart and grows to realize how much he loves Torie.

The true stars of the show are eleven-year-old twins Valentine and Florence. They are precocious as can be and stole my heart from their first scene. Torie bonds with them right off the bat, even when she just believes she'll be a future aunt. Orphaned after their distant parents die in a carriage accident, Val and Florence are all too familiar with death, and can sometimes be too smart for their own good. When they learn Torie can't read (while not named on the pages, she has dyslexia) they decide to read books and the stories Florence writes out loud to her. Torie soaks up information like a sponge, and her intelligence surprises those around her who assume she isn't smart since she is unable to read. I honestly hope we get books about both Florence and Valentine in the future, as I think they would both make delightful main characters.

Miss Victoria Sutton definitely does not think her sister's betrothed is smokin’ hot. Viscount Dominic Kebourne is actually for real just sort of mehhh about his fiancé because all he seeks is a woman with serious BVE—Big Viscountess Energy. When he suddenly becomes the guardian to his twin niece and nephew, his wife-to-be would rather NOPE her way to the altar with a lord in his sixties than become involved with children whose preferred topics of conversation include severed heads and flatulence. Dom is in a real pickle, and looks no further than his former betrothed’s sister to solve his dilemma.

Torie, is neurodivergent, dyslexic, illiterate and perfect. She is not afraid to tell Dominic exactly how it is—including turning down about 700 marriage proposals—and I love this for her. She is curious, intelligent, and very boldly herself. The plot twist at the end--BRILLIANT!

Dominic is your typical curmudgeonly lord. He thinks he wants a proper English wife, until he realizes VERY QUICKLY that what he wants is the woman who can’t paint the rear end of rabbits very well, is regularly the punch line of jokes made by her family and the entire ton, and most importantly who his wards love.

Like. VERY QUICKLY. If you’re a fellow feminist who finds the feminism floating right out of their body when they encounter a MY WIFE kinda guy—Eloisa James introduces you to a man who MY WIFEs his wife before they are even married…before she has even agreed to become his wife. In fact he MY WIFEs her while she might technically be affianced to someone else. But our boy have that persistence that only fictional men can make sexy and not terrifying.

I am an absolute sucker for a book with children who steal the show. Valentine and Florence are little weirdos after my own heart, and I adored their relationships with Torie and Dom. They were such a lovely addition to this story.

This was truly a delightful historical romance to read, and I’m absolutely coming back for the second installment!

4/5 ⭐️s

Thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Normally I love Eloisa James and couldn't wait to read this ARC. While this one didn't knock it out of the park for me, it still has much to recommend it. As bog-standard historical romances go, it was exactly what genre lovers are looking for. What starts as a marriage of convenience/a business arrangement leads to emotional hijinks and a HEA. The main characters themselves were only OK, but the chemistry felt real and the classic "miscommunications" are believable and resolved with no one having to act wildly out of character. What really makes this book shine is the twins who are central to our hero's involvement with his reluctant heroine. They are hilarious and precocious while playing off the other oddball characters in the series fantastically. I am looking forward to seeing more in the series and, as always, cant wait to read more from Eloisa James.

✨If he doesn’t start stripping mid-conversation to convince me to marry his gorgeous, gorgeous body, what’s even the point???✨

Do you ever read a book that basically cycles through all the star ratings? Like I thought this was going to be a two star book at points and then there were five star worthy scenes because I was GIGGLING…like that man was so unserious. Spoiler alert that’s not a spoiler because you can see my rating, I ended up really liking it and giving it four stars.

There were a lot of positive reviews that convinced me to read it, so me ultimately enjoying it is not that surprising, but there were definitely points where I was like YOU ALL ARE LYING LIARS WHO LIED. And then I calmed down and realized that yeah they kinda spilled. It was rather fun to see how it would all end up for me because I ended up just fighting with myself over things I thought I was angry about but were actually fine.

To be fair, and to get it out of the way (which I guess is kind of a spoiler but it SHOULDN’T be a spoiler because Eloisa is lucky I didn’t DNF), that man did not have a mistress at all during their relationship!!! But she makes you think he did, and I was SEETHING. I was still rightfully mad that he was mad that she even made the request to not have a mistress, because according to him, “it’s just when men do.” But in my opinion, he actually came back from this quite well and I loved his development and subsequent grovel.

My most favorite part was when he was trying to show off his muscles—because she made a comment about like an actor’s body (as opposed to her sister who was repulsed)—by casually stripping in front of her mid conversation. I really wish I could quote from ARCs because honestly, I think that scene is enough to sell the book. It should definitely be the little teaser included at the beginning.

Bonus points for nose kisses (personal favorite), stomach rubbing when she was stressed ??? (us cancerian girlies with stomach issues really won here!!!!), him getting very turned on by the thought of her being swollen with his child (another personal favorite), neurodivergent heroine (dyslexia), competence porn, baby bunnies, chaotic children, a hero who really puts in the work, plus a fun twist at the end. I’m definitely coming back for book two!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️.5/5


CWs: Dyslexia (I’m only mentioning this as a trigger because she was treated very poorly by society, her family, and even the hero at times for not being able to read, which could potentially be painful for some readers.)


I received an eARC via NetGalley from Avon Books. All opinions are honest and my own.

To be completely honest, Eloisa's last series was a bit of a snooze fest. Why then do I stick with her? Well, because when Ms. James gets it right, she hits it out of the park! Her Desperate Duchess series was similar in that I loved one book and slept through another.

This all brings us back to Viscount in Love, which coincidentally, I loved!

Summary:
Dominic Kelbourne is the uptight, no-nonsense Viscount, engaged to the equally uptight Whatever-Her-Name is. They have been engaged for over two years (red flag much?!?) Lady Saltine Cracker has an eccentric younger sister, Victoria (Torie) Sutton, who owns the fact that she is illiterate but can outdebate most people. Viscount Dom suddenly becomes the guardian of his uncivilized and mouthy nephew and niece. That was the breaking point for Lady Vanilla, who prefers to elope with a man near his deathbed than be a stepmom for two hoodlums. Then we get very Sound of Music (minus the Nazis and singing). They fall in love and HEA.

There were serval parts that I was laughing out loud! Thos kids were hilarious, and they made just the perfect little dysfunctional family.
I will always pick up Eloisa James' books because she can write some gems!

Thank you #NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this story the interaction with the children in the nursery with Dominic and Victoria and what kept being added to the Prohibited List. I will never look at a clothespin in the same way.

Viscount Dominic Kelbourne was betrothed to the proper Miss Leonora Sutton, she had put off setting a wedding date for two years. Dominic has now become ward to his niece and nephew after the death of his sister and husband. Valentine and Florence were odd children they came up with strange stories.

Dominic was still in mourning, but Leonora keep going to balls and eloped with another. Dominic demanded his payment back from Sir Williams immediately. Dominic said instead he will take Torrie.

Dominic has a temper and Torrie can’t read or write, both have a painful past, they have both been called fools. Reading about their love story unfold and Dom learning all about Torrie painting.

Viscount in Love by Eloisa James brought back my love for all things Regency. This book is lovely and easy to read and her lost in. I love Dom for his struggles reconciling himself with the great man he his despite his father’s harsh words. I loved Tori for her strong, confident character despite always being “less than” her peers. Solidly 4 out of 5 stars.

Miss Victoria Sutton or Torie, as she is known to all, is an unusual young woman. She is the younger sister of the seemingly perfect Lenora, who is currently engaged to be married to Dominic Kelbourne, a Viscount with wealth, good looks, and a reputation for his fierce behavior.
Torie has her opinions on her sister's match and on any number of things, but she is kind enough to share them only with her closest friend in confidence. While she has many ideas, Torie is thought of as "lacking" by her family and the nobility due to a learning issue from which she suffers, but she has learned to adapt.
Kelbourne is stern, darkly handsome, and humorless, but a respected member of the house of lords. It is during his engagement that he becomes guardian of his sister's twin children, a girl and boy, due to a tragic accident that killed both her and her husband. These two children are beyond eccentric and quirky and are most likely what would be described today as "gifted." They are also a governess' nightmare. Unfortunately, they have been neglected by their now deceased parents, and these unsocialized sprites are living with their bachelor uncle who is at his wits' end trying to understand them.
The twins, Florence and Valentine, are about 11 or so and are very entertaining to everyone except Kelbourne's fiance, Torie's sister, and this is where the plot begins to evolve.
Torie and Kelbourne both begin to notice each other in a less than familial manner, and lust rears its sultry head. Other colorful characters enter the fray and add to the story as the reader is pulled into the family dynamic as well as the heat of a developing romance.
This is a wonderful tale, funny, sometimes offbeat, romantic, and with a heat between the two main characters that keeps the pages turning. It was one of this author's best, and I highly recommend it. Definitely a book to curl up with and read all in a day as I did.

Fun read. Of course the children took center stage. I like fake engagements and this one was very well written. Good plot, character development and a sizzling remance.

An auto buy author for me. This has all of Eloisa’s style. I admit I had difficulty connecting to the Viscount. He was conflicting in his behaviour. Torie is a classic heroine. Overcoming challenges and looking for love from others and giving plenty in return.

Their relationship was quite frustrating for me. Not my favourite Eloisa James, but always worth reading.

London, England - 1800

Miss Victoria Sutton, known to friends and family as Torie, is not impressed with the viscount that her sister has been betrothed to for two years. He's stern, and clearly shows no real passion for his future bride. However, knowing her sister, Leonora, Torie is pretty sure that there isn't any need for him to be in love with her. He's a viscount, and Leonora is all about being ladylike, and there is certainly no need for passion. Torie wants to wed for love, and so far, as she moves into her third Season in London, things aren't looking promising. To make matters worse, Torie can neither read nor write - something she seems to have inherited from her late mother.

Lord Dominic Kelbourne is known for his strict, solemn behavior, and for losing his temper in the House of Lords. He chose Leonora because she seems to be exactly the kind of wife that a viscount should have. She is quiet, well bred, and doesn't seem to be a needy woman who will demand that he give up his vivacious mistress. But when Dominic's sister and husband die suddenly, leaving behind their eleven year-old twins, he finds himself in the new role of being their guardian. And that could be a problem for both children are eccentric, to put it mildly. Pretty much relegated to a nanny their entire lives, Florence has chosen to write horror stories, and Valentine considers himself smarter than everyone.

Introduction of the twins to Leonora does not go well. She finds them untrained and rude. But Torie immediately falls in love with them, understanding their uniqueness. The twins welcome Torie with open arms.

For Dominic things come to a head when Leonora elopes with another man! He's stunned, but knows he must find a wife soon. With Torie visiting the twins frequently, he soon realizes that, despite her coldness towards him, she adores Florence and Valentine. And Dominic is also more and more attracted to her frankness. But would she consider marrying him? That is a tall order for the brash, independent Torie.

The first book in the Accidental Brides series, VISCOUNT IN LOVE is a delightful beginning. Torie and Dominic couldn't be more different from one another. But they do share a love for the orphaned twins. Is that enough for both of them in a marriage, though?

A great summer read, VISCOUNT IN LOVE will entertain readers.

as someone who loves historical romance, it is shocking to me that it has taken me so long to read an eloisa james book! i am astounded that i would wait so long because it seems this book was made for me!!! i will be working my way through her extensive back log asap°

I loved this book. In this story, Dom, Viscount Kelbourne is set to marry Leonora Sutton, and meets her sister Victoria (Torie). The wedding is not planned/been postponed for years, until Dom's sister dies and he is given care of her 11 year old twins. Torie enjoys being with the twins, while Leonora on some level refuses to deal with them even though she is engaged to their "second father". Right before their wedding, Leonora runs off with another man. There is some ongoing discussion about how Dom needs a nanny for the kids, who are brilliant but hard to handle, but Dom is also attracted to Torie.

A main conflict in this story is that Torie can't read or write. Of course in this day and age we can assume she has dyslexia and dysgraphia, but interestingly enough, her issues never do get solved in the book. She is also a brilliant artist, forced to downplay her talent because of women's roles in this time and place.

The kids are hilarious, adorable characters in the book. They're precocious and don't seem to be all that sensitive to the fact that their parents just died. Both Torie and Dom love them, and she agrees to marry him because she's attracted to him but also to be around the kids.

There is a lot of discussion over their relationship and getting over how their parents have treated them over their lifetime. Dom's father wasn't affectionate and was demeaning. Torie's family didn't take her seriously because she couldn't read or write and weren't particularly nice about it. They have an overwhelming attraction, and enjoy being together but Dom doesn't like being told what to do, and Torie holds her own in negotiating what she will and won't do as his wife.

There isn't really a big conflict in the book, it's mostly about the personalities of the main characters and learning how to take care of each other (and the kids). I liked the characters and it was nice to see Torie stand up for herself and Dom try to change to make their relationship better.

In the current romance reading world this book was attempting a "grumpy/sunshine" trope and the spice level was kind of mid-range. I read the summary that James wrote about the backstory in England in the time of the book, and that was a mistake. On some level James can be a bit more "academic" than others (you know, she went to Ivy League schools...) but using the word "tool" (you know where) in the book was an odd choice for an academic such as herself.

I received an advanced copy and am giving an honest review.

Torie and Dominic’s chemistry was soo good!! I loved how nuanced these characters were and how they grew together. The writing as always was engaging and kept me entertained from start to finish!

Eloisa James has once again proven her mastery in the realm of historical romance with her latest novel, "Viscount in Love." In this captivating tale, James deviates from the conventional trope of the grumpy viscount and delves deeper into the complexities of mental health and societal expectations.

Contrary to popular belief, the viscount in question isn't merely a curmudgeon; rather, he grapples with profound mental health challenges. James skillfully navigates the intricacies of his struggles, shedding light on the masks individuals wear, particularly those with titles in society. Through her characters, she explores not only physical disabilities but also the often overlooked realm of mental health and the effects of past traumas.

One of the strengths of "Viscount in Love" lies in its portrayal of characters who face obstacles beyond the superficial trappings of aristocratic life. James deftly illustrates the daily struggles of those with disabilities and abusive pasts, imbuing her narrative with empathy and understanding. The novel serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength exhibited by individuals navigating such challenges.

Fans of James's previous works will delight in the appearance of familiar characters, adding depth and continuity to the story. The inclusion of a special character, whose significance spans multiple books, adds a layer of nostalgia and continuity to the narrative.

Furthermore, James tantalizingly hints at future developments by introducing a name from her earlier works, sparking anticipation for potential future storylines. This subtle nod to her past works demonstrates James's adeptness at crafting interconnected narratives that keep readers eagerly anticipating each new release.

In conclusion, "Viscount in Love" is a standout novel that firmly establishes itself as one of the best of 2024. Eloisa James's adept storytelling, combined with her exploration of complex themes such as mental health and societal expectations, makes this a must-read for fans of historical romance. With its memorable characters and engaging plot, "Viscount in Love" is sure to captivate readers and leave them eagerly awaiting James's next literary offering.

I was sad to finish this book! The characters were so perfectly imperfect yet admirable (no spoiler here). Mistakes were made and overcome with the foundation of any promising relationship; understanding and forgiveness. Both protagonists evolve as individuals and as a couple. The details of their time were described with clarity,
Torie's superpower was patience, humor, and the capacity to forgive her loved ones despite their human failings towards her. But she was no pushover! She is a wealth of hidden depths, Dominick is not what he seems either. If she was "still water running deep", he was the seemingly impenetrable rock; guess who changes with time. While some characters are less than likeable, the author keeps them in their places. However, Florence and Valentine are delightful. They truly are a conduit between Torie and Dominick, and we as readers can love them too.
I have many books by Eloisa James in my library. This one has earned its place as well.

It is no surprise to me that this story is such a wonderful journey. The author does a great job of writing a story that is entertaining and has enough twists and turns to keep one on their toes while reading it. I felt so sorry for Torie’s affliction, but her attitude about it was so very refreshing. The reason she has the issue is not of her own doing, but to be constantly reminded of it in a negative fashion by her own family is just plain cruel. Dominic has his own issues, trying to get his dead father’s voice out of his head that was so abusive, the wall he built up allowed for no real life lived. Watching Torie bring down those walls with wit and banter was adorable. They both had growing to do, and it was satisfying to watch them do so. The last twist I NEVER saw coming and it is a doozy! The twins reminded me a little of the Addam’s family kids (am i aging myself) They were adorably funny and so precious, I just wanted to hug them! It is amazing what families can do to their children/siblings that causes such horrible issues later in life. I would DEFINITELY recommend this story…you will love it!

I received the book for free and these are my own opinions

Viscount in Love
By Eloisa James
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First off, let me say that Eloisa James is one of my favorite authors. I adored this book and Dom and Torie. The twins, Florence and Valentine, were little scene stealers and quite possibly stole the show!