3.5 stars, rounded up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a historical romance which continues to follow the Hartley family, featuring middle daughter Honoria and conman Oscar.

While I suppose technically this could be read as a standalone book, I honestly would suggest reading the first book in the series. I personally paused reading about 25% of the way through to go back and read book one first and from there had a significantly better experience reading this book, which picks up directly after the events of the first one.

Honoria has been betrothed to Viscount Vandemere since childhood, but no one knows where he is. In order to dissuade her parents from matching her up with other suitors, Honoria invents a fictitious relationship with this Viscount. Meanwhile, conman Oscar Flint is running from some trouble and after meeting Honoria decides that there's no better place to hide than in another persona. They're the only ones that know he's not truly Viscount Vandemere, but must pretend to be betrothed to keep both their secrets. As long as they don't fall in love, what could go wrong?

This was a cute story that gives exactly what you want when picking up a historical romance. With an interesting and funny main family, steamy scenes, and fun characters, what's not to love?

I'll absolutely be continuing this series!

This was almost as good as the first book. I still loved everything about it, though. Honoria and Oscar were fantastic together. Their little “games”, their banter, and I loved how they saw through each other. I loved how Honoria kept saying she wanted to murder Oscar, both of them had a great sense of humor. The sense of family was heartwarming. The Hartley family are unique, but they have so much love for each other. I’m absolutely loving this new series by Vivienne.

It’s just not hitting i’m sorry, it just felt so bland and too close to bridgerton. It kinda feels like a reworked fan fic in some parts which i don’t know if that was the intention orrr

A delightful romp through gaming hells and ballrooms of Regency London, two strangers unite to further their own gains. Will they fall in love with each other or drive each other to distraction? The Trouble With Inventing a Viscount is hilarious, heartwarming, and fast paced. If you like strong willed HEA, you'll love this book.