This book...I loved it. I loved the kids and the extra grumpy hero. I loved Torie and her love for painting and how she stood up for herself. I just loved it.

This is a steamy, tension filled story of Torie who isn't going to get married. But her sister is. To a Viscount. When she leaves him for another and he is in a bind trying to find someone to care for his niece and nephew and and someone who will do it well, Torie does not want him. She loves the kids. But not him. Watching him convince her otherwise and then trip over himself in the process as so good but also so heartbreaking. I texted a friend that EJ tortures like our friend Lorraine tortures and it's just why I keep reading her books. I will be back for more.

5 Stars - Viscount in Love by Eloisa James reminds me of some older Eloisa novels – so full of life! I absolutely loved this book! The characters grab your interest from the start and their conversations are just so good that you really want to read what happens. For me, this book was so hard to put down. Viscount Dominic (Dom) Kelbourne becomes engaged to Lenora but ends up marrying her sister Torie. Somewhere along that path, Torie and Dom fall in love and it is fun to read about. Torie has dyslexia and an eidetic memory and has taken quite a bit of verbal abuse for being “addled” from her family as well as society. There is strong chemistry between Dom and Torie and a fair bit of spice. Such a good book!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Avon Books and Harper Voyager US for the complimentary ARC. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The details in Eloisa’s books are fantastic. You can tell she really knows her settings and conventions of the time period. I enjoy reading those even if I sometimes want to scream at the characters to be more modern. While I enjoyed the first part of this book, I felt that the last 30% or so could have been cut out (the painting tutor and conflict) and I might have finished it with a very happy face. The last part was boring in my opinion and did not add to the story, not really. I am not usually a kids in books stories because I think they detract from the main story, but in this story I loved the kids (can you image being affluential and having tutors teaching you all about history and languages and books). Their quips really made this story for me. Also, we get that Torie is dyslexic so why was it brought up 1000 times in the story. That totally took me out of the story when it kept being brought up. Also, don’t get me started on the mistresses aren’t cheating. I know, I know, that was the time period but I had a hard time with it. Okay, so if the story was cut short and a couple of things were less brought up I would have given this a five star. Will I read more Eloisa James, of course, because she is a great writer.

Viscount in Love is an emotional and witty tale that will touch your heartstrings. Torie has a reading disorder that has inhibited her prospects for a husband. She’s not as acceptable as her suitable sister who is engaged to Viscount Dominic Kelbourne. But then her sister jilts the viscount on the eve of their wedding. Torie is stunned when her father offers her as a wife instead. At first, she refuses. The viscount disrespects her art and doesn’t consider her as much more than a nanny to his orphaned niece and nephew. However, she becomes very fond of the children and accepts his proposal. Neither one expects love to enter the equation. Two flawed protagonists fuel this classic historical romance. For a pleasurable reading experience, add this to your bookshelf now. Eloisa James writes a heartwarming love story in an easy reading style that mesmerizes with memorable characters. I always know I’ll have a gratifying escape with one of her books.

The first in the Accidental Brides series, Viscount in Love follows Torie and Dominic. Eloisa James writes such great historical romances, and this one is passionate, funny, emotional, and, at times, a little heartbreaking.

Dominic has recently become guardian to his sister's children and has been rejected by Torie's sister, whom he was betrothed to. Dominic was, at times, difficult to like. At the start of the story, he's arrogant, condescending, and so closed off. His views on Torie because she can't read, and his underwhelming reaction to her artistic talent, disappointed me. And there were times when his words and actions were so hurtful! Luckily, he redeems himself and proves to be a layered character with an interesting arc.

I’m glad Dominic finally changed the way he thinks because Torie is wonderful. I loved her character, and it made me so mad that she was treated so harshly by everybody because of her inability to read. She is a strong woman, and I love that she doesn't let the ignorance of other define her self-worth. Dominic had a lot of soul searching to do before he could find happiness not just with Tori’s but within himself, and that made me more sympathetic to him.

One of my favorite parts of the story is the twins. They are an absolute delight, and they bring so much character and charm to the story. They’re impetuous, curious, and so endearing, it’s easy to see why Torie becomes so attached so quickly. My other favorite part is the romance. Even though Dominic drove me crazy at times, he and Torie have so much chemistry, and their love story is steamy and passionate. He falls for her first and fast, though he doesn’t really realize that until much later. And I think Torie felt the same. What started as a formal and distanced relationship quickly becomes a passionate romance, and it is fantastic!!!

I did expect a little more development and closure with Torie’s sister and father. I felt like those subplots weren’t resolved. But I liked how the story highlighted inventions, art, literacy, and women’s roles in each. The messages about intelligence and worth, and the literary discussions, which involved a couple of my favorite classics, are fantastic too.

Overall, I enjoyed this story, and I’m looking forward to continuing the series. Special thanks to NetGalley and. For providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own

It has been a long time since I read a historical romance, and Eloisa James just reminded me what I love about them!
Viscount in Love is sweet and funny, with characters that jump off the page. The pace is fast enough that I didn't want to put it down, but slow enough that the romance has a chance to bloom without feeling forced. Completely addictive.

Thank you Net Galley for the ARC, my opinions are shared freely.

The way this book grabbed ahold of me! It stayed with me, and I kept finding excuses to sneak away from my normal day to read further. I was so invested in Dominic and Torie and their lives. Good depth of emotions in the story, and strong supporting characters.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

This was such a fun, sweet read! I was giggling at how silly the characters were throughout the book. The twins absolutely stole the show! I thought Eloisa did a fantastic job bringing the grumpy x sunshine characters to life in such a unique and wholesome way- acknowledging and accepting each other despite their insecurities and perceived shortcomings but also learning to understand and respect each other and their sensitivities.

Themes & tropes to expect:
🐇 He falls first
🐇 Virgin fmc
🐇 dyslexic rep
🐇 Single dad/nanny vibes
🐇 Marriage of convenience
🐇 Grumpy x sunshine

Thank you netgalley for this eARC & the opportunity to read and share my honest review!

It's been a minute since I've read Eloisa James, but I was feeling some good old historical romance and the synopsis got me.

I adored this cast of characters. Dominic, Torie and the twins were so much fun to read. The twins were absolute entertainment. I enjoyed how Dominic and Torie seemed incompatible but worked so well together (after they worked out a few kinks, of course.)

I do wish Dominic would have opened up and let loose a little sooner, and I didn't like how Torie kept such a large part of herself hidden from Dominic for so long. The reveal was done in a way that I wasn't really a fan of.

However, this is still a recommended read, and again, I had a great time reading it.

Clara next?

***I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley.***

Families, Temper Tantrums, Secrets, Admitting Love:
My first time reading anything by this author, and I did enjoy the plot of the story and the characters for most of the story.
I totally enjoyed Torie who is fascinating and sparkling with an Inteligent mind, but she does have a reading flaw that we know today a Dyslexia.
Dominic who is Tories' sisters betrothed has his own issues and I found him fairly blank, but he seems quite fascinated with Tories positive personality.
The story is very involved with a large cast of characters that take the story into many situations. Some pleasant some not.
After conquering theirs fears, jealousy, miserable childhoods, discovering how to show their love for each other the story ends with a rewarding conclusion.
😢 Con: The intimate scenes seemed quite rushed and lacking in sensual emotion feelings enough to make my heart catch. No fan needed for me.
💖I liked the story well enough to read this author again.
💋Adult Advisory🌶🌶🌶
📖Rating: 3.8 rounded up to 4⭐⭐⭐⭐

This story had the potential for being interesting but ended up as a series of tropes: heroine who overcomes a disability (reading) by becoming an artist, humorless hero who suffered under his father's barbs as a youth and now wants to marry for an heir and NOT for love, two young precocious wards, and a pet (rabbit) that is more trouble than it is worth. To summarize, Viscount Dominic Kelbourne proposes to Torie after being jilted by her proper, elegant sister. Torie agrees because she loves his wards and is attracted to the Viscount even though there are a number of things she doesn't like about him. There are some extra scenes, such as a trip to a livestock market and the heroine fleeing to the country, that add nothing to the story.
As mentioned, the story started out promising but became tedious after the hero and heroine marry halfway through the book. I would not want to read this again, which is my measure of a truly great read.

Viscount in Love is the first in a new series by perennial favorite Eloisa James. Featuring a surly viscount and a literally illiterate artist, Viscount in Love displays a return of the wit and humor for which James's characters are best known. Thrown together when Dominic, the eponymous viscount is jilted by her sister, Tori initially wants nothing to do with the grumpy and domineering lord. She is quickly won over by his wards, though. The twin niece and nephew of Dominic are probably the most enjoyable characters in a book brimming with noteworthy ones. Though Tori cannot read, she is well educated and a devoted artist, and she takes the twins under her wing--and they allow her to spread her own wings. In so doing, she realizes that she has limited herself simply because of what society thinks. And her viscount? He realizes that he's been doing the same thing to both himself and his new wife.

The book gets a little long in the middle (tedious melodrama, unfortunately), but is overall a humorous and heartwarming read.

This was a great historical romance.

Torie is a free-spirited painter with the inability to read and write. When she meets her soon to be brother-in-law's orphaned, twin wards she instantly falls in love. The more time that she spends with the twins the more she realizes that her sister will not make the best guardian for them. She realizes that she may never get an offer due to her illiteracy, so she offers to raise them and is offered a proposal instead.

Dominic is a grumpy Viscount that is feared by the Ton. He picks Lenora because he believes she will make a perfect Viscountess. When his sister and her husband pass away and he becomes the guardian to his twin niece and nephew, he starts to question his choice. When he is jilted, he knows that Torie will make the perfect substitute. He thinks that Torie would be relieved by his proposal and is surprised when she turns him down. When he makes up his mind about something he will not give up until he gets it.

This is a great story of two very strong headed people falling in love. The twins add a fun factor to the story. The unconditional love that is provided by both Dominic and Torie is endearing. Even when Dominic is bumbling in his courting you cannot help but love his character.

I love reading historical stories that have disabilities that would not have been socially accepted in history but are now very common and accepted. Torie's dyslexia is a challenge for her, and people treat her in a way that we would never even think of.

The two main characters had great chemistry through the entire book. I was rooting for both of them to get the best happy ever after.

I loved the book and all of the characters. I cannot wait for more books in this series. If you like Grumpy heroes and strong reluctant heroines you will love this book.

Thank you Avon Harper Voyager and NetGalley for this book in exchange for my hones review.

Wow! This story!! Right from the beginning I was hooked. I don't want to give anything away so I'll just say...read it!! I'm definitely hoping for this to be a start of a series!!

Round up to 4.5
Victoria (Torie) Sutton cannot read. The ton learned this fact during her second comeout and has belittled her ever since despite her beauty. When the book opens, she is seemingly sleepwalking through life with no particular goals to speak of. Her sister Leonora on the other hand has always known what she wanted - a viscount. A duke would draw too much notice from the gossips and papers. A viscountess is just the right rank without the trials and tribulations that go with being a public figure. She bags her viscount in the form of Dominic Kelbourne and all is right with her world. Leonora drags out their engagement for years and then the death of Kelbourne's sister changes everything. His sister left twins in Kelbourne/Dominic's care. They are incorrigible and Leonora wants to send them to the country. Torie visits them as their soon to be Aunt and a fast friendship forms. Eventually Leonora breaks the engagement leaving Dominic and Torie in a fix. She cannot continue to visit the twins with no connection to Dominic.
This book is about two very flawed and damaged characters who somehow find their way to each
other and to a healing. While there is action involved in the book, it is very much character and relationship driven. Eloisa James is wonderful with dialogue. It is fast, witty and very poignant at times. These characters felt real warts and all. The twins were real characters in their own right and not cardboard ones as so many children are in books. My only quibble would be that Torie's sister and father's characters did not have a resolution. Other than that, I loved this book and read it in one sitting. A definite positive recommendation for Viscount in Love.
*Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for the ARC in return for a honest review.

Eloisa James doing what she does best!! A sexy, starchy hero, a chaotic heroine who doesn't quite fit in and needs to learn to embrace her own eccentricities, and - of course - a pair of slightly creepy but extremely lovable children. I'd read 100 more books like this if I could.

I absolutely adored this unconventional romance.
Victoria has accustomed herself to being regarded as nothing more than a pretty bit of fluff. Ornamental and vapid. Lacking the mental capacity to hold a conversation about anything of substance.
Her intelligence doesn't manifest itself through her ability to dissect literary works - her dyslexia prevents her from doing that. Because her dyslexia was misunderstood in Regency England, she is ridiculed as foolish and dumb by her family.

Dominic is engaged to marry Torie's elder sister, Leonora. His fiancee is very opinionated, although she hides it well. When her true colors reveal themselves, a calamity of circumstances leads Dominic and Torie to the altar. Their marriage of convenience, while characterized by incendiary attraction, is nothing more than that. A way for Dominic to acquire a hostess for his burgeoning political career and bring stability to his life. It is a way for Torie to escape the confines of her life and spread her wings. A way for her to become both an independent spirit and a mother. A way to garner safety.

The longer they spend in each other's company, the more Dominic realizes that his new bride's often flippant behavior disguises a well-honed, astute mind and a way of looking at the world that is new and enlightening. The longer they spend in each other's company, the more Torie realizes that her handsome, often ill-tempered husband is capable of cherishing her the way she's always wanted.

Watching this stubborn couple navigate their way into each other's hearts was one of the loveliest experiences of my reading year so far.

Eloisa James has been a favorite of mine for over 20 years! However, I DNF this novel. It seemed a departure from her usual style of writing. It will remain on my TBR list and we try it again in the future.

Fun start to a new series from one of the queens of romance. I do enjoy a marriage of convenience that is anything but convenient for both parties. The kids make this book; I about died trying to not laugh hysterically during the plane ride I was reading this book on. Get ready for hijinks and, of course, a happily ever after.

first time reader of eloisa james and i will certainly be reading more. i loved the low drama, high spice in this book and fell absolutely in love with valentine and florence. must read!