Review: A Haunting at Havenwood by Sally Britton

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Nothing will keep Louisa from her great-aunt's fortune. Except perhaps a phantom who turns out to be a most eligible bachelor.

Although Louisa Banner insists she is not the least bit superstitious, she cannot help her misgivings when her family announces she must spend October with her great aunt in a rundown Welsh castle riddled with tales of ghosts. The family hopes Louisa will endear herself to her aunt enough to win a grand inheritance. Louisa’s only wish is to avoid a run-in with any of the phantoms spoken of by the local villagers. When Louisa stumbles upon a forgotten graveyard, and a man whose name comes directly from a tombstone, she isn’t certain whether to run away in terror or stay and get to know the handsome spirit.

Erasmus Grey is cursed, and not only because he sometimes hears the voices of his dead grandparents. While most men would count it a blessing to be a wealthy, eligible bachelor, Ras is absolutely panic-stricken at the idea of finding a bride. Rather than succumb to the matchmaking mothers of London, he retreats to an old family cottage with no plans to return to Society. Though he manages to keep his presence in the country a secret, coming upon a lovely young woman during one of his rambles nearly undoes all his careful work. But when he realizes Miss Banner thinks him a ghost, Ras wonders if he might have found a way to cure his own fears.

My Review

I loved this slow and sweet romance set in an isolated village by the Scottish border. Louisa is a bit adrift, but eager to please her aunt and quickly becomes accustomed to her newfound independence. I enjoyed her lovely personality that is steady with a good sense of humor. Ras has been considered an odd duck with his stammer and preference for solitude, and it was wonderful to see his personality unfold as he befriends Louisa and they entertain each other while hunting clues for the legendary hidden treasure. The haunting by the grandparents was whimsical rather than scary, and their vibrant personalities shone through as they subtly encouraged Ras in his endeavors. Ras and Louisa have charming chemistry and their gentle romance was a pleasure to read!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

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Don't miss the other books in the Seasons of Change series . . .

Review: A Companion for the Count by Sally Britton

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Emma Arlen has spent a decade as a member of the duke’s family, in the position of companion to his daughter and ward to the duke himself. She would do anything to show her support to the ducal family for their love and kindness. When Lady Josephine begs Emma to distract a most determined Sicilian suitor, she agrees at once. How hard can it be to keep one man entertained for a few weeks?

Luca, the Conte di Atella, left his home in the newly formed Kingdom of the Two Sicilies under the direct orders of King Ferdinand I. Luca’s duty as ambassador to England includes everything from negotiating better trade agreements to strengthening the bonds between the two nations. If possible, by marrying a lady of high birth. When he optimistically sets his sights on Lady Josephine, Miss Arlen consistently disrupts his plans. The more time that passes, the more he realizes he does not mind at all.

Continually in the conte’s company, Emma recognizes in him a spirit of adventure and nobility like she has never witnessed before. When the time comes for him to go, will she be able to part with him and keep her heart intact?

My Review

This is a lovely gentle romance with sweet scenes and a character-driven plot. There is a bit of a climax at the end relating to Luca's ambassadorship, but for the most part we get to join the family of the duke at Clairvoir castle as they host the Italian ambassador. Luca and Emma both have formal manners, and his interest in Josephine gives them more time to get to know one another as friends, which provides a foundation of trust and respect when their affection grows into something more. They each believe they are not worthy of the other, which adds to the dilemma they face. Overall, a nice addition to the series and I'm looking forward to reading the next book with a spicier set of main characters.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

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Don't miss the other books in the Clairvoir Castle series . . .

Book One

Book Three

Aren't these covers gorgeous and unique?

Review: Silver Dollar Duke by Sally Britton

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

The last thing Dannie needs is a Victorian gentleman on her ranch, playing cowboy while she’s trying to save her family’s livelihood. Will high stakes and high emotions lead to heartbreak?

Evan Rounsevell, second son to the Marquess of Rothwell, is running as far from his family and responsibilities as he can. His fascination with cowboys takes him from English shores to the Arizona desert, but the days of showdowns are over, and Tombstone, Arizona, is a respectable town. With no funds left, and no desire to call on his affluent family for rescue, Evan seeks a position as a cowboy at a ranch on its last leg.

Daniella Bolton’s fiancé left when the drought of 1893 crippled the KB ranch, but that’s just fine by her. She doesn’t need a man to help her save her family’s land. Especially not an Englishman who looks down on her style of living, like Evan does. She loves her life on the ranch, and no outsider could ever understand what it means to be loyal to the land and her family’s way of life.

Being a cowboy is harder than Evan thought, but as he works to earn his place on the ranch, his heart opens up to the beauty of the desert… as well as that of Dannie Bolton. Watching Evan fight for the ranch she loves makes Dannie realize that not all men are afraid of hard work and troubled times, and loving Evan might be just the salve her wounded heart needs. But when Evan’s family summons him home right when Dannie needs him most, the feelings of betrayal from her former fiancé’s flight return tenfold.

Does Evan dare risk his tenuous relationship with Dannie to fulfill his family responsibilities? Or will leaving Arizona be the worst mistake of his life?

My Review

I enjoyed the contrast of an English nobleman in the dry ranch country of Arizona since I'm a fan of both Regency and Western genres (although this is set during Victorian times). Evan is living out his dream of exploring the Wild West since becoming obsessed with the lifestyle after meeting Buffalo Bill in England. Dannie makes a lot of assumptions about him and projects her negative feelings for charming men (or one charming man) and is not so nice to him in the beginning. I admired his patience and tenacity in his early days on the ranch, taking on the dirtiest jobs until he proved his mettle. The pace of the story is slow but steady as Evan and Dannie get to know and grow to admire one another. I'm used to more action and adventure in Westerns, but this story is definitely character driven and builds upon all the interactions and experiences of Evan and Dannie. The setting is well described and the harshness and beauty of the Arizona landscape came to life in my mind, giving me an appreciation for the people who lived there.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: Mr Gardiner and the Governess by Sally Britton

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A duke’s governess, a gentleman entomologist, and a castle full of flowers is the perfect setting for a summer romance.

As the new governess to the duke's family, Alice Sharpe must learn to control her impulsiveness. Employment in the duke’s household is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and could mean living in comfort the rest of her days. Unfortunately, her first encounter with the duke's houseguest, a handsome gentleman obsessed with insects, proves she may not be ready for the austere role of governess.

Rupert Gardiner has one goal: to have his work in entomology and botany published by the Royal Society. He is fortunate that the Duke of Montfort, believes in him and enlists Rupert to make a record of all the flora on the castle grounds. But Miss Sharpe’s spontaneity and continual appearance during his work is an annoying distraction. At least, that’s what he tells himself.

While Alice struggles to adapt to her new role, constantly striving to go unnoticed while still being herself, she cannot help but admire Rupert’s intelligence and focus. The more often they fall in together, the more her admiration deepens. But could a gentleman such as he ever fall in love with the governess?

As the first stand-alone novel in a new series by author Sally Britton, this story begins the Clairvoir Castle romances. This is a light-hearted series set in the Regency period.

My Review

I found this book to be somewhat tame- definitely a gentle romance, but it was so delightful and charming that I loved it all the same! Not surprising since this author excels at bringing her interesting characters to life. Rupert comes from an affectionate and supportive family, while Alice does not. I loved seeing her blossom as a governess and as a friend to Rupert as he appreciates her artistic skills and their relationship develops quite naturally to a sweet romance. The conflict in the story is Alice's inner struggle with confidence and feeling valued, and Rupert's attention and absences challenge her trust in new ways. The family she works for is rather kind (though it comes as a surprise to Alice) and I look forward to more from this series focusing on some of them!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

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Don't miss the next book in the Clairvoir Castle series . . .

Review: Letters for Phoebe by Sally Britton

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

When Phoebe starts receiving anonymous letters, she never once thinks the most irresponsible man in London is her correspondent. Or that she will fall in love with him.

Phoebe Kimball grew up believing in love, but after failing to find a gentleman capable of capturing her heart, she has turned more practical than romantic. She is determined to find a husband in London this Season. If only the annoying Mr. Fenwick would stop appearing every time she sets her cap at someone! When an anonymous letter arrives warning her that her current target is unsuitable marital material, Phoebe begins a relationship with the letter writer that promises something more than a practical alliance.

Griffin Fenwick does not usually care for women on the hunt for a husband, but Miss Kimball's quick wit and refusal to admit she enjoys his company intrigues him. When he realizes the gentlemen on her list of eligible bachelors is full with scoundrels, he warns her the only way he can - through a letter. As he comes to know Phoebe better, he soon realizes he wishes to put his own name on her list. If only she liked Griffin as much as she liked her anonymous correspondent.

When Phoebe realizes its been Griffin writing her all along, will she put aside practicality for love, or spurn Griffin for even trying to woo her?

My Review

Griffin is my kind of hero! I absolutely loved his personality. He’s fun loving and enjoys making other laugh. His antics entertain society, but Phoebe is disdainful because of his lack of propriety. She’s a bit off-putting at first, but the author skillfully reveals her layers and why she has changed. Although the prologue introduces us to Phoebe and her four close friends at finishing school when they pledge to only marry for love, she is now concerned with finding a good man who will offer security. Griffin’s knowledge of the vices of the men Phoebe pursues leads him to warn her via anonymous letter, and a friendship blossoms through their charming and surreptitious correspondence. I loved how Griffin grew enamored of Phoebe, while she began to appreciate the finer points of his infectious personality. This is a perfect novella with a complete story arc and character development. I can’t wait for the following books in the series!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)


Don't miss the upcoming books in the Promise of Forever After series . . .

Review: Reforming Lord Neil by Sally Britton

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

An arrogant lord cut-off by his family. A penniless widow in desperate need. In their reduced circumstances, can love save them both? 

Lord Neil Duncan, third son of the Marquess of Alderton, finally angers his father enough to be cut off from the family. Neil believes it is only a matter of time before he is reinstated, but time is passing slowly and he needs to eat. His so-called friends have abandoned him, no one else trusts him, and it is not until he comes upon a young widow that he finds someone who needs his help as badly as he needs hers. 

Teresa Clapham has been without a husband's provision and protection for over a year. Supporting her mother and daughter on the pittance her brother-in-law provides has required her to stretch every farthing. When Lord Neil arrives at her doorstep proposing he work for her to earn his keep, she sees possibility in the man everyone else has deemed an arrogant good-for-nothing. 

As Lord Neil works for the first time in his life, Teresa sees in him a tender heart long repressed by his family's expectations - a heart that causes her own to open once more. But her brother-in-law Frederick Clapham is less charmed by Teresa’s new servant. When Lord Neil discovers the secret Mr. Clapham has been keeping, he must decide whether to embrace the man Teresa believes him to be, or fall back on the privileged lifestyle he’s always known.

My Review

Even though Lord Neil played the villain in the first book of the series, Rescuing Lord Inglewood, in the fourth book, Engaging Sir Isaac, he started to grow on me when he proved himself a friend to Millicent. I was thrilled to learn that he'd get his own story where he is the hero! He experiences a jarring transition from total dependence on his father to complete independence- and all the responsibility that comes with it. At first glance he doesn't seem like he would be able to provide for himself, but his newfound humility combined with memories of manual labor as punishments in his youth give him the determination to be useful and no longer a freeloader. I appreciated that while he discovers the satisfaction of a hard day's work, the author realistically portrayed his mental and physical struggles as he becomes accustomed to the lifestyle of a farmhand. The compassion and friendship Teresa and her family offer are priceless to him and his self confidence grows with Teresa's belief in him and reassurances that he is a good man, that this is his true nature despite who he was before. Even with the lovely attraction that blooms between them, Teresa doesn't feel ready for a romantic relationship, especially with someone who is only a temporary presence in her life. She is still working through complicated feelings of grief for her beloved husband, who her brother-in-law claims drained her resources with a secret gambling problem. I loved the protective nature of Neil when he becomes the champion of Teresa against her brother-in-law. His character goes through a complete 180 with what he values in life and that change in perspective opens his future up wide to something he never would have imagined. A wonderful story of redemption and my new favorite villain-turned-hero!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Don't miss the previous books in the Inglewood series . . .

Review: Engaging Sir Isaac by Sally Britton

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

She swore she would win the baronet’s heart in order to break it, never dreaming she would lose her own in the process.

Millicent Wedgwood will never obtain her rightful place in Society, which means she will never have an advantageous reputation, marriage, or fortune. All because Millie's sister eloped years before. But there is a chance to rise above that disgrace if Millie will take part in a dare. If she can win the baronet who insulted Lady Olivia, and then shatter his heart, she will earn back her position in Society with Lady Olivia’s sponsorship.

Sir Isaac Fox returned from war with one less arm and a weight upon his soul. Where once he easily charmed Society, he now prefers to remain quietly alone at home. With a failing estate to manage, Isaac is determined to be more responsible and less foolhardy, which leaves no time for romance. Certainly no time for the infuriatingly enchanting Miss Wedgwood.

When Millie realizes her game has put her own heart in jeopardy, she risks losing everything she has so desperately sought to replace in her life. And though Isaac refuses Millie's advances, he cannot deny her charm. But falling for Miss Wedgwood would mean reentering society and losing the peace he has found since the war. Can they find a way to heal their hearts together? Or will Millie's deception ruin them both?

My Review

I was not prepared for the game that would be played in this story! I don't normally enjoy head games between characters, but this one worked for me- because I could see the conflict in Millie as she is a puppet in the hands of her parents and Lady Olivia. I was rooting for her to make her own choices and yet I could see how she felt like she had no choice, especially when social blackmail is involved. She has a wonderful growth arc in the book as she is befriended by Isaac's group of close-knit friends in spite of his mistrust and learns to be stronger than she knows.

Isaac is going through his own struggles as his wartime experiences have left him a very different man- brooding, grumpy, and tormented. I loved how his sister and friends that in turn starred in the previous books in the series don't just make meaningless appearances, but are an integral part of the story and continue to be the primary supportive relationships in his life. The chemistry between he and Millie ebbed and flowed as they both had hidden or private sides that they had difficulty sharing, but eventually grew to know the genuine person behind the facade.

The tension grows steadily and it really felt like a nail-biter as Lady Olivia gets more ruthless and Millie is torn as she becomes more loyal to her new friends. It was fun to have Olivia's brother Lord Neil befriend Millie in a platonic way and help her surreptitiously, since he played the part of the villain in the first book. It set me up to be thrilled when I learned that he will have his own book!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Don't miss the other books in the Inglewood series . . .