Tag: Regency Romance

Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Entering her fourth Season and approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother’s old school friend, a duke–with no intention of ever sending these private thoughts to a man she’s heard stories about but never met. Meanwhile, she also finds herself intrigued by Marlow, her brother’s new valet, and although she may wish to break free of the strictures that bind her, falling in love with a servant is more of a rebellion than she planned.

When Marlow accidentally discovers and mails one of the letters to her unwitting confidant, Miranda is beyond mortified. And even more shocked when the duke returns her note with one of his own that initiates a courtship-by-mail. Insecurity about her lack of suitors shifts into confusion at her growing feelings for two men–one she’s never met but whose words deeply resonate with her heart, and one she has come to depend on but whose behavior is more and more suspicious. When it becomes apparent state secrets are at risk and Marcus is right in the thick of the conflict, one thing is certain: Miranda’s heart is far from all that’s at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.

My Review:

published in 2015

I was inspired to revisit this series after reading The Hawthorne House novella collection. This time I listened to the audible edition and was just as captivated by this story and these characters!

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Thrilled me to my toes. I adore Regency novels — but Regency novels full of tongue-in-cheek humour is in a category all its own. Stupendous. And not the genteel laughter kind of humour — more like the snorting guffaw kind. Very unladylike. Miranda’s mother would so not approve, but I snorted and chuckled my way through A Noble Masquerade with complete abandon.

This is the kind of book that you want to make last. I found myself putting it aside in order to savor the delight of the read. I’d play over a scene, twist it around in my mind, imagine where the plot was heading and only when I couldn’t stand the suspense any longer, I’d pick up the book and start reading again. It took my three days to read this book. Three days!!!!! (says the woman who usually reads a book a day.)

Captivating plot, delicious intrigue, and an endearing, funny, outlandish romance that will keep you alternately laughing and swooning — honestly, what more could you want in a story?

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback and is available to any reader, any where — so, yay, another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of A Noble Masquerade , leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday January 20 2024.

Miss Harriet Hancock enjoys playing the role of eccentric heiress, using her wealth and influence to cleverly and anonymously better the lives of those in Newmarket. Though she keeps people at a distance to protect a years-old secret, when her friend pleads for help on a personal project, Harriet can’t resist.

Stable hand Jonas Fitzroy would do anything for his twin sister, even if it means seeking out the woman whose meddling ways have made him wary and suspicious. The last thing he expects is for Miss Hancock to request his help in writing a book. Intent on revealing her underlying plan, Jonas agrees.

As they work together, an unexpected friendship forms. But when things for once don’t go according to Harriet’s plan, she’s left wondering if good intentions might not be enough. Is there a way to mend the broken pieces of her life? And will Jonas give her another chance at his heart?

My Review:

Truth: I wasn’t enamoured with Harriet in the previous book…she’s a meddler, bordering on manipulator and thinks she knows what is best for everyone…especially Sophia (heroine from book two) and by default, her twin brother, Jonas. She’s also seven years older than our hero, and that’s not a fave trope of mine. Especially since the gap between 23 and 30 seems so vast, especially when it’s the man who is younger. But that might just be me being old-fashioned and jaded by the old-timey romances that used to feature heroes old enough to be the heroine’s father (shudder) and I know that isn’t this story but, still, I was reluctant. So much so that I read the first two Hearts on the Heath books twice before gathering up the courage to dive into this one.

Ahem, I’m here to publicly acknowledge the error in my thinking, both about Harriet’s personality and the age gap because Kristi Ann Hunter bedazzled me in spite of my misgivings! Lesson learned by a Reluctant Reader: do not judge a book by your own prejudices.

So, is Harriet meddlesome? Why yes, she definitely is, but there are complicated layers to her character and we are gradually given glimpses into her back story that suggest she comes by her…unusual…personality honestly. 🙂 She’s also an expert manipulator — which sounds like a bad thing — only she uses her powers for good. To spare hurt feelings, distract from a social disaster, provide charity under the guise of someone doing her a favour. In fact, she spends a lot of time slyly helping others, often to the detriment of her own social standing. So, Harriet has a heart oozing with compassion, even if it is very well hidden…along with her secrets!

Jonas has never been a Harriet fan. He tolerates her for his sister’s sake since she is Sophia’s friend. And, now that Sophia is married to a gentleman, Harriet has taken her in hand, helping her ease into society. But, my oh my, when those two ladies join forces to meddle their way into Jonas’s life…well, nothing will ever be the same again!

Opposites attract…but royally battle before they recognize that fact! There’s banter and humour mixed in with emotional drama. And such a wonderful faith thread woven throughout that the author provides scripture references by chapter at the end of the book. And no, that doesn’t mean it’s heavy handed — it’s just that Jonas has a scripture for every occasion. 🙂

A wonderful conclusion to the Hearts on the Heath series and I’m ashamed it took me so long to finally read it!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

Paperback available to any reader, any where in the world so, yay, an International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Enchanting the Heiress, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday July 29 , 2023.