Can't Wait for Mr. Eastwood's Match

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

Mr. Eastwood's Match (Gentlemen of York, # 1)

By: Sally Britton

Expected Publication: November 20, 2025 by Pink Citrus Books LLC

pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Lyness Eastman has always lived in the shadow of his elder brother, a baron, but he’s never minded. A second son without a title, Lyness finds solace in his quiet life in York, tending to family affairs and avoiding the scrutiny of London Society. His only regret is Lady Emily Sterling, the vivacious daughter of an earl whose smile has haunted him since their brief meeting during a London Season. But Lyness knows his a man with a stutter and no title of his own has no business winning the heart of a noblewoman.

Lady Emily Sterling is finding her footing in her new life. With her father’s unexpected inheritance of an earldom, she’s thrust into the world of nobility, a place she’s not sure she belongs. Despite her family’s support, Emily’s missteps leave her questioning whether she’ll ever live up to Society’s standards. Seeking refuge from London’s critical eyes, Emily spends the summer in York, where she hopes to hone her manners and embrace her new role.

Fate brings Lyness and Emily together once more in York. Drawn together through curiosity, they form an unexpected friendship. Lyness becomes her patient guide through York Society, offering gentle encouragement. But despite his growing affection, Lyness is determined to remain nothing more than a friend. A humble second son could never be Lady Emily's match.

But as the green leaves of summer turn to gold in autumn, Lyness and Emily find themselves drawn closer. When their friendship blooms into something more, will Lyness overcome his doubts and believe he’s worthy of her love? And can Emily show him that sometimes, the truest nobility is found in a kind heart and steadfast devotion?

A sweet historical novel brimming with romance, Mr. Eastman’s Match is a tender tale of friendship, self-discovery, and the courage to speak from the heart.

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

Can't Wait for A Bachelor's Lessons in Love

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

A Bachelor's Lessons in Love

By: Sally Britton

Expected Publication: April 30, 2025 by Pink Citrus Books LLC

? pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--A reluctant guardian. A determined spinster. A battle of wits that might just end in love.

Former military officer Edward Halstead never imagined his quiet bachelor existence would be upended by the unexpected guardianship of a spirited young lady. When his late comrade’s daughter, Daphne Price, is placed in his care, Edward is faced with a challenge unlike any battlefield he has ever encountered, especially with her fiercely protective aunt, Felicity Price, staying in his home to ensure he doesn’t fail in his duty.

Felicity has dedicated her life to her beloved niece, and she has no intention of leaving Daphne in the hands of a gruff and emotionally distant bachelor. If Edward Halstead believes he can simply house, feed, and marry off her niece without regard for her well-being, he is sorely mistaken. Felicity will remain at Briarwood House as long as necessary to ensure Daphne’s future and to make certain Edward doesn’t ruin it. After all, she doesn't want her niece to end up a spinster...like Felicity.

With Felicity and Edward at odds over Daphne’s upbringing, propriety, and the girl’s future, tension sparks and tempers flare. Yet, beneath the clashes and differences of opinion, an undeniable attraction grows. As Daphne’s entrance into Society looms and Edward’s past resurfaces in unexpected ways, Felicity and Edward must decide if their partnership is merely one of convenience or if love has been the lesson they’ve both been waiting to learn.

Perfect for fans of witty banter, slow-burn romance, and fiercely independent heroines, A Bachelor's Lessons in Love is a Regency romance filled with heart, humor, and unexpected love. Part of the Bachelors of Blackstone's series, the books may be read and enjoyed in any order.

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

Romancing the Artist - Review

Romancing the Artist (Return to Inglewood, # 1)

By: Sally Britton

Expected Publication: Pink Citrus Books (March 31, 2023)

? pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Amazon description--A farmer's daughter doesn't belong in high society, even if she is a talented artist. And a gentleman training to take over the family estate can't afford distractions. But when the two of them meet, their whole world shifts. Can they overcome their fears, or will love remain out of their reach?

Caroline Clapham isn’t a world renown artist—she’s simply a farmer’s daughter possessed of natural talent with a paintbrush. Talent that her mentor, the Countess of Inglewood, is happy to foster for a summer at her beautiful seaside estate. Caroline’s friends, including a persistent suitor, warn her that the season will end and she will return home as insignificant as ever, and will have to settle for a life far less grand than she imagines. But that won’t stop her from pursuing her dream, or finding a new friend in the handsome Mr. Everly.

Mr. Edward Everly is preparing to take the reins from his father. Everything about their home and family will fall under his care, including the land, their tenants, and all the responsibilities of a gentleman—including marrying the girl his parents have chosen for him. Overwhelmed and uncertain about his new role, Edward stumbles upon a beautiful artist in the woods. As he comes to know Miss Clapham, her way of looking at the world restores his confidence and makes his heart light. Before summer’s end, he cannot imagine a life without her.

Friends and family alike have warned against Caroline and Edward’s relationship. Edward has a role to fill, and he needs a companion who is up to the task. If Caroline leaves behind a life of finer things, she risks losing more than just her dreams of painting. Will she choose to remain in the world in which she grew up, or take the steps necessary to prove herself a worthy match for Edward?

***

The Return to Inglewood novels are a continuation of the stories in Sally Britton's Inglewood series, following the children of the heroes and heroines of Inglewood. This series can be read out of order and without reading Britton's previous books. All books in the series are sweet romance with no steamy content.

Oh my goodness guys! This one slipped through the cracks. I listened to this book on audio back in December, and I'm just now writing my review in March. That's more than 3 months between when I finished it and writing the review. All of that to say that I know I'm forgetting a ton of the details.

I do want to say that I really appreciate Sally Britton putting her audiobooks on YouTube for free. I wouldn't get to many of these books without authors like her. I don't know how she manages to do it, but I love and appreciate her for it. Marian Hussey did a wonderful job narrating. She captured this story wonderfully.

If you're familiar with the Inglewood series by Sally Britton, then you're well familiar with Neil Duncan. His story was Reforming Lord Neil, where he fell in love with a widow, Teresa Clapman. Teresa's daughter, Caroline, stars in this story along with a younger Everly sibling, Edward.

Caroline is a budding artist. She has come to Inglewood to learn from Esther, the Countess of Inglewood, from Rescuing Lord Inglewood. Caroline is a gentleman's daughter, but her family is now used to simpler circumstances. She doesn't know all of the ins and outs of the gentry. She has an encounter with Edward Everly, and the two become allies.

Edward agrees to help Caroline with her art if she will help him deflect attention from his family and his friend's family trying to match them. Caroline doesn't mind pretending to court Edward since she plans to leave Inglewood. And she really does need someone to sit for some of her art pieces. Through all of this, Edward and Caroline realize that the feelings they have aren't fake after all.

Romancing the Artist was exactly what I wanted. It was a fast listen that pulled me in quickly and hooked me into characters I cared about and rooted for. I wanted them to succeed individually as well as collectively. I have no idea who else will find themselves from and center for the Return to Inglewood series, but whoever it is, I'm here for it. Romancing the Artist gets 4 Stars. Have you read (or listened to) Romancing the Artist? What did you think? Let me know!

Silver Dollar Duke - Review

Silver Dollar Duke (Hearts of Arizona, # 1)

By: Sally Britton

Publication: March 1, 2021 by Pink Citrus Books

320 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: YouTube Audiobooks

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--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 fulfil his family responsibilities? Or will leaving Arizona be the worst mistake of his life?

I've been blowing through Sally Britton's audiobooks on YouTube. And well, it was Silver Dollar Duke's turn. I wasn't sure about this series because westerns aren't usually my jam. My dad loves the old movies, but I guess they fell into the category of things I rebelled against. I don't think I hated them simply to rebel, but I can't be sure. Anyway, I've enjoyed Jody Hedlund's Colorado Cowboys series, so I thought I would give this a try. Honestly, I was a little disappointed.

Dannie has had to step up on her father's ranch since he had a heart attack a while back. Her mom passed away years ago, and her brothers are a big help in the physical labor department, but they don't know the ins and outs of running the ranch or the financial aspects of it. And Dannie is doubly protective after having nearly given herself away to a man who was only interested in the ranch. When Evan shows up looking for a wild west adventure, she can't be bothered to give him the time of day.

Evan has no interest in his birthright. It isn't much anyway. As a second son, the best he can expect is to live on and run an estate that essentially won't belong to him. His heart burns for adventure, and he's always longed to see the American wild west. He doesn't expect to stay long-term, and he definitely doesn't expect to fall in love with the daughter of the rancher he's employed under.

Perhaps the biggest challenge for me was that I wasn't in a position to listen to this audiobook at regular intervals. And I know that the longer it takes me to finish a book, the less my enthusiasm will be. While the writing was sound and what I would expect from Sally Britton, I just found that I couldn't connect to Dannie or Evan. The narrator was good, but maybe I'm partial to Jessica Elisa Boyd. Of course, her narration wouldn't have made as much sense given the accents of the Arizona west.

All in all, I might have to say that Silver Dollar Duke has been my least favorite Sally Britton book. I guess one book has to be the least favorite, right? Sorry Sally, it's not you. It's me. The wild west might always be a challenge for me. Although, I do intend to see if the next book, Copper for the Countess, will redeem the series for me or if I should count this series as a loss for my personal interests. Regardless, Silver Dollar Duke gets 3 Stars from me. Have you read (or listened to) Silver Dollar Duke? What did you think? Let me know!

A Mistletoe Mismatch - Review

A Mistletoe Mismatch (A Christmas Match, # 4)

By: Sally Britton

Expected Publication: November 23, 2021 by Pink Citrus Books, LLC

182 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Clean Romance, Christmas

Source: YouTube Audiobooks

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--If Jessica and Ellis can put the past behind them to work together, it will be a Christmas miracle. Childhood enemies fight to end one relationship while trying not to fall into one of their own.

Christmas comes but once a year -- a relief for Jessica Nettle, because that means she need only see the horrid Mr. Webb when he visits his cousin. Jessica has been at war with Mr. Webb for as long as she can remember. What started as children playing pranks has grown to a competitive feud. This year promises to be the worst of all, especially when Jessica learns that her sister is falling in love with that cousin. A match between the two of them would be a disaster.

Ellis Webb spends every Christmas in the country with his cousin. The holiday is one of the highlights of his year, despite the prickly Miss Nettle's attempts to ruin it for him. This year, Ellis's cousin has a mind to marry, and he's looking with increasing interest at Miss Nettle's younger sister. Such a marriage, with such a family, will surely end in disappointment and broken hearts. When Miss Nettle proposes to Ellis that they join forces to keep the ill-fated couple apart, he swallows his distaste and agrees to her plan.

Amid the merriment of celebrations, Jessica and Ellis scheme to keep two hearts apart. But as the days pass and the magic of season works upon Jessica, she realizes she may have lost her clever game -- and her heart -- to her childhood enemy.

A Mistletoe Mismatch was the cutest story. Jessica's family has always been close with their neighbors. I can't remember their last name, but Franklin is the oldest of the neighbor's sons, and Ellis is his cousin. Ellis has been coming to spend the summer and Christmas with his cousins since his youth. Jessica developed a crush on Ellis, and when she was 14 or 15, he broke her heart. She has been pranking him ever since.

Jessica is a flawed character, it's true. She got hurt, and she's sought to hurt Ellis in return ever since. Normally, I'm against this behavior. But since we don't learn everything at once, I found their rivalry funny. The pranks she's pulled made me giggle. Of course, I would never condone someone behaving this way in real life. And Ellis was so patient with her, never retaliating in return. He doesn't have a clue why they went from childhood friends to rivals.

But the two make a truce in order to sort through the business of Franklin's pursuit of Jessica's sister. Again, I can't remember her name. And since I listened to the audiobook instead of reading this one, I can't just so look it up easily. Regardless, Jessica's dismissal of Frank's interest was a little annoying--perhaps the most annoying part of the book to me. But I guess she had some trauma she needed to unpack before she could wrap her head around it. Ellis wanted to ensure his cousin wouldn't change his feelings and damage a long-standing relationship between the two families.

I loved Aunt Temperance and her little dog. I liked how her meddling was helpful and impactful for one sister and painful for the other. Sometimes good intentions still cause pain.

When all is said and done, I enjoyed this enemies-to-lovers tale. Jessica grows in much-needed ways. Ellis also sees where he's been wrong in the past. Two happily-every afters. What's not to like? A Mistletoe Mismatch gets 4 Stars. Have you read A Mistletoe Mismatch? What did you think? Let me know!

Lord Farleigh & Miss Frost - Review

Lord Farleigh and Miss Frost (Clairvoir Castle Romances, # 4)

By: Sally Britton

Publication: November 21, 2022

253 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Romance

Source: YouTube Audiobooks

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--An Irish miss and a duke's son have little in common, but Christmas at the castle has a way of bringing the most unlikely people together.

Isleen Frost wishes her family had stayed in Dublin for Christmas but understands it would have been folly to decline an invitation to the Duke of Montfort’s Christmastide house party. Isleen refuses to allow the opulent castle and powerful duke to impress her. But the duke’s eldest son, Lord Farleigh, is another matter entirely.

Raised as the heir to a duke, Simon Dinard, Lord Farleigh, has learned to project a calm self-assurance despite an inner fear he will never be as confident a leader as his father. When a friendly wager and a spirited Irish lady challenge all his unspoken thoughts, he determines to prove her wrong—and ignore the growing attraction between them.

Christmas celebrations at the castle are always full of surprises, but Isleen and Simon are not at all prepared for the feelings the season inspires between them. An Irish miss and a duke’s son have no business falling in love. But the magic of sleigh rides, snow-covered hills, and mistletoe might change their minds...

This novel is a sweet Regency romance and can be read as a stand-alone, though readers of the previous books will enjoy seeing old friends again.

Simon is the future Duke of Montfort. He is used to women and matchmaking mamas attempting to catch him in various forms. Either they want to catch his eye by flirting or catch him by trapping him in situations that would require him to marry. He's become jaded and conceited about women's attention. So he is refreshed to meet Miss Frost who has no designs to lure him into her web.

Miss Frost is simply visiting England with her brother and family as her brother attempts to strengthen his political alliances. She is supportive of her brother, but she is also sensitive about her Irish heritage. I suppose she is expecting to be viewed as lesser because of it. But she is feisty. And like A Companion for the Count, Miss Frost and Simon get pulled into a friendly wager by their friends. It is an attempt to get Simon to lighten up and enjoy a bit of frivolity, which has been lacking in his life the last few years.

Simon and Isleen have such a sweet romance. I loved the humor in this book. And I had some secondhand embarrassment for Simon with some of the tasks he was assigned. But he took it all in stride and good humor.

Whereas Sally Britton said at the beginning of the series that she needed to write something lessy heavy, something simply sweet and happy as an escape from real world events of the pandemic, the books have progressively gotten more intense with their plotlines. I still wouldn't classify Lord Farleigh & Miss Frost as intense exactly, but I wanted to illustrate the progression of the conflict.

Lord Farleigh & Miss Frost easily gets 4 Stars. This might have been my favorite book in the series. I hope that Sally Britton continues exploring these characters as we still have 3 siblings left--although they are younger than the ones we've read about so far. Have you read (or listened to) Lord Farleigh & Miss Frost? What did you think? Let me know!

A Duchess for the Duke - Review

A Duchess for the Duke (Claivoir Castle Romance, # 0.5)

By: Sally Britton

Expected Publication: April 1, 2023 by Pink Citrus Books

100 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Clean Romance

Source: YouTube Audiobooks

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--The Duke of Montfort takes a wife.

Gregory Dinard, a young duke caught unprepared for his role, needs a companion. When he meets Cecilia, he knows she has the grace and intelligence his duchess will need.

Lady Cecilia never expected more than a marriage of mutual benefit, but she's still surprised when the duke proposes an alliance between them.

Will love find a place in this practical arrangement?

This is the prequel novella for the Clairvoir Castle Romances series. Available on Amazon Spring 2023.

Gregory & Cecilia have been the sweetest parents to the main characters of the Claivoir Castle Romance series. They have been background or side characters that have led with strength, honor, and dignity. They have shaped the lives and character of their children and shown them a love that each child wants of their own. But how did these two characters' stories begin?

Because this is a novella, I don't have a ton to say about it, so this review will be short and sweet like this story.

Gregory's father has recently passed, and he is thrust into the role of Duke. He has been focused on all of his tasks and responsibilities required of him, but he is realizing that he does need to take a wife. His mother has come up with a list of women she thinks he should look into. And Gregory doesn't take long to zero in on Cecilia. Her personality and character show her an excellent option for a Duchess.

Cecilia has never been a social climber, so she never envisioned marrying a Duke. When Gregory approaches Cecilia, she thinks he's just appeasing his mother and can't be seriously interested in her as a partner and wife. When she realizes he's serious, she sees the advantages of marrying a Duke. She had no idea that her dreams of architecture would come in handy to restoring the ancestoral home of, nor did she realize that she would fall completely in love with her husband.

The Claivoir Castle series is a light-hearted and fun series. It isn't supposed to be heavy with drama or conflict, and sometimes I find that this is exactly what I need to be reading right now. And Gregory and Cecilia's romance was exactly the light and heart-warming experience I needed. Jessica Elisa Boyd does a wonderful job, as always, narrating this series. A Duchess for the Duke gets 4 Stars. Have you read (or listened to) A Duchess for the Duke? What did you think? Let me know!

Letters for Phoebe - Review

Letters for Phoebe (Promise of Forever After, # 1)

By: Sally Britton

Publication: July 1, 2020

124 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

Source: YouTube Audiobooks

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--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?

Letters for Phoebe is the first in a series of books about five friends. The next four novellas will be written by authors Joanna Barker, Megan Walker, Heidi Kimball, and Arlem Hawks.

Oh, I wasn't ready for this novella to end. In the best way. Is there a bad way to not want something to end? I guess if it feels incomplete. And while I certainly could have had more of Griffin and Phoebe, I suppose their story feels complete enough.

Griffin is a fun-loving guy. He isn't looking to settle down at all right now. Phoebe, however, is on the hunt. She's on her 3rd season, and she's a bit weary of the whole thing. She's decided this will be her last season, so she must be successful. And so she has a plan and a list.

Phoebe and Griffin meet through Phoebe's sister-in-law, who grew up on the estate bordering Griffin's family estate. Phoebe asks Griffin to introduce her to another gentleman, but Griffin happens to know this man is up to his eyeballs in gambling debts. Phoebe's almost immediate dislike of Griffin means she won't likely take his warnings against this gentleman willingly. So Griffin decides to write to Phoebe anonymously. Only Griffin and Phoebe don't stop at one note. They continue to pass notes as they also continue to get to know each other in person. Only Phoebe, of course, still doesn't know the author of her anonymous letters.

I won't say any more on the plot so as to not spoil things. I will only say that things ended right when they were getting good. I guess that's as good of a place to end things. Letters for Phoebe gets 4 Stars. Have you read (or listened to) Letters for Phoebe? What did you think? Let me know!

His Unexpected Heiress - Review

His Unexpected Heiress (Entangled Inheritances, # 2)

By: Sally Britton

Publication: July 10, 2019

234 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: YouTube Audiobooks

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--An unexpected fortune falls into a tradeswoman’s lap, a gentleman insists it rightfully belongs to him, will falling in love make matters better or worse?

A third son to an earl, Adam Gillensford knows his only hope of an inheritance is through his great uncle. But when the Will is read, Adam learns most of the wealth has been left to a complete stranger, and a seamstress at that. If he hopes to salvage any kind of funds for himself, he has two choices: adhere to his late uncle’s wishes and assist the new heiress in finding her way, or sabotage her so the courts will find her unfit to inherit. Deciding his course would be easier if the heiress wasn’t so enchanting.

Elaine Chapple, a woman in trade, is rather used to being seen as unusual. But running her own dress shop is far different from discovering a man she barely knew left his entire estate in her care. As unexpected as the fortune is, the help of the gentleman attached to it is even more perplexing. Does Mr. Gillensford mean to make her a success, or a fool?

With a greedy family urging Adam to act for his own good, and Elaine’s difficulty in adapting to her new life, only love could possibly untangle this mess.

I put off listening to His Unexpected Heiress because I noticed that it was 2nd in a series. But this isn't your normal series. Sally Britton has contributed to multiple book series where different authors have written each book in the series. I presume this is an attempt to get readers to read books by the other authors...whichever one they might not have been familiar with prior to the series. Since His Unexpected Heiress was labeled as a book 2, I didn't want to start it at first, and I chose to listen to Her Unsuitable Match first since it was book 1 in a different series. The two series are definitely connected as they share characters. And His Unexpected Heiress comes first chronologically. In my review of Her Unsuitable Match, I mentioned that Adam and Elaine felt like they must have had their own story. They were written in a way that the reader is almost expected to be familiar with them.

Elaine is a seamstress. She learned the trade from her father before he passed. And she's taken on two wards through the years. They are truthfully more like her children than anything else but are not biologically related to her in any way. Elaine is kind to a gentleman during a rainstorm one day, and he decides to leave his estate to her when he passes. Elaine knows nothing about how to run an estate, so she's very thankful for the gentleman's nephew who helps her navigate her duties.

Adam expected to inherit his uncle's estate. He isn't angry that he didn't. Just confused. But his uncle said that if Adam made himself useful to Elaine then he would inherit a sum of money to be paid out by the uncle's solicitor. Adam's family is pushing him to do whatever is necessary to sweep the inheritance out from under Elaine's feet. But Adam has learned the lesson his uncle was wishing him to learn/remember.

I appreciate Sally Britton publishing her audiobooks on YouTube. It's been so enjoyable for me to listen to these books. I wasn't sure I could work audiobooks into my current day-to-day. But it turns out that I can at times. And Jessica Elisa Boyd is a wonderful narrator.

His Unexpected Heiress was a quick and easy listen for me. I love being able to squeeze "reading" in when I otherwise wouldn't normally be able to read (like when I'm washing the dishes or cleaning the bathrooms). Adam and Elaine were wonderfully adorable. I enjoyed their journey. His Unexpected Heiress gets 4 Stars. Have you read (or listened to) His Unexpected Heiress? What did you think? Let me know!

Her Unsuitable Match - Review

Her Unsuitable Match (Supposed Scandal, # 1)

By: Sally Britton

Publication: October 25, 2021

268 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: YouTube Audiobooks

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Lady Philippa must wed to gain her fortune and freedom. A former soldier wants only peace and seclusion. Marriage to each other is their best solution.

Lady Philippa Gillensford is three and twenty, an heiress, and sister to a penny-pinching earl. After rejecting every bachelor her mother approves of, Philippa is ready to take her future into her own hands. Though she doubts she’ll marry for love, she is more than willing to marry for freedom from her family’s influence.

Myles Cobbett has withdrawn from Society, content to remain alone after surviving the horrors of the Napoleonic wars. When a friend convinces Myles to attend a ball benefiting wounded veterans like himself, Myles meets the lively Lady Philippa. Shortly thereafter, to help Philippa avoid scandal, Myles rescues her from a complete cad.

Sensing a chance to escape her family’s control, Philippa convinces Myles he must marry her to save her reputation. In exchange for this favor, Philippa promises him the very thing he thought he always wanted: a quiet life, alone in the country.

While the two put on a show of marital happiness for their neighbors, both realize they want much more from this arrangement. Can they take a marriage of convenience and turn it into a love match?

Her Unsuitable Match is a sweet Regency romance and can be read as a stand-alone or as the sequel to Sally Britton's previous novel, His Unexpected Heiress.

It is also part of the upcoming Supposed Scandal series.

When I started listening to Her Unsuitable Match, I felt like the side characters were discussed in such a way that the reader is expected to be familiar with them. I figured there must be a book covering Elaine and Adam, but I was confused since Her Unsuitable Match was book 1 in a series. You'd think I'd never encountered a spin-off series before. HA! Anyway, it's true. Elaine & Adam's tale is told in His Unexpected Heiress which I went on to listen to later and will be reviewing soon. If you're reading this review before reading either book, I do suggest reading/listening to His Unexpected Heiress first. Although, I'm sure you'd manage just fine without doing so as I did.

Basically Phillipa is twenty-three years old. Her father's will left her an inheritance she was supposed to receive when she reached her majority, but her older brother is keeping it from her and trying to force her into a marriage of his choosing. Phillipa is having none of it. If anything, she'd prefer to remain unmarried. Mostly she just wants her freedom to move about and do as she sees fit. But she will take a marriage of convenience if only the gentleman will agree to let her have her freedom.

Myles is a gentleman, but he doesn't have a fortune or title to his name. After the war, he just wanted to settle down away from society. I didn't understand society's reaction to him. Indeed, he wasn't wealthy but I felt his family's position in society was enough to garner him more respect than he was offered. Maybe I don't understand society's standards enough to speak to this.

I always seem to love marriages of convenience. I've said this over and over and over. Something about teaming up with someone out for practicality's sake: each party benefits in one way or another, but then slowly builds towards becoming a team and a unit. Of course, the two can't stop there. They have to overcome obstacles that one or both face for the good of the whole. And ultimately, feelings develop and strengthen through the process.

Her Unsuitable Match was enjoyable from beginning to end. I liked Phillipa and Myles. And I couldn't help rooting for them from the start. Her Unsuitable Match gets 4 Stars. Have you read (or listened to) Her Unsuitable Match? What did you think? Let me know!

Sir Andrew and the Authoress - Review

Sir Andrew and the Authoress (Clairvoir Castle Romances, # 3)

By: Sally Britton

Publication: April 9, 2022

234 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

Source: YouTube Audiobooks

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Lady Josephine, the duke's eldest daughter, has a secret. When her brother's horrid best friend discovers what she's been hiding up in the castle tower, she has no choice but to take him into her confidence.

As the daughter of a duke, Lady Josephine has a long list of responsibilities, and an even longer list of things she must never do to dishonor the family name. Josephine knows exactly which side becoming an author falls upon, but she's determined to try her hand at it anyway. For months she has worked on her novel in secret, writing chapter after chapter of intrigue and romance. Unfortunately for Josephine, her sworn enemy stumbles upon her secret.

Sir Andrew Wycomb's close relationship to the Duke of Montfort's family and heir gives him more than one advantage in life. His loyalty to the family is absolute, even if he finds at least one of its members an annoyance. He and Lady Josephine have never seen eye-to-eye. But when he discovers that she's written a novel upon a subject she knows nothing about, he cannot help but sympathize with her dream. This creates an unlikely ceasefire between them.

But things at the castle are always changing, and when a determined suitor arrives to court Josephine, Andrew has to decide which secrets he's going to keep. Especially when he discovers the one he's kept even from himself - that perhaps he doesn't find Josephine an annoyance at all. In fact, she is quite charming. The more time they spend together, the more he hopes she will realize they aren't enemies, and they could be so much more...

As the third stand-alone novel in this sereis by author Sally Britton, this story continues the Clairvoir Castle romances. This is a light-hearted, sweet romance series set during the Regency era in England.

The Series:
Mr. Gardiner and the Governess
A Companion for the Count

I've mentioned it in all of my reviews of this series, but one thing I absolutely love is the low drama in this series. Sally Britton started the series during the COVID-19 pandemic and needed something low-stress and fun to keep her spirits up. And I can honestly say that sometimes I need low stress and fun too. Sometimes conflict feels forced, and I find it refreshing to have a series that doesn't have any of that to deal with.

Andrew was an obvious love-interest choice for Josephine since book 2, A Companion for the Count. Their banter was so enjoyable in that book as well as this one. Enemies-to-lovers is a favorite of so many people, for good reason. The tension between characters like this is off the charts.

Because Sally Britton chose to start the story after Josephine's first novel has been rejected by a publisher, Josie finds herself in a depressed state. Emma has recently married and left her, and her family assumes her melancholy comes from her loneliness. Andrew worms his way into discovering Josephine's secret hiding place in the castle and her biggest secret. And secrets shared have a way of bonding people.

I liked that Andrew discovered his feelings sooner than Josie, but each character still had to slowly find their way to each other.

I will say Sally Britton's inclusion of the British commoner's unhappiness with the gentry and ruling Lords did add a bit of higher stakes during this novel than the previous in the series. Even still, the main characters were removed from that conflict early and thus didn't face it directly as they could have.

I have nothing but good things to say about this book, these characters, and this story. I was once a little afraid that Josie might annoy me when her book arrived, but she did not. As usual, once you're in a character's mind, they become more understandable and less annoying than they might have otherwise been. Sir Andrew and the Authoress gets 4 Stars. I look forward to continuing this series as soon as possible. Have you read Sir Andrew and the Authoress? What did you think? Let me know!

A Companion for the Count - Review

A Companion for the Count (Clairvoir Castle Romances, # 2)

By: Sally Britton

Publication: May 2, 2021 by Pink Citrus Books

249 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

Source: YouTube Audiobooks

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Miss Emma Arlen’s position as a companion never included distracting her mistress’s suitors, but when a handsome Italian ambassador arrives determined to find an English bride, Emma happily takes up the cause. 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?

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

I think one of the biggest things I need to mention upfront is that this is the second in a series that Sally Britton has dubbed a light-hearted regency romance series. This means no major, dark conflicts, plots, or twists. While each story does have conflict to overcome, nothing is too heavy or extreme. Personally, sometimes I find that I need something light-hearted like this. And I enjoyed A Companion for the Count even more than book 1, Mr. Gardiner and the Governess.

As the description states, the Duke is set to entertain a Sicilian Ambassador to strengthen the political alliance between the two countries. The Duke has hinted to Josephine that she needs to be particularly polite while hosting this guest. Josephine balks at the idea that he is encouraging her to consider Luca as a potential suitor. Josephine is determined that she is not interested in getting married any time soon. She begs Emma to distract Luca as often as possible to keep his attention away from herself. Emma doesn't mind being of service to her friend in this way.

Having grown up in the ducal family as she has, Emma has been exposed to politics and finds it interesting. Josephine, on the other hand, couldn't care less. Emma and Luca initially have a meeting of the minds over books. They come to find that they enjoy the same types of literature. Emma wants to warn the ambassador away from his pursuit of Josephine like Josephine has requested. But he is persistent that he must marry in an alliance that will strengthen the two countries. Josephine is a perfect candidate for that. But he can't seem to draw her attention at all. Emma eventually realizes Luca is a good man and would make a good husband. She becomes swayed into actually giving him advice that she thinks would help draw Josephine's attention to him, but even that backfires. Ultimately, she realizes she can no longer help Luca pursue Josephine because she has feelings for him.

Luca is almost instantly more drawn toward Emma than Josephine. But a paid companion is not the strong marriage prospect that his country is seeking for him to make to strengthen their political alliances. He is unaware that Josephine isn't so much a paid companion for Josephine as she is a ward of the Duke and a member of their family. And Emma actually possesses the qualities an ambassador's wife would need, such as attention paid to other political players and an actual interest in politics.

A Companion for the Count easily topped my opinion of Mr. Gardiner and the Governess. I liked both main characters. I needed something light-hearted and happy. And I'm even more excited to get to Josephine and Andrew's book due to their banter. A Companion for the Count gets 4 Stars. Have you read (or listened to) A Companion for the Count? What did you think? Let me know!

Mr. Gardiner and the Governess - Review

Mr. Gardiner and the Governess (Clairvoir Castle Romances, # 1)

By: Sally Britton

Publication: November 25th 2020 by Pink Citrus Books

228 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

Source: YouTube Audiobooks

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--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.

Can you guys even imagine how stoked I was to find Sally Britton has full audiobooks on YouTube for FREE? I don't have a ton of time to listen to audiobooks, but you know what, sometimes you make time for free books. Another thing I wanted to mention before I really get into the review of this book is that Sally Britton had an author's note at the end that talked about how she struggled (like many of us) through the pandemic, and for her own mental well-being she created this, I believe she said, "light-hearted" book series. Clean, low-drama romance. And you know what? Sometimes that's exactly what I need. Sometimes I just don't need extra conflict or plot. Sometimes the difficulty to go from single to together is hard enough on its own. And sometimes I just need to read a book that's going to make me smile.

Alice is unwanted among her family members. She is too pretty and distracts potential suitors from the daughters of her relations. And for the most part, she has been cast from one relative to another for many years. Ultimately, she ends up being the governess to the children of the Duke and Duchess of Montfort. Upon taking the position, the Duchess and the Dowager Duchess discuss what's expected of her, and in no uncertain terms is she supposed to go about searching for or being involved in any romance. Alice is terrified of losing her position because where would she go now that her relations are so thoroughly tired of her imposing upon them. So she endeavors to toe the line exactly and not step one foot over.

Rupert Gardiner has been commissioned by the Duke to catalog all the plants and insects at Castle Clairvoir's grounds. He is also a personal friend of the Duke. Rupert stumbles upon Alice's artwork of the local plants and he determines that she must work with him on his project since he doesn't care as much about the plants as he does the insects. Having never grown up unwanted, or really particularly ever been unwanted, Rupert couldn't possibly understand why Alice wouldn't want to take part in his scientific research if it allows her to have her name listed in scientific journals alongside his. And, of course, he quickly comes to realize that there is much about Alice to draw him to her.

As I already said, there isn't much conflict or drama to overcome. Maybe some might look at this as a fluff piece. And maybe it is. But I actually enjoyed that there weren't terribly high circumstances to overcome for these two to find love. Of course, that doesn't mean that there's no conflict to overcome because that would be exceedingly boring.

I enjoyed Mr. Gardiner and the Governess. It was the perfect, happy book to listen to as I was doing the majority of the food prep, decorating, and last-minute cleaning for my son's birthday party. Alice and Rupert were both quite different from me, but I was happy to root for them, and I enjoyed their journey to happiness. Mr. Gardiner and the Governess gets 4 Stars. Have you read (or listened to) Mr. Gardiner and the Governess? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for Painting the Summer

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

Painting the Summer (Return to Inglewood, # 1)

By: Sally Britton

Expected Publication: Pink Citrus Books (March 31, 2023)

? pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Amazon description--A farmer's daughter doesn't belong in high society, even if she is a talented artist. And a gentleman training to take over the family estate can't afford distractions. But when the two of them meet, their whole world shifts. Can they overcome their fears, or will love remain out of their reach?

Caroline Clapham isn’t a world renown artist—she’s simply a farmer’s daughter possessed of natural talent with a paintbrush. Talent that her mentor, the Countess of Inglewood, is happy to foster for a summer at her beautiful seaside estate. Caroline’s friends, including a persistent suitor, warn her that the season will end and she will return home as insignificant as ever, and will have to settle for a life far less grand than she imagines. But that won’t stop her from pursuing her dream, or finding a new friend in the handsome Mr. Everly.

Mr. Edward Everly is preparing to take the reins from his father. Everything about their home and family will fall under his care, including the land, their tenants, and all the responsibilities of a gentleman—including marrying the girl his parents have chosen for him. Overwhelmed and uncertain about his new role, Edward stumbles upon a beautiful artist in the woods. As he comes to know Miss Clapham, her way of looking at the world restores his confidence and makes his heart light. Before summer’s end, he cannot imagine a life without her.

Friends and family alike have warned against Caroline and Edward’s relationship. Edward has a role to fill, and he needs a companion who is up to the task. If Caroline leaves behind a life of finer things, she risks losing more than just her dreams of painting. Will she choose to remain in the world in which she grew up, or take the steps necessary to prove herself a worthy match for Edward?

***

The Return to Inglewood novels are a continuation of the stories in Sally Britton's Inglewood series, following the children of the heroes and heroines of Inglewood. This series can be read out of order and without reading Britton's previous books. All books in the series are sweet romance with no steamy content.

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

Reforming Lord Neil - Review

Reforming Lord Niel (Inglewood, # 5)

By: Sally Britton

Publication: May 16th 2020 by Blue Water Books

256 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--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.

Neil has been a side character in this series from the beginning. He has been the villain you loved to hate in book 1, and through each subsequent book the reader wonders how much more there is to his character. He never faulted Hope for the curicle accident that his sister did in book 2. He looked out for Millicent in book 4 when his sister was determined to use her only for her own pleasure. So we have to wonder what his true heart and soul is like.

At the beginning of Reforming Lord Niel his father cuts him off from the family. It seems as if he had decided on this action and provoked Neil into an argument in order to execute his plan. I'm not sure if he saw Neil as a liability to his political aspirations, or if he found out that he was not Neil's natural father. Either way, Neil discovers he has fewer friends than he once believed. Practicality leads him to the place he ends up.

Teresa is a widow and mother. Her husband, Henry, apparently gambled away her dowry and left her penniless. Although she did inherit a farm from another relative. Teresa, her mother, and her daughter live on and work the farm themselves. They can't afford help, and winter is quickly approaching. When Lord Neil offers his labor in exchange for staying in the hay loft of her barn and eating meals with her family, she accepts. Of course these two develop feelings for one another. I feel like to say much more than this would be spoilers.

I liked that Neil didn't always have the best character. It's not like he had some pure motives when he approached Esther back in book 1. But he also was not seeking to destroy her marriage either. He was lonely and following in the footsteps he'd witnessed from both his father and mother. Through his hard work on the farm, he develops a deeper and stronger character. He becomes a truer version of himself--who he always was capable of being. Nicholeen Peck quotes someone else, "Work is the antidote to a sick character." And while I don't necessarily believe that to always be the case, it certainly does help teach life lessons and guide. Work is a producer of natural consequences.

Favorite quotes:

-It seemed he would forever attempt friendly relationships with the wrong people.

-"Mr. Duncan, we cannot judge others so harshly. Perhaps a misplaced cushion is the only tragedy they have ever known. They have nothing greater to measure it against."

-"Any woman will tell you, Mr. Duncan, that their children come into this life with personalities."

-"I have learned to be still when nothing I say or do can change the outcome."

I love a good redemption story. And Lord Neil did a wonderful turn around from where he started in the series to where he ended up. I enjoyed his journey. I loved Teresa, and her daughter. The whole story was just wholesome and heart warming. Reforming Lord Neil gets 4 Stars. Have you read Reforming Lord Neil? What did you think? Let me know!

Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases Q1/Q2 2023

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. This week's topic is Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases Q1/Q2 2023

1. Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn
2. These Infinite Threads (Woven Kingdoms, # 2) by Tahereh Mafi
3. Isha, Unscripted by Sajni Patel
4. The Last Chance Cowboy (Colorado Cowboy, # 5) by Jody Hedlund
5. The Only Game in Town by Lacie Waldon
6. Painting the Summer (Return to Inglewood, # 1) by Sally Britton
7. Return to Satterthwaite Court (Somerset Stories, # 3) by Mimi Matthews
8. Happy Place by Emily Henry
9. Borrow My Heart by Kasie West
10. There Goes the Groom by Esther Hatch

Which books are you most anticipating for the first half of 2023? Let me know!

Engaging Sir Isaac - Review

Engaging Sir Isaac (Inglewood, # 4)

By: Sally Britton

Publication: February 26th 2020 by Blue Water Books

280 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--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?

Isaac was introduced as a character in book one, as all of the other characters that have ended up with their own books in this series. Through the previous three books he has been morose at worst and merely happy for his friends and family at best. He's been sad and down. And well, that's understandable given the state he returned home from the war in. He was a happy guy before the war and was often engaged in society with parties, dinners, and balls. And apparently he enjoyed them. But he doesn't see much joy in them anymore.

Millie's family has faced society's scorn since her sister broke off an engagement with a duke's son to run off and marry a solicitor. Millie's mother has been pushing her to find a way back into society's good graces by concocting a scheme for Millie to become friends with a daughter of a Marques. Only this young lady has drama and hate in her heart, it seems--most of which is directed towards Sir Isaac, who once spurned her advances. She wants revenge and tasks Millie with finding out any means of ruining Sir Isaac.

I liked that Millie actually confides in Sir Isaac much sooner than I expected about the predicament that she's in. Their relationship was fun to read as it developed. I did find the excuse about using Edith's help to launch Millie back into good society a bit flimsy. But I'm no expert on the ins and outs of regency society. It just felt like an excuse to keep the conflict resolution from being too easy.

I wasn't sure I liked the way the climax was leading. But ultimately, Sally Britton handled the situation differently than I was expecting which I appreciate. And that kept it from being too obvious.

Favorite quotes:

-Millie was used to facing life's difficulties alone. She would manage. She had no other choice.

-"Misery seeks its own, miss," Sarah had said when Millie voiced her confusion. "People can't accept that they're the only ones unhappy. They're jealous, and waste their time trying to make others feel the same, when really they ought to put their energy into fixing their own problems."

Engaging Sir Isaac hasn't been my favorite of the Inglewood series, but I did enjoy it and didn't want to stop reading. I read it quickly given everything that was going on in real life. I liked Isaac from the moment he was introduced back in Rescuing Lord Inglewood, and Millie was a good match for him. She brought out all of his good sides. Engaging Sir Isaac gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read Engaging Sir Issac? What did you think? Let me know!

Saving Miss Everly - Review

Saving Miss Everly (Inglewood, # 3)

By: Sally Britton

Publication: November 3rd 2019 by Blue Water Books

274 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Pretending she's her twin gets complicated when Hope is shipwrecked with a handsome castaway. When rescue comes, will she risk her heart to confess the truth or will they part forever?

Pretending to be her sister, Hope Everly finds an adventure at last. The Caribbean's warm waters and tropical islands fulfill nearly all her dreams. When an excursion to visit another island with a naturalist expedition is interrupted by a storm, Hope is stranded on a desert island where she and her fellow castaways are dependent on a handsome stranger for their survival.

Alejandro Córdoba, trapped and alone on the island long enough to give up all dreams of rescue, knows nothing of what has become of his war-torn homeland or his family. When he finds the beautiful Miss Everly washed up on the shore, along with her companions, he does not know if their arrival is a blessing or a curse.

Hope's behavior, acting one way with Alejandro and another with her friends, further confuses things when they begin to fall in love. If rescue ever comes, will telling Alejandro the truth mean losing him forever?

Sometimes, I find myself enjoying an author through multiple books, and even though I've yet to be disappointed by them, I still find myself dreading when specific characters are set to have their own stories. Hope was one of those characters. She's impulsive, loud, and generally goes against society's expectations in search of adventure. I am not a Hope. I'm more of a Grace. So I wasn't sure if I was going to like reading from Hope's perspective. But I did. Of course, I did. Sally Britton hasn't let me down yet. Granted, Hope pretending to be Grace for much longer of the book than Grace pretended to be Hope may have helped me because she was trying to force herself to behave in a way that wouldn't give away her identity.

I loved this story. Hope longs for adventure. Her heart calls to it. So even though being shipwrecked isn't ideal, what grander adventure could she happen upon? And to top it all off, there's a handsome stranger who has been shipwrecked on the very same island a year longer than Hope. He rescues her from the water and at first, you believe they are the only two on the island. How romantic! But then they find some of Hope's other shipmates, the friend she was traveling with and her brother who happens to have designs on courting Grace.

Alejandro as I said was shipwrecked an entire year before Hope's same situation. He's learned the island. He's created a shelter, dug a well, and determined which foods are edible and which are not as well as which animals to steer clear of. Alejandro has also lost his hope of being rescued. Good thing Hope is the one delivered to his island.

Hope and Alejandro have a pretty instant connection, but their relationship is slow-building. There are a lot of imagined obstacles that prevent the couple from declaring their feelings or attempting to pursue anything sooner. Sometimes I got frustrated with them, because what if rescue never did come? I found more sense in them drawing closer rather than pulling away from each other. But this was a journey that kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next.

Favorite quotes:

-Her heart pounded against her chest, her breath caught, and the world shifted to make room for something she instinctively knew would change her.

-Disasters could hardly be mended by losing control of one's emotions.

-How did her sister always maintain calm composure in the face of such stupidity?

-"My heart has not ceased to reach for yours."

-Hardship tended to make people act more themselves, not less.

Hope's story couldn't have been any better if you ask me. Sally Britton did a wonderful job crafting the perfect adventure and the perfect hero for our heroine. Hope didn't frustrate me in the way I expected. And Sally Britton had me turning pages and trying to stay up late to finish this book. I wanted to know all the answers to all the questions. Saving Miss Everly gets 4 Stars. Have you read Saving Miss Everly? What did you think? Let me know!

Discovering Grace - Review

Discovering Grace (Inglewood, # 2)

By: Sally Britton

Publication: August 13th 2019 by Blue Water Books

224 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Regency

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--To avoid being sent across an ocean, Grace switches places with her sister. The only man aware of their deception? A dear friend, and her secret love.

Grace Everly has no desire to set sail for the Caribbean, unlike her adventurous twin sister, Hope. Thanks to her sister’s irresponsible behavior and subsequent banning from the journey, Grace’s father decides to send her in Hope’s place. Desperate to remain where things are familiar, Grace proposes an unthinkable plan: that she and sister switch places. They only have to keep up the act long enough for Hope to board a ship in London. When the man who has stolen Grace’s heart learns of their secret, things get more complicated.

Jacob Barnes, soon to be ordained a vicar, has known Grace and Hope his whole life. Though close to both sisters, he’s dreamed of courting Hope for months. When he realizes his friends have switched places, putting the woman he admires out of his reach, he agrees to help with the subterfuge despite his bruised heart. As he watches Grace stumble in her acting abilities, attempting to change who she is, he realizes how much she means to him. But how does he tell her, without risking their friendship?

The deception puts their relationship to the test. As Grace hides her heart and her identity, Jacob examines his feelings, and no one in their community will be happy when the truth is discovered.

Ugh, you guys! I did it again! I am finally sitting down and forcing myself to write my review of Discovering Grace 20 days after I finished it. My real problem is that I don't currently have a regularly scheduled time to sit down at the computer. Real-life has been random and sporadic. And the time I used to sit down at the computer desk has been filled with painting and getting the house back in order from our renovation that feels like it will never end. Besides that, with Husband working from home now, I don't even have a computer desk that I feel like I have access to during the day. Oh well, I'm rambling at this point. Let's get into the book.

Grace is the quiet twin. She is subdued. She's happy to be behind the scenes and let her sister, Hope, take center stage. Hope prefers the attention and adventure anyway. Grace is often the mastermind and Hope gets to take the credit because she becomes the face of whatever Grace has thought up. Of course, up until now, that has never been a problem. Hope is impulsive and in your face. She's outspoken and loud. She's dramatic and fun. And when Hope gets the two sisters into a pickle with their father, Grace has to mastermind again. Hope was set to go on a trip with some friends and while Grace was heartbroken to be separated from her sister, she all out panics when their father told them they will be switching places.

On top of all that, there's Jacob. Grace has been in love with Jacob for as long as she can remember. The problem is that Jacob can only see Hope. And he's also heartbroken that Hope will be leaving. Jacob has always been close to both sisters, and he realizes where no one else does that Grace is pretending to be Hope. He's angry for a couple of reasons. 1) He wanted more time with Hope. Ultimately, he'd hope to make his interest known and perhaps begin courting Hope. And 2) He's going to become a clergyman, and he doesn't feel like he can support the deception that Grace is currently trying to pull off. Yet he won't leave her alone.

I don't feel like there's much to say beyond this that won't spoil the story. I found Grace and Jacob's journey to each other to be enjoyable. Jacob was a little slow on the upswing, but I appreciated the way Sally Britton handled the situation. I wasn't sure how I could be okay with the switch of affection from one sister to the other, but she wrote it in a way that made sense. And I loved that she didn't spell it out word for word for the reader. (**Highlight for spoiler: Basically, Jacob loved the aspects he thought were Hope's characteristics like her altruism while he disliked her tendency to buck societal norms. And the altruistic tendencies that he thought he loved about Hope were actually ideas that Grace had and executed herself while allowing Hope to be the face and get the credit. At the same time, Grace never struggled with chaffing against society like her sister.**end spoiler.)

Favorite quote:

-Pretending to be someone else was tiresome.

I'm a little torn about Hope's book. On the one hand, Sally Britton has done a great job of pulling me into her stories quickly and hooking me. On the other hand, I struggle with characters like Hope at times. Ultimately, I'm putting off reading her story for now because I have too many other review books that I need to read first.

I enjoyed Discovering Grace almost as much as I enjoyed Rescuing Lord Inglewood. Jacob and Grace had a nice journey to each other. Unrequited love can be a favorite trope. Discovering Grace gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read Discovering Grace? What did you think? Let me know!