Kingscastle

by Sophia Holloway

Edition: ARC, 2021

Synopsis: Captain William Hawksmoor of the Royal Navy never expected to inherit Kingscastle and is none too pleased when he does so. Especially when he learns that he must marry within a year or be forever dealing with trustees.

As the new Marquis of Athelney, the captain takes command of Kingscastle and discovers much to be done to set it in order. He must also contend with his aunt, Lady Willoughby Hawksmoor, who is determined that her daughter will be his wife. When she discovers he is far more interested in Eleanor Burgess, her underpaid and much put-upon companion, Lady Willoughby shows she will stop at nothing to keep them apart.

Captain William Hawksmoor never expected to inherit a title or estate and is not impressed when it happens. He is especially annoyed by the little detail that he must marry in a year or be forever under the control of trustees. The new Marquis of Altheney takes command of his new home, Kingscastle, determined to do his best despite the machinations of his widowed aunt.

The cover of this book caught my attention because it is really pretty. When I saw that it was “A classic Regency romance in the tradition of Georgette Heyer“, I was intrigued. I really enjoyed reading this one. It is very much to the similar to the style of Georgette Heyer, who is one of my favorite authors.

The characters were interesting and felt like they fit the word that the author created. I loved the details of Kingscastle. The new marquis was the kind of hero I enjoy reading, although in the end I felt like his personality changed a bit. His love interest, Eleanor Burgess, was a lovely lady as well, and I loved seeing them together.

The marquis’ aunt is our “villain” of the story. She has her plans for who he should marry, her timid daughter, and she sets out to make sure her nephew is going to falling with her plans by inventing tales. She is a rather one-dimensional character, and I was a little surprised how easily the marquis believed her.

Overall, it was an entertaining tale. I do think readers who enjoy a more traditional, clean Regency book will enjoy this one. I received an advance copy through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.