The Chaperone: The page-turning Regency romance from the author of Kingscastle

by Sophia Holloway

Sophy Hadlow does not want to return for another London Season. Her own debut into Society was marred by self-consciousness and her cringing embarrassment every time she was announced as 'The Lady Sophronia Hadlow'. Yet, much to her dismay, Sophy is back in London to oversee the debut of her younger sister and their wild cousin, Susan Tyneham, who risks ruining both her own and her innocent cousin's chances of marriage.

Sophy, a most reluctant chaperone, is left to guide her sister and attempt to keep Susan from complete disaster, all whilst dealing with her own unexpected feelings for the disarming Lord Rothley.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Fiction, Romance, Regency Romance, British Literature, Historical Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

Published August 24, 2023

About the author

Sophia Holloway describes herself as a ‘wordsmith’. She read Modern History at Oxford, and her factual book on the Royal Marines in the First World War, From Trench and Turret, was published in 2006. Shea takes her pen name from her great grandmother ( hence the photograph portrait). She also writes the Bradecote & Catchpoll mediaeval murder mysteries under the pen name, Sarah Hawkswood. Her third Classic Regency novel, 'Kingscastle' was published in paperback and ebook by Allison & Busby in November 2021, with another due out in spring 2022.

She is a member of the Historical Writers’ Association, the Historical Novel Society, and the Crime Writers' Associationand the Romantic Novelists' Association.

Reviews

[Pauline Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will confess, I have a huge problem with the premise of this story, that a single woman of twenty-three could be an acceptable chaperone for two debutantes in the London season. In the country, yes, no problem at all. In a village or small(ish) town or somewhere like Bath, certainly. But London? Almack’s? The theatre? Balls and crowded evening entertainments? No, absolutely not. Only a married woman could fulfil the role, to my mind, and that made the whole book a bit problematic for me. But everything else was well-nigh perfect, so I can let it go.

Here’s the premise: Lady Sophronia Hadlow did her best to find a husband when she was brought out into society, but her unusual height meant that she was unsuccessful, just as her mother, Lady Chelmarsh, feared. Sophy retired from the fray thankfully to allow her younger sisters their turn, but now she’s called upon to return to London. Her mother is bringing out both Sophy’s younger sister Harriet and a cousin, Susan Tyneham, but she may be called away to the confinement of another daughter, Frances. If so, she’ll expect Sophy to take over as chaperone.

So, this is shaping up to be your run-of-the-mill ‘season’ book, with the usual backdrop of modistes, Hyde Park, Almack’s, eligible gentlemen and fortune hunters, etc, etc, and so it is, in some ways, but it has a lot more depth than the usual. The way Sophy is drawn in by Lord Rothley is perfectly believable, and the reader feels the same giddiness as Sophy - is she actually flirting? Is he flirting with her? Sophy has never had an admirer before, so she’s a bit out of her depth, yet never silly with it. She’s that perfect heroine, sensible, quick-witted, easy in society, whether male or female, and really, it’s hard to see why she wasn’t snapped up years ago. And no, her unusual height isn’t a valid excuse - plenty of men are tall, too, and some of them are capable of admiring a woman for more than just looks or dowry or breeding.

Her sister Harriet is a fairly typical debutante, rather timid and trying not to put a foot wrong, but the cousin, Susan, is a fascinating character. Although she’s an innocent in many ways, just like Harriet, she enjoys a power over men that has them almost instantly at her feet. And when I say she enjoys it, she really does, even though she doesn’t really understand the dangerous game she plays. She just can’t stop playing, though. She drops a package for a passing gentleman to pick up. She even flirts with the male servants. She pretends to let her horse run wild, so that she can be ‘rescued’ by some passing cavalrymen. And when a man admires the gentle Harriet, she sets out to steal him. Needless to say, this leads to all sorts of problems for Susan herself, and also for Sophy and family. And when Lady Chelmarsh is forced to decamp to her married daughter in a hurry, it’s left to Sophy to steer Harriet and Susan towards suitable matches and try to prevent Susan from destroying their chances entirely.

And into this oddly nerve-wracking scenario come the suitors. Lord Bollington, an early admirer of Susan’s, is put off when she tries to increase his ardour by making him jealous. Sir Esmond Fawley is a pleasant and respectable man who seems oddly drawn to the uncontrollable Susan. There’s Lord Tyneham, Susan’s boorish and stuffy brother, who has decided he’s going to marry Sophy, whether she likes it or not. And then there’s Lord Rothley, who seems to have something of a reputation and is definitely rakishly attractive, but when he starts dancing attendance on the three young women, Lady Chelmarsh warns Sophy against him in no uncertain terms. And yet… she finds him almost irresistible, and she feels instinctively that she can trust him.

The plot unfolds in ways that are anything but predictable. If Sophy and Harriet and several of the men are rather too ‘nice’ and would perhaps be bland in other contexts, the wildcard Susan always stirs things up in interesting and unexpected ways. And the writing is superb, in every way, with a perfect Regency tone, no typos and (apart from the 23-year-old unmarried chaperone) no major historical errors. More than that, there’s a complexity to the characters that’s rarely seen in this genre. So despite the chaperonage, I can’t give this less than five stars, and recommend it to anyone looking for a literate and beautifully realised portrait of the Regency.

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another great Regency romance by Sophia Holloway in the style of Georgette Heyer. There are several girls at the London Season, Sophy (hating her real name Sophronia)who has to play chaperone to her younger sister Harriet and to her difficult cousin Susan, an apparent rake, a male friend and some other more or less pleasant or dangerous men. Complications in the family and the relationships developing at the balls and other events lead to delicate situations and happy endings to several couples. I loved the drawing of the different characters and the witty dialogues as well as the settings that are faithful to the Regency period. Read it over a short period, as it was so entertaining! Thanks to Allison & Busby, the author Sophia Holloway and Netgalley for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[James Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable but not brilliant

I do enjoy Sophia Holloway’s writing and would say that ‘Better the Devil You Know’ is by far the best. In this story the hero and heroine are both a little insipid and are relegated to the side to concentrate too much time on the storyline of Susan, who is such a spiteful and unpleasant character that I had little to no interest in the outcome for her.

[Evie Pey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regency period drama, easy to read with interesting characters.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophy Hadlow does not want to return for another London Season. Her own debut into Society was marred by self-consciousness and her cringing embarrassment every time she was announced as 'The Lady Sophronia Hadlow'. Yet, much to her dismay, Sophy is back in London to oversee the debut of her younger sister Harriet and their wild cousin, Susan Tyneham, who risks ruining both her own and her innocent cousin's chances of marriage. Sophy, a most reluctant chaperone, is left to guide her sister and attempt to keep Susan from complete disaster, all whilst dealing with her own unexpected feelings for the disarming Lord Rothley.
A very well written, well paced book with wonderful characters, whether you loved them or disliked them. I loved both Sophy & Rothley & was routing for them to find happiness. I had difficulty liking Susan & Sophy’s mother who undermined Sophy's self esteem at every turn. A thoroughly enjoyable romance which left me smiling
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun and easy read. Just joyful! I loved all the characters. Despicable Susan, sweet Harriet, fiesty and loyal Sophy and dashing Lord Rothley. It was brilliant to read all the scrapes that Susan got into and all the men she manipulated on her way. Sophy was a fabulous main female character and did not need any man to rescue her. She was happy as she was. But I adored her relationship with Lord Rothley. If you like Regency romances then be sure to add “The Chaperone” and Sophia Holloway’s other books to your TBR list. They are such lovely reads.

[Balthazarinblue · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Oh what a fun time this was! At 24 Sophy is considered, and considers herself, on the shelf. But with one daughter due to give birth and another in need of making her debut, her mother's time and attention is split. Sophy reluctantly agrees to return to London to chaperone her youngest sister, hoping her introduction to society goes better than Sophy's own. This was a wonderful whirlwind of balls, routs and scandals-in-the-making. Perfect for fans of Georgette Heyer.

I received this arc for free from netgalley in exchange for a review.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful clean Regency romance. I enjoyed the sisters, I especially liked the heroine's relationship with her father, and the hero is definitely swoonworthy.

I had a little trouble believing how horrible the horrible cousin's behavior was, and that a nice man could possibly actually fall in love with her, but that's a minor quibble. I liked a scene in which the horrible cousin badly misbehaves at Almacks and Sophy clearly sets her straight on how dangerous her behavior is.

[Beth Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lot of fun. I was surprised to find out it had only been published a couple of months ago! I think I'm nearly completely through with Holloway's works and I don't want it to come to an end.

The beginning felt a little bit unfocused but it was more than made up for with the rest of the story. I loved Susan. In the same way that I loved Malta from the Liveship Traders. I loved watching her grow up and make mistakes and have hope for the future, even as I was cursing her a fool.

Sophy's story felt a little sidelined in comparison, particularly towards the end, but that absolutely works to the themes of the story.

I really enjoyed my time with this book. I'm so glad I stumbled across Holloway's books as I have thoroughly enjoyed every one of them.


Edit: One thing I will say upon reflection of Susan's ending - by modern standards, it is a little uncomfortable to imply that the love of a good man will "cure" her. I totally get that as things stand, it is probably the case and the best possible ending for her. She's still my favourite character from this book and I loved her ending. This is just a personal gripe and it totally fits the story, characters and the period, but it was something I noticed while reading.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novel about an unusual woman in a tightly regulated society - the “Regency” London Season. Sophy Hadlow hates her real name by which she is always announced at events, she is made to feel uncomfortable because of her height, and is perceived as being too old to find a suitable husband. Holloway has produced another novel which takes an intelligent look at young women in age when so much was expected of them. I found it an absorbing story which I greatly enjoyed, as it fulfilled my expectations of a safe read which moves along at a good pace. It does include an element of threat, but it is well dealt with in context. As with Holloway’s other books it reflects a confident use of extensive research into such subjects as acceptable clothes for a debutante, the speed of various vehicles, and the intricacies of the aristocracy at the time. This author never allows the narrative to be slowed by historical detail; it provides an excellent background to the action and development of the characters. The characters are sophisticated creations with the sort of nuances which are convincing and make them far from one dimensional. The contrast between situations and the clever development of the plot made this an exciting and absorbing read, which I was very grateful for the opportunity to read and review.
Lady Sophronia, or Sophy as she always prefers to be known, has been taken to London for the Season several times but she has not achieved the ultimate aim of finding a husband. This is partly because she is regarded as too tall for a fashionable beauty and her mother’s constant injunctions to try to minimise her height knocks her self-confidence. She hopes this year to remain quietly at the family’s country house, but her mother informs her that her presence in London will be required to assist with the launching into society of her younger sister Harriet. Far more challenging to cope with will be her cousin Susan Tyneham, whose difficult upbringing has left her with the total belief that she can attract any man. Combined with her desperation to make mark, Susan is going to be a tricky proposition, especially as Sophy’s mother may be called away to help her married daughter who is expecting her first baby. Things are immediately made difficult when Susan attracts the attention of Lord Rothley, of whom Sophy soon hears rumours which worry her. Events soon conspire to leave Sophy with far more responsibility than she feels equal to, and she must seek some unusual support.
This is a well told and intriguing story which works out in a satisfying way. The lively dialogue is often funny and always understandable, contributing to a real picture of the characters involved. Even the minor characters are given real voices as servants prove to be dedicated and truly involved with the family. Where a character slips into the background it is entirely consistent with their overall description. This book will be greatly enjoyed by those familiar with the fascinating novels of Georgette Heyer, as well as those who have become interested in the period after the success of television adaptations of novels of and about the period. I recommend all of Holloway’s novels, and this newly published book is a very special achievement.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a multi POV story. Sophia Holloway loves this style of writing. I have read 5 books by her so far and they were all written in this fashion. Because of this I have come to find that listening to them being performed by the superbly talented Matt Addis is just what adds a whole other layer of loveliness to that cake. He is just too much fun.

This a clean romance-kisses only. But there is talk of physical intimacy-though not sordidly laid out nor detailed in any uncomfortably vivid fashion. It is lightly mentioned and vaguely alluded to.

Also, this is truly a story about Chaperoning-as is the title, with love coming second to that. The former is the main theme while the latter happens second to it. So please go in knowing this.

All in all this is a period story full of humor and wit and a clever light hearted way to pass the time.

[Patrizia · Rating 2 out of 5]

"La classe non è, evidentemente, acqua. Un autore maturo, colto (come, per fare un altro esempio, Jude Morgan), che non contamina l'inglese con lo slang americano, che disegna i suoi personaggi per mezzo di dialoghi leggeri o frizzanti, che crea le ambientazioni evitando anacronismi, riesce nel contempo a non prendersi troppo sul serio, perché usa il romanzo storico come personale 'divertissement'. L'unico problema è che uno scrittore così scrive in genere troppo poco..."
Quella che precede era la mia recensione a un altro libro di SH, 'Kingcastle'. Mi chiedo come sia possibile che i miei ultimi incontri con la medesima autrice abbiano smentito, quasi parola per parola, quella prima impressione. A partire, temo, dall'ultima frase...

[Virginia Tican · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophy was put in an untenable position as Chaperone to her sister and their cousin, both of whom are taking their debut into the haut ton. That was because with the Season just started her mother had to be with the fearful for her mortality middle sister Frances who was nearing child~birth, after having heard that her friend died while giving birth to her child, who also died with her. Though her sister was all grace and amiability, it was her wayward undisciplined and spoiled cousin who was the bane of her temporary duty as Chaperone. This has interesting characters with equally interesting family histories that added meat & spice to the plot, thus saved it from the usual run on the mill Regency Romances.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved the main characters of Sophy and Rothly. I did feel sorry for Sophy, her mother had such firm ideas about Sophy., particularly her height being a problem. The cousin, Susan was one bundle of trouble, which unfortunately reflected on Sophy’s younger sister Harriet. Sophy and Rothly are attracted to each other but for some reason Sophy has been warned of him by her mother. There are some very romantic moments. Family background and upbringing play a large part in how certain people behave. This was a very engaging read, it moved along at a good pace and had a very happy ending. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Pgchuis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pleasant read, with a likeable heroine. I found some of the things she did unlikely (based mainly on my extensive knowledge of what goes on in Georgette Heyer books) - would a 23 year old really be an appropriate chaperone for her younger sister and cousin? would she really have been the one to lease horses? She also spent a fair amount of time discussing how awful her cousin was with male acquaintances, which seemed poor behaviour to me, even if they were under no illusions as to what Susan was like. My main issue was the amount of time given to what I felt were the subsidiary romances - I wanted more of Sophy and Rothley.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt that this story gave us more of a look into the heroes and their lives than a lot of regencies do, which I appreciated. I also liked the fact that Susan was not just a spoiled brat, but somebody who has a reason (if not a justification) for the way she acts. Fawley may be crazy to take her on, but I can't help hoping it works out for them. Like in some of her other books, Holloway explores the often-seen character of the Rake from a different angle with Rothley, who suffers because of his father's choices and is often lumped together with him by various gossips. An interesting approach.

[Flo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good Regency romance; witty, funny, lots of banter. What a Urgency romance should be. Lady Sophronia Hadlow does not take during the Seasons she is in London. She is much too tall, too smart but now her sister, Lady Harriet is to come out, together with their cousin, Susan, who has not been brought up as a lady at all, but is beautiful and wishes to prove how she can wind men around her finger. After 1 or 2 mishaps, Sophia's mother is called to the bedside of a third pregnant sister, and Sophia must chaperone Harriet and Susan on her own. They meet 3 men, Lord Rothely, Lord Windermere, and Lord Fawley. How will Sophia manage?

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by the author and I was impressed as I really love traditional regencies like those from the much-missed Signet line. What particularly interested me about this one was Susan, the unloved, unliked, badly behaved secondary character. I don't recall ever reading a regency with the particular literary device of the hero being in a secret and surprising relationship with one such as Susan. Very clever device and very well done. I think the author has great style and I will be looking for more of her work.

[Lisa Whitehead · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this author in the past, but the characters in this were so inconsistent in how they behaved. The main heroine was able to speak up for herself with gentlemen, yet would not speak up to her mother - and not because said lady was a tyrant or of a vapourish constitution.

Meanwhile the young vapid, awful girl who was excessively selfish, and annoyed me massively, seemed to change character far too quickly to someone who was far more meek and changeable in her ideas about men.

Pure fantasy and too unbelievable to be as enjoyable as it could have been.

[Sarah Fennell-Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A *clean* Regency romance with a full cast of classic characters. A sweet but on the shelf heroine, her shy younger sister, several dashing suitors, one unscrupulous villain and a somewhat unconvincingly flirtatious yet inexperienced minx. Bridgerton meets Taming of the Shrew.

I enjoyed this book as it was just what I'd hoped it would be: a light and fluffy palette cleanser with classic "will they/won't they" storylines and a small smattering of mild danger to both bodies and reputations. Perfect if you want Regency romance without bodice ripping and straining breeches.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* I didn’t like this quite as much as “The Season” but it was definitely a more interesting read. I liked how character driven it was. Sophy was a solid main character and I enjoyed getting to see her get over her hang ups throughout the book. Every time her mother put her down I wanted to scream though!

I especially loved to hate Susan’s character. Although the way she was constantly villainised was a tad annoying when overall she was just a naive girl.

I enjoyed all of the couples too, mainly Susan and Esmond who I wish has been given more time on the page.

[Sharon Valler: Live Love Read Review · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked Sophia Holloway’s writing style and had high hopes for this book at the start, but although I thought Sophy was a great character, I found Harriet and Susan quite dull and the male characters arrogant and irritating. The unlikeable characters dominated for me more than the storyline, which felt thin, until right at the end.

A pleasant read, but not really for me.

2 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Sophia Holloway and Allison & Busby for an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but think Holloway could have done more with Susan’s character. Her character is reminiscent of Louise Vandermeer in Beast. What Susan lack is depth of conviction and so she comes off as childish.

The overall story was ok, and the writing good. Just wish there could have been more .. don’t ask me more what.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable sweet read. Some witticisms but no laugh out loud moments. The relationship between Sophy and her father resembled Elizabeth Bennet and her father and I could actually picture at times Mr Bennet saying the lines in this book (BBC presentation of Mr Bennet). Each book I read by this author I enjoy more than the previous one.

[MEF · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Regency romance you could read with your mother or your daughter! I think either would find appealing elements .
It’s very appropriate but with a hint of mischief, whilst also showing the restrictions imposed on women by society and law. Fiction it might be but those are facts!
A delightful and thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Kim Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful

Holloway is a deeply compassionate author, who writes characters three-dimensional. She generously offered us three Happy Ever Afters. The novel is well written and edited and it is low angst, although it touches on situations with potentially tragic outcomes.

[Sandie Tangen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful Romance

Very well written and three romances cleverly written so that they are intertwined without becoming tangled. Excellent characters set within an excellent story. Definitely recommended to any Heyer fans and anyone who enjoys a good Regency romance.

[Linda Brugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complex plot keeps the pages turning

Not one, but three women looking for their hero, or not. One seldom used trope will keep you guessing about the possibility of a happy ending. A must read if you love a good story.

[Kashelia B. Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but...

I really wanted Susan to apologize to her cousins for all the trouble she caused. IMO she got off too easily. She was an absolute horror! She should have had to answer for wrongs. Otherwise, the plot and characters were enjoyable.

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's no Georgette Heyer, but then nothing is. Still, it was a cute little story.

Also, I didn't actually take a month to read this but my loan expired halfway through and I had to wait for the next two people to finish it. 💀💀💀