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Merry Spinsters, Charming Rogues #3
Lady Avery and the False Butler
When a hopeless spinster enlists her butler’s help to turn her life around, it leads to great trouble and a chance at love in this rollicking Regency romance.
Lady Avery has never been kissed. The staunch spinster has never had a season, visited the theatre, danced the waltz, or been in love. As Avery sets out to check off each item on her list, she relies on her butler for assistance—only to discover that he may not be the man she always believed him to be. As she finds herself embroiled in a splendid adventure of danger and intrigue, she discovers that love is found in the most unexpected places…
A lively and romantic tale of love against all odds.
Lady Avery has never been kissed. The staunch spinster has never had a season, visited the theatre, danced the waltz, or been in love. As Avery sets out to check off each item on her list, she relies on her butler for assistance—only to discover that he may not be the man she always believed him to be. As she finds herself embroiled in a splendid adventure of danger and intrigue, she discovers that love is found in the most unexpected places…
A lively and romantic tale of love against all odds.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2023
749 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
October 19, 2023
I’m so happy that we didn’t have to wait until 2024 for this one - I think this is my favorite book by this author, definitely my favorite in this series! I may end up purchasing a copy I enjoyed it so much. I’ve already read it twice in less than 24 hours because I had to go back and read it with the end in mind….book is adorable and clean and so fun. I think I might fall in love with the butler ;)
October 18, 2023
The writing is fine but the characters are not
I like most things that I've read by this author, including other books in this series. However! The main character in this book is insufferably dumb. She makes horrible choices. The love interest is only slightly better. If you don't mind characters doing stupid things, you'll probably love this book. It's really good otherwise. For me, it was nearly a deal breaker.
I like most things that I've read by this author, including other books in this series. However! The main character in this book is insufferably dumb. She makes horrible choices. The love interest is only slightly better. If you don't mind characters doing stupid things, you'll probably love this book. It's really good otherwise. For me, it was nearly a deal breaker.
July 9, 2024
Technically this was a DNF for me but I got to 90% so 🤷🏻♀️. I knew going in that it was meant to be a silly, fun book where you would need to suspend belief a bit, but it got just a little too unbelievable for me. Also, Avery’s incredibly rash decision making drove me nuts, and I stopped caring what happened to her because I kind of felt like she deserved whatever she got if she was going to do such stupid things. 🫣😬 I normally really like this author’s books so hopefully this one just wasn’t for me and I will still try the next one in the series.
October 21, 2023
I am absolutely loving the Merry Spinsters, Charming Rogues series. I had just come off a real disappointing read and found the ARC to Lady Avery and the False Butler happily awaiting me in my inbox so I jumped all over it, hoping it would be a raucous good time and it WAS! The book was just what I needed: something light and fun that would allow me to lose myself in the story.
Pros - I appreciate the author’s light hand when it comes to the characters physical descriptions. Some authors give too much detail and some not enough, but Sofi Laporte leaves just enough to the imagination. There was a sweet and mysterious MMC, a very relatable FMC, and a fun rogues gallery of secondary characters. I also love how this particular story drops the reader right in and allows the world to unfold in what felt like a natural pace. This also can be read as a complete stand alone if you’ve not read the other two in the series - there is no connection between the three except they are all just fun!
Cons - I did lose some sleep because I stayed up late reading and then thinking about the story as I tried to go to bed.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Pros - I appreciate the author’s light hand when it comes to the characters physical descriptions. Some authors give too much detail and some not enough, but Sofi Laporte leaves just enough to the imagination. There was a sweet and mysterious MMC, a very relatable FMC, and a fun rogues gallery of secondary characters. I also love how this particular story drops the reader right in and allows the world to unfold in what felt like a natural pace. This also can be read as a complete stand alone if you’ve not read the other two in the series - there is no connection between the three except they are all just fun!
Cons - I did lose some sleep because I stayed up late reading and then thinking about the story as I tried to go to bed.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving my review voluntarily.
January 31, 2024
this novel was pure seratonin. its not something you take completely seriously, as the plot verged on silly, but i mean that in the best way possible as i couldn’t stop smiling throughout my whole reading experience. and i couldn’t put this down until i reached the final page. i especially loved the moments between avery and jenkins. such as when she returns home angry due to thinking that someone else was him, only for jenkins to tenderly prove her wrong. did i swoooon? YES. anyway, if you’re looking for a lighthearted historical romcom with a touch of mystery and antics, then this is perfect for you.
June 24, 2024
This is a fun story if you have the right expectations. It reminds me of the movie Spy with Melissa McCarthy. She’s an inexperienced spy who jumps into crazy intrigue. In this case, Avery, a 33 year old spinster decides to misbehave and have an adventure. She is supported in this by the mysterious butler who seems to feel responsible for her. She fearlessly walks into many hair raising adventures with the ton, a surprisingly dangerous milieu. Just go with it and enjoy the craziness. The reader does a fabulous Avery whom you want to strangle but who manages to be funny and endearing.
February 1, 2026
3.5 🌟 (Audible)
Excellent palette cleanser, but a little more convoluted than its predecessor. Still entertaining!
Excellent palette cleanser, but a little more convoluted than its predecessor. Still entertaining!
November 25, 2023
Sigh. Loved this book. 💕
December 13, 2023
Two stars for the author’s light, enjoyable writing style.
The story itself begins well, a 33-year old spinster realizes life is passing her by and sets out a ‘bucket list’ of things to experience before settling into her future role as companion to a great-aunt. About mid-way however, the plot starts to devolve and, by the last quarter, it’s just too preposterous to swallow. I struggled to finish.
As the story progressed, I also didn’t find the main character particularly likeable. Too often, she behaved like a feather-brained twit instead of a grown woman. Nor did she come across as particularly kind or considerate, after all she didn’t notice the butler once in three years?! As to the hero, he’s more caricature than character. Putting aside the ridiculousness of his backstory, given who he ‘really’ is, are we actually supposed to believe he stayed on as butler that entire time because he was silently pining away for the heroine? Hmm.
Overall, incredibly frustrating!
The story itself begins well, a 33-year old spinster realizes life is passing her by and sets out a ‘bucket list’ of things to experience before settling into her future role as companion to a great-aunt. About mid-way however, the plot starts to devolve and, by the last quarter, it’s just too preposterous to swallow. I struggled to finish.
As the story progressed, I also didn’t find the main character particularly likeable. Too often, she behaved like a feather-brained twit instead of a grown woman. Nor did she come across as particularly kind or considerate, after all she didn’t notice the butler once in three years?! As to the hero, he’s more caricature than character. Putting aside the ridiculousness of his backstory, given who he ‘really’ is, are we actually supposed to believe he stayed on as butler that entire time because he was silently pining away for the heroine? Hmm.
Overall, incredibly frustrating!
December 2, 2023
Not one, not two, But THREE ...and a half secret identities
what an adventure.
I don't want this series to end. There has to be another Spinster (defying societal expectations)or a Rakeish Rogue (all loyal and loveable and reformed and heroic) somewhere out there. 🎵I know you're out there, somewhere out there🎵(insert guitar solo here)
Romance Plot/Storyline/Themes:
Character Development/Favorite Character:
●Avery was wildly adultified as child and clearly left its mark on her. She never stood a chance. She is equal parts fretful, responsible and adventurous - she would definitely thrive in the 21st century the era of anxiety and bravery. Strange bedfellows.
●Jerkins he of many faces is mysterious and oozes this appeal that you just know is hidden beneath the weird butler disguise. I mean we all knew he was the highwayman, so much foreshadowing couldn't miss it.
"There was no point in arguing with Jerkins. He was as inflexible as an iron bar." (Avery on Jerkins and he sounds sintintilatingly dominant with all that formality)
"She looked at his face and quickly averted her eyes. He looked like thunder." (Jerkins is my hero)
●Belinda "The Beautiful Charlatan maybe Cousin"- I too enjoy sleeping as much as you. Wish I could sleep all day though, alas Life has got to be lived ... and paid for.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Scene::
Jerkins tender and quiet demeanor in the opening chapters in particular, Avery's moment of drunken self discovery as she makes that list and promptly passes out in a drunken stupor. Jerkins is so chivalrous and strong he's practically edible.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Quotes:
You have the makings of an eccentric, and that is a breed of woman who is not only strong, but independent and, while no one likes to admit it, secretly admired, if not feared, because they have managed to rise above the strictures of society." (A fancy Duchess meets Avery )
"it had been a relief to have him save her from a predicament at Lady Jersey's rout, and she was indeed grateful for his intervention, she would
prefer to go to a ball without her horribly efficient, omnipresent butler watching her." (Mooom! can I get a hot butler like Jerkins for Christmas?)
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Concepts: Oh the times were unkind to women but then again when have the times been anything but?
One shan't attend the ridiculous ball without a chaperone, one shan't dance without introductions, one shan't attend fancy balls without a lady companion - reminds me of a scene in Enola Holmes 2.
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025
Challenge Prompt: 150 Romance books by 2025
I don't want this series to end. There has to be another Spinster (defying societal expectations)or a Rakeish Rogue (all loyal and loveable and reformed and heroic) somewhere out there. 🎵I know you're out there, somewhere out there🎵(insert guitar solo here)
Romance Plot/Storyline/Themes:
Character Development/Favorite Character:
●Avery was wildly adultified as child and clearly left its mark on her. She never stood a chance. She is equal parts fretful, responsible and adventurous - she would definitely thrive in the 21st century the era of anxiety and bravery. Strange bedfellows.
●Jerkins he of many faces is mysterious and oozes this appeal that you just know is hidden beneath the weird butler disguise. I mean we all knew he was the highwayman, so much foreshadowing couldn't miss it.
"There was no point in arguing with Jerkins. He was as inflexible as an iron bar." (Avery on Jerkins and he sounds sintintilatingly dominant with all that formality)
"She looked at his face and quickly averted her eyes. He looked like thunder." (Jerkins is my hero)
●Belinda "The Beautiful Charlatan maybe Cousin"- I too enjoy sleeping as much as you. Wish I could sleep all day though, alas Life has got to be lived ... and paid for.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Scene::
Jerkins tender and quiet demeanor in the opening chapters in particular, Avery's moment of drunken self discovery as she makes that list and promptly passes out in a drunken stupor. Jerkins is so chivalrous and strong he's practically edible.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Quotes:
You have the makings of an eccentric, and that is a breed of woman who is not only strong, but independent and, while no one likes to admit it, secretly admired, if not feared, because they have managed to rise above the strictures of society." (A fancy Duchess meets Avery )
"it had been a relief to have him save her from a predicament at Lady Jersey's rout, and she was indeed grateful for his intervention, she would
prefer to go to a ball without her horribly efficient, omnipresent butler watching her." (Mooom! can I get a hot butler like Jerkins for Christmas?)
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Concepts: Oh the times were unkind to women but then again when have the times been anything but?
One shan't attend the ridiculous ball without a chaperone, one shan't dance without introductions, one shan't attend fancy balls without a lady companion - reminds me of a scene in Enola Holmes 2.
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025
Challenge Prompt: 150 Romance books by 2025
April 5, 2024
I liked this short novel. Not as much as I liked the previous two novels in the series, but it was still a darn good read. Unbelievable, but good. I have always considered regency romance an honorary sub-genre of fantasy, and this book just confirmed my opinion. After all, I don't believe in dragons or magic either, not really, but I still enjoy reading fantasy. I enjoyed this tale too. From the first screen on my kindle, the story had a gentle grip on me.
The heroine, Avery, is a 33-year-old spinster, kind and naive. She has never experienced life to the full: her list of 'Never Experienced' is 2 pages long, written tightly on both sides. The list includes such items as shooting a gun, kissing a man, falling in love, drinking whiskey, etc. When a twist of fate offers her a chance to have those experiences, she grabs it.
The hero is a much more complicated personality. A chameleon of sorts, he juggles several different identities. But as the story is told from Avery's POV, the reader only discovers his identities gradually and painfully, same as Avery does, until all is revealed close to the end.
The author's imagination gallops in all directions in this deceptively quiet story, and a strong suspension of disbelief is required for the reader to enjoy it. As I have that commodity in spades, I did enjoy it.
The heroine, Avery, is a 33-year-old spinster, kind and naive. She has never experienced life to the full: her list of 'Never Experienced' is 2 pages long, written tightly on both sides. The list includes such items as shooting a gun, kissing a man, falling in love, drinking whiskey, etc. When a twist of fate offers her a chance to have those experiences, she grabs it.
The hero is a much more complicated personality. A chameleon of sorts, he juggles several different identities. But as the story is told from Avery's POV, the reader only discovers his identities gradually and painfully, same as Avery does, until all is revealed close to the end.
The author's imagination gallops in all directions in this deceptively quiet story, and a strong suspension of disbelief is required for the reader to enjoy it. As I have that commodity in spades, I did enjoy it.
January 30, 2024
4.5 stars.
if comedy, short reads, and historical romance is your thing, then i'm already on my knees, begging you to read. this. book.
spinsters who find love is one of my favorite historical romance tropes. unfortunately this theme is highly saturated in the genre, so finding the treasures beneath the inevitable dnfs is difficult. but this one had me laughing, sighing, screaming, AND almost crying because of its sweet ending.
the plot was paced so well it didnt feel rushed nor dreadfully lengthy. the characters were adorable and i loved how the writing immediately pulled me into avery's mischievous antics and had me care about her. she was such a fun main character!
if comedy, short reads, and historical romance is your thing, then i'm already on my knees, begging you to read. this. book.
spinsters who find love is one of my favorite historical romance tropes. unfortunately this theme is highly saturated in the genre, so finding the treasures beneath the inevitable dnfs is difficult. but this one had me laughing, sighing, screaming, AND almost crying because of its sweet ending.
the plot was paced so well it didnt feel rushed nor dreadfully lengthy. the characters were adorable and i loved how the writing immediately pulled me into avery's mischievous antics and had me care about her. she was such a fun main character!
▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||||။၊|• the feral playlist
- “Lady Avery. Has anyone ever told you that your eyes flash the most enchanting green when you are angry?”
- actually, every avery & jerkins interaction had me FOAMING IN THE MOUTH
October 28, 2023
Lady Avery Haywood noticed her butler has smoky blue eyes totally inappropriate as she is leaving to take care of Great aunt Euphemia! Avery decides not before she rusticates in the country for the rest of her life she will have an adventure! Boy does she because her butler goes by several names and has several secrets! Avery makes out her never list as she has spent the last several years looking after her nephews! Her older brother children have left to go overseas and not once thought of her the spinster aunt! Enter the butler Jerkins Aka Julius Aka Lord Blackhurst Aka the Black Earl! Honestly never knew a hero with so many names or conquests! When secrets start to reveal enemies come to light along with Jerkins past! Can Avery have a future with a man of so many secrets? Can Jax Aka Jerkins be a lover of one woman after all these years? Bravo definitely 4.6 stars
April 11, 2024
Read this if you are in the mood for:
- A historical romantic comedy romp
- Shenanigans with the butler
- A heroine with a scandalous bucket list
- A low steam book, there are no sex scenes
- Twists and turns!
I have been reading historical romance for a long time, and yet. AND YET. I don't think I have read a single one where the butler was anything more than a secondary character. Have I been missing a whole genre of butler romances? Because I loved it and I want more.
This was a really fun read, a lovely historical romance romp around with a very charming heroine and a butler with a somewhat murky past. I would highly recommend reading this if you want something light hearted and lovely to read. Think a less polished Julia Quinn.
- A historical romantic comedy romp
- Shenanigans with the butler
- A heroine with a scandalous bucket list
- A low steam book, there are no sex scenes
- Twists and turns!
I have been reading historical romance for a long time, and yet. AND YET. I don't think I have read a single one where the butler was anything more than a secondary character. Have I been missing a whole genre of butler romances? Because I loved it and I want more.
This was a really fun read, a lovely historical romance romp around with a very charming heroine and a butler with a somewhat murky past. I would highly recommend reading this if you want something light hearted and lovely to read. Think a less polished Julia Quinn.
February 6, 2026
I liked this book more than I thought I would. I went in with very low expectations. But it was a short and at times fun read. But I also had lots of problems with the decision making in this book and the end came together way too fast. I didn't like the love interest and his secret keeping or the way unrealistic happy ending.
February 5, 2026
3.5 stars. Cheesy, obvious, quick! Overall fun with a lot crammed into the end (maybe too much? How many twists do we need?)
Definitely want to knock some sense into our leading lady and couldn’t quite catch the fever for our leading lad, but liked the creativity of the story.
Definitely want to knock some sense into our leading lady and couldn’t quite catch the fever for our leading lad, but liked the creativity of the story.
October 20, 2023
Delightful story!
March 21, 2024
Silly, cute
June 5, 2024
Loved this one. Kept me guessing to the end
February 20, 2025
This girl dumb as hell
April 4, 2025
Lovvvvee reading stuff from this time period!!
And really enjoyed the intrigue of his character + his secret infatuation with her
And really enjoyed the intrigue of his character + his secret infatuation with her
June 24, 2025
The plot is so preposterous even for a historical romance, which tend to focus more on the romance than any historical accuracy.
And yet I found myself highly charmed?
3.5⭐️
And yet I found myself highly charmed?
3.5⭐️
December 1, 2025
My least favorite of the series. Avery ruined it. I get she's supposed to be a sheltered spinster, but no 33 year old should be so juvenile, so dangerously naive. Most of the plot is this lady repeatedly YOLOing herself into peril. Maddening!
2.5 stars.
2.5 stars.
July 24, 2024
This was my favorite of the series so far. It’s got highway men, a hot butler and a mysterious lord. (Sharon, I think you’d like it.)
October 19, 2023
This is a clean and charming story of a lonely spinster and a highway man, a butler, and an earl. It’s humorous, interesting, and filled with surprises. Best of all, there’s a HEA.
When Lady Avery’s brother and his family depart London to take up a diplomatic position in Vienna, she’s left behind to take care of Great-Aunt Euphemia, who’s ancient, blind, and deaf. Avery doesn’t mind, except she does. She wants her chance to live. She decides that she’ll allow her Great-Aunt to wait a while, safe in the care of others, while she undertakes doing things she’s never done. She doesn’t realize just how much trouble she can get herself into.
Butler Jerkins has been a loyal retainer of Lady Avery’s brother for three years. When Lady Avery unexpectedly arrives back at her brother’s leased townhouse on Wimpole Street. Jerkins doesn’t know quite what to do with her, but he will do everything in his power to see to her comfort and safety. But Jerkins has secrets that Lady Avery know nothing about, but she’ll soon begin to unravel what he’s all about.
This was a delightful Regency story. It kept me wanting to know what might come next, and, therefore, kept me turning pages. The characters are wonderful and deeper and more filled-out that those often found in this type of book. The writing was wonderful. All the books in this series have been entertaining, but this one just might be my favorite so far.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
When Lady Avery’s brother and his family depart London to take up a diplomatic position in Vienna, she’s left behind to take care of Great-Aunt Euphemia, who’s ancient, blind, and deaf. Avery doesn’t mind, except she does. She wants her chance to live. She decides that she’ll allow her Great-Aunt to wait a while, safe in the care of others, while she undertakes doing things she’s never done. She doesn’t realize just how much trouble she can get herself into.
Butler Jerkins has been a loyal retainer of Lady Avery’s brother for three years. When Lady Avery unexpectedly arrives back at her brother’s leased townhouse on Wimpole Street. Jerkins doesn’t know quite what to do with her, but he will do everything in his power to see to her comfort and safety. But Jerkins has secrets that Lady Avery know nothing about, but she’ll soon begin to unravel what he’s all about.
This was a delightful Regency story. It kept me wanting to know what might come next, and, therefore, kept me turning pages. The characters are wonderful and deeper and more filled-out that those often found in this type of book. The writing was wonderful. All the books in this series have been entertaining, but this one just might be my favorite so far.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
October 20, 2023
Favorite so far in this series
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has a great storyline/plot. If I had one word to sum up the main lead female role of Lady Avery Hemming it would be: adorable. Lady Avery, she is fun, brave, creative and inquisitive with a little fire to her but was more sweet and innocent at her core than anything else. She was so much fun to imagine. Next, the butler (not giving away a spoiler) was wonderfully written and I loved him nearly from the 1st scene. I couldn't put down this book, except for moments when I threw my head back and laughed out loud. . I love how Jerkins handles Lady Avery and laughs at her phrases and quirky ways. He loves her for the same reason we do...she is so stinking adorable. :) You all must read the book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has a great storyline/plot. If I had one word to sum up the main lead female role of Lady Avery Hemming it would be: adorable. Lady Avery, she is fun, brave, creative and inquisitive with a little fire to her but was more sweet and innocent at her core than anything else. She was so much fun to imagine. Next, the butler (not giving away a spoiler) was wonderfully written and I loved him nearly from the 1st scene. I couldn't put down this book, except for moments when I threw my head back and laughed out loud. . I love how Jerkins handles Lady Avery and laughs at her phrases and quirky ways. He loves her for the same reason we do...she is so stinking adorable. :) You all must read the book!
February 4, 2024
I was expecting a fun romp and that's exactly what I got. However Avery had a number of too stupid to live moments that really bugged me. There were more personalities than Sybil which also bugged me. I wish there were half stars. Since there are not, I've chosen to round up.
June 30, 2025
A spinster has a midlife crisis, writes a bucket list, and makes every conceivable bad decision. This book is an adventure unlike the prior volumes of the series. It was also very clearly made up as the author went. The absurdity keeps increasing.
Avery is a ninny. She doesn't get to know many of the side characters, rather speculates on who they might be. The butler is mysterious and shifts as the plot requires.
Avery is a ninny. She doesn't get to know many of the side characters, rather speculates on who they might be. The butler is mysterious and shifts as the plot requires.
January 22, 2026
Lady Avery and the False Butler
by Sofi Laporte & Gabrielle B…
This is one of my favorite authors, and this is easily one of my favorite books of hers. I absolutely loved it.
First of all—this book is hilarious. I was smiling (and laughing) the whole way through. The premise alone had me hooked: a hopeless spinster with a checklist of everything she’s missed out on, enlisting her butler’s help? Yes, please. And it delivers on every level.
Lady Avery is such a fun heroine to follow, and the chemistry between her and the butler is fantastic. The banter, the antics, the slow realization that things are not quite what they seem—it all works so well. Add in a bit of adventure and intrigue, and I was completely invested.
I also have to mention how beautiful this entire series is. The covers are gorgeous and perfectly match the charm and humor of the stories inside.
If you enjoy clean Regency romance with a unique premise, lots of laughs, and a big, satisfying heart, this is an easy recommendation. One of my absolute favorites—highly recommended. 💕
by Sofi Laporte & Gabrielle B…
This is one of my favorite authors, and this is easily one of my favorite books of hers. I absolutely loved it.
First of all—this book is hilarious. I was smiling (and laughing) the whole way through. The premise alone had me hooked: a hopeless spinster with a checklist of everything she’s missed out on, enlisting her butler’s help? Yes, please. And it delivers on every level.
Lady Avery is such a fun heroine to follow, and the chemistry between her and the butler is fantastic. The banter, the antics, the slow realization that things are not quite what they seem—it all works so well. Add in a bit of adventure and intrigue, and I was completely invested.
I also have to mention how beautiful this entire series is. The covers are gorgeous and perfectly match the charm and humor of the stories inside.
If you enjoy clean Regency romance with a unique premise, lots of laughs, and a big, satisfying heart, this is an easy recommendation. One of my absolute favorites—highly recommended. 💕
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews