Once upon a time Allie fell in love, quite by accident. She was blinded by a deep friendship, which happened to be the perfect recipe for a love match to grow right under her nose, without her noticing.
The Regency era speaks to her with its rules, etiquette, and charm. Of course, the top hats and cravats are sure winners. She can quote the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice with 98% accuracy, plays the pianoforte with moderate proficiency, and has an affinity for the beneficial exercise of walking.
Allie is a famous author--at least in her own home--where her very own Mr. Darcy dotes on her and where their children play without the supervision of a governess.
From the Amazon synopsis: A bluestocking unexpectedly forced into London Society. An admirer silently pining for his best friend. Could a London Season help them see things differently?
In the world of London society, where balls and suitors reign supreme, Lady Elizabeth Berkeley, a bluestocking at heart, has no time for such frivolous pursuits--her true passion lies in her writing. But when a setback in her literary aspirations pushes her to seek publication in London, she is thrust into the glittering London Season she has always shunned.
Her best friend since childhood, Alexander, sees this as an opportunity to finally declare his love for Lizzie. But revealing himself as her admirer proves to be more difficult than he’d first thought. She only sees him as her dearest friend—as one of the family. And as the Season progresses, Alexander can tell that Lizzie is hiding something.
As they navigate the treacherous waters of the ton, both Lizzie and Alexander must work to achieve their deepest desires. Can he convince her that they are meant to be together, or will she continue to see him as just a dear friend? Will Lizzie find success as an author and true love along the way? Find out in this charming and romantic tale during an unexpected London Season.
Let me just say that of the four books I've read in this series, this one's going to be the hardest to part with. Unfortunately for me, but lucky for my friend, I've promised to send it off as soon as I finished it. Did that (finished, I mean, not sent off) just now.
I absolutely *love* these characters! I love that they both like to read. I love that they've been best friends forever. I adore Lizzie in this book. I've liked her in the others because she reminded me of me when I was in my teens - always with her nose in a book. But to find out she *writes* is almost too wonderful. And I'm so happy for her that she has Alexander to discuss things with - including her writing.
I really liked Alexander, too, and not just because he's a 'reader'. I loved how supportive he is of Lizzie and how he struggles trying to tell her without telling her how he feels about her.
I laughed in places but I cried a bit, too. The scenes with Lizzie trying to throw herself into the Season in an effort to make her writing more 'realistic' are really great as are her inner 'musings' about the young men she's meeting.
Think I'll stop there before I give too much away. I don't give 5-star reviews very often, but this one came darn close. Get this one for yourselves. You won't regret it. I may have to go buy myself another copy. I do want to see what the author does with Edward and William, though. I think they need to find loves of their own.
I had so much fun reading this fabulously written story! It might be my favorite in the series. Lizzie and Alexander are wonderful characters and their voices are full of unique personality and conviction. I absolutely love their debates of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Emma and love the way those novels are woven into their story. They have a sweet, supportive friendship filled with possibility. Alexander’s anxious hoping for more was felt by this reader (I noticed every time Alexander tenderly touched her hands). His heartfelt sentiments and confessions are what dreams are made of! Highly recommend!
I received a digital copy of this story. This is my opinion.
Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book. Since I wasn’t really sure what to expect from Allie Kensington, I’m pleased to say I was pleasantly surprised. Unlike many stories based on Jane Austen stories (usually a take on Pride & Prejudice), this one is based on Emma, but it’s not actually a retelling. In fact, the characters of Alexander and Elizabeth “Lizzie” are lifelong friends. Alexander is best friends with Lizzie’s twin older brothers and is considered somewhat of a third brother—which complicates matters in his head. They spend hours discussing Jane Austen’s books. Pride & Prejudice is Lizzie’s favorite book and she longs for her own Mr. Darcy. Lizzie is also an aspiring author. Before her father died, he used to encourage her writing, but now she keeps it a secret.
When Alexander brings her Austen’s latest, Emma, he’s anxious to convince her that Mr. Knightly is a better hero and, more importantly, the hero that Lizzie should want. Once she reads the book, they have lively discussions during which Alexander attempts to convince her that Mr. Knightly is the better hero and he identifies with him. It takes her a bit too long to realize that he is actually trying to tell her that he’s in love with her. Fortunately for the reader, we get inside the heads of both Lizzie and Alexander so we can see them both falling in love.
Lizzie’s twin older brothers, William and Edward, add comic relief to the story with their silly antics and jokes. When it falls to them to chaperone Lizzie to ton events, they complain about how it takes so much time. When she offers to stop attending events, they reassure her she needn’t do that. Edward laughs, saying, “...half the fun is complaining about it.” They tease Alexander so much about the “mystery” woman he wants to marry that I was convinced they knew he meant Lizzie, but they didn’t. Apparently, they were as oblivious as everyone else in the family.
When the story starts, Lizzie, only 19 years old, is attending her first “season” in London. She’s actually there for a secret reason, which she confesses only to Alexander. Although Alexander had no intention of attending, he changes his plans so he can be there for her. He is intent on confessing his feelings to her, but he’s afraid she won’t return his sentiments. The truth is, Lizzie is too immature at the start to even understand how she feels about Alexander. She has to spend time with other potential suitors to compare them all to him and realize he is the only one who can make her happy. But because he hasn’t had the courage to tell her how he feels, and because the hints he has shared have only confused matters further, Lizzie is convinced he is in love with someone else.
Initially, I felt as if Alexander’s eyes sparkled and twinkled a bit too much in the beginning of the story. It didn’t continue, and when I did a word search, it really wasn’t that much. So, I guess it was me. I only had one problem with the story, which I suspect most people wouldn’t even notice. Lizzie sent a manuscript to a publisher and used a pen name so she wouldn’t bring shame to her family. She received a response from the publisher and I want to know how the servants knew enough to bring it to her and how no one else in her family was aware of it. Remember, she was keeping it a secret from everyone. How was she afforded the privacy of receiving a letter from a publishing house under a pseudonym? Obviously, she could have confided in a servant, but I didn’t get the sense there was anyone she explicitly trusted so I had trouble imagining who it could have been. Does it really affect the story? No. I’m just one of those people always looking at the details to make sure everything makes sense, and for me, it could have been explained better.
I still think it’s a 5-star read and I enjoyed it immensely. I found Lizzie and Alexander to be delightful characters worthy of an Austen story. This may be the first book I’ve read from Kensington, but it won’t be the last. I highly recommend it, especially for Jane Austen lovers who are looking for a story that incorporates Austen rather than mimics one of her books. It’s exceedingly well done.
This is a really sweet addition to the series. I really liked the H and h Alex and Lizzie. They had been friends for a long time as Alexander was close friends with her twin brothers. He had feelings for Lizzie for a long time and had been waiting until she had her first Season to finally reveal his desire to court her. For years Alex had been bringing Lizzie books that he thought she would enjoy. He always bought himself his own copy so that they could discuss the stories.
As the Season was about to start, Lizzie had decided to stay at home to be there when her brother, James and sister-in-law, Emma had their first baby. Her other sister Cassandra and brother-in-law Robert were willing to be her chaperones during the Season. Lizzie or Lady Elizabeth Berkeley, the daughter of a Duke was happy to stay home with her books and something else her family was not aware of. She loved to write stories which started when she shared that activity with her father. She had written a novel and was waiting to hear back from the publisher to find out if it was accepted. When she receives a rejection letter, her plans for the Season changes as she must get to London to get her copy of the book returned. The story takes off from there as Lizzie gets to experience the much talked about London Season.
Will Alex finally get to reveal his deep feeling for Lizzie that he doesn't see her only as a friend or a younger sister but as the only woman he wants to marry? Will Lizzie reveal her secret to Alex and allow him to help her get her book back and make the changes the publisher suggests?
I really enjoyed this book and loved the way that Alex knew Lizzie so well. He was always there when she needed him. I also liked seeing the characters from previous books lives updated. I know the author says the books can be read in any order but I think it's best reading them in sequence as the stories and characters continue to be discussed from book to book.
I hope there's more to this series as there are two more brothers William and Edward that need to get their own stories.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
Alexander has been friends with Lizzie's older brothers, and with Lizzie, since they were kids, and he's been in love with her for years. But she only sees him as a friend. When she decides to have her first Season this year rather than putting it off as planned, Alexander knows he has to take advantages of the Season's events to convince her to see him as a potential suitor rather than just a friend. But when he tries to hint at his intentions, she misunderstands and thinks he's looking elsewhere. Can Alexander convince Lizzie that he's what she's really looking for, or will she continue to hunt fruitlessly for her Mr Darcy?
A charming friends to lovers story, with the added interest of Lizzie secretly being an aspiring authoress. Alexander's often bumbling attempts to win Lizzie over are relatively predictable, but I appreciated the way that he encouraged along her journey to publication. Her brothers also added a certain comic touch, though thankfully their constantly-threatened duels never took place. The discussion of Mr Knightly versus Mr Darcy was interesting and a very nice touch, fitting in beautifully to their situation. All in all, an enjoyable and touching read, clean and well-written - and I admit to being very glad that the references to Emma didn't go far as to becoming an Emma retelling!
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
Oh, how I loved this regency romance. I love how Kensington opens it up with a little intro about how she put her love of Jane Austen and the life of a writer in this story. She really did just that and it was so well put together and thought out.
Alex and Lizzie have such a great dynamic as characters. Their banter is off the charts, their friendship strong and the love that builds oh so beautiful. It just needs one of them to notice that it is there for it to bloom into something even more beautiful. Which is an important part of the story. I loved watching these two come closer together as characters and seeing how they grew in other aspects as well.
The Jane Austen tributes throughout, the love of Pride and Prejudice as well as Emma took the story to another level for me. It was delightful. I loved the ties between Darcey, Bingley and Knightley. The comparison game of the three against each other, but also how Alex viewed them and saw things within himself. As a big fan of both Austen novels, I really appreciated Kensington's take on them and the way she wove them throughout. And I appreciated the way in which she gave these characters life and romance.
Pick up if you want a delightful regency romance in your day. It is one that will bring a smile to your face, a laugh to your voice and a little swoon to your heart.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author and all opinions are my own.
While this is not a new trope, this author pulls it off well. She makes it original. I didn’t feel like it was just another “friends to lovers” tale that will become easily confused with the rest as time goes on. It is memorable. The heroine, though she reads many romance novels, is inexperienced with real relationships and the associated feelings. We get to see her gain experience and grow as a person and as a writer. The change is realistic and relatable. The fear of losing their best friend holds them back. Each of them have to allow themselves to be vulnerable to be able to have their happily ever after.
The romance is clean and sweet but still exciting. I also really enjoyed the heroine’s twin brothers and their banter. I hope to see more books in the series that contain their stories.
The author honors the late and great Jane Austin by having two of her novels be discussed by the characters throughout the book. It allows us to see how these characters perceived Austin’s characters and how their perceptions color their actions and decisions throughout the book. I felt like I was in a book club discussion with the hero and heroine and it brought more depth to my thoughts and opinions on the characters as well. I have enjoyed all the novels written by this author and this one was bo less enjoyable.
I loved this book! Lizzie has secretly been writing books her whole life but now she's considering actually publishing them, as long as her family doesn't find out. She has no interest in the Marriage Mart yet but she needs an excuse to be in London which means having to endure a Season. Luckily, she's got her brothers helping her along the way. Alexander has always been best friends with Lizzie's twin brothers. He's one of the family. But he wants to be more than a brother to Lizzie. Can he use their mutual love of books to reveal his heart to her?
The author did an excellent job of weaving discussion of Pride & Prejudice and Emma into the story without making it an exact copy or twist of either of the books. It makes sense that people of that time would have read those books and discussed them and that's what Lizzie and Alexander are doing while having their own story happen. Everything matched the Regency era felt realistic, which I really look for in a book. The story was clean but still gave me Romance Butterflies. Friends to lovers is one of my favourite love stories (and my own) so this story was extra special. Everything I've read by this author has been excellent quality and gaves me that cozy, content feeling. This is definitely going in my top favourites list and will be read again and again. Don't miss any books by this author!
Four and a half stars for a sweet and clean romance of best friends to lovers.
I have enjoyed the other books in the series and each is a stand alone book but each gives the other “family members “ story.
I enjoyed the two main characters. Both hero and heroine are devoted to family whether it was made up by blood or by choice. Each had strong minds and opinions but were kind in giving heed to others.
I found myself laughing at times by the various characters and their reactions and dialogues. I also was cheering for the two to speak out their feelings and begin their own story together.
I really enjoyed the banter about the Jane Austin books as I enjoy her works immensely and to see them as contemporary was great.
I recommend this book, series and author for an enjoyable clean reading.
I received an ARC copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
Oh this was a delightful brothers’ best friend, friends to lovers regency read.
Alexander has been best friends with Lizzie’s twin brothers since childhood and he’s loved her for just as long.
Lizzie has never really thought about love. Since she was a little girl, her love has been reading and writing her own stories. When her dreams of becoming a published writer seem to be shattered, Alexander is the one person she can turn to for support.
Alexander will do anything for Lizzie. He’s her closest friend and biggest supporter. When he agrees to help Lizzie in her plight, he secretly hopes Lizzie will see him as more than her “third brother.”
I just love Lizzie and Alexander. Their connection through books is so sweet. I loved how Emma and Pride and Prejudice were woven into Lizzie and Alexander’s own love story. Lizzie believes she needs her own Mr. Darcy, but Alexander is convinced she needs someone more like Mr. Knightley, someone like him.
Sweet and engaging with delightful twin brothers, Vexing the Viscount is another wonderful story by Allie Kensington.
I received a complimentary copy, but a positive review was not required.
A delightful read about Lizzie and Alexander, her two twin brother’s best friend. He has always been there for her, the youngest sibling in her family, making sure she was always included. He was also the one person who always enjoyed debating about the books they have read as he too enjoyed reading. Since she was six she enjoyed creating little stories that her father would help her compose and put together. Now that he has passed she feels that loss of shared comradeship and then a situation develops that ultimately has her turning to Alexander for help. What happens that she needs his assistance, how does he respond and how does it all lead the their hea? Read their journey in this sweet and clean read
Vexing the Viscount is a clean and slow romance. The character bear some resemblance (in personality) to Jane Austen characters, and have the propensity to discuss said Jane Austen characters. It was an interesting story, though I felt that most of the couple’s conversations revolved around books, which got a little repetitive. But I appreciated the fact that Lizzie was a writer and I got to see her thought process as she went through her writing journey. Overall the book was a good addition to the Marrying for Love Romances series. If you have read the others books in the series or are a fan of regency friends to lovers tropes, I would recommend this read. I received an advanced review copy of this book, but my thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was an engaging, fun read. Although you knew from very early on that they would get together, I liked how they 'danced' around each other thinking that the love they had would not be shared. I enjoyed the fact that it mirrored 'Emma' by Jane Austen. I thought the characterisation was very good, I especially liked the twin brothers to the heroine who brought a lot of light humour to the storyline. It is important that the book highlighted that women can be just as talented as men, even though at the time a woman would have to hide behind a husbands name to gain recognition. It is great that things have changed and the world now believes that women can write. Amazing.
Mr. Knightley or Mr. Darcy? Who is your favorite leading man? This is a charming and entertaining Regency romance. It is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone story. The characters of Lizzie and Alexander are engaging with their witty banter, their love of books, and their close friendship. I enjoyed getting to know these two characters. I thought it moved along at a good pace. If you have ta love of Jane Austen, you will find this book delightful. It is a clean and wholesome romance. I am usually a Mr. Darcy kinda gal but Alexander made a mighty fine Mr. Knightley! I am hopeful for Edward and Williams stories.
Lizzie and Alexander have been dear friends for so long that he has become a part of her family. Alexander has been waiting for the day she travels to London for her first season with the hope that he might be able to convince her that there can be more than friendship to their relationship. Lizzie has been avoiding a season, content to stay in the country and work on her secret writing projects. When circumstances force Lizzie to town, Alexander finally sees his opportunity. With memorable and vivid characters, Vexing the Viscount is a sweet, clean, story. Although part of a series this story can be read as a stand alone, although I recommend reading the series in order.
Ms. Kensington did a wonderful job with this story. I don't know if I didn't enjoy the many dialogues about Jane Austen's books better than the romance. It sparked a Jane Austen movie-watching spree again for me.
I wish there were fewer chapters because the story seemed to drag after a while for me, but all in all, it was an enjoyable book and I looked forward to the end. Of course, after the epilogue, I wished there was a glimpse into their future (as I'm sure a lot of us readers wished we had when we get immersed in the world of fiction).
I recommend the book and indeed the author to anyone who loves Regency Era books.
I received an ARC and this is a voluntary review of the book.
Title : Vexing the Viscount: A Regency Romance (Marrying for Love Romances Book 4) Author : Allie Kensington May 12, 2024
"Allie Kensington's "Vexing the Viscount" is a Regency romance that tells the story of Lizzie and Alexander, two friends who share a passion for Austen's novels. When Alexander reveals his long-held affection for Lizzie during her debut Season, miscommunication threatens their burgeoning romance. Despite the presence of Austen's characters, the story feels both familiar and original. The author explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and romantic love, creating a satisfying and engaging read for fans of the genre."
I found this to be the author's best written work so far. If you are a Jane Austen fan, than this book is for you! It was my favourite part of the book, reading the back and forth banter between the two characters as they discussed Pride and Prejudice and Emma. The characters were likeable and I found the main heroine Lizzie to be very realistic, especially as she struggled to share with the world her love of writing.
A very light-hearted romance that was sweet to read and clean. A must pick for historical romance fans.
I have read some of Ms. Kensington's books in the past, and absolutely loved each one. The writing is top-notch, the characters are enjoyable and believable, and the stories are fun. This book is no exception. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because this particular type of story line frustrates me. It was my preference, rather than the writer's ability, which made this book less enjoyable than previous ones. I find Lizzie and I to be in absolute agreement about Mr. Knightley. (If you want to know, read the book!)
The transition of a relationship from friends to lovers is complicated because one could end up losing one’s best friend, instead. But, he is supportive and patient and she is a little slow on the uptake. Misconception of hints also set them back a bit but happily their love for each other is reciprocal. A very good read with some insight into the process of writing and the elements that go into it.
I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.
Vexing the Viscount by Allie Kensington is a well-written clean historical romance. The story gives you a glimpse into historical times and all the rules and restrictions. The time for a girl to come out in her freshman year is quite a hassle. And protecting your good name is very important. It is very hard to be and find yourself in such a society. Yet despite everything, our protagonist manages to find her way in the end. Although the book starts slowly, it is a beautiful story to read.
A clean and fun romance with two people who have known each other as friends for years. Alexander is friends with Lizzie's brothers and has been in love with her for years. When Lizzie has her first Season, Alexander decides he need to let her know how he feels, but she misunderstands when he tries to explain to her. Can this misunderstanding be straighted out? Read this sweet story to find out.
The heroine not only enjoys reading, but she has tried writing a novel. The hero has been friends with her since childhood and they have delightful conversations about what they have read. He has been waiting for her come out to declare himself, but she shuns the London season. That is until she has to retrieve her manuscript from a publisher. How they turn their friendship into a HEA was enjoyable. I received and ARC for an honest review.
A sweet read about best friends falling in love. It mirrors Emma and frequently references the Jane Austen novel, as well as P&P. I enjoyed watching Alexander keep thinking he was giving her hints but then Lizzie still had no clue! They definitely had a strong connection.
I read an advanced copy and this is my honest review.
Vexing the Viscount was such a beautiful literary-themed romance! I loved how Alexander and Lizzie talked about books and supported each other. I appreciated watching Lizzie develop her feelings for Alexander as well as her growth in her writing skills. Alexander was so sweet and caring for Lizzie especially supporting her dreams. Thank you to the author for my ARC; all opinions are mine.
Alexander has always championed Lizzy, since childhood. As her twin brothers' best friend, he's always been around, filling the "bookclub" gap left by her father's death. He's supportive and encouraging and she has no idea of his deeper feelings for her. I loved this sweet regency romance. Wonderful writing by Allie Kensington.
Absolutely loved this book. Going back and forth and discussing Jane Austin’s works made for great banter and to understand the characters in greater depth. I do wish we had been witness to him gaining Lizzie’s family’s permission though. I really wanted to see a clear response, especially from Edward and William.
I enjoyed this book with the balls and beautiful dresses. I most certainly loved Alexander. He is such a sweet man! Especially to Lizzie! I never thought he would get the courage to tell her he loved her but finally he did! I highly recommend this book!