A Viscount for the Spinster

by Samantha Holt

Some sinners deserve a second chance. Not this one, though…

Miss Maisie Beaufort has no intention of running away ever again. She’s more than ready to return home after a decade in the midst of society and take charge of her life as a spinster businesswoman. Nothing will distract her. Especially not her first love, the rebel who destroyed her young heart…

Apollo Everly always knew Maisie was too good for small town life…and for a spare heir like him. He never stopped wanting her, though. Not that it matters. Even though he’s reformed and a viscount, his lingering reputation is still a threat to her. He should stay away. But fate—and Mother Nature—seem to have other ideas…

If Maisie and Apollo want to rebuild their village after a devastating flood, they’ll need to work together. The only question now is whether they can trust each other when it matters most. And if they can avoid heartbreak this time around…

If you love second chance romance, spinsters, and a hero who will prove he isn't beyond redemption set amongst a village of unusual and eccentric characters, A Viscount for the Spinster is perfect for lovers of steamy historical romance!

Genres: Romance, Historical, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency, Second Chance, Fiction

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 27, 2023

About the author

Samantha Holt resides in Warwickshire, England, with her twin girls, having followed her soldier husband around the UK for nearly 10 years. Growing up in Hampshire, she was inspired by the authors Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell, both of whom lived and wrote only miles from her home town.

Samantha loves the romance genre and has been devouring romantic literature for as long as she can remember. History is another passion of hers and she loves to combine her love for history and romance into exciting and passionate tales.

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enemies to lovers trope. Separated by her brother from the man Maisie loves, ten years later she returns to the village and the inn where she grew up. The first person she sees is Apollo. Independent at last, she prepares to open the family inn. Apollo Everly, now the Viscount Chesham, is known as the Rebel Lord and can take care of many of the villagers' problems. Still in love with Maisie, Apollo is not going to discourage her leaving the village. The biggest problem is the villagers recovering from a flood and not trusting Apollo's help. Unfortunately, Maisie's brother once again is interfering in she and Apollo's lives.
I feel like some parts in the story did not have enough explanation or were not particularly necessary. Was there more to Maisie's bad luck? There are resolutions to various problems, but there are some unanswered questions, which I assume will be answered in the next book or books.
Some descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
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[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting romance of second chances. Maisie had been living for her Aunt Jane for two years, since the man she fell for , decided he didn’t want to go to an engagement. Apollo thought he was listening to his family, and doing the best thing for the girl he fell for. He had not comprised her, but he knew they had kissed, and both fell very hard. He had also left the small village, where they had their manor house, and gone to London. Maisie’s brother James had become a very successful lawyer in London, and after his father died, he brought his mother, and two sisters to live with him. This story was basically about Apollo, and Maisie. The village they had grown up in had faced a bad flood. Apollo was now the viscount, and he had to step up for the village. Maisie returns back to the village after her aunt dies to open back up her parents Inn, with her auntJane’s inheritance to her. The problems are can Maisie ever forgive Apollo, and will he be able to be the responsible man his village, and his love deserves. Plus her brother James involves himself in a deal that could bring them all down. It held my interest, but there are sexual parts, and some bad language. I would like to of had an epilogue, because it didn’t quite give me the complete happy ever after I wanted. Four stars.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I am a fan of the author and have quite a few of her books! But this could have almost been a novella. This story was way too long!
The hero way to handsome and a Viscount but nothing conclusive about his older brother except basically he vanished so of course Apollo must be the Viscount now!?
So we have Apollo and Maisie and innkeeper daughter so they are too far apart in stations!?
But her brother who is an ambitious lawyer warns him away!? Umm no!
Then Apollo listens to him and stayed away knowing he wasn’t any good for her even though his so called bullying was to protect the village and its people!
Even returning to a hostile environment in the village when he was working to be helpful and keep said village from starving!??
Maisie was Bull headed and wanted her independence and stuck by a miser aunt to gain a small inheritance to restore the inn that her father once ran!?
She’s 30 and definitely a spinster but it’s been 10 years since Apollo “broke” your heart!
The attraction is still there but they danced around it got way too many chapters!
Apollo had good intentions but helped ungrateful people for the most part!
He did take action to protect his lady so there is the reason for the 4 stars but whew way too long for the finish line!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Maisie returns to Oakfield after a decade away, determined to bring the family’s inn back to life.
Apollo Everly now Viscount Chesham also returns to Oakfield to help the villagers & the village recover from a devastating flood. The couple were teenage sweethearts but he broke her heart, always knew Maisie was too good for small town life and for a spare heir like him.
The start of a new series & what a starter I loved both Apollo & Maisie, he’s the spare with the less than stellar reputation, is hated by the villagers but he's grown up & matured, she's been heart broken but has found a purpose in life. I loved both of them & was totally invested in their journey to a HEA, it wasn’t smooth but it did make for a riveting read. I loved how Apollo gradually won the villagers round & proved he wasn't useless. When they finally declared their love it was so touching & brought a tear to my eye. On a side note I loved that we revisited Oakfield, the flood featured in the finale of the previous series so it was really good to see how the village was fairing. A well written captivating romance
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable second chance romance.

The first book in Samantha Holt’s new series, Spinsters and Rebels, is a very appealing second chance romance complete with a “Rebel Lord”, a thoroughly independent Miss, a gullible and foolish brother, a town full of questionable or eclectic characters and a band of villains. I loved the romance that the author developed even if sometimes I wanted it to progress faster. The story kept me reading late into the night and the heat that eventually materialized was just right.

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apollo certainly didn’t make easy for Maisie to forget him and made hard for her to not to forgive him. His charm and his witty outlook was very impressive to Maisie and the town’s peoples. The only person Apollo wanted to impress was Maisie. This was a story solely based on two people falling in love by courtship and opening an inn. The story is drawn out a little. I still enjoyed the book. I received a copy of this book for a voluntary honest review

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this ebook, and this is my freely given opinion.

This was a rather sweet second chance at love romance, with themes of differing social class, and some unrequited love. There is also a cross over with the last book from the last book of the Duchess's Investigative Society series, Persuasions of an Earl's Daughter. In that book, we were introduced to the town of Oakfield which suffered a devastating flood during the MCs visit there. In this story, we are returned to Oakfield, after the flood. Maisie Beaufort is the daughter of the former inn keeper, and raised in Oakfield. She and her family had left for London when her brother found success as a lawyer. But Maisie loved their inn, and did not enjoy the tedium of their currently elevated circumstances. When she was left a small inheritance, she decided to return to Oakfield to reopen her father's inn to build her future of independence as a businesswoman.

What she did not want was to confront her past heartbreak, in the form of Apollo Everly. Years prior, they had a brewing romance. But she was a commoner, the daughter of the local inn keeper. And he was the son of a Viscount. Albeit, the neglected, lesser son. Apollo held his status over her when he stomped on her heart, and Maisie hoped never to see him again.

Apollo has no love for Oakfield and clearly, from his cold reception, Oakfield has no love of Apollo. But, since the death of his father and brother, as the Viscount and local Lord, he is obliged to help the citizens in their time of need, and with the floods, they are in for a future of hardship without aid. But the villagers have a long memory of Apollo's past sins and want nothing to do with him, suspecting no good comes from any of his deeds, no matter how hard he tries to help them.

He is considering shelter options for those who have lost their homes when he finds out that Maisie has returned to reopen the inn. What Maisie does not know is that Apollo did love her, and only broke up their relationship under pressure from her brother, who thought Maisie could have better options than the disgraced second son of the local Lord. They end up being thrown together repeatedly in their endeavours in Oakfield, rekindling their past attraction and the hidden love they still have for each other.

This is a sweet story of second chance, and redemption as Apollo works to regain Maisie's friendship and good will, and also that of the villagers. I enjoyed the little cross over with the other book with some same faces that appeared. I quite liked Apollo, and how he really seemed quite the good guy, and the martyr to his reputation, and how Maisie did see the real him. What I did not love was the lily-livered idiot brother who interfered in their relationship to begin with and manipulated Maisie, and used his friendship with Apollo. She really needed to give him a good thump upside the head, and Apollo needs better friends.

4 stars out of 5

[Donique Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The following are my thoughts as I read this book. Maisie Beaufort…independence, fresh start, desires to be the owner of the family coaching inn. Apollo Everly…Viscount Chesham (does not like the position), not well liked in his (kind of naughty and selfish seeming kid/young man) village of Oakfield, desires to help his village after very bad weather wreaks havoc. The h is finally able to do something she has dreamed about most of her life. The H wants to do the right thing but he cannot get anyone to accept his offers. It’s funny both the MCs are trying to pretend that their history has no impact on present life. The H has his idea of what the h should be doing and where she should be but it is in direct conflict with what the h actually wants, LOL. Well the village is very protective of the h even though she has been away for quite some time. The h has mixed thoughts about the H until the hops. I am liking the slow build up as the MCs rekindle their friendship and possibly their romance. Oh neat there is an unexpected but endearing surprise. Ahh family sometimes has a way of thwarting plans and the h’s brother fits that description. Oh the H really has strong feelings for the h, even risking his life to ensure she can fulfill her dream. The h misunderstands a situation and is persuaded by her brother to make a rash decision. The H dares to attempt a foolish task without the h knowing, uh uh uh. Both the MCs are spending too much time trying to figure out what the other is thinking instead of just talking to one another. Yes finally there is some communication as well as some surprises in Oakfield. This is a HEA with a slight hint as to one of the main characters in the next story. This is book one in the Spinsters and Rebels series. It is a tale of reclaimed love. There is adult language and steam.

[Alexandra G · Rating 5 out of 5]

To his parents he was an afterthought, a useless spare. To the villagers he was a reckless and dangerous nuisance. And to Maisie he was the world. Apollo Everly, now the Viscount Chesham, made a great many mistakes in his youth, but the worst of them all was breaking Maisie’s heart and sending her away.
Determined to make amends after a flood devastated his village, he’d returned. He could bear their suspicious, distant, hostile stance. Hell, he probably deserved it. Being near the love of his life however, might prove to great a temptation. Would she ever forgive him? Could she?

Proud daughter of Oakfield’s innkeeper, Maisie Beaufort never fit in London’s parlors and ballrooms. But her brother’s ambitions were greater then the small village and shattered by Apollo’s cruelty, she followed her mother and siblings to town.
A decade, a small inheritance and the determination to take charge of her own life guided her home. She would reopen her beloved father’s inn and make it a success! She hadn’t expected to come across her childhood love though. He stirs up so many emotions, yet strangely enough, anger was no longer one of them. Could she risk her frail heart once more?

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
📚 Time, distance and maturity are sometimes the greatest gift. This tale is an enthralling tangle of present and past, slowly revealing its many layers. Personal growth, forgiveness and respect play a major part. He thinks himself unworthy and she can see what no one else does. Add some eccentric colourful villagers, their old grudges, sticky buns and a little danger and drama, and you get a wonderfully captivating read! I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book in this series!
📚 Small town romance, second chance, virgin MCs, steamy, childhood crush

Thank you to the author for this eARC! All opinions are entirely my own.

[Princess A · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Viscount for the Spinster" by Samantha Holt is a Regency romance that centers on a spinster and a viscount, weaving together themes of love, societal expectations, and personal transformation.

Key aspects of the book include:

Engaging Plot: The story follows the spinster heroine and the viscount as they navigate their societal roles and personal desires. Their relationship often starts with tension and misunderstanding but evolves into a heartfelt romance.

Character Development: The characters are well-developed, with the heroine’s strength and independence contrasting with the viscount’s societal obligations. Their growth and mutual understanding form the core of the story.

Regency Setting: The novel is set against the backdrop of Regency England, with detailed descriptions of the period’s customs, fashion, and social dynamics, adding authenticity and charm to the romance.

Romantic Tension: The romance is characterized by emotional and social conflicts, providing a satisfying and engaging love story. The chemistry between the characters is developed through witty dialogue and romantic tension.

Themes: The book explores themes of societal expectations, self-discovery, and the transformative power of love. The characters’ journey towards finding their own happiness within societal constraints is a central theme.

Overall, "A Viscount for the Spinster" is a delightful Regency romance that combines a rich historical setting with a compelling love story. Samantha Holt’s novel offers a blend of romance, character development, and period detail, making it a satisfying read for fans of historical romance.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heroine Not Quite Believable

This is a somewhat unusual Regency romance. The heroine comes from a family of former innkeepers that has risen somewhat in society; she's certainly not the typical ton miss! She is exceedingly independent, so much so that she has grand plans to renovate and reopen the family's country inn, derelict for some time, using an inheritance from her beloved aunt (for whom she was a companion). Given how things really were in Regency times, it seems implausible that a young woman would be allowed to go off on her own (her family stayed in London) with no sort of male protection or assistance to open a country inn. I'll admit that bothered me throughout the entire story. This is also a second chance romance, and the hero certainly has a long way to go to prove himself, not only to the heroine but also to the townspeople in the area surrounding his viscountcy. He has much to make amends for on both fronts, and neither the heroine nor the townspeople want to give him much of a chance. It's interesting to watch him try to work his way into their better graces. Other than the fact that I generally believe that most young women, particularly of a certain class or from strong family units, would not be as fiercely independent as so many contemporary authors of Regency fiction would have us believe, I found this an enjoyable story.

I received a free digital copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maisie returns to Oakfield after ten years to reopen her family’s inn. The last person she wanted to see seems determined to see her. Apollo Everly, Viscount Chesham, was a rebellious youth and create havoc in Oakfield. The village did not like him then, and they do not want him or his help now. Apollo broke Maisie’s heart ten years ago. He approaches her now to help him rebuild the village after a devastating flood. He is trying to make up for his poor choices as a youth, which may not be everything they seem. Maisie wants independence, and using an inheritance from her aunt, she plans to achieve it by bringing the family inn back to life. Although it did not go smoothly, she and the villagers warm up to Apollo and begin to work with him. There are still feelings between Apollo and Maisie, but will they lead to a new start and a happily ever after? This is a well-written engaging second-chance romance with an awesome hero and heroine and a wonderful group of supporting characters. There is a hitch in their plans, or at least Maisie’s, when her brother James drops a huge problem on her doorstep. There are some hold-your-breath moments, some danger, disappointment, an exciting “rescue,” a lovely slow-burn romance and a happy ending. A great story to start a new series.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, what a fun, well-written second chance romance that tells the story of Miss Maisie Beaufort, who left her small town ten years ago to go to London with her family but also left with a broken heart. Time has healed wounds and she is now determined to take charge of her life as a spinster businesswoman and run her family's inn.

Growing up Apollo Everly lived in the same small town as his first love, Maisie, but he was not good enough for her and then she moved to London. Now Apollo is back to help the villagers of his small town, even though a second son, he is now a viscount and has worked at repairing his reputation. To Apollo's surprise Maisie is back trying to repair and make a success of her family's inn. He finds he still wants her, but will his lingering reputation be a threat to her and her business?

This novel is perfect for lovers of steamy historical romance who enjoy second chance romance, spinsters, and a hero who will prove he isn't beyond redemption set amongst a village of unusual and eccentric characters. It's a lovely journey of two characters finding their way back to each other and building trust all the way to a satisfying HEA. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all, lost love, second chances, best friends' sister and of course the villain too. Maisie and Apollo grew up together in the small village of Oakfield. She is the daughter of an Inn keeper and him the second son of a viscount. Apollo was the best friend of her brother, James. Maisie followed the boys whenever she could. Apollo develops feelings and more. Till Apollo listens to James, and he tells her he never loved her. With her heart broken she goes to London with her family. She takes care of an elderly aunt and forgets about her dreams but never totally about the boy/man who had her heart. Now ten years later, with money from her aunt, she is returning to the only place she felt at home, her father's inn. But time, and a devastating flood has hit the town. Many or without homes or food. Apollo is now the Viscount and trying to help. But the town people still hold a grudge against him from his mischief maker youth. It is rough when Apollo and Maisie met again. She still hasn’t forgiven him, but she knows she can’t do everything on her own. Strong story follows with our couple dealing with not only their past history, but everything going on in town present day too. Her brother James and Apollo are keeping secrets that could destroy everything. When evil comes to town will our couple be strong enough, will the town people finally see Apollo for who he is now and help? This is a great story of love, loss, passion and forgetting the past. A must read for anyone who loves good winning over bad. Don’t miss this first book in what I hope will be a series with all the characters returning for the next book too, even the cat. I didn’t understand the part about the ring and how it was handled but maybe we will find out more in the next book. I loved his deeply held secret. This story really needed an epilogue so we could see how they were doing later. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely given it.

[JenReviews4U · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming home- Maisie just wants to run the inn her family used to own, now it is hers but she didnt count on Apollo being there. Apollo Everly is now a viscount and is back in the town that hates him but he too, just wants to be home. They both have a past together and apart yet they will need to work together to re-build what matters most to them.

This was a tender, very slow burn romance. While I liked it, liked the characters, thought it was a sweet, second chance romance what took this down a notch for me was that it was so slow and went no where. It seemed to just stay in the village, or at the inn which got very boring because it didnt seem to progress beyond just daily life. It was also a clean romance which is fine, but it almost needed steam to break the monotony. Basically if you read the first four chapters then skip to the last two chapters, you really didnt miss much.
I give it a solid 4 stars for good writing and a good story line.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

So well written by this amazing author. Full of love, drama, intrigue, suspense, romance with lots of twists and turns that involves the whole village. Apollo and Maisie grew up together in a small village with their brothers- his a future Viscount, hers a future lawyer. They began to fall in love with each other but for reasons it was not to be. So years later thy both meet up again in their home village and their feelings are still strong between them. Maisie has returned to open up her family Inn where Apollo is now the new Viscount after his brother disappears. This book has plenty of action to keep you reading till you are at the end and makes you want more. Together they get their happily ever after. Really enjoyed this book, it's a fabulous one to read. Would recommend this book to everyone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always independent and proud, Maisie never really fit the typical mold, but why should she? Maisie and Apollo have known each other for most of their lives. He was best friends with her brother and she, of course, followed them around as much as possible. She developed feelings early on and thought he felt the same, until he said he didn’t. She leaves broken-hearted and remains that way until life offers her a second chance.

Apollo never felt like he was good enough for Maisie and vowed never to stand in her way to happiness. Over the years he developed a reputation in the village as reckless, dangerous, even a nuisance at times. He has made more than a few mistakes, but after a devastating flood all but destroys his village, he vows to rebuild it at any cost.

This is a second chance story through and through, not only as young love revisited but in redeeming ourselves not only in the eyes of others but finding peace within ourselves. Great new release from the author.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maisie and Apollo . . .

After 10 years away, Miss Maisie Beaufort is back and ready to take charge of her own life, gladly embracing her spinster status to become a businesswoman. She wants to repair and reopen the family Inn, the rest of the family preferring life in London and having no interest in the Inn.

Apollo Everly has loved Maisie for a long time. But he wouldn’t try to tie such a woman down. She was meant for better things. He is not the young heart-breaker he used to be, but it’s best if he stays away and lets her get on with her life as she has it planned. Apollo is trying to help the town recover from a devastating flood. This is something that also matters to Maisie. But can they put their differences aside and work together for the good of their village neighbors? Will they re-establish the trust they lost as they work side-by-side? And will they accept the second chance they are being offered and allow themselves to be open to falling in love?

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series.
Maisie left the village and her family’s inn years ago to go to London with her family. Now she has come back. She wants to be independent and plans to open up the inn. She knows it will take a lot of work but is willing to do it.

Apollo is now a viscount after his elder brother goes missing. He and Maisie had feelings for each other years ago. He broke her heart thinking he was not good enough for her when he was only the second son.
Apollo comes back to the village to help after a devastating flood.

Will Maisie and Apollo rekindle their feelings from years before? Can they work together to help with the rebuilding of the village?

I really enjoyed this book and it kept me interested the whole time.

I received a free copy of this book and freely and honestly leave my review.

[Marichus Real · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maisie has always considered Oakfield as her home. She is not interested in society and all its rules. She wants to live with her own rules and reopen the inn and be its keeper thanks to the money she inherits from her aunt.
Apollo was the spare one, but after her older brother disappeared without a trace, he is now a viscount. His reputation is not a good one as he is known by the Rebel Lord. However, none knows him as much as Maisie.
An engaging read that had me wishing for some free time to read the rest of the story. I liked how people started helping Apollo, and how all of them together managed to help the people affected by the terrible flood.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved Maisie and Apollo's second chance at love their story is full of attraction, passion and love. They so deserved this chsnce to find each other again, Maisie wants to escape her life and sees her future at her family’s old home away from London at her family’s inn and old home. Apollo has known her family for a very long time and as a Viscount he needs Maisie's help to regain his tenants and townsfolk's trust to help him to repair thd devastation caused by a flood. Will old feelings resurface and will her family’s wishes thwart her dreams of running her own inn as her father did before her.

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay read.
Thirty year old Maisie returns to the Inn where she grew up determined to make it a going concern again. She doesn’t expect to see Apollo, the man who broke her heart ten years previously but apparently he is trying to help the villagers recover from a flood but they are resisting his every attempt and he needs her help to rehabilitate himself. Both soon find that their old feelings for each other are as strong as ever.
Nothing really happened and I am afraid that this story didn’t hold my attention and I had to force myself to finish it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this charming book. Maisie and Apollo are fantastic characters, and I was never not cheering for their HEA. Maisie and Apollo were childhood friends to sweethearts until he broke her heart. But he never stopped loving her. Maisie went to London to be her aunt's companion and was away for 10 years. She made the resolution to never have to rely on a man for her own situation again, and she returned to her village with her own means to revitalize and run her family's inn. Of course Apollo is there. Their chemistry is undeniable, their dialogue is brilliant, and the steam is incredible!
Highly recommended!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was nice to see a story that showcased Maisie and her family - originally innkeepers by trade. Apollo as a viscount lives in quite a different world. I enjoyed hearing about this couples’ history together as well as watching them rebuild Romantic bridges so many years later. It made me smile to see how Apollos bad boy history within the community still hasn’t fixed today. Effects today. When issues with Maisie’s brother James arise, I found it quite satisfying (and swoon-worthy) watching the last few scenes play out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Maisie who is an innkeeper’s daughter from a small town. When she was young, she was in love with Apollo, a second son of a viscount. He broke her heart, so she went to London with her family. Years later Maisie comes back to run her family’s inn, it needs a lot of work, but she is willing to do it, but she was not expecting Apollo to be there, who is now a viscount. This is a second chance love book, and it was a very easy and enjoyable read.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maisie and Apollo have known each other since they were children and he's loved her for as long as he can remember. He never acted on it because he thought she deserved someone better. Now that they are older she's considered a spinster and likes her independence but Apollo is determined to win her heart. I absolutely loved this second chance Regency romance. From the well developed and believable characters to their captivating journey of love this is an excellent start to the Spinsters and Rebels series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Sydnee Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. Apollo is a troubling youth that comes back to his hometown to help his village. He is known as the rebel lord and his villager don’t want him back.
The one person he hopes to see but doesn’t think he will is his childhood friend and first love Maisie. Surprise surprise she is there too. She wants to open her families Inn and run it.
They get close again and fate takes over. Add her brother James and his problems you have a great read.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maisie and Apollo have history forced apart by her family and his actions. He’s no longer the second troublemaking son, although I don’t understand how he assumed the title with only his brother’s disappearance. Maisie is looking forward to her independence but her heart hasn’t forgotten him, if only her brother’s foolish choices don’t get in the way. The village was quick to turn their back on Apollo despite all his assistance after their troubles.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 41st book by Samantha Holt and I have been reading her since 2016. I am really happy to see that she has a new series out. I recently read that she was going to have a new series out and it was to be her hottest yet. I was hoping this was it. :)

Good read. I enjoyed reading Maisie and Apollo's story. Not sure if this was her hottest series yet that she talked about but it was good. There was a good storyline and she got good depth.

[Linda Rorex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Maisie Beaufort returns to Oakfield after ten years to re-open her family's inn. Apollo Everly is the Viscount of Chesham and was rebellious in his youth. Apollo wants to help rebuild the village after the devastating flood. The villagers at first didn't want Apollo's help until he proves to them that he is worthy. Maisie and Apollo were once in love and they try to rekindle their romance after rebuilding the village. I really enjoyed this amazing second chance historical romance novel.