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Lords & Ladies of Mayfair #4
An Amiable Alliance
Feigning an attachment was the easy part, but falling in love was not part of the plan.
Lady Esther Harrington finds herself in a terrible predicament when she is being forced into an arranged marriage. Out of options- and hope- she tries to escape and meets a man that is sympathetic to her plight. In desperation, they hatch a plan to solve her problem. They will form an attachment with one another for the Season, knowing it comes at a great risk to them both.
Mr. Samuel Moore never anticipated the heartache that would come when he saw his long-lost love on the arm of another. That is the only thing that could explain why he agreed to pretend to pursue Lady Esther, but he quickly realizes that she is the perfect distraction.
As Esther and Samuel’s friendship takes hold, they are drawn to one another and the lines between what is pretend and what is real begin to blur. Their plan quickly spirals out of control, but neither one of them expected to fall in love. With so much at stake, can they trust their hearts to know what is truly best for them?
As the fourth novel in the series by author Laura Beers, An Amiable Alliance continues the Lords & Ladies of Mayfair series. This is a light-hearted, clean and wholesome romance set in the Regency era. All books in this series have their own Happily-Ever-After and are best enjoyed in proper order.
The series
Book 1- Secrets of a Lady
Book 2- A Beguiling Ruse
Book 3- An Improper Courtship
Book 4- An Amiable Alliance
More to come...
Other series by Laura Beers include The Beckett Files , Regency A Promise of Love , Proper Regency Matchmakers , Regency Spies & Secrets and Gentlemen of London .
Lady Esther Harrington finds herself in a terrible predicament when she is being forced into an arranged marriage. Out of options- and hope- she tries to escape and meets a man that is sympathetic to her plight. In desperation, they hatch a plan to solve her problem. They will form an attachment with one another for the Season, knowing it comes at a great risk to them both.
Mr. Samuel Moore never anticipated the heartache that would come when he saw his long-lost love on the arm of another. That is the only thing that could explain why he agreed to pretend to pursue Lady Esther, but he quickly realizes that she is the perfect distraction.
As Esther and Samuel’s friendship takes hold, they are drawn to one another and the lines between what is pretend and what is real begin to blur. Their plan quickly spirals out of control, but neither one of them expected to fall in love. With so much at stake, can they trust their hearts to know what is truly best for them?
As the fourth novel in the series by author Laura Beers, An Amiable Alliance continues the Lords & Ladies of Mayfair series. This is a light-hearted, clean and wholesome romance set in the Regency era. All books in this series have their own Happily-Ever-After and are best enjoyed in proper order.
The series
Book 1- Secrets of a Lady
Book 2- A Beguiling Ruse
Book 3- An Improper Courtship
Book 4- An Amiable Alliance
More to come...
Other series by Laura Beers include The Beckett Files , Regency A Promise of Love , Proper Regency Matchmakers , Regency Spies & Secrets and Gentlemen of London .
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2023
241 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Laura Beers
76 books495 followersLaura Beers is an award-winning author. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. She can't sing, doesn't dance and loves naps.
Laura lives in Utah with her husband, three kids, and her dysfunctional dog. When not writing regency romance, she loves waterskiing, hiking, and drinking Dr Pepper.
You can connect with Laura on Facebook, Instagram, or on her site at www.authorlaurabeers.com.
Laura lives in Utah with her husband, three kids, and her dysfunctional dog. When not writing regency romance, she loves waterskiing, hiking, and drinking Dr Pepper.
You can connect with Laura on Facebook, Instagram, or on her site at www.authorlaurabeers.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 14, 2023
Lady Esther Harrington is wanting to escape an arranged marriage to a much older man. While trying to literally escape, she meets Mr. Samuel Moore. Samuel is in love with another woman, Phoebe but she is going to marry someone else. He doesn't want Phoebe to think he is still pining after her, so he asks Esther to pretend that they have an attachment to each other. This will get Esther out of her arranged marriage as well, so she agrees. Esther's father and stepmother don't like that she is not going through with the marriage but accept it. Esther has a strained relationship with her stepmother, who is pregnant. However, when her stepmother starts to have strange illnesses happing, Esther realizes she may have misjudged her stepmother, and that something sinister is at foot. Samuel and Esther don't expect that their fake relationship might just be something real, if only they let it.
This is book 4 in the series. I am loving them all. I really enjoyed this story. There was a lot going on. I loved Esther and Samuel's relationship. They are very open with one another and are great friends and then of course more. I felt so bad for the position Samuel was put in with Phoebe. But he found Esther, so it worked out. Another great relationship in this story is between Esther and her stepmother. I loved watching them get back on friendly terms and how much they cared for one another and helped each other. I love all the side characters that keep coming back in each book. I especially love Mr. Whitmore, he cracks me up and I was so happy to see him more in this story. Overall, this is a great book and I definitely recommend. Looking forward to the next book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: a few uses of the word "whore"
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
This is book 4 in the series. I am loving them all. I really enjoyed this story. There was a lot going on. I loved Esther and Samuel's relationship. They are very open with one another and are great friends and then of course more. I felt so bad for the position Samuel was put in with Phoebe. But he found Esther, so it worked out. Another great relationship in this story is between Esther and her stepmother. I loved watching them get back on friendly terms and how much they cared for one another and helped each other. I love all the side characters that keep coming back in each book. I especially love Mr. Whitmore, he cracks me up and I was so happy to see him more in this story. Overall, this is a great book and I definitely recommend. Looking forward to the next book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: a few uses of the word "whore"
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
February 7, 2024
A better side plot, some real nuance in the relationship between the female lead and her family, and a more believable romance.
3 stars.
3 stars.
April 6, 2025
Got me hooked on this series now!
This is actually the first in the series that I’m reading. I will try to go back and read the others because I really enjoyed this one. I didn’t feel lost even though I started the series with the 4th book. But I would like to know more about the other characters mentioned. One thing that I appreciated was that the back story to every single past character wasn’t given, thereby spoiling the previous book for me.
Samuel and Esther had an unlikely start- A ruse of attachment to avoid an unwanted betrothal. I really liked both characters so much in this story. They had a bumpy road to their HEA with twists that I didn’t see coming. It made it a read I just didn’t want to put down. Enjoyable! Can’t wait to read the whole series. I’m especially looking forward to the next one!
Rating: G/PG, clean, there are seedy characters with low morals as the bad people but they do not prevail in the end naturally.
This is actually the first in the series that I’m reading. I will try to go back and read the others because I really enjoyed this one. I didn’t feel lost even though I started the series with the 4th book. But I would like to know more about the other characters mentioned. One thing that I appreciated was that the back story to every single past character wasn’t given, thereby spoiling the previous book for me.
Samuel and Esther had an unlikely start- A ruse of attachment to avoid an unwanted betrothal. I really liked both characters so much in this story. They had a bumpy road to their HEA with twists that I didn’t see coming. It made it a read I just didn’t want to put down. Enjoyable! Can’t wait to read the whole series. I’m especially looking forward to the next one!
Rating: G/PG, clean, there are seedy characters with low morals as the bad people but they do not prevail in the end naturally.
October 6, 2023
I'm loving the Lords & Ladies of Mayfair series and getting to know these characters, some of whom we've had a peek of in previous books in the series. Samuel Moore is a barrister with no intention of marrying after the woman he had feelings for broke his heart by turning down his proposal and marrying a man with a higher title. In one of the best meet-cutes ever in regency, he meets Lady Esther Harington trying to escape from a ball where her father will announce her engagement. An engagement to a man older than her father. An engagement she definitely does not want. Samuel and Esther form an alliance which will help her avoid an unwanted arranged marriage and distract him from his continued heartache.
Laura Beers has long been one of my favorite authors and one reason is the way she writes the characters in her books. Esther knew what she wanted--a love match--and she remained firm in her conviction. She'd rather be a spinster than in a loveless marriage and she let her father and step-mother know even though she knew her father wouldn't be happy about it.
I like how several of the characters grew throughout the story. Samuel is still hurting several years after his love (Phoebe) married another but while spending time with Esther he starts to see Phoebe may be beautiful but she isn't a very nice or kind person. I strongly disliked Esther's step-mother for the first third of the book but we're allowed to learn more about her and by the end of the book she'd grown and I didn't dislike her as much.
I loved all the scenes with Samuel and Esther; it's such fun to see when their feelings towards each other start to change. Being a suspense/mystery lover, I liked the mystery/crime that's in each of the books. I love all the clues pointing to who the next book is about and I can't wait to read it.
I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Laura Beers has long been one of my favorite authors and one reason is the way she writes the characters in her books. Esther knew what she wanted--a love match--and she remained firm in her conviction. She'd rather be a spinster than in a loveless marriage and she let her father and step-mother know even though she knew her father wouldn't be happy about it.
I like how several of the characters grew throughout the story. Samuel is still hurting several years after his love (Phoebe) married another but while spending time with Esther he starts to see Phoebe may be beautiful but she isn't a very nice or kind person. I strongly disliked Esther's step-mother for the first third of the book but we're allowed to learn more about her and by the end of the book she'd grown and I didn't dislike her as much.
I loved all the scenes with Samuel and Esther; it's such fun to see when their feelings towards each other start to change. Being a suspense/mystery lover, I liked the mystery/crime that's in each of the books. I love all the clues pointing to who the next book is about and I can't wait to read it.
I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
October 22, 2023
Fake relationship turns real... Sounds like a modern rom com but this is historical romance! To save herself from a terrible marriage, Esther may or may not have attempted to escape by climbing in a ball gown, only to be saved by Samuel. They both need help and agree to feign attachment or at least interest. What happens when they really begin to care for each other? Part of a series where you become familiar with the names but not necessary to read them in order.
Clean romance and enjoyable to read. I liked the situations they got themselves into. Humor is always a win.
Clean romance and enjoyable to read. I liked the situations they got themselves into. Humor is always a win.
October 4, 2023
I love this cute meet. Esther is being forced to marry a man she does not want to. But is caught trying to flee a ball. A stranger she later learns is Samuel Moore, had never seen a woman trying to climb a tree in a ball gown. They end up making a deal to help each other out. This is an entertaining and witty historical romance. It is part of a wonderful series, and can be read as a stand alone. There are a few familiar characters from the other books. But the main characters are fun to get to know. I enjoyed the growing chemistry between them. The story is full of drama, misunderstandings, and sweet romance. I was fully captivated from beginning to end.
October 2, 2023
I love Laura Beers’ books! Great characters, great plots, and lots of interesting things going on. This series, like many of hers, has had some great groups of friends, and each book seems to build on a story for one of the secondary or tertiary characters from a previous book, so you already like one or both of the new main characters.
March 30, 2024
Just great, and funny too. Regency murder mystery, and romances a great series. Totally enjoyed the story line, and characters. It had a great ending, and epilogue as well. Five stars.
November 6, 2024
5 stars
There is an extremely delicious feeling when you pick up a random book and you know you just strike gold. And this was the case for me with this book.
Not only that was sweet, heartwarming and happy, but it was utterly, utterly funny!!! It made me laugh soooo many times out loud!!! And that, for me, is pure gold!!!
There is an extremely delicious feeling when you pick up a random book and you know you just strike gold. And this was the case for me with this book.
Not only that was sweet, heartwarming and happy, but it was utterly, utterly funny!!! It made me laugh soooo many times out loud!!! And that, for me, is pure gold!!!
October 5, 2023
Each book in the Lords & Ladies of Mayfair Series has been a wonderful read. I love the characters and that there is some drama in each story to solve some type of crime. the best way to read these books is in order as the stories and characters do continue from book to book.
This story is about Mr. Samuel Moore who is a barrister and helped absolve an innocent woman accused of murder in the last book. Years ago he had been rejected by a woman he loved when she married a man with a better title. She is now a widow and he has heard that she is again courting an older titled gentleman. When he decides to attend a ball that she is attending, he has a difficult time seeing. her on the arm of that gentleman. He doesn't want her to see him as still holding feelings for her, so he agrees to help Lady Esther Harington out of a terrible predicament of a forced arranged marriage. He will pretend to be courting her so that the man will move on to another woman. As he spends time with Lady Esther each day, he begins to see her as a friend. He can be comfortable around her and even share the pain of his past. Even though he still harbors feelings for the woman who spurned him, soon he begins to see that Lady Esther is a far superior caring woman. Can he get her to agree to a real betrothal or will she doubt his growing feelings for her.
This story was easy to read and I love that there is some drama where Sam and his friends will have to apprehend a criminal intent on murder. I love the foreshadow of the next book in the series.
and cannot wait to read it.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
This story is about Mr. Samuel Moore who is a barrister and helped absolve an innocent woman accused of murder in the last book. Years ago he had been rejected by a woman he loved when she married a man with a better title. She is now a widow and he has heard that she is again courting an older titled gentleman. When he decides to attend a ball that she is attending, he has a difficult time seeing. her on the arm of that gentleman. He doesn't want her to see him as still holding feelings for her, so he agrees to help Lady Esther Harington out of a terrible predicament of a forced arranged marriage. He will pretend to be courting her so that the man will move on to another woman. As he spends time with Lady Esther each day, he begins to see her as a friend. He can be comfortable around her and even share the pain of his past. Even though he still harbors feelings for the woman who spurned him, soon he begins to see that Lady Esther is a far superior caring woman. Can he get her to agree to a real betrothal or will she doubt his growing feelings for her.
This story was easy to read and I love that there is some drama where Sam and his friends will have to apprehend a criminal intent on murder. I love the foreshadow of the next book in the series.
and cannot wait to read it.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
September 21, 2023
Wonderful combination of adventure, regency romance, and happily ever after. Loved Esther’s commitment to herself and her family and loved her and Samuel’s story. Such a fun read!
October 3, 2023
One of my favorite things about Laura Beers is her ability to build amazing characters who are so easily relatable. Esther and Samuel were two of those characters for me. I loved each interaction and their sweet friends to lovers tale. I can’t say enough good things about this book or the other books in the series. Highly recommend to anyone who loves a great story, amazing characters, and a sweet HEA, this is definitely a book worth reading. Great Job!!
(I was given a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review, which I am more than happy to give. Who wouldn’t for such a spectacular story?🙂)
(I was given a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review, which I am more than happy to give. Who wouldn’t for such a spectacular story?🙂)
October 3, 2023
This is the 4th book of the series but I recommend reading them in order so you get to know the characters.
Esther is determined to marry for love while Samuel has no desire to marry at all. While at a party, after meeting one another, both come to an agreement which will work for each of them. As the storyline develops little did Esther and Samuel know how it would turn out.
I love how they both develop a great friendship and learn to trust one another. There is even a shady character in the story. I am glad to see I was not wrong.
Esther is determined to marry for love while Samuel has no desire to marry at all. While at a party, after meeting one another, both come to an agreement which will work for each of them. As the storyline develops little did Esther and Samuel know how it would turn out.
I love how they both develop a great friendship and learn to trust one another. There is even a shady character in the story. I am glad to see I was not wrong.
October 3, 2023
This one will grab you from page 1! It was fun learning more about the barrister, Samual. Esther finds herself in a bit of a predicament, and Samuel is there to help her out. They work out a way to help one another, and then begin falling for one another along the way. I loved the mystery interwoven in the story and it was fun trying to figure out what was going on. Add some romance and witty banter? The perfect regency romance!!
February 22, 2024
boring
This story is ridiculous and boring. I felt absolutely no emotion about anything going on in this book. The characters are one dimensional and the dialogue is sophomoric. The only thing going through my mind while reading this book is “why am I still reading this book “. I finally quit 3/4 of the way through.
This story is ridiculous and boring. I felt absolutely no emotion about anything going on in this book. The characters are one dimensional and the dialogue is sophomoric. The only thing going through my mind while reading this book is “why am I still reading this book “. I finally quit 3/4 of the way through.
April 1, 2025
“I used to think that love would conquer all, but I was wrong. I do not believe everyone finds their match.” “Just because you made a mistake in love once doesn’t mean you are doomed to repeat it.”
Oh this one was fun! A fake relationship and a little danger and mystery.
I enjoyed Samuel in the previous book of the series and was glad to get to know him better (You don’t need to have read the previous books but you definitely should 😉). Esther and Samuel’s meet-cute definitely had me laughing. Their banter from the first conversation on was delightful. I loved how their relationship grew to friendship so quickly. I loved how they supported and encouraged each other, even when they were “battling” their feelings.
I enjoyed seeing Esther’s relationship with her stepmother restored. I love the characters in this series, seeing them pop in as friends in situations and conversations and then some with expanding roles is so fun. Mr. Whitmore is so ridiculous that you have to like him. I’m excited to read Lord Roswell and Miss Bolingbroke’s story.
A few quotes:
“Love makes you a better person and brings out the best in you. It is all-encompassing. There is no greater joy than being with someone that loves you in return.”
“Some of the greatest moments in our lives often come because everything fell apart. That is when we pick ourselves back up and embrace what we have been given.”
“You and me, forever”
Oh this one was fun! A fake relationship and a little danger and mystery.
I enjoyed Samuel in the previous book of the series and was glad to get to know him better (You don’t need to have read the previous books but you definitely should 😉). Esther and Samuel’s meet-cute definitely had me laughing. Their banter from the first conversation on was delightful. I loved how their relationship grew to friendship so quickly. I loved how they supported and encouraged each other, even when they were “battling” their feelings.
I enjoyed seeing Esther’s relationship with her stepmother restored. I love the characters in this series, seeing them pop in as friends in situations and conversations and then some with expanding roles is so fun. Mr. Whitmore is so ridiculous that you have to like him. I’m excited to read Lord Roswell and Miss Bolingbroke’s story.
A few quotes:
“Love makes you a better person and brings out the best in you. It is all-encompassing. There is no greater joy than being with someone that loves you in return.”
“Some of the greatest moments in our lives often come because everything fell apart. That is when we pick ourselves back up and embrace what we have been given.”
“You and me, forever”
October 4, 2023
Mr. Samuel Moore is a barrister who is out to fight for justice wherever he can find it. He is determined to work to cover his broken heart. On hearing the plight of a young lady, he rashly decides to help her cause even if it means courting the lady to save her from an arranged marriage. Caught up in the lady's life, he finds that as he gets to know her better, his heart begins to come alive again.
Lady Esther Harrington is desperate to escape the schemes of her step mother. She is so frustrated with her father's new bride that the strain is too much in her family. Determined to find a way out of the horrible arrangement, she meets a man who is willing to pretend to court her. As she discovers a broken hearted kind man in her pretend courter, she begins to see there is more to him that includes love. She also discovers that her eyes have been blind to her family's situation.
This is a sweet clean read with a compelling story of learning to look beyond the outside to the heart of the person. I find Esther had much to learn to see Samuel and her family on a deeper level. I liked the characters and the sweet romance that slowly built for Esther and Samuel. This story can be read alone, but I enjoyed seeing some beloved characters from past novels appear to help Samuel and Esther.
I received an ARC. The opinion expressed in this review is mine and mine alone.
Lady Esther Harrington is desperate to escape the schemes of her step mother. She is so frustrated with her father's new bride that the strain is too much in her family. Determined to find a way out of the horrible arrangement, she meets a man who is willing to pretend to court her. As she discovers a broken hearted kind man in her pretend courter, she begins to see there is more to him that includes love. She also discovers that her eyes have been blind to her family's situation.
This is a sweet clean read with a compelling story of learning to look beyond the outside to the heart of the person. I find Esther had much to learn to see Samuel and her family on a deeper level. I liked the characters and the sweet romance that slowly built for Esther and Samuel. This story can be read alone, but I enjoyed seeing some beloved characters from past novels appear to help Samuel and Esther.
I received an ARC. The opinion expressed in this review is mine and mine alone.
September 12, 2023
This book had me looking for any free time I had, so I could read.
The characters and storyline of this book make it one you just need to get back to. Early on Esther and Samuel start feeling like your friends, and I found myself rooting for them. This book is set at a time when arranged marriages were still common, but marriages for love were not unheard of. Esther is starting her fourth season with still no real prospects for marriage, mostly because she was insisting on a marriage based on love, when her step-mother and father announce they have arranged a marriage with a man older than her father. When she refuses the suit, she feels forced to take matters into her own hands. As she is trying to climb a tree in a ballgown, she is discovered by Samuel the son and heir to a viscount. As Esther explains her predicament, Samuel realizes that a pretend courtship could help not only Esther but himself as he navigates the return of a woman who once rejected him. Mix in friends that have interesting quirks, an ex who wants to continue a relationship illicitly, a distant cousin hoping to inherit, and attempts at poisoning and you have a riveting read. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
The characters and storyline of this book make it one you just need to get back to. Early on Esther and Samuel start feeling like your friends, and I found myself rooting for them. This book is set at a time when arranged marriages were still common, but marriages for love were not unheard of. Esther is starting her fourth season with still no real prospects for marriage, mostly because she was insisting on a marriage based on love, when her step-mother and father announce they have arranged a marriage with a man older than her father. When she refuses the suit, she feels forced to take matters into her own hands. As she is trying to climb a tree in a ballgown, she is discovered by Samuel the son and heir to a viscount. As Esther explains her predicament, Samuel realizes that a pretend courtship could help not only Esther but himself as he navigates the return of a woman who once rejected him. Mix in friends that have interesting quirks, an ex who wants to continue a relationship illicitly, a distant cousin hoping to inherit, and attempts at poisoning and you have a riveting read. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
July 16, 2025
Lady Esther Harrington is in her 4th season and has been told by her stepmother and father that she will agree to an arranged marriage with a much older man. She detests Lord Warley and refuses her parents but they insist. The engagement will be announced at tonight's ball.
Esther decides to run away and tries to leave by the gardens of the ball but is unable to open the gate. She resorts to tree climbing in order to escape.
Samuel Moore is a notable attorney and heir to his father's viscountcy and estate. He doesn't have to work but finds helping people extremely satisfying. He is determined never to marry because his heart was broken years ago. He learns that his old love has returned to London and is now a widow. He dreads meeting her so escapes to the gardens and discovers Lady Esther trying to climb a tree.
They make an agreement to help each other. They will enter into a pretend courtship so she won't have to marry Lord Lawley and Samuel won't be seen as pining over Lady Bedlington.
Samuel is faithful in his attendance to Lady Esther and soon becomes very impressed by her kindness and sweet temperament. Lady Esther quickly loses her heart to Samuel but tries to protect herself for she is determined to marry only for love.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story
Esther decides to run away and tries to leave by the gardens of the ball but is unable to open the gate. She resorts to tree climbing in order to escape.
Samuel Moore is a notable attorney and heir to his father's viscountcy and estate. He doesn't have to work but finds helping people extremely satisfying. He is determined never to marry because his heart was broken years ago. He learns that his old love has returned to London and is now a widow. He dreads meeting her so escapes to the gardens and discovers Lady Esther trying to climb a tree.
They make an agreement to help each other. They will enter into a pretend courtship so she won't have to marry Lord Lawley and Samuel won't be seen as pining over Lady Bedlington.
Samuel is faithful in his attendance to Lady Esther and soon becomes very impressed by her kindness and sweet temperament. Lady Esther quickly loses her heart to Samuel but tries to protect herself for she is determined to marry only for love.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2025
I enjoyed this book more than I feel I ought to, because I liked the characters so much. She is a kind gentle lady who is embarking on her fourth season, told by her father and step-mom she must marry a wealthy nobleman because the step-mom is increasing. He is the son of a viscount who prefers his work as a barrister but is still very much in love with the lady who jilted him for wealth. They meet cute (it involves a tree!) and agree to a false courtship just for the season to stop her engagement announcement and prove he is over his heartache. The author makes the trope feel more ‘earned’ than other authors, and her characters are so like-able and sincere that you quickly root for them. The MFC is a bit of a Mary Sue, but she’s balanced by some genuine heartache in the MMC and a cast of interesting side characters (an evil step-mom who becomes a true friend, a scheming diamond and a wealthy lord very clear on what they want, another friend who wears pants!) I’m withholding the fifth star because a couple of plot points felt a bit too trope-y, and although the dialogue sparkles, it has a bit too many modern phrases, like “You should lighten up”.
October 9, 2023
This one is officially my favorite book of the series so far! I absolutely LOVED Samuel and Esther! The way they were both so honest and frank with each other! Plus their endearing personalities. Esther is an absolute gem! I’m glad Samuel was finally able to get over his past and see how wonderful she was. They made such a great team!
I also enjoyed seeing the relationship between Esther and her stepmother grow. Plus of course, we had our little bit of mystery thrown in! I’m so looking forward to the next book! I’ve been eagerly anticipating Roswell and Miss Bolingbroke’s story!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I also enjoyed seeing the relationship between Esther and her stepmother grow. Plus of course, we had our little bit of mystery thrown in! I’m so looking forward to the next book! I’ve been eagerly anticipating Roswell and Miss Bolingbroke’s story!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 22, 2025
Despite usually not liking the fake-relationship trope, the premise was intriguing and it was mostly well-written, but the romance was extremely disappointing. I would read this again, but only if I kept in mind that the romantic aspects were nonexistent. The Hero was pining after another woman or wishy-washy for 75% of the book and for the brief amount of time left in the story that he did focus on the heroine, it was completely overshadowed by the mystery that suddenly popped up.
This book would have benefited from being longer to make the romance more convincing. I'd only recommend this book if your standards of romance are very, very low or if you can go into this prepared for disappointment.
This book would have benefited from being longer to make the romance more convincing. I'd only recommend this book if your standards of romance are very, very low or if you can go into this prepared for disappointment.
December 3, 2023
clean romance
A compelling story of arranged marriages, broken hearts and determination.
This fourth book in the series is well written and has a strong plot. It kept me guessing as to how it would resolve.
The hero and heroine both had been disappointed in life. One with a broken heart the other with her father’s remarriage to a former friend and her loss of his understanding.
Throw in characters from the previous books, a villain or two and you have a good story.
I look forward to reading the next in the series and seeing the happy ending for another “ friend”.
A compelling story of arranged marriages, broken hearts and determination.
This fourth book in the series is well written and has a strong plot. It kept me guessing as to how it would resolve.
The hero and heroine both had been disappointed in life. One with a broken heart the other with her father’s remarriage to a former friend and her loss of his understanding.
Throw in characters from the previous books, a villain or two and you have a good story.
I look forward to reading the next in the series and seeing the happy ending for another “ friend”.
September 13, 2023
I loved this book! Lady Esther is so interesting. She is brave yet doesn't feel brave. She is kind and the best kind of friend. I love the meet cute with Samuel. Samuel is good and kind. He is struggling with a past heartbreak when he meets Esther. They hatch a plan that will help them both. I love how their relationship grows and strengthens.
This book also has a bit of a mystery in it as well. I would highly recommend it!
This book also has a bit of a mystery in it as well. I would highly recommend it!
October 5, 2023
A nice romance between a barrister and future viscount, Samuel Moore and Lady Esther. Esther is being forced to marry an old man and tries to run away. Samuel decides to help her by courting her temporarily. His heart belongs to a woman who threw him over for someone with a higher title. As he gets to know Esther she makes him happy. But he needs to close the door on his lost love who suddenly makes an appearance. There is also a mystery to solve.
March 8, 2024
An arranged marriage…
What will Lady Esther do to escape an arranged marriage? What will Samuel Moore due to prove to the woman who spurned his love that he is over her? Together Esther & Samuel hatch a plot to help them both but in the end they both discover that the journey may still seemingly be wrought with pain and heartache. Is there a way past all of that? Can true love be real?
What will Lady Esther do to escape an arranged marriage? What will Samuel Moore due to prove to the woman who spurned his love that he is over her? Together Esther & Samuel hatch a plot to help them both but in the end they both discover that the journey may still seemingly be wrought with pain and heartache. Is there a way past all of that? Can true love be real?
July 6, 2024
The Pretend Courtship
The story is filled with love, hate, thrills, and mystery.. A lady needs to get away from the man her father has chosen for her, and a lord needs a lady to keep his father and mother from pushing him to marry. They happen to meet at a ball as she is trying to climb a tree to escape from her parents announcing her engagement. That is how they start to pretend a courtship. How will the story end? You must choose to read this delightful tale.
The story is filled with love, hate, thrills, and mystery.. A lady needs to get away from the man her father has chosen for her, and a lord needs a lady to keep his father and mother from pushing him to marry. They happen to meet at a ball as she is trying to climb a tree to escape from her parents announcing her engagement. That is how they start to pretend a courtship. How will the story end? You must choose to read this delightful tale.
October 5, 2023
I quite enjoyed this book. There were several scenes that made me laugh and were fun. I really enjoyed the main characters. And there were several side characters that were very enjoyable as well. I recommend this book!
Clean!
Language/profanity: none
Sex/innuendo: only sweet kisses
Gore/Violence: Some mild suspense scenes, but not graphic in description
Dark/Creepy: none
Clean!
Language/profanity: none
Sex/innuendo: only sweet kisses
Gore/Violence: Some mild suspense scenes, but not graphic in description
Dark/Creepy: none
October 21, 2023
Arrangements
Poor Esther has to contend with her father and stepmother trying to force her into an arranged marriage. Then she and Samuel come to an arrangement to stop the other arrangement. There are many relationship dynamics that come into play in this story, including ones that could prove fatal. Another interesting, excellent book by this author.
Poor Esther has to contend with her father and stepmother trying to force her into an arranged marriage. Then she and Samuel come to an arrangement to stop the other arrangement. There are many relationship dynamics that come into play in this story, including ones that could prove fatal. Another interesting, excellent book by this author.
September 19, 2024
Excellent story of love, murder, and mayhem.
Esther wants love, her step-mother wants loved, her father still loves his dead wife but needs an heir. Someone has murder on their mind, someone is fleeing a loveliness proposal, someone is fleeing an indecent proposal and much much more.... Highly recommended for all readers.
Esther wants love, her step-mother wants loved, her father still loves his dead wife but needs an heir. Someone has murder on their mind, someone is fleeing a loveliness proposal, someone is fleeing an indecent proposal and much much more.... Highly recommended for all readers.
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