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To Love the Brooding Baron

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Opposites attract and sparks fly when the vivacious Arabella falls for a baron who lives under the shadow of a scandalous family secret.


Arabella Latham is a free spirit who longs to feel the spark of true love, but few men can match her passion for Shakespeare or her zest for life. Though her prospects seem slim, Arabella knows she can always count on the handsome but stoic Lord Henry Northcott, dubbed “The Brooding Baron” by the ton, to be willing to engage in intelligent conversation and even share a congenial dance with her at almost every ball. His quiet demeanor is the opposite of her vivacious personality, and she finds herself drawn to him, despite their differences.


Lord Northcott has quietly admired Arabella for years, grateful that his friendship with her brother has allowed him to share in her company. But he knows he cannot pursue a romantic relationship with any woman—let alone someone as bright and beautiful as Arabella—because of the shadow that an old family scandal has cast over his life. He has vowed to preserve what is left of his family’s reputation by holding himself above reproach apart from society and focusing the majority of his efforts at Parliament.


But Arabella is determined to show Lord Northcott that life is meant to be enjoyed, and she sets out to see what is behind the walls the Brooding Baron has built around himself. Could the spark of true love be enough to drive away the shadows holding Henry back?

256 pages, Paperback

First published June 4, 2024

47 people are currently reading
3887 people want to read

About the author

Jentry Flint

4 books108 followers
Jentry Flint is a bookworm-turned-writer with the propensity to try just about anything. She has a true love of history and believes a good quote can fix most things. She lives in southern Utah with her husband and three kids. Her favorite things in life are flavored popcorn, her grandmother's purple blanket, and curling up on the couch to watch a movie with her husband.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
Profile Image for Tasha (the_clean_read_book_club).
616 reviews
July 5, 2024
This is one of the most surprising and intriguing reads I've had this year!

This book is so worth taking the time to read. It was seriously, so intriguing that I couldn't put it down. There was a hint of suspense thrown in that is making me really wish this author would consider a romantic suspense novel!

'Every horrific thing the gossips ever said about his family was true. But what they didn't know--and what his aunt could never discover--was that, just like his mother and sister, he, the Brooding Baron, was mad.'

Seriously, how can you not be hooked on a book that has this in it.

It was a case of, 'Tell me more, because I want, scratch that, NEED; more, More, MORE!!!'

I loved the inserts of Shakespeare and the trivia games our two main characters played throughout. I loved the FMC who has a penchant for pranks like her brother that we met in book 1. I loved a brooding MMC who is good to his core and has a heart of gold. I loved the character arcs and romantic storyline. I absolutely LOVED learning more about the asylum/hospitals and characters who see people as people.

If you're looking for a book that will take you by surprise in the best way possible-here it is!!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Content: murder and suicide (no descriptive details and all about characters who are already passed), insane asylum/hospitals, controlling family members, slight suspense, pranks, Shakespeare, romance-kisses only.
Profile Image for ♥Milica♥.
1,895 reviews742 followers
June 22, 2024
I had no idea this was connected to the author's other book since I'm new to her work, but I'll have to go back and read Games in a Ballroom now, I went and put the audiobook on hold while this story is still fresh in my mind.

You don't have to do that if you start here though, I'm just someone who prefers to read everything from the beginning if possible, this stands on its own just fine.

So, To Love a Brooding Baron was an interesting read, one that tackles mental health, asylums and women wrongfully being imprisoned in them. There's also a sweet romance in between all of that.

It's a bit unusual for a regency romance to be based around those themes, but it works. There's an abundance of Shakespeare references to keep your heart content as well. If you like a bit of bromance...guess what? This has that too!

I'm overall very pleased with this read, I'll have to keep an eye on this author so I know when the next book will be out.
Profile Image for Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee).
792 reviews368 followers
February 3, 2025
This was a wonderful story! It is funny, mysterious, romantic and tragic all at the same time. Lord Henry Northcott has a troubling family history, and is a bit grumpy. I felt so bad for him. Arabella is such a kind sole and loves Shakespeare. I loved Arabella and Henry’s game they played with Shakespeare quotes. I loved watching Arabella and Henry’s relationship develop and what they were willing to do for love. And what makes a great story complete? Well a great comic relief side character of course and that is Mr Bradbury. He was hilarious and I loved him so much. Overall, this was a great story and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Content: insanity/madness, asylum abuse

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,889 reviews240 followers
November 15, 2024
It was really fun to be back in this Regency time period and group of friends that author Jentry Flint created in her first book, Games in a Ballroom. I loved seeing all of the delightful friends and characters from that one and to really dive more fully into Henry's story, the Brooding Baron.

Arabella is such a fun and delightful character. She's a bright ray of sunshine and a breath of fresh air for Henry. Especially after the sorrow and heartache from his past. But I loved her goodness in helping him to see that what he had perceived about himself wasn't true. As well as the doctor who was working with his sister. I have sooo many questions and want to know who's book is going to be next and if other certain characters will be getting their own stories! Ohhh, there are sooo many possibilities and I can't wait for them all! Hint, hint, to the author! ;-)

I loved the sweet and tender love story. The healing and finding truth and understanding. Very well written!

Content: Clean. Some kisses. This book does talk about death and depression and family secrets and madness. But the author did a wonderful job and was very sensitive in how she wrote about those topics.

I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,440 reviews98 followers
April 12, 2024
Another historical romance that I loved and it’s my second novel by Jentry Flint. She wrote a fun, engaging romance with honorable men, long glances and a bit of mystery. I sunk down in my favorite spot and devoured this in one day. I loved Arrabella and Henry. Their interacting were precious and I couldn’t look away from their special moments. If you love a clean historical romance then I highly recommend this one.
Thanks Shadow Mountain via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Jane.
2,500 reviews74 followers
May 21, 2024
Oh, this was okay. The author tried to tackle the issue of insanity and women being unjustly sent to institutions, but I didn’t find that the story really worked. As soon as I heard that the Brooding Baron’s mother killed his uncle, I knew it wasn’t a case of insanity. An imprisoned sister was almost an afterthought (although she may be getting her own book and romance in the future). I didn’t sense any chemistry between the leads, and the constant quoting of Shakespeare was intrusive. I love Shakespeare as much as the next person, but I don’t think I could stand to date someone who can’t stop quoting Shakespeare and expecting me to get every reference. The cross-dressing ala Twelfth Night was forced. Also, the stupid decision made by the heroine at the end? Give me a break.

There were some good passages, which is why I gave it three stars instead of two, but on the whole I just found this – mediocre. Another round with an editor and another rewrite might have done it a lot of good. If you are looking for a good book in which a woman is institutionalized against her will, I recommend The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews.

I read an advance reader copy from Netgalley.
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,520 reviews331 followers
June 5, 2024
“What can I do?”
“Kiss me.”
“Kiss me…so that I might know bliss.”

I’m always in love with the Regency time period and when a layer of scandal is cast throughout the pages, I’m doubly there. The author does such a beautiful job of not only bringing to life a delightful grumpy/sunshine opposites attract romance, but she also tackles some major stigmas of the time, while coloring the character interactions with Shakespeare quotes.

The brooding baron has every reason to be an enigma to the upper crust of society and I couldn’t get enough of this Brooks’ Brotherhood tale. The longing glances, nicknames of Mother Goose/Goosey/Beasty, charming bestie Bradbury, phaeton driving lessons, billiards, Twelfth Night, and grand gestures made this book such an interesting and engaging read. Although a bit on the heavy side at times, there are threads of lightness and hope, and that sweet, sweet hint of romance, that kept me hooked. I loved Henry and Arabella and their beautiful story so much.

Content: mild romance; mental illness

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
Profile Image for Tamara.
901 reviews11 followers
April 26, 2024
London, England 1815

Arabella wants to find her spark, a love match, like her parents did before her. It’s not common among the ton but…she has fallen in love with Henry who is known as the brooding Baron. She is full of spunk, and life and gets what she wants and I liked her as a character. Henry is conflicted because of his family’s past and he has decided to not marry, but Arabella has other ideas. All of the characters were engaging and enjoyable!
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To Love the Brooding Baron has a somewhat dark theme because of the mental health but I felt it was kept light, I really liked that Arabella would often use Shakespeare to communicate, it’s something I haven’t seen in a fiction book before but it didn’t diminish my genuine enjoyment of this story. Recommended!

My gratitude to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain. All opinions expressed are mine and honest.
Profile Image for Sabrina Trejo.
248 reviews22 followers
June 3, 2024
This book was an absolute delight! My goodness I pretty much devoured it and now I’m wishing I could go back and start over again. There is so much to love about this story!
Going back to the Brooks’s Brotherhood was so much fun, I was so excited for this next book. Henry and Arabella are phenomenal main characters, I loved everything about them and their journey.
My heart absolutely broke for Henry and what he’s been through, and what he continues to struggle with. He’s so strong, and yet has a hard time seeing the strength, kindness, and overall gentle goodness in himself. Thank heavens he has Arabella! With her hilarious wit, generous heart, boundless stubbornness, and adoration of Shakespeare, Arabella is able to guide Henry towards the light he so desperately needs. And while her impatience can get her in trouble, the ideas Arabella comes up with are hilarious and just crazy enough to (mostly) work. These two were so great individually, but having them work together created a unique and memorable story.
Just a few of the things I absolutely loved about this book were:
• Twelfth Night shenanigans
• Shared smiles
• Billiards lessons
• Ironing a billiards table
• Mother Goose, or Goosey
• Driving lessons in Hyde Park
• The MANY Shakespeare references
• Sadler’s Wells Theatre
• The secret, and not so secret, glances
• Best friends who give advice
Essentially this regency romance was perfection. Everything from the various games, a bit of mystery, righting wrongs, and the absolutely swoony romance combined to make an unforgettable and charming love story you can’t help but fall in love with.





I received an ARC from the author and publisher. A positive review was not required but happily given.
Profile Image for Elaine.
611 reviews65 followers
July 28, 2024
What a fun book! I really enjoyed Arabella's stubbornness and energy. And Henry is a dear. The story is the second in a series, but it's been so long since I've read the first that I didn't remember anything and it didn't take away from the story. The only thing needed is a good author's note to learn more about Bedlam. I'm curious if the reforms are based on history. An enjoyable audiobook with a great narrator.
Profile Image for Kristalyne, love.lovely.books.
239 reviews46 followers
June 4, 2024
“Arabella’s unbridled enthusiasm was as bright as the sun. The spirit in which she chose to live her life, even after heartache and loss, called to him, making him want, for even just a moment, to forget everything and get lost in her light.”

Opposites attract in this regency adventure that’ll take you to unique places with amazing characters! I was so intrigued by this story. I did not know what would happen next or what secrets I might discover! This book is suspenseful, clever, unique, romantic, swoony, humorous, heart breaking, and unexpected.

Arabella is sunshine herself, with a fun quirkiness to her and a deep love of Shakespeare. Henry is all things broody and secretive with a past that haunts him. My heart just ached for him! I loved how Arabella was the sunshine to his darkness.

I loved how a simple hand touch between these two had my heart fluttering! I could feel the spark between them, the tension, and chemistry too! Plus the Shakespeare quotes woven throughout the story and their relationship! So clever and brilliant!

Read for:
🤍grump/sunshine, opposites attract
🤍forbidden love
🤍dark secrets to discover
🤍hilarious wager
🤍swoony moments
🤍suspenseful moments
🤍fun scenes and settings
🤍the Shakespeare quotes
🤍the tender romance

This book deals with some serious and heavy topics, but it’s mixed with Jentry’s signature fun to balance it out well. It was very interesting getting a glimpse into mental health treatment during this time period.

This book will have you glued to the pages, it’ll have you laughing and swooning and biting your nails in anticipation! Another wonderful book by Jentry that’ll take you on quite the adventure!
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Thank you to the author for the arc copy. All opinions are my own.

*Content: asylums, struggles with mental health treatment in this time period, tragic family events, some violence, past death
Profile Image for Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer).
1,470 reviews55 followers
June 30, 2024
Jentry Flint's second book, "To Love the Brooding Baron," is a sequel to her debut historical romance novel, "Games in a Ballroom." The story revolves around the theme of opposites attract, exploring the possibility of childhood friends falling in love, and fighting against demons from the past.

Arabella Lantham and Lord Henry Northcott have been harboring secret feelings for each other, which is evident in the long glances they often exchange with one another. As they interact, their feelings grow stronger, especially for Henry, also known as "The Brooding Baron."One thing I really loved was their habit of exchanging Shakespearean quotes throughout the story when they were together. This was very clever and highlighted their great chemistry.

Arabella is a strong character and knows what she wants and is very assertive in trying to attract Lord Northcott's attention. Meanwhile, he's fighting against his feelings as he struggles to keep his family's secrets hidden to protect their reputation.

The story is effective as it weaves in the theme of mental illness, using Bedlam Asylum as a backdrop showing how historically, patients were mistreated due to widespread fear and misconceptions. The plot is filled with suspense, clever banter, loyal friendships, domineering family members, phaeton driving lessons, and hints of gothic elements.

At its core, To Love the Brooding Baron focuses on clean romance, and the journeys of two very different individuals as they fight for love and gain freedom from their past struggles in life.
Profile Image for Shayla Riley.
624 reviews22 followers
July 17, 2024
“Hold on to what matters most in life.”

•This dear story isn’t a typical Regency romance! While it has many lighthearted, delightful fun moments, and so much awesome witty banter, including lovely Shakespeare lines, this story adds in a gothic vibe. It isn’t a scary story. But, it’s a intriguing story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and your heart thumping in your chest.

Lord Henry Northcott, is a dark and handsome ‘towering wall of a man surrounded by great mystery,’ and also may be secretly in love with his best friend’s younger sister, the lovely and remarkable Arabella. He has his many reasons why he can never be with her, or anyone, despite falling for her more every time they are together. His family’s secrets run deep and are far too dangerous. Henry is rather determined not to taint the lovely and Arabella with his darkness. But, dear Arabella is a ‘sweet, spirited, stubborn,’ and mighty force to be reckoned with and she is even more determined to show Henry that life is meant to be enjoyed…

“Love, can be a most powerful thing.”

@author_jentryflint oh what a tender and wonderful story this is! I love how you gracefully and respectfully didn’t shy from addressing a difficult subject so delicately in this story! Its importance and impact is worth talking about and addressing!

Also, there is much love for the swoony and delightful romance that sparkles brightly in this story! With wonderful tension and chemistry between the endearing main characters, Henry and Arabella, sparks fly with every interaction they have!

“I am willing to risk all, because I know you are worth saving.”

-This may be the second book in the series but it can easily be read as a standalone. Yet, with such goodness, you will be invested and here for ALL of it like me!. This is a wonderful must-read for any fan of Regency romance!❤️📚🙌🏻

#worththeread
#allaboutthebestreads

-Content: mental illness, suicide (mentioned as past event), mental hospital, infidelity (mentioned in the past).

“What can I do?” “Kiss me.” “Kiss me...so that I might know bliss.”

-All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Nicole Williamson.
357 reviews56 followers
June 30, 2024
4.3⭐️! A historical Beauty & the Beast retelling with some seriously swoony moments. Made even more romantic by excellent audio narration.

“Kiss me so that I might feel bliss.” 😍

PLUS there are some intriguing mysteries surrounding this brooding, broken hero.

“Every horrific thing the gossips ever said about his family was true. But what they didn't know—and what his aunt could never discover—was that, just like his mother and sister, he, the Brooding Baron, was mad.”

Cue the intense music and count me interested!

This one also had a cast of likeable characters to balance out the villainous ones (shout out to Bradbury, I hope we get his story next! And to Arabella’s wonderful mother!) while also covering some meatier topics applicable to the time period like asylum corruption and coping with substantial mental health conditions.

The ONLY reason this didn’t get 5 stars is because, while Arabella’s antics were entertaining, it just wasn’t believable that she could do all that and never get caught. I’m honestly not sure how she’d avoided ruining her reputation with her carefree spirit.

“Jumping into Henry’s arms had perhaps been beyond propriety’s bounds, but that was the last thing on her mind.”

Oh and there was a brief disturbing memory that was kind of graphic and gave me an unpleasant dream.

BUT those two nitpicks aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this and am going back to read Games in a Ballroom which is apparently the first book in this series, though I still thoroughly enjoyed To Love a Brooding Baron despite not having read that one yet.

This was my first Jentry Flint book, but definitely not my last!

Audio: excellent inflection particularly added to the story

Content: kisses only, no language (yay!), struggles with mental health, asylums and corruption, cruel family members, discussion of and processing the grief of family members who have passed, TRIGGER warning: memory of a family member’s suicide with brief depiction of their method (could have done without those details)
Profile Image for Jo|Ruth Reads.
658 reviews81 followers
September 23, 2025
This was a super sweet story! I think what had me most excited about this book was that I read the book prior to it and met Arabella and Henry there, and gosh, was I wanting a romance for them!

Henry has had a rough life... his father has died, his mother, who has killed his uncle/is known to have gone mad and a sister in an asylum. With a history like that, he feels he is doomed to repeat it, and now he thinks he is going mad himself. The only joy in his life is Arabella, his best friends sister. Just being around her brings him joy. To him, there is no one like her.But all he can ever do is love her from afar because a person so broken like him shouldn't marry, his blood is tainted, his family is cursed.

Arabella looks to marry, but she wants a spark, the one thing her father told her to wait for. But everywhere she looks she can't find it. But when she starts to feel that spark with Henry, she's surprised... she's never seen him like that before. And now she can't stop seeing him as someone she wants to be with. But even if Henry seems drawn to her, he is clear, he can not be with her. Can Arabella help Henry get past his past so he can plan for a future... perhaps with her?!

The tension with these to!!! So many swoonworthy moments where words were not even needed... So sweet! A very unique storyline with this one!
Profile Image for Mara.
1,470 reviews111 followers
March 5, 2025
This is a wonderful grumpy/sunshine Regency romance filled with witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and a heartwarming journey of love and redemption. Arabella Latham’s cheerful personality shines as she refuses to let Society's expectations dim her zest for life, while Lord Henry Northcott, the "Brooding Baron," wrestles with the burden of his family's past.

Arabella is determined to break through Henry’s walls and her charm and enthusiasm contrast with his reserved nature. Their slow-burn romance is filled with touching moments. The author balances the lighthearted and more emotional sections as Henry grapples with his past and Arabella shows him that love and joy are worth the risk.

This is a must-read for fans of opposites-attract love stories and is a perfect read for fans of historical romance who enjoy a blend of wit, emotion, and a touch of mystery. I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All opinions in the review are my own.
Profile Image for Amber Thiessen.
Author 1 book39 followers
April 12, 2024
Opposites attract in this sweet, though mysterious story.

Arabella is carefree, mischievous and witty, and can recite a line of Shakespeare for any situation and her heart wants to help those she cares for. Her brother's friends watch out for her while he's away, Bradbury, an outgoing gambler, the other is Lord Northcott a solemn, brooding man. The cast of characters is diverse in personalities, which makes it really interesting to get to know them. Though Northcott is quiet, he's falling for Arabella's beauty and charm. However, there's a secret about his family, which evolves into the question, who determines insanity? The mystery of his secret unfolds, as he opens up to her, but missteps along the way will cause an unanticipated response, followed by danger.

Though their personalities seem like oil and water, their relationship grows out of friendship and trust. Mysterious, almost haunting feel to this story with some great quips.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review.
Profile Image for Lindy Thompson.
511 reviews24 followers
May 31, 2024
4.5 stars, rounded up.
I'm absolutely blown away by this regency romance from Jentry Flint. Where her first book plays with the fun and silliness we sometimes expect of regencies, To Love The Brooding Baron has a serious undercurrent that I didn't expect. I completely loved how Jentry handled the Baron Northcott's mysterious family history and the secrets found there. Arabella is the perfect foil to his grumpiness and her adoration of Shakespeare plays so well into the whole story. I look forward to reading more from this author!
Profile Image for Brittany.
39 reviews
June 20, 2025
This one surprised me! The romance and mystery plot lines were interwoven so well, and the characters (though a bit predictable) were fun. Classic grumpy x sunshine.
Profile Image for Alisha.
819 reviews
October 1, 2024
This was super cute! I like how the girl can seem flighty but be really intelligent. I like the guys humble nature.
Profile Image for MK.
469 reviews13 followers
June 3, 2024
The Brooding Baron (Henry)is friends with Arabella’s brother. The more time Arabella spends with Henry, the more she starts to wonder if there’s more to his gloomy mood. Can she get him to crack and let her in?

Henry likes Arabella. He likes her enough that he would never hurt her with his or his family’s troubles. That’s why he must put some distance between them. The only problem is that Arabella seems to know just how to reach him. Just how to get him to open up a little and reveal himself more and more.

This regency is different than a lot of others. It highlights some of the misconceptions people had at the time in regards to those struggling with mental health. I always love when an author can tell a story as well as show me a period in history that I don’t know much about.

I also loved the whit Arabella and Henry display as they banter in their own language of Shakespeare. It was a fun little addition to this story that kept me smiling.

It you like regency done a little differently, this one is for you. I love that this author always surprises me and makes me love her characters.
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,193 reviews94 followers
June 13, 2024
Dear Jentry,

This book deserves all the heart eyes, all the love, all the hype! It was SO. DANG. GOOD. The mystery! The swoon! The kisses (you can write kissing scenes any time; I’ll read allllll of them)! The relationships and dynamics and these incredibly deep characters! The witty banter, the lighthearted, fun moments, paired with the pain and guilt of mental illness and family problems. Just all of it. You stuck me in a book hangover, and I’m still scrambling to find my way out.

I will start with how much I love Henry. I adore Henry. Every single thing about this man was utter perfection. He was so good and tender hearted, and it was painful to watch people take advantage of him and hurt him, sometimes on purpose. The treatment of mental illness has had a long, sordid history, and the way you added that into this book was masterful.

I must also say that I loved Dr. Stratford and Nurse Maggie. I am so glad there were some people who were willing to look beyond the fear and unknown and see humans underneath the mental illnesses. (Also dear sweet Sarah. Adore here and I want her story!)

Arabella is so sweet. I loved her desire to find a “spark,” her fun game with Shakespeare’s plays, and her desire to help people. I thought her propensity to try outlandish things under the guise of “I wanted to see if I could,” was brilliant. She may have been a bit reckless, but she was so fun. And her heart is genuinely good. What she did at the end was especially brave and incredible! Also, can we just talk about how amazing the build-up to the first kiss was? And then that first kiss? Whew! Swoony and delectable.

Henry’s relationship with Bradbury was absolutely the best thing. I love deep friendships in books, and Bradbury’s nicknames of Beasty and Goosey, and especially what he said about why he had given Henry those nicknames, was fantastic. I am so excited for Bradbury’s book!

This book surprised me in the best possible ways! I went in completely blind (my favorite way), and I think that’s the best way with this book. You kept me guessing, and delivered on something I didn’t know I needed. This book is reread material, and I will gladly do so.

Your fan,
Jessica


AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Read by Mary Jane Wells — This narrator did a phenomenal job! Her voices were perfect and emotion/inflections were spot on. I may have a new favorite narrator, and would listen to her narrate anything.


**many thanks to the author and publisher for the book; a positive review was not required; all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Dee/ bookworm.
1,400 reviews4 followers
May 14, 2024
I honestly loved this book so much I bought the first in the series to read it also. This book just comes alive. It was such a neat experience to watch the main characters grow and find each other, and even themselves. I cannot say enough good things about this series. I actually liked "To love the Brooding Baron" better, but they were both wonderful. Very clean novel. Very good character development. I cannot wait for the next in the series!! (fingers crossed there will be one)

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Profile Image for Rita Deodato.
277 reviews13 followers
November 29, 2025
Reviewed at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Lord Henry Northcott is a tall, dark, and enigmatic gentleman shrouded in mystery and burdened by a secret love for Arabella, the younger sister of his best friend. Despite his deepening feelings, Henry is convinced he can never be with her—or anyone—due to the dangerous secrets hidden in his family’s past. Determined to protect Arabella from the shadows he carries, he tries to maintain his distance. But Arabella, spirited, sweet, and delightfully stubborn, has plans of her own as she searches for the kind of deep connection that would finally convince her to marry.

This historical romance has a darker tone than usual, exploring themes related to the treatment of mental illness, but I liked this element because it gave the story more emotional depth and complexity, adding weight to the characters’ motivations and personal histories.

That said, I was a bit disappointed that Lord Henry was already in love with Arabella at the beginning of the story. Personally, one of the things I most enjoy in a romance is watching the couple fall in love over time. Since that arc was largely skipped, I felt like something essential was missing, and it made it harder for me to emotionally invest in their relationship at first.

Additionally, the opening chapters and their initial interactions lacked intimacy and engagement. Their early scenes often included other characters, which reduced the emotional tension between them. However, as the story progressed, I found myself enjoying it more, particularly Henry’s internal struggles and the sincerity of his feelings for Arabella.

The pacing, unexpected twists, and overall writing style were strong and I often thought that it would be interesting to read the first book in this series in which these characters appear, although they are not the main characters.

While To Love the Brooding Baron didn’t fully meet my expectations in terms of romantic development and initial engagement, it offered a compelling story with emotional depth and thoughtful themes. The writing was strong, the pacing well-managed, and the character development was satisfying as the story unfolded. Overall, this was a worthwhile read, and I look forward to exploring more works by this author in the future.
Profile Image for Kira (the book belle).
374 reviews63 followers
June 16, 2024
Today I am featuring @author_jentryflint's second published book To Love the Brooding Baron!

This story follows Lord Northcott, the Lord dubbed "the brooding baron" due to his family's unfortunate reputation and overall demeanor. And these are the reasons why Henry feels he is not destined for love or romance. Free-spirited Arabella Latham, who Henry has admired for years, is determined to discover the truth behind Henry's "brooding" facade and help him in his battle with his family's secrets.

This story gave a whole new perspective on mental health set in this time period. I loved how Jentry dove into some heavy themes as well. I enjoyed the overall character growth and I love the "fighting" of feelings scenes...just let it happen Henry!

The Shakespeare lines in here were a fun touch and an adorable way to connect these two characters. SO sweet.

Excited to see where Jentry takes these other characters. Can we talk about Mr. Bradbury? He is riot! And I can see great potential with the doctor's romance...😍

Thank you @shadowmountainpub and @author_jentryflint for my #gifted copy! All thoughts are my own!

*Romance- kisses
*TW- mental health, depression, death of family members, grief
#tolovethebroodingbaron #shadowmountain #fridayfeature #featurefriday #newbook #regencyromance #historicalromance #newrelease #prettycover #jentryflint

Brief thoughts: the mental health was a little much to me trigger wise. Not sure how I felt about some of the MMCs decisions regarding the family. I also struggled with Arabella's decision near the end. 😳 Like so risky. I'm surprised her character would jump to so what she did? Idk.
Profile Image for Stephanie P (Because My Mother Read).
1,575 reviews72 followers
May 24, 2024
I received a free copy of this book for review.

Another great regency romance from this author!

I really enjoyed how this story delved into mental health because that is not often explored in stories set in the regency time period. It was sensitively handled and there was a strong dose of light and hope to balance everything out.

I also really liked that it had lots of Shakespeare fun, a bit of a Gothic feel with mysteries from the past, a spunky heroine who is not afraid to go after what she wants, and a gold hearted hero who is reckoning with his circumstances.

There was an element at the end of the story that felt a bit unfinished and I wanted more explanation on, but that may be coming in a future book.

The book can be read as a standalone but it has overlap characters and setups with the author’s first book Games in a Ballroom.

Trigger/content warnings: mental health struggles are a prevalent theme . Steam level is kissing.
Profile Image for Kortney Carlisle.
28 reviews10 followers
November 10, 2024
Wow I started this book at 10pm and couldn’t stop so here I am 4 hours later (only because BYU was playing Utah). I wanted to devour every page and I LOVED the characters in this book so much. I have butterflies in my stomach still and feel like I could pick this book up and read it again right now.

Oh my goodness! The writing was phenomenal and I actually LAUGHED OUT LOUD so many times!!!!! I love the friends and the way the characters are together often, it’s my favorite writing. They were sooo cute and I loved knowing his thoughts.

I am still swooning over the cutest scenes.

And honestly there’s some heavy stuff in this book that surprisingly did not bother me one bit. It was intriguing and I was surprised at how it all came together and was solved.

Very well done!!!! I can’t wait for more!
Profile Image for thelilcloseddoorbookgal.
146 reviews4 followers
September 7, 2025
I've never read a Regency romance quite like this before. I loved the MCs, and they had great chemistry. I thought it had a good balance between being sweet and having darker themes (compared to other Regency romances, which are a bit lighter in my experiences). I also liked all the side characters. Even though there is predictability within this particular genre, I honestly didn’t know where it was going to go throughout the book. Even though this story is a work of fiction, it made me think about the awful things people, especially women, had to go through if they suffered from mental illness or if others accused them of it. I’d love to read a book about Sarah. Will I be reading more from this author in the future? Absolutely.

Spice level: kisses only
Content warnings: Mentions of suicide, mentions of abuse, mental illness, abusive asylums, mentions of alcoholism
Profile Image for Meredith.
773 reviews33 followers
June 4, 2024
'The so-called Brooding Baron was proving to be far more charming than people believed.'

I went in blind on this book. But truly, so so blind. This is 100% unlike any other book I've read, especially a regency novel. It is still an absolutely adorable romance but in addition to that, it deals with the hard truths of the history of mentsl illnesses. It is a beautiful and heartwrenching representation of mental health and I am here for every single page.

If you like brooding MMC, strong outspoken FMC, good moms, brother's best friend, romance, regency, Mr Bradbury, and Shakespeare, read this book. Just like her first book, Jentry Flint weaves a much deeper and meaningful story into her humor and romance. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Madeline (bookswithmadi_).
184 reviews16 followers
December 30, 2024
Oh man, I loved this book!

To Love the Brooding Baron was such a sweet story of finding and fighting for love. Arabella was a great FMC. She's charming, fierce, and willing to go to great lengths for the people she loves. Henry was a perfect match for her. Quiet and brooding to Arabella's spunky and sweet. The elements of romance combined with the mystery and peril surrounding Henry's family had me hooked the whole way through this series. I haven't read book one, but after reading this, will have to go back to it. I hope that we get to see a certain doctor and sister get their love story as well as Mr. Bradbury!

Highly recommend this to lover's of the Regency genre looking for a sweet romance with a dash of suspense!
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