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Sweet Historical Romance Shorts #1
Lady Flora's Fiancé
In retrospect, she should have known he wasn’t a footman.
The only child of the Earl and Countess of Brewster, Lady Flora Pelham agrees to meet her mother’s collection of potential suitors, until a misunderstanding has two out of the three gentleman believing her already betrothed. Unwilling to have her arrogant suitors proven right in their suspicions, Flora pounces on a neighbor’s footman and hires him to impersonate her fictitious fiancé.
Henry Carrington, the young Duke of Stafford, is late to a house party where he’s supposed to meet the famously single Lady Flora Pelham. When the very lady in question mistakes him for a footman and propositions him to pose as her imaginary fiancé, Henry takes the chance, against his better judgment, to get to know the unconventional woman.
When a fake betrothal starts to foster real feelings, both Flora and Henry try their best to untangle the web they’ve weaved, but not without a few more misunderstandings along the way.
A lighted-hearted, bite-sized historical romance.
The only child of the Earl and Countess of Brewster, Lady Flora Pelham agrees to meet her mother’s collection of potential suitors, until a misunderstanding has two out of the three gentleman believing her already betrothed. Unwilling to have her arrogant suitors proven right in their suspicions, Flora pounces on a neighbor’s footman and hires him to impersonate her fictitious fiancé.
Henry Carrington, the young Duke of Stafford, is late to a house party where he’s supposed to meet the famously single Lady Flora Pelham. When the very lady in question mistakes him for a footman and propositions him to pose as her imaginary fiancé, Henry takes the chance, against his better judgment, to get to know the unconventional woman.
When a fake betrothal starts to foster real feelings, both Flora and Henry try their best to untangle the web they’ve weaved, but not without a few more misunderstandings along the way.
A lighted-hearted, bite-sized historical romance.
66 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2023
107 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 9, 2023
A perfect short story.
A fun read for a rainy afternoon. Two very interesting protagonists who kept my interest to the inevitable happily ever after.
A fun read for a rainy afternoon. Two very interesting protagonists who kept my interest to the inevitable happily ever after.
September 14, 2024
Too little of a good thing
A four and a half rounded up to a five star historical romance, this short yet sweet offering is delightful for its being concise, direct and humorous.
This would be great for readers who have little time for quality reading. Unfortunately, what makes it so appealing is also the reason for it not reaching the level of perfection. The brevity took away what could have been a more in depth characterization of the lovers and their love affair. It was indeed a shame to cut them off so briefly.
Nevertheless, this enjoyable romp reinforces this reader’s view that this author, whose work on Pride and Prejudice variations, could never disappoint.
A four and a half rounded up to a five star historical romance, this short yet sweet offering is delightful for its being concise, direct and humorous.
This would be great for readers who have little time for quality reading. Unfortunately, what makes it so appealing is also the reason for it not reaching the level of perfection. The brevity took away what could have been a more in depth characterization of the lovers and their love affair. It was indeed a shame to cut them off so briefly.
Nevertheless, this enjoyable romp reinforces this reader’s view that this author, whose work on Pride and Prejudice variations, could never disappoint.
July 28, 2023
Barbara Cartlands true successor
Ugh. This book.
X2 characters who believe they are superior, fine, read that before, can work well.
Here, it doesn't.
The lead characters prance about, declaiming their intellectual superiority in a incredibly boring way.
Who takes this trope and ruins it? Writers like this, who has aspirations of superiority but wrote toilette like toilet. pause for gasping laughter.
I just couldn't.
Skimmed to 10% and set aside in my unbearable reading pile. DNF DNR
I am always inclined to like a regency, but this one was self righteous and pontificating, without the light hearted humor promised.
Ugh. This book.
X2 characters who believe they are superior, fine, read that before, can work well.
Here, it doesn't.
The lead characters prance about, declaiming their intellectual superiority in a incredibly boring way.
Who takes this trope and ruins it? Writers like this, who has aspirations of superiority but wrote toilette like toilet. pause for gasping laughter.
I just couldn't.
Skimmed to 10% and set aside in my unbearable reading pile. DNF DNR
I am always inclined to like a regency, but this one was self righteous and pontificating, without the light hearted humor promised.
October 28, 2023
This is a short, cute comedy of errors. Lady Flora is horrified by the two men her mother has invited to a house party. The third invitee is late and is a duke. In frustration, Flora announces that she is already engaged -- to a barrister in London. When no one believes her, she states he will arrive the next day.
She finds a man she thinks is arriving to take a job as a servant and asks him to delay his service until after her house party. She entreats him to help her out, and she will give him an excellent reference and a sum of money. Of course, the man is the expected duke. The whole thing is ludicrous but delicious fun.
October 14, 2024
Let's just say that if this wasn't a novella, I would have DNFed it. This story was boring and the characters had zero chemistry (which is kind of the starting requirement for a romance book!). The trope this book follows is one that I really enjoy, so it should be stupid easy to get a 3-star rating from me (I'm not picky when it comes to historical romances) but this novella still managed to fail.
I know there's at least one other book by this author that I'm interested in reading, and I'm still gonna give it a shot. Not everyone is good at writing novellas, so maybe I'll like a more full-length story from this author.
I know there's at least one other book by this author that I'm interested in reading, and I'm still gonna give it a shot. Not everyone is good at writing novellas, so maybe I'll like a more full-length story from this author.
October 10, 2025
great story
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I wish it was happening to me and it would make a great movie.
Flora mistook Henry as a footman because he was delivering a friend’s luggage to a house. She decided to deceive her mother who wanted her to become attached or engaged by the end of their house party. She didn’t know that Henry was the one peer that her mother had hoped for. What transpired after that was most entertaining as they navigated all the complexities of their situation.
Iris Lim, you are amazing! Your writing is most entertaining to read. I couldn’t wait to get back to the story when I had to do something else.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I wish it was happening to me and it would make a great movie.
Flora mistook Henry as a footman because he was delivering a friend’s luggage to a house. She decided to deceive her mother who wanted her to become attached or engaged by the end of their house party. She didn’t know that Henry was the one peer that her mother had hoped for. What transpired after that was most entertaining as they navigated all the complexities of their situation.
Iris Lim, you are amazing! Your writing is most entertaining to read. I couldn’t wait to get back to the story when I had to do something else.
February 4, 2023
This is an adorable story of Flora, a bluestocking , fed up with men trying to marry her for her money, hiring a footman to be her finace’. I loved how Henry had a mischievous side, willing to go along with the ruse. The banter back nd forth between the three suitors was very entertaining and especially loved how Henry put them in their place. The ‘Duke’ was hilarious and Momma was a sweetheart. Love this short book.!
March 5, 2023
Cute quick read
I'm a fan of Iris. This tale is a quick, cute and humorous read. House party to marry off the Earls daughter. Flora isn't fond of her mama's choices for a suitor. Enter the Duke who hasn't made an appearance in several seasons. However, Flora thinks he's a footman. A crazy subterfuge and the fun begins.
I'm a fan of Iris. This tale is a quick, cute and humorous read. House party to marry off the Earls daughter. Flora isn't fond of her mama's choices for a suitor. Enter the Duke who hasn't made an appearance in several seasons. However, Flora thinks he's a footman. A crazy subterfuge and the fun begins.
May 26, 2023
A clean story. This is an enjoyable short novella. A bluestocking trying to avoid being courted at a small house party, pressgangs a duke into being a fake fiancé, thinking he’s a footman. Some bits are slightly unbelievable, but as it’s a short story and enjoyable this can be forgiven. So if you have an hour to spare this could fill the time for you.
August 27, 2024
Sweet & enjoyable…
it’s refreshing not to have one calamity or misunderstanding after another. The true identity revealing was believable. Maybe it’s the era but it’s strange to me for a respectable woman to entertain gentlemen in her home for the purpose of marriage. It seems so unromantic…
it’s refreshing not to have one calamity or misunderstanding after another. The true identity revealing was believable. Maybe it’s the era but it’s strange to me for a respectable woman to entertain gentlemen in her home for the purpose of marriage. It seems so unromantic…
May 21, 2023
Endearing!
Such a satisfying little romantic morsel . I wasn’t familiar with this author before and this short novella was a delicious sample of her writing. I will definitely read more of her work.
Such a satisfying little romantic morsel . I wasn’t familiar with this author before and this short novella was a delicious sample of her writing. I will definitely read more of her work.
May 27, 2023
Froth and Bubble.
A short novella, but a Heyer-esque case of mistaken identity. Two charming leads and a small supporting cast are well drawn and the dialogue is believable. The plot is seasoned with comedic moments.
A short novella, but a Heyer-esque case of mistaken identity. Two charming leads and a small supporting cast are well drawn and the dialogue is believable. The plot is seasoned with comedic moments.
June 26, 2023
Such A Good Feeling Story!!
I loved reading this. It was too short but so lighthearted. I loved the characters and storyline so much. Flora and her House guests were very entertaining. The Duke of Stafford was great. On to my next book. 💜💜💜💜💜🥰
I loved reading this. It was too short but so lighthearted. I loved the characters and storyline so much. Flora and her House guests were very entertaining. The Duke of Stafford was great. On to my next book. 💜💜💜💜💜🥰
July 10, 2023
could have been better.
Good plot but the two other possible husbands should have left. Instead they were extremely rude and mean. The story would have been better without their digs. The heroine was just silly.
Good plot but the two other possible husbands should have left. Instead they were extremely rude and mean. The story would have been better without their digs. The heroine was just silly.
July 12, 2023
Cute!
I enjoyed the light heartedness of the entire book. The banter of the main characters, the snotty snide remarks of the lesser of good character characters. They had their needed place, but, boo to them.
This is written well and is quite a fun book to read.
I enjoyed the light heartedness of the entire book. The banter of the main characters, the snotty snide remarks of the lesser of good character characters. They had their needed place, but, boo to them.
This is written well and is quite a fun book to read.
July 27, 2023
A lovely little stand alone short story. Nothing dramatic or intense, but light and enjoyable. It was exactly what I needed today, as nothing else I’ve started was holding my attention. If it were a movie, it would be a regency era hallmark movie: Predictable plot, but I enjoy it anyway.
August 30, 2023
Cute though unlikely
This short story is decently written enough, though Regency purists will cringe. It's not an original plot nor particularly memorable, but so earnest that I didn't have the heart to rate it lower
This short story is decently written enough, though Regency purists will cringe. It's not an original plot nor particularly memorable, but so earnest that I didn't have the heart to rate it lower
January 24, 2024
Delightful!
Flora gets herself in a supposed engagement with a rented footman, however he is not who she thinks he is as he acts the part. There is a light romance between the two until their act is discovered to be a farce.
Flora gets herself in a supposed engagement with a rented footman, however he is not who she thinks he is as he acts the part. There is a light romance between the two until their act is discovered to be a farce.
July 14, 2024
A short bit of unlikely nonsense. Why would a duke agree to such a farce? How could the daughter of an earl not have noticed the duke's carriage, clothing, and speech when she thought him a footman?
December 18, 2024
clean romance
What a fun and clever short story!
I enjoyed the hero and heroine as they are trying to go along with a ruse.
There is plenty of humor and mischief.
I recommend this book and author!
What a fun and clever short story!
I enjoyed the hero and heroine as they are trying to go along with a ruse.
There is plenty of humor and mischief.
I recommend this book and author!
March 27, 2025
I enjoyed this well portrayed story
This story unfolded in a unpredictable way as I read it- the elements of the story were convincing as they were revealed. I enjoyed the story and if you are a fan of Regency stories- I recommend this one to you.
This story unfolded in a unpredictable way as I read it- the elements of the story were convincing as they were revealed. I enjoyed the story and if you are a fan of Regency stories- I recommend this one to you.
June 28, 2025
Mistaken
Whitty, cute, clean, easy read.
Good plot relatable characters. Not too much drama as to make it unbelievable.
House party. 2 men whom the lady early realizes are not satisfactory. Missing Duke. Lady desides to make up a fake betrothed.
Whitty, cute, clean, easy read.
Good plot relatable characters. Not too much drama as to make it unbelievable.
House party. 2 men whom the lady early realizes are not satisfactory. Missing Duke. Lady desides to make up a fake betrothed.
February 15, 2023
Entertaining
This is a short romantic story about mistaken identity with a lot of humor thrown in. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend.
This is a short romantic story about mistaken identity with a lot of humor thrown in. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend.
February 20, 2023
Fun, low angst, enjoyable read.
February 23, 2023
This book must’ve been SO much fun to write! I love the chemistry between Flora and Henry, and the “who knew what/when” element. A delicious snack-sized story that I devoured in one sitting.
April 8, 2023
This was so fun! I loved it! Cute quick witty clean and lighthearted. I loved the banter and the story- it was great- will definitely read again when I need a great quick happy read!
April 17, 2023
What fun!!
Clever plot, great and relatable characters, and wonderful writing. An absolute delight. Can't wait to read more by this talented author.
Clever plot, great and relatable characters, and wonderful writing. An absolute delight. Can't wait to read more by this talented author.
May 25, 2023
This was silly. Insta love and a plot that was just too unbelievable. The characters were not developed well. Just not my kind of book
Short story, clean. No religion.
Short story, clean. No religion.
June 9, 2023
Oh my!
Oh my gosh! What a delightful story this is! I truly enjoyed every single word of it. I laughed smiled all the way through it. So very worth reading!
Oh my gosh! What a delightful story this is! I truly enjoyed every single word of it. I laughed smiled all the way through it. So very worth reading!
August 30, 2023
Short and sweet
This is a delightful novella with a improbable but very cute plot. The characters are a bit cartoonish but described well enough to make them believable.
This is a delightful novella with a improbable but very cute plot. The characters are a bit cartoonish but described well enough to make them believable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews