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A Courtship to Fool Manhattan: A Gilded Age Fake Relationship Historical Romance
A sweet and satisfying fake relationship story set in the Gilded Age
A pretend courtship…
To prevent a marriage!
At his sister’s society wedding, Lincoln Dryer finds himself paired up with heiress Victoria Biggs. Tired of being matchmade, Lincoln is surprised to learn Victoria feels the same. So they agree to pretend to be a couple! Though he enjoys Victoria’s refreshing company, Lincoln’s seen the heartache love can cause… Yet while their charade fools Manhattan, how long can Lincoln fool himself into believing he can let Victoria go when the wedding party’s over?
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
A pretend courtship…
To prevent a marriage!
At his sister’s society wedding, Lincoln Dryer finds himself paired up with heiress Victoria Biggs. Tired of being matchmade, Lincoln is surprised to learn Victoria feels the same. So they agree to pretend to be a couple! Though he enjoys Victoria’s refreshing company, Lincoln’s seen the heartache love can cause… Yet while their charade fools Manhattan, how long can Lincoln fool himself into believing he can let Victoria go when the wedding party’s over?
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2024
About the author
Lauri Robinson
171 books129 followersLauri Robinson's chosen genre to write is Western historical, and when asked why, she says, "Because I know I wasn't the only girl who wanted to grow up and marry Little Joe Cartwright."
With a degree in early childhood education, Lauri has spent three decades working in the non-profit field for Head Start, Child Abuse Intervention, the March of Dimes, and United Way. She claims the once upon a time and happily ever after premise of romance novels has always been a form of stress relief. When her husband suggested she write one, she took the challenge and has loved every minute of the journey.
Lauri lives in rural Minnesota, where she and her husband spend every spare moment with their three grown sons and their families, which includes three granddaughters, two stepgrandsons and two granddogs. She volunteers for several organizations, including her local library, and spends most fall weekends filling the freezer with homemade foodstuffs from the bountiful harvest of her husband's green thumb. She's a diehard Elvis fan (yes, she's been to Graceland), and loves to spend Sundays watching NASCAR, either live or on TV. However, she says her favorite weekends are spent in the woods of northern Minnesota on the land homesteaded by her great-grandfather.
Most of her childhood was spent in western Kansas, which is the setting for several of her stories. Lauri is a member of RWA, Northern Lights Writers,and Hearts Through History Romance Writers, as well as several online writing groups. She writes for Harlequin, Mills and Boon and The Wild Rose Press.
For updates on her writing please visit www.laurirobinson.blogspot.com
With a degree in early childhood education, Lauri has spent three decades working in the non-profit field for Head Start, Child Abuse Intervention, the March of Dimes, and United Way. She claims the once upon a time and happily ever after premise of romance novels has always been a form of stress relief. When her husband suggested she write one, she took the challenge and has loved every minute of the journey.
Lauri lives in rural Minnesota, where she and her husband spend every spare moment with their three grown sons and their families, which includes three granddaughters, two stepgrandsons and two granddogs. She volunteers for several organizations, including her local library, and spends most fall weekends filling the freezer with homemade foodstuffs from the bountiful harvest of her husband's green thumb. She's a diehard Elvis fan (yes, she's been to Graceland), and loves to spend Sundays watching NASCAR, either live or on TV. However, she says her favorite weekends are spent in the woods of northern Minnesota on the land homesteaded by her great-grandfather.
Most of her childhood was spent in western Kansas, which is the setting for several of her stories. Lauri is a member of RWA, Northern Lights Writers,and Hearts Through History Romance Writers, as well as several online writing groups. She writes for Harlequin, Mills and Boon and The Wild Rose Press.
For updates on her writing please visit www.laurirobinson.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 26, 2024
What a lovely story.
Set in the Gilded Age in New York (one of my favorite eras in historical romances), it has everything, a love story, a mystery to solve and ballrooms.
It was delightful how the relationship between Victoria and Lincoln went from just acquaintances through his sister, to being friends and then falling in love.
Set in the Gilded Age in New York (one of my favorite eras in historical romances), it has everything, a love story, a mystery to solve and ballrooms.
It was delightful how the relationship between Victoria and Lincoln went from just acquaintances through his sister, to being friends and then falling in love.
May 19, 2024
A Courtship to Fool Manhattan is a Gilded Age romance, something different than my usual choices. It’s similar enough to the current billionaire romances that anyone who reads it will be in familiar territory.
I loved the scenery that Lauri Robinson has written in this book. The descriptions of the clothing and the buildings and homes were excellent and really added to the story. It was funny how the gilded age books bridge the gap between regency and contemporary. You have the courtships and the customs of the regency era that are moving towards the modern way of living. There’s still the matchmaking mamas of any era but you have the things that aren’t appropriate and how people act.
Lincoln and Victoria are of similar mindsets. That helps with their chemistry. Their shared history helps the reader understand their reasoning behind wanting to fake a relationship and just enjoy the peace it affords them. Their banter and sometimes sniping towards each other makes the book have a light hearted feel. It was funny seeing poor Lincoln having to deal with the more overt ladies trying to catch his attention and how he latched onto Victoria to rescue him, which she finds amusing as well. There was a background mystery that made their relationship deepen and made the book more interesting. That it ties in with both their respective backgrounds unbeknownst to them was great since it didn’t make it one sided and like either was in need of a rescue because of the actions of the other. I loved the info about forensic techniques too. It actually surprised and educated me. Loved that bit.
I enjoyed the book. It had mystery, humor, romance, and loving families that were a bit trying but not overwhelming to the characters. If you’re looking for something tihat isn’t regency but not contemporary then this book will definitely fit the bill.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the scenery that Lauri Robinson has written in this book. The descriptions of the clothing and the buildings and homes were excellent and really added to the story. It was funny how the gilded age books bridge the gap between regency and contemporary. You have the courtships and the customs of the regency era that are moving towards the modern way of living. There’s still the matchmaking mamas of any era but you have the things that aren’t appropriate and how people act.
Lincoln and Victoria are of similar mindsets. That helps with their chemistry. Their shared history helps the reader understand their reasoning behind wanting to fake a relationship and just enjoy the peace it affords them. Their banter and sometimes sniping towards each other makes the book have a light hearted feel. It was funny seeing poor Lincoln having to deal with the more overt ladies trying to catch his attention and how he latched onto Victoria to rescue him, which she finds amusing as well. There was a background mystery that made their relationship deepen and made the book more interesting. That it ties in with both their respective backgrounds unbeknownst to them was great since it didn’t make it one sided and like either was in need of a rescue because of the actions of the other. I loved the info about forensic techniques too. It actually surprised and educated me. Loved that bit.
I enjoyed the book. It had mystery, humor, romance, and loving families that were a bit trying but not overwhelming to the characters. If you’re looking for something tihat isn’t regency but not contemporary then this book will definitely fit the bill.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2024
Victoria Biggs arrives in Manhattan with a carefully wrapped picture that hung over her grandfather's safe at their Tarrytown house. A would-be suitor of hers has stolen $10,000 out of her grandfather's safe and she has the fingerprints on the picture to prove it. In Manhattan to be the Maid of Honor at her best friend Audrey's wedding, VIctoria's reasons for being there are twofold. She needs to speak to Audrey's father, who she discovers is out of town when she gets there. The next best thing is Audrey's brother Lincoln, who is also a lawyer, but when she tells him why she has brought the picture, Lincoln isn't hopeful that Victoria could get a conviction from the fingerprints. Feeling deflated, Victoria instead throws herself into helping Lincoln avoid the young ladies flocking around him at balls and parties, because he has money.
Victoria has vowed never to marry, as she doesn't want to go through the same experience her mother did, when her father died. If you never love someone, you don't have to lose them. Lincoln is pretty much of the same mindset. The married couples he's known weren't too happy, shortly after their weddings. However, being thrown together and enjoying some exhilarating times, makes both Victoria and Lincoln start to doubt their earlier hesitations when it comes to love.
Someone in Manhattan is also threatening business owners into selling their stores to them. Using a front person, the real culprit stands in the shadows. Lincoln is determined to find out who that culprit is.
This was a charming story with a bit of mystery that kept my interest until the very end. Highly recommend reading it.
Victoria has vowed never to marry, as she doesn't want to go through the same experience her mother did, when her father died. If you never love someone, you don't have to lose them. Lincoln is pretty much of the same mindset. The married couples he's known weren't too happy, shortly after their weddings. However, being thrown together and enjoying some exhilarating times, makes both Victoria and Lincoln start to doubt their earlier hesitations when it comes to love.
Someone in Manhattan is also threatening business owners into selling their stores to them. Using a front person, the real culprit stands in the shadows. Lincoln is determined to find out who that culprit is.
This was a charming story with a bit of mystery that kept my interest until the very end. Highly recommend reading it.
May 21, 2024
This was a cute romance about Victoria and Lincoln, who decided to pretend that they were courting for the month leading up to his sister’s wedding so they would seem unavailable to other suitors. Although they had known one another forever because his sister was her best friend, they developed a true friendship while spending so much time together that they fell in love. Neither of them wanted to fall in love so they were in denial and resistant to their feelings for a long time. Then she was afraid of love so it took some convincing for them to get their HEA.
This book contained well developed characters. The relationships between the families were all great and loving. The banter between Lincoln and Victoria was entertaining and it added to their attraction. It was more playful than antagonistic. The book included a bit of intrigue and mystery because there was a case or two that needed to be solved, but no real danger to the H and h. However, there were a few unexpected twists and turns that added to the story. It was a clean story but not too chaste. Those can be a bit boring for me. You could definitely feel the attraction and longing even without explicit scenes on the pages. There were a few steamy kisses too that kept the romance alive. I enjoyed this book and really connected with their love story and how they fell in love while they thought they were pretending to fool everyone else.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book contained well developed characters. The relationships between the families were all great and loving. The banter between Lincoln and Victoria was entertaining and it added to their attraction. It was more playful than antagonistic. The book included a bit of intrigue and mystery because there was a case or two that needed to be solved, but no real danger to the H and h. However, there were a few unexpected twists and turns that added to the story. It was a clean story but not too chaste. Those can be a bit boring for me. You could definitely feel the attraction and longing even without explicit scenes on the pages. There were a few steamy kisses too that kept the romance alive. I enjoyed this book and really connected with their love story and how they fell in love while they thought they were pretending to fool everyone else.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2024
Victoria has known Lincoln for a while, as he is her best friend Audrey’s brother. When Audrey extends an invitation for Victoria to stay with them for a month to help with wedding preparations, she agrees and makes her way to Manhattan.
Initially, Lincoln is not interested in marriage as he has set his sights on becoming the next state attorney general and rooting out corruption in the city. However, slowly but surely he starts enjoying the time which he is forced to spend in close proximity with Victoria, thanks to his meddling / matchmaking mother.
To avoid the pressures of the marriage mart, Lincoln and Victoria concoct a scheme: pretend to be a couple until Audrey's big day arrives. What starts as a charade soon blossoms into something genuine, and it was all the sweeter because it was way more believable than the usual instalove stories that I have read.
As their "fake dating" stint draws to a close, they confront a truth that neither expected: that their feelings are real. Now, they must confront their own fears and aspirations, forging a path forward together, hand in hand.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read though I wished that the couple could have confronted their fears earlier without wasting so much time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Initially, Lincoln is not interested in marriage as he has set his sights on becoming the next state attorney general and rooting out corruption in the city. However, slowly but surely he starts enjoying the time which he is forced to spend in close proximity with Victoria, thanks to his meddling / matchmaking mother.
To avoid the pressures of the marriage mart, Lincoln and Victoria concoct a scheme: pretend to be a couple until Audrey's big day arrives. What starts as a charade soon blossoms into something genuine, and it was all the sweeter because it was way more believable than the usual instalove stories that I have read.
As their "fake dating" stint draws to a close, they confront a truth that neither expected: that their feelings are real. Now, they must confront their own fears and aspirations, forging a path forward together, hand in hand.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read though I wished that the couple could have confronted their fears earlier without wasting so much time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 20, 2024
Rating: 4.5 Stars
A Courtship to Fool Manhattan is a delightful fake engagement historical romance perfect for readers hooked on TV's The Gilded Age.
Lincoln Dryer cannot bear the thought of being constantly match-made, so he is furious when he finds himself paired with Victoria Biggs at his sister's wedding. Lincoln is used to being a pawn in other people's match-making schemes, so he is surprised - and delighted - when Victoria informs that she is in the same boat as him and is just as fed up.
Teaming up will solve all of their problems and they agree to pose as a couple. Manhattan high society can hardly contain itself. But there is nothing fake about their burgeoning feelings for one another. Will Victoria and Lincoln find the courage to reveal the truth about the depth of their feelings for one another? Or will they let this chance at happiness slip through their fingers?
Lauri Robinson's A Courtship to Fool Manhattan is a sparkling historical romance that is simply enchanting. Lincoln and Victoria's love story is tender, emotional and heartwarming and one guaranteed to keep readers riveted to the page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A Courtship to Fool Manhattan is a delightful fake engagement historical romance perfect for readers hooked on TV's The Gilded Age.
Lincoln Dryer cannot bear the thought of being constantly match-made, so he is furious when he finds himself paired with Victoria Biggs at his sister's wedding. Lincoln is used to being a pawn in other people's match-making schemes, so he is surprised - and delighted - when Victoria informs that she is in the same boat as him and is just as fed up.
Teaming up will solve all of their problems and they agree to pose as a couple. Manhattan high society can hardly contain itself. But there is nothing fake about their burgeoning feelings for one another. Will Victoria and Lincoln find the courage to reveal the truth about the depth of their feelings for one another? Or will they let this chance at happiness slip through their fingers?
Lauri Robinson's A Courtship to Fool Manhattan is a sparkling historical romance that is simply enchanting. Lincoln and Victoria's love story is tender, emotional and heartwarming and one guaranteed to keep readers riveted to the page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2024
There were many things to like about this book, not least is the fact that there are some great scenes involving some inventions being worked on. One of the new-fangled things made available was the bicycle! The scenes where the characters were learning to ride were fun.
This book had a wonderful will they/won't they romance: corrupt politicians that needed to be stopped, and some great friendships and family relationships to enjoy. What I particularly like about this era is that you get all the romance of courtship between couples but without the stringent rules of the Regency era. Victoria and Lincoln, our main characters, can spend time alone and have fun adventures without needing a chaperone. Their budding romance starts as a ruse with neither of them believing they wanted marriage to anybody in their future, least of all each other. Seeing how their feelings changed throughout the story was both wonderful and frustrating! You will see why if you read the book.
I can't fault the story at all. Editing wise there were some errors but as I read an advanced copy of this book I am sure they will have been corrected by the time the book is on sale.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book had a wonderful will they/won't they romance: corrupt politicians that needed to be stopped, and some great friendships and family relationships to enjoy. What I particularly like about this era is that you get all the romance of courtship between couples but without the stringent rules of the Regency era. Victoria and Lincoln, our main characters, can spend time alone and have fun adventures without needing a chaperone. Their budding romance starts as a ruse with neither of them believing they wanted marriage to anybody in their future, least of all each other. Seeing how their feelings changed throughout the story was both wonderful and frustrating! You will see why if you read the book.
I can't fault the story at all. Editing wise there were some errors but as I read an advanced copy of this book I am sure they will have been corrected by the time the book is on sale.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 20, 2024
Well written, full of love, romance, action, suspense, twists and turns. Victoria is on her way to her friend, Audrey's home for Audrey's wedding, that she is to be in. Lincoln is Audrey's brother, who is a lawyer, involved in the wedding. Victoria and Lincoln both are being pushed together but both agree they are not looking for a partner. So upon talking , they team up together to stand against being pushed into a marriage relationship. Add into the mix- meddling parents, society and villains and you have an exciting who dun it. They both let on to society that they are sweethearts and then they share their first kiss. So very sweet. Would recommend to others.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2024
At his sister’s wedding, lawyer Lincoln and heiress Victoria deter matchmakers by pretending to be smitten. As their charade fools gilded-age Manhattan, they grapple with budding feelings, haunted by fears of heartbreak. When the nuptial celebrations end, will they dare to pursue true love?
I loved this story. I wish the external obstacles had been stronger—there’s nothing to keep Lincoln and Victoria apart except their negative feelings toward marriage. Still, the characters are strong and likable, and the story well-paced.
Thanks, Booksprout, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I loved this story. I wish the external obstacles had been stronger—there’s nothing to keep Lincoln and Victoria apart except their negative feelings toward marriage. Still, the characters are strong and likable, and the story well-paced.
Thanks, Booksprout, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
May 14, 2024
3.5 stars. This story started out slow for me. The pace didn't seem to pick up until halfway through the novel. The FMC, Victoria, is quite likeable. There is a sequence with learning to ride bicycles that is very cute. I was bothered by the MMC's view of women, however. Despite being close with his sister, Lincoln has a poor outlook on women, which felt bothersome not just at the beginning but through most of the story. I did find the historical context interesting - inventions and the realities of Life for those living in tenements. The epilogue is very touching as well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2024
This is a sweet ‘brother’s best friend’ romance.
The main characters, Lincoln and Victoria, get paired together at Lincoln’s sister’s wedding, a fact neither one is happy about. They decide to team up to pose as a couple, in order to thwart the marriage mart matchmakers.
Of course, predictably, they develop feelings for each other and must decide if they are to reveal the truth to each other, or keep quiet for the sake of their friendship.
Lauri is a one click for me, and while this book wasn’t one of my favourites, I still enjoyed it.
Thank you to BookSprout for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest review.
The main characters, Lincoln and Victoria, get paired together at Lincoln’s sister’s wedding, a fact neither one is happy about. They decide to team up to pose as a couple, in order to thwart the marriage mart matchmakers.
Of course, predictably, they develop feelings for each other and must decide if they are to reveal the truth to each other, or keep quiet for the sake of their friendship.
Lauri is a one click for me, and while this book wasn’t one of my favourites, I still enjoyed it.
Thank you to BookSprout for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest review.
May 19, 2024
Some people look down on Harlequin Category Romances and give them a bad rap. They don’t deserve this, especially when they are written by authors as good as Lauri Robinson. Her writing is excellent and her Historicals are very well researched. Her settings are always interesting and her heroines likable. She may use standard tropes (like the Fake Relationship trope this book starts with), but there is nothing standard about Robinson’s work. She is an original.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 29, 2024
I liked Lincoln and Victoria’s story. At his sister’s society wedding, Lincoln Dryer finds himself paired up with heiress Victoria Biggs. Tired of being matchmade, Lincoln is surprised to learn Victoria feels the same. So they agree to pretend to be a couple! Though he enjoys Victoria’s refreshing company, Lincoln’s seen the heartache love can cause… Yet while their charade fools Manhattan, how long can Lincoln fool himself into believing he can let Victoria go when the wedding party’s over? An entertaining read. And am voluntarily leaving this review.
May 31, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It was a fast paced book for me with clean romance and a little bit of action mixed in that I didn't expect. I thought the book was very well written and the characters were likeable. I found the storyline a little predictable since it follows a common "pretend to be in a relationship" trope but I'm not unhappy about it. I would be interested in reading more about this couple and other side characters in this novel. There is a lot that could be explored in gilded age New York.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2024
Lincoln and Victoria pretend to be in a fake relationship so he stop all the socialites and their mothers perusing him and because they both don’t want to be married for different reasons. Along the way she ends up helping him on an important case and they develop feelings for each other if only she can get past her fears. I enjoyed reading about Lincoln investigation, using fingerprints, and his friend Ronald’s interesting inventions.
June 14, 2024
Lincoln and Victoria have something in common: both of them are being matchmade all the time and are tired of it. So, they think of a solution: appearing together, which brings them some surprises.
This was a great book, fun and interesting, although at the beginning, it took me a while to get into the story.
It is well-written, and the characters are likeable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a great book, fun and interesting, although at the beginning, it took me a while to get into the story.
It is well-written, and the characters are likeable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 6, 2024
It was good I really can’t describe it. Two strong and like people had both disappointments and wealth. The found each other thru a fake courtship. They worked on his law situations, the fingerprints evidence, and pleasing their families. Riding the new invention, the bicycle was fun to read about too
May 15, 2024
Lincoln and Victoria both come from wealthy families and their parents are pressuring them to get married but they are not ready. With his sister's wedding coming up they pretend to be a couple just to keep their family quiet but soon begin to develop feelings for each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2024
A convenient fake…
Since Victoria is spending a month at his families residence, as her best friend is his sister who is getting married and his mother is not so subtly matching them up, Lincoln devised a fake courtship. Set in the gilded age, Victoria is smart and not interested in marriage. Neither is Lincoln.
Recommend.
Since Victoria is spending a month at his families residence, as her best friend is his sister who is getting married and his mother is not so subtly matching them up, Lincoln devised a fake courtship. Set in the gilded age, Victoria is smart and not interested in marriage. Neither is Lincoln.
Recommend.
June 2, 2024
This is a historical romance, set in New York during the Gilded Age. It is a romance that begins as acquaintances and grows to friendship and much more. It is a fun read about Victoria and Lincoln, with witty banter, sweet, mystery and heart warming. I loved to see the budding relationship between the characters as well as the struggles.
June 11, 2024
Interesting characters to follow along as they weave through the nuances of romance and love. Unsuspecting to both of them that it is going to be real. Like the historical aspect of the story and the setting and location. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2024
This is a fast and engaging story with a slow-burn romance and a touch of mystery. A solid, fun and enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2024
I love historicals and this was a page turner from start to stop. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. Looking forward to more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2024
A historical romance takes place in NY. They both don't wan to marry but she needs his help and he could benefit from her help.
3 stars.
3 stars.
April 24, 2026
3.25⭐️
April 12, 2024
A Courtship to Fool Manhattan is an American historical romance by Lauri Robinson, set in the Gilded Age (approx 1890s based on the used of finger printing in criminal cases). I have loved reading many of Robinson's novels and this one is no exception, in fact, it might be my favourite book by the author to date.
This is recommended to people that not only like American historical romance, but also stories that start with a deal for a fake courtship to keep society and matchmaking mamas away. This is also a best friend's brother/sister's best friend type of story.
Lincoln Dryer comes from a wealthy New York family. Just like his father, he's a lawyer, but he has dreams of making the world a better place and is ready to take on anyone over their suspect behaviour. He also has reasons to not want to get married, although his mother has made it clear she is on the look out for a bride for him. With the upcoming wedding of his sister, her best friend, Victoria Biggs, is staying for some weeks to help with the last minute details. Victoria is also from a wealthy family, but reside a couple hours by train outside of New York. Her mother is also is also looking to find Victoria a husband. But Victoria also has her reasons to distrust and fear marriage, and part of that reason is to investigate one of her more suspect suitors.
Lincoln and Victoria are such well-grounded and well developed characters. They are both innovative and passionate. It was easy to relate to them in that sense, despite the setting. I loved Victoria's awe and wonder as she and Lincoln explored some of new inventions and technologies. I enjoyed how both characters had to deal with their hang ups surrounding love and marriage before being remotely ready to give into any feelings. There is a touch of mystery too, and so between the team work and their deal of a fake courtship, it really just seemed natural that they belonged together as they got to know each other on a deeper level.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is recommended to people that not only like American historical romance, but also stories that start with a deal for a fake courtship to keep society and matchmaking mamas away. This is also a best friend's brother/sister's best friend type of story.
Lincoln Dryer comes from a wealthy New York family. Just like his father, he's a lawyer, but he has dreams of making the world a better place and is ready to take on anyone over their suspect behaviour. He also has reasons to not want to get married, although his mother has made it clear she is on the look out for a bride for him. With the upcoming wedding of his sister, her best friend, Victoria Biggs, is staying for some weeks to help with the last minute details. Victoria is also from a wealthy family, but reside a couple hours by train outside of New York. Her mother is also is also looking to find Victoria a husband. But Victoria also has her reasons to distrust and fear marriage, and part of that reason is to investigate one of her more suspect suitors.
Lincoln and Victoria are such well-grounded and well developed characters. They are both innovative and passionate. It was easy to relate to them in that sense, despite the setting. I loved Victoria's awe and wonder as she and Lincoln explored some of new inventions and technologies. I enjoyed how both characters had to deal with their hang ups surrounding love and marriage before being remotely ready to give into any feelings. There is a touch of mystery too, and so between the team work and their deal of a fake courtship, it really just seemed natural that they belonged together as they got to know each other on a deeper level.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews