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The Branwell Chronicles #5
Piqued and Repiqued
He pursued her for ambition. She spurned him for the same. Only a wise friend could help them find happiness.
Jonathan Blysdale has risen from wealthy tradesman’s son to gentleman in the highest circles of Society through sheer determination. When he catches sight of Lady Athena Dibbington, he knows he has found the jewel to crown his achievement. But Lady Athena was bred to marry no less than a marquess, and she has no patience with the attentions of one so far beneath her as Blysdale.
Yet it is not beneath Lady Athena to sustain her lifelong friendship with the awkward and outspoken Iris Slougham, whose family’s wealth also originated in trade. This very peculiarity inspires Iris to further Blysdale’s suit, for she is convinced there is more to him than ambition. But will her unconventional efforts to help secure her friend’s happiness do more harm than good?
Jonathan Blysdale has risen from wealthy tradesman’s son to gentleman in the highest circles of Society through sheer determination. When he catches sight of Lady Athena Dibbington, he knows he has found the jewel to crown his achievement. But Lady Athena was bred to marry no less than a marquess, and she has no patience with the attentions of one so far beneath her as Blysdale.
Yet it is not beneath Lady Athena to sustain her lifelong friendship with the awkward and outspoken Iris Slougham, whose family’s wealth also originated in trade. This very peculiarity inspires Iris to further Blysdale’s suit, for she is convinced there is more to him than ambition. But will her unconventional efforts to help secure her friend’s happiness do more harm than good?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2023
10 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Judith Hale Everett
11 books69 followersJudith Hale Everett writes tongue-in-cheek traditional Regency romance in the immersive style of classic authors, with special emphasis on delightful language, historical accuracy, and no forays into the bedroom.
As one of seven sisters, Judith grew up surrounded by romance novels. Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen were staples, and formed the groundwork for her lifelong love affair with the Regency. Add to that her obsession with the English language and you've got one hopelessly literate romantic.
You can find her at JudithHaleEverett.com or follow her on:
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As one of seven sisters, Judith grew up surrounded by romance novels. Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen were staples, and formed the groundwork for her lifelong love affair with the Regency. Add to that her obsession with the English language and you've got one hopelessly literate romantic.
You can find her at JudithHaleEverett.com or follow her on:
BookBub
Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 9, 2024
There’s never any knowing what will drop from the creative pen of this author, but I know for sure it will always be interesting, and beautifully written. After a run of slightly oddball and frankly curious books, this is a stellar return to the form of the very first of this series.
Here’s the premise: Jonathan Blysdale is barely a gentleman, since his father was a wealthy man but in trade. Jonathan, however, has been raised to something different, with the education and manners of a gentleman, and no need to sully his hands with anything remotely resembling work. He has determinedly risen in society, and although the highest sticklers don’t accept him, he is received pretty much everywhere. When he sees the lovely Lady Athena Dibbington, he decides that making her his wife will be his ultimate triumph. But Athena is the coolest of cool customers, born to marry a marquess to compensate for her Mama’s failure in that direction, and there is no way she is going to look at a man like Jonathan Blysdale. She knows how to depress the pretensions of a man like that!
Jonathan, however, is not deterred in the least. Athena’s mother is even more set against him than Athena is, but Jonathan sets out to win the friendship of first her father and then her friends, and uses whatever means he can dream up to discover where Athena goes to and which parties she will attend, so that he can accidentally bump into her several times a week. And he’s such a charming, well-mannered man that she begins to be won round. Not that she intends to marry him, because her marquess is already circling around her, but she sees enough to be able to compare the two men and not to the marquess’s advantage.
From here on, it’s no great spoiler to say that Athena slowly crumbles into love, but there’s no plain sailing to the happy ending, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader turning the pages. I loved the gradual transformation of Athena, I loved Jonathan facing up to the consequences of his actions and above all I loved the unusual character of Iris, Athena’s friend who sets out to ensure her happiness. A wonderful, intelligent book that I highly recommend. Five stars.
Here’s the premise: Jonathan Blysdale is barely a gentleman, since his father was a wealthy man but in trade. Jonathan, however, has been raised to something different, with the education and manners of a gentleman, and no need to sully his hands with anything remotely resembling work. He has determinedly risen in society, and although the highest sticklers don’t accept him, he is received pretty much everywhere. When he sees the lovely Lady Athena Dibbington, he decides that making her his wife will be his ultimate triumph. But Athena is the coolest of cool customers, born to marry a marquess to compensate for her Mama’s failure in that direction, and there is no way she is going to look at a man like Jonathan Blysdale. She knows how to depress the pretensions of a man like that!
Jonathan, however, is not deterred in the least. Athena’s mother is even more set against him than Athena is, but Jonathan sets out to win the friendship of first her father and then her friends, and uses whatever means he can dream up to discover where Athena goes to and which parties she will attend, so that he can accidentally bump into her several times a week. And he’s such a charming, well-mannered man that she begins to be won round. Not that she intends to marry him, because her marquess is already circling around her, but she sees enough to be able to compare the two men and not to the marquess’s advantage.
From here on, it’s no great spoiler to say that Athena slowly crumbles into love, but there’s no plain sailing to the happy ending, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader turning the pages. I loved the gradual transformation of Athena, I loved Jonathan facing up to the consequences of his actions and above all I loved the unusual character of Iris, Athena’s friend who sets out to ensure her happiness. A wonderful, intelligent book that I highly recommend. Five stars.
November 17, 2023
This is the 6th book in the Branwell Chronicles - if you count the prequel which is downloadable to followers of Judith Hale Everett.
As the books drift away from the excellently drawn characters of the Breckinridge family who take centre stage in three of the novels,and concentrate on the love life’s of ancillary characters I have become less involved than I was in the earlier books.
All are excellently written in an approximation of Heyer’s style which mostly succeeds well.
Jonathan Blysdale and very haughty and, until the very end, largely unsympathetic object of his affections, Lady Athena are ostensibly the main romantic characters, Lady Athena’s outspoken friend Iris and her extremely understated, half hearted pursuit by Nicholas Tenby is by far the most interesting part of the story.
This is a very well written book but Lady Athena is such a cardboard cutout of a character it was extremely difficult to care what happened to her.
Iris however. That’s another matter. How much better the book would have been if sh’d been the main heroine! And Tenby. Did he actually deserve Iris or was he really just half heartedly going after her dowry? And Iris did she just settle for Tenby as being the only suitor left standing- better than the toad her mother threatened her with. These doubts do make the book a bit more realistic than the usual run of the mill overly rose tinted regencies and it’s certainly much better written than the vast majority.
As the books drift away from the excellently drawn characters of the Breckinridge family who take centre stage in three of the novels,and concentrate on the love life’s of ancillary characters I have become less involved than I was in the earlier books.
All are excellently written in an approximation of Heyer’s style which mostly succeeds well.
Jonathan Blysdale and very haughty and, until the very end, largely unsympathetic object of his affections, Lady Athena are ostensibly the main romantic characters, Lady Athena’s outspoken friend Iris and her extremely understated, half hearted pursuit by Nicholas Tenby is by far the most interesting part of the story.
This is a very well written book but Lady Athena is such a cardboard cutout of a character it was extremely difficult to care what happened to her.
Iris however. That’s another matter. How much better the book would have been if sh’d been the main heroine! And Tenby. Did he actually deserve Iris or was he really just half heartedly going after her dowry? And Iris did she just settle for Tenby as being the only suitor left standing- better than the toad her mother threatened her with. These doubts do make the book a bit more realistic than the usual run of the mill overly rose tinted regencies and it’s certainly much better written than the vast majority.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2023
I was so excited when I learnt that there was a new instalment in the Branwell
Chronicles, and I was not disappointed. A fabulous storyline, strongly delineated characters that are fully believable, humour, suspense - Piqued and Repiqued had it all. I was pulled in from the very first paragraph and just did not want to put it down. Added to all this, I could not help but be constantly reminded of my favourite authors - Georgette Heyer, Jane Austen, Charlotte Brontë and Elizabeth Gaskell. Whether it was a turn of phrase, character names and traits or events, fond memories of favourite books and characters were with me throughout, thus enhancing my enjoyment and pleasure.
I sincerely hope another Judith Hale Everett book is just around the corner!
Chronicles, and I was not disappointed. A fabulous storyline, strongly delineated characters that are fully believable, humour, suspense - Piqued and Repiqued had it all. I was pulled in from the very first paragraph and just did not want to put it down. Added to all this, I could not help but be constantly reminded of my favourite authors - Georgette Heyer, Jane Austen, Charlotte Brontë and Elizabeth Gaskell. Whether it was a turn of phrase, character names and traits or events, fond memories of favourite books and characters were with me throughout, thus enhancing my enjoyment and pleasure.
I sincerely hope another Judith Hale Everett book is just around the corner!
Read
December 22, 2023This was a joy to write, and I hope you'll enjoy reading it. I have loved Iris, with her traitorous tongue and rebellious self-consciousness, ever since I first thought her up, and Athena's good heart under a proud, icy exterior was a challenge I wanted to take on.
November 8, 2023
Three young ladies, friends since the cradle, out on the Marriage Mart. One, Diana, plays a minor role here; her (concurrent) story is told in A Knowing One. While Iris and Athena are destined to be matched, for me Iris is the true heroine, fighting to ensure her friend finds her HEA and to pull the blind of jealousy from her own heart's desire. There are some surprising turns along the way.
I much enjoyed reading this.
I received a free advance copy; the thoughts expressed are my own.
I much enjoyed reading this.
I received a free advance copy; the thoughts expressed are my own.
November 8, 2023
Lady Athena is expected to marry at least a Marquis, however Jonathan, the son of a man who made his fortune as a mill owner, has other ideas. He is aided and abetted by Iris, part of a group of Lady Athena's close friends, who sees that she might not be so keen on a a loveless marriage. Iris, who trends to speak her mind without thinking, has her own trouble with relationships.
This book reminded me of how much I enjoy Regency Romances. I was really taken by Iris, I too sometimes suffer from opening my mouth without thinking through what I'm about to say. Lady Athena is more difficult to like until you begin to see the real person behind the facade. As normal I would fully expect to be one of the below stairs staff, rather than one of the gentry, but even then things were beginning to change as the aristocracy became poorer and the new middle class were on the rise. A well researched story that I really enjoyed and can heartily recommend for those who enjoy Regency Romances or wish to try one.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however this did not influence my review of the book.
This book reminded me of how much I enjoy Regency Romances. I was really taken by Iris, I too sometimes suffer from opening my mouth without thinking through what I'm about to say. Lady Athena is more difficult to like until you begin to see the real person behind the facade. As normal I would fully expect to be one of the below stairs staff, rather than one of the gentry, but even then things were beginning to change as the aristocracy became poorer and the new middle class were on the rise. A well researched story that I really enjoyed and can heartily recommend for those who enjoy Regency Romances or wish to try one.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however this did not influence my review of the book.
July 31, 2024
I really disliked the female main character, Athena, and just couldn't warm up to the story.
November 8, 2023
I received an ARC from the author. However, I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Genre: Regency Romance, Historical Romance, Sweet Romance
Spice Level: Sweet with some kissing
I was confused at first who I should be rooting for. (Mind you, I go into a book without reading the summary in case it has spoilers) My confusion stemmed from being introduced to Iris first and not realizing we had two romances going on. I initially found Athena off-putting. However, because we see Athena through Iris's eyes, we gain insight into her personality to know that we're not privy to her full personality—this was so helpful to have a best friend and almost sister clue us in to Athena's kindness and loyalty.
I felt like Athena had to have the biggest personality shift in the book. While Iris remained the same, the man who fell for her had to change a bit to understand Iris. And then the fellow after Athena, Jonathan Blysdale, had a small shift to understand how he needed to be a better man, though he was superior to most of the other "gentlemen" in the book. The nuance of the ton accepting men from trade compared to landed gentlemen was interesting and accurate. Money really does talk.
As I read, I determined that Athena and Jonathan were the primary love interest, while Iris and Mr. Tenby are more of a secondary love interest. However, Iris was so instrumental in the story, and I was cheering for her from the beginning.
This book ended up being enjoyable for me. (After I got into the rhythm of the story of who was who. That was partly a me problem more than the author.)
I recommend this book!
Happy reading!
Genre: Regency Romance, Historical Romance, Sweet Romance
Spice Level: Sweet with some kissing
I was confused at first who I should be rooting for. (Mind you, I go into a book without reading the summary in case it has spoilers) My confusion stemmed from being introduced to Iris first and not realizing we had two romances going on. I initially found Athena off-putting. However, because we see Athena through Iris's eyes, we gain insight into her personality to know that we're not privy to her full personality—this was so helpful to have a best friend and almost sister clue us in to Athena's kindness and loyalty.
I felt like Athena had to have the biggest personality shift in the book. While Iris remained the same, the man who fell for her had to change a bit to understand Iris. And then the fellow after Athena, Jonathan Blysdale, had a small shift to understand how he needed to be a better man, though he was superior to most of the other "gentlemen" in the book. The nuance of the ton accepting men from trade compared to landed gentlemen was interesting and accurate. Money really does talk.
As I read, I determined that Athena and Jonathan were the primary love interest, while Iris and Mr. Tenby are more of a secondary love interest. However, Iris was so instrumental in the story, and I was cheering for her from the beginning.
This book ended up being enjoyable for me. (After I got into the rhythm of the story of who was who. That was partly a me problem more than the author.)
I recommend this book!
Happy reading!
November 5, 2023
This novel put me in mind of Jane Austen, not just because of the elegant language and subtle humour but also because the themes of pride and prejudice (with a dash of jealousy) are writ large throughout the story.
This entertaining story has four major protagonists and so many twists and turns that it kept me guessing who would pair up with whom until close to the end. First, we have the highly endearing, loyal and kind Miss Iris Slougham, who has the unfortunate habit of saying just whatever comes into her mind, however offensive, but will do anything to help her friends. Second is one such friend, the insufferably proud, haughty and highly prejudiced beauty, Lady Athena, who intends to marry a title – at the least a marquess. Third is the rich, handsome, charismatic and intelligent businessman, Mr. Jonathan Blysdale, who is looking to marry a lady who can help cement his position as a gentleman. And finally, we have Mr Tenby, who must marry money, but is so amiable and good-humoured that he can laugh off such insults as being told he is a “cow-handed” driver.
An unpredictable, fun page-turner that kept me guessing right through to the end. It is part of Judith Hale Everett’s Branwell Chronicles but works perfectly as a stand-alone story.
I had the good fortune to receive an advanced reader copy of this book but the opinions are all my own.
This entertaining story has four major protagonists and so many twists and turns that it kept me guessing who would pair up with whom until close to the end. First, we have the highly endearing, loyal and kind Miss Iris Slougham, who has the unfortunate habit of saying just whatever comes into her mind, however offensive, but will do anything to help her friends. Second is one such friend, the insufferably proud, haughty and highly prejudiced beauty, Lady Athena, who intends to marry a title – at the least a marquess. Third is the rich, handsome, charismatic and intelligent businessman, Mr. Jonathan Blysdale, who is looking to marry a lady who can help cement his position as a gentleman. And finally, we have Mr Tenby, who must marry money, but is so amiable and good-humoured that he can laugh off such insults as being told he is a “cow-handed” driver.
An unpredictable, fun page-turner that kept me guessing right through to the end. It is part of Judith Hale Everett’s Branwell Chronicles but works perfectly as a stand-alone story.
I had the good fortune to receive an advanced reader copy of this book but the opinions are all my own.
October 23, 2025
Everyone is horrible in this book. Well, maybe Iris is a bit likeable. Shame the focus is on Mr. Red Flag, aka Mr Blysdale, and Lady stick-up-her-ass aka Lady Athena. I hate her. She’s Regina George if she had been born during the Regency period. She’s absolutely unlikeable. Yet I’m supposed to believe she’s made a complete one-eighty overnight, and now she “respects” Mr Red Flag because he’s “persistent”. Right, because a woman will change her mind about a man if only he doesn’t give up the first twenty times she rejects him. Or thirty. This guy can’t take no for an answer. I thought he was going to end up ditching the stuck up bitch and go for Iris, but alas, no such luck. Instead we have two “love” stories in one, with both couples having zero chemistry. Mr Blysdale and Iris had at least some chemistry, which is why I thought they’d end up together. The focus shifts constantly and as a result nothing is quite deep. Sure, we have endless exposition about everyone’s past, but most of it isn’t even about the four MCs, and it’s completely irrelevant for the story. I don’t entirely dislike the writing style, but I do think it meanders way too much, and with some good editing it could be shorter. As it is, I’m bored, and I don’t like the characters, so I DNF at 40%.
One positive thing about this is the narrator, she is very good.
One positive thing about this is the narrator, she is very good.
September 21, 2024
This has been a rollercoaster series for me, mainly due to Lady Athena. She is unlikeable and until book 5, seems entirely unredeemable. Enter Jonathan Blysdale, a son of a tradesman, for God's sake. So far beneath Lady Athena, he is unworthy of even a look from the haughty female destined to marry no less than a marquess, even though she is an earl's daughter. Although, you begin to believe that even lowering herself to settle for a mere marquess is distasteful to her. But when the only available dukes are older than her father and even more vulgar, a lady facing spinsterhood, must settle sometimes. We find she may actually have a heart buried beneath Athena's mother's ambitious black heart and her dearest friend Iris, is determined to dig it up. Blysdale, an arrogant first generation gentleman with a chip on his shoulder is determined to break the haughty lady, if only to gain her notice. However, after he shares some outrageous goals with his friends raises his lofty goals. With Iris in his corner, in her ambition to help her friend find love, the twist and turns of this novel find us at times frustrated with the continual angst but not enough to put the book down. As always the HEA is finally reached, our heroine redeemed, but not by the traditional or the easy route.
January 4, 2025
I love this author and the rest of the Branwell Chronicles. I was so excited to read this installment, but I’m sad to report that it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. It was undoubtedly a challenge to squeeze the love stories of both Iris and Athena into one novel, and admittedly I think it was because Iris doesn’t seem to have quite enough going on in her own life to warrant a novel separate from her interference in Athena’s romantic life. However I think as a result of said squishing we lost some of the color I would have liked to see in Athena’s story. Athena’s illness, alluded to in Romance of the Ruin, was one gun (of the Chekhov variety) left untouched on the mantelpiece, for example. I was also hoping we would see some more of Athena’s or Iris’ perspectives from the Marshall’s house party, which was one of the central plot drivers of A Knowing One. Overall I enjoyed the book, but was constantly wondering about some of the threads that were left hanging from previous books.
February 2, 2025
You rarely see two successful romances evolve in the same book without one being minor, but Judith Hale Everett has taken two very different heroines and brought them each their happily ever after. I like the depth of her characters. One seems mean and is exceedingly arrogant yet shows great kindness and thoughtfulness to certain people. The other seems a bit of a hot mess, but is very astute and helpful and is one of my favorite heroines. The heroes turn out to be the perfect choice (after a great deal of trial and effort and suffering on everyone’s part of course). The various friendships between such disparate people and the way they help the characters grow and improve adds greatly to the book. I particularly loved the change in Mrs. Slougham and the conversation between her and Mrs. Tenby was a masterpiece of subtlety. As always, the regency language and style was superb while the writing was masterful. There were so many delightful bits of dialogue that a good portion of my book was highlighted.
I truly enjoyed reading this book and recommend it.
I truly enjoyed reading this book and recommend it.
May 7, 2025
I stumbled across a free audiobook version of this and went into it with low expectations. Well, my expectations were exceeded. I found it very well written and very delightful. I want to read the rest of the books in the series (this is #5), but they are impossible to find (i.e., my library doesn't have them, and I'm unwilling to pay). Anyway, if you like clean period romance and can find the elusive access to this series, it's a winner!
November 23, 2023
What an intriguing story Jonathan and Lady Athena think of each other for all the wrong reasons. Her friend seems to know better and try anything for Lady Athena. Loved every bit.
December 19, 2023
This is so well written, the characters are so well fleshed out, and their love stories are just beautiful. Can’t wait for more from this author!
October 5, 2024
I just loved Iris! I wasn’t looking forward to Athena’s story, but her growth was interesting and well done. I loved the combined stories of both ladies, but I really enjoyed Iris.
Want to read
March 14, 2025Audiobook purchased at Chirp
B0DWYW58DH
Narrator: Clare Wille
9 hrs 56 mins
Evershire Publishing
February 12, 2025
B0DWYW58DH
Narrator: Clare Wille
9 hrs 56 mins
Evershire Publishing
February 12, 2025
March 17, 2025
2.5 stars
May 8, 2025
Really cute story and a great book.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews