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Miss Emilia Hembry had a remarkable twist of fate when an unexpected inheritance changed her life for the better. However, now she must navigate through high Society- something she knows little about. The fear of failure is not far from her mind as she tries to accept her newfound position.

Fredrick Westlake, Earl of Chatsworth, had a chance encounter with Miss Hembry and felt compassion for her plight. He offers to help, all while dealing with his own demons. He still struggles with returning from the war as one of Wellington’s spies and leaving his comrades behind. He puts on a brave face, but he is miserable, weighed down by his past.

As Emilia and Fredrick are brought together, they form an unlikely friendship, finding solace in each other’s company. But when Fredrick is pulled back into the spy world, he begins to question what it is that he wants out of life, especially when he finds himself experiencing a love he never believed he deserved. But will his past shatter any hope of a future together?

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2024

198 people are currently reading
105 people want to read

About the author

Laura Beers

77 books504 followers
Laura Beers is an award-winning author. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. She can't sing, doesn't dance and loves naps.

Laura lives in Utah with her husband, three kids, and her dysfunctional dog. When not writing regency romance, she loves waterskiing, hiking, and drinking Dr Pepper.

You can connect with Laura on Facebook, Instagram, or on her site at www.authorlaurabeers.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee).
816 reviews376 followers
March 28, 2024
This is the 7th book in the series and it is still going strong! I loved this book! Emilia has had her circumstances changed to now being part of high society. Fredrick is also part of high society and a spy and has also fought in battle and he is still struggling with things that happened there. He doesn’t want to burden anyone with it and feels he is undeserving of love. When Emilia comes across him while on a walk, without knowing who he is, she asks for his help with society matters. I really enjoyed watching their romance blossom. I also enjoyed seeing characters from previous books, especially Anette and Roswell. I also liked Simone’s character. Overall I thought this was a great story and I recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Crystal (Books Are Sanity!!!).
796 reviews39 followers
April 25, 2024
This regency romance is a super sweet read! I loved Emilia and her sweet and kind heart. I think the world could use people like her, seeing the good, believing in the goodness in others. The premise of the story is interesting, I loved her change of fortune from being a teacher to an heiress. The dynamic between Fredrik and Emilia was so sweet. I loved their budding friendship. This is a part of a series but reads fine as a standalone. If you like clean reads and regency romance, you will enjoy A Suitable Fortune. I received a complimentary copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
170 reviews2 followers
April 6, 2024
Money, Spies, and Love

Love is in the air, and Fredrick has finally succumbed! Laura Beers does it again in spinning a multi-layered mystery. I love the reunion of her previous characters, brought together with a new story of love and patriotism to the crown. Must read!
Profile Image for Kristy Q.
388 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2024
I’ve been waiting for Fredrick’s story and it did not disappoint! Emilia and Fredrick randomly became friends and a beautiful friendship and romance begins to bloom. I love how Emilia makes Fredrick feel comfortable and not afraid to talk about his past. Laura is the queen of regency spy romance novels, and this one has it all! Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Mara.
1,484 reviews114 followers
May 11, 2024
This is another wonderful addition to the Lords & Ladies of Mayfair series, and I loved the Cinderella vibe I got from it. Emilia teaches embroidery at a seminary for young women when she's contacted by a solicitor to attend the reading of Sir Charles Sutherland's will. She's beyond shocked to discover that Sir Charles was her father and he left everything to her! Needless to say the two children he had with his second wife are none too pleased. Emilia goes to the park to contemplate this drastic change in her life and starts a conversation with a man, not knowing he's Fredrick Westlake, Earl of Chatsworth.

I was excited to get Fredrick's story, as we've seen him in the previous book but don't know much about him other than he's a military man. He has burdens he's been keeping to himself--things he's done because of the war that weigh heavily on his conscience. He doesn't plan to marry because he thinks that those decisions and their consequences make him unsuitable to love.

I love how these two meet and that Fredrick offers to help guide Emilia through Society by introducing her to his sister-in-law Anette. I liked that Emilia and Fredrick became friends first--it's such a wonderful foundation for marriage and made their falling in love feel natural. I think what I loved most is Emilia's kindness toward everyone, even those who didn't deserve it.

Of course I loved the dual POV and the continuation of the spy thread that's been in this series. I love a good regency spy story. I loved how we get to see so many of the characters from the previous books help Emilia and Fredrick in various ways. I've loved every book in this series and will be sad to see it end.

I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
1,762 reviews7 followers
April 2, 2024
This series is fantastic! I absolutely love the dynamic between Emilia and Fredrick! Can't wait to see what happens next!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jenn.
775 reviews11 followers
April 2, 2024
I loved this story in this series. The characters are very well developed and has you cheering for them the whole time. This was a great storyline that continues this series. Can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for RD.
830 reviews18 followers
April 5, 2024
An enjoyable, light-hearted Regency romance! Emilia Hembry’s change of fortune brings her directly into the path of Fredrick Westlake, Earl of Chatsworth. His desire to help Emilia results in a friendship. Their interactions and conversations are entertaining as are the supporting characters. This wholesome story is well thought out with the mystery surrounding the smuggling and foreign spies adding to the intrigue.

I received an early copy of this story. This is my opinion.
Profile Image for Shayla Riley.
643 reviews25 followers
April 2, 2024
“You are worthy of love.”

Unique and kind hearted Miss Emilia Hembry has a remarkable twist of fate when an unexpected inheritance change her life for the better. However, now she must navigate through high Society- something she knows very little about. The fear of failure is not far from her mind as she tries to accept her newfound position. She craves the chance to forge her path and not be lonely.

Kindhearted Fredrick Westlake, Earl of Chatsworth, a man who is also honorable and loyal, has a chance encounter with Miss Hembry and feels compassion for her plight. He offers to help, all while dealing with his own demons. He still struggles with returning from the war as one of Wellington’s spies and leaving his comrades behind. He puts on a brave face, but deep down he is miserable, weighed down by his haunting past.

As Emilia and Fredrick are brought together, they form quite an unlikely friendship, and find great comfort in each other’s company. But when Fredrick is pulled back into the spy world, he begins to question what it is that he wants out of life, especially when he finds himself experiencing a love he never believed he deserved, as Emilia is everything he never knew or believed he ever needed…

@author_laura_beers oh what a lovely story this is! Weaves with such unique and original characters! There is such a depth to them, and together they bring out the best in one other. Nestled inside, there is a solid plot with some twists and turns along the way, the right amount of suspense, delightful humor, and mystery surrounding smuggling and foreign spies, which simply adds to the charm of this book. It’s a captivating story worth the read!!

“Don’t try to hold on to your past; embrace your future.”

#asuitablefortune
#laurabeers
#worththeread

“Now, follow my lead and I promise I won’t let you fall.”
Profile Image for Carissa.
434 reviews4 followers
April 6, 2024
I always love coming back to the Lords and Ladies of Mayfair world! The connecting plot is intriguing and the couples throughout are endearing.

Fredrick! I was so excited to read his story and it does not disappoint! I absolutely loved him and Emilia together! She was just the person to get our weary ex soldier to come to terms with his past and settle down. And he was the perfect person to help boost Emilia’s confidence, make her believe in herself, and to see her worth.

I loved their story and I can’t wait to come back to this world again for the next! The plot thickens with our recurring mystery of French spies and the agents that are on the case!

I revived an advance copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Savannah M.
354 reviews
April 2, 2024
So so so good!! This beautiful love story transports us to regency London as Miss Emilia Sutherland, a teacher who is barely making ends meet, suddenly realizes that she is an heiress.
With such a big reversal of all that Emilia has known, she feels unprepared for her new life and the challenging approval of the ton.
Frederick Chatsworth is an earl who has returned home from war. But it isn’t so easy to try to return to normal life after being away in combat.
When Frederick and Emilia meet, they both find a friend in each other.
One thing I really loved in this story was how Emilia and Frederick become friends first. Their relationship develops so naturally and so organically that it really felt so real. The chemistry between jumped off the page and really pulled me into the story right from the beginning.
This heart touching story has everything, there is romance, friendships, cameos from other beloved characters, and even suspense! It truly has everything you could want in a regency romance and now I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!

Thank you to the author for an arc copy. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Emma | meadowroselibrary.
222 reviews32 followers
March 26, 2024
"What truly matters is that you accept yourself for who you are, and not concern yourself with how others perceive you..."

This was a slow start for me, but it didn't take long for it to capture my heart and completely fall in love. 🩷
First off, I LOVE any clean regency book, but it seems so many of them with the characters, they first notice outward appearances and go on forever about how handsome/beautiful the other is, and sometimes it's a little disappointing, because there's so much more than that. But this one was different, the characters really acknowledged and mentioned the others inward appearances first, making the others feel good and uplifted, which they needed, and that really touched me. They really guided each other through each other's heartaches and struggles, and it became one of the sweetest stories I've ever read. 🩷
The whole storyline was just incredible, it made it very hard to put down and made me feel all the emotions all throughout it.
Reading about the other characters in it makes me want to go back and read all the other books in the series! I love how they're all brought together in it.
Overall, this was a wonderful, beautiful story and I highly recommend!

*I received an e-ARC copy, all opinions are my own
Profile Image for Shauna Jones.
740 reviews16 followers
March 12, 2024
What if you suddenly had wealth beyond your wildest dreams?
This is a great book that is engaging and thought provoking. Emilia had been raised by her mother, after losing her father in the war. They had struggled but Emilia had learned some skills which allowed her to work as a teacher after her mother died. Her pay was minimal but she was able to meet her needs and even save three pounds. Then suddenly everything changed when a solicitor arrived at the school announcing that Emilia was to attend the reading of the will of Sir Charles Sutherland, someone Emilia had never even heard of. Deciding to risk her job to go to the reading of the will, Emilia is shocked to find out that Sir Charles had left his estate to her, his legitimate daughter, and all but ignoring his two other children. As the news of a secret marriage, a chance encounter with a stranger, spies fighting for the crown and anger over the will clash, what will be the outcome? And will Emilia find the help she needs to safely navigate her future with her chance encounter? A wonderful read you will truly enjoy. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Kristi W - Book Love By Kristi.
388 reviews19 followers
September 15, 2025
Spies, Friendship, and Danger

“How is it that you are not married?” A flirtatious smile came to his lips. “Are you interested in the position?” She reared back. “Good gracious, no. You have spoken of your aversion to it, but I am just curious as to how a man as handsome as you⁠—” “You think I am handsome?” he interjected.

Give me all the spy books! This fantastic book had changed circumstances (for the better), friendships, a little spy work, and a little danger.

Emilia is brave, caring, and determined. She battles feelings of inadequacy and not fitting in. She desires family and love above all else. I loved her friendships with Lily and Annette. Fredrick is intelligent, caring, and protective. He battles discontent and guilt after returning from war. I was so happy to see how Emelia helped him with his past regrets. I loved his spy work and his friendships were so fun! Emilia and Fredrick had a sweet meet-cute. I loved how quickly their friendship grew and their trust and honest conversations. That waltz! Theirs was a wonderful friendship turned to love! I think I have a new favorite in this series.

Note: This is the seventh book in the series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone but you will appreciate the characters more having read the previous books.

A few more quotes:
“Do all men turn into love-craved fools after they get married?” “Only the lucky ones that are fortunate enough to marry their true loves.”

“I do not presume to know what she is feeling, but she can have her pick of suitors. She doesn’t need me.” “She may not need you, but I think she is precisely what you need.”

“I only just came to realize that I might love her.” “Might?” Roswell huffed. “You, Brother, can’t stop staring at Emilia whenever she is around. There is no ‘might’ about it.” “I never wanted to marry,” Fredrick sighed. “It is all right to accept change,” Roswell said. “It proves that you are still growing.”
Profile Image for Riella Cristobal .
439 reviews9 followers
March 28, 2024
What a lovely book! I thoroughly enjoyed this! It is my first from Ms. Beers and I am excited to read more. She creates an engaging world with elements of mystery and suspense along with romance!
Emilia was so sweet! I adored reading through her POV. We get to see society through her eyes and to see her grow in it. She was very tender-hearted even with all of the hardships she faced. It was cool to see that positive trait playing out in her interactions across the book. Despite the change in fortune, she stayed true to herself. I adored Frederick! He was very noble and such a protector for Emilia. I also loved how he cared for his family. Frederick’s past had left him with a lot of scars that impacted how he viewed his life and future. He had to discover what he truly believed and what he wanted for his future.
They were adorable together, making each other better and supporting one another. I loved how from the start, they were able to talk to one another and how their relationship started with friendship. It was a bit of a whirlwind romance, but it did not feel rushed. I also loved all of the supporting characters. As this is part of a series, I believe many of the characters are returning from previous books. I am excited to read them now! It was so fun to see how Frederick’s family contributed to the story as well. There is also a mystery/suspense element running through that is very exciting.
I would definitely recommend this one to those who enjoy their historical romances with a touch of suspense! This is a historical romance with only kissing. There is mention of past experience with war and suspense elements, but nothing graphic.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
670 reviews7 followers
April 5, 2024
This is a great story that has an interesting premise as the h, Miss Emilia Hembry finds out that she was actually the legal daughter of Sir Charles Sutherland. He had given her his whole estate, cutting his two children out of receiving anything but 10,000 pounds each. He also declared that they were his illegitimate children since he never ended his original marriage to her mother.

Emilia knows nothing about being part of the Ton and she is in shock when she first finds out that her life's circumstances have dramatically changed. She goes to the park to try to compose herself and asks a man sitting next to her to help her, not realizing he is actually an earl.

Fredrick Westlake, Earl of Chatsworth, was having a hard time getting over the trauma he suffered while being a spy for Wellington. He had deep regrets at some of the things he was forced to do. He was called home because he was his father's heir and his mother's health was failing her. When a young woman approached him asking for his help, he felt drawn to protect her. His godfather had been Lord Charles and had done something to save him in his early years. Feeling he owed him a debt, he decides to champion Miss Hembry. He introduces her to his sister-in-law and they prepare to help her learn how to become part of the Ton without losing her own personality.

This story also deals with spies who are working for the crown and trying to discover how some French spies are being smuggled into Britain. Frederick is pulled back into spying to help track down the French spies. He also has to try to protect Emilia as he doesn't trust the motives of her two half siblings. With all of the darkness of his past pressing down on him, he finds calmness and peace around Emilia. Will Frederick decide that his decision not to marry has changed as he draws closer to Emilia?

I like the little foretaste of the next story that was at the end of the one.

I received a copy of this story from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
65 reviews2 followers
May 6, 2024
From the summary and reviews, I had hopes for a nice, lightweight read, but no. This book is unbelievable poorly written.

Not just anachronistic in speech ("You don't understand what I've been through!" spoken several times by a military man home from war to his friends) and in actions (a men's club server brings someone a CUP of tea -- not a tea service, i.e., pot of hot water, tea in tea pot, sugar, cream). Sure, anachronisms are not uncommon in the many Regency romances that were not written by authors who do their research. I can forgive that, though, if the story is fun and the characters are engaging. These characters have no reasonable motivation for their actions (heroine spills her dilemma to the first man she sees). They monologue their own back story. Repeatedly. Logical glitches abound (the hero's siblings don't know who his godfather was?) The plot, as far as I read, was thin.

I couldn't get past the first two chapters. This thing reads like an AI wrote it and that may be doing AI a disservice. I gave it two stars only because it wasn't grammatically atrocious. Yay?
Profile Image for Ava Bond.
Author 11 books56 followers
April 3, 2024
A slow burn & charming romance

Emilia Hembry is a lowly school teacher so is utterly shocked to discover that she is in fact an heiress to a vast fortune. This disinherits her half siblings and gaining the attentions of her dead father’s son, Lord Fredrick Westlake. As well as shocking the ton since her parents marriage was a secret for decades.

With Cinderella esque vibes (rags to riches) Emilia embraces her situation amongst the ton. With Fredrick’s sister’s help Emilia is launched.

This is definitely a slow burn with little sensual or sexual occurring between the leads before the 50% mark. But I liked the interweaving characters and the society that Beers creates.

Tropes
Class divide
Friends to lovers
Reluctance to wed
War hero (with spy elements)
Working heroine
Slow burn
Fun secondary characters (especially Anette)
Profile Image for Well Read Wanderer.
96 reviews2 followers
May 3, 2024
I love Laura Beers’ books! They are full of sweet romance and wonderful characters. Emilia finds her fortune has changed and must now navigate high society. She crosses paths with Fredrick Westlake, Earl of Chatsworth who offers his help while also dealing with his own demons.

I really liked seeing their relationship blossom and grow. They helped each other out and were able to deal with their struggles together. I loved how Emilia was a safe space for Fredrick to talk and let go of his past. And he was a source of comfort for Emilia as her life changed drastically.

This is part of a series but it can be read as a standalone. I just love the romance and friendship displayed in this book. I can’t wait for the next book!!

Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
1,320 reviews13 followers
April 5, 2024
This series is so much fun and I love each book. A suitable fortune does not disappoint. This is a charming rags to riches story. Emilia and Frederick are wonderful characters as are all the sub characters. Some of them are returning from other books in the series and it’s good to reunite with them. The story is fun and entertaining. There are a few serious moments where Frederick is dealing with his emotions from his stint in the war. There is also the ongoing spy ring that brings Caleb back into our story. I’m hoping for Caleb story next, possibly with Simone? Lily?… I encourage everyone to read this book. It can be read as a standalone, or even better as the series. It is a clean wholesome romance with a little bit of mystery.
Profile Image for Jenni.
193 reviews
May 1, 2024
A Suitable Fortune by Laura Beers is an enchanting tale that combines elements of mystery and romance set in the Regency era. This captivating novel had me hooked from the start with its intricate plot and well-developed characters. Laura Beers' storytelling skills are exceptional, and her ability to create a sense of intrigue kept me engrossed until the very last page. The sweet romance that slowly blossoms throughout the story adds an extra layer of charm, making it a truly delightful read. Those who enjoy a blend of romance and mystery in their reading will love this one. Although, A Suitable Fortune is a standalone novel, I highly recommend reading it as part of the series to fully appreciate the depth of the characters and their interconnected stories.
Profile Image for Julie.
801 reviews6 followers
March 18, 2024
This is a great series. This book is Fredrick's story. Fredrick is a complex character. I love that he finally feels the love of a great woman. It gives him the redemption he is so desperately needing. The war changed him and his feeling of self worth. But Emilia is everything he never knew or believed he needed.
Emilia is so kind, sweet and genuinely thinks the best of everyone. You can't help but be drawn to her goodness and innocence in the ways of the ton. I love her character.
This book is the best kind of redemption romance. It also has some intrigue mixed in because of course Fredrick is still a spy. I am looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Ashley.
596 reviews39 followers
April 2, 2024
What would you do if you found out you had inherited enough money to live comfortably the rest of your life?

Emilia is finding out just how that feels in this warm historical romance! She has lived rather poor her entire life, used to doing everything on her own and scraping by to survive. Now a surprise visitor has brought her good news and she has to learn how to find herself in a very different setting than she's used to.

A lovely romance story between Emilia (the heiress) and Frederick (the marquess). Each of them navigating their own struggles with understanding who they are and falling in love in the process. I love the stories from Laura Beers as you can always expect to laugh a little and enjoy a budding courtship without too much drama.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,188 reviews25 followers
May 6, 2024
Enjoyable read, a few ooops, nice h and H and their relationship built slowly instead of the insta variety. History was brutal for those with certain labels and the h was an outsider but acceptable when she became rich. The h's father essentially sold his future for his inheritance which set the stage for bigamy and having his 2 younger children labeled illegitimate. He left is fortune to the h who was the daughter of his 1st wife and his soulmate...who he go in order to obey his parents.

Betrayed siblings are enraged, hard to like (even if they had money), tried to kill the h and were ultimately sent to Australia. The H helped the h entry into society and she helped him heal from his war trauma.

Easy read, nice storyline.
982 reviews5 followers
April 11, 2024
clean romance

I enjoyed this “episode “ within this series. I liked to see characters from previous books continue within this storyline.

I liked how the hero and heroine are both feeling out of place and how each other helps them find their truer self.

The subplot continues within the series of spies and intrigue.

The one thing I struggled with was the feeling that this book was a carryover or a bridge for the next book. That being said I liked this book and series and suggest reading them in sequence.
Profile Image for Chesney.
741 reviews
April 2, 2024
Emilia’s life unexpectedly changes when her father leaves her a fortune. She is gone from a quiet life in the country to ton life. She meets a friend in Frederick by chance and their friendship blossoms. Frederick who has come back from the war with trauma begins to feel a kinship with Emilia. Through the help of friends Emilia is able to find her place. There is definitely some intrigue and who are the French spies?
Profile Image for Gina.
2,410 reviews31 followers
April 6, 2024
I thought this story was intriguing and shows what true friendship is. When Fredrick starts out helping Emilia ease into society, he recruits his sister to help. Fredrick is tortured by nightmares from war. Emilia feels alone and tries to have a relationship with her new found half brother and sister. While Fredrick fights with his feelings for Emelia, her brother and her sister try ingratiating themselves upon her but to what end.
1,111 reviews10 followers
April 6, 2024
Another winner! I loved this one.
This is part of a series, but could be read as a stand-alone without missing too much.
I loved the main characters and thought the plot was pretty unique- rags to riches. I liked hearing about dealing with PTSD and also getting a glimpse at how “regular” people lived in regency times.
I love that this Laura Beers writes romance with some added mystery.
I have loved this whole series and can’t wait for more from this author.
Profile Image for Tabitha.
627 reviews9 followers
March 23, 2024
I like Fredrick and Emilia. The story started a bit slow but with some big surprises. Some twists and turns and startling realizations but over all a low drama sweet love story where they both need to believe in themselves and that they are worthy of love. Clean regency spy romance with some violence and intrigue. Past trauma mentioned. Hints at future stories. Interesting read.
207 reviews
April 11, 2024
Great Read

I give this book 4.5 stars. I do enjoy reading books from Laura Beers. A Suitable Fortune was a heart warming tale of Emilia who a suitable fortune and now has to fine her way in the ton. She was a teacher at a boarding school. She is loving and kind hearted. Will the ton accept her or give her the cut.

A must read. You will enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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