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Sweet Home Alabarden Park
Fiona Turner is about to face two, equally impossible repair a deteriorating, centuries-old estate in time to host the Queen of England, and turn an all-American farmer into a proper English duchess.
Fresh off a painful divorce, Fiona seizes the opportunity to renovate Alabarden Park and assist its new duchess, Alice Stewart—an effervescent, unpretentious American whose open attraction to Fiona intrigues and unsettles her. As their mutual feelings grow stronger, the professional distance Fiona put between them begins to crumble.
Now, Fiona is faced with two new, equally impossible keep Alice out of her battered, broken heart, or risk everything and let her in.
Fresh off a painful divorce, Fiona seizes the opportunity to renovate Alabarden Park and assist its new duchess, Alice Stewart—an effervescent, unpretentious American whose open attraction to Fiona intrigues and unsettles her. As their mutual feelings grow stronger, the professional distance Fiona put between them begins to crumble.
Now, Fiona is faced with two new, equally impossible keep Alice out of her battered, broken heart, or risk everything and let her in.
362 pages, Paperback
Published March 18, 2025
74 people are currently reading
1796 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
June 20, 2025
4.5⭐️
This one was so sweet, the banter, the chemistry—all in delightful English slang that made me use my Kindle dictionary a lot. I found a lot of myself in Fiona; the total lack of self-confidence and the anxiety representation were well-written. Many of her spiraling thoughts were thoughts I could have had myself. The fact that she married someone who made all the choices to avoid anxiety, but ended up ten years with someone toxic, felt real. Alice was just perfect: optimistic, generous, thoughtful, patient, and romantic. I know anxiety is something you have to live with daily, but Fiona fighting her feelings for Alice felt both delicious and dragged on a bit too long for my taste. Maybe the long chapter format gave me that impression. But I do understand the road she had to take was long.Overall, this book felt so warm, whether it was because of Alice's personality, her family, or the employees of Alabarden Park. The spice was surprisingly intense, with steamy scenes that left my throat dry.
This was a very complete and balanced book: banter, chemistry, grief. It was heavy at times, light at others. In the end, it felt hopeful.
This one was so sweet, the banter, the chemistry—all in delightful English slang that made me use my Kindle dictionary a lot. I found a lot of myself in Fiona; the total lack of self-confidence and the anxiety representation were well-written. Many of her spiraling thoughts were thoughts I could have had myself. The fact that she married someone who made all the choices to avoid anxiety, but ended up ten years with someone toxic, felt real. Alice was just perfect: optimistic, generous, thoughtful, patient, and romantic. I know anxiety is something you have to live with daily, but Fiona fighting her feelings for Alice felt both delicious and dragged on a bit too long for my taste. Maybe the long chapter format gave me that impression. But I do understand the road she had to take was long.Overall, this book felt so warm, whether it was because of Alice's personality, her family, or the employees of Alabarden Park. The spice was surprisingly intense, with steamy scenes that left my throat dry.
This was a very complete and balanced book: banter, chemistry, grief. It was heavy at times, light at others. In the end, it felt hopeful.
March 13, 2025
American woman from the Deep South meets British woman that works for the royals. Could not get enough. Alice, our southerner, was as charming and likable as they come. Fiona, all prim and proper English woman, learns about the Alice Effect and the rest you’ll have to read to find out. Their banter alone had me spending all weekend reading, add in the chemistry, side characters, and the cutest cat, and I ate this book up. Going to go ahead and make a bold statement, this is going to be one of my favorite books this year. Oh and y’all (some southern lingo for this review), be ready for some serious spice.
Thank you to the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2025
I let my imagination take over and suspend the probability of an American young woman from Alabama inheriting a British title. Alice grows up on a farm in rural Alabama as an adopted child. Alice learns that her biological parents were aristocrats and that their family estate has been passed on to her. Fiona is a lady in waiting to Beryl, princess and soon to be the Queen of England.
Fiona and Alice meet in a pub the day that Fiona receives her divorce papers from her ex. They have instant attraction, but go their own way the next day. Neither knows anything about each other’s real life.
I loved the first 75% of the book. Tons of flirting and affection. Alice was an awesome and very charming character with a great personality and love of life. Fiona was an introvert and work alcoholic. Fiona was hard to like for me. Too uptight maybe. Then at the 80% mark everything changed and Fiona grew as a person. This book also has tons of sizzling scenes!
The book was long but it made the story complete with all the details that needed to be worked out. It gave us a proper ending.
Thanks to Bella Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Fiona and Alice meet in a pub the day that Fiona receives her divorce papers from her ex. They have instant attraction, but go their own way the next day. Neither knows anything about each other’s real life.
I loved the first 75% of the book. Tons of flirting and affection. Alice was an awesome and very charming character with a great personality and love of life. Fiona was an introvert and work alcoholic. Fiona was hard to like for me. Too uptight maybe. Then at the 80% mark everything changed and Fiona grew as a person. This book also has tons of sizzling scenes!
The book was long but it made the story complete with all the details that needed to be worked out. It gave us a proper ending.
Thanks to Bella Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
July 4, 2025
This was a fun, quick read — a mix of *Pygmalion* and *The Princess Diaries*, and refreshingly free of drama. It tells the story of a woman from rural North America who discovers she was adopted and has inherited an estate in England, along with all its accompanying obligations and compensations.
She is to be educated by another woman, not royalty herself, but close to the new Queen of England. This woman must prepare her for a royal event to be held at her newly inherited home. The two women will have to live together, with all that entails, compounded by the attraction they feel for each other.
Alice, full of humility and goodwill, initially annoys Fiona. However, Fiona later realizes that Alice's generosity and naivety are more a benefit than a detriment to the closed world of the aristocracy. It's a bit of an ideal fairy tale, but it turns out to be entertaining and very pleasant to read.
She is to be educated by another woman, not royalty herself, but close to the new Queen of England. This woman must prepare her for a royal event to be held at her newly inherited home. The two women will have to live together, with all that entails, compounded by the attraction they feel for each other.
Alice, full of humility and goodwill, initially annoys Fiona. However, Fiona later realizes that Alice's generosity and naivety are more a benefit than a detriment to the closed world of the aristocracy. It's a bit of an ideal fairy tale, but it turns out to be entertaining and very pleasant to read.
March 19, 2025
A farm girl from Alabama finds out she's the sole heir to a duchy in England and her estate is chosen to host the queen for her pre-coronation bash. The queen asks her best friend and most loyal employee to help the hopeless American duchess bring the estate back from disrepair in time for the party and teach the American how to be duchess. The only problem is they've actually already met and there's a little drama involved.
Overall, this is cute, entertaining, romantic, and spicy(*fans self*). I really enjoyed most everything about this novel and romance. But I thought it was just a tad too long. I felt the book really lost steam in the last few chapters, and I get why TJ O'Shea felt the need to include what she did--to give Fiona the chance to make the big gesture/sacrifice, but it really changed the tenor of the story for me.
I also found Alice's rural southern accent and phrases got a little tiring after a while. She definitely sounded like an uneducated hillbilly. And while I think in Alabama she could pull that off easily and it would be fine, I think O'Shea took it too far. Most people know how to code switch--they can turn some of that off in certain circumstances. And I don't mean the accent, really, but the double negatives and other things that made Alice just seem like a caricature rather than a real person. If I was from the South, this portrayal would offend me. And my nephews are Alabama boys, so I know what I'm talking about. I speak to people from Alabama all the time and they don't sound like Alice. I just think O'Shea didn't know how to portray Alice's differences from the posh English people she interacted with and the story suffered for it.
3.5 stars
Overall, this is cute, entertaining, romantic, and spicy(*fans self*). I really enjoyed most everything about this novel and romance. But I thought it was just a tad too long. I felt the book really lost steam in the last few chapters, and I get why TJ O'Shea felt the need to include what she did--to give Fiona the chance to make the big gesture/sacrifice, but it really changed the tenor of the story for me.
I also found Alice's rural southern accent and phrases got a little tiring after a while. She definitely sounded like an uneducated hillbilly. And while I think in Alabama she could pull that off easily and it would be fine, I think O'Shea took it too far. Most people know how to code switch--they can turn some of that off in certain circumstances. And I don't mean the accent, really, but the double negatives and other things that made Alice just seem like a caricature rather than a real person. If I was from the South, this portrayal would offend me. And my nephews are Alabama boys, so I know what I'm talking about. I speak to people from Alabama all the time and they don't sound like Alice. I just think O'Shea didn't know how to portray Alice's differences from the posh English people she interacted with and the story suffered for it.
3.5 stars
Want to read
May 27, 2024FUCK YES I KNOW THIS IS GOING TO BE GOOD. Keep ‘em coming TJ please please please yes yes
March 30, 2025
T.J. O’Shea’s Sweet Home Alabarden Park is a delightful romance that blends humor, heart, and a touch of aristocratic charm. Filled with heartwarming moments that bring a smile to readers’ faces, the narrative explores themes of love, personal growth, and the charming cultural nuances that distinguish proper British customs from Southern Alabama traditions. At its core, the story follows Fiona Turner, a reserved royal staff member, and Alice Stewart, a spirited American-turned-duchess, as they work to restore a crumbling estate—and, in the process, find an unexpected connection. O’Shea masterfully balances lighthearted fun with genuine emotional depth, making this book an irresistibly engaging read.
The novel shines with its rich array of humorous and heartwarming moments. Alice’s playful mischief and Fiona’s attempts to maintain order create a dynamic that is both charming and comical. This play on “opposites attract” makes for many fun scenes. A particularly unforgettable instance involving a suit of armor is sure to leave readers laughing. While some elements of British aristocracy may not be entirely realistic, these exaggerated quirks enhance the humor and contribute to the novel’s whimsical charm.
Beyond the humor, Sweet Home Alabarden Park shines with its portrayal of complex, relatable characters. Fiona’s authentic struggles with anxiety and her journey towards healing after divorce resonate deeply with readers. Alice, with her unwavering confidence and infectious warmth, serves as the perfect complement, fostering a relationship grounded in patience, support, and genuine affection. This honest depiction of Fiona’s challenges is refreshingly candid, and O’Shea explores the realities of mental and self-care with compassion, using Alice’s support to soften the narrative. Ultimately, these well-crafted characters evoke an emotional resonance that feels both insightful and meaningful.
Adding to the novel’s charm is its playful blending of cultures. Alice’s Alabama roots contrast hilariously with the formalities of British aristocracy, creating a lively linguistic interplay between Southern expressions and British etiquette. While Alice’s exaggerated Southern charm might seem over the top at times, it ultimately adds to the story’s warmth and distinctiveness, making for a uniquely entertaining read.
At its core, Sweet Home Alabarden Park is a poignant tale of love, healing, and self-discovery. Fiona’s journey to rebuild her confidence after a painful divorce intertwines beautifully with Alice’s steadfast patience and unconditional acceptance, encouraging Fiona to embrace vulnerability. Their evolving relationship highlights emotional growth and mutual understanding, offering readers a romance that is both tender and deeply fulfilling. TJ O’Shea further enriches the narrative by celebrating diverse beauty, showcasing varied body shapes and physical attributes, which resonate with the novel’s themes of self-acceptance and love.
Final remarks…
Sweet Home Alabarden Park is a delightful must-read for fans of lighthearted, good-natured romance. T.J. O’Shea skillfully weaves together humor, heart, and diverse cultural traditions, creating a feel-good story that captivates readers with its endearing characters and laugh-out-loud moments. The novel’s poignant emotional depth ensures it lingers long after the final page, making it a perfect escape for those who enjoy stories filled with love, laughter, and unexpected adventure.
Strengths…
Engaging Romance with Humor and Heart
Rich Character Development
Engaging Opposites-Attract Dynamic
Well-developed, Relatable Themes
Immersive Story World
The novel shines with its rich array of humorous and heartwarming moments. Alice’s playful mischief and Fiona’s attempts to maintain order create a dynamic that is both charming and comical. This play on “opposites attract” makes for many fun scenes. A particularly unforgettable instance involving a suit of armor is sure to leave readers laughing. While some elements of British aristocracy may not be entirely realistic, these exaggerated quirks enhance the humor and contribute to the novel’s whimsical charm.
Beyond the humor, Sweet Home Alabarden Park shines with its portrayal of complex, relatable characters. Fiona’s authentic struggles with anxiety and her journey towards healing after divorce resonate deeply with readers. Alice, with her unwavering confidence and infectious warmth, serves as the perfect complement, fostering a relationship grounded in patience, support, and genuine affection. This honest depiction of Fiona’s challenges is refreshingly candid, and O’Shea explores the realities of mental and self-care with compassion, using Alice’s support to soften the narrative. Ultimately, these well-crafted characters evoke an emotional resonance that feels both insightful and meaningful.
Adding to the novel’s charm is its playful blending of cultures. Alice’s Alabama roots contrast hilariously with the formalities of British aristocracy, creating a lively linguistic interplay between Southern expressions and British etiquette. While Alice’s exaggerated Southern charm might seem over the top at times, it ultimately adds to the story’s warmth and distinctiveness, making for a uniquely entertaining read.
At its core, Sweet Home Alabarden Park is a poignant tale of love, healing, and self-discovery. Fiona’s journey to rebuild her confidence after a painful divorce intertwines beautifully with Alice’s steadfast patience and unconditional acceptance, encouraging Fiona to embrace vulnerability. Their evolving relationship highlights emotional growth and mutual understanding, offering readers a romance that is both tender and deeply fulfilling. TJ O’Shea further enriches the narrative by celebrating diverse beauty, showcasing varied body shapes and physical attributes, which resonate with the novel’s themes of self-acceptance and love.
Final remarks…
Sweet Home Alabarden Park is a delightful must-read for fans of lighthearted, good-natured romance. T.J. O’Shea skillfully weaves together humor, heart, and diverse cultural traditions, creating a feel-good story that captivates readers with its endearing characters and laugh-out-loud moments. The novel’s poignant emotional depth ensures it lingers long after the final page, making it a perfect escape for those who enjoy stories filled with love, laughter, and unexpected adventure.
Strengths…
Engaging Romance with Humor and Heart
Rich Character Development
Engaging Opposites-Attract Dynamic
Well-developed, Relatable Themes
Immersive Story World
June 14, 2025
3.25 stars for me. I know, I know. I’m gonna be an outlier here and I have some issues with the characterizations in this book. I am all for suspending reality and I love low angst reading. I live for low angst. TJ O’Shea definitely accomplished no angst. The writing is good and TJ O’Shea is a great writer. None of her books are the same and that takes massive talent. I have nothing but respect for her. It’s good summertime fun in that respect.
The problem, for me, is Alice how she’s portrayed. It’s like the only research that was done on anyone from the American south was done by watching Andy Griffith and Beverly Hillbillies. It’s like Alice was the love child Ernest T. Bass and Ellie May Clampett and Joey from Bloomtown. There’s a ton of other inspirations that could have influenced the creation and execution of Alice. Steel Magnolias, anyone? Designing Women? Yes, please. I could totally see Julia Sugarbaker whipping out the strap and going to work on Fiona.
I am from Georgia and North Carolina. I KNOW country people. I come from country people and even my grandmother (my Mamaw) spoke more coherently than the dialogue that Alice was given. My Mamaw chewed tobacco and threw her leftovers out in the yard for the “dawgs” and she spoke more coherently than Alice. That made it really hard to connect with Alice and the level of emotional and sexual sophistication that was on the page. The spice was spicing, but it was just took too much work for me to buy into the dynamic between Alice and Fiona.
The problem, for me, is Alice how she’s portrayed. It’s like the only research that was done on anyone from the American south was done by watching Andy Griffith and Beverly Hillbillies. It’s like Alice was the love child Ernest T. Bass and Ellie May Clampett and Joey from Bloomtown. There’s a ton of other inspirations that could have influenced the creation and execution of Alice. Steel Magnolias, anyone? Designing Women? Yes, please. I could totally see Julia Sugarbaker whipping out the strap and going to work on Fiona.
I am from Georgia and North Carolina. I KNOW country people. I come from country people and even my grandmother (my Mamaw) spoke more coherently than the dialogue that Alice was given. My Mamaw chewed tobacco and threw her leftovers out in the yard for the “dawgs” and she spoke more coherently than Alice. That made it really hard to connect with Alice and the level of emotional and sexual sophistication that was on the page. The spice was spicing, but it was just took too much work for me to buy into the dynamic between Alice and Fiona.
March 22, 2025
TJ O’Shea instantly became one of my favorite romance writers with To Be With You. I was really excited to learn she had a new book coming out, and I can say it delivers. She sticks the landing with the humor, the romance was really cute, and it had more strap action than anything else I’ve come across (and it’s not close). That said, I ran into some pacing issues and felt it slowed to a crawl in the first act. Definitely worth the read, even if it doesn’t hit the same (wonderfully angsty) highs of To Be With You.
December 3, 2025
I purchased this book from Kobo as soon as it came out. Then I saw not fantastic reviews and kept passing it by. Now, I've mostly loved O'Shea's other novels and have reread/relistened to them several times already - except The Order which I just read once but do have the audiobook. (Libro.fm has them all. And they're not Amazon. And you OWN and can easily DOWNLOAD your audiobooks. If you use the code "Switch" when you sign up, you'll get two free books instead of one. I'll never go back to Audible. Here's my referral code if you wanna help a sister out: Libro.fm) As a matter of fact, I just dropped the audiobook for Sweet Home Alabarden Park into my cart and am tempted to listen now...
This is a beautiful, very slow burn romance. It's technically a "fish out of water" trope but Alice is so charming and curious and awesome - maybe a little too perfect but I didn't think so until I started typing that sentence - that she never seemed out of place. Yes, her accent and colloquialisms could be a lot, but I didn't mind at all. I loved the way Alice handled her new life as a duchess and how she brought the manor house and the staff together. I laughed so hard over Fiona's first exposure to "family breakfast."
There were just so many great scenes in this book. And loads of wonderful characters. I'm pretty sure this is my new favorite of the author's books. Sorry To Be With You. I'll always love you, but Alice and Fiona have stolen my heart.
We stay with Fiona's POV for the entire book and, while I sometimes wished we'd gotten a bit more inside Alice's head, O'Shea did a great job making sure we knew where Alice was mentally through Fiona's observations. Fiona's growth was a huge theme in the book and the length of the book allowed us to really watch her learn about herself and to trust herself and to feel what she needs to feel.
There's a lot more I could say but those things are mostly spoilers, and I don't want to ruin even a tiny bit of this lovely romance.
This is a beautiful, very slow burn romance. It's technically a "fish out of water" trope but Alice is so charming and curious and awesome - maybe a little too perfect but I didn't think so until I started typing that sentence - that she never seemed out of place. Yes, her accent and colloquialisms could be a lot, but I didn't mind at all. I loved the way Alice handled her new life as a duchess and how she brought the manor house and the staff together. I laughed so hard over Fiona's first exposure to "family breakfast."
There were just so many great scenes in this book. And loads of wonderful characters. I'm pretty sure this is my new favorite of the author's books. Sorry To Be With You. I'll always love you, but Alice and Fiona have stolen my heart.
We stay with Fiona's POV for the entire book and, while I sometimes wished we'd gotten a bit more inside Alice's head, O'Shea did a great job making sure we knew where Alice was mentally through Fiona's observations. Fiona's growth was a huge theme in the book and the length of the book allowed us to really watch her learn about herself and to trust herself and to feel what she needs to feel.
There's a lot more I could say but those things are mostly spoilers, and I don't want to ruin even a tiny bit of this lovely romance.
March 9, 2025
would like to thank the publisher for letting me read this outstanding book
ohhh man the inuendoes the one liners and the spicy scenes all make for a very interesting read...
when alice met fiona in a london pub she was smitten... fiona had just come from a meeting with her soon to be ex wife and was feeling vulnerable but before long she was dragging alice back to her brothers pad only to say no .... they left it with alice putting her number into fiona phone hoping she would hear from her
fiona worked for the soon to be queen of england but beryl needed a favour so sent fiona to organise alabarden park and help the new duchess find her feet....
and what a surprise was waiting for fiona when she arrived...
ohh man this storyline had me gripped.... i laughed out loud i even cried... but the one liners always got me.... everyone needs an alice in their lives we just need to keep looking
this is my first book by this author and it wont be the last... i thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book...
ohhh man the inuendoes the one liners and the spicy scenes all make for a very interesting read...
when alice met fiona in a london pub she was smitten... fiona had just come from a meeting with her soon to be ex wife and was feeling vulnerable but before long she was dragging alice back to her brothers pad only to say no .... they left it with alice putting her number into fiona phone hoping she would hear from her
fiona worked for the soon to be queen of england but beryl needed a favour so sent fiona to organise alabarden park and help the new duchess find her feet....
and what a surprise was waiting for fiona when she arrived...
ohh man this storyline had me gripped.... i laughed out loud i even cried... but the one liners always got me.... everyone needs an alice in their lives we just need to keep looking
this is my first book by this author and it wont be the last... i thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book...
March 26, 2025
(rounded down from 4.25)
This was fun and heartwarming. A low angst romance between a slightly uptight divorced assistant to the Queen and an Alabama girl who has inherited the title of Duchess and a large estate. I enjoyed how wholesome and uncomplicated the romance is, and there is no miscommunication or third-act break-up to add drama. It's just my personal preference, but there was more spice than I normally enjoy (pages and pages and pages after the halfway mark), which may be a selling point for others. Overall, a lovely story about healing from past trauma and finding your person.
This was fun and heartwarming. A low angst romance between a slightly uptight divorced assistant to the Queen and an Alabama girl who has inherited the title of Duchess and a large estate. I enjoyed how wholesome and uncomplicated the romance is, and there is no miscommunication or third-act break-up to add drama. It's just my personal preference, but there was more spice than I normally enjoy (pages and pages and pages after the halfway mark), which may be a selling point for others. Overall, a lovely story about healing from past trauma and finding your person.
July 16, 2025
5 stars
Enjoyed this book enormously. Great writing, lovely characters and beautiful story. There was no angst and good communication. I am going to put this on my list of favourite books and will certainly read it again sometime.
Enjoyed this book enormously. Great writing, lovely characters and beautiful story. There was no angst and good communication. I am going to put this on my list of favourite books and will certainly read it again sometime.
January 20, 2026
(4.5)
to say i picked this up for any reason other than lesbians falling in love would be a big fat lie. i’ve never really understood the fascination with royal families or nobility, especially if we're talking outside of fantasy or historical settings. thus, it was hard for me to fully buy into those themes here as well. that said, it helped that fiona's connection to the queen felt more prosaic and grounded. there were still some moments where i couldn’t quite suspend my personal disbelief, але то вже таке.
all that aside, the dynamic itself — a prim and proper englishwoman guiding a rowdy, charming american into becoming fit for her newly bestowed title of duchess — is endlessly delightful.
fiona and alice’s first meeting, back when alice’s identity was still a mystery, had instantly won me over. it was sexy, believable, and (surprisingly) touching, and things only improved as the story unfolded. their relationship felt organic and sincere. watching them slowly grow closer — through manor restoration, quiet domestic moments, getting to know each other, and seeing how they treat those around them — was genuinely thrilling.
i liked both of their backstories and found them compelling. their struggles, beliefs, everyday insecurities, and (bigger) hopes gave the story a lot of depth and made it feel deeply human. and, not something i say often, the sex scenes were another highlight here.
all in all, this book was genuinely great. the romance was touching, the characters felt authentic, and the plot stayed entertaining and engaging throughout. i had an absolute blast with it! without a shadow of a doubt, this is one of the better sapphic romances out there, and now i can’t wait to dig into the author’s other work!
honorable mentions: they actually used the word LESBIAN; alice's gorgeous personality; that southern drawl? my GOD (the narration was great); secondary cast; the portrayal of grief and celebration of life was superb; sapphic characters and subplots + other queer rep; beryl acknowledging that she had long taken fiona’s presence at her side for granted. their friendship was already nice, but that conversation made it even better; family dynamics;
to say i picked this up for any reason other than lesbians falling in love would be a big fat lie. i’ve never really understood the fascination with royal families or nobility, especially if we're talking outside of fantasy or historical settings. thus, it was hard for me to fully buy into those themes here as well. that said, it helped that fiona's connection to the queen felt more prosaic and grounded. there were still some moments where i couldn’t quite suspend my personal disbelief, але то вже таке.
all that aside, the dynamic itself — a prim and proper englishwoman guiding a rowdy, charming american into becoming fit for her newly bestowed title of duchess — is endlessly delightful.
fiona and alice’s first meeting, back when alice’s identity was still a mystery, had instantly won me over. it was sexy, believable, and (surprisingly) touching, and things only improved as the story unfolded. their relationship felt organic and sincere. watching them slowly grow closer — through manor restoration, quiet domestic moments, getting to know each other, and seeing how they treat those around them — was genuinely thrilling.
i liked both of their backstories and found them compelling. their struggles, beliefs, everyday insecurities, and (bigger) hopes gave the story a lot of depth and made it feel deeply human. and, not something i say often, the sex scenes were another highlight here.
all in all, this book was genuinely great. the romance was touching, the characters felt authentic, and the plot stayed entertaining and engaging throughout. i had an absolute blast with it! without a shadow of a doubt, this is one of the better sapphic romances out there, and now i can’t wait to dig into the author’s other work!
honorable mentions: they actually used the word LESBIAN; alice's gorgeous personality; that southern drawl? my GOD (the narration was great); secondary cast; the portrayal of grief and celebration of life was superb; sapphic characters and subplots + other queer rep; beryl acknowledging that she had long taken fiona’s presence at her side for granted. their friendship was already nice, but that conversation made it even better; family dynamics;
April 22, 2025
Sweet Home Alabarden Park is a charming, steamy, and often funny low-angst romance that pairs a no-nonsense British royal assistant with an Alabama farm girl who suddenly finds herself the Duchess of a crumbling English estate. The premise alone is delightfully absurd in the best rom-com way, but I’ll admit—it took me a while to get into the story. Whether it was the slower first act or the effort required to suspend disbelief and wrap my head around noble titles and British lineages, I wasn’t immediately hooked.
That said, once the romance between Alice and Fiona kicks in, the story finds its stride. Their chemistry is palpable, and T.J. O’Shea doesn’t hold back on the spice (seriously, this might be the most strap-forward book I’ve read). The emotional beats are there too, with both leads navigating grief, trust, and the vulnerability that comes with falling for someone unexpectedly. The lack of third-act miscommunication or breakup is a refreshing choice, keeping the story grounded in a mature and genuine connection.
Sweet Home Alabarden Park is cozy, queer, and full of heart—with a healthy dose of royal absurdity. While it didn’t quite reach the emotional highs of To Be With You, it’s a fun and feel-good romance that’s definitely worth the read for fans of O’Shea’s wit and warmth.
Many thanks to Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
That said, once the romance between Alice and Fiona kicks in, the story finds its stride. Their chemistry is palpable, and T.J. O’Shea doesn’t hold back on the spice (seriously, this might be the most strap-forward book I’ve read). The emotional beats are there too, with both leads navigating grief, trust, and the vulnerability that comes with falling for someone unexpectedly. The lack of third-act miscommunication or breakup is a refreshing choice, keeping the story grounded in a mature and genuine connection.
Sweet Home Alabarden Park is cozy, queer, and full of heart—with a healthy dose of royal absurdity. While it didn’t quite reach the emotional highs of To Be With You, it’s a fun and feel-good romance that’s definitely worth the read for fans of O’Shea’s wit and warmth.
Many thanks to Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2026
My rating would probably be a full 5 stars, but since I listened to the audiobook, I’m going with 4 stars instead. The narration itself was technically very good—the reading was clear and well paced—but when it came to character impersonations, the voice choices and accents really didn’t work for me and took me out of the story.
The sex scenes were quite good, and story-wise it felt very complete. Even though it’s a 19-hour listen, I went through it over 3–4 days and it felt just right—never redundant or dragged out. I also appreciated that it didn’t follow the usual on-again/off-again “I love you but something happens and now I’m not sure anymore” dynamic that so many sapphic books rely on.
The sex scenes were quite good, and story-wise it felt very complete. Even though it’s a 19-hour listen, I went through it over 3–4 days and it felt just right—never redundant or dragged out. I also appreciated that it didn’t follow the usual on-again/off-again “I love you but something happens and now I’m not sure anymore” dynamic that so many sapphic books rely on.
November 30, 2025
“Alice, you're so deeply embedded in my heart that if I tried to carve you out, I would be left with nothing in my chest."
What a masterpiece of a romance, truly! This was such a joy to read, full of steam, yearning, banter, and chemistry that leapt off the pages. Seriously, read this book!
The smut is so well written too y’all 🙂↕️
Alice did a little cross over her chest as a silent prayer to God. “The sins you could convince me to commit, Fiona Turner, looking like you do."
What a masterpiece of a romance, truly! This was such a joy to read, full of steam, yearning, banter, and chemistry that leapt off the pages. Seriously, read this book!
The smut is so well written too y’all 🙂↕️
Alice did a little cross over her chest as a silent prayer to God. “The sins you could convince me to commit, Fiona Turner, looking like you do."
November 16, 2025
this book was absolutely wonderful in every way. i don’t think ive ever read a character that was so genuinely sweet and selfless and thoughtful and mature, alice is THE book girlfriend in every aspect. there were so many things alice would say that were so poetic and beautiful and down to earth, she was just an absolutely amazing character.
i loved fiona and her sarcasm, and how deeply she cared about her job and her friends/family. i loved watching her grow and experiencing this whole book through her, it felt very real and she was a very relatable character with problems to overcome.
i normally am not big into the royalty scene but i really like it in this, even tho there were some moments i had no idea what they were saying lmfao. i enjoyed the plot a lot, it was very unique and fun. alice having to learn and unlearn so many things, and the insane things she would do and see no issue and fiona just going insane was so entertaining 😂 the fixing up of the house was fun as well, i love a good renovation book.
the banter was so good, i was laughing out loud so often. and then immediately after was melting and crying over the pure love and adoration they had for each other. their relationship was BEAUTIFUL and so tender, i hope to someday have a relationship like theirs.
the side character were great, i loved the staff and how much more they added to the book, it wouldn’t have been what it was without them. and then each of their respective families and friends, i just loved the sense of found family and community we get with the side characters.
pa dying absolutely broke my heart, alice sobbing into fiona’s arms, and the funeral, and technical celebration of life, all of it was so touching but so sad. i’m so glad that fiona went to her and chose her, and then ended up choosing not to take the job for her future, the whole last 20% of the book was filled with so much love and care.
i absolutely adored this book and i HIGHLY recommend it.
also the SPICE?? chefs kiss
i loved fiona and her sarcasm, and how deeply she cared about her job and her friends/family. i loved watching her grow and experiencing this whole book through her, it felt very real and she was a very relatable character with problems to overcome.
i normally am not big into the royalty scene but i really like it in this, even tho there were some moments i had no idea what they were saying lmfao. i enjoyed the plot a lot, it was very unique and fun. alice having to learn and unlearn so many things, and the insane things she would do and see no issue and fiona just going insane was so entertaining 😂 the fixing up of the house was fun as well, i love a good renovation book.
the banter was so good, i was laughing out loud so often. and then immediately after was melting and crying over the pure love and adoration they had for each other. their relationship was BEAUTIFUL and so tender, i hope to someday have a relationship like theirs.
the side character were great, i loved the staff and how much more they added to the book, it wouldn’t have been what it was without them. and then each of their respective families and friends, i just loved the sense of found family and community we get with the side characters.
pa dying absolutely broke my heart, alice sobbing into fiona’s arms, and the funeral, and technical celebration of life, all of it was so touching but so sad. i’m so glad that fiona went to her and chose her, and then ended up choosing not to take the job for her future, the whole last 20% of the book was filled with so much love and care.
i absolutely adored this book and i HIGHLY recommend it.
also the SPICE?? chefs kiss
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2026
(4.5)
i have a lot of emotions rn wiec ciężko mi zebrać myśli żeby napisac cos dobrego, rn im just happy for silly little lesbians in my book 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
i have a lot of emotions rn wiec ciężko mi zebrać myśli żeby napisac cos dobrego, rn im just happy for silly little lesbians in my book 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
October 17, 2025
As a Downton Abbey fan, this modern aristocratic setup had me instantly hooked — queens, duchesses, an English estate, and all that British countryside charm? Yes, please!!
I adored Alice from the start. She’s so warm and open-hearted, maybe too perfect at times, but I couldn’t help loving her. Fiona, with her uptight British energy, balanced her out perfectly (and was way more relatable, tbh). The humor in this story is a fun mix of British and American, and the side characters such as Queen Beryl and Fiona’s brother Jack made the story even livelier.
Some dialogues, though, leaned a bit sappy for me, and the pacing dragged in parts — but when the emotional moments hit, oh god did they hit! And as someone who lost a parent young, those scenes near the end had me sobbing…
Overall, this story is a warm, fun, and very romantic read that feels like being wrapped in my favorite blanket. Of course, the spice didn’t hurt either. And in the end, it made me want to move to Alabarden Park myself! 🥹🍂
I adored Alice from the start. She’s so warm and open-hearted, maybe too perfect at times, but I couldn’t help loving her. Fiona, with her uptight British energy, balanced her out perfectly (and was way more relatable, tbh). The humor in this story is a fun mix of British and American, and the side characters such as Queen Beryl and Fiona’s brother Jack made the story even livelier.
Some dialogues, though, leaned a bit sappy for me, and the pacing dragged in parts — but when the emotional moments hit, oh god did they hit! And as someone who lost a parent young, those scenes near the end had me sobbing…
Overall, this story is a warm, fun, and very romantic read that feels like being wrapped in my favorite blanket. Of course, the spice didn’t hurt either. And in the end, it made me want to move to Alabarden Park myself! 🥹🍂
January 21, 2026
This book… wow. That’s honestly the only word that fits. It’s one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time. Every chapter, every interaction, every page just works. Nothing feels wasted. The characters are so vivid and fully realised and even the side characters feel like actual people, not just placeholders to move the plot along.
Alice is perfect. Like, so perfect she should annoy me, but somehow she never does. The world would genuinely be a better place with more Alices in it. She’s hot. I mean, really hot. But more than that, she’s open with her feelings and her heart and her love in a way that feels rare and brave. She moves through the world leaving people slightly stunned by her charm and also quietly warmed by how deeply she cares.
And Fiona’s growth… wow. The person we meet on page one and the person we say goodbye to in the epilogue barely feel like the same woman. Actually, that’s not quite right. By the epilogue, we’re finally seeing the real Fiona. Alice gently chips away at her walls, her anxieties and her prejudgments one loving moment at a time. The woman underneath it all is breathtaking. Yes, also very hot. But mostly just deeply compelling and real.
I loved the banter, the dialogue and the way the characters interact with each other. The writing is sharp and warm and the plot moves at a steady, satisfying pace. I honestly cannot find a single real thing to complain about.
Alice is perfect. Like, so perfect she should annoy me, but somehow she never does. The world would genuinely be a better place with more Alices in it. She’s hot. I mean, really hot. But more than that, she’s open with her feelings and her heart and her love in a way that feels rare and brave. She moves through the world leaving people slightly stunned by her charm and also quietly warmed by how deeply she cares.
And Fiona’s growth… wow. The person we meet on page one and the person we say goodbye to in the epilogue barely feel like the same woman. Actually, that’s not quite right. By the epilogue, we’re finally seeing the real Fiona. Alice gently chips away at her walls, her anxieties and her prejudgments one loving moment at a time. The woman underneath it all is breathtaking. Yes, also very hot. But mostly just deeply compelling and real.
I loved the banter, the dialogue and the way the characters interact with each other. The writing is sharp and warm and the plot moves at a steady, satisfying pace. I honestly cannot find a single real thing to complain about.
September 15, 2025
Sweet Home Alabarden Park had such a sense of nostalgia- full of British slang and nuances. It's a cute romance when Alice from Alabama inherits an English estate. There she runs into Fiona, a royal staff member with a penchant for order and discipline.
Alice fell into a lot of southern American stereotypes but so did Fiona on the British side and I think that if you're able to overlook that, you can enjoy this.
Alice fell into a lot of southern American stereotypes but so did Fiona on the British side and I think that if you're able to overlook that, you can enjoy this.
August 11, 2025
A truly magnificent, lovely and well written book. My favourite of all the books I have read this year. I didn’t want it to end. The characters were so lovable and relatable. It was perfect. Definitely recommend.
October 23, 2025
Very cute and sweet! I loved their chemistry and character growth. As a southerner, I found Alice’s way of speaking to be a bit over the top. It didn’t feel like a modern southern lesbian’s way of speaking, it felt more like someone’s grandfather. However, I really enjoyed the book overall!
January 8, 2026
I have to say that a large thing that impacted my experience of this story was the audiobook narrator’s horrible British accent unfortunately. Overall it was a cute little story though.
November 14, 2025
3.5 stars. It was a little too long and I didn’t like that she gave up all of her career dreams even if it was for true love. Also the audio book narrator gave me a bit of ick with her accents. But overall, a really good one :)
March 29, 2025
4.25 stars
January 28, 2026
DNF! The story might be great but the narration was not.
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