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A Single Obsession
He must wed to keep his dream alive—her dream will die if he doesn’t choose her.
Lord Beaumont has only one love in his life—horses. Constantly upbraided by his overbearing mother, Beau’s desperate to break free from her control and prove himself by breeding a winning racehorse.
Eliza Merry has secretly loved the reckless Viscount ever since she was a girl. Forced to restrain her unruly behaviour to attend the London season, the timid, tongue-tied lady she becomes is nothing like the lively girl she is inside.
Compelled to seek a wife to realise his inheritance, to pay for his horses and keep his dream alive, Beau is drawn to the adoring Eliza, who sees in him a kindred spirit. She believes he’s the one man who can make her happy and accept her as she really is.
As love blossoms between them, it seems as if they’ll both get what they want—but Beau has a secret that threatens to shatter Eliza’s faith in him. And secrets have a nasty habit of coming out at the most inconvenient times…
Set in London and Hampshire in 1811, this novel by the co-author of the popular Regency History blog is rich in historical detail and includes a glossary and historical notes. This is a clean and wholesome, faith-based romance, with witty dialogue, a Georgette Heyer-inspired plot, a heroine who masquerades as a man, and a cameo appearance of Jane Austen. The third book in The Merry Romances series, it can also be read as a standalone romance with its own happily ever after.
Lord Beaumont has only one love in his life—horses. Constantly upbraided by his overbearing mother, Beau’s desperate to break free from her control and prove himself by breeding a winning racehorse.
Eliza Merry has secretly loved the reckless Viscount ever since she was a girl. Forced to restrain her unruly behaviour to attend the London season, the timid, tongue-tied lady she becomes is nothing like the lively girl she is inside.
Compelled to seek a wife to realise his inheritance, to pay for his horses and keep his dream alive, Beau is drawn to the adoring Eliza, who sees in him a kindred spirit. She believes he’s the one man who can make her happy and accept her as she really is.
As love blossoms between them, it seems as if they’ll both get what they want—but Beau has a secret that threatens to shatter Eliza’s faith in him. And secrets have a nasty habit of coming out at the most inconvenient times…
Set in London and Hampshire in 1811, this novel by the co-author of the popular Regency History blog is rich in historical detail and includes a glossary and historical notes. This is a clean and wholesome, faith-based romance, with witty dialogue, a Georgette Heyer-inspired plot, a heroine who masquerades as a man, and a cameo appearance of Jane Austen. The third book in The Merry Romances series, it can also be read as a standalone romance with its own happily ever after.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2024
About the author
Rachel Knowles
8 books110 followersRachel writes faith-based Regency romance with rich historical detail.
Already addicted to happy endings, Rachel first read Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice at the age of thirteen and fell in love, not only with Mr Darcy, but with the entire Regency period.
Since 2011, she has been blogging about her research on the Regency History blog. She writes historical non-fiction based on this research.
Rachel lives in the beautiful Georgian seaside town of Weymouth, Dorset, on the south coast of England, with her husband, Andrew. They have four grown-up daughters and a growing number of grandchildren.
Already addicted to happy endings, Rachel first read Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice at the age of thirteen and fell in love, not only with Mr Darcy, but with the entire Regency period.
Since 2011, she has been blogging about her research on the Regency History blog. She writes historical non-fiction based on this research.
Rachel lives in the beautiful Georgian seaside town of Weymouth, Dorset, on the south coast of England, with her husband, Andrew. They have four grown-up daughters and a growing number of grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 12, 2024
4.25 stars!
This was my first read by this author and I really enjoyed it. I loved Eliza's character; she was really fun and courageous. She has been in love with Lord Beaumont for a long time but hasn't really taken much notice of her. Beau's mother is demanding he marry or lose his inheritance. He is desperate to keep his money and horses. His mother has approved of two women and Eliza is one of them. He gets along well with Eliza and actually likes her but doesn't want to pick her just because his mother wants him to. After a while of Eliza and Beau spending time in one another's company, Beau finds he does want to be with her. Then misunderstandings, and sinister plots get in the way. I loved the last half of this book especially; it got so interesting and all kinds of goings on. I liked how much growth Beau had throughout the story. I also enjoyed the faith elements. Overall, a good 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.
This was my first read by this author and I really enjoyed it. I loved Eliza's character; she was really fun and courageous. She has been in love with Lord Beaumont for a long time but hasn't really taken much notice of her. Beau's mother is demanding he marry or lose his inheritance. He is desperate to keep his money and horses. His mother has approved of two women and Eliza is one of them. He gets along well with Eliza and actually likes her but doesn't want to pick her just because his mother wants him to. After a while of Eliza and Beau spending time in one another's company, Beau finds he does want to be with her. Then misunderstandings, and sinister plots get in the way. I loved the last half of this book especially; it got so interesting and all kinds of goings on. I liked how much growth Beau had throughout the story. I also enjoyed the faith elements. Overall, a good 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.
March 19, 2024
Obsessed... I'll say i was
This must rate five stars as I read it in four days while desperately busy with deadlines for two large projects that couldn't wait. Once the story gets its hooks into you it becomes a page turner even in eBook form which I never read as quickly as print.
The frustrations of the hero and heroine become your own as you are driven up the wall by a lack of communication - but in a good way, I'm sure I recall being as obsessed, as distracted and as unwise in younger days. The author has captured that painfulness of first love in ways I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to remember.
For anyone who has read previous books by Rachel, you'll know what to expect with sweet, clean romance and references to faith which are entwined with the story beautifully rather than a bolt-on afterthought or somehow getting in the way of the tale. If this is your first time out, there's no reason you can't start here as, although there are references to characters we've seen before, nothing is vital to enjoying this by itself.
You don't need to know lots about the Regency period as the author has provided a helpful glossary and sets several of the scenes in locations which she has clearly researched well and which suit the plot. Nor do you have to know anything about horses to keep up with the pace. Indeed, I'd expected to learn more but Rachel doesn't make the mistake of getting bogged down in either period or subject overdetail to slow down the rip-roaring ride. There is a central coincidence (Godincidence?) that requires a little suspension of disbelief, but the whole is carried off with such brio that it's not an issue. It reinforces themes of God being in control and his love for us, as well as reminding me for a moment of Fielding's _Tom Jones_ which is no bad thing.
With a wonderfully machiavellian antagonist that will haunt you and incline you to your own thankfulness about relationships, along with a surprise guest appearance that is subtle and delicately done, there's lots here to love. The print edition turned up just as I was finishing the eBook and is a standard Amazon print that is good enough quality and has a fine cover illustration. It is uniform with the previous volumes in their later imprints.
This must rate five stars as I read it in four days while desperately busy with deadlines for two large projects that couldn't wait. Once the story gets its hooks into you it becomes a page turner even in eBook form which I never read as quickly as print.
The frustrations of the hero and heroine become your own as you are driven up the wall by a lack of communication - but in a good way, I'm sure I recall being as obsessed, as distracted and as unwise in younger days. The author has captured that painfulness of first love in ways I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to remember.
For anyone who has read previous books by Rachel, you'll know what to expect with sweet, clean romance and references to faith which are entwined with the story beautifully rather than a bolt-on afterthought or somehow getting in the way of the tale. If this is your first time out, there's no reason you can't start here as, although there are references to characters we've seen before, nothing is vital to enjoying this by itself.
You don't need to know lots about the Regency period as the author has provided a helpful glossary and sets several of the scenes in locations which she has clearly researched well and which suit the plot. Nor do you have to know anything about horses to keep up with the pace. Indeed, I'd expected to learn more but Rachel doesn't make the mistake of getting bogged down in either period or subject overdetail to slow down the rip-roaring ride. There is a central coincidence (Godincidence?) that requires a little suspension of disbelief, but the whole is carried off with such brio that it's not an issue. It reinforces themes of God being in control and his love for us, as well as reminding me for a moment of Fielding's _Tom Jones_ which is no bad thing.
With a wonderfully machiavellian antagonist that will haunt you and incline you to your own thankfulness about relationships, along with a surprise guest appearance that is subtle and delicately done, there's lots here to love. The print edition turned up just as I was finishing the eBook and is a standard Amazon print that is good enough quality and has a fine cover illustration. It is uniform with the previous volumes in their later imprints.
March 15, 2024
Beau's mother is an opinionated, pushy woman, and since she holds the purse strings until he's 25, he is often forced to bow to her decrees. And unfortunately, she hates his obsession with horses. He's far from ready to marry, so when she declares that he must marry this season, he's horrified - even though Eliza, one of the woman she's suggested, is surprisingly pleasant to be around. But she's better than the alternative, so he courts her. When a possibility of escape arises, though, he's thrilled - or is he? Maybe Eliza is really all he could ever have wanted. But maybe he's left it too late to decide, and his secrets will cost him his chance...
I found this a little slow to start, but finished off the last half at a gallop, eager to see how they'd work things out - because though at the start Eliza felt almost as obsessed with Beau as he was with horses, I really came to root for them both to move past their obsessions and find love. Horrible Harriet was a great character if you love a good villain, though I'd hate to meet her in real life, but I did find some of the family relationships quite depressing (her immediate family is great; most of the rest one could quite happily do without, particularly his mother and sister). All in all, a good read, and I hope to read more by the author in future.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
I found this a little slow to start, but finished off the last half at a gallop, eager to see how they'd work things out - because though at the start Eliza felt almost as obsessed with Beau as he was with horses, I really came to root for them both to move past their obsessions and find love. Horrible Harriet was a great character if you love a good villain, though I'd hate to meet her in real life, but I did find some of the family relationships quite depressing (her immediate family is great; most of the rest one could quite happily do without, particularly his mother and sister). All in all, a good read, and I hope to read more by the author in future.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
March 9, 2024
Elizabeth Merry (Eliza) loves Viscount Beaumont (Beau) and wants to marry him.
Beau has no interest in marriage. He wants to have his own stables and raise racing horses.
His mother, who controls Beau’s income pursuant to the terms of Beau’s father’s will, has other ideas. She wants him to marry Elizabeth, the granddaughter of the Duchess of Wessex. She gives her son an ultimatum—offer to marry either Elizabeth or Harriet Whitlow, a coquettish young woman with all the accomplishments of a Regency lady—or she will stop his income and force him to live at his father’s estate until he is 25.
Beau happens upon a solution to his dilemma—race his colt against a champion stallion. If he wins, he wins a substantial sum of money AND the stallion. Since he has now realized that he loves Eliza and wants to marry her, this seems to be a perfect way to thwart his mother and do what he wants.
What could possibly go wrong?
The characters are well drawn—I know these people’s modern counterparts! The Christian message is delivered within context of the characters.
A Single Obsession, the third in the Merry series, is a refreshing, entertaining sweet romance set in Regency England.
I received a free copy of the book from the author This is my honest opinion.
Beau has no interest in marriage. He wants to have his own stables and raise racing horses.
His mother, who controls Beau’s income pursuant to the terms of Beau’s father’s will, has other ideas. She wants him to marry Elizabeth, the granddaughter of the Duchess of Wessex. She gives her son an ultimatum—offer to marry either Elizabeth or Harriet Whitlow, a coquettish young woman with all the accomplishments of a Regency lady—or she will stop his income and force him to live at his father’s estate until he is 25.
Beau happens upon a solution to his dilemma—race his colt against a champion stallion. If he wins, he wins a substantial sum of money AND the stallion. Since he has now realized that he loves Eliza and wants to marry her, this seems to be a perfect way to thwart his mother and do what he wants.
What could possibly go wrong?
The characters are well drawn—I know these people’s modern counterparts! The Christian message is delivered within context of the characters.
A Single Obsession, the third in the Merry series, is a refreshing, entertaining sweet romance set in Regency England.
I received a free copy of the book from the author This is my honest opinion.
March 3, 2024
Lovely story where the heroine has been in love with the hero for years while the hero, having struggled under his mother’s thumb, takes quite some time to realize the depth of his feelings and what is truly important. I was delighted with the cameo appearance of Jane Austen in the story, but was hoping for a bit more on that. Eliza’s faith in Beau is admirable, until she lets her fears and doubts overcome her ability to forgive and listen to his side of the story. I knew what the outcome of the story would be, but couldn’t wait to find out how it happened. Even though I abhorred the way Beau’s mother manipulated to get what she wanted, it brought about the perfect ending to the story, although not quite in the way she intended. If you enjoy Christian fiction and sweet romance in the Regency era, this book is for you! I received a free ARC copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 14, 2024
In this story Eliza has serious feelings for Beau a friend of Anthony, her sister’s brother in law. She also has an intense love of horses which enables her to understand Beau’s heart’s desire to breed race horses just as his father had done. Unfortunately he has a mother who is determined to mold him into what she wants for him and will go to any lengths to accomplish it.
What is she trying to force him to do and how does she manage to manipulate him into doing it? How does Eliza end up getting caught between his mother’s power struggle with her son? Despite all the manipulation and misery his mother causes how do Beau and Eliza finally end up getting their hea?
There’s a lot of twists and turns and turns that keep you reading right up to the end
What is she trying to force him to do and how does she manage to manipulate him into doing it? How does Eliza end up getting caught between his mother’s power struggle with her son? Despite all the manipulation and misery his mother causes how do Beau and Eliza finally end up getting their hea?
There’s a lot of twists and turns and turns that keep you reading right up to the end
March 20, 2024
This Regency romance is the first book I have read by the author. With details of the Regency period it was easy to become immersed in the story. Eliza’s daring personality and willingness to help Beau, regardless of what it could cost her personally make her a noble and lovable character.
Things I enjoyed about the book:
Dangerous stunts
Horse racing
Archery lesson
Midnight badger adventure
Caring friends
Enduring love
This is a book that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. This is the third book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. I was able to easily follow the storyline.
I received an advanced copy of this book. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Things I enjoyed about the book:
Dangerous stunts
Horse racing
Archery lesson
Midnight badger adventure
Caring friends
Enduring love
This is a book that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. This is the third book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. I was able to easily follow the storyline.
I received an advanced copy of this book. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.
March 2, 2024
4.5 stars
It's always a little strange to jump into a series in a later book, but I'm still glad I did. This was a wonderfully researched, thoughtfully written historical fiction that hit all the high points for me. There were horses, strong-willed and fearless women (not just men), gentleness, eventual conquering of wickedness, hidden things revealed, disasters averted by the guidance of God's gracious hand, forgiveness (and how holding a grudge only hurts the holder), sweet romance, and so many more good things.
Now I want to go back and read the first two - and I certainly don't want to miss the next one.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
It's always a little strange to jump into a series in a later book, but I'm still glad I did. This was a wonderfully researched, thoughtfully written historical fiction that hit all the high points for me. There were horses, strong-willed and fearless women (not just men), gentleness, eventual conquering of wickedness, hidden things revealed, disasters averted by the guidance of God's gracious hand, forgiveness (and how holding a grudge only hurts the holder), sweet romance, and so many more good things.
Now I want to go back and read the first two - and I certainly don't want to miss the next one.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
March 3, 2024
A Single Obsession is a wonderful Regency romance! The settings are authentic and convincing, the storyline compelling and the characters powerfully portrayed. I loved Beau and Eliza, even with - or maybe because of - all their foibles. On the opposite end of the spectrum are Horrible Harriet - such an apt description! - and her relations. Every time these manipulative, conniving characters appeared in the story I was filled with dread, and their machinations made my blood boil.
If you love reading Georgette Heyer or Jane Austen you are sure to enjoy this book.
(I received a free copy of this book from the author. I was not requested to leave a review.)
If you love reading Georgette Heyer or Jane Austen you are sure to enjoy this book.
(I received a free copy of this book from the author. I was not requested to leave a review.)
July 4, 2024
Beau was not my favorite player in the previous novel, but this story really helped me appreciate his depths. I love how he and Eliza come from such different backgrounds, yet each feels a bit of a misfit. If only they could’ve been more open about their feelings! (but that would have made for a much shorter book). There were so many memorable scenes in this book that stole my heart. Badgers, anyone?! And again, faith is woven into the fabric of this romance so naturally and comfortably. I really enjoyed the growth of these characters in every dimension. Hope this isn’t the end of the series!
March 17, 2024
This romantic story based in the Regency period involved Eliza and her extended family. She had loved Beau from childhood, but he didn't want to marry anyone yet, and was obsessed with his horses. Being basically made to marry someone by his mother causes him a great dilemma. The story is thoughtfully crafted, as the strong-willed potential couple find their common interests, and cope with setbacks. It's nice to have a woman with some spirit at this time in history!
I received an ARC from the author, but my opinion is given voluntarily.
I received an ARC from the author, but my opinion is given voluntarily.
March 3, 2024
The hero is horse crazy and needs his inheritance for his dream to come true. He must marry to get it. The heroine has been crazy about the hero for a long time, but she alternates between shy and outspoken. They do cross paths and have witty conversations. There is a little mystery involved to add some intrigue. I like the historical elements and always like a family tree. I received an ARC for an honest review.
May 26, 2025
As a horse-lover, this was just my cup of oolong. I also enjoyed the badgers. I am not a christian, but the way that religion was treated in the book seemed true to the period. The main characters were an amiable pair, but didn't enjoy their put -downs of music, art, and literature. The hero's mother was annoying, but she did manage to bring the lovers together. The love scenes were rather chaste, but I didn't mind.
March 12, 2024
A Single Obsession by Rachel Knowels is a good book. Eliza loves her horse and loves to horseback ride and Beau loves his horses. In order to keep them he must marry. This book has many different things that happen. I truly loved the ending. I was given a copy of this book by the author. All thoughts are my own.
March 14, 2024
This was a wonderful Christian historical romance story. It kept me interested to the end. If you love horses you'd love this book. I highly recommend it based on being a faith based and clean romance.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed are my own and freely given.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed are my own and freely given.
March 8, 2024
This is an exceptionally well-researched Regency romance. The author is an English Regency expert who has visited many of the historical sites in person and carried out extensive research, adding to the authenticity of the story.
April 14, 2024
An engaging read
This is a Merry romance in every sense of the word. But it is not without its sorrows and doubts. It is a romp of the highest order. Though I think Knowles greatest achievement is her believable portrayal of a maternally oppressed young man growing a spine.
This is a Merry romance in every sense of the word. But it is not without its sorrows and doubts. It is a romp of the highest order. Though I think Knowles greatest achievement is her believable portrayal of a maternally oppressed young man growing a spine.
March 15, 2024
An action-packed romance! With excellent writing, Rachel Knowles presents a story of a young woman who knows what she wants and gives her all to achieve it. It is also a story of a young man who ultimately realizes that what he thinks means everything to him, isn’t so important after all. Eliza and Beau are wonderful characters with whom the reader easily connects. Eliza is full of sweet spunk and alternates between being painfully shy and boldly outspoken, when motivated by a cause. She is a risk taker and a bit of a closet thrill seeker. Beau transforms over the course of the story. In the beginning he is selfish and practically spineless when it comes to his mother. It is a frustrating thing to observe (I wanted to slap him a few times), but makes the end result so much the better by comparison.
The story has humor, some elements of mystery, and is clean throughout. Ironically, as much as the main characters do not appreciate the machinations of Lady Harting, it is her plan that results in the final resolution of the story. She should be proud.
The Family Trees at the beginning of the story are a brilliant addition and so helpful in keeping all the "cousins" straight. The Glossary at the end is also a nice touch, providing more historical tidbits for the interested reader.
This is the first book I have read from this author and look forward to reading more from her. I received an advanced reader copy of this story. This is my honest opinion.
The story has humor, some elements of mystery, and is clean throughout. Ironically, as much as the main characters do not appreciate the machinations of Lady Harting, it is her plan that results in the final resolution of the story. She should be proud.
The Family Trees at the beginning of the story are a brilliant addition and so helpful in keeping all the "cousins" straight. The Glossary at the end is also a nice touch, providing more historical tidbits for the interested reader.
This is the first book I have read from this author and look forward to reading more from her. I received an advanced reader copy of this story. This is my honest opinion.
April 16, 2024
I was blessed to have an Advanced Reader Copy of this book! I so enjoyed reading it, that I’ve now read it three times! Thank you Rachel.
This book is full of lovely regency quirkiness. It’s romantic and funny, with a goodly amount of adventure and a hint of danger too.
Elizabeth, or Eliza as she likes to be called, the daughter of a country vicar, much prefers the great outdoors, riding her horse and pushing the boundaries of decorum to boot, rather than sitting around doing embroidery or playing the pianoforte.
Beau has a domineering mother who doesn’t like him fawning over horses and wants him to get a wife and an heir! He on the other hand, is not interested in marrying. He just loves his horses and likes his life just as it is!
Circumstances change that perception, but can he ever see himself really marrying just to please his mother?
Could a girl he’s known since they were children, make marrying a choice he’ll make for himself?
I just love all the ups and downs in this story, all the nuances and the hope that both of the main characters hold for their futures.
If you like the Regency period, full of romance, dreamy dances and balls, with glorious dresses, handsome gentlemen, horses and the great outdoors, combined with a wonderfully clean God honouring script, then this book is a must read!
This book is full of lovely regency quirkiness. It’s romantic and funny, with a goodly amount of adventure and a hint of danger too.
Elizabeth, or Eliza as she likes to be called, the daughter of a country vicar, much prefers the great outdoors, riding her horse and pushing the boundaries of decorum to boot, rather than sitting around doing embroidery or playing the pianoforte.
Beau has a domineering mother who doesn’t like him fawning over horses and wants him to get a wife and an heir! He on the other hand, is not interested in marrying. He just loves his horses and likes his life just as it is!
Circumstances change that perception, but can he ever see himself really marrying just to please his mother?
Could a girl he’s known since they were children, make marrying a choice he’ll make for himself?
I just love all the ups and downs in this story, all the nuances and the hope that both of the main characters hold for their futures.
If you like the Regency period, full of romance, dreamy dances and balls, with glorious dresses, handsome gentlemen, horses and the great outdoors, combined with a wonderfully clean God honouring script, then this book is a must read!
January 8, 2025
Eliza has been in love with Beau for a while but he's adamant that he's not ready to get married. When his domineering mother gets involved he realizes what he has been missing. Will it be too late? Can he get free from his mother? What happens when they realize what all his mom is willing to do to get her way?
I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.
I received a copy of this book from the author. Review voluntarily given.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews