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Those Wild Whitbys #1
Sword-Crossed Lovers
With her family facing bankruptcy, Cassandra Whitby does the only thing a young lady of gentle birth and little beauty can
Dress in her brother’s clothes and enter a fencing competition, of course!
She just needs to persuade her sworn enemy, Lord Kendrick, to help her do it.
Hugo Kendrick is as cunning as he’s charming, scarred inside and out. Cassandra knows his help will come at a price – but the prize money could secure her sisters’ future, and that’s worth risking everything.
She didn’t expect she’d be paying Hugo’s price with breathless moonlit kisses. Or that the only thing to drive her crazier than his mocking smile might be the glitter of starlight in his dark eyes.
Or that he’d enter the tourney himself, just to spite her. No, wait. Perhaps she should have expected that. The treacherous cad!
Swords clash, sparks fly, and before Cassandra knows it, the fencing trophy is no longer the only prize in contention. Hugo has his sights set on her.
And he always fights to win.
Dress in her brother’s clothes and enter a fencing competition, of course!
She just needs to persuade her sworn enemy, Lord Kendrick, to help her do it.
Hugo Kendrick is as cunning as he’s charming, scarred inside and out. Cassandra knows his help will come at a price – but the prize money could secure her sisters’ future, and that’s worth risking everything.
She didn’t expect she’d be paying Hugo’s price with breathless moonlit kisses. Or that the only thing to drive her crazier than his mocking smile might be the glitter of starlight in his dark eyes.
Or that he’d enter the tourney himself, just to spite her. No, wait. Perhaps she should have expected that. The treacherous cad!
Swords clash, sparks fly, and before Cassandra knows it, the fencing trophy is no longer the only prize in contention. Hugo has his sights set on her.
And he always fights to win.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2024
182 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 30, 2024
4.5 stars
A nice story with lovable characters, and good humour.
A nice story with lovable characters, and good humour.
May 10, 2024
This book ticked several of my Favorite Things boxes.
1. Regency England setting
2. A strong-willed FMC who dares to be herself, even though she struggles with that too.
3. The main characters realizing their feelings for each other in the type of way that makes my heart scream in glee.
4. The MMC proudly standing behind the FMC and letting her be who she is without letting it affect his own sense of self. Swoon.
This was a KU read that I gladly purchased and will reread again!
1. Regency England setting
2. A strong-willed FMC who dares to be herself, even though she struggles with that too.
3. The main characters realizing their feelings for each other in the type of way that makes my heart scream in glee.
4. The MMC proudly standing behind the FMC and letting her be who she is without letting it affect his own sense of self. Swoon.
This was a KU read that I gladly purchased and will reread again!
February 12, 2024
What a fun way to start off this new series The Wild Whitby's. The characters in this family were introduced in this first book. This story focuses on Cassandra Whitby who is known as Whitby Wildcat. She loved to do all the things that young ladies weren't supposed to like. When she discover her family was having financial difficulties that would make it hard for her two sisters to find husbands, she decided to enter the yearly Appleby Tourney, a fencing competition. Since this was purely a male competition she would need to discuss herself using her twin brother's clothes. She would also need someone to vouch for her to enter her in the tourney. Getting her childhood friend now enemy Lord Kendrick to enter a young farmhand in disguise without realizing it was her was easy.
Lord Kendrick knew that Cassandra was up to something but he wasn't quite sure what it was. So he decided to interfere with her plans by entering the tourney he had not been to in over three years. In the past he has won many times. Seeing young Jack Smith fence brought back memories of seeing some of Cassandra's fencing moves from years before. Discovering that Jack Smith was actually Cassandra first made him very angry for being set up by her. Cassandra blackmails him into giving her fencing lessons to teach her the current style of fencing.
These two seem to be antagonistic towards one another, but there is definitely a chemistry and history between them. Will their time spent together bring them closer or drive a wedge between them? If she is discovered will her reputation be ruined? What will Kendrick do when he discovers her real reason for wanting to win the tourney?
This story was fun to read and the story kept me captivated. I stayed up way too late to finish reading it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lord Kendrick knew that Cassandra was up to something but he wasn't quite sure what it was. So he decided to interfere with her plans by entering the tourney he had not been to in over three years. In the past he has won many times. Seeing young Jack Smith fence brought back memories of seeing some of Cassandra's fencing moves from years before. Discovering that Jack Smith was actually Cassandra first made him very angry for being set up by her. Cassandra blackmails him into giving her fencing lessons to teach her the current style of fencing.
These two seem to be antagonistic towards one another, but there is definitely a chemistry and history between them. Will their time spent together bring them closer or drive a wedge between them? If she is discovered will her reputation be ruined? What will Kendrick do when he discovers her real reason for wanting to win the tourney?
This story was fun to read and the story kept me captivated. I stayed up way too late to finish reading it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2024
4.5 Stars
With her family facing bankruptcy, Cassandra Whitby does the only thing a young lady of gentle birth and little beauty can do - dress in her brother’s clothes and enter a fencing competition, of course! She just needs to persuade her neighbour & thorn in her side, Lord Kendrick, to help her do it. Hugo Kendrick is as cunning as he’s charming, scarred inside and out. Cassandra knows his help will come at a price – but the prize money could secure her sisters’ future, and that’s worth risking everything.
The start of a new series & a very enjoyable romance. I really liked both Hugo & Cassandra, they’d known each other all their lives & constantly locked horns, their verbal sparring was a joy & the chemistry between them sizzled. It took them some time to realise how they felt about each other & stubbornness nearly scuppered their tentative romance. I also liked Cassandra’s other siblings each so different but all very close & loving.
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
With her family facing bankruptcy, Cassandra Whitby does the only thing a young lady of gentle birth and little beauty can do - dress in her brother’s clothes and enter a fencing competition, of course! She just needs to persuade her neighbour & thorn in her side, Lord Kendrick, to help her do it. Hugo Kendrick is as cunning as he’s charming, scarred inside and out. Cassandra knows his help will come at a price – but the prize money could secure her sisters’ future, and that’s worth risking everything.
The start of a new series & a very enjoyable romance. I really liked both Hugo & Cassandra, they’d known each other all their lives & constantly locked horns, their verbal sparring was a joy & the chemistry between them sizzled. It took them some time to realise how they felt about each other & stubbornness nearly scuppered their tentative romance. I also liked Cassandra’s other siblings each so different but all very close & loving.
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
February 15, 2024
Cass Whitby and Hugo Kendrick have known each other all their lives. Friends, yes, and occasional adversaries. Cass wants to enter the fencing tournament to win money to help her family, especially her sisters. The family’s financial situation is not widely known. She goes to Kendrick for help to enter the tournament (disguised as a farmer’s son) and some tips on the challenge. She does not tell him why she wants to enter the contest. He agrees and also enters himself. Which one of them will come out on top? This is a really delightful friends-to-lovers, slow-burn romance. Cass and Hugo are strong determined characters, each with problems and secrets of their own. They are good together and good for each other, except for a small communication problem. The secondary characters are entertaining to say the least. Hugo’s brother Francis wins your heart right away. There are disagreements, problems, and secrets that make their goals and their road to happily ever after difficult. There is also hope, reconciliation, romance, and a happy ending. Interesting story.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
May 11, 2024
“You know what a callous, wretched creature I am. I’ve never managed to charm you. So there’s no need to pretend, is there? You say I’m a rogue – I’ll behave like one.”
A delightful romp! I loved Cassie from the minute she ran back home through the streets, unaided. She has some serious spirit, much to Hugo and her family's dismay. The book blurb makes it seem like she's trading lessons for kisses, and that's not what happens. She does manage to convince, persuade, and even blackmail him a little bit. With his help, and the help of his housekeeper, she pulls the wool over everyone's eyes...or does she?
The banter gave me life, and the twists just about did me in. I LOVE an unpredictable book! 10/10 would recommend.
"Cassie didn't mind it. She'd rather be strong than lovely. Her sisters were lovely, and she wanted no part of what that loveliness had brought them."
A delightful romp! I loved Cassie from the minute she ran back home through the streets, unaided. She has some serious spirit, much to Hugo and her family's dismay. The book blurb makes it seem like she's trading lessons for kisses, and that's not what happens. She does manage to convince, persuade, and even blackmail him a little bit. With his help, and the help of his housekeeper, she pulls the wool over everyone's eyes...or does she?
The banter gave me life, and the twists just about did me in. I LOVE an unpredictable book! 10/10 would recommend.
"Cassie didn't mind it. She'd rather be strong than lovely. Her sisters were lovely, and she wanted no part of what that loveliness had brought them."
February 14, 2024
Cassie is determined to win the town fencing tournament disguised as a young man to save her family but she hides their financial troubles and her self esteem issues from being criticized for her lack of feminine looks and masculine pursuits. Hugo comes off as a carefree lord but he’s hiding his own physical and mental scars from the past. He agrees to help Cassie with her fencing and as a result they grow closer but will they have the courage to admit their feelings before it’s too late? I admired Cassie for her fencing skills and determination to save her family but she was foolish to think no one would discover her disguise and secrets.
February 11, 2024
Welcome Back, Gemma!
I enjoyed this story so very much - pity it had to end, but I guess that all good things come to an end eventually,
It had all the right feels and two of the most remarkable main characters. I loved the way Cassie was determined to always win at whatever she did and that Hugo supported and encouraged her, always.
This is a slow burn love story, a friends to lovers tale and I have enjoyed it very much.
I read an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of this story and am happy to leave my voluntary review.
I enjoyed this story so very much - pity it had to end, but I guess that all good things come to an end eventually,
It had all the right feels and two of the most remarkable main characters. I loved the way Cassie was determined to always win at whatever she did and that Hugo supported and encouraged her, always.
This is a slow burn love story, a friends to lovers tale and I have enjoyed it very much.
I read an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of this story and am happy to leave my voluntary review.
February 19, 2024
The heroine overhears the financial troubles of her family and decides to help be entering a fencing tournament to win the prize. She needs the help of the hero to enter her disguised name. The hero decides to enter the contest also and he usually wins. He doesn’t know about the financial troubles of his neighbor. I enjoy this tomboy story. I didn’t understand the hero’s relationship with his mother. I thought his brother was adorable. The heroine’s family was interesting, too. It was a good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2024
I received an ARC from Booksprout and I'm willingly leaving a review
In Lucius and Isobel's story (What an Heiress Wants), Lucius knows his parents have no more money. It's like this story fits in between that story because it's all hush-hush. I loved the banter between Hugo and Cass. I laughed heartily a few times, especially when Hugo notice Cass's gloves are pristine. The end is an absolute riot. Worth reading a second time if I had time.
In Lucius and Isobel's story (What an Heiress Wants), Lucius knows his parents have no more money. It's like this story fits in between that story because it's all hush-hush. I loved the banter between Hugo and Cass. I laughed heartily a few times, especially when Hugo notice Cass's gloves are pristine. The end is an absolute riot. Worth reading a second time if I had time.
February 13, 2024
Cassie is constantly causing a scandal. When she learns that her family needs money she decides to disguise herself as a man and enter a fencing contest. In order to do so she gets Kendrick to help her. How long before she is discovered? What happens when everything comes out? Will she ever find someone willing to marry her as she is?.
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.
February 14, 2024
The sizzling chemistry kept the pages turning. Cassie and Hugo obviously have a shared history filled with both the best of times and the worst of times. Unfortunately they each have their secrets. Their verbal and physical sparring kept me interested. I liked Cassie’s acceptance of who she was even though her talents and interests didn’t match the accepted list for a lady. I thank the author and Booksprout for an advance review copy.
March 19, 2024
Who is that lad...
A delightful story with Cassandra disguising herself as a lad and getting Lord Kendrick to sponsor her in the village fencing tourney. Its going well when he discovers she isn't a lad. One kiss leads to another and...well its hard to ignore feelings. As the tourney continues with them both winning their matches danger arises. A most enjoyable read, I recommend the book.
A delightful story with Cassandra disguising herself as a lad and getting Lord Kendrick to sponsor her in the village fencing tourney. Its going well when he discovers she isn't a lad. One kiss leads to another and...well its hard to ignore feelings. As the tourney continues with them both winning their matches danger arises. A most enjoyable read, I recommend the book.
February 10, 2024
I would like to thank book sprout and the author for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This was an enjoyable return to Blackwood's regency world. I loved the back and forth between the two main characters and the ending was everything I could have asked for. The fencing was a unique aspect and a lovely way of bringing the two main characters together.
This was an enjoyable return to Blackwood's regency world. I loved the back and forth between the two main characters and the ending was everything I could have asked for. The fencing was a unique aspect and a lovely way of bringing the two main characters together.
February 14, 2024
Just like Gemma's The Balfour series this book too is a page turner. The story is very well written, you can feel the emotions H & h are going through. Just when you think all is sorted there is another twist.
Eagerly waiting for the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Eagerly waiting for the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2024
Madcap fun!
This is a wacky, witty and sweet love story! Cassandra is the girl next door who is a tomboy that despises ladylike pursuits. Hugo is the Viscount who makes her life miserable. What happens when they finally realize that the animosity between them is just the way they love each other? It’s the Wild Whitby’s can’t wait to read the next story in the series.
This is a wacky, witty and sweet love story! Cassandra is the girl next door who is a tomboy that despises ladylike pursuits. Hugo is the Viscount who makes her life miserable. What happens when they finally realize that the animosity between them is just the way they love each other? It’s the Wild Whitby’s can’t wait to read the next story in the series.
September 2, 2024
Cassie and Hugo had been childhood friends, then enemies later on. Now she is begging him to sneak her into the fencing tournament dressed as a man. She won’t explain why. But he does it.
When she wins her first match barely, he decides to train her.
Things become complicated. If she’s discovered she will be ruined. Things go from bad to worse.
It is an interesting story.
When she wins her first match barely, he decides to train her.
Things become complicated. If she’s discovered she will be ruined. Things go from bad to worse.
It is an interesting story.
February 12, 2024
A lovely story of friends to lovers and well worth the read. Cassie and Hugo were perfect as a couple as their relationship grew and developed over the course of the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2024
This book had a great plot. It was well written and the author really let their imagination shine. Amazing book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2024
Wonderful read
So enjoyed Gemma Blackwood's Sword Crossed Lovers. Well written, clever, fast paced. Have preordered the next in the series. Looking forward to another entertaining read. Thank you Gemma.
So enjoyed Gemma Blackwood's Sword Crossed Lovers. Well written, clever, fast paced. Have preordered the next in the series. Looking forward to another entertaining read. Thank you Gemma.
August 24, 2024
Cute
I liked the back half of the book best. I have no doubt that the various siblings will come up smelling of roses. And when they were talking about Cass being indulged the last scene is definitely what they were talking about.
I liked the back half of the book best. I have no doubt that the various siblings will come up smelling of roses. And when they were talking about Cass being indulged the last scene is definitely what they were talking about.
February 21, 2024
Fencing lovers
A very intense story of true love fought to the end between childhood friends.
A well-written story line and well chosen characters.
A very intense story of true love fought to the end between childhood friends.
A well-written story line and well chosen characters.
dnf
May 26, 2024I'm not a fan of the sister buying a new bonnet even though the family is broke. I'm sure that's how it worked back in that time, but it still irritates me.
August 26, 2024
A new favorite! Loved the characters and story so much. Just enough conflict without getting tiring. Such a sweet story!
September 10, 2024
That was adorable. Feisty, fun, romantic and sweet.
September 18, 2024
This was a delightful surprise! I loved the banter between Hugh and Cassie - enemies in love. This really tugged at my heart and emotions. Hoping the other books are this good.
October 17, 2024
Quite the story
I throughly enjoyed this book. It was well-written, and the storyline was fantastic. Character development was outstanding.
I enjoyed it immensely. Thank you.
I throughly enjoyed this book. It was well-written, and the storyline was fantastic. Character development was outstanding.
I enjoyed it immensely. Thank you.
April 19, 2025
This was a clean, historical romance.
I struggled with this one. the writing style was definitely not for me. I was lost half the time, unear scenes and confusing narrative.
I struggled with this one. the writing style was definitely not for me. I was lost half the time, unear scenes and confusing narrative.
October 18, 2024
Love the step out of the line Cassie and Kendrick tries to keep up with her. Well done! Nice escape from the daily grind.
September 6, 2025
Fun!!
This book was hard to put down. It was fun to read and loved the story line of Hugo and Cassandra.
This book was hard to put down. It was fun to read and loved the story line of Hugo and Cassandra.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews