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Here Come the Grooms #1
A Worthington Wedding
Three dashing heroes of the ton search for their perfect matches in this delightful new series set in the world of bestselling author Ella Quinn’s beloved Worthingtons and their extended family, where there’s never a dull moment—or a lack of tempting romance . . .
Charlie, Earl of Stanwood, is at his gentleman’s club when he overhears from a nearby card game that the Viscount Ognon plans to gamble away a property in which some of his family live. Charlie takes a dim view of those who mistreat their dependents, and though he rarely gambles, he always wins. This time is no different. Triumphant, Charlie is determined to sign the property over to the appropriate family member . . .
Miss Oriana Ognon comes from a family in which the men are incorrigible gamblers, while the women mitigate the losses. Fortunately, she inherited her estate from a maternal aunt and is independent of her cousin, who repeatedly attempts to gamble it away. Needless to say, when the Earl of Stanwood comes to call, he is promptly presented with proof of Oriana’s homeownership—and no offer of refreshment. . . . Even if he was the handsomest man she’d ever seen . . .
Intrigued by headstrong Oriana, Charles sets out to discover more about her—and concludes she may be exactly the wife he’s looking for. Meanwhile, Oriana learns more about Charles, and her interest is piqued. But as saboteurs and rivals compromise their possible future together, they just might find themselves in an irresistibly compromising position of their own . . .
Charlie, Earl of Stanwood, is at his gentleman’s club when he overhears from a nearby card game that the Viscount Ognon plans to gamble away a property in which some of his family live. Charlie takes a dim view of those who mistreat their dependents, and though he rarely gambles, he always wins. This time is no different. Triumphant, Charlie is determined to sign the property over to the appropriate family member . . .
Miss Oriana Ognon comes from a family in which the men are incorrigible gamblers, while the women mitigate the losses. Fortunately, she inherited her estate from a maternal aunt and is independent of her cousin, who repeatedly attempts to gamble it away. Needless to say, when the Earl of Stanwood comes to call, he is promptly presented with proof of Oriana’s homeownership—and no offer of refreshment. . . . Even if he was the handsomest man she’d ever seen . . .
Intrigued by headstrong Oriana, Charles sets out to discover more about her—and concludes she may be exactly the wife he’s looking for. Meanwhile, Oriana learns more about Charles, and her interest is piqued. But as saboteurs and rivals compromise their possible future together, they just might find themselves in an irresistibly compromising position of their own . . .
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2024
142 people are currently reading
3438 people want to read
About the author
Ella Quinn
53 books2,541 followersUSA Today bestselling author Ella Quinn’s studies and other jobs have always been on the serious side (political science professor and lawyer). Reading historical romances, especially Regencies, were her escape. Eventually her love of historical novels led her to start writing them.
She is married to her wonderful husband of over thirty years. They have a son and two beautiful granddaughters, and a Great Dane named Lilibet. After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make their dreams come true lived on sailboat for three years. After cruising the Caribbean and North America, she completed a transatlantic crossing from St. Martin to Southern Europe. She's currently living in Germany, happily writing while her husband is back at work, recovering from retirement.
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Blog ~ Instagram ~ BookBub
She is married to her wonderful husband of over thirty years. They have a son and two beautiful granddaughters, and a Great Dane named Lilibet. After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make their dreams come true lived on sailboat for three years. After cruising the Caribbean and North America, she completed a transatlantic crossing from St. Martin to Southern Europe. She's currently living in Germany, happily writing while her husband is back at work, recovering from retirement.
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Blog ~ Instagram ~ BookBub
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
October 8, 2024
The first book in the Here Come the Grooms series which is a spinoff from the author's The Worthingtons series.
This is not a bad book but it was overloaded with detail about food and family members and I did start to wish the story would get on with it. There were also many, many characters but luckily I only needed to really identify with half a dozen of them. One of them was a really delightful Great Dane dog who deserved much more page time!
The story was interesting, the setting was well written, but some of the scenes between the two main characters (the bedroom kind) seemed forced into the narrative and did not add anything to it. It was okay to skip them. Three stars from me for this one but I will be happy to try #2.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is not a bad book but it was overloaded with detail about food and family members and I did start to wish the story would get on with it. There were also many, many characters but luckily I only needed to really identify with half a dozen of them. One of them was a really delightful Great Dane dog who deserved much more page time!
The story was interesting, the setting was well written, but some of the scenes between the two main characters (the bedroom kind) seemed forced into the narrative and did not add anything to it. It was okay to skip them. Three stars from me for this one but I will be happy to try #2.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 1, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to the ARC of this book.
I have greatly enjoyed reading about the various Carpenter and Vivers young women finding love in Ella Quinn’s Worthington books, and was extremely excited to learn that the next book would focus on Charlie. But my hopes and dreams were dashed upon the rocks when the plot setup, which was very interesting, about Oriana’s cousin gambling with the deed to her home and Charlie stepping in to save it was solved in a few chapters. We spend the rest of the book following the most tedious account of two people getting married ever. Even the later complications that come up feel so low stakes that I could not understand why the main characters were acting as if the sky was falling.
Charlie’s exact age is not mentioned in the book, but he must be 23/24 based off being 16 when Grace and Matt get together in the first book and their eldest child being 7. Oriana’s age is also not mentioned, but Charlie does say they are close in age but he is older so she must be 22/23. Considering it felt like every other member of the Worthington clan’s age was expressly stated the main character’s ages not being on the page was odd. And with how large the family is a family tree is desperately needed so that a not insignificant chunk of the books doesn’t have to be dedicated to introducing the characters and explaining who they are in relation to everyone else to the readers. Either in the back of the book or on a website if the editor Ella works with still thinks family trees insult the intelligence of readers. Insult away because I need it. Please give us the birthdays. And back to the point of mentioning the ages, I understand wanting to write Charlie’s love story, but this feels very early for it to happen.
The side and recurring characters are the highlight of the book and truly what got me through. Every one of them is a gem. The family, the servants, the town people, and the dogs brought me so much joy. I felt more invested and interested in the blossoming romances between the background characters than the main characters. I must know if there will be more puppies for the sisters to each have their own great dane.
I think if Charlie and Oriana were a few years older and if we had higher stakes for the complications (and less “I’ll dine here tonight” “oh good them I’ll dine there tomorrow” “I’ll send the groom” “no a footman would be better” “I’ll pick you up then drop you off then turn around and get the servant and switch the wagon and hire a horse and etc etc etc.”) I would have enjoyed it more. Also, it did not need any of the love scenes. They felt awkward and out of place and like they were just there to hit a quota on having open-door scenes in the book.
I have greatly enjoyed reading about the various Carpenter and Vivers young women finding love in Ella Quinn’s Worthington books, and was extremely excited to learn that the next book would focus on Charlie. But my hopes and dreams were dashed upon the rocks when the plot setup, which was very interesting, about Oriana’s cousin gambling with the deed to her home and Charlie stepping in to save it was solved in a few chapters. We spend the rest of the book following the most tedious account of two people getting married ever. Even the later complications that come up feel so low stakes that I could not understand why the main characters were acting as if the sky was falling.
Charlie’s exact age is not mentioned in the book, but he must be 23/24 based off being 16 when Grace and Matt get together in the first book and their eldest child being 7. Oriana’s age is also not mentioned, but Charlie does say they are close in age but he is older so she must be 22/23. Considering it felt like every other member of the Worthington clan’s age was expressly stated the main character’s ages not being on the page was odd. And with how large the family is a family tree is desperately needed so that a not insignificant chunk of the books doesn’t have to be dedicated to introducing the characters and explaining who they are in relation to everyone else to the readers. Either in the back of the book or on a website if the editor Ella works with still thinks family trees insult the intelligence of readers. Insult away because I need it. Please give us the birthdays. And back to the point of mentioning the ages, I understand wanting to write Charlie’s love story, but this feels very early for it to happen.
The side and recurring characters are the highlight of the book and truly what got me through. Every one of them is a gem. The family, the servants, the town people, and the dogs brought me so much joy. I felt more invested and interested in the blossoming romances between the background characters than the main characters. I must know if there will be more puppies for the sisters to each have their own great dane.
I think if Charlie and Oriana were a few years older and if we had higher stakes for the complications (and less “I’ll dine here tonight” “oh good them I’ll dine there tomorrow” “I’ll send the groom” “no a footman would be better” “I’ll pick you up then drop you off then turn around and get the servant and switch the wagon and hire a horse and etc etc etc.”) I would have enjoyed it more. Also, it did not need any of the love scenes. They felt awkward and out of place and like they were just there to hit a quota on having open-door scenes in the book.
April 28, 2025
I enjoy Ella Quinn's characters and familial relationships. I read the entire previous series and enjoyed this start to a new one. It is a spin-off with many familiar characters.
Miss Oriana Ognon is a stong and smart heroine. Charlie, Earl of Stanwood, is honorable and respectful of women. I appreciate their honesty and straightforwardness. This is a light and fun, low-angst read that I would recommend for fans of Ella Quinn.
Miss Oriana Ognon is a stong and smart heroine. Charlie, Earl of Stanwood, is honorable and respectful of women. I appreciate their honesty and straightforwardness. This is a light and fun, low-angst read that I would recommend for fans of Ella Quinn.
October 11, 2024
I keep hoping that Ella's style of writing will change, but this book followed her Worthignton line, too many characters, too many inconsequential details, a heroine who just stubborn and annoying (supposedly strong and independent) and a hero who's just a little bit on the wrong side of being too perfect. Overall, it was a little bit boring for my taste.
#netgalley #AWorthingtonWedding
#netgalley #AWorthingtonWedding
January 12, 2025
Charlie, the Earl of Stanhope, has returned from his grand tour to his family seat. It's now his responsibility to take care of his tenants and the village. After meeting Miss Oriana Ognon, Charlie knows she is the lady he wants for his wife. Only the lady's not willing. Fortunately, Charlie has a lot of patience and is willing to show Oriana the man he is to be trusted. Finally when happiness is within reach, there's a couple of glitches in the plan. It's never boring when all the Worthingtons and their extended family become involved with a family emergency. Lots of laughter and tears. I suggest reading the first Worthington book, THREE WEEKS TO WED. The story of Grace and Matt.
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book fromNetGalley.
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book fromNetGalley.
December 3, 2024
This first book in the series is excellent. It is about Charlie Earl of Stanwood and Miss Oriana Ognon. Oriana had decided never to marry and then she met Charlie who fell in love from the start. You will find out how he convinces her that marriage is just what she needs to fulfill her life.
January 3, 2025
So drained after reading this "romance" that was not romantic , nor historical, as the author went overboard in attempting to make women equal to men IN EVERY SINGLE WAY. The butler, the footmen, and so on. It's not even realistic. Then, in the end, the woman surpasses equality and comes out ahead?
What was left out--how the footwomen enjoy the rain, sleet, and snow on that outdoor buckboard, as they are shot at and robbed while traveling, followed by what job they turned to while pregnant with their assailant's babies...
What was left out--how the footwomen enjoy the rain, sleet, and snow on that outdoor buckboard, as they are shot at and robbed while traveling, followed by what job they turned to while pregnant with their assailant's babies...
November 22, 2024
Charles Carpenter, Earl of Stanwood, is at his gentleman’s club when he overhears from a nearby card game that the Viscount Ognon plans to gamble away a property in which some of his family live. Charlie takes a dim view of those who mistreat their dependents, and though he rarely gambles, he always wins. This time is no different. Triumphant, Charlie is determined to sign the property over to the appropriate family member. Miss Oriana Ognon comes from a family in which the men are incorrigible gamblers, while the women mitigate the losses. Fortunately, she inherited her estate from a maternal aunt and is independent of her cousin, who repeatedly attempts to gamble it away. Needless to say, when the Earl of Stanwood comes to call, he is promptly presented with proof of Oriana’s homeownership. Intrigued by headstrong Oriana, Charles sets out to discover more about her and concludes she may be exactly the wife he’s looking for. Meanwhile, Oriana learns more about Charles, and her interest is piqued.
Whilst this is the start of a new series it’s also really a continuation of the Worthingtons. I’ve loved seeing Charlie grow up & was looking forward to his story & I enjoyed it but for me it was a delightful romance with a couple of hiccups. I really liked both Charlie & Oriana & whilst there was chemistry between them I felt their relationship lacked passion. They talked to each other & confided in each other so there were no misunderstandings. There were a couple of issues but these had the potential to be so much more & for me were a bit lack lustre The Worthington family is large & now that most are married & have children I found them hard to keep track of & I’ve read all the books, please can we have a family tree? I loved Hugh & he stole every scene he was in. Not my favourite book from the author but still enjoyable
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Whilst this is the start of a new series it’s also really a continuation of the Worthingtons. I’ve loved seeing Charlie grow up & was looking forward to his story & I enjoyed it but for me it was a delightful romance with a couple of hiccups. I really liked both Charlie & Oriana & whilst there was chemistry between them I felt their relationship lacked passion. They talked to each other & confided in each other so there were no misunderstandings. There were a couple of issues but these had the potential to be so much more & for me were a bit lack lustre The Worthington family is large & now that most are married & have children I found them hard to keep track of & I’ve read all the books, please can we have a family tree? I loved Hugh & he stole every scene he was in. Not my favourite book from the author but still enjoyable
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
November 25, 2024
Good intentions sometimes come back to bite!
Charlie, the Earl of Stanwood can’t stand careless lords who loose their houses gambling without a care for their dependants.
When he’s having a drink in White’s he overhears such a bet.
Now Charlie doesn’t gamble but he knows how to.
He takes Lord Ognon to the cleaners, claims his prize, and finds his newly acquired house is in his estate’s neighbourhood.
Only when he confronts the woman of the house he finds that the estate was not Ognon’s to bet with, it belongs to Miss Oriana Ognon.
Oriana is sick of Ognon sending his gambling debtors to her to be rebuffed. Charlie however tells her he was going to give the house to her no strings attached. Now he doesn’t have to.
Charlie is much struck by Oriana and plans to get to know her better. Oriana’s having nothing of him.
How this situation is turned around is pleasantly fun although I did lose patience with both of them Oriana in particular.
I was in love with seven year old Hugh who falls in love with Oriana and plans to ask her to wait for him! He manfully gives way to his Uncle.
Charming!
A Kensington ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Charlie, the Earl of Stanwood can’t stand careless lords who loose their houses gambling without a care for their dependants.
When he’s having a drink in White’s he overhears such a bet.
Now Charlie doesn’t gamble but he knows how to.
He takes Lord Ognon to the cleaners, claims his prize, and finds his newly acquired house is in his estate’s neighbourhood.
Only when he confronts the woman of the house he finds that the estate was not Ognon’s to bet with, it belongs to Miss Oriana Ognon.
Oriana is sick of Ognon sending his gambling debtors to her to be rebuffed. Charlie however tells her he was going to give the house to her no strings attached. Now he doesn’t have to.
Charlie is much struck by Oriana and plans to get to know her better. Oriana’s having nothing of him.
How this situation is turned around is pleasantly fun although I did lose patience with both of them Oriana in particular.
I was in love with seven year old Hugh who falls in love with Oriana and plans to ask her to wait for him! He manfully gives way to his Uncle.
Charming!
A Kensington ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
October 6, 2024
The Worthington Wedding by Ella Quinn is the first book in a new series called Here Comes the Grooms. Charlie, Earl of Stanwood overhears a man throwing a property into the betting anti. The man bragged about how he owned it but some female cousins lived there. Charlie decided to intervene by winning the property with the intention of giving it to the cousin. Little did he know what that would lead to for him.
Miss Oriana Ognon outright owned her property. The men in her family were gamblers, so the women solved it by passing the property through the female line. However, her cousin would bet her property and then the men would show up angry and her cousin would say that she needs to marry him to be safe. Oriana was not amused when Charlie showed up and acted like he was her savior.
Despite the inauspicious beginning, Charlie and Oriana begin to make progress, mostly due to Charlie’s mechanisms. I love how Charlie had to work hard to get Oriana to take him personally. I love how the Worthingtons all helped Charlie. I enjoyed the novel. The Worthington Wedding by Ella Quinn is a good read.
Miss Oriana Ognon outright owned her property. The men in her family were gamblers, so the women solved it by passing the property through the female line. However, her cousin would bet her property and then the men would show up angry and her cousin would say that she needs to marry him to be safe. Oriana was not amused when Charlie showed up and acted like he was her savior.
Despite the inauspicious beginning, Charlie and Oriana begin to make progress, mostly due to Charlie’s mechanisms. I love how Charlie had to work hard to get Oriana to take him personally. I love how the Worthingtons all helped Charlie. I enjoyed the novel. The Worthington Wedding by Ella Quinn is a good read.
January 14, 2025
This starts a new series in the Worthington’s story. This is the first in Here Come the Grooms. Each story is a stand alone, but there are lots of extended family members involved in the story. This is Charlie’s story. Charlie is now the Earl of Stanwood and is ready to settle down and find a wife. When he overhears a worthless wastrel gambling away his family’s home he knows that he must win the deed and return it to the family. When he does, he meets Oriana, and he knows that she is the one he wants for his bride. Too bad that she wants nothing to do with him! The deed he won is fake. She owns the property and has no use for another gambling loser. He must work very hard to prove to her that he’s not what she thinks of him. Lots of twists and turns in this very delightful romance.
December 2, 2024
3.75 ⭐
looks like this series is gonna be a combination of marriage game & worthington series. im glad to see finally out of town tho. ngl i got tired of the never ending balls and newly debuted ladies in the previous books. also i was curious how they spent their summers when the season's over.
love this has lots of con cameos. my man my man
looks like this series is gonna be a combination of marriage game & worthington series. im glad to see finally out of town tho. ngl i got tired of the never ending balls and newly debuted ladies in the previous books. also i was curious how they spent their summers when the season's over.
love this has lots of con cameos. my man my man
January 2, 2025
Finally, Charlie’s Moment to Shine!
The Worthington Wedding by Ella Quinn was EVERYTHING I hoped it would be and more! If you’ve been following the Worthington family, you know we’ve been waiting forever for Charlie’s story—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
Charlie has always been such a sweet and steady presence in the series, but it was so fun to see him step into the spotlight. Watching him navigate love (and maybe a little chaos) was just so heartwarming. The heroine was the perfect match for him—smart, independent, and just the right amount of sassy. Their banter and chemistry were adorable, and I was grinning like a fool during some of their scenes.
And of course, Ella Quinn’s writing is as charming as ever. The family dynamic, the humor, and all the little Regency details made it such a cozy read. It felt like coming home to old friends while falling in love with a new romance.
If you’ve been dying for Charlie to get his happily-ever-after, you NEED to pick this up. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Rating: 5/5 swoony stars!
July 26, 2025
Historical Romance Authors: if you want heroines who are equal to heroes in everything, start writing contemporaries. I miss heroines who had to work around the rules of society to get what they wanted instead of just flouting those rules and everything being okay.
August 13, 2024
Charlie Carpenter, Earl of Stanwood, disapproves of any gentlemen willing to gamble away their dependents’ home. He enters a particular card game with plans of signing the property over to the man’s family. Charlie discovers the place does not really belong to the gentleman but to the man’s cousin. Miss Ognon is everything Charlie wants in a wife. First, he needs to win the wary lady’s trust before he can properly court her. What other trials stand in Charlie’s way?
Miss Oriana Ognon comes from a family of gamblers, a fact that she despises. She inherits property from her maternal grandmother that is not a part of her late father’s estate. That does not stop her cousin from attempting to gamble it away. When yet another gentleman comes to collect, Oriana promptly shows ownership and sends him on his way. Charlie proves to be different from the other men. Can Oriana trust Charlie with both her heart and her property?
Charlie came off as “too perfect”. I understand, being raised and surrounded by sisters, he would understand a woman’s likes, dislikes and worries. Sometimes what he did, like the hair and picking colors best suited for Oriana, felt too much. What I admire the most about Charlie is how he insisted Oriana maintain her belongings, even after marriage.
Oriana often got on my nerves. She played hot and cold. I get that she has trust issues with men. Who wouldn’t be in her situation, aka her gambling father and cousin. Oriana got hurt or angry at the smallest mishap or opposition. I would think she would give Charlie the benefit of the doubt, especially how she surmised “how different he was to other gentleman.” No, she instantly thought the worst.
A WORTHINGTON WEDDING is book one of Ella Quinn’s new historical romance series, HERE COMES THE GROOMS. It is a spinoff from her THE WORTHINGTONS and WORTHINGTON BRIDE series. This is my second jaunt into this author’s works. I only read the last book (THE GROOM LIST) from the latter series (WB). The story can standalone. It felt like all the couples from the prior books made an appearance. It bogged down the story’s pacing, especially when their titles are constantly mentioned.
I like to give new-to-me authors two or three chances. There is always one or two books in a series that just does not appeal. I understand that. However, I just could not get into Ella Quinn’s writing style. It did not click with me.
The first half of the book I moderately enjoyed, enough to continue reading. The second half, however, lost my interest completely. I had a lot of nitpicks that kept me from liking the story or the characters.
Miss Oriana Ognon comes from a family of gamblers, a fact that she despises. She inherits property from her maternal grandmother that is not a part of her late father’s estate. That does not stop her cousin from attempting to gamble it away. When yet another gentleman comes to collect, Oriana promptly shows ownership and sends him on his way. Charlie proves to be different from the other men. Can Oriana trust Charlie with both her heart and her property?
Charlie came off as “too perfect”. I understand, being raised and surrounded by sisters, he would understand a woman’s likes, dislikes and worries. Sometimes what he did, like the hair and picking colors best suited for Oriana, felt too much. What I admire the most about Charlie is how he insisted Oriana maintain her belongings, even after marriage.
Oriana often got on my nerves. She played hot and cold. I get that she has trust issues with men. Who wouldn’t be in her situation, aka her gambling father and cousin. Oriana got hurt or angry at the smallest mishap or opposition. I would think she would give Charlie the benefit of the doubt, especially how she surmised “how different he was to other gentleman.” No, she instantly thought the worst.
A WORTHINGTON WEDDING is book one of Ella Quinn’s new historical romance series, HERE COMES THE GROOMS. It is a spinoff from her THE WORTHINGTONS and WORTHINGTON BRIDE series. This is my second jaunt into this author’s works. I only read the last book (THE GROOM LIST) from the latter series (WB). The story can standalone. It felt like all the couples from the prior books made an appearance. It bogged down the story’s pacing, especially when their titles are constantly mentioned.
I like to give new-to-me authors two or three chances. There is always one or two books in a series that just does not appeal. I understand that. However, I just could not get into Ella Quinn’s writing style. It did not click with me.
The first half of the book I moderately enjoyed, enough to continue reading. The second half, however, lost my interest completely. I had a lot of nitpicks that kept me from liking the story or the characters.
August 2, 2025
I’ve loved the Worthington series, so I was excited for the Charlie’s story. This one featured the whole family and extended family, so it can get confusing if you aren’t familiar with everyone else’s story, but this can be read standalone.
This story is a bit insta-lovey - with Charlie playing the cinnamon roll, perfect gentleman who fights through all kinds of hiccups to convince the very independent and skeptical Oriana that they are meant to be. While the story was great and very readable, the challenges felt a little light and the stakes never felt deep enough to actually prevent the HEA. Oriana was a bit flighty - having spent years fighting against her villian cousin (who was a pretty flat character), she was understandably skeptical of men, and while it takes her quite a while to come around to accepting that Charlie is as perfect as he seems, she also fell apart easily but then stood up to things you’d expect she’d struggle more with - making her feel a little crafted and unrealistic at times.
Low spice and no second-hand embarrassment for either the romance or general story complications.
Lots of loose ends and side characters and additional story opportunities that set it up well for additional books in the series.
Overall, great story to add to the collection and continued the entire family storyline. If you want a light regency without the ton politics and with little cringe and lots of family, this is a great read.
I received an eARC from NetGallery. This is my honest review.
This story is a bit insta-lovey - with Charlie playing the cinnamon roll, perfect gentleman who fights through all kinds of hiccups to convince the very independent and skeptical Oriana that they are meant to be. While the story was great and very readable, the challenges felt a little light and the stakes never felt deep enough to actually prevent the HEA. Oriana was a bit flighty - having spent years fighting against her villian cousin (who was a pretty flat character), she was understandably skeptical of men, and while it takes her quite a while to come around to accepting that Charlie is as perfect as he seems, she also fell apart easily but then stood up to things you’d expect she’d struggle more with - making her feel a little crafted and unrealistic at times.
Low spice and no second-hand embarrassment for either the romance or general story complications.
Lots of loose ends and side characters and additional story opportunities that set it up well for additional books in the series.
Overall, great story to add to the collection and continued the entire family storyline. If you want a light regency without the ton politics and with little cringe and lots of family, this is a great read.
I received an eARC from NetGallery. This is my honest review.
December 9, 2024
Excellent Romantic
I loved that the whole family was included. The two antagonists were dealt with before they could wreak much havoc. Charlie and Miss Ognon were perfect for each other.
I loved that the whole family was included. The two antagonists were dealt with before they could wreak much havoc. Charlie and Miss Ognon were perfect for each other.
November 23, 2024
Well written story by this fantastic author. Full of drama, love, suspense, intrigue, chemistry, society, family issues and lots of twists. Good storyline with strong, witty characters, some old friends from earlier books. They are always welcome back for us to read about. Charles, an Earl, is at his club when he hears about a card game where a piece of property may be involved yet there is still family living there. After winning the game and property, he heads to it so that he may return it to them. It's there he finds Oriana, the real owner and she can prove it. She has all the paperwork and the men in her family have tried to gamble it off before. Now what is to happen as Charlie has been swindled. Charlie falls hard for her and knows this is who and what he wants for his wife. He has to get thru her barriers and win her hand. He wants to help her and she really doesn't want the help. Every interaction has a reaction for these characters. Glad they work to get their happily ever after. Would recommend thi sbook and all the other Worthington's stories.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.
November 30, 2024
This is the first book in the Here Comes the Groom series. It is a charming and well written love story. It was interesting with a lot of drama, action, nefarious plots to disrupt, and so much more that kept me entertained. The chemistry that led to a special romance was delightful. I enjoyed how beautiful love triumphed over many obstacles. I can't wait for the next story. I highly recommend reading!
January 1, 2025
I don’t know what has happened to the writing of Ella Quinn but it is such a disappointment. Compared to the stories of Grace Carpenter in Three Weeks to Wed or Phoebe in The Seduction of Lady Phoebe, it’s as if A Worthington Wedding was written by a young teenager attempting to write a novel for the first time. There is no depth to the writing. The sentences are short and simple, very much dumbed down. The writing reads “AI”-ish versus written by an actual person. This follows the same simplistic, shallow writing style used in The Groom List, The Husband List, and The Marriage List.
Do not recommend. The author has evolved to churning out books like generic cheese sandwiches.
Do not recommend. The author has evolved to churning out books like generic cheese sandwiches.
February 17, 2025
Even though this book is advertised as the first in a series, it is clearly a sub series. There are so many characters, it is hard to keep track of who is who.
I feel that Oriana’s personality changes through the book. She starts out as a strong character, who is used to handling situations. Then when Charlie and her encounter their first obstacle, she turns into a blubbering mess that is so unlike the character first introduced.
I feel that Oriana’s personality changes through the book. She starts out as a strong character, who is used to handling situations. Then when Charlie and her encounter their first obstacle, she turns into a blubbering mess that is so unlike the character first introduced.
November 26, 2024
This book gets this new series off to an intriguing and delightful start. There was just something about Charlie and Oriana that grabbed hold of my heart fiercely and had me falling fast and hard. The story was jam-packed with heart and was cute and fun. Add in ample amounts of emotion and drama and this romance checked all the boxes for me.
October 31, 2024
Let me start off by saying that I have read most of the books in this series. So I can say with full confidence that while the love story between Oriana and Charlie can be read as a stand alone, you are likely to be really confused by the sheer number of background characters that appear. Especially when said characters are all introduced at once. It's overwhelming for anyone, including someone like myself who had already met these characters in prior novels.
Overlooking that aspect though, this one still had it's troubles. And sadly, the majority of them (for me) came past the halfway point.
The book starts off strongly enough with Charlie, attempting to do a good deed meets the steadfast Oriana who is more than used to dealing with gamblers thinking that have won her property when it was never her cousin's to wager in the first place. I liked how wary she was of him at first, and how it was the small comments and actions of others that got her to finally see him in a different light. I enjoyed their interactions after she decided to give him a chance as he continued to prove himself to her (although him knowing what colors would suit her best because of his sisters was a little corny in my opinion, it was also kind of cute as well). So he proposes. She accepts. They anticipate their vows.
And then all hell breaks loose.
Because you see, having her cousin being up to no good, paying ruffians to damage her tenants properties and whispering rumors about his upcoming marriage to Oriana wasn't enough, the author decided to throw another monkey wrench into their plans. This in the form of a supposed betrothal agreement between his daughter and Charlie. Only, this contract doesn't make any sense considering the man with whom it was supposedly made was banned from stepping foot onto Charlie's estate back when his father was the Earl.
Of course, despite claiming to be in love with him and freely giving herself to him multiple times, the moment Charlie tells Oriana about the supposed betrothal agreement, she shuts down. Immediately believing the worst in him and asking herself how he could possibly not have known. Which I mean, considering the man's name had already come up in a different conversation in which Charlie told Oriana about the falling out between the two families should have given her a clue it was likely not to be true.
The problem is, how do they go about proving it isn't true without harming the daughter's reputation?
All things considered, I enjoyed the majority of this novel and I will almost certainly continue to read more in this series, I just hope that the author either provides a family tree we can reference, or chooses to not have all of the characters from prior novels show up.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Overlooking that aspect though, this one still had it's troubles. And sadly, the majority of them (for me) came past the halfway point.
The book starts off strongly enough with Charlie, attempting to do a good deed meets the steadfast Oriana who is more than used to dealing with gamblers thinking that have won her property when it was never her cousin's to wager in the first place. I liked how wary she was of him at first, and how it was the small comments and actions of others that got her to finally see him in a different light. I enjoyed their interactions after she decided to give him a chance as he continued to prove himself to her (although him knowing what colors would suit her best because of his sisters was a little corny in my opinion, it was also kind of cute as well). So he proposes. She accepts. They anticipate their vows.
And then all hell breaks loose.
Because you see, having her cousin being up to no good, paying ruffians to damage her tenants properties and whispering rumors about his upcoming marriage to Oriana wasn't enough, the author decided to throw another monkey wrench into their plans. This in the form of a supposed betrothal agreement between his daughter and Charlie. Only, this contract doesn't make any sense considering the man with whom it was supposedly made was banned from stepping foot onto Charlie's estate back when his father was the Earl.
Of course, despite claiming to be in love with him and freely giving herself to him multiple times, the moment Charlie tells Oriana about the supposed betrothal agreement, she shuts down. Immediately believing the worst in him and asking herself how he could possibly not have known. Which I mean, considering the man's name had already come up in a different conversation in which Charlie told Oriana about the falling out between the two families should have given her a clue it was likely not to be true.
The problem is, how do they go about proving it isn't true without harming the daughter's reputation?
All things considered, I enjoyed the majority of this novel and I will almost certainly continue to read more in this series, I just hope that the author either provides a family tree we can reference, or chooses to not have all of the characters from prior novels show up.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
November 21, 2024
Barbara’s rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
Series: Here Come The Grooms #1
Publication Date: 11/26/24
Period: Regency
This author’s first entry in her new Here Come The Grooms series pits a quickly besotted Earl against a ‘having none of it’ spinster. It is a continuation of the two previous Worthing series and has appearances by those characters. Our two main characters are Miss Oriana Ognon, daughter of a Viscount, and Charles (Charlie) Carpenter, Earl of Stanwood. If you have read the preceding series, you will have already met Charlie.
While Oriana doesn’t particularly dislike men, she definitely distrusts them. First her father, and now her cousin have gambled away all of the assets of the Viscountcy. If it weren’t for her maternal aunt, Oriana would be without a home or support. Thankfully, her aunt left her a lovely home and the funds to support herself and her home. That, however, doesn’t stop her wastrel cousin from gambling away the deed to her home and she is besieged by a constant stream of gamblers who show up at her door to lay claim to it. She has to prove, over and over, that the home is hers and that her cousin has no right to gamble away the title. MEN! She’ll never trust one and certainly not one who shows up after having ‘won’ the title to her home.
Charlie never gambles – except playing for pennies with his family. He always wins! So, he doesn't doubt the outcome when he decides to play cards with Viscount Ognon after hearing he was wagering away one of his holdings – one in which his young female cousin lives. Charlie will win the title and then sign it over to the young woman who lives in the home. Nobody should gamble away assets needed to provide a roof over the family’s head and Charlie will right this one wrong anyway.
The greeting Charlie gets when he shows up at Oriana’s door is not what he expected. She hardly gives him time to speak before booting him out the door. Well, well. Charlie has been looking for THE woman who will pique his interest. It seems he has just met her. So, now, how will he convince her that he is a good, trustworthy man and not an inveterate gambler?
I was really looking forward to seeing Charlie’s HEA, but, for me, it just fell flat. The first 40% or so of the book was pretty good and I could see the story's potential – then, not so much. For one thing, I never felt that I got to ‘know’ Charlie or Oriana and I didn’t really feel their connection. Some of the page space that was used for deciding who was eating dinner where, which back path they were going to take from one estate to another, what they were going to have for dinner, and the myriad interactions with former series characters could have been used to further flesh out Oriana and Charlie as well as strengthen the almost non-existent plots of the villains.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Here Come The Grooms #1
Publication Date: 11/26/24
Period: Regency
This author’s first entry in her new Here Come The Grooms series pits a quickly besotted Earl against a ‘having none of it’ spinster. It is a continuation of the two previous Worthing series and has appearances by those characters. Our two main characters are Miss Oriana Ognon, daughter of a Viscount, and Charles (Charlie) Carpenter, Earl of Stanwood. If you have read the preceding series, you will have already met Charlie.
While Oriana doesn’t particularly dislike men, she definitely distrusts them. First her father, and now her cousin have gambled away all of the assets of the Viscountcy. If it weren’t for her maternal aunt, Oriana would be without a home or support. Thankfully, her aunt left her a lovely home and the funds to support herself and her home. That, however, doesn’t stop her wastrel cousin from gambling away the deed to her home and she is besieged by a constant stream of gamblers who show up at her door to lay claim to it. She has to prove, over and over, that the home is hers and that her cousin has no right to gamble away the title. MEN! She’ll never trust one and certainly not one who shows up after having ‘won’ the title to her home.
Charlie never gambles – except playing for pennies with his family. He always wins! So, he doesn't doubt the outcome when he decides to play cards with Viscount Ognon after hearing he was wagering away one of his holdings – one in which his young female cousin lives. Charlie will win the title and then sign it over to the young woman who lives in the home. Nobody should gamble away assets needed to provide a roof over the family’s head and Charlie will right this one wrong anyway.
The greeting Charlie gets when he shows up at Oriana’s door is not what he expected. She hardly gives him time to speak before booting him out the door. Well, well. Charlie has been looking for THE woman who will pique his interest. It seems he has just met her. So, now, how will he convince her that he is a good, trustworthy man and not an inveterate gambler?
I was really looking forward to seeing Charlie’s HEA, but, for me, it just fell flat. The first 40% or so of the book was pretty good and I could see the story's potential – then, not so much. For one thing, I never felt that I got to ‘know’ Charlie or Oriana and I didn’t really feel their connection. Some of the page space that was used for deciding who was eating dinner where, which back path they were going to take from one estate to another, what they were going to have for dinner, and the myriad interactions with former series characters could have been used to further flesh out Oriana and Charlie as well as strengthen the almost non-existent plots of the villains.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 29, 2024
A Worthington Wedding by Ella Quinn is a delightful romp through Regency England, filled with charm, wit, and a touch of scandal. This first book in the "Here Come the Grooms" series introduces us to Charlie, Earl of Stanwood, and Miss Oriana Ognon, whose paths cross in the most unexpected and entertaining ways.
Charlie, a nobleman with a heart of gold and a penchant for winning at cards, finds himself in possession of a property that belongs to Oriana, thanks to her cousin's reckless gambling. Oriana, a fiercely independent woman who has inherited her estate from a maternal aunt, is not one to be easily impressed by Charlie's gallant gestures. Their initial encounter is anything but cordial, with Oriana promptly showing Charlie the door, despite his good intentions.
As the story unfolds, Charlie's determination to win Oriana's trust and affection leads to a series of humorous and heartwarming events. Oriana, who has spent her life dealing with the consequences of her male relatives' gambling habits, is understandably wary of Charlie. However, his genuine kindness and persistence begin to break down her defenses.
The supporting cast of characters, including the ever-delightful Great Dane, Hugh, adds depth and humor to the narrative. The Worthington family, with their large and lively presence, provides a backdrop of warmth and camaraderie that enhances the story's appeal.
Ella Quinn's writing is engaging and witty, with a keen eye for historical detail. The romantic tension between Charlie and Oriana is palpable, and their journey from mutual distrust to love is both believable and satisfying. The plot is well-paced, with enough twists and turns to keep readers hooked until the very end.
However, the book is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the numerous characters and detailed descriptions of meals and family interactions a bit overwhelming. Additionally, the romantic scenes between Charlie and Oriana, while passionate, sometimes feel forced and out of place within the broader narrative.
Overall, A Worthington Wedding is a charming and entertaining read that will appeal to fans of historical romance. Ella Quinn has crafted a delightful tale of love, trust, and redemption that is sure to leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. If you're looking for a light-hearted and witty escape into the world of Regency romance, this book is definitely worth a read.
Thanks to the Author, NetGalley, and Kensington Publishing | Zebra for the eARC
Charlie, a nobleman with a heart of gold and a penchant for winning at cards, finds himself in possession of a property that belongs to Oriana, thanks to her cousin's reckless gambling. Oriana, a fiercely independent woman who has inherited her estate from a maternal aunt, is not one to be easily impressed by Charlie's gallant gestures. Their initial encounter is anything but cordial, with Oriana promptly showing Charlie the door, despite his good intentions.
As the story unfolds, Charlie's determination to win Oriana's trust and affection leads to a series of humorous and heartwarming events. Oriana, who has spent her life dealing with the consequences of her male relatives' gambling habits, is understandably wary of Charlie. However, his genuine kindness and persistence begin to break down her defenses.
The supporting cast of characters, including the ever-delightful Great Dane, Hugh, adds depth and humor to the narrative. The Worthington family, with their large and lively presence, provides a backdrop of warmth and camaraderie that enhances the story's appeal.
Ella Quinn's writing is engaging and witty, with a keen eye for historical detail. The romantic tension between Charlie and Oriana is palpable, and their journey from mutual distrust to love is both believable and satisfying. The plot is well-paced, with enough twists and turns to keep readers hooked until the very end.
However, the book is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the numerous characters and detailed descriptions of meals and family interactions a bit overwhelming. Additionally, the romantic scenes between Charlie and Oriana, while passionate, sometimes feel forced and out of place within the broader narrative.
Overall, A Worthington Wedding is a charming and entertaining read that will appeal to fans of historical romance. Ella Quinn has crafted a delightful tale of love, trust, and redemption that is sure to leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. If you're looking for a light-hearted and witty escape into the world of Regency romance, this book is definitely worth a read.
Thanks to the Author, NetGalley, and Kensington Publishing | Zebra for the eARC
December 7, 2024
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you to NetGalley, Zebra Books, and Ella Quinn. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
In 2016 the Worthington family made their debut in Three Weeks to Wed. There have been many standalone books featuring siblings and various relatives since then. All are standalone stories, but it's been nice to have a thread running through each one allowing me to keep up with previous characters' lives. If you haven't read any of the others, I don't think it'll be a problem, jump in where you are. This book features Charlie Carpenter, Earl of Stanwood, it's finally his time.
I can tell you this much without giving away anything that the blurb hasn't covered. The plot starts out with Charlie being a hero and entering a card game to win a property that the miscreant Lord Ognon bet which happened to have his dependents living in it. Raised right Charlie can't let people be turned out of their home because Ognon can't play cards worth a darn. Charlie is a true Regency romantic hero gentleman at this point, I like him. He stops by the estate intending to sign it over to whoever lives there to find out it wasn't Ognon's in the first place. This is how we meet his love interest Oriana Ognon, the owner of the estate. She's independent, plucky, responsible and the estate is in very good shape. He's intrigued from first meeting, but she takes a dislike to him. A gentleman courts a lady he's interested in but it's hard when she wants nothing to do with him. It's cute how hard he tries to prove he's worthy.
About 2/3 of the way through the book Charlie changed. He went from gentleman to just a man. Once they kissed he was all about getting her alone, not a little like most romances but all the time. I felt the story took a backseat and I began to dislike him. Things like he knows she's exhausted so he makes love to her slowly and then lets her sleep. Huh, not very nice. He smirks, he tries to arrange Oriana sleeping in his room even though his family, including children, are there. Not well done of him. Sneaking around is to be expected but blatant disregard for reputation was too far for me. Everything works out in the end, there's a HEA, but I never thought of him the same again.
#NetGalley #ZebraBooks #AWorthingtonWedding #HereCometheGrooms #Worthingtons #regencyromance #romance #EllaQuinn
In 2016 the Worthington family made their debut in Three Weeks to Wed. There have been many standalone books featuring siblings and various relatives since then. All are standalone stories, but it's been nice to have a thread running through each one allowing me to keep up with previous characters' lives. If you haven't read any of the others, I don't think it'll be a problem, jump in where you are. This book features Charlie Carpenter, Earl of Stanwood, it's finally his time.
I can tell you this much without giving away anything that the blurb hasn't covered. The plot starts out with Charlie being a hero and entering a card game to win a property that the miscreant Lord Ognon bet which happened to have his dependents living in it. Raised right Charlie can't let people be turned out of their home because Ognon can't play cards worth a darn. Charlie is a true Regency romantic hero gentleman at this point, I like him. He stops by the estate intending to sign it over to whoever lives there to find out it wasn't Ognon's in the first place. This is how we meet his love interest Oriana Ognon, the owner of the estate. She's independent, plucky, responsible and the estate is in very good shape. He's intrigued from first meeting, but she takes a dislike to him. A gentleman courts a lady he's interested in but it's hard when she wants nothing to do with him. It's cute how hard he tries to prove he's worthy.
About 2/3 of the way through the book Charlie changed. He went from gentleman to just a man. Once they kissed he was all about getting her alone, not a little like most romances but all the time. I felt the story took a backseat and I began to dislike him. Things like he knows she's exhausted so he makes love to her slowly and then lets her sleep. Huh, not very nice. He smirks, he tries to arrange Oriana sleeping in his room even though his family, including children, are there. Not well done of him. Sneaking around is to be expected but blatant disregard for reputation was too far for me. Everything works out in the end, there's a HEA, but I never thought of him the same again.
#NetGalley #ZebraBooks #AWorthingtonWedding #HereCometheGrooms #Worthingtons #regencyromance #romance #EllaQuinn
October 3, 2024
Charlie’s story is as gentle as his personality is. It’s great to have followed the series in order, it’s just such a tight knit family that in every book you’ll get to see all of your favorite characters all over again. I advised you to read them in order, so you appreciate them more, if you read them as a standalone you might not want to read the others since not all the stories are as exciting or the characters as engaging to be honest. I personally enjoyed more the stories of the older sisters but since I love the family and how they interact with each other so much I’ll keep reading until the the last of the siblings has his or her story.
Charlie is the oldest brother of the Carpenter family and the heir to the Standwood Earldom. He was a little boy when his parents died and has since been protected by his eldest sister, Grace and her Husband, Matt Worthington. Now, it’s his time to go back to his life and responsibilities as the Earl. Being the noble boy he is, he couldn’t stop playing the hero and save a lady from a potential threat. The problem here is that the Lady didn’t need the hero in the first place.
Miss Oriana Ognon has always despised gamblers and silly male members of the ton, so when Charlie suddenly appears as a hero telling her he won her house in a game and he’s planning to give it to her, she dismisses him as a gambler and clarifies that he had been tricked because the house was always hers and not her cousin’s in the first place. As they get to know each other, Oriana might realized she probably misjudged him and together will have to work against two persistent threats to their future happiness.
Thanks NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this ARC. This is my voluntary and honest review.
Charlie is the oldest brother of the Carpenter family and the heir to the Standwood Earldom. He was a little boy when his parents died and has since been protected by his eldest sister, Grace and her Husband, Matt Worthington. Now, it’s his time to go back to his life and responsibilities as the Earl. Being the noble boy he is, he couldn’t stop playing the hero and save a lady from a potential threat. The problem here is that the Lady didn’t need the hero in the first place.
Miss Oriana Ognon has always despised gamblers and silly male members of the ton, so when Charlie suddenly appears as a hero telling her he won her house in a game and he’s planning to give it to her, she dismisses him as a gambler and clarifies that he had been tricked because the house was always hers and not her cousin’s in the first place. As they get to know each other, Oriana might realized she probably misjudged him and together will have to work against two persistent threats to their future happiness.
Thanks NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this ARC. This is my voluntary and honest review.
February 3, 2025
In "A Worthington Wedding," the first book in Ella Quinn's new series Here Come the Grooms, Charlie, the Earl of Stanwood, finds himself embroiled in a daring card game to save his dependent female relatives from losing their home. When he arrives to return the deed to Oriana Ognon, he discovers it is a fake, and she is already the rightful owner. Impressed by Oriana's tenacity and her efforts to run her household with women, Charlie proposes, hoping to win her heart. Despite her initial reluctance towards marriage, Oriana appreciates his perspective of partnership. However, their path to happily ever after is fraught with challenges, including sabotage from her cousin and a rival lord. As they navigate these obstacles, Charlie’s determination and Oriana's growing feelings lead to a fun journey of love and resilience.
Readers will love the witty banter and upbeat chemistry between Charlie and Oriana, as they challenge societal norms while deepening their connection. The story is richly detailed, filled with humor and intrigue, creating a vibrant tapestry of romance that resonates with themes of independence and partnership. The dynamic setting of the ton, combined with a cast of charming supporting characters, adds to the allure. Each encounter brims with delightful tension and clever repartee, keeping readers thoroughly entertained. As Oriana grapples with her past and Charlie works tirelessly to win her over, readers will root for their relationship to flourish. With its blend of humor, romance, and engaging conflicts, "A Worthington Wedding" promises to delight fans of historical romance and keep them eagerly turning the pages, anticipating every twist and turn along the way. I loved it and now I have to go back and read the previous series.
Readers will love the witty banter and upbeat chemistry between Charlie and Oriana, as they challenge societal norms while deepening their connection. The story is richly detailed, filled with humor and intrigue, creating a vibrant tapestry of romance that resonates with themes of independence and partnership. The dynamic setting of the ton, combined with a cast of charming supporting characters, adds to the allure. Each encounter brims with delightful tension and clever repartee, keeping readers thoroughly entertained. As Oriana grapples with her past and Charlie works tirelessly to win her over, readers will root for their relationship to flourish. With its blend of humor, romance, and engaging conflicts, "A Worthington Wedding" promises to delight fans of historical romance and keep them eagerly turning the pages, anticipating every twist and turn along the way. I loved it and now I have to go back and read the previous series.
November 19, 2024
This was a light read, a charming meandering tale about an earl who falls head-over-heels for a woman he tried to rescue, but the lady didn’t need rescuing - or so she thought. She also thought him a gambler like her sleezy cousin, and dismissed him. So, with a little help from his family, her aunt and the villagers, he sets out to change her mind...
While it was a nice story, there are several reasons why I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I could have...
First of all, if you’re going to introduce a generous busload of family members (apparently from a previous series) as side-characters, please include a family tree. There were just too many of them and it was confusing.
The whole story felt very neat and tidy, too convenient, too easy. There were no major roadblocks, no grand gestures, no conquering. Just minor, easily handled hiccups.
Obstinate wary Oriana I liked; I understood her hesitancy and her aunt is a gem. Charlie on the other hand, is a bit too pristine and perfect for my taste - a few flaws would have been nice. There was chemistry but there was no fire. I also think the steam in this book would have been better served as deliciously suggestive closed door, instead of awkward uneasy quick open door. Without the passion it felt out of place and just didn’t work for me.
The bad guys had potential, but I like my villains devious and conniving, and their plotlines well-developed. Why have two of them pop up separately as minor disturbances, all bark and no bite?
And finally - my pet peeve - Belgium. My country was mentioned several times in this book, but it did not exist at the time this story takes place - independence was declared in 1830! Feel free to take some creative liberties with historical accuracy if they work for your story, but please not with simple historical facts.
While it was a nice story, there are several reasons why I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I could have...
First of all, if you’re going to introduce a generous busload of family members (apparently from a previous series) as side-characters, please include a family tree. There were just too many of them and it was confusing.
The whole story felt very neat and tidy, too convenient, too easy. There were no major roadblocks, no grand gestures, no conquering. Just minor, easily handled hiccups.
Obstinate wary Oriana I liked; I understood her hesitancy and her aunt is a gem. Charlie on the other hand, is a bit too pristine and perfect for my taste - a few flaws would have been nice. There was chemistry but there was no fire. I also think the steam in this book would have been better served as deliciously suggestive closed door, instead of awkward uneasy quick open door. Without the passion it felt out of place and just didn’t work for me.
The bad guys had potential, but I like my villains devious and conniving, and their plotlines well-developed. Why have two of them pop up separately as minor disturbances, all bark and no bite?
And finally - my pet peeve - Belgium. My country was mentioned several times in this book, but it did not exist at the time this story takes place - independence was declared in 1830! Feel free to take some creative liberties with historical accuracy if they work for your story, but please not with simple historical facts.
January 11, 2025
I picked this up while browsing new arrivals at the library because of the cover and blurb. I have not read the other two interconnected series with the Worthingtons.
Charlie Stanwood overhears Viscount Ognon wagering his estate that his dependents live in and dives in to save the day, he thinks it is irresponsible to be so careless about those dependent on you. Confident he will get a positive response, he travels to the country and is instead told off by Lady Oriana Ognon as she already owns the estate given to her by her grandmother.
Oriana has been managing the house and the land and has a female majordomo and footmen. She lives with her aunt and has been independent. She is not impressed by Charlie as she cannot approve of a gambler as her cousin and father are exactly that.
The ages of the characters are not mentioned but they felt like in their thirties?
Intrigued by Ariana's beauty and her skill, he wants to get to know her better. And their families are happy to meddle.
I found it hard to catch all the names of Charlie's siblings and in laws and the extended family. It was interesting how the Ton mingle as closely with those from the village, Charlie helps to make a match with two blacksmith families.
The women of the big family are progressive and it was refreshing to see if not unrealistic for that time period. and the way they just spent time alone together and no one batted an eyelash felt strange for the time period and the rules of the Ton.
I liked that the hero was secure in his masculinity to let the heroine decide and not undermine her when she is managing her estate. The way the whole family rallies around the budding couple was so nice to especially since Oriana comes from a smaller family. I loved how they all gave the "we got your back" energy.
Tropes: Dislike to love, found family, meddling family, hero falls first
Charlie Stanwood overhears Viscount Ognon wagering his estate that his dependents live in and dives in to save the day, he thinks it is irresponsible to be so careless about those dependent on you. Confident he will get a positive response, he travels to the country and is instead told off by Lady Oriana Ognon as she already owns the estate given to her by her grandmother.
Oriana has been managing the house and the land and has a female majordomo and footmen. She lives with her aunt and has been independent. She is not impressed by Charlie as she cannot approve of a gambler as her cousin and father are exactly that.
The ages of the characters are not mentioned but they felt like in their thirties?
Intrigued by Ariana's beauty and her skill, he wants to get to know her better. And their families are happy to meddle.
I found it hard to catch all the names of Charlie's siblings and in laws and the extended family. It was interesting how the Ton mingle as closely with those from the village, Charlie helps to make a match with two blacksmith families.
The women of the big family are progressive and it was refreshing to see if not unrealistic for that time period. and the way they just spent time alone together and no one batted an eyelash felt strange for the time period and the rules of the Ton.
I liked that the hero was secure in his masculinity to let the heroine decide and not undermine her when she is managing her estate. The way the whole family rallies around the budding couple was so nice to especially since Oriana comes from a smaller family. I loved how they all gave the "we got your back" energy.
Tropes: Dislike to love, found family, meddling family, hero falls first
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