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Noble Charades #3
The Parlor Game
Love might be the most dangerous game of all.
After enduring a loveless marriage, Anne, the widowed Lady Daventry, hopes to find happiness with her first love, Miles, upon his return from India. Knowing his plans to settle in London, she accepts an invitation to a house party in Town, hosted by the eccentric Lady Tottenham. When the first night of the party consists of a scandalous secret parlor game, she finds an unwelcome guest amongst the group: Miles's scoundrel of a younger brother, Alexander.
Alexander Holland came to London with one objective: take back the money his brother stole from him. Becoming embroiled in a lavish party full of riddles and matchmaking schemes hadn't been part of the plan. Appalled by Anne's loyalty to Miles, Alexander suggests a wager over a game of chess. To be sure she truly loves Miles, she must court a man of Alexander’s choosing prior to Miles’s return.
Certain her feelings will never change, Anne accepts the terms of the arrangement. It would be nothing more than a game—a fake courtship with a strict set of rules. She could easily resist any pompous, preening man Alexander chooses just to prove him wrong.
But Alexander has no intention of being proven wrong, and there’s only one man he would trust to steal Anne's heart in so short a time. Himself.
The Parlor Game is a sweet regency romantic comedy, the third book in the Noble Charades series by Ashtyn Newbold. The series is best enjoyed when read in the order below:
1. The Earl Next Door
2. The Duke's Diary
3. The Parlor Game
After enduring a loveless marriage, Anne, the widowed Lady Daventry, hopes to find happiness with her first love, Miles, upon his return from India. Knowing his plans to settle in London, she accepts an invitation to a house party in Town, hosted by the eccentric Lady Tottenham. When the first night of the party consists of a scandalous secret parlor game, she finds an unwelcome guest amongst the group: Miles's scoundrel of a younger brother, Alexander.
Alexander Holland came to London with one objective: take back the money his brother stole from him. Becoming embroiled in a lavish party full of riddles and matchmaking schemes hadn't been part of the plan. Appalled by Anne's loyalty to Miles, Alexander suggests a wager over a game of chess. To be sure she truly loves Miles, she must court a man of Alexander’s choosing prior to Miles’s return.
Certain her feelings will never change, Anne accepts the terms of the arrangement. It would be nothing more than a game—a fake courtship with a strict set of rules. She could easily resist any pompous, preening man Alexander chooses just to prove him wrong.
But Alexander has no intention of being proven wrong, and there’s only one man he would trust to steal Anne's heart in so short a time. Himself.
The Parlor Game is a sweet regency romantic comedy, the third book in the Noble Charades series by Ashtyn Newbold. The series is best enjoyed when read in the order below:
1. The Earl Next Door
2. The Duke's Diary
3. The Parlor Game
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2024
211 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
September 27, 2024
The definition of “if he could he would”
December 29, 2024
4.75 stars!
I have been waiting for Anne’s story and I loved it! The very beginning wasn’t my favorite but I’m so glad I continued to read because it was such a great story! I loved Alexander and Anne! There is an Enemies to Lovers trope and fake courting which I love both. And it’s a house party, which is always fun! There are a couple of mild innuendos. And he is shirtless in the beginning which I felt unnecessary but that’s more of a personal preference. Overall, this was a great and entertaining story!
I have been waiting for Anne’s story and I loved it! The very beginning wasn’t my favorite but I’m so glad I continued to read because it was such a great story! I loved Alexander and Anne! There is an Enemies to Lovers trope and fake courting which I love both. And it’s a house party, which is always fun! There are a couple of mild innuendos. And he is shirtless in the beginning which I felt unnecessary but that’s more of a personal preference. Overall, this was a great and entertaining story!
October 7, 2024
"𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘦...𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘹𝘩𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘶𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘰 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯'𝘵 𝘴𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦...𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘳𝘶𝘯. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶."
I'm at a loss for words with this book, it's left me so broken and happy at the same time, and I literally DEVOURED it. 😅
This whole series has been my highlight of the year, I don't remember the last time I read a series that has just EVERYTHING a book needs, the perfect amount of love and feelings and still very clean. Characters with so much humor, personality, and emotions...the author makes it feels like they're your friends sitting right next to you.
If you like a clean, regency book, full of twists and turns and never a dull moment, then I highly recommend this book, or any by this author! 🩷
Now I think I'm going to have to binge read the rest of Ashtyn Newbold's books...😅
✨Feelings can be uncomfortable, especially if they're not what you expected✨
I'm at a loss for words with this book, it's left me so broken and happy at the same time, and I literally DEVOURED it. 😅
This whole series has been my highlight of the year, I don't remember the last time I read a series that has just EVERYTHING a book needs, the perfect amount of love and feelings and still very clean. Characters with so much humor, personality, and emotions...the author makes it feels like they're your friends sitting right next to you.
If you like a clean, regency book, full of twists and turns and never a dull moment, then I highly recommend this book, or any by this author! 🩷
Now I think I'm going to have to binge read the rest of Ashtyn Newbold's books...😅
✨Feelings can be uncomfortable, especially if they're not what you expected✨
March 2, 2025
A cute romp of regency house parties & midnight parlour games! I enjoyed this even more than Nora’s story. Anne & Alexander are just… lovely together. He wants someone to believe in him. She wants someone to feel safe with. So heartwarming. ☺️
December 26, 2025
Happy sigh…
Another wonderful story by Ashtyn Newbold. I loved it just as much as loved the first two books. It was romantic and lovely and the only complain I have is that the ending should have been dragged out more, haha. So worth the read.
Another wonderful story by Ashtyn Newbold. I loved it just as much as loved the first two books. It was romantic and lovely and the only complain I have is that the ending should have been dragged out more, haha. So worth the read.
September 25, 2024
“His lips still smiled, but his eyes held a riddle of their own. It was impossible to solve. “Am I not allowed to pay you a compliment?” he asked, his voice deep. “You’re beautiful. I want you to know that.”
Wow this book is amazing! I couldn’t read it fast enough! The storyline is so fun, unique and intriguing! I have loved Anne from book one in this series and it was such a joy reading her journey to happiness, which was so deserved!
I love Regency house parties and this one was so exciting and entertaining. So get ready because you are cordially invited to Lady Tottenham’s house party where there will be games, mischief, matchmaking and so much more!
Read for:
🤍Fake dating with rules
🤍Confident flirty hero
🤍Lovely and clever heroine
🤍He falls first
🤍House party
🤍The meet cute
🤍Games
🤍Matchmaking
🤍Brothers
🤍Sweet and swoony romance
🤍Fun storyline
🤍The way everything comes together in the end
This book had me captivated, it had me swooning and smiling so sooo much! An absolutely incredible story that is a must read! You are going to fall in love with these characters and their fun and swoony story! This book is amazing! This series is a favorite!
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.
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Content: unhappy marriage in the past, kisses only
Wow this book is amazing! I couldn’t read it fast enough! The storyline is so fun, unique and intriguing! I have loved Anne from book one in this series and it was such a joy reading her journey to happiness, which was so deserved!
I love Regency house parties and this one was so exciting and entertaining. So get ready because you are cordially invited to Lady Tottenham’s house party where there will be games, mischief, matchmaking and so much more!
Read for:
🤍Fake dating with rules
🤍Confident flirty hero
🤍Lovely and clever heroine
🤍He falls first
🤍House party
🤍The meet cute
🤍Games
🤍Matchmaking
🤍Brothers
🤍Sweet and swoony romance
🤍Fun storyline
🤍The way everything comes together in the end
This book had me captivated, it had me swooning and smiling so sooo much! An absolutely incredible story that is a must read! You are going to fall in love with these characters and their fun and swoony story! This book is amazing! This series is a favorite!
.
.
.
Content: unhappy marriage in the past, kisses only
September 17, 2024
great conclusions to the series
This has quickly become my favorite series from Ashton Newbold, and I adored how The Parlor Game finished it off. There was a fun mystery with plenty of clues that had me guessing right along with the characters, lots of humor, and such a sweet clean romance. I totally ditched chores to finish this read.
This has quickly become my favorite series from Ashton Newbold, and I adored how The Parlor Game finished it off. There was a fun mystery with plenty of clues that had me guessing right along with the characters, lots of humor, and such a sweet clean romance. I totally ditched chores to finish this read.
June 24, 2025
Alexander yes. Miles,booooo.
Cute fluff. 3.25?
Cute fluff. 3.25?
December 13, 2024
“There are people downstairs and you are about to join them,” he said with a hint of accusation. “Obviously I am missing something.” “Yes, you are.” I glanced back at his face, unable to hide my dismay. “Your shirt.”
I LOVE Ashtyn Newbold! This series has been so awesome! One of my favorites! And this book totally had me invested from the first chapter. So witty! So funny. I kept turning pages to discover what hilarious situation would happen next. Think crickets. IYKYK.
I can never get enough when I’m reading a book by this author. So much humor, emotion, and feeling. You’ll be rooting for the good guys and dreading the bad. Lady Tottenham was such an amusing character.
Ashtyn knows how to create an awkward situation and make it even worse! I was laughing one minute and horrified the next. So much fun! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and was sad to see it end.
“Red looks lovely on you.” His breath brushed my ear, and I chose to ignore the leap my heart took at his words. Was he referring to my dress or my blush? I would stab him with my fork if it was the latter.”
Don’t miss this book or this series!
I LOVE Ashtyn Newbold! This series has been so awesome! One of my favorites! And this book totally had me invested from the first chapter. So witty! So funny. I kept turning pages to discover what hilarious situation would happen next. Think crickets. IYKYK.
I can never get enough when I’m reading a book by this author. So much humor, emotion, and feeling. You’ll be rooting for the good guys and dreading the bad. Lady Tottenham was such an amusing character.
Ashtyn knows how to create an awkward situation and make it even worse! I was laughing one minute and horrified the next. So much fun! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and was sad to see it end.
“Red looks lovely on you.” His breath brushed my ear, and I chose to ignore the leap my heart took at his words. Was he referring to my dress or my blush? I would stab him with my fork if it was the latter.”
Don’t miss this book or this series!
September 26, 2024
This was my least favorite book of this trilogy. Still cute and I’m glad that Anne finally got her happy ending but one of things I loved about the first two is that all the main players are present in both books.
Anne is completely alone in this book and doesn’t even receive letters from her sister. There is also tonal shift from the first two with the mystery/games.
Overall, it’s a cute series. The second book was my favorite but I would recommend reading them all in order as they tie together so well.
Anne is completely alone in this book and doesn’t even receive letters from her sister. There is also tonal shift from the first two with the mystery/games.
Overall, it’s a cute series. The second book was my favorite but I would recommend reading them all in order as they tie together so well.
January 7, 2025
4.5 stars - Who doesn’t love parlor games? A little fake dating, a little forced proximity, some flirting, mystery, crickets… good stuff! There was a lull in the middle bits but the book ends were great! A lovely conclusion to a charming series.
September 19, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Super cute!
Super cute!
November 12, 2024
I felt like Anne was a different person in this book than the chaperone and friend we met in the last two, but perhaps her financial situation made her a bit desperate and therefore more bold and outspoken than she was in the previous books. I immediately liked Alexander and his playful nature and his willingness to just let his character speak for itself as he allowed Anne to build her own opinion of him rather than defending himself or slandering Miles from the start.
Thought this was a great ending to the series - might be my favorites of Ashtyn Newbold’s series that I’ve read so far.
Thought this was a great ending to the series - might be my favorites of Ashtyn Newbold’s series that I’ve read so far.
February 17, 2025
"𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒚 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑯𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒇𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒓."
I underestimated this book. Throughout the whole series, I kept rooting for Miles to finally be back and claim Anne's heart. Because of this, I kinda didn't like the idea of her having his brother as the romantic interest (sorry Ms. Newbold, I should have trusted your judgment). Throughout the book, Alexander not only gained Anne's trust and love, but mine too.
Without the weight of being a chaperone, Anne blooms as a totally different person. She is still elegant and kind as always, but there's a boldness in her we didn't see in the previous books. Maybe Alexander's adventurous influence was all she needed to finally be herself.
This man went above and beyond to show her how he loved her, even when his brother's false accusations against him clouded her judgment. Their fake courtship and the games set the perfect scenery to funny and swoony moments.
By far, The Parlor Game was my favorite in the series. I can't wait to re-read it. It was incredibly fun and romantic, all we could ever want in a regency romcom. The setting of this book makes it the perfect read for fans of the Brigerton Series - especially those who miss Lady Dambury's mischief.
I underestimated this book. Throughout the whole series, I kept rooting for Miles to finally be back and claim Anne's heart. Because of this, I kinda didn't like the idea of her having his brother as the romantic interest (sorry Ms. Newbold, I should have trusted your judgment). Throughout the book, Alexander not only gained Anne's trust and love, but mine too.
Without the weight of being a chaperone, Anne blooms as a totally different person. She is still elegant and kind as always, but there's a boldness in her we didn't see in the previous books. Maybe Alexander's adventurous influence was all she needed to finally be herself.
This man went above and beyond to show her how he loved her, even when his brother's false accusations against him clouded her judgment. Their fake courtship and the games set the perfect scenery to funny and swoony moments.
By far, The Parlor Game was my favorite in the series. I can't wait to re-read it. It was incredibly fun and romantic, all we could ever want in a regency romcom. The setting of this book makes it the perfect read for fans of the Brigerton Series - especially those who miss Lady Dambury's mischief.
April 28, 2025
4/5 ⭐
I loved the idea of hosting a party strictly for games and riddle-solving; I think it was clever and breaks up some of the monotony that can occur with these regency era romances.
Alexander? A precious little flirt, but so sweet and kind.
Anne? A prim and proper queen with an ample amount of wit and humor, you just have to get her out of her little shell.
Dual POV, which I adore.
KIND of an enemies to lovers vibe, but not truly.
Overall, such a cute read and a fantastic series. All on KU!
I loved the idea of hosting a party strictly for games and riddle-solving; I think it was clever and breaks up some of the monotony that can occur with these regency era romances.
Alexander? A precious little flirt, but so sweet and kind.
Anne? A prim and proper queen with an ample amount of wit and humor, you just have to get her out of her little shell.
Dual POV, which I adore.
KIND of an enemies to lovers vibe, but not truly.
Overall, such a cute read and a fantastic series. All on KU!
July 21, 2025
This one had me stressin !!
There were so many funny and cute moments. I was anxious about it all working out haha. I would have enjoyed a bit more about miles in the epilogue, to see how he handled everything haha- I wanted to witness his downfall.
I LOVED lady Tottenham, I found her so eccentric and fun! What an interesting game and prize, I didn’t quite see that coming.
I also enjoyed Alexander’s character, but I wish we got more on him actually falling for her. On his side, it felt a little rushed.
There were so many funny and cute moments. I was anxious about it all working out haha. I would have enjoyed a bit more about miles in the epilogue, to see how he handled everything haha- I wanted to witness his downfall.
I LOVED lady Tottenham, I found her so eccentric and fun! What an interesting game and prize, I didn’t quite see that coming.
I also enjoyed Alexander’s character, but I wish we got more on him actually falling for her. On his side, it felt a little rushed.
September 20, 2024
a fun, sweet tale about growth and independence
This book delivers more than its title: games that don’t serve the purpose the reader thinks they do! And interwoven with that is Anne’s story of growth and independence and how she ultimately learns to claim her own happiness. Also, I adored Alexander’s sense of humble ambition and knowledge of his own mind.
This book delivers more than its title: games that don’t serve the purpose the reader thinks they do! And interwoven with that is Anne’s story of growth and independence and how she ultimately learns to claim her own happiness. Also, I adored Alexander’s sense of humble ambition and knowledge of his own mind.
September 25, 2024
4.5⭐️ Newbold strikes again!! So many enjoyable flavors with a dash of enemies, a heap of forced proximity, and a sprinkle of flirting… with fake dating?? Can’t get much better. Anything with a brother love triangle is a little nopey-tropey for me, but it was barreeellyy that and super well done. Worth the wait! Ate it up. Nom nom nom
September 16, 2024
10 stars!!
I loved this series and this book was worth the wait! The characters were so fun and the games so ridiculously wonderful. The story was excellent and the happily ever after so so good! A great clean regency romance with intrigue and hilarity. A must read
I loved this series and this book was worth the wait! The characters were so fun and the games so ridiculously wonderful. The story was excellent and the happily ever after so so good! A great clean regency romance with intrigue and hilarity. A must read
April 16, 2025
I did not want to put this goodie down! This should be put to film. Anne and Alexander’s story is my fav story from this author! It’s so sweet…and the story of the games so interesting. Definitely read this one if you haven’t!
October 10, 2024
A fun, light-hearted read. I loved the riddles and games throughout this story and finally getting Anne’s happily ever after.
November 3, 2024
Sooooooooo cute 😭😭😭
February 19, 2025
Wonderful story!!! Absolutely love this Author
May 20, 2025
Cute and fun Regency-era fluff. A great ending to the series, although they are stand-alones and it’s not necessary to read in order.
Sweet and clean. I’m glad the author went back to the dual POV!
Sweet and clean. I’m glad the author went back to the dual POV!
July 4, 2025
Loved this series! Cute and refreshing! This book was a little more scandalous, but clean. I would let my teen read this series.
June 12, 2025
This story I felt was so fun and unique! Anne has been in love with Miles for years we met Anne in the previous books and she has been pining for him. She gets invited to a very strange house party where the hostess has a goal to match her guests and play some fun games. She meets Miles’ younger brother Alexander who has been made out as a scoundrel and rouge by Miles….anyway, I wasn’t sure if this would work for me because Anne had been pining for Miles for so long, but Alexander is such a sweet heart you can’t help but falling in love! 😂 The games aspect was cool too! So I really enjoyed this one.
October 3, 2024
This is a book I was waiting for and it did not disappoint. Sweet and cheeky, it’s a lovely conclusion to the series and a HEA for the ever patient Anne. We all need an Alexander in our lives. Jane Austen fans will love this. I recommend the whole series.
October 25, 2024
When two bookstabesties tell you to read a book, you know it’s going to be good—and this one was fantastic! Some fake courting, games and riddles, an eccentric party host, the swooniest moments, and a love triangle done perfectly. This is just a super fun and swoony book with a very satisfying ending.
September 21, 2024
Honestly, I read this book a few nights ago, stayed up way too late to finish it and regretted it in the morning. It was a decent story, but nothing I'm going to want to read over and over again. Which to me, feels like wasted time when I should have been getting some much needed rest before work. That being said, it did hold my interest enough that I wanted to keep reading late into the night.
I'm not entirely sure which part of it left me wanting, but something about it didn't land well enough that I feel I could rave about it. The romance was decent: good flirty banter, fun scenarios of forced proximity, some cute moments, but nothing to write home about. Usually I love Ashtyn Newbold's work, so I'm interested to hear what others thought of this one.
While I'm stumped writing this review, I genuinely would recommend this book as an easy light romance, so long as that is all you are wanting.
I'm not entirely sure which part of it left me wanting, but something about it didn't land well enough that I feel I could rave about it. The romance was decent: good flirty banter, fun scenarios of forced proximity, some cute moments, but nothing to write home about. Usually I love Ashtyn Newbold's work, so I'm interested to hear what others thought of this one.
While I'm stumped writing this review, I genuinely would recommend this book as an easy light romance, so long as that is all you are wanting.
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