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Accidental Courtship with the Earl
What happens when a grumpy earl meets a sunshine lady? Sparks are sure to fly in this lively Regency!
She’s falling for the earl…
When she’s already betrothed!
Mark, the Earl of Inverness, escapes to London to avoid his mother’s matchmaking, and the wounds of war that continue to haunt him. So, when a macaw flies into his garden, he’s intrigued by his new neighbor following behind…and the dazzling woman proves just the distraction he needs!
Lady Helen Stringham reluctantly agreed to a Season in exchange for becoming conveniently engaged to her childhood friend when she returns home. But after she encounters broodingly handsome Mark, who shares her passion for animals, she’s discovering what real attraction is… Just who should she be marrying?
From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
She’s falling for the earl…
When she’s already betrothed!
Mark, the Earl of Inverness, escapes to London to avoid his mother’s matchmaking, and the wounds of war that continue to haunt him. So, when a macaw flies into his garden, he’s intrigued by his new neighbor following behind…and the dazzling woman proves just the distraction he needs!
Lady Helen Stringham reluctantly agreed to a Season in exchange for becoming conveniently engaged to her childhood friend when she returns home. But after she encounters broodingly handsome Mark, who shares her passion for animals, she’s discovering what real attraction is… Just who should she be marrying?
From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published August 20, 2024
9 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Hastings
56 books286 followersSamantha Hastings has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and the University of North Texas. She met her husband in a turkey-sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her kids. She writes cozy mysteries under Samantha Larsen.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 27, 2024
I love the Stringham family! They are funny, eccentric and utterly delightful! I love how the parents are the biggest champions to their children. They love them and they want to cheer them on and want them to find their passion and what brings them joy in their lives. They don't want them just settling but truly want them to be happy. And the matriarch of the family, ohhhh, she's good! She's really good! She knows everything that is happening and her children can't pull any fast ones over her!
One of my favorite things about this book was seeing the whole Stringham family and getting to know them even more and seeing them past the end of their stories and happily ever afters. And seeing their close knit familial relationships. I loved that so much!
And Lady Helen is just a force to be reckoned with. In a good way. She doesn't fit inside a mold, especially no mold that society deems appropriate. And she's okay with that. She's happy with who she is. So much so, she's figured out the perfect plan to get what she wants. But what she doesn't expect is meeting the one man who will turn all of her plans on its head and leave her trying to figure out if what she thought she wanted is truly what she wants.
And Mark is not your average Regency hero. A hero he is for sure, but he doesn't quite fit society's mold either. He's just going to hide away and not worry about society. That is until Lady Helen climbs over their adjoining garden wall and completely knocks his world on its axis. Yep! He's done for!
I just loved these two. The beautiful healing that happens and the beautiful friendship were wonderful! I loved how the author brought it all full circle and solved any conflict.
Content: This is a Harlequin novel but is not explicit. There are mild innuendos throughout the book. The characters touch each other a lot, i.e. on the arm, the cheek, she falls asleep with her head on his lap, holding each other close during the waltz, no inappropriate touching. And there are a handful of kissing scenes where the kissing is a little more in depth. The characters go swimming together at one point and her clothing is very thin. I would rate this PG-13. Lady Helen is very literal and is a naturalist (interested in nature and animals) and compares her physical reactions to that of her knowledge of animals (if you've read the previous books you know that her father is a naturalist and they have a whole menagerie of animals on their estate). So there is some mention of different animals/insects/reptiles and the fact that they mate or have mating rituals. It is not discussed in detail, just mentioned that they mate.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
One of my favorite things about this book was seeing the whole Stringham family and getting to know them even more and seeing them past the end of their stories and happily ever afters. And seeing their close knit familial relationships. I loved that so much!
And Lady Helen is just a force to be reckoned with. In a good way. She doesn't fit inside a mold, especially no mold that society deems appropriate. And she's okay with that. She's happy with who she is. So much so, she's figured out the perfect plan to get what she wants. But what she doesn't expect is meeting the one man who will turn all of her plans on its head and leave her trying to figure out if what she thought she wanted is truly what she wants.
And Mark is not your average Regency hero. A hero he is for sure, but he doesn't quite fit society's mold either. He's just going to hide away and not worry about society. That is until Lady Helen climbs over their adjoining garden wall and completely knocks his world on its axis. Yep! He's done for!
I just loved these two. The beautiful healing that happens and the beautiful friendship were wonderful! I loved how the author brought it all full circle and solved any conflict.
Content: This is a Harlequin novel but is not explicit. There are mild innuendos throughout the book. The characters touch each other a lot, i.e. on the arm, the cheek, she falls asleep with her head on his lap, holding each other close during the waltz, no inappropriate touching. And there are a handful of kissing scenes where the kissing is a little more in depth. The characters go swimming together at one point and her clothing is very thin. I would rate this PG-13. Lady Helen is very literal and is a naturalist (interested in nature and animals) and compares her physical reactions to that of her knowledge of animals (if you've read the previous books you know that her father is a naturalist and they have a whole menagerie of animals on their estate). So there is some mention of different animals/insects/reptiles and the fact that they mate or have mating rituals. It is not discussed in detail, just mentioned that they mate.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
September 8, 2024
“Sometimes you have to cut something down so it can grow in a new direction.”
The Stringham family is back and they are one of my most favorite, quirky, and adored families in fiction. Naturalist and snake lover, Helen, is a force to be reckoned with and her precocious excursions lead her right into the garden of former soldier and now Lord, Mark. Every page held beloved interactions between this spritely girl and her melancholic friend, and their unique personalities became more apparent and distinct.
While I loved checking in on other members of the family, I was captivated by the burgeoning connection and romantic interludes of this enchanting duo, especially as they each have elusive attachments in the shadows. Helen is so delightfully clueless and I enjoyed how much freedom she was given during this time period. Hastings really knows how to bring the sparks and swoon to a story and I was completely enchanted.
Content: mild+ romance (sizzling kisses, some innuendo, but definitely closed door)
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
The Stringham family is back and they are one of my most favorite, quirky, and adored families in fiction. Naturalist and snake lover, Helen, is a force to be reckoned with and her precocious excursions lead her right into the garden of former soldier and now Lord, Mark. Every page held beloved interactions between this spritely girl and her melancholic friend, and their unique personalities became more apparent and distinct.
While I loved checking in on other members of the family, I was captivated by the burgeoning connection and romantic interludes of this enchanting duo, especially as they each have elusive attachments in the shadows. Helen is so delightfully clueless and I enjoyed how much freedom she was given during this time period. Hastings really knows how to bring the sparks and swoon to a story and I was completely enchanted.
Content: mild+ romance (sizzling kisses, some innuendo, but definitely closed door)
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
June 23, 2024
Thank you to Samantha for sending me a signed copy!
I have a new favourite Samantha Hastings book. I think this being about an author just helped it hit the same spot that The Last Word did. I loved Helen and Mark so much and I need MORE. Samantha WRITE A SEQUEL ABOUT HELEN'S BUSINESS PLEASE. This is only the second Harlequin romance I've read from Samantha but I definitely need to go and read her others now.
I have a new favourite Samantha Hastings book. I think this being about an author just helped it hit the same spot that The Last Word did. I loved Helen and Mark so much and I need MORE. Samantha WRITE A SEQUEL ABOUT HELEN'S BUSINESS PLEASE. This is only the second Harlequin romance I've read from Samantha but I definitely need to go and read her others now.
September 4, 2024
This is part of a lovely series! This one was a little more light on the female side and more heavy on the male side! I thought it was a lovely combination! In enjoyed the whole thing. Can’t wait for the next installment about another sibling! Fantastic series!
November 11, 2024
A lovely easy read and not the usual boy meets girl, hates her and then marries her… this one has a decent storyline and I like the follow on from previous novels relating to the Stringhams.
This one tells the story of Helen , the one who loves nature, animals and reptiles and who doesn’t want to become an aristocrat living in London and obliged by all all the rules that this entails.. she has a lifelong friend who will become her husband and this will allow her to have exactly what she wants. Mother feels she should have a season and then marry her friend if this is what she still wants to do…agreement made Helen goes to London and meets an unlikely match … a second son who has inherited a title but doesn’t want to be involved in society due to his horrific experiences in the Napoleonic wars .
These two meet, find they enjoy each others company and both are very direct and forthcoming in their ways… watch this space.
This one tells the story of Helen , the one who loves nature, animals and reptiles and who doesn’t want to become an aristocrat living in London and obliged by all all the rules that this entails.. she has a lifelong friend who will become her husband and this will allow her to have exactly what she wants. Mother feels she should have a season and then marry her friend if this is what she still wants to do…agreement made Helen goes to London and meets an unlikely match … a second son who has inherited a title but doesn’t want to be involved in society due to his horrific experiences in the Napoleonic wars .
These two meet, find they enjoy each others company and both are very direct and forthcoming in their ways… watch this space.
August 11, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! I was instantly draw in by the FMC, Helen, who is not the typical debutante. She does not want to conform to societal standards, she speaks her mind, and she views the world almost pragmatically. The tone of this book matched the characters perfectly and it just scratched the perfect place in my brain. There was drama, but it wasn't drawn out or over the top, and the characters said what they felt. That was very refreshing!
This can be read as a stand-alone, but I could tell from some of the characters back stories that they probably had their own books. I was delighted to find out there are three other books about the different siblings and maybe one more coming for Becca. I definitely need to check those out now because I loved all of Helen's family!!! Their good humor, their teasing, and their absolute love and acceptance for each other. Some of my favorite moments were when Helen was being escorted by a different sibling or their spouse each day. Their interactions brought a smile to my face!
The relationship between Mark and Helen was just beautiful. They came into each other's lives at the perfect moment and were exactly what the other needed. There's something special about having someone in your life who accepts you exactly as you are, and loves you not in despite of your flaws, but because of them. Mark didn't bat an eye at Helen's forthrightness and quirkiness, and Helen didn't care that Mark was brooding or missing a limb. I loved that Helen brought Mark back to life, but he allowed her to bloom.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This can be read as a stand-alone, but I could tell from some of the characters back stories that they probably had their own books. I was delighted to find out there are three other books about the different siblings and maybe one more coming for Becca. I definitely need to check those out now because I loved all of Helen's family!!! Their good humor, their teasing, and their absolute love and acceptance for each other. Some of my favorite moments were when Helen was being escorted by a different sibling or their spouse each day. Their interactions brought a smile to my face!
The relationship between Mark and Helen was just beautiful. They came into each other's lives at the perfect moment and were exactly what the other needed. There's something special about having someone in your life who accepts you exactly as you are, and loves you not in despite of your flaws, but because of them. Mark didn't bat an eye at Helen's forthrightness and quirkiness, and Helen didn't care that Mark was brooding or missing a limb. I loved that Helen brought Mark back to life, but he allowed her to bloom.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 20, 2024
“Never allow others to define who you are.“
~Dear Lady Helen Stringham has reluctantly agreed to a Season in exchange for becoming conveniently engaged to her childhood friend when she returns home. But after she encounters broodingly handsome Mark, who shares her passion for animals, she’s discovering what real attraction is...
“Sometimes we must remember before we can forget.”
Sparks are sure to fly in this lively Regency when a grumpy earl meets a sunshine lady! Helen is full of life and is just a force to be reckoned with in a good way. She doesn’t exactly fit inside a mold, especially no mold that society deems appropriate. I love how she is okay either way this. I love how happy Helen is with the person, she is. She is determined and has figured out precisely the perfect plan to get what she wants. But what is so fun about this story is that sometimes life goes a different direction. Suddenly, Helen will meet the one man who will turn all of her plans on its head and leave her trying to figure out if what she thought she wanted, is truly what she wants. The journey in this story that paves the way for beautiful healing to occur and the wonderful friendship along the way, is lovely.
But also I am such a fan of the Stringham Family in this book and series. They are simply delightful! They protect, value, and love what’s most important, so there can be joy, despite whatever may come their way. This is a story where you will be inspired by the dear character’s hope and encouragement towards reaching their own unique and heartwarming love story. 🙌🏻📚
“You’ve never tried to change me and trust that I will never try to change you. I love you exactly how you are and we belong together.”
#accidentalcourtshipwiththeearl
#aquickbutdelightfulstory
#allaboutthebestreads
•Content: mild innuendos, some steamy kisses, healing-wounds from war.
“As they joined hands, Mark knew that everything he had experienced, every triumph, every sorrow, had led him here. To her.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views
expressed are only my honest opinion.
~Dear Lady Helen Stringham has reluctantly agreed to a Season in exchange for becoming conveniently engaged to her childhood friend when she returns home. But after she encounters broodingly handsome Mark, who shares her passion for animals, she’s discovering what real attraction is...
“Sometimes we must remember before we can forget.”
Sparks are sure to fly in this lively Regency when a grumpy earl meets a sunshine lady! Helen is full of life and is just a force to be reckoned with in a good way. She doesn’t exactly fit inside a mold, especially no mold that society deems appropriate. I love how she is okay either way this. I love how happy Helen is with the person, she is. She is determined and has figured out precisely the perfect plan to get what she wants. But what is so fun about this story is that sometimes life goes a different direction. Suddenly, Helen will meet the one man who will turn all of her plans on its head and leave her trying to figure out if what she thought she wanted, is truly what she wants. The journey in this story that paves the way for beautiful healing to occur and the wonderful friendship along the way, is lovely.
But also I am such a fan of the Stringham Family in this book and series. They are simply delightful! They protect, value, and love what’s most important, so there can be joy, despite whatever may come their way. This is a story where you will be inspired by the dear character’s hope and encouragement towards reaching their own unique and heartwarming love story. 🙌🏻📚
“You’ve never tried to change me and trust that I will never try to change you. I love you exactly how you are and we belong together.”
#accidentalcourtshipwiththeearl
#aquickbutdelightfulstory
#allaboutthebestreads
•Content: mild innuendos, some steamy kisses, healing-wounds from war.
“As they joined hands, Mark knew that everything he had experienced, every triumph, every sorrow, had led him here. To her.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views
expressed are only my honest opinion.
September 15, 2024
The Stringham Family Series introduces a cast of interesting and unexpected characters. In "Accidental Courtship with the Earl," readers meet even more quirky main characters. Lady Helen finally gets her moment in the spotlight as she matures and prepares to take on the world. We’ve followed her older siblings in earlier books, and they make appearances here as well.
Mark, the Earl of Inverness, has returned from the war with a wounded spirit and missing a leg. He struggles with his scars, both physical and mental, and is convinced that no woman from high society would ever want him.
When Helen and Mark cross paths in a light-hearted moment, Lady Helen climbs over a fence to rescue her bird, capturing Mark’s attention—he thinks she looks like a Fairy Queen. Their shared struggles create a unique bond from the start. The humor shines as Helen navigates her unconventional escapades that challenge societal expectations for young women. She has a passion for snakes and nature, which she joyfully shares. While her family embraces her quirks, Mark feels alienated from his own family. As they spend more time together, their attraction deepens.
This novel focuses less on drama and more on the personal journeys of the characters. There are a few steamy moments, but nothing beyond that and the focus remains on the themes of hope and renewal throughout the story. Samantha Hastings has truly made the Stringham family one of my favorites.
Mark, the Earl of Inverness, has returned from the war with a wounded spirit and missing a leg. He struggles with his scars, both physical and mental, and is convinced that no woman from high society would ever want him.
When Helen and Mark cross paths in a light-hearted moment, Lady Helen climbs over a fence to rescue her bird, capturing Mark’s attention—he thinks she looks like a Fairy Queen. Their shared struggles create a unique bond from the start. The humor shines as Helen navigates her unconventional escapades that challenge societal expectations for young women. She has a passion for snakes and nature, which she joyfully shares. While her family embraces her quirks, Mark feels alienated from his own family. As they spend more time together, their attraction deepens.
This novel focuses less on drama and more on the personal journeys of the characters. There are a few steamy moments, but nothing beyond that and the focus remains on the themes of hope and renewal throughout the story. Samantha Hastings has truly made the Stringham family one of my favorites.
August 30, 2024
Accidental Courtship with the Earl by Samantha Hastings is a lovely installment in the Stringham family series. I stayed up far later than I ought to because I just *needed* to finish the book!
This book manages the balancing act of being a cohesive part of a series and its own standalone romance very well. I love that we get to see Helen -- who was a child in several of the earlier books -- grow into an adult and go out into the world a bit more. Seeing things through her persepective and experiencing the Stringham family from her end of the relationship was a whole different angle to the series. Helen is both thoroughly a Stringham, with all the independence and drive that carries, and totally her own person (the snake fascination is 100% Helen and no one else!). I loved getting the glimpses of her siblings and siblings-in-law from Helen's view, and seeing where their relationships had progressed to.
I love Hastings' ability to craft a romance that feels compelling. Helen and Mark are such a unique pairing, and so different from the other siblings in the Stringham family. The 'accidental' courtship is not a trope that works often, but it's absolutely the perfect choice for snake-loving Helen and her unsuspecting neighbor Mark! It just truly works perfectly with all of Helen's quirks. She's really got her own approach to friendships and romance that is utterly unique, but also feels unforced (she reads as neurodivergent to me). The romance stays closed door, but with some fairly steamy kissing.
Definitely recommend Accidental Courtship with the Earl (also, the entire series -- just read them all!). Thank you to Samantha Hastings for the street team copy! All opinions are my own.
This book manages the balancing act of being a cohesive part of a series and its own standalone romance very well. I love that we get to see Helen -- who was a child in several of the earlier books -- grow into an adult and go out into the world a bit more. Seeing things through her persepective and experiencing the Stringham family from her end of the relationship was a whole different angle to the series. Helen is both thoroughly a Stringham, with all the independence and drive that carries, and totally her own person (the snake fascination is 100% Helen and no one else!). I loved getting the glimpses of her siblings and siblings-in-law from Helen's view, and seeing where their relationships had progressed to.
I love Hastings' ability to craft a romance that feels compelling. Helen and Mark are such a unique pairing, and so different from the other siblings in the Stringham family. The 'accidental' courtship is not a trope that works often, but it's absolutely the perfect choice for snake-loving Helen and her unsuspecting neighbor Mark! It just truly works perfectly with all of Helen's quirks. She's really got her own approach to friendships and romance that is utterly unique, but also feels unforced (she reads as neurodivergent to me). The romance stays closed door, but with some fairly steamy kissing.
Definitely recommend Accidental Courtship with the Earl (also, the entire series -- just read them all!). Thank you to Samantha Hastings for the street team copy! All opinions are my own.
August 23, 2024
Another interesting story in the Stringham family. This story is about Helen, who wants to stay living in the country close to her family, to marry her childhood best friend and definitely not have a season in London. When her mother insists - they are off to London. Helen is a very unique and individual. She is a naturalist in every sense. Her love of snakes and spiders was a little much for me. And even with all of her explanations and definitions of these marvelous creatures, it didn’t change my mind. I still don’t like them. But the story was very intriguing as she be friends a backyard neighbor. Mark has returned from the Battle of Waterloo, broken and a shell of the man he once was. Then his older brother suddenly passes, and he is left to be heir and head of the family. It is enlightening to watch how Helen can make a dark, gloomy day, turn to array of sunshine. I enjoyed the unusual relationship between these two complete opposites. But I think what I love most is the Stringham family bond, the banter and ribbing that are constant between them. I didn’t think this story had as much depth and drama as the others in this series, but it was definitely entertaining. What I had forgotten is the amount of sizzle and detailed touching and kissing. It is a closed door romance, but still a little more sensual than I prefer. I am looking forward to hopefully Becca’s story.
October 14, 2024
I've been wanting Helen Stringham's story for quite some time. Helen's the snake lover in the family and although she doesn't fit into Society's mold of what a young lady should be, she's quite happy with herself.
This is such a delightful grumpy/sunshine romance with our sunny and vivacious Helen befriending Mark, the Earl of Inverness, a brooding war hero. Mark has physical and emotional wounds from the war and just wants to hide out at his estate, but at his first meeting with Helen we can see that is not going to happen. Helen's optimism and Mark's gruff exterior create a contrast that sparks immediate chemistry. Their interactions are full of witty banter and heartwarming moments, that made it a joy to follow their journey to friendship and then more.
Each of the Stringham family members is so unique, yet they love each other as they are. I love how the parents are supportive of each of their children, and how their mother know each of them so well she almost knows exactly what they're about. Having parents and siblings accept her for who she is, Helen needed a man that would do the same and she found that in Mark.
It was fun to catch up with the other Stringham siblings but what held my interest was Helen and Mark's journey--watching their mutual love of animals spark a connection that quickly grows into something deeper. This is a story about healing, the courage to follow one's heart, and the unexpected ways love can change your life.
Content: PG-13 romance (sizzling kisses, some innuendo, but definitely closed door)
I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is such a delightful grumpy/sunshine romance with our sunny and vivacious Helen befriending Mark, the Earl of Inverness, a brooding war hero. Mark has physical and emotional wounds from the war and just wants to hide out at his estate, but at his first meeting with Helen we can see that is not going to happen. Helen's optimism and Mark's gruff exterior create a contrast that sparks immediate chemistry. Their interactions are full of witty banter and heartwarming moments, that made it a joy to follow their journey to friendship and then more.
Each of the Stringham family members is so unique, yet they love each other as they are. I love how the parents are supportive of each of their children, and how their mother know each of them so well she almost knows exactly what they're about. Having parents and siblings accept her for who she is, Helen needed a man that would do the same and she found that in Mark.
It was fun to catch up with the other Stringham siblings but what held my interest was Helen and Mark's journey--watching their mutual love of animals spark a connection that quickly grows into something deeper. This is a story about healing, the courage to follow one's heart, and the unexpected ways love can change your life.
Content: PG-13 romance (sizzling kisses, some innuendo, but definitely closed door)
I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
September 1, 2024
Samantha Hastings is one of my favorite authors, I always look forward to reading of book of hers. Hastings writes romance so well. She has created one of my favorite fictional families, the Stringhams. They are an absolute delight. I loved how this book gives a peek into what the other sisters and Wick are progressing with their lives. It was also a treat. I was thrilled to read Helen’s book. If I am forced to pick a favorite sister, she would be at the top. She truly is her own person and ahead of her time.
I loved Mark. The author does an amazing job with his character and his is also a great story of healing. His wounds from war are evident with his appearance but also left wounds in his mind. I absolutely loved the way they met and the connection Mark has to the family. As always, the author has an excellent eye for romance. These books are clean, with some extra passion sprinkled in.
These are stand-alone books, there is a series feel to it so you can see how the characters and lives progress. And starting at the beginning would be beneficial to get the scope of lovable quirkiness of this amazing family. It’s a quick read with loads of heart, some humor, and excellent kissing.
I received a paperback from the author. All views and opinions are my own.
I loved Mark. The author does an amazing job with his character and his is also a great story of healing. His wounds from war are evident with his appearance but also left wounds in his mind. I absolutely loved the way they met and the connection Mark has to the family. As always, the author has an excellent eye for romance. These books are clean, with some extra passion sprinkled in.
These are stand-alone books, there is a series feel to it so you can see how the characters and lives progress. And starting at the beginning would be beneficial to get the scope of lovable quirkiness of this amazing family. It’s a quick read with loads of heart, some humor, and excellent kissing.
I received a paperback from the author. All views and opinions are my own.
June 27, 2024
This was an excellent read. A well plotted romance with some great characters. There was an awkward, forthright and intelligent heroine who brought healing and wholeness to a Waterloo veteran. While she was highly talented it was her mother who understood her and manipulated things quietly to facilitate her romance without being overbearing, unrealistic in her expectations or interfering. That was a nice change from other books in this genre where parents are often oblivious to the child’s needs. There was plenty to say about women’s rights and how they are more than capable of making their own decisions rather than be dependent on a husband or father. Quite right too.
August 20, 2024
Mark, Earl of Iverness is healing from losing his leg in the Battle of Waterloo and the death of his elder brother.
Helen Stringham- vivacious, innocent, loves nature and is a natural scientist. She is writing a book about snakes, she and her family are feminists.
Plenty of innuendos and steamy makeouts, mentions of body reactions to kissing, Characters waited for marriage.
The story was fun with many scenes that will make you smile. Not my typical read and a bit steamier than I usually prefer, but it could still be classified as low-spice, and steamy kisses only.
Content warning: death of a brother(past), death of comrades in war (past), PTSD.
Helen Stringham- vivacious, innocent, loves nature and is a natural scientist. She is writing a book about snakes, she and her family are feminists.
Plenty of innuendos and steamy makeouts, mentions of body reactions to kissing, Characters waited for marriage.
The story was fun with many scenes that will make you smile. Not my typical read and a bit steamier than I usually prefer, but it could still be classified as low-spice, and steamy kisses only.
Content warning: death of a brother(past), death of comrades in war (past), PTSD.
September 1, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the quirky character of Helen and how she didn’t fit the typical debutante role. I liked that she was confident in who she was and didn’t care what people thought of her. I liked how Mark saw her for who she was and loved her unconditionally. I also liked how they helped each other to be better and to face the world. I liked what a great couple they were and that they learned what love can do. I loved getting to know these characters and to read their love story.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
July 7, 2025
Mischief & endearing love in a package
Oh my goodness how I absolutely enjoyed this entertaining story of rascally Helen and brooding Mark!! They are among my favorite Regency romance couples ever. Helen's hilarious antics and innocent escapades, the gradual realization of falling in love, and the especially sweet yet blushworthy kisses shared made this novel so captivating! I'm going to grab the earlier ones in the series and hide myself on the couch for a cozy read...can hardly wait for Becca's turn later this month. Please keep writing more for the quirky, endearing Stringham family!! Love love this so much.
Oh my goodness how I absolutely enjoyed this entertaining story of rascally Helen and brooding Mark!! They are among my favorite Regency romance couples ever. Helen's hilarious antics and innocent escapades, the gradual realization of falling in love, and the especially sweet yet blushworthy kisses shared made this novel so captivating! I'm going to grab the earlier ones in the series and hide myself on the couch for a cozy read...can hardly wait for Becca's turn later this month. Please keep writing more for the quirky, endearing Stringham family!! Love love this so much.
October 25, 2025
Samantha Hastings is fast becoming one of my favorite writers!!!
What a delightful story!
I loved Helen from the first, with her eccentric character and blunt ways, she was impossible not to love!
The way she made Mark start living again after the horrors he had seen and been through...
He fell first and he fell hard! Or maybe she fell along with him just didn't recognize what she was feeling meant until he explained.
What a delightful story!
I loved Helen from the first, with her eccentric character and blunt ways, she was impossible not to love!
The way she made Mark start living again after the horrors he had seen and been through...
He fell first and he fell hard! Or maybe she fell along with him just didn't recognize what she was feeling meant until he explained.
October 11, 2024
Loved pretty much everything about this story, but particularly the way the family relationships and chemistry between the leads were expressed... with a veritable banquet of amazing kiss scenes, it was the evolution of the female lead's slow realisation regarding her feelings for the male lead that I loved reading the most 😍
August 18, 2024
3.75 ⭐️ I was lucky enough to be gifted an early release copy of this by the author. This book was really cute and a quick read. If you are a fan of Bridgerton then this would be a fun read! I loved the female MC Helen and the love interest Mark, I thought their story line was cute.
March 6, 2025
This book, while technically clean, was just too spicy for me to finish.
July 7, 2025
A delightful grumpy/ sunshine regency romance! I love that Helen is unapologetically herself and Mark is swoon worthy!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
July 23, 2024
This is my first Historical Harlequin book and story from Samantha Hastings. I must say I enjoyed and loved reading it.
Helen and Mark amazing characters that brought the story alive. Helen fighting for women's rights. Comes to fulfill her Season debut and Mark an Earl fighting for inner peace after coming home from Waterloo battle.
I enjoyed reading Helen's sassy, spunk and carefree spirit. She enjoys animals just as much as Mark and together they embark on publishing her book of snakes while Mark enjoys the spontaneous spirit she brings to his broken heart.
A story that will have you turning the pages quickly to see what other silly creativity Helen comes up with. And how Mark comes to life in each shenanigans that pull his heart to hers.
I loved it and can't wait to read more from this author. Highly recommend this story.
I received a ARC from the author/ publisher. Was not required a positive comment. All stated here are my own.
Helen and Mark amazing characters that brought the story alive. Helen fighting for women's rights. Comes to fulfill her Season debut and Mark an Earl fighting for inner peace after coming home from Waterloo battle.
I enjoyed reading Helen's sassy, spunk and carefree spirit. She enjoys animals just as much as Mark and together they embark on publishing her book of snakes while Mark enjoys the spontaneous spirit she brings to his broken heart.
A story that will have you turning the pages quickly to see what other silly creativity Helen comes up with. And how Mark comes to life in each shenanigans that pull his heart to hers.
I loved it and can't wait to read more from this author. Highly recommend this story.
I received a ARC from the author/ publisher. Was not required a positive comment. All stated here are my own.
October 10, 2024
I enjoyed this historical romance so much I read it twice before I was ready to review it. The word that sticks out in my mind to best describe it is Unique. Neither of the MCs are conventional Regency characters and I really loved that no one tried to make them be other than themselves. Sure, they faced challenges that grew them into better people, but both Helen and Mark are encouraged to not settle for a boring life. Because of this understanding, they find themselves falling for each other’s quirky personalities without realizing until the truth hits them right in the face…or the lips 😉 Seeing them encourage and inspire each other throughout the pages was so lovely and made their love journey one to cheer for. My only caution for readers is that the kissing is a bit steamy but nothing explicit or offensive happens. Definitely recommend you check this one out if you need a swoony shorter read to take you back into Regency times.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
December 30, 2024
I just love the Stringham family, so I jumped at the opportunity to read this one! They are such an eccentric, funny, loving family and it was wonderful to spend time with them again.
Lady Helen is the star in this one. She’s reluctantly agreed with her parents to a Season in the city in exchange for marriage to her childhood friend when she returns home. After she encounters the handsome and broody Mark, who also happens to share her passion for animals, she begins to discover what true attraction is. She starts to question her own betrothal, and who she should marry.
Mark, the Earl of Inverness, has escaped to London to avoid his mother’s meddling matchmaking. He’s still haunted by the war and the wounds of his past as well. Meeting Lady Helen when her macaw flies into his garden turns out to be much more than he ever could have imagined.
I adored this couple so much! I loved watching their friendship grow into more, and the healing that happens for the both of them.
If you like the grumpy sunshine trope and regency romance, this one if for you!
Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy for review. All thoughts are my own.
Lady Helen is the star in this one. She’s reluctantly agreed with her parents to a Season in the city in exchange for marriage to her childhood friend when she returns home. After she encounters the handsome and broody Mark, who also happens to share her passion for animals, she begins to discover what true attraction is. She starts to question her own betrothal, and who she should marry.
Mark, the Earl of Inverness, has escaped to London to avoid his mother’s meddling matchmaking. He’s still haunted by the war and the wounds of his past as well. Meeting Lady Helen when her macaw flies into his garden turns out to be much more than he ever could have imagined.
I adored this couple so much! I loved watching their friendship grow into more, and the healing that happens for the both of them.
If you like the grumpy sunshine trope and regency romance, this one if for you!
Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy for review. All thoughts are my own.
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