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(A Gentleman's Guide to Courtship #3
Between Courting and Kissing
To win her heart he’ll have to convince her he’s truthful. Unfortunately, he’s not.
💜 Opposites attract
🔥 Bearded hero
💜 Cinderella Regency romance
🔥 Hot & spicy
💜 Open door romance
🔥 American hero
A prim lady with mischief in mind. An American rogue with ink on his hands. A house party where everything that’s hidden will come to light.
Order should be Lady Prudence’s middle name. Unfortunately, it’s Anna, but that doesn’t stop her from making sure the little naughty lending library she helps run is perfectly organized. She’d be a happy spinster keeping everything just so if her brother would stop shoving eager suitors in her direction. Including the appallingly messy Benjamin Bailey, whose confidence would be… appealing if his beard weren’t so unkempt.
American Benjamin Bailey’s future name is Baron Brightly, but he’d rather not talk about that. He’s too busy running his printshops and trying to remember his schedule. When the Duke of Clearford offers to sell his shares of Ben’s favorite shop if he’ll pretend to court his sister, and discover her secrets, Ben agrees. Why not? The prim little lady couldn’t possibly cause any trouble.
But when fake courtship becomes real kissing at a house party for ladies who like their books slightly scandalous, Ben must decide what he wants more—a printshop that reminds him of home, or the love of a lady who makes him a better person.
💜 Opposites attract
🔥 Bearded hero
💜 Cinderella Regency romance
🔥 Hot & spicy
💜 Open door romance
🔥 American hero
A prim lady with mischief in mind. An American rogue with ink on his hands. A house party where everything that’s hidden will come to light.
Order should be Lady Prudence’s middle name. Unfortunately, it’s Anna, but that doesn’t stop her from making sure the little naughty lending library she helps run is perfectly organized. She’d be a happy spinster keeping everything just so if her brother would stop shoving eager suitors in her direction. Including the appallingly messy Benjamin Bailey, whose confidence would be… appealing if his beard weren’t so unkempt.
American Benjamin Bailey’s future name is Baron Brightly, but he’d rather not talk about that. He’s too busy running his printshops and trying to remember his schedule. When the Duke of Clearford offers to sell his shares of Ben’s favorite shop if he’ll pretend to court his sister, and discover her secrets, Ben agrees. Why not? The prim little lady couldn’t possibly cause any trouble.
But when fake courtship becomes real kissing at a house party for ladies who like their books slightly scandalous, Ben must decide what he wants more—a printshop that reminds him of home, or the love of a lady who makes him a better person.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2024
43 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Lane
72 books184 followersCharlie writes Regency romance that's lighthearted and hot. Her books have a little bit of angst, a lot of laughs, and a whole lot of heart and heat.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 11, 2025
⭐⭐⭐
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Some parts of the story were a little interesting.
Interesting side characters.
American hero.
Bearded and “unpolished” hero.
➖ What I disliked:
A little too formulaic.
A little too predictable.
A little too anachronistic in some places of the story.
The side characters (Lord Norton and Cora) have a little too much page time in this book.
A little rushed in some places and then a little slow in others.
Annoying heroine.
(Compared herself to other women… even her sisters and thought she was plain and unassuming etc. .… felt guilt and shame for things that was not her fault at all etc.)
The hero is bearded and “unpolished”…. But not for long and he shaves the beard off not so far into the book…. So not really a bearded hero.
The romantic build up/romance and chemistry was unconvincing and lacked spark…. And in some places was kind of forced.
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice of both main characters.
(Hero= tall, big/broad and muscular, handsome…. Heroine= dainty, slender etc.)
July 7, 2024
Lady Prudence Merriweather has always felt overlooked well with seven sisters and a duke for a brother, that’s not hard. But she knows exactly how she’ll prove herself interesting—organise a house party and invite her most scandalous friends. Benjamin Bailey may be the fifth Baron Brightly, but he was born and raised in America & would prefer to earn his own way in the world than inherit a thing, including a title. When his friend Samuel the Duke of Clearford asks him to discover his younger sister Prudence’s secrets, Ben sees an opportunity for the failing newspaper he owns.
The third book in the series & another well written delightful romance. I love the Merriweather siblings & I’m enjoying their stories. I loved both Ben & Prudence who had their differences but were perfect for each other. I loved their journey to a HEA & read this lovely romance in two sittings, I look forward to the rest of the series especially Ben’s story
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The third book in the series & another well written delightful romance. I love the Merriweather siblings & I’m enjoying their stories. I loved both Ben & Prudence who had their differences but were perfect for each other. I loved their journey to a HEA & read this lovely romance in two sittings, I look forward to the rest of the series especially Ben’s story
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
July 2, 2024
Another great book from Charlie Lane. Thanks to Wolf Publishing for the ARC. Third in the series “A Gentleman’s Guide to Courtship,” we now get a closer look at the third sister, Prudence, and her brother’s (Duke of Clearford) efforts to get her married. He still hasn’t realized how unhelpful his gentleman’s guide is. Early in the book, he does something that irritates Prudence. Because she knows he always carries knives with him so he can target practice, she asks him, “Where is your knife? Come. I know you have it on your person.” He suspiciously asks her why she wants it, and she responds, “I would like to stab you with it.”
Just like her older sisters, Prudence is determined not to marry, so she spends a good portion of her time trying to evade suitors. And she’s pretty good at it. Unfortunately, Mr. Benjamin Bailey, the American, has an uncanny skill of finding her wherever she is.
Prudence has become best friends with Cora, the “naughty” poet who shares her risqué works with women in the secret group from previous installments in this series. When her older sisters married, they decided to discontinue their involvement in the lending library, but Prudence has decided to continue the work alongside her friend Cora. Prudence is very organized and punctual. She is also, surprisingly, rather prim and proper and doesn’t wish to step outside of the lines that have been drawn for her (with the exception of marriage, which she is adamantly against). The truth is, she feels as if all of her other sisters outshine her so she tends to “embrace her habitual invisibility.” It’s true; most men don’t seem to notice her, and we find out more about her motivations later, but to her dismay, Mr. Bailey always does.
Ben came from America after his parents died and is single-minded in his commitment to opening a print shop called Bailey’s Prints to honor his dead parents and the business they had in Boston. He believes he drove the business into the ground after they died; it isn’t until much later that we find out he was only 15 and unequipped to handle a business. That doesn’t stop him from feeling guilty. Meanwhile, he hides behind a disheveled and untamed look that keeps proper society from acknowledging him. And his habits of disorganization and lack of discipline are the antithesis to everything that’s important to Prudence.
The Duke of Clearford is puzzled by his sisters and wants to find out what secrets they’ve been keeping from him. He promises to give his shares of the print shop to Ben if Ben will pretend to court Prudence and find out what they’ve been hiding. Due to the duke’s insistence and the goading of Viscount Norton, Ben changes his entire appearance—cuts his hair, shaves his beard, wears clothes that fit properly, and so on. I love what Norton says to Ben regarding courting Prudence (he thought it was genuine): “Can’t be trusted because you don’t take the clear steps to obtain that which you desire. You just sulk about wishing someone would pick you up when you’re a burnt, mangled tart, last batch of the day, and you do nothing to make yourself appealing… Because it’s about pleasing others so they wish to have you.”
Prudence is clever enough to realize he is not actually interested in her, and she’s not interested in him, but somewhere along the way that changes. For both of them. By the time Ben realizes he’s in love with Prudence, he’s afraid to tell her that her brother made him court her because he doesn’t want to hurt her. And Prudence is disappointed in herself because “She’d not allocated time for falling in love, but Mr. Bailey had never seemed to care for schedules, and he’d scrambled the ledger of her heart into utter chaos.”
The character development for both Ben and Prudence is deep and poignant. Both experienced the loss of their parents at a young age, and both were irrevocably changed by that. They are ideally well-matched to help one another heal from that loss. Over the course of the story, Ben comes to understand what’s most important to him, and the best way he can honor his parents’ memory is by putting love first. Meanwhile, with Ben’s help, Prudence comes to understand her worth and see herself differently. Predictably, Prudence finds out about Ben’s initial reluctance to court her and decides she can no longer trust him or believe that he loves her. Most of her anger, though, is reserved for her brother and she calls him the “arse-end of a…a…hedgehog!” Luckily, Ben had already helped Prudence to see herself through his eyes so the revelation does not destroy her as Ben had feared it would. And she still loves him; while he is disconsolate without her. She forgives him, eventually, and we get our HEA.
Just like her older sisters, Prudence is determined not to marry, so she spends a good portion of her time trying to evade suitors. And she’s pretty good at it. Unfortunately, Mr. Benjamin Bailey, the American, has an uncanny skill of finding her wherever she is.
Prudence has become best friends with Cora, the “naughty” poet who shares her risqué works with women in the secret group from previous installments in this series. When her older sisters married, they decided to discontinue their involvement in the lending library, but Prudence has decided to continue the work alongside her friend Cora. Prudence is very organized and punctual. She is also, surprisingly, rather prim and proper and doesn’t wish to step outside of the lines that have been drawn for her (with the exception of marriage, which she is adamantly against). The truth is, she feels as if all of her other sisters outshine her so she tends to “embrace her habitual invisibility.” It’s true; most men don’t seem to notice her, and we find out more about her motivations later, but to her dismay, Mr. Bailey always does.
Ben came from America after his parents died and is single-minded in his commitment to opening a print shop called Bailey’s Prints to honor his dead parents and the business they had in Boston. He believes he drove the business into the ground after they died; it isn’t until much later that we find out he was only 15 and unequipped to handle a business. That doesn’t stop him from feeling guilty. Meanwhile, he hides behind a disheveled and untamed look that keeps proper society from acknowledging him. And his habits of disorganization and lack of discipline are the antithesis to everything that’s important to Prudence.
The Duke of Clearford is puzzled by his sisters and wants to find out what secrets they’ve been keeping from him. He promises to give his shares of the print shop to Ben if Ben will pretend to court Prudence and find out what they’ve been hiding. Due to the duke’s insistence and the goading of Viscount Norton, Ben changes his entire appearance—cuts his hair, shaves his beard, wears clothes that fit properly, and so on. I love what Norton says to Ben regarding courting Prudence (he thought it was genuine): “Can’t be trusted because you don’t take the clear steps to obtain that which you desire. You just sulk about wishing someone would pick you up when you’re a burnt, mangled tart, last batch of the day, and you do nothing to make yourself appealing… Because it’s about pleasing others so they wish to have you.”
Prudence is clever enough to realize he is not actually interested in her, and she’s not interested in him, but somewhere along the way that changes. For both of them. By the time Ben realizes he’s in love with Prudence, he’s afraid to tell her that her brother made him court her because he doesn’t want to hurt her. And Prudence is disappointed in herself because “She’d not allocated time for falling in love, but Mr. Bailey had never seemed to care for schedules, and he’d scrambled the ledger of her heart into utter chaos.”
The character development for both Ben and Prudence is deep and poignant. Both experienced the loss of their parents at a young age, and both were irrevocably changed by that. They are ideally well-matched to help one another heal from that loss. Over the course of the story, Ben comes to understand what’s most important to him, and the best way he can honor his parents’ memory is by putting love first. Meanwhile, with Ben’s help, Prudence comes to understand her worth and see herself differently. Predictably, Prudence finds out about Ben’s initial reluctance to court her and decides she can no longer trust him or believe that he loves her. Most of her anger, though, is reserved for her brother and she calls him the “arse-end of a…a…hedgehog!” Luckily, Ben had already helped Prudence to see herself through his eyes so the revelation does not destroy her as Ben had feared it would. And she still loves him; while he is disconsolate without her. She forgives him, eventually, and we get our HEA.
June 28, 2024
This is the third book in the A Gentleman's Guide to Courtship Series by Charlie Lane, and every book just keeps getting better!
Once again, the duke is trying to uncover his sister secrets, he know that Prudence is hiding something, and is determined to find out what it is. So he offers a proposition to his American friend, Benjamin Bailey. Prudence often disappears during balls, so he makes an agreement with Ben, spy on her, pretends to be courting her, and in exchange, Samuel will sell him his part of the print shop they own together. In essence, he is blackmailing his friend.
Ben is not a typical gentlemen of the ton. He is sloppy, wears clothes much too big for him, they aren’t in fashion, his clothes and fingers are covered in ink, he wears his hair long, and had an unkept beard. He can’t kept his appointments straight and is always late. He definitely, isn’t someone that the ladies are eager to spend time with but he doesn’t care. He wants to recreate the printshop his family had in Boston, in their honor, because he wasn’t able to make it work, and never got over that failure.
Since he has been watching Prudence for a while, he is with her when Lord Norton is caught in a compromising position with her friend Cora, because he thought it was Prudence. They are forced to marry and are having difficulties which is another significant situation going on within this story. Prudence feels guilty about what happened, and is doing everything she can to support her friend.
Prudence is smart, funny, super organized, likes to control things, and understands people easily. She has always felt lesser in comparison to her sisters, not as pretty or sought after, but this makes it easier for her to hide in plain sight. She knows there is more to why Ben is paying attention to her, he isn’t after her but her secrets, no one truly sees her they are only interested in her for the connection to her brother. She is unsure of his true intentions, for courting her and spending time with her, but she is determined to find out.
When Ben cleans himself up, he is seen differently by others, and when he says he changed for her and needs his help with getting organized, she doesn’t know what to think. Loved this “You enjoy fixing the mistakes of clueless nodcocks?” Her reply “I enjoy ordering chaos”.
When he kisses her for the first time, and their kisses become steamy and frequent, Prudence starts to reconsider Ben’s attention. Could he truly want her?
Such a great story, about two people who have their own insecurities, doubts, and desires. This was another amazing, diverting, humorous, and emotionally filled story, the romance started off slow but the culmination was perfection, looking forward to the next book in this delightful series.
I enjoy everything Charlie Lane writes, I have my favorites, and like some stories more than others but each book grabs my attention and doesn’t disappoint. I received an ARC (advanced review copy) from Wolf Publishing for free, I am leaving this review voluntarily, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Once again, the duke is trying to uncover his sister secrets, he know that Prudence is hiding something, and is determined to find out what it is. So he offers a proposition to his American friend, Benjamin Bailey. Prudence often disappears during balls, so he makes an agreement with Ben, spy on her, pretends to be courting her, and in exchange, Samuel will sell him his part of the print shop they own together. In essence, he is blackmailing his friend.
Ben is not a typical gentlemen of the ton. He is sloppy, wears clothes much too big for him, they aren’t in fashion, his clothes and fingers are covered in ink, he wears his hair long, and had an unkept beard. He can’t kept his appointments straight and is always late. He definitely, isn’t someone that the ladies are eager to spend time with but he doesn’t care. He wants to recreate the printshop his family had in Boston, in their honor, because he wasn’t able to make it work, and never got over that failure.
Since he has been watching Prudence for a while, he is with her when Lord Norton is caught in a compromising position with her friend Cora, because he thought it was Prudence. They are forced to marry and are having difficulties which is another significant situation going on within this story. Prudence feels guilty about what happened, and is doing everything she can to support her friend.
Prudence is smart, funny, super organized, likes to control things, and understands people easily. She has always felt lesser in comparison to her sisters, not as pretty or sought after, but this makes it easier for her to hide in plain sight. She knows there is more to why Ben is paying attention to her, he isn’t after her but her secrets, no one truly sees her they are only interested in her for the connection to her brother. She is unsure of his true intentions, for courting her and spending time with her, but she is determined to find out.
When Ben cleans himself up, he is seen differently by others, and when he says he changed for her and needs his help with getting organized, she doesn’t know what to think. Loved this “You enjoy fixing the mistakes of clueless nodcocks?” Her reply “I enjoy ordering chaos”.
When he kisses her for the first time, and their kisses become steamy and frequent, Prudence starts to reconsider Ben’s attention. Could he truly want her?
Such a great story, about two people who have their own insecurities, doubts, and desires. This was another amazing, diverting, humorous, and emotionally filled story, the romance started off slow but the culmination was perfection, looking forward to the next book in this delightful series.
I enjoy everything Charlie Lane writes, I have my favorites, and like some stories more than others but each book grabs my attention and doesn’t disappoint. I received an ARC (advanced review copy) from Wolf Publishing for free, I am leaving this review voluntarily, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 1, 2024
Lady Prudence is being hounded by her brother - a duke who means well, but has a funny way of showing it - to find a husband. The man even enlisted a gaggle of suitors to pursue her! She’s neither nice, nor pretty or unique like her sisters. So why won’t they leave her alone?
Pretending to be one of Lady P’s suitors, Benjamin is on a mission for the duke, and when he delivers, Clearford will sell him the shares to his printshop. Not exactly an honourable endeavour, but then again, it’s not like he’s looking for love and wants Lady P for himself, does he?
A tree trunk tryst, a forced wedding and a sympathy house party for the unhappy bride. Add some meddling matrons, a salacious secret to reorganise and the unexpected appearance of a neat and nosy newspaper man, and all hell breaks loose!
Where she’s orderly and always on a schedule, he’s chaotic, messy and perpetually late.
Where she’s looking for a purpose other than keeping her family’s clandestine literary business a secret, he’s singularly focused on his - the printshop - neglecting all else including his appearance.
Both of them feeling unseen, neither of them is really interested in finding a mate.
But… he sees her and she sees him… lightning strikes and BAM! (well, there’s a bit in between, but I’m not giving that away!)
In their battle of keeping the other at arm’s length, they grow impossibly close. And while she believes she’s being clever in proving he isn’t really courting her, he falls hard and irrevocably - not that she’s far behind. And even though they butt heads at every opportunity, they share this beautiful and touching intimate friendship.
Captivating plot, perfectly paced, humour, tension, growth, chemistry and delicious steam - this story was everything I could wish for in an utterly enthralling read! Everything fits - his makeover, her lessons in self-worth, their witty bicker and banter, and the way they can’t stop seizing the moment and canoodle - it sizzles and sparks, and it’s just perfect!
Special shout-out to Ben’s grandfather - that man is precious and hilarious!
I love this series and I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
Pretending to be one of Lady P’s suitors, Benjamin is on a mission for the duke, and when he delivers, Clearford will sell him the shares to his printshop. Not exactly an honourable endeavour, but then again, it’s not like he’s looking for love and wants Lady P for himself, does he?
A tree trunk tryst, a forced wedding and a sympathy house party for the unhappy bride. Add some meddling matrons, a salacious secret to reorganise and the unexpected appearance of a neat and nosy newspaper man, and all hell breaks loose!
Where she’s orderly and always on a schedule, he’s chaotic, messy and perpetually late.
Where she’s looking for a purpose other than keeping her family’s clandestine literary business a secret, he’s singularly focused on his - the printshop - neglecting all else including his appearance.
Both of them feeling unseen, neither of them is really interested in finding a mate.
But… he sees her and she sees him… lightning strikes and BAM! (well, there’s a bit in between, but I’m not giving that away!)
In their battle of keeping the other at arm’s length, they grow impossibly close. And while she believes she’s being clever in proving he isn’t really courting her, he falls hard and irrevocably - not that she’s far behind. And even though they butt heads at every opportunity, they share this beautiful and touching intimate friendship.
Captivating plot, perfectly paced, humour, tension, growth, chemistry and delicious steam - this story was everything I could wish for in an utterly enthralling read! Everything fits - his makeover, her lessons in self-worth, their witty bicker and banter, and the way they can’t stop seizing the moment and canoodle - it sizzles and sparks, and it’s just perfect!
Special shout-out to Ben’s grandfather - that man is precious and hilarious!
I love this series and I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
June 28, 2024
P is for Pure Perfection...
...for Lady Prudence Merriweather and Mr. Benjamin Bailey of Boston. Between Courting and Kissing, the third book in A Gentleman's Guide to Courtship series, is a wonderful, heartwarming love story for anyone who has ever wanted to be seen truly for themselves. Lady Prudence has spent much of her life standing in the shadows of her beautiful, kind and "more" interesting sisters, relatively unseen while making order of the chaos around her. That is, until she gets to know one of her suitors, Mr. Benjamin Bailey, an American who co-owns a print shop with her older brother, the Duke of Clearford. Ben is the complete opposite of Prudence in many ways - messy and disorganized, bearded and unkempt - but underneath the superficial differences between them, they share the same heart and are able to see each other more clearly than anyone else has in the past, down to their souls. What follows is the development of their friendship, and Charlie Lane does a fabulous job of revealing their deepening feelings for each other, as Prudence helps Ben organize his busy life, while Ben helps Prudence appreciate her attributes and soothes some of her doubts about herself. It is easy to see why this couple, who are both vulnerable and insecure at times, fit together so perfectly and why they are perhaps Lane's favorite couple so far. In this series, they are my very favorite couple as well.
I adored this story. It's well-written and has depth and passion, tremendous heart and some steamy goodness along the way. It's about seeing and truly being seen by the person you love, and I was cheering for Prudence and Ben to get their happy ending from start to finish.
If you're a fan of Eloise Bridgerton and Theo, then you'll be charmed by Prudence and Ben's story, as they journey together to find love, security and their "home" in each other.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author and Wolf Publishing, and I am leaving my honest review of it voluntarily.
...for Lady Prudence Merriweather and Mr. Benjamin Bailey of Boston. Between Courting and Kissing, the third book in A Gentleman's Guide to Courtship series, is a wonderful, heartwarming love story for anyone who has ever wanted to be seen truly for themselves. Lady Prudence has spent much of her life standing in the shadows of her beautiful, kind and "more" interesting sisters, relatively unseen while making order of the chaos around her. That is, until she gets to know one of her suitors, Mr. Benjamin Bailey, an American who co-owns a print shop with her older brother, the Duke of Clearford. Ben is the complete opposite of Prudence in many ways - messy and disorganized, bearded and unkempt - but underneath the superficial differences between them, they share the same heart and are able to see each other more clearly than anyone else has in the past, down to their souls. What follows is the development of their friendship, and Charlie Lane does a fabulous job of revealing their deepening feelings for each other, as Prudence helps Ben organize his busy life, while Ben helps Prudence appreciate her attributes and soothes some of her doubts about herself. It is easy to see why this couple, who are both vulnerable and insecure at times, fit together so perfectly and why they are perhaps Lane's favorite couple so far. In this series, they are my very favorite couple as well.
I adored this story. It's well-written and has depth and passion, tremendous heart and some steamy goodness along the way. It's about seeing and truly being seen by the person you love, and I was cheering for Prudence and Ben to get their happy ending from start to finish.
If you're a fan of Eloise Bridgerton and Theo, then you'll be charmed by Prudence and Ben's story, as they journey together to find love, security and their "home" in each other.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author and Wolf Publishing, and I am leaving my honest review of it voluntarily.
June 28, 2024
Can dreams change?
This is the third book in the ‘A Gentleman’s Guide to Courtship’ series and I really love this series!!
Lady Prudence Merriweather is the third sister of Samuel, The Duke of Clearford who has decided all of his sisters need to be married. Prudence believes she is invisible to everyone, is very organized and has no desire to deal with any of the suitors that her brother has set in front of her.
Benjamin Bailey is an American from Boston, the heir to a baron and very disorganized. He came to London when his parents passed to live with his grandfather. He is in the printing business with Clearford and Kingston. He dreams of owning one of the print shops himself that reminds him of the print shop that his parent’s owned in Boston.
Samuel makes Ben a deal find out Prudence’s secret and he will sign over ownership to Ben. Prudence doesn’t trust that Ben is courting her for herself and believes there is another reason he is doing it. Can dreams change when two people finally see each other for what they truly are and find their way to each other?
I really loved how different Prudence and Ben were but how prefect they were for each other!! I couldn’t wait for this book and it did not disappoint!! I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next book in the series!!
This is the third book in the ‘A Gentleman’s Guide to Courtship’ series and I really love this series!!
Lady Prudence Merriweather is the third sister of Samuel, The Duke of Clearford who has decided all of his sisters need to be married. Prudence believes she is invisible to everyone, is very organized and has no desire to deal with any of the suitors that her brother has set in front of her.
Benjamin Bailey is an American from Boston, the heir to a baron and very disorganized. He came to London when his parents passed to live with his grandfather. He is in the printing business with Clearford and Kingston. He dreams of owning one of the print shops himself that reminds him of the print shop that his parent’s owned in Boston.
Samuel makes Ben a deal find out Prudence’s secret and he will sign over ownership to Ben. Prudence doesn’t trust that Ben is courting her for herself and believes there is another reason he is doing it. Can dreams change when two people finally see each other for what they truly are and find their way to each other?
I really loved how different Prudence and Ben were but how prefect they were for each other!! I couldn’t wait for this book and it did not disappoint!! I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next book in the series!!
July 24, 2025
Fake Courting and Middle Sibling
I often read about the eldest sister with the stereotypical behaviors they exhibit but not so much about the middle child that’s easily forgotten. Prudence is caught in the middle and while her siblings don’t realize how she feels, Prudence is often overlooked. She usually uses this to her advantage but underneath is a deep rooted vulnerability.
This internal struggle was a main storyline and I enjoyed her journey and it resonated with me as well. Growing up with a lot of siblings (though not as many as the Merriweathers) it’s easy to get lost and compare yourselves to your siblings.
There was a twist with the fake courting trope, where the hero and heroine didn’t mutually agree to fake court but Prudence was aware his attention for her was based on ulterior motives.
I was also shocked how a side character’s storyline panned out as I thought they’d be paired with someone else later on. They get a lot of page time, I found it an interesting turn and intrigued on the outcome.
Between Courting and Kissing is the third book in the Gentleman’s Guide to Courting series.
This series is best read in order and there’s a lot of buildup for book 4 in this one.
There are three encounters that’s mid steam and on par of other Lane’s books.
I often read about the eldest sister with the stereotypical behaviors they exhibit but not so much about the middle child that’s easily forgotten. Prudence is caught in the middle and while her siblings don’t realize how she feels, Prudence is often overlooked. She usually uses this to her advantage but underneath is a deep rooted vulnerability.
This internal struggle was a main storyline and I enjoyed her journey and it resonated with me as well. Growing up with a lot of siblings (though not as many as the Merriweathers) it’s easy to get lost and compare yourselves to your siblings.
There was a twist with the fake courting trope, where the hero and heroine didn’t mutually agree to fake court but Prudence was aware his attention for her was based on ulterior motives.
I was also shocked how a side character’s storyline panned out as I thought they’d be paired with someone else later on. They get a lot of page time, I found it an interesting turn and intrigued on the outcome.
Between Courting and Kissing is the third book in the Gentleman’s Guide to Courting series.
This series is best read in order and there’s a lot of buildup for book 4 in this one.
There are three encounters that’s mid steam and on par of other Lane’s books.
June 28, 2024
The ladies reading group once again has me in stitches. Priceless! I cannot say enough for this series. This group of enigmatic, rule breaking ladies are a delight. From the older matrons of the reading club to our darling Duke’s sisters. In this edition, we have Pleasant Prudence. Invisible, dutiful Prudence who keeps everything organized and ensures the Naughty library and poetry readings continue without a hitch. I adore Prudence, she is so eminently relatable in her self doubts and insecurities. So perfectly displaying how one’s own mind is their worst enemy and insecurity is often unfounded. Beastly Ben Bailey to the rescue! He’s always seen her, just maybe not as clearly as he could. In spying on her for her brother he unveils sides of Prudence he missed leaving his heart vulnerable to the darling damsel. The emotions in their story had me hitting all levels, from sorrow to joy and everything in between. The amount of delightful alliteration was perfection, how many hours of research were required to have so many perfectly poised pet names for Prudence.
I loved it! Every story leaves you eager for the next.
I loved it! Every story leaves you eager for the next.
July 4, 2024
Samuel, The Duke of Clearford, wants to know why his sister Prudence turns away all suitors. He recruits his friend Benjamin Bailey to get the answer by pretending to court her. In return he will sell Ben his shares of the print shop they own together.
Lady Prudence Merriweather’s biggest secret is that she organizes the meetings for the ladies’ naughty lending library. Will Ben discover the secret? This is a delightful addition to series. Prudence and Ben are opposites in many ways. She is neat and organized; he is scruffy and totally disorganized. They form a friendship where she helps him neaten up and organize, and he tries to help her see her own worth. It doesn’t look like a match made in Heaven, but stranger things have happened. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There are wonderful characters, fun, secrets, snarky banter, steamy romance, and a nice happy ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Lady Prudence Merriweather’s biggest secret is that she organizes the meetings for the ladies’ naughty lending library. Will Ben discover the secret? This is a delightful addition to series. Prudence and Ben are opposites in many ways. She is neat and organized; he is scruffy and totally disorganized. They form a friendship where she helps him neaten up and organize, and he tries to help her see her own worth. It doesn’t look like a match made in Heaven, but stranger things have happened. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There are wonderful characters, fun, secrets, snarky banter, steamy romance, and a nice happy ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
June 28, 2024
This series is full of surprises, Sister no 3, Prudence, the organiser, the sister who keeps to the shadows, who doesnt want a husband. Her Brother who is determined to find out why she does not wish to marry, and persuades his friend to find out. Enter Ben, prepared to go to any lengths to get what he wants, even a complete makeover, and a houseparty. Spending time with Pru changes his perspective, and he realises what he really wants and needs. The story was fun, and i like the banter between the characters, and the growth of the family. Each story is so different, I really am looking forward to the future instalments. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 7, 2024
When I start a book by Charlie Lane, I have to make sure to have plenty of time to read it, because I can’t seem to put it down! In this case, I even read it on my phone whenever I had a chance, even while in the company of my friends! Yes, it was THIS good! This entire series is wonderful. I love these sisters and their friendship, I love their older friends, I love the suitors the author gives them. They are intriguing men with very different personalities that suit the sisters’ characters to perfection. I loved Ben, this gruff, apparently uncouth cinnamon roll of a man and I loved that he wanted Prudence to feel appreciated and loved. The writing is awesome as ever and the plot intriguing. I’m waiting for Cora’s book with bathed breath now!
June 29, 2024
This is one delightful series. I kind of feel sorry for the poor young Duke suddenly left responsible for finding matches for eight unwed sisters, who really don’t want his assistance. This is Prudence’s story, and as the Duke finds suitors to court her, (none of which she wants) one big burly American, Ben, is assigned to find out what secret the Duke knows that she’s carrying . When Ben follows her to a house party Prudence realizes that he’s there for more reasons than courting her, as no man has ever really wanted her. How can he prove to her that the feeling between them is now very real , and she is worth everything?!
June 28, 2024
So Good!
The more I read of this series, the more I am enjoying it.
This one is about how Prudence and Benjamin began their courtship and all the passionate kissing they get up to while doing so.
I love these two - Prudence is the organiser of the secret meetings the ladies attend and Benjamin is the scruffy printer who is also Lady P's brother's friend.
That Gentleman's Guide To Courtship which her brother has written is causing so much havoc!
What an exciting, passionate story this was!
This review is given voluntarily and is based on an early copy which I read.
The more I read of this series, the more I am enjoying it.
This one is about how Prudence and Benjamin began their courtship and all the passionate kissing they get up to while doing so.
I love these two - Prudence is the organiser of the secret meetings the ladies attend and Benjamin is the scruffy printer who is also Lady P's brother's friend.
That Gentleman's Guide To Courtship which her brother has written is causing so much havoc!
What an exciting, passionate story this was!
This review is given voluntarily and is based on an early copy which I read.
June 28, 2024
This story was soo good. This series keeps getting better with each book.
Prudence and Ben aren't what you would think would be a power couple but they lift each other up by showing each other that even when no one else saw them, they saw each other.
The thing I enjoyed the most about this story was that despite his betrayal and her heartbreak, she didn't let it ruin her how she sees herself as to how she had before, if anything she's determined to love herself even more.
I enjoyed this story from the beginning to the end.
I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Prudence and Ben aren't what you would think would be a power couple but they lift each other up by showing each other that even when no one else saw them, they saw each other.
The thing I enjoyed the most about this story was that despite his betrayal and her heartbreak, she didn't let it ruin her how she sees herself as to how she had before, if anything she's determined to love herself even more.
I enjoyed this story from the beginning to the end.
I can't wait for the next book in this series.
July 2, 2024
Loved this book
Absolutely loved Prudence snd Benjamin's wonderful story of fake courtships, house parties and kisses. Prudence has many secrets the biggest being the scandalous lending library that she helps run and the meeting places she has to secretly organise. Prudence's brother other Benjamin his shares in his favourite printshop if he will discover her secrets whilst pretending to court her. All goes well, until kisses become more and passionate encounters abound will they court in earnest or will they drift apart.
Absolutely loved Prudence snd Benjamin's wonderful story of fake courtships, house parties and kisses. Prudence has many secrets the biggest being the scandalous lending library that she helps run and the meeting places she has to secretly organise. Prudence's brother other Benjamin his shares in his favourite printshop if he will discover her secrets whilst pretending to court her. All goes well, until kisses become more and passionate encounters abound will they court in earnest or will they drift apart.
July 3, 2024
This story is about Prudence and Ben. Prudence’s brother feels she is keeping a secret, and he wants to know what the secret is. He makes a deal with his friend Ben, if Ben finds the secret he will sell Ben his stake in a printing shop. Ben pretends to court Prudence and then the pretend turns into real. I had a problem with this story line, how come Prudence’s brother take a chance on Prudence’s happiness by having someone pretend to court her. The rest of the story was well written and kept me entertained.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my honest opinion.
June 29, 2024
I have been waiting for this story and it did not disappoint! Hot and spicy. Ben’s Cinderella moment was all I hoped it would be. Prudence finally telling off her brother was worth the wait. A hilarious grandfather thrown in for good measure, made for a lot of fun. This book also has a second story since Prudence and Cora were wearing the same costume to the ball. Already looking forward to First Comes Courtship. I love this series!
July 2, 2024
When Fake-Courting Turns into Love
Her brother wanted him to pretend to court her so he could discover her secrets. What kind of brother would do such a thing? Luckily, love would interfere and capture hearts that had no intention of being captured. Would Prudence discover that Ben courted her at the urging of her brother, and if she did, could she forgive him? I enjoyed this entertaining historical romance.
Her brother wanted him to pretend to court her so he could discover her secrets. What kind of brother would do such a thing? Luckily, love would interfere and capture hearts that had no intention of being captured. Would Prudence discover that Ben courted her at the urging of her brother, and if she did, could she forgive him? I enjoyed this entertaining historical romance.
January 27, 2025
Bit different than the rest of the series. This is sister Prudence's tale, but there is a side plot of Lord Norton and Cora. There was a scandal and a rushed wedding and then crickets. Evidently, them figuring out how to repair their hasty marriage is the next in the series.
May 22, 2025
Between Courting and Kissing
This is book three of this series of historical romance with a feel good ending..This is a somewhat steamy story with humor,sass,,dramatic drama,. and great side characters and background scenery.❣️🥰😉
This is book three of this series of historical romance with a feel good ending..This is a somewhat steamy story with humor,sass,,dramatic drama,. and great side characters and background scenery.❣️🥰😉
July 23, 2025
Charming
I like this author, Charlie Lane because she makes you laugh, writes a great story that is filled with amazing characters. You will definitely love this book. I know I will be recommending it to my friends! Read and enjoy!
I like this author, Charlie Lane because she makes you laugh, writes a great story that is filled with amazing characters. You will definitely love this book. I know I will be recommending it to my friends! Read and enjoy!
June 28, 2024
Lovely and engaging, opposites attract in this Cinderella themed regency romance. A fake courtship turns into the real deal for Ben and Prudence. Another great story in this series.
June 28, 2024
Another stunning book. Each one in this series has been amazing and this one has delivered as well. And then some! I just absolutely loved it! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
February 15, 2025
Prudence
Good story of a lady finally figuring out that she is greater than she originally thought. Great story I liked it a lot.
Good story of a lady finally figuring out that she is greater than she originally thought. Great story I liked it a lot.
April 16, 2025
I love this series so, so much.
April 22, 2025
A steamy story. This is part of the ongoing series. Whilst bits are improbable it was amusing and I liked the story, so the improbable bits did not grate. On to the next story in the series.
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