A Classy Affair in the Country

The Glenbriar #10

by Margaret Amatt

It’s hate at first sight… But he’s about to dismantle her walls brick by brick

Young heiress Ophelia Chattan-Blythe needs a miracle to save the family estate, and working with Brann Duthie – the ruggedly handsome, popular, and extremely irritating local builder – is not it. He may have a smile that can melt diamonds, but when he and Ophelia hit it off on the wrong foot, she starts to hate him with a passion.

Single-dad Brann isn’t all he seems. He’s built up a good business, though it doesn’t stop him from being lonely. Falling for a beautiful but stubborn heiress isn’t part of his master plan. But how can he not find Ophelia’s serene charm and whip-like comebacks irresistible?

As Brann and Ophelia work together, their arguments advance to attraction, and their desires ignite. But it’s more than Brann’s job’s worth to act on his feelings and Ophelia mustn’t, not if she’s to secure a wealthy match and stop her family from going under. A love this intense should be worth the fight, but constructing a happy ending is an almost impossible task without breaking all the rules.

417 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2024

About the author

Margaret is a Scottish author and chocolate lover who has been writing stories for over twenty years (possibly more if you count her primary school efforts). Her early works will never see the light of day and are locked in dusty vaults on some old floppy disks. But after all those years of practise, Margaret released her first novel A Winter Haven in 2021. This is the first of a ten-book series set on the gorgeous Scottish Isle of Mull.
The stories are unashamedly romantic but with lots of drama and an eclectic mix of characters. Each book can be read as a standalone but followers of the series will enjoy catching up with previous characters.
A new spin-off series based in the Scottish Highlands is coming out in 2023. Look out for the Glenbriar Series throughout the year.

Reviews

[Kirsty (BookBlogger) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Classy Affair in the Country by Margaret Amatt

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

It’s hate at first sight… But he’s about to dismantle her walls brick by brick

Young heiress Ophelia Chattan-Blythe needs a miracle to save the family estate, and working with Brann Duthie – the ruggedly handsome, popular, and extremely irritating local builder – is not it. He may have a smile that can melt diamonds, but when he and Ophelia hit it off on the wrong foot, she starts to hate him with a passion.

Single-dad Brann isn’t all he seems. He’s built up a good business, though it doesn’t stop him from being lonely. Falling for a beautiful but stubborn heiress isn’t part of his master plan. But how can he not find Ophelia’s serene charm and whip-like comebacks irresistible?

As Brann and Ophelia work together, their arguments advance to attraction, and their desires ignite. But it’s more than Brann’s job’s worth to act on his feelings and Ophelia mustn’t, not if she’s to secure a wealthy match and stop her family from going under. A love this intense should be worth the fight, but constructing a happy ending is an almost impossible task without breaking all the rules.

My Opinion

I started reading this book and once I reached the 20% mark I was unable to put it down - I just had to read on. This is the 10th book in The Glenbriar Series and whilst it could be read as a standalone, this series is so delightful that I would recommend you reading it all.

Ophelia has been called back to her family estate to try and save it, but is it too late? Once again Margaret Amatt has written a stunning book with some great characters. The chemistry is obvious from the beginning but this is a real slow-burn.

Rating 4/5

[Book Escapes Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always a treat to return to Glenbriar and the fabulous characters that have featured in the previous books. Saying that, we were actually outside Glenbriar on the Glenvorneth Estate near the edge of Loch Briar. One local on the periphery of recent stories is handsome builder Brann, so it was a treat to discover that this book would have him as a central character.
Sharing the spotlight is estate heiress Ophelia Chattan-Blythe, who, at first encounter, appears to be spoiled and beyond redemption. It’s no wonder that Brann is entertained and intrigued by her spoiled demeanour. However, work is work, so he agrees to a lengthy list of tasks around the tired estate.
Brann and Ophelia spark instant fireworks, and it was an absolute pleasure to observe their chemistry and its impact on their dynamic. Their verbal sparring was relentless, and I loved it. What was intriguing was the revelation that Brann was not a serial womaniser, and that Ophelia had much more to offer than beauty and breeding.
Despite their obvious attraction, Brann needed to protect his precious family from the fallout of a failed romance, and Ophelia had a duty to marry well and secure the finances to fund the estate’s future. So, flirting was all that they could manage.
It was lovely catching up with series regulars such as local hairstylist Hayley and the rest of her friendship group. There was plenty of laughter between the friends and a few more poignant moments. I was particularly struck by Ophelia repairing her relationship with her mother and the acceptance that came with that step.
There’s a warmth within the pages of each of Margaret Amatt’s books, but the depth of understanding in this one captured my imagination. It’s easy to accept that opposites can attract when the characters are more aligned than originally displayed. I was totally invested in the characters and their hopes for their futures and was willing them to find a way through the obstacles that they faced.
Highly recommended!

[Grace Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to Brann’s story and I was not disappointed. Brann is a builder, a single dad and very hot! Ophelia has come home to save the family estate. When the two meet there is an obvious attraction which they both try to ignore with banter/insults, how could they possibly be together. There is drama, families, laughter and a heartwarming romance at the heart of this beautifully written book.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book in the Glenbriar series. I absolutely loved the main characters Ophelia and Brann. Two people from very different backgrounds but who have an instant connection that they both struggle to ignore. Ophelia returns to the family estate to try and save it and it’s looking like the only way to achieve this is for her to marry someone rich. Brann is employed to carry out some building work but didn’t expect to be exchanging flirty banter with Ophelia…… I just love the characters,the storyline , the humour but also how Margaret weaves family dynamics into her books.

[Evie Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super-posh Ophelia Chattan-Blythe has been called back to the family estate to save it. Unfortunately, her lazy father and entitled step-mother’s plan for achieving this is to marry her off to someone rich so they can be kept in the manner they’ve grown accustomed to.

But when Ophelia starts working on turning the derelict buildings on the estate into rentable properties, she meets Brann Duthie, the builder. He’s a single dad, rough around the edges, and the last man on earth she would ever hang out with socially. And someone she would NEVER fall in love with.

Unfortunately for both of them, sparks immediately fly, and their feelings for each other keep growing no matter how much they try to stop them. But how can they ever be together?

Oh my, what a book this is! I’m not going to go into the details as I want you to discover them for yourself, but never have a couple had quite so much going against them. Amatt’s consummate skill as a writer meant that I kept turning the pages wondering how on earth Ophelia and Brann were ever going to have their happy ending.

A Classy Affair in the Country is a brilliant and unputdownable read. It’s intelligent, emotional storytelling at its very best, with laugh-out-loud banter between the two leads, villains, best friends, intrigue, drama, and oh-so-swoony love. The characters and situations feel utterly real and engaging, and the only reason I didn’t read this book in one sitting was because annoying life necessities like eating and sleeping got in the way. Once again, Amatt has written a beautifully crafted romance novel with characters that will stay in my heart forever. Pure perfection!

[Inspiredbypmdd Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for A Classy Affair by Margarett Amatt:
What a beautifully written story, it’s paced perfectly and keeps you engaged. I was that engrossed and in need for more that I let one coffee go cold and one Sprite go warm, when I say I read it in one sitting, that’s exactly what happened. Ophelia and Brann’s story had me sucked in from the very early pages. Ophelia is to one day inherit her families estate, one that is crumbling thanks to her fathers dimness and her stepmothers arrogance. This means she has to leave her thriving business and return home to see what can be salvaged, ideally her stepmother would have her marry for money to save the home and it’s legacy.
This is where she crosses paths with Brann, muscular, sexy, talented Brann! He takes on the building work and the sparks fly around them, Brann is not without baggage.
Love is love, that’s a message that comes through the pages. Margaret writes in good humour, is easy to follow and keeps you wanting more, the banter is cute sexy and the steam is off the scale tasteful. A few familiar faces pop up too and a gorgeous Dior Saddle Bag. Margaret is a must read romance author and in my opinion just as talented as any Sunday Times Best Seller.

[Lyndsey Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another corker from Margaret Amatt. I loved the set up, the dynamics, & the banter between Brann & Ophelia. The chemistry leapt from the pages. The conflict was perfect. The ending was swoon-worthy! Highly recommend!

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ophelia Chattan-Blythe had a call from her stepmother
Implying her father was in health issue bother
She raced home to find him fit and well
With a way to raise money he's eager to tell.

Marrying her off to some rich man is their dream
Then using the money to fund their estate it would seem.
It certainly isn't a plan that appeals to Ophelia at all
But will she agree if otherwise the estate would fall?

At Barbara's suggestion, Ophelia works on a new plan
That's when she first gets to meet Brann.
Sparks fly instantaneously between the two
Will they hate each other or fall in love, too?

With family thwarting every effort to make change
Ophelia works with Brann and they soon arrange
To repair and update the estate where they can
Working together to make a new plan.

As attraction builds between these two
Will their different backgrounds stop them working through?
Will either of them be prepared to fight
For their romance when together feels so right?

A brilliant addition to the Glenbriar series, such a great read,
I hope this is one (and the series) that you also need.
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This book is part of the Glenbriar Series, set in Scotland. I've read some of the previous books and I enjoyed them, so I was looking forward to this one too.

As expected, this instalment didn't disappoint. There's something about the setting that feels like an escape for me, and I really like that. I thought Ophelia was a lovely character, and there was something about Brann and his energy that had my heart pounding. The book was full of funny, heartwarming exchanges, and some deeper moments too.

This is the tenth book in the series, but I think the individual books do work well as standalones.

Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Storied Conversation · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ophelia Chattan-Blythe returns to her family’s estate, where her father and stepmother’s outdated solution to save it is for her to marry a wealthy suitor. Determined to forge her own path, Ophelia begins restoring the estate's derelict buildings and crosses paths with Brann Duthie, a rugged, single dad who's far from her usual type. Despite their differences, undeniable chemistry pulls them together, creating a heartwarming and humorous love story full of banter, drama, and emotional depth. With clever storytelling and relatable characters, this is a romance that keeps you turning the pages and rooting for a happily ever after.

Thank you to the publisher, Rachel's Random Resources, and the author for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will be forever grateful for Rachel's Random Resources for introducing me to the delights that are Margaret Amatt books. Amatt has fast become one of my comfort read authors.

A Classy Affair is the tenth in the Glenbriar series. It's easily read as a standalone, although the previous books will introduce you to the recurring characters and their lives.

For this book we found ourself on the Glenvorneth Estate where we became acquainted with young heiress Ophelia and single parent Brann.

I loved the whole opposites attract romance, the chemistry and the anticipation in the lead up.

A throughly enjoyable, heartwarming read.

[Julie Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book, it was hate affirmative for Brann and Ophelia, or was it??. This is an enemies to lovers story which is my favourite. I can't wait the next book in this series.