The Viscount's List

Heirs & Heroes #1

by Lorin Grace

Finding love among the ton isn’t something Viscount Endelton can check off a list.

Socially awkward Viscount Michael Endelton excels at managing his estate, but when it comes to finding a wife, he's hopelessly lost. Brilliant with numbers but baffled by people, Michael turns to his family for help. Armed with a list of suitable matches, he sets out to secure his future - only to find himself increasingly drawn to a woman who seems to understand him - even if she's all wrong on paper.

A practical beauty with a scandalous secret, Philippa Lightwood has no illusions about her place in society. With a father deep in debt and sisters to protect, she knows her options are limited. When her father threatens to marry her off to one of his loathsome friends, Philippa seeks to make a match of her own, even if it means denying herself love.

When an accident throws them together, Michael and Philippa form an unlikely alliance to navigate the treacherous waters of the ton. They form a friendship that blooms into something more. When a moment of desperation leads Philippa to take a daring risk to protect Michael's reputation, they're forced to confront their true feelings. In a society bound by rigid rules and expectations, can they find the courage to forge their own path to happiness?

From ballrooms to gardens, from misunderstandings to midnight escapes, Michael and Philippa's journey to love is filled with humor, heart, and the realization that sometimes the most perfect match is the one nobody expected. The first book in Lorin's premier sweet Regency romance series.

Genres: Historical, Historical Romance, Regency

314 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 17, 2024

About the author

Lorin Grace was born in Colorado and has been moving around the country ever since, living in eight states and several imaginary worlds. She holds a degree in graphic design which comes in handy with creating book covers. Currently, she lives with her husband, and a dog who is insanely jealous of her laptop. 
When not writing, Lorin enjoys creating graphics, visiting historical sites, museums, painting furniture, and reading. Three of her books, her debut novel, Waking Lucy (2017), Mending Fences (2018), and Not the Bodyguard’s Baby (2020) have won Recommend Read awards in the League of Utah Writers Published book contest.

Reviews

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars!

Michael is a Viscount and is a little socially awkward which is adorable. He meets Philippa and her older sister. They both go by boy names Phil and Alex which their father doesn’t like. There is also a secret that Alex has to keep from society and Philippa helps her. But soon Michael finds out the secret and helps them while becoming closer to Philippa.
I really enjoyed this story! I will say one of my favorite moments is when Michael found out about Alex’s secret. I really loved Michael and Philippa’s relationship. Overall I thought this was a great endearing story and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Loved this book! I want more of this series. Real flawed people, real problems. Can’t wait for the next book to come out! Please tell me the Duke will get a story!

[Connie Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

What a great story! I truly enjoyed every single thing about the book! I should have put it down so many times and got ready for my company but it just kept drawing me back to it. I look forward to more in this series.

[Emily Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely

I love that it was a clean romance. It didn't feel forced, and both of the main characters were very relatable. I enjoyed the sisters' relationship, especially, I hope a sequel will see Alexandria as the next protagonist.

[Dev G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found so much heart and humor in this delightful and touching story. My first by Lorin Grace.

I love that as well as a beautifully blossoming romance, we also get a sweet story of devoted sisters, Phil(ippa) and Alex(andra). No matter what was thrown at them, they held their heads high and carried on.

Poor Michael is in over his head. New title, new responsibilities. I loved that he acknowledged his shortcomings and asked for help. He’s truly a man of honor with a good heart.

Michael and Philippa’s journey was full of obstacles, but was so rewarding in the end.

Some wonderful side characters, like her aunt and grandfather, as well as some not so wonderful, add love, humor, and intrigue that kept me eagerly turning the page to see it play out.

A wonderful start to the series. I look
forward to more.

I received a complimentary copy, but a positive review was not required.

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so happy that this book starts off a new series from Lorin Grace! I fell in love with the characters and can't wait to see what ones will be getting their own stories. And hopefully we'll get to see a lot more of Philippa and Michael throughout as well. Lorin Grace is one of my favorite authors and has written contemporary book series until now. I'm a huge Regency fan, so having a Regency book written by this favorite author was very exciting!

I loved the theme of family and friendships throughout this book. It added a wonderful depth throughout the story. Philippa and her sisters' relationships, especially her oldest sister Alexandra, was very heartwarming. Michael's relationships with his mom, sisters, cousin and friend were well developed and helped to portray who he was, his goodness and his desire to find a good match. They are all very protective of him and I loved seeing them figure things out in regards to his heart faster than he did but not being overbearing in telling him what to do but finding little nudges and ways to help him realize it.

Michael is a lovable character, one home you can't help but cheer on in his pursuit for understanding how to find a suitable wife. He'll have you giggling over some of his antics and conversations with Philippa, swooning over his sweetness with Philippa, and just completely cheering him on to finding that happiness and joy he is searching for.

There are ups and downs, struggles, outside forces pulling them apart, social standing, petty societal females playing the games, an overbearing father, a little suspense, a friend named "Peggy", and much, much more that will have you drawn into this story and turning pages quickly.

Well done to the author for this delightful and thoughtful story! I loved the sweet romance and can't wait for more to come. Please tell us that it will be Alexandra's story next!

Content: Clean and wholesome.

I purchased my own copy. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Helena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty good! A realistic feeling regency romance with a strong heroine but there were some detractors IMO, other than those this could have been 5 stars and I'm sad about that!

PLOT:

Phil (or Phillipa) is in need of a husband since her horrible father insists on getting his money's worth out of her. Phil convinces her father to send her older sister Alex (Alexandra) with her to London and there they meet Michael and his family. When she discovers his "list of potential brides" they forge a tenuous friendship and work together to find him a bride.


THOUGHTS:

- This started off SO WELL! I really enjoyed learning about Phil and her family, horrible dad and how she fiercely champions and defends her older sister. The whole first half of the book is really great but I feel like it fell off a bit after that TBH

- I wanted more of Michael and Phil! We get a bunch of scenes of them talking but I just don't see how they fall in love? Like it just didn't seem like a lot and I didn't really see the connection.

- about half way through it felt like they were inventing problems.... Like they like each other let's wrap this up but nope, enter the weird dad, intrigue over Alex's leg, the kidnapping / refusal etc. It could have been a lot shorter and more concise.

- I wish we got to see more of Michael as a person. We know he's socially awkward and doesn't get social cues but aside from that I don't know who he is. What does he like / enjoy, why is he friends with his friends, aside from her eyes why is he in love with Phil etc. he just seemed really bland after a while. Also, it annoyed me that he basically ended up with Phil bc she was the only woman to not act catty or rude around him? Like he went through his whole "list" and basically settled on her. That didn't really feel romantic.

- JUSTICE FOR ALEX! I loved Alex the most! It's so rare to see disabled heroines and she was funny and sweet and I wanted to see more of her. I honestly kept reading hoping things would wrap up and also get better for her but we don't really get much. Here's to hoping she gets a handsome suitor of her own in the future!

- Lastly.... This is a CLEAN book. Romance novels are usually smutty these days and this one was not, no prettying / kissing or anything. I really wish it had more romance and spiciness.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am soooo glad this is the start of a series. When it finished my brain was responding with 'Nooooo, I want to know more!' Obviously the Viscount and Philippa get their happy ending in this book but there is just enough set up for the next book to make one want the book to continue into the next story.

I also wanted to know what the Duke said to Phil's father and his lackey after Michael & Phil left for London. I'm hoping future books will give us a hint. And I want to know if the Duke ever deals with his wife's behavior. Neither of those points would be essential to this story but very interesting to know all the same. So fingers crossed to read about it in future books.

The Viscount has a serious problem with people. He can't read them. He doesn't get nuances. I assume it is something like autism. He is brilliant with numbers. He is in no way not smart. He just can't read the people around him even with his family's help. Phil is the perfect woman for him because she is super honest and speaks straightforwardly so Michael can understand. But she has been crossed off the approved list already. It is a problem that he can't quite stop thinking about her.

I loved that Phil proved herself to the doubters without knowing she was under scrutiny. She was just naturally good. Plus, she loved Michael and would sacrifice for him. I loved her grandfather as well.

This is an enjoyable story and I can't wait for the next book.

Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: physically - brief, with words - far more reaching

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Viscount Michael Endelton Oh my what’s in a name!? I have a brother named Michael and they are socially inept people! They keep their foot in their mouth and can’t always extract it!
Miss Phillipa Lightwood had to grow up way too fast! Her mother and brother are killed in an accident and sister who is her best friend Alex is badly injured in the same accident!
Her father who is busy with his mistress but not too busy to sire children thrust all of he responsibilities on Phillipa very young shoulders!
Michael would rather read a book than be on the marriage Mart!
But needs must! When his cousin Richard who has been badly burnt in the past who was trapped with his obnoxious Duchess he had to wed is opposed to the Lightwood sisters! Their father has quite the horrible reputation but fortunately their grandfather does not!
Michael and Phillipa are perfect for each other! Can withstand the Tons tricks, her father machinations and even a Dukes warming’s to Michael!
This road to HEA is one bumpy sometimes hilarious road! Bravo well done!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased opinion!

[Brittani Koepke · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first, the MMC just seems like an incredible dunderhead with no brain cells. It isn't until the third chapter from his point of view that we start to see into his real character. Once this happened, I loved it! I wish we could see that sooner. I love the moments between the 2 main characters and to see how the relationship builds. Very well done. Especially the ending, when the Duke weighs in.

So what kept me from making this one of my favorites? To be quite honest, it was lots of little things. The passive voice with the narration, for starters. I totally get that's how they used to write it in the past, but without having the vocabulary to match this, it only makes it awkward and weird. Second, the bits of prayer and religious references were off-putting because none of the characters struck me as religious. It's not a constant thread, and it felt like they were thrown in as an afterthought.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sisters Alex and Phil (who go by “masculine” names, much to their father’s dismay) embark on a season in society, with a hefty secret in tow. Socially awkward viscount, Michael, needs to find a wife and I was laughing so hard when the secret was revealed to him. These characters are entertaining and I especially loved the loyalty the sisters shared with each other.

There are many ups and downs that permeate the story, particularly due to an overbearing father who tries to force his will. It was sweet to watch a relationship naturally unfold despite those issues. Real problems, real people, and real-life/different circumstances make up this lovely Regency story.

Content: mild moment of peril; mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*

[Regency_Fan_ Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regency at Its Finest

This book has it all! Romance, banter, wit, social issues, and action are all present and make it a 5-star read for me.

I truly appreciated the depth of the characters. A strong, honorable man and a remarkable, capable woman navigate the complex social landscape of the Regency era and the higher society in search of marriage. A controlling father and a wonderful grandfather are featured. The sister's experience with her prosthetic leg is highlighted. The author illustrates the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, shedding light on the hurtful attitudes that persisted. Yet, amidst this adversity, there's a beautiful reminder of the kindness and support from those willing to lift others. And there is a joyful, ever-after love! 💕

[Cassidee Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book but hard to read grammatically

I can tell Lorin Grace enjoys writing and the book had a great plot with endearing characters! The hardest part for me was that she used so many pronouns in her sentences that I was unsure who she was speaking about at any given time. It was hard to organize everything in my head.
The dialogue was a bit mixed up sometimes as well - when the duke speaks, the viscount then thinks something and then the duke speaks again but it seems as if it’s the viscount speaking. It was so confusing that it made me hesitant to finish it. I’m glad I did though and I look forward to reading the others in the series, if only for the characters. I only hope they get easier to read in the grammatical sense.

[Luci Jamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

clean romance

I would give more stars if I could!
I have discovered a new author with this book/series and I look forward to reading more.
I loved the plot and all the twists that came with it.
The hero touched my heart as he reminded me of my son who is on the spectrum, smart but socially awkward. He is kind and gentle.
The heroine had to grow up quickly and is strong and kind.
The author does an amazing job with her characters as she has both the lovable ones and the others that are down right evil.
I look forward to seeing what happens next. I hope to see the Duke recipient of some kindness and the villain thwarted.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of COURSE it's a 5 ;)

Where do I start??? I think Phil and Michael just claimed my spot for favorite couple. I love how imperfect and deep all of the characters are in Mrs. Grace's books. But Michael is the best. He wants so badly to understand people, but people are almost impossible to understand, right? Especially if you're more scientificly minded or logically inclined. The fact that Phil immediately noticed this and wanted to help and protect him just warmed my heart. She's fiercely loyal and protective. Not attributes most heroines are given, but ones that make her altogether more lovely. I cannot wait for the next installment of this series.

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a good book. I liked how Philippa saw Michael and was able to converse with him even when he seemed awkward to other people. I liked how they were a great couple together. I liked how they understood each other. I also liked the relationship that Philippa had with her sisters and that she would do anything for them. I look forward to reading more in this series.

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.

[Melody Tregear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth reading.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Phillipa and Alexandra were such lovely characters and their bond as sisters was very special. Michael was a unique and interesting character. Loved that the ending indicated that their corrupt father would not get what he desired most. The grandfather and aunt were also very likable characters. Well written, well researched, clean novel. I would love to read Alexandra's story. The author wrote of her disability with such sensitivity. It was truly awful how people with disabilities were treated. Well worth reading!

[Hannah Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first time reading this author, and I was surprised how much I enjoyed it.

The writing style I found to be a little choppy or abrupt at times, but the story itself was intriguing and kept me interested. And the characters were mostly all loveable and unique. I loved the sister bond. Richard is hilarious. I loved Michael. And overall, a sweet and delightful story with a lovely romance. I really need the second book now. ;) Oh, and the grandpa was the best. Also the aunt. They were both so wise.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I was so excited for it that I preordered and then had a chance to do an advance copy and jumped on it! Michael and Phillipa each are facing challenges. Each of them are dealing with Society's expectations and family pressure. It is wonderful to see each of them working to move forward despite the issues that they face. I loved seeing their true character coming out in their actions over and over showing the depth of who they are.

[Dr. Clair Cosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

List with a twist: the hero has the characteristics of a person with Asperger's which a very highly intelligent strain of Autism. Michael is socially handicapped; he does not understand the world of the ton which is mostly socially shallow! He reminds Phil of her younger brother, so she is able to speak truth to him and is patient. She sees how basically good he is, how kind. They make a pact to search out a good match for each other.

[Eliza · Rating 2 out of 5]

awkward and somewhat slow paced

This Regency Story attempts to include in autism and disability representation characters. The author however, does not have a grasp how British titles worked at the time or how things like inheritance and entails functioned. The kind of thing that about 15 seconds of the use of Google would clear up. This is the first book I’ve read this author and likely to to be the last.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet read of two sisters who go to London for a season despite their father’s displeasure over his eldest daughter Alex attending because he feels her injury will keep her from finding a husband. Phil, the second eldest daughter will not hear of anyone insulting her sister despite situations that arise surrounding her sister. In the end she finds her hea with a viscount who sees her as the loyal, kind and intelligent lady she is

[Lwalalba · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unusual and sweet story

3.5 stars - I enjoyed this sweet story between a socially awkward Viscount and a girl, the second eldest of five daughters, who has a widowed, profligate and emotionless father and the ton to navigate. The characters were really likeable, unfortunately there were a number of Americanisms which are annoying but overall a nice story.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved grandpa. I need to read Alex’s love story. I want to know the duke’s story. While Michael’s need to have everyone in his life tell him what to do exhibits much immaturity I still liked him as the ML. Very clean, sweet story. I also need to see some of those women of the ton get their comeuppance.

[My_every_day_chilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful, clean, and proper historical romance.
It is a slow burn, with many obstacles and challenges for the MC's, but they do get their HEA.
it was a fast read, there was not a boring chapter, and it was full of heartwarming moments.
I will be looking forward to more from this author.

[Beverly W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start for this series

Loved how Philippa understood Micheal and the journey for him to understand her. Look forward to more stories in this sweet series.

[Jinjre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drawing room romance with better than average plot.

[Gudrun Debelak · Rating 5 out of 5]

a clean novel

A clean romance novel with interesting historical content and likeable characters,
I very much enjoyed the closeness of the sisters.

[Teya Teya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. I enjoyed the camaraderie. I enjoyed the bantering between the two. I enjoyed the down to earthiness of the couple even in this time piece. I enjoyed Lorin's voice in this book.

[Kirsten Baldwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story! I really loved Michael! The writing style was not my favorite. I would've loved a more in depth view of their thoughts and emotions.