Though Olivia Calloway has long anticipated the London Season, her first foray into the Marriage Mart is tinged with apprehension. As the sister of a baron, she is well aware that fortune hunters might find her—and her substantial dowry—irresistible. When the rakish Duke of Tipton takes an immediate interest in her, she sees through his charm, but the duke will not be dissuaded from the fortune he seeks. Determined to gain access to Olivia, he tasks his younger brother with ingratiating himself with the Calloways.
Alexander Bailey’s titled family is nothing more than a curse. As the younger brother of the corrupt Duke of Tipton, Alexander is in the distasteful position of complete financial dependence. So when he’s ordered to secure an entrée into the Calloway family, he has no choice but to obey. Scarred by personal loss, Alexander anticipates immunity to Olivia’s charms—but he’s underestimated her. In the company of Olivia and her family, Alexander feels himself coming to life again. And when he realizes his brother’s quarry has claimed his own heart, Alexander finally finds something worth fighting for. Because if anyone is going to marry Olivia, it must be him.
Oh my goodness. I loved this book! I think this is my favorite from Dana LeCheminant yet. Her writing was so insightful, I found myself highlighting often. I went back through and counted my highlights- there are over 20!
Here are some of my favorite moments: - Family drama for Alexander - Learning to be a man of Business - “How does one visit a lady and not have any planned excursions come of it?” 😂 - The chess matches - The first hand hold - The visit to the laundress
My favorite quote: “You are going to find a man who loves you with every breath he breathes.”
Overall, this is a fantastic book. The romance is considered sweet, with just a few kisses shared. I would recommend this book to teenagers and older. Thank you to the author and the publisher for the advance copy. A review was not required.
“Every minute he spent with Olivia was another minute spent wishing he could have every minute after that.”
I have loved this series and was thrilled to get Olivia’s story. She has men lining up to marry her for her dowry, but all she wants is for someone to want her strictly for herself. It was so much fun watching her deter everyone, even going as far as refusing to dance at Almack’s! She’s a strong character with a tender heart.
Alex lives under his older brother’s thumb and knows what it means to cross him and his wishes. When said brother, a duke, sets his sights on Olivia and wants Alex to get him in with the Calloways, it’s a battle between family, heart, and self-respect. I was immediately charmed by Alex and admired him so much.
This slow-burn friendship-turned-romance swept me off my feet and a few sudden twists stole my breath. I love the way Dana LeCheminant captures the essence of this era and complex family dynamics that were most likely more normal than not.
Beautiful and well written regency from Dana Lecheminant!
Olivia is having her first season in the ton. She is determined to marry for love, but because of her large dowry, men seem to only be after her money and not her as a person. Alex is the younger brother to a Duke. He genuinely likes Olivia, but his brother wants her for his own and orders Alex to get close to her, so he can step in and offer Olivia his hand in marriage later on.
I adored this book and there was so much going on that I couldn’t help but keep the pages turning! Olivia and Alex were both such wonderful characters who felt real in every way. Olivia was so much fun! She is kind but with lots of spunk. Alex was living in darkness and had given up on love, but Olivia made him feel alive again and he was so determined to protect her. He is pretty much the opposite of his brother in every way, but sees no choice but to follow the Duke's orders. Alex and Olivia together just made me smile. I completely fell in love with the two of them. They have such a beautiful friendship, they care for one another and confide in each other. They truly bring out the best in one another and have the sweetest, most beautiful romance. It was also great seeing the characters I loved from the past two books in this story. but I highly recommend you read all three in order if you can.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Oh my goodness, you guys you NEED to read this sweet story! I thought I would read a couple chapters and go to bed but NO I got hooked and stayed up until I finished because I had to know what happened to Alexander!! Such a good story, go get it! You can thank me later!
I received an ARC from the publisher and all opinions are my own.
This book 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘹 ✅—then folded it into a love letter 💌, sealed it with a swoony kiss 😘 , & delivered it via carriage ride 🐎 at midnight 🕛 .
𝙉𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝘿𝙤𝙪𝙗𝙩 𝙄 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 by Dana LeCheminant is everything I crave in a Regency romance: heart-melting tension, clever banter, & a sunshine heroine who refuses to be sold off like a prize cow—no matter how hefty her dowry. Olivia Calloway might be the season’s most sought-after debutante, but she’s not impressed by titles, charm, or men who think “I want your money” is a romantic proposal. Enter Alexander Bailey: a broody younger brother of a Duke with a bruised heart, terrible siblings, & zero business cozying up to Olivia… and yet.
Their chemistry is soft, stubborn, slow-burn GOLD. I grinned, gasped, & muttered, “Just kiss already!” more times than I care to admit.
WHAT I LOVED: 💛 Friends-to-lovers done RIGHT ♟️ Swoonworthy hand touches & chess games 🗡️ Wit sharper than a dueling sword 🖤 Hero with wounded eyes & hidden strength ❌ A heroine who actually says no at Almack’s 👑 Character cameos that feel like reunions 🎭 Family drama that’s just enough messy 🌱 Emotional growth, healing, & the fight for love ✨ Satisfying ending that wraps up with a happy sigh
TOP MOMENTS TO LOOK FOR (no spoilers!): 🎼 The opera scene—peak emotional tension ♟️ A chess match that speaks volumes 🧺 A laundress visit that’s oddly perfect 🤝 The first time their hands brush (you’ll feel it) 🌉 That bridge moment. You’ll know.
💬 FINAL THOUGHTS Dana LeCheminant is in her Regency romance prime. This story gave me all the Austen vibes with characters I would 100% adopt into my friend group. Olivia’s spunk + Alex’s slow-burning devotion = a romance that made me believe again. This isn’t just a book you read—it’s one you 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭.
⸻
CONTENT WARNINGS Language: None. No profanity or crude language. Sex: Clean romance. Kisses only. Violence: Mild—character gets beaten (some blood), a few duels (non-graphic). Death of a loved one (on page). Fatal carriage ride accident referenced. Triggers: Toxic family dynamics, past and present grief, referenced infidelity, and mild panic attacks.
RATINGS Star Rating (Book): ★★★★½ Deep emotional arcs, satisfying slow-burn, and witty prose. The story’s pacing slowed a little for me in spots but still an incredibly rewarding and heartfelt Regency read.
Audiobook Narrator (Noah Wall): ★★★★★ Noah Wall delivered a standout performance, capturing Olivia’s spirited wit and strength while giving Alexander a gentle, reserved gravity that made his emotional journey compelling. The character distinctions were subtle but effective, and every scene felt alive—romantic, heartfelt, and full of nuance. A flawless fit for this story.
The premise of this book was so intriguing to me! I was immediately hooked by Olivia and Alexander and their story!
Dana LeCheminant is a master at writing banter and swoonworthy lines, and I just loved those moments in this book so much! It was sweet and fun, and I enjoyed reading about Olivia and Alexander. I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next!
The connections to the two previous books in this series were great, and I loved seeing beloved characters again. This book works well as a standalone, but I enjoyed reading them all in order and getting to know the characters better that way.
I enjoyed reading this book, and I am eager to read whatever Dana LeCheminant writes next!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is my favorite Dana LeCheminant regency romance to date! No, seriously.
The pacing was spot on, the characters were deep and interesting, and it hit all the right notes!
I adored Alexander Bailey from the very first chapter. The juxtaposition between hearing his inner musings and seeing him from Olivia’s perspective was fascinating! Is he truly the stoic young man forced to do the bidding of his rakish older brother the Duke or is he the observant, driven, thoughtful man? Can both be true at once?
Everyone should have a friend like Olivia Calloway. Her determination to help her less adored friends find the spotlight and attention was endearing! But what I loved even more was the fact that she refused to be sold off and would only enter into a marriage for true love. Can she recognize it when it comes?
I will be rereading (let’s be honest, listening) to this again soon!
Read this book if you like: ♟️Difficult Dukes ♟️ Independent Women ♟️ Racing Horses ♟️ Learning Business ♟️ Milliners Shops ♟️ Perfecting Chess Strategies ♟️ Attending the Opera ♟️ Holding Hands ♟️ Being Under Bridges ♟️ Worrying Servants ♟️ Meeting the Family ♟️ Protectiveness
Content: toxic family relationships, grief, infidelity (referenced in the past), mild panic attack, death, romance- kisses only.
Thank you to Dana LeCheminant and @shadowmountainpub for the #gifted copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Although this book started out a bit slow for me, I found that I was happy to go along for the ride. Olivia and Alexander are the best kind of main characters--flawed, but learning and growing into the best versions of themselves and helping others along their way.
I loved getting to revisit some favorite characters from LeCheminant's previous books as well. The Calloway's version of Regency England is one that I happily keep coming back to because I feel at home in these pages.
I don’t even have the proper words to tell you how much I adore this book!! 💙 “Never Doubt I Love” by Dana Lecheminant is another absolute gem in a series that has fully staked its claim on my heart.
Let’s talk Olivia. Our girl is FIERY 🔥, funny, and fabulously confident. 👸 Her ability to say what she means (with charm and wit!) will have you laughing one moment and tearing up the next. She sees people—really sees them—and her compassion changed the way I think about extending grace to others. And Alexander? Swoony, wounded, tender hearted Alexander. He’s been through more than he lets on, and watching him try to guard his heart while falling so clearly in love? Yeah, that got me good.
Their chemistry is 👩🍳💋—flirtatious banter, emotional depth, and the kind of romance that feels both fun and *earned.*
You can totally read this one as a standalone 📚 (and you should if you’re new!), but reading the series from the start makes it even more delicious. Plus, the cover is STUNNING. Like, “I need this on my shelf immediately” stunning. I mean… c'mon! ✨
If you love closed-door Regency romance with all the feelings, characters that grow on you like old friends, and writing that balances humor and heart beautifully—this one’s for you!
There were so many decisions in this book that the characters made that made absolutely no sense. . . Except to make things happen in a way she wanted for the book. I couldn’t quite get past that. It was a sweet and clean (which I always appreciate) romance otherwise.
Olivia heads into the season with low expectations that anyone will see past her huge dowry. She meets Alexander and his lack of interest in money or romance makes him a fun companion as she puts off the undesirable men of the ton.
Alexander is my new love and I became incredibly protective of his heart. Olivia was such a great strong character and their friendship was flat out hilarious and creative as they navigated potential suitors. Alexander’s low key wit was a great compliment to Olivia’s cheery attitude and underhanded comments. I was laughing out loud several times. It’s not all fun and games and I wanted to push his meanie brother into a wasp nest to feel the sting of his own words. Warn fuzzy ending with just the right amount of swoon.
fencing Chess games String friendships Nick Sigh worthy swoon All the banter was perfection The kiss
Will anyone see Olivia without dollar signs in their eyes? Can Alexandra open his heart to love and break away from his brother’s ties?
Highly recommend this book and series! This author continues to be a favorite and rites across genres. Kissing only.
I loved the characters in this book. Olivia was the best. She was so open and entertaining. Alexander was surprisingly open and endearing. I loved many of the sub-characters, especially Forester. There were just so many things to like about this book. Olivia’s brother was also a great character. I was ready for a light and entertaining read but there is also a depth to the story that made it so good. So… read and enjoy. You will love it.
"You are the most incredible woman I have ever known, Olivia Calloway.""That is because you do not know many women. ""No." He looked up, his expression so warm that she thought she might truly catch fire now. "No, it is because you are kind and selfless and brave. Beautiful, soft, outspoken. Terrifying and intoxicating."
Dear Dana,
Never Doubt I Love has pierced my heart and soul. This book is remarkable, beautiful in every way, from the cover, to the lovely flower end-of-chapter pages, to every single last word. I don't think I can adequately convey how perfect this story is, but I shall try.
Alexander Bailey. He is learning from his past, grasping at healing, and desperately seeking to make his own life better, while held back by self-doubt and ridicule from family. He is beautifully broken. And oh how my poor heart just ached for him.
Olivia Calloway. a Spitfire. Confident. Stunning. A large dowry. These all describe Olivia, but she doesn't want to be defined by her dowry alone, like so much of society does. I adored her good nature, her selflessness, the confidence she exudes, and her thoughtfulness of everyone around her. She thinks ill of no one.
Olivia and Alex go on the most exquisite journey! She thinks she can find no man to love her for more than her dowry. He thinks he can no longer love. Together their story is one of healing and finding new family, of loving deeply. Forgiveness. Peril. Helping others. It is one that had me feeling ALL the feels-I cried multiple times, gasped, wanted to throw the book at one point, sighed, laughed out loud, ALL the feels.
Some of my favorite parts were of the cameos of Nick, Simon, and even a certain mysterious character (think Thief and the Noble). I loved how involved Nick and Simon were in this book. Their banter, wit, and protectiveness of Olivia were just pure gold.
Dana, this is one I will treasure and reread over and over. It's an absolute masterpiece! Thank you for sharing this one with the world!
Your Devoted Reader, Holly
While this is a standalone, to truly appreciate the cameos and connections in this one, I highly recommend reading them in order: The Thief and the Noble What Dreams May Come This above all
I am not going to say much more, because you just need to discover this book for yourself. It is a top read for me this year, and probably ever.
Favorite Parts: Alexander Bailey Names Chess Protective brother Opera Stables Suspense The Whole Book Basically!
Content Guide: Language: none S3xual Content: Nondescriptive passionate kisses only, infidelity (in the past, side characters), talk of wanting to create a scandal (by a side character) V!olence/g*re: Mild-character gets beat up (involves bl0od), characters duel multiple times (some instances involve bl0od and some don't) S*bstance Use: Mild- side character is dr*nk on page twice Prejudices: none Religious Content: none Other: toxic family relationship, g@mbling, gr!ef from death on page, mild panic attacks on page, d3ath (past and present)
Book Info: Series: The Calloways book 3 Genre: Historical Romance; Regency Romance Level: Kisses only Release Date: April 8, 2025 Publisher: Covenant Communications POV: Dual
Thank you to the Author and publisher for the review copy. All thoughts are my own.
Olivia is determined to marry for love but her large dowry makes it hard to know if men are truly interested in her or just her money. The Duke of Tipton is one who seems interetsed in her, but she finds herself drawn to his younger brother instead.
Alex knows all too well what his older brother is capable of and fears crossing his path knowing he will retaliate against those Alex cares about.
But when he orders Alex to ingratiate himself with Olivia so that she will accept the Duke's hand, Alex is determined to shield her from his brother, no matter the cost, even if it means he ends up with a broken heart.
What you'll love: Regency era forbidden love strangers to friends to lovers dual pov chess games spunky, kind heroine hero with a broken heart witty dialogue opposites attract courting advice slow burn SWOONY FIRST KISS!! suspenseful scenes character cameos perfect ending!
I adore the first two books in this series and I was so happy that Olivia finally got her HEA! She is spunky and sees the best in everyone, which is probably why she understood Alex so well and knew that he was a man who she could trust.
Olivia and Alex were both such dimensional characters that drew me in and made me wish they were real! They may have been opposites in many ways, with Olivia's sunshine to Alex's stoicism, but the way she brings hope to his life is enough to make me melt. And don't even get me started on how determined Alex is to protect Olivia, even before he knows he loves her. Sigh. I will never get tired of a hero who lays it all on the line to protect the people he cares about!
This is the kind of love story that reminds me why I read and love romance. Two endearing characters who bring out the best in each other as they fall in love and then fight, against all odds, for their happily ever after.
I loved every minute of the story and *may* have squealed when certain crossover characters made an appearance. This is the third in the series and while it could be read as a standalone, I think you will enjoy it so much more if you read the series in order as past characters play significant roles in this story.
But whichever book you pick up first, make sure you don't miss this series! These stories are absolute favorites!
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
All the happy sighs for this book! I absolutely adored Never Doubt I Love! Dana LeCheminant delivers a swoony, opposites attract, forbidden, heartfelt friends to more romance that grabbed me from the beginning. I’ve been longing for Olivia’s story, & her search for love was everything I hoped for & more.
Olivia Calloway is entering her first season with the substantial dowry of 30,000 pounds. Wanting to be loved for herself & not her money, she uses her charming, spunky personality to turn the attention to her friends. With two suitors vying for her hand including a rakish duke, the man who captures her imagination is the duke’s brother who can offer her nothing more than friendship.
Alexander Bailey’s illustrious brother, the Duke of Tipton has tasked him with ingratiating himself into Olivia’s heart. Though he’s suffering from a past loss, Alex finds himself drawn to Olivia & wants to do everything in his power to protect her from his brother. While the duke holds all sorts of threats over his head, Alex determines to make his own fortune with the help of Olivia’s brother & thwart his brother’s machinations. But, will his heart survive another loss if Olivia marries another.
Olivia & Alex were such wonderful, multifaceted characters. I enjoyed seeing their friendship grow to love. I loved their chess games & witty banter. And that first kiss…. *sigh* I loved their opposite personalities. Olivia is sunny, good hearted, & spunky. Alex is resigned, long-suffering, & stoic. I loved how they both helped each other grow & become better. The prose is so beautifully written & I found myself frequently underlining quotes.
It was also wonderful seeing characters from previous books play such a pivotal role in this story. There was even a surprise appearance from a character I haven’t seen for a while which was so fun! I loved Olivia’s relationship with her family & friends juxtaposed with Alex’s broken family relationships.
The ending had me on pins & needles. There’s a touch of suspense as the Duke of Tipton becomes all the more determined to have Olivia for his own culminating in a thrilling conclusion.
Highly recommend this new favorite! I received an advanced copy from the publisher. No review was required. All opinions are completely my own & voluntarily provided.
"With all my heart. With every breath. My soul is yours." I absolutely loved this book!!! It is hands down my favorite of Dana LeCheminant's regency romances! Within the first few pages, I was drawn into the story of the apprehensive debutante (Olivia) and the manipulated younger brother (Alexander). Though Olivia and Alexander were opposites in many ways, they complemented each other perfectly and brought out the best in one another
With a dowry of 30,000 pounds, Olivia knows it will attract many money-hungry suitors, but she wants to marry for love. She has no interest in the Duke of Tipton, despite his keen interest in her, but his quieter brother, Alexander (Alex), is a different matter.
Unfortunately, Alex is under his elder brother's thumb, so he reluctantly becomes friends with Olivia as part of his brother's scheme. He's still grieving over the tragic loss of his love and plans to only become friends with Olivia. Before long, the charismatic and spirited young woman has worked her way into Alex's heart.
I adored Alex and Olivia!! Theirs is a strangers-to-friends-to-love, slow-burn romance, and I loved how their connection grew naturally as they spent time together. I loved that Alex wasn't content to get by being a duke's brother; he wanted to self self-reliant and learn about business, even though it's not a profession someone in his standing would have. Olivia is sweet, kind—the kind of friend you’d always want to be around.
There are more things I loved about this book: seeing characters from the other books help Alex and become his "found family"; all the witty dialogue; he falls first or acknowledges his feelings first; and that ending!! I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out. This book is a MUST read for sure!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and bought an ebook for my digital library. All opinions in this review are my own.
"With all my heart, with every breath. My soul is yours."
If you're looking for a story that will steal your heart and then some, Never Doubt I Love is the book you need in your life right now. Dana LeCheminant has absolutely outdone herself—this is hands-down my favorite of her historicals to date!
Set in the glittering Regency era, this story has everything we love: forbidden love, a swoony slow-burn romance, dual points of view (and trust me, you want to be in Alexander’s head), clever and witty banter, and the kind of opposites-attract chemistry that leaves you smiling like a fool.
And then there’s Alexander Bailey. Sigh. The younger brother of a corrupt duke, caught between duty and heart, trying (and failing spectacularly) not to fall for the one woman he should stay far away from. When Olivia teases, "Alexander Bailey, are you flirting with me?" and he replies, "I am playing with fire"—you feel it. Every spark, every breathless moment.
The ending of this book? Absolutely perfect. You have to experience it. No spoilers, but prepare your heart—you’ll be thinking about it long after you turn the last page.
Fair warning: you might also come out of this story with a sudden, newfound love for chess. Just sayin’.
Never Doubt I Love is available now and ready to sweep you off your feet.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content/Trigger: difficult family relationships, romance-kisses only.
WHAT IT'S ABOUT Though Olivia Calloway has long anticipated the London Season, her first foray into the Marriage Mart is tinged with apprehension. As the sister of a baron, she is well aware that fortune hunters might find her—and her substantial dowry—irresistible. When the rakish Duke of Tipton takes an immediate interest in her, she sees through his charm, but the duke will not be dissuaded from the fortune he seeks. Determined to gain access to Olivia, he tasks his younger brother with ingratiating himself with the Calloways.
Alexander Bailey’s titled family is nothing more than a curse. As the younger brother of the corrupt Duke of Tipton, Alexander is in the distasteful position of complete financial dependence. So when he’s ordered to secure an entrée into the Calloway family, he has no choice but to obey. Scarred by personal loss, Alexander anticipates immunity to Olivia’s charms—but he’s underestimated her. In the company of Olivia and her family, Alexander feels himself coming to life again. And when he realizes his brother’s quarry has claimed his own heart, Alexander finally finds something worth fighting for. Because if anyone is going to marry Olivia, it must be him.
MY TAKE If this book had a connection to a movie plot, I didn't recognize it. Lovely story with great characters it was easy to love or loathe. Alexander is wonderful, and I so enjoyed Olivia's feistiness. Alex's brother are despicable. Swoony romance.
It was great to see Simon & Lucy, and Nick & Emma again.
📚✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨📚 Title: Never Doubt I Love Series: The Calloway Author: Dana LeCheminant Genre: Historical Romance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
📝 My Thoughts: It’s book 3 in The Calloway series (Book 1 = 5⭐, Book 2 & 3 = solid 4⭐ reads), and I loved being back in this world with all the familiar faces showing up again, especially the delightful cameo from Lord Robert Loxley (from The Thief and the Noble 🥰 same author but not part of the series).
Olivia is bold, bright, and full of spirit 🌞 the kind of heroine who lights up every scene she enters. She’s stubborn (but not arrogant), and while I completely understood her frustration about men chasing her for her dowry, the repetition of that theme did start to wear a bit thin.
Alexander is your classic Regency hero with a quiet strength, a sincere desire to improve himself, and a beautifully humble heart. He’s also deeply loyal, with a soft spot for his mother (and I really wish we’d seen more of him caring for her at the end 😢). Still, his gentleness absolutely shines through, and the way he instinctively steps in to shield Olivia? Utterly swoon-worthy 😍🔥.
Their connection unfolds slowly and sweetly, building with each interaction until it feels absolutely inevitable… Chef’s kiss! 💘
Two characters who grow into better versions of themselves because of each other, layered emotions, crackling banter, and a tender, hard-won love that refuses to back down. It’s not just romantic it’s hopeful. And it stays with you long after the final page. 💫📚
🙏 Bonus points for the friendships! Simon, Nick, and Alvaro. I loved how much support Alex gets from this amazing crew of men. 💖
🔖 Favorite Quote: “Many of our fears, big and small, are often irrational, with no real basis for existing. But that does not make them any less real.”
📌 Final Verdict: A swoony, feel-good Regency romance with great banter, lovable characters, and a hero who’ll steal your heart 💘. If you’re a fan of sunshine/grumpy dynamics, this one’s for you!
I always love coming back to this world of characters. Alexander and Olivia’s story was positively delightful! The banter between these two right from the start was so engaging. I really enjoyed seeing their story unfold.
Alexander is brother to an unsavory Duke and has been doing his bidding for years, against all that he believes to be right. He feels trapped and hopeless but wants to desperately find a way to get away from his home environment. Olivia is the sister to Lord Calloway and is out for her first London season. With a large dowery and natural beauty, she is well sought after. But can she find someone to marry who will truly love her for herself and not her money?
Our main characters meet and have instant chemistry. They form a friendship right off and progressively things start to grow between them. Things aren’t so black and white though. There are plenty of obstacles in their path but as always, true love finds a way.
I really enjoyed Alex and Olivia’s journey and the ending was so very sweet. You can’t help but fall in love with this couple! And we have the added bonus of the best side characters throughout! It’s always fun catching up. Another great addition to the series!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and publisher. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Historical fiction can sometimes be hard for me to read. That is never the case with Dana LeCheminant's historical books. I love the way her characters seem to jump off the page and the plot plays in my mind like a movie.
I loved Olivia. She is the kind of young lady who has a large dowry. And in the marriage mart, that means she is one of the most sought after. Only...she sees her lovely, accomplished friends and wonders why they are not being chased by single gentleman. So she decides to do something about that. I loved the way she tries to get men to see the good in others. Not even worrying about when she would get married. Olivia is definitely one of the most selfless characters I've read in this general time period.
Alexander was such a good guy. He was born in a high ranking family. But like all relationships, his relationship with his father and both of his brothers was complicated. And he knew he didn't want to be like any of them. I loved the way he helped Olivia. And he fell for her, even though he knew that she was too good for him. I loved the way he was able to rise above his family in the end.
I loved the cast of characters that were from the other books in this series. It's always fun to see beloved characters and get to know how they are doing.
Oh my goodness! This book is absolute perfection! If you haven’t listened to me before, please do it now. Read this book. You wont regret it.
After reading the first two books of this “series”, I was hoping and wishing that we would get Olivia Calloway’s story. She has such goodness in her heart. Always looking for the best in everyone. Daring, brave, and a bit stubborn, she wants to find someone to love her for her, and not for her dowry. She needed her HEA. And I'm telling you that Dana wrote the perfect man for her.
Alexander Bailey is the younger brother to the vile and villainous Duke of Tipton. After losing someone close to him, Alex has sworn off love. In no way does he want to be hurt again. But things change after meeting Olivia. He can’t seem to keep his eyes and mind off of her. But when his brother targets her for his own, Alex does all that he can to stop that from happening, even if that means getting closer to her.
Opposites in many ways, these two endearing characters found a friendship that grew and morphed into a beautiful love. Alex needed the light that Olivia radiated off. She gave him hope. *Sigh*
With past characters and one I didn’t expect, many chess games, tension filled moments and one swoony kiss, this is one book you don’t want to miss out on. And while this is the third one of the series, it is a standalone. But I highly recommend all the others too.
Beautifully written and balanced with sweet love, deep emotions, and a sprinkle of WHAT THE HECK IS HAPPENING??? 🤣
Alexander just wants to be out from under the thumb of his wretch of a brother, the Duke of Tipton. His life is controlled in every way imaginable. I loved his humbleness and kindness. His willingness to learn. He’s softhearted and sweet. Alexander deserves all the love and I adore his entire being!
Olivia wants love and is tired of every gentleman only seeing her large dowry and not her as a person. She’s really fun! She’s independent, bold, determined, and kind. She keeps everyone on their toes!
I loved the unlikely friendship between Alexander and Olivia. There was sweet teasing and tender heart to hearts. A kinship of both wanting to be seen and loved for themselves, though Alexander doesn’t believe he can be.
Simon and Nick were such fun. Like an odd couple. Nick is all fun and silliness while Simon is brooding and serious. They balance each other well and both protect Olivia with all that they are. I loved how they both took Alexander under their wings and let him prove himself.
Unexpected confrontations gripped me and sped my heart rate up but it was so good!!
Excellently executed, emotionally engaging, and endearingly enjoyable. (I had no idea I was going for alliteration but I just went with it 😜)
Thank you to Dana LeCheminant for the copy. All opinions are my own.
This was a sweet read. The 3rd in the series, all of our past characters feature prominently. This book is said to have tones from both How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days and New Girl. While I’ve not watched the second one, the first is one of my top two romcoms and I just watched it last month. I could definitely tell at the beginning some scenes were highly reminiscent of its beginning.
In this regency romance (set in London, England, in 1816) our heroine Olivia is having her first season in the ton. Our hero Alexander is the second son of a Duke (his brother currently holds the title) and he is at his brother’s beck and call - however nefarious. When his brother decides that he - a well known rake - wants Olivia as his wife, he sends Alex to smooth the way for him. Alex struggles to balance his caring heart with trying to appease his brother because he worries what will happen to his mother. As Olivia finds that so many are interested in her because of her large dowry, she finds a friend in Alex who will give her ideas of how to put off different gentlemen who come calling.
This was a sweet romance with a lot of chosen (and forced) proximity and it was a good read. There was family and chess and fencing and more. I finished it pretty quickly as I was engaged in the story. This was a just kisses romance. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
I received an eARC of this book from the author and the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.