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If You’ll Have Me
A lady desperately seeking freedom. A prosperous younger man. An unexpected connection.
Anna Atwood returns to Breckenridge, where she spent one blissful summer as a young woman. This time, though, she comes to the quaint town as a penniless spinster with a single hope: to build a life free from the constraints her father’s death put on her and free from the persistent suitor Mr. Green, whose plans for marriage are Anna’s worst nightmare. When she runs into David Tate, the boy she knew from that memorable summer, she finds he has grown into a confident and striking man. As they rekindle their friendship, David offers her warmth and protection in the moment she needs it most—when Mr. Green appears in town and threatens to destroy Anna’s carefully laid plans.
David Tate remembers Anna as the spirited woman who once brought light into his dark childhood. Now a man of means, he has a promising future, if he can withstand the powerful Lord Murphy—a man whose menacing hold on the town he owns is surpassed only by his relentless hold on David’s life. When David meets Anna again, he realizes he has a chance to save her from Mr. Green’s schemes, even if it means putting David in danger of Lord Murphy’s wrath and revealing David’s deepest secrets.
In a moment of desperation, David and Anna agree to a proposal of convenience to provide the safety they both need. But as their attraction ignites, the looming dangers from Lord Murphy and Mr. Green threaten to destroy their budding happiness.
Anna Atwood returns to Breckenridge, where she spent one blissful summer as a young woman. This time, though, she comes to the quaint town as a penniless spinster with a single hope: to build a life free from the constraints her father’s death put on her and free from the persistent suitor Mr. Green, whose plans for marriage are Anna’s worst nightmare. When she runs into David Tate, the boy she knew from that memorable summer, she finds he has grown into a confident and striking man. As they rekindle their friendship, David offers her warmth and protection in the moment she needs it most—when Mr. Green appears in town and threatens to destroy Anna’s carefully laid plans.
David Tate remembers Anna as the spirited woman who once brought light into his dark childhood. Now a man of means, he has a promising future, if he can withstand the powerful Lord Murphy—a man whose menacing hold on the town he owns is surpassed only by his relentless hold on David’s life. When David meets Anna again, he realizes he has a chance to save her from Mr. Green’s schemes, even if it means putting David in danger of Lord Murphy’s wrath and revealing David’s deepest secrets.
In a moment of desperation, David and Anna agree to a proposal of convenience to provide the safety they both need. But as their attraction ignites, the looming dangers from Lord Murphy and Mr. Green threaten to destroy their budding happiness.
320 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
February 4, 2026
🎉Happy Pub Day!🎉
If you’re looking for a hero who’s been in love with the heroine since he knew what love was, if you want yearning so acute it will give you heartache, look no further.
David and Anna used to be friends when they were teenagers but lost touch for eight years. David never forgot her, and now that she’s back, he’s willing to do anything for her.
I adored this book from the very first page. David and Anna were both so lovable it radiated from the pages. The story wasn’t without pain; David’s childhood trauma was woven deeply into it. Anna’s gentle, respectful, and loving approach was wonderfully portrayed. I loved how her strength and vulnerability helped David understand that his past didn’t have to determine his future. Combined with David’s charm and unwavering devotion to her, it made for an absolutely stunning love story.
Five stars, and I hope Garrett and Julia are getting their books too.
TW: animal cruelty and child cruelty (in the past, not on page).
Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for the arc, all opinions are my own.
If you’re looking for a hero who’s been in love with the heroine since he knew what love was, if you want yearning so acute it will give you heartache, look no further.
David and Anna used to be friends when they were teenagers but lost touch for eight years. David never forgot her, and now that she’s back, he’s willing to do anything for her.
I adored this book from the very first page. David and Anna were both so lovable it radiated from the pages. The story wasn’t without pain; David’s childhood trauma was woven deeply into it. Anna’s gentle, respectful, and loving approach was wonderfully portrayed. I loved how her strength and vulnerability helped David understand that his past didn’t have to determine his future. Combined with David’s charm and unwavering devotion to her, it made for an absolutely stunning love story.
Five stars, and I hope Garrett and Julia are getting their books too.
TW: animal cruelty and child cruelty (in the past, not on page).
Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for the arc, all opinions are my own.
March 1, 2026
"𝘞𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘵. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘪𝘴—𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘸𝘢𝘺."
I'm just speechless. 😭 This book is PERFECTION - it's seriously like the next Edenbrooke. I was immediately hooked, but it just got better the more I read!!
Usually I can't stand it when a book is single POV, but I was like at least a quarter of the way through, and it suddenly hit me, this is single POV!! 😅 Maybe it's David's journal entries at the beginning of each chapter, but it felt like his point of view was there all throughout it. I could almost hear what he must be thinking, what he'd say. And it felt like I was right there with them always. 💔
This book really just changed my mind of lot of things, because I also normally don't like it when she's older than him. 😅 But this was just done sooo well. You never felt the age difference; David was portrayed a strong, capable man. The type of man you just fall in love with. 🩷
And the MYSTERY behind David!! You know the base of it from the beginning, but when it all came out...yes there were tears in my eyes. It was like a movie in front of me, or even real people right next to me, I felt EVERYTHING.
I really hope I've convinced you to try this book, because I can't recommend it enough!!
Thank you so much @shadowmountainpub and @authorestherhatch for the #gifted copy! All opinions are my own.
I'm just speechless. 😭 This book is PERFECTION - it's seriously like the next Edenbrooke. I was immediately hooked, but it just got better the more I read!!
Usually I can't stand it when a book is single POV, but I was like at least a quarter of the way through, and it suddenly hit me, this is single POV!! 😅 Maybe it's David's journal entries at the beginning of each chapter, but it felt like his point of view was there all throughout it. I could almost hear what he must be thinking, what he'd say. And it felt like I was right there with them always. 💔
This book really just changed my mind of lot of things, because I also normally don't like it when she's older than him. 😅 But this was just done sooo well. You never felt the age difference; David was portrayed a strong, capable man. The type of man you just fall in love with. 🩷
And the MYSTERY behind David!! You know the base of it from the beginning, but when it all came out...yes there were tears in my eyes. It was like a movie in front of me, or even real people right next to me, I felt EVERYTHING.
I really hope I've convinced you to try this book, because I can't recommend it enough!!
Thank you so much @shadowmountainpub and @authorestherhatch for the #gifted copy! All opinions are my own.
February 11, 2026
4.5 🌟
Sweet sweet summer child. 🥺🥺🥺
This is such a bittersweet story. Beautiful in its earnestness and deep emotions yet grief stricken in its motives.
It is so sad that more often than not, the books that latch onto the tendrils of your heart are usually centered on grief, violence, cruelty and vulnerability.
David, a beautiful soul who has been horrifically abused and tortured by his dad till the age of 15, met Anna the summer he was 14. A summer when life gave him a glimpse of hope and a shot at happiness. Anna at the time was 17 years old. Now bare with me, I totally understand why the author chose an MFC who was slightly older than the MMC. In my humble opinion, if Anna was younger than her 17 years or closer to David's age, she wouldn't have been able to impact him with her kindness, her free spirit and her ability to bring a smile to every person she met. She would have been a child herself and her influence would have been more muted. So you see, I care not for the reverse age gap as it is barely 3 years.
What I did mind however, was the author's constant mention of David's tender age when he first met Anna and Anna's comparison between the boy she met at the age of 14 and the young dashing man she meets 8 years after. She was always remembering him as a young boy and trying to reacquaint herself with him being the same person. She often referred to herself as too old, or too unfortunate to be anyone's wife when she's only 25. The age difference was a bit exaggerated in the book and made us readers a bit uncomfortable and annoyed at the recurrent mention of it. When in reality, it wasn't that big of a deal.
Other than that, the book is absolutely beautiful. I couldn't put it down. I wish it weren't a standalone though and that we would actually have Garett's and Julia's books as well (David's siblings).
I wish his dad actually got his comeuppance but as usually villains do, he got away with it. I hated him with a passion and I wish the author wrote a different ending to such a vile man.
"...I'm not afraid of being poor. I'm only afraid of losing you." David took in a slow. shaky breath. Walked back to the door, and rested his forehead on it. "This is torture."
I pushed myself off the bed and came up behind him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Then make it stop."
He heaved a deep sigh and turned around to face me. "That's what I'm trying to do. Living with you has been excruciating. My wife sleeps across the corridor from me every night. I can hear you when you walk past my room. You've kissed me exactly twice since we've been married, and I held you once through the night. All three of those moments repeat in my mind whenever I'm not forcing myself to keep busy. You've laughed with Julia and built something beautiful here, in the wreck of a home I despised growing up. You are everything I've ever wanted and the one thing I can never have." His voice hitched, and I could see the pain written all over his face. "At some point, the torture has to stop, doesn't it? I can't be tortured forever. Not if I want to remain sane."
_____________________________________
"Do you think you were always happy that summer?"
I sniffed. Isn't that what he'd said? "I don't know. I thought that was how you remembered me. I've been trying so hard to live up to who I was then, but I simply can't do it. Not right now."
"No. Anna, no.' He placed a kiss just below each of my eyes, letting my tears stain his lips. "You brought light into my life because you were braver than anyone I'd ever met. You left songs in your wake, even though everyone who heard them knew you couldn't sing." His thumb finished the job of drying my cheeks. "You had the audacity to knock on the doors of some of the gruffest of my father's tenants, leaving them baskets filled with foods like fairy cakes and berries. You held Charlotte as she panted her last breaths. You taught me to live when all I'd been doing up until that point was hiding. I'm in awe that a woman who lived her life like that could love me. And I'm grateful." His voice faltered for the briefest moment before he continued. "I'm so overwhelmingly grateful you do because I don't think anyone else would be brave enough to see my world and then plead to be let in it."
2026 Bingo Challenge 🥳
#50 Bittersweet romance
🟣|21|36|46|12|40|🟣|23|
47|🟣|17|63|25|04|🟣|30|
08|26|55|33|64|16|08|44|
27|05|43|60|58|🟣|13|38|
37|🟣|29|15|09|🟣|22|19|
10|🟣|🟣|28|54|🟣|56|02|
🟣|🟣|51|07|🟣|24|32|53|
31|49|20|🟣|39|🟣|41|11|
Sweet sweet summer child. 🥺🥺🥺
This is such a bittersweet story. Beautiful in its earnestness and deep emotions yet grief stricken in its motives.
It is so sad that more often than not, the books that latch onto the tendrils of your heart are usually centered on grief, violence, cruelty and vulnerability.
David, a beautiful soul who has been horrifically abused and tortured by his dad till the age of 15, met Anna the summer he was 14. A summer when life gave him a glimpse of hope and a shot at happiness. Anna at the time was 17 years old. Now bare with me, I totally understand why the author chose an MFC who was slightly older than the MMC. In my humble opinion, if Anna was younger than her 17 years or closer to David's age, she wouldn't have been able to impact him with her kindness, her free spirit and her ability to bring a smile to every person she met. She would have been a child herself and her influence would have been more muted. So you see, I care not for the reverse age gap as it is barely 3 years.
What I did mind however, was the author's constant mention of David's tender age when he first met Anna and Anna's comparison between the boy she met at the age of 14 and the young dashing man she meets 8 years after. She was always remembering him as a young boy and trying to reacquaint herself with him being the same person. She often referred to herself as too old, or too unfortunate to be anyone's wife when she's only 25. The age difference was a bit exaggerated in the book and made us readers a bit uncomfortable and annoyed at the recurrent mention of it. When in reality, it wasn't that big of a deal.
Other than that, the book is absolutely beautiful. I couldn't put it down. I wish it weren't a standalone though and that we would actually have Garett's and Julia's books as well (David's siblings).
I wish his dad actually got his comeuppance but as usually villains do, he got away with it. I hated him with a passion and I wish the author wrote a different ending to such a vile man.
"...I'm not afraid of being poor. I'm only afraid of losing you." David took in a slow. shaky breath. Walked back to the door, and rested his forehead on it. "This is torture."
I pushed myself off the bed and came up behind him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Then make it stop."
He heaved a deep sigh and turned around to face me. "That's what I'm trying to do. Living with you has been excruciating. My wife sleeps across the corridor from me every night. I can hear you when you walk past my room. You've kissed me exactly twice since we've been married, and I held you once through the night. All three of those moments repeat in my mind whenever I'm not forcing myself to keep busy. You've laughed with Julia and built something beautiful here, in the wreck of a home I despised growing up. You are everything I've ever wanted and the one thing I can never have." His voice hitched, and I could see the pain written all over his face. "At some point, the torture has to stop, doesn't it? I can't be tortured forever. Not if I want to remain sane."
_____________________________________
"Do you think you were always happy that summer?"
I sniffed. Isn't that what he'd said? "I don't know. I thought that was how you remembered me. I've been trying so hard to live up to who I was then, but I simply can't do it. Not right now."
"No. Anna, no.' He placed a kiss just below each of my eyes, letting my tears stain his lips. "You brought light into my life because you were braver than anyone I'd ever met. You left songs in your wake, even though everyone who heard them knew you couldn't sing." His thumb finished the job of drying my cheeks. "You had the audacity to knock on the doors of some of the gruffest of my father's tenants, leaving them baskets filled with foods like fairy cakes and berries. You held Charlotte as she panted her last breaths. You taught me to live when all I'd been doing up until that point was hiding. I'm in awe that a woman who lived her life like that could love me. And I'm grateful." His voice faltered for the briefest moment before he continued. "I'm so overwhelmingly grateful you do because I don't think anyone else would be brave enough to see my world and then plead to be let in it."
2026 Bingo Challenge 🥳
#50 Bittersweet romance
🟣|21|36|46|12|40|🟣|23|
47|🟣|17|63|25|04|🟣|30|
08|26|55|33|64|16|08|44|
27|05|43|60|58|🟣|13|38|
37|🟣|29|15|09|🟣|22|19|
10|🟣|🟣|28|54|🟣|56|02|
🟣|🟣|51|07|🟣|24|32|53|
31|49|20|🟣|39|🟣|41|11|
January 31, 2026
Drop everything you are doing and grab a copy of this one!!! Seriously, clear your schedule and dive into this beautiful story! My heart is soaring from it! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!!!! This is definitely one of my unputdownable reads that I have been anticipating since the author announced about it! Allllll the heart eyes!!!! Allllll the stars!!! Seriously one of my favorite reads of the year and going on my favorites shelf!!!
Anna and David will have you smiling and laughing! Especially that first meeting. Then, all of his journal entries about her... Oh My Heart!!! Talk about major swoon and cheering them on through the struggles that are standing in their way.
I want to listen to the audiobook of this one when it releases to be immersed in the story again! If you are a fan of Regency books, this is one that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you put on your list...at the TOP of your list!!! Trust me!!! You might have a book hangover after it too, just a heads up!
And if you collect book boyfriends, David will be claiming that title!
Content: Clean. Some sweet kisses and nothing further.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Anna and David will have you smiling and laughing! Especially that first meeting. Then, all of his journal entries about her... Oh My Heart!!! Talk about major swoon and cheering them on through the struggles that are standing in their way.
I want to listen to the audiobook of this one when it releases to be immersed in the story again! If you are a fan of Regency books, this is one that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you put on your list...at the TOP of your list!!! Trust me!!! You might have a book hangover after it too, just a heads up!
And if you collect book boyfriends, David will be claiming that title!
Content: Clean. Some sweet kisses and nothing further.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
February 8, 2026
What a terrific story. I loved the "meet cute" (although I suppose "re-meet cute" might be a more accurate term). David's adorable teasing of Anna drew me right in. (Part of me wishes that this story were dual POV so we could have seen David's thoughts more...but I also don't know that there's any scene I don't want from Anna's POV, so I'm glad there are glimpses of David through the journal entries interspersed throughout the book).
As the book progressed and it became obvious that he was bearing heavy burdens, I love that he was still kind to everyone, Anna especially. I also really loved how he was willing to sacrifice for Anna and that Anna in turn was willing to fight for him.
I hope this ends up being the first in a trilogy because I really want to see books with David's two siblings as protagonists!
Definitely add this to your to-read list!
5 stars.
I read a complimentary copy of this book (for quick editing purposes) and subsequently volunteered to write a review because I enjoyed the book so much.
As the book progressed and it became obvious that he was bearing heavy burdens, I love that he was still kind to everyone, Anna especially. I also really loved how he was willing to sacrifice for Anna and that Anna in turn was willing to fight for him.
I hope this ends up being the first in a trilogy because I really want to see books with David's two siblings as protagonists!
Definitely add this to your to-read list!
5 stars.
I read a complimentary copy of this book (for quick editing purposes) and subsequently volunteered to write a review because I enjoyed the book so much.
February 16, 2026
"If you'll have me, Anna, I will always be yours."
If You'll Have Me by Esther Hatch
If I already wasn't a fan of Esther's books, I definitely would be now! I LOVED this book so much.
It had me feeling all the feels, which is my favorite kind of book. I laughed at their reunion in the first 2 chapters, I swooned during so many parts, and cried at the end parts.
David has a haunted past but is so good, kind, thoughtful, protective of those he loves, and wants to help Anna. He is an absolutely new favorite MMC.
Anna is beautiful, sweet, gentle, and sees the good in David, despite not knowing his devastating past. I really loved her as an FMC. She and David just fit so well together.
The healing, the romance, the angst, the suspense! Wow, I will definitely need a reread. I loved the book so much that I asked my husband to gift me the paperback for Valentine's Day, and he did! So happy to have it on my shelf.
Favorite Parts:
Meet cute again
David
Flowers
Cleaning a roof
Musical evening
Their kiss
Helping her
Clearing land and sleeve rolling
Conversation with Julia
He takes care of her
Garrett’s visit
Chapter 24
That ending!
The WHOLE book!
Content Guide:
S3xual Content: Closed-door: Passionate k!ssing scenes between husband and wife, implied int!macy between husband and wife
V!olence/g0re: Mild-ab*se (happens in the past)
S*bstance Use: Mild-sm0king (by side character)
Other: signs of domestic ab*se
Book Info:
Series: Standalone, but maybe a series
Genre: Historical Romance; Victorian 1850
Romance Level: Closed-door
Release Date: Available Now
Publisher: Shadow Mtn Proper Romance
POV: Single First Person
If You'll Have Me by Esther Hatch
If I already wasn't a fan of Esther's books, I definitely would be now! I LOVED this book so much.
It had me feeling all the feels, which is my favorite kind of book. I laughed at their reunion in the first 2 chapters, I swooned during so many parts, and cried at the end parts.
David has a haunted past but is so good, kind, thoughtful, protective of those he loves, and wants to help Anna. He is an absolutely new favorite MMC.
Anna is beautiful, sweet, gentle, and sees the good in David, despite not knowing his devastating past. I really loved her as an FMC. She and David just fit so well together.
The healing, the romance, the angst, the suspense! Wow, I will definitely need a reread. I loved the book so much that I asked my husband to gift me the paperback for Valentine's Day, and he did! So happy to have it on my shelf.
Favorite Parts:
Meet cute again
David
Flowers
Cleaning a roof
Musical evening
Their kiss
Helping her
Clearing land and sleeve rolling
Conversation with Julia
He takes care of her
Garrett’s visit
Chapter 24
That ending!
The WHOLE book!
Content Guide:
S3xual Content: Closed-door: Passionate k!ssing scenes between husband and wife, implied int!macy between husband and wife
V!olence/g0re: Mild-ab*se (happens in the past)
S*bstance Use: Mild-sm0king (by side character)
Other: signs of domestic ab*se
Book Info:
Series: Standalone, but maybe a series
Genre: Historical Romance; Victorian 1850
Romance Level: Closed-door
Release Date: Available Now
Publisher: Shadow Mtn Proper Romance
POV: Single First Person
October 21, 2025
This was an amazing story of love and healing. Our heroine is at a crossroads in her life as she tries to find a situation for both her and her mother that doesn't involve marrying an odious man just to keep a roof over their heads. They've come back to Breckenridge, a town that once held happy memories, hoping to find a place to live or work until Anna is old enough to claim her inheritance. The shy boy who she'd spent a wonderful summer with years ago is still there, but has now become a handsome man. They begin to renew their acquaintance and Anna is once more captivated by his eyes and humor. But David is hiding a secret that could prevent him from being able to ever do anything about the growing feelings between them. The author skillfully weaves a story of love between two people who are each carrying the effects of trauma and emotional wounds, but there is always that thread of hope that love can heal and is worth the risk. The yearning between these two was really well done and the kisses absolutely swoon-worthy! This one is definitely going on my keeper shelf!
February 23, 2026
•𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰•
{𝑰𝒇 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝑯𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝑴𝒆}
“𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎, 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚜𝚎𝚎𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏. 𝙾𝚗𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚞𝚙. 𝙾𝚗𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞. 𝙾𝚗𝚎 𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚒𝚗 𝚊𝚗 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚠𝚒𝚜𝚎 𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚋𝚢 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚢.”
🌳 Release Date: February 3, 2026 🌳
.
.
.
I felt as though this book had a strong beginning, but then it seemed to fall flat throughout the rest of the story. I really tried to like this story, but I simply could not find even a small part of myself that found any enjoyment in it. I typically find great entertainment in Esther Hatch’s books, but I suppose I can’t always love every book by authors I enjoy 🤷🏻♀️
The romance didn’t feel genuine most of the time, and as such, I found it greatly lacking. There was too much to-do made about a very small age gap, in my opinion, and the whole will-you-marry-me/won’t-you-marry-me drama was just over the top and quickly got on my nerves. I found myself cringing rather than smiling at moments that were meant to be sweet and wholesome 😬
There were some moments that I’m guessing were supposed to be shock factors, but they weren’t that for me. I really struggled to conjure up any emotions for the revealed plights of the characters, which naturally made the story even more dull for me.
I’m not saying this book is inherently bad—or even poorly written—but it was very much NOT for me. I know that there will definitely be other readers out there who will wholeheartedly love this story with its marriage of convenience trope!
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I received a complimentary arc of this book from NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing. All opinions listed are purely my own.
{𝑰𝒇 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒍𝒍 𝑯𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝑴𝒆}
“𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎, 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚜𝚎𝚎𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏. 𝙾𝚗𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚞𝚙. 𝙾𝚗𝚎 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞. 𝙾𝚗𝚎 𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚒𝚗 𝚊𝚗 𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚠𝚒𝚜𝚎 𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚋𝚢 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚢.”
🌳 Release Date: February 3, 2026 🌳
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I felt as though this book had a strong beginning, but then it seemed to fall flat throughout the rest of the story. I really tried to like this story, but I simply could not find even a small part of myself that found any enjoyment in it. I typically find great entertainment in Esther Hatch’s books, but I suppose I can’t always love every book by authors I enjoy 🤷🏻♀️
The romance didn’t feel genuine most of the time, and as such, I found it greatly lacking. There was too much to-do made about a very small age gap, in my opinion, and the whole will-you-marry-me/won’t-you-marry-me drama was just over the top and quickly got on my nerves. I found myself cringing rather than smiling at moments that were meant to be sweet and wholesome 😬
There were some moments that I’m guessing were supposed to be shock factors, but they weren’t that for me. I really struggled to conjure up any emotions for the revealed plights of the characters, which naturally made the story even more dull for me.
I’m not saying this book is inherently bad—or even poorly written—but it was very much NOT for me. I know that there will definitely be other readers out there who will wholeheartedly love this story with its marriage of convenience trope!
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I received a complimentary arc of this book from NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing. All opinions listed are purely my own.
February 27, 2026
I'd like to personally thank Esther Hatch for getting me back into the swing of Regency Romance this year. This was so sweet from start to finish and I simply couldn't put it down.
I went into this story blind and i'm so glad I did. While this story does have common tropes I see all the time as a reader, Esther somehow made them feel fresh and combined them in a way I hadn't seen done before. I adored both of the main characters and how they were each other's safety in a world that hadn't been kind to either of them. I think I am in love with the male main character. I haven't read about a love interest this tender and kind in a while.
This book has plenty of sweet chemistry to some more heated moments that I thought were quite realistic for their situation. There was angst and longing for someone you can't have, and I was here for it. I loved how the plot developed and each chapter heading had the sweetest journal entries that you won't want to pass on. I even got a little emotional at a certain spot.
A regency romance that will definitely be a standout in this genre this year.
I really am excited for the potential series, as a little birdy told me that other characters in this book will also be getting their time to shine!
content: kissing only...
language: none
I went into this story blind and i'm so glad I did. While this story does have common tropes I see all the time as a reader, Esther somehow made them feel fresh and combined them in a way I hadn't seen done before. I adored both of the main characters and how they were each other's safety in a world that hadn't been kind to either of them. I think I am in love with the male main character. I haven't read about a love interest this tender and kind in a while.
This book has plenty of sweet chemistry to some more heated moments that I thought were quite realistic for their situation. There was angst and longing for someone you can't have, and I was here for it. I loved how the plot developed and each chapter heading had the sweetest journal entries that you won't want to pass on. I even got a little emotional at a certain spot.
A regency romance that will definitely be a standout in this genre this year.
I really am excited for the potential series, as a little birdy told me that other characters in this book will also be getting their time to shine!
content: kissing only...
language: none
January 13, 2026
Books where the MMC is named David >>> All jokes aside, this book had me staying up past my bedtime crying as I read. 5 stars all around 🫶🏼 A marriage of convenience, a golden retriever MMC with a heartbreaking past, and a friends-to-lovers romance. Perfection.
This is officially being added to my list of favorite proper romances. I loved this story and will immediately be putting all of Esther Hatch’s books on my TBR. I could not put it down! The romance had me kicking my feet, and the relationship development was incredibly sweet.
🌶️ Closed-door romance! I’m a sucker for a clean proper romance. There’s something so thrilling about them!
My only complaint is that I wish it were longer so I could spend more time with these wonderful characters ☺️ I would absolutely read a sequel about what happens next in Anna and David’s story, and especially one for Garrett and Julia! I was getting flirty vibes between Julia and the tutor and kept hoping we’d see something happen with that 😉 Plus I need to know that Garrett is happy!
Huge thank you to Esther Hatch, Shadow Mountain Publishing, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book! I’m hoping to read many more wonderful proper romances like this one 🤍
P.S. BYU alum girlies, this one’s for us 💙 (the author is a coug too!!) 🐾
This is officially being added to my list of favorite proper romances. I loved this story and will immediately be putting all of Esther Hatch’s books on my TBR. I could not put it down! The romance had me kicking my feet, and the relationship development was incredibly sweet.
🌶️ Closed-door romance! I’m a sucker for a clean proper romance. There’s something so thrilling about them!
My only complaint is that I wish it were longer so I could spend more time with these wonderful characters ☺️ I would absolutely read a sequel about what happens next in Anna and David’s story, and especially one for Garrett and Julia! I was getting flirty vibes between Julia and the tutor and kept hoping we’d see something happen with that 😉 Plus I need to know that Garrett is happy!
Huge thank you to Esther Hatch, Shadow Mountain Publishing, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book! I’m hoping to read many more wonderful proper romances like this one 🤍
P.S. BYU alum girlies, this one’s for us 💙 (the author is a coug too!!) 🐾
November 6, 2025
Esther Hatch, you are a treasure. This book is so wonderful, and I don't know how I can possibly do it justice in a review, especially without spoilers. But I will try!
After the death of her father, Anna Atwood and her mother struggle to survive and are soon to be left with nowhere to go. In a desperate attempt to find somewhere to live for the next 18 months while they wait for Anna to be able to receive her inheritence, and to escape a despicable suitor, Anna and her mother travel to Breckenridge, a town they visited one summer 8 years ago. It is in Breckenridge that Anna is reunited with David, the young boy she befriended all those years ago. But David is not the shy, sickly, nearly silent shadow she remembers - he is all grown up and is now a confident, handsome man.
The opening scene, and the opening line, are just the way I want to start a book! I was invested in this story immediately, and hated every moment I had to put it down. Despite the dire straits Anna and her mother are in, the rekindling of friendship between Anna and David is so charming and funny. And the swoon! *Happy Sigh*
But make no mistake, this novel is no fluff piece. It takes a turn into some very serious issues, and at times I felt like my heart had been wrung out like a dishrag! The writing is excellent, the characters are intriguing, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment reading this book. (Although Lord Muphy is so incredibly cruel and vile that it's hard to say I "enjoyed" those scenes.) I loved how snippets of David's journal are included at the beginning of each chapter. And oh, boy, that very first one sure hits differently after you find out about his secret. 💔😭
I suspect this is the first of a series, and that Julia and Garrett will be getting their own stories. I will be extremely disappointed if they don't!!
(I received an advanced digital copy for review purposes from NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing. A positive review was not required.)
After the death of her father, Anna Atwood and her mother struggle to survive and are soon to be left with nowhere to go. In a desperate attempt to find somewhere to live for the next 18 months while they wait for Anna to be able to receive her inheritence, and to escape a despicable suitor, Anna and her mother travel to Breckenridge, a town they visited one summer 8 years ago. It is in Breckenridge that Anna is reunited with David, the young boy she befriended all those years ago. But David is not the shy, sickly, nearly silent shadow she remembers - he is all grown up and is now a confident, handsome man.
The opening scene, and the opening line, are just the way I want to start a book! I was invested in this story immediately, and hated every moment I had to put it down. Despite the dire straits Anna and her mother are in, the rekindling of friendship between Anna and David is so charming and funny. And the swoon! *Happy Sigh*
But make no mistake, this novel is no fluff piece. It takes a turn into some very serious issues, and at times I felt like my heart had been wrung out like a dishrag! The writing is excellent, the characters are intriguing, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment reading this book. (Although Lord Muphy is so incredibly cruel and vile that it's hard to say I "enjoyed" those scenes.) I loved how snippets of David's journal are included at the beginning of each chapter. And oh, boy, that very first one sure hits differently after you find out about his secret. 💔😭
I suspect this is the first of a series, and that Julia and Garrett will be getting their own stories. I will be extremely disappointed if they don't!!
(I received an advanced digital copy for review purposes from NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing. A positive review was not required.)
November 26, 2025
Do not miss out on this lovely read! This is a beautiful story brimming with deep emotions, secrets, and a tenderhearted romance that will capture your heart from start to finish. Crafted with care, it takes you on a heartfelt journey of resilience, love, and courage. The witty banter, budding romance, and fun moments kept me hooked. I adored Anna and David; their charming and hilarious friendship has swoon-worthy moments. I especially loved the charming meet-cute. The glimpses of David through journal entries sprinkled throughout add a delightful touch. It takes a serious turn at times, tugging at your heart. The writing is superb, the characters intriguing. I hope this is the first book in a series, with Julia and Garrett getting their own stories. Overall, a must-read.
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.
#cleanregencyromance
I received a complimentary e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.
#cleanregencyromance
February 8, 2026
If there was ever a book that I could literally say had me on an emotional roller coaster, gosh, it was this one. From the meet cute to David's notes, to the yearning and tension, to the sweetest kisses, this was everything and more than I wanted from this story!
When Anna and David met as kids, theirs was a fast friendship, but a friendship that had a lasting impact, especially on David. When Anna and David reunite, their roles have reversed. She is the poor spinster, and he is handsome and rich. Their friendship instantly starts to pick up where it had left off, until David finds himself stepping up as Anna's fake fiancé to scare off a suitor and provide for her. He believes she saved him as a child, and now he wants to save her in return. But as expected, sparks fly and feelings grow. David tries to remain firm in his boundaries with Anna. He was always clear that he could never marry Anna. He has some secrets that he will not divulge even to Anna. But he still wants to make her happy as best he can, even if that is duets, dances, and maybe some stolen kisses. But even as they bring joy into each other's lives, there always is a timeline on their joy. With her inheritance soon coming, she has no need for false relationships. And even if she stays in this one, David has been clear their happiness is temporary!
These two... well... David. Just wow. But also Anna. Thank goodness she could be that light in the darkness for him, and he would be that for her in the future. My goodness, the chemistry! Unreal! I feel like I now need a romance for Julia and Garrett ASAP, and a sneak peek back at these two lovebirds!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
cw: mentions of past child abuse.
When Anna and David met as kids, theirs was a fast friendship, but a friendship that had a lasting impact, especially on David. When Anna and David reunite, their roles have reversed. She is the poor spinster, and he is handsome and rich. Their friendship instantly starts to pick up where it had left off, until David finds himself stepping up as Anna's fake fiancé to scare off a suitor and provide for her. He believes she saved him as a child, and now he wants to save her in return. But as expected, sparks fly and feelings grow. David tries to remain firm in his boundaries with Anna. He was always clear that he could never marry Anna. He has some secrets that he will not divulge even to Anna. But he still wants to make her happy as best he can, even if that is duets, dances, and maybe some stolen kisses. But even as they bring joy into each other's lives, there always is a timeline on their joy. With her inheritance soon coming, she has no need for false relationships. And even if she stays in this one, David has been clear their happiness is temporary!
These two... well... David. Just wow. But also Anna. Thank goodness she could be that light in the darkness for him, and he would be that for her in the future. My goodness, the chemistry! Unreal! I feel like I now need a romance for Julia and Garrett ASAP, and a sneak peek back at these two lovebirds!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
cw: mentions of past child abuse.
February 1, 2026
Wow, this one really took me by surprise in the best way! I went in thinking this was going to be just another cute historical romance and it was—for the first half of the book—and then it got super emotional and deep. My heart was just aching at what unfolded.
First of all, this book is just one big yearnfest. So much yearning between both Anna and David. I love how they reconnected and it was like no time had passed at all. The chemistry was just right, and there was also this underlying tension that made me just want to scream. Because it’s so obvious that while Anna gets to the point where she’s all in with David, he is holding something back. And y’all, my heart was not at all prepared.
Learning about David’s childhood broke my heart. The way Anna handled him with such care and understanding was just right. I love how their communication opened up the world for them. The romance stays closed door, but the emotional and sensual tension is so well written that it still feels incredibly intimate. I absolutely ATE IT UP!
Romance: closed door
Thank you to Shadow Mountain for a gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.
First of all, this book is just one big yearnfest. So much yearning between both Anna and David. I love how they reconnected and it was like no time had passed at all. The chemistry was just right, and there was also this underlying tension that made me just want to scream. Because it’s so obvious that while Anna gets to the point where she’s all in with David, he is holding something back. And y’all, my heart was not at all prepared.
Learning about David’s childhood broke my heart. The way Anna handled him with such care and understanding was just right. I love how their communication opened up the world for them. The romance stays closed door, but the emotional and sensual tension is so well written that it still feels incredibly intimate. I absolutely ATE IT UP!
Romance: closed door
Thank you to Shadow Mountain for a gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.
February 15, 2026
This stunning Victorian romance between David and Anna unfolded in surprising ways. Occasional journal snippets revealed David’s difficult past, as well as his unrequited love for the older, beautiful young woman, Anna. When Anna reenters his life, he is determined to help her and save her, and now that the time is right, a glorious connection begins–one with all the emotion, swoon, and obstacles.
I was delighted with this Esther Hatch story, and found myself completely immersed in this book. My heart was enchanted with a proposed fake marriage, layers of secrets that are peeled back, and a breathtaking relationship that transformed these characters. The writing is sublime, the characters are very dimensional, and the plot is both hopeful and deep. Full of longing, richness, and romance, this story healed my soul and delivered all the sweet kisses and resolutions a reader could hope for.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
I was delighted with this Esther Hatch story, and found myself completely immersed in this book. My heart was enchanted with a proposed fake marriage, layers of secrets that are peeled back, and a breathtaking relationship that transformed these characters. The writing is sublime, the characters are very dimensional, and the plot is both hopeful and deep. Full of longing, richness, and romance, this story healed my soul and delivered all the sweet kisses and resolutions a reader could hope for.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
January 11, 2026
Anna and her mother have few options after her father dies. While trying to escape an unwanted betrothal to a cruel man, Anna convinces her mother to return to the town where they spent a happy summer. There she finds David, the not so little anymore boy she befriended that summer. This book is so good! I knew how I wanted it to end, but I wasn’t sure if they could make it happen, and I love stories like that! I hope Esther will write books about David’s siblings as well!
October 24, 2025
This is the most tender love story! It really tugs at your heart strings. Both David and Anna are such wonderful characters. You will fall in love with them like I did. To see the way they treated each other and cared about others was beautiful to see.
I’ve always loved the humor and wit in Esther Hatch’s books. This one has it too. The re-meet cute was so great! You will quickly be drawn into their world as you find out more about them little by little.
This book has a more serious tone than most of Esther’s books, but it delivers a beautiful message of hope amid trials and the healing power of love.
I’ve always loved the humor and wit in Esther Hatch’s books. This one has it too. The re-meet cute was so great! You will quickly be drawn into their world as you find out more about them little by little.
This book has a more serious tone than most of Esther’s books, but it delivers a beautiful message of hope amid trials and the healing power of love.
November 13, 2025
I LOVED this book! I’ve become pickier with regency romances but this one hit the spot. I loved the banter, the romance, and the fun this book had in it. Overall a must read!
February 14, 2026
Esther Hatch, you've outdone yourself, and I don't know where to start reviewing this amazing book! Anna Atwood returns to Breckenridge with her mother to rebuild her life from the ground up. Since her father’s death, life hasn’t been easy, and she hopes to find work and a safe place for herself and her mother while she waits for her inheritance—far from a persistent suitor determined to make her his wife. In the most adorable meet-again, we're introduced to David Tate, who's never forgotten the summer 8 years ago when a young, free-spirited girl brought much-needed light into his troubled life.
David has grown into a man with means and a quiet strength, but he’s far from carefree. His history with Lord Murphy adds a thread of tension to the story, giving the romance higher stakes than a simple reunion story. It shapes David’s choices and forces him to weigh what he’s willing to risk.
This story really tugged at my heart. Their marriage of convenience starts as a practical and protective arrangement for Anna, but slowly shifts into something tender and real. I especially loved that their affection isn’t instant fireworks—it’s layered and grounded in genuine admiration. It was easy for me to believe that these two people would choose each other, even without the pressure. Both Anna and David are fighting for freedom—freedom from controlling men, from painful pasts. Watching them choose each other, not just out of necessity but out of love, made me ridiculously happy.
I loved David's journal entries at the beginning of each chapter. They gave me a glimpse of what his life had been like and how important Anna was to him, even though she was only there for one brief summer. I thought I knew what David's secret was but was still shocked when it was revealed. The tone of this story is more serious than the author's other books but I loved its message of hope. I highly recommend this tender love story.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain, via NetGalley but I also bought a digital copy. All opinions in this review are my own.
David has grown into a man with means and a quiet strength, but he’s far from carefree. His history with Lord Murphy adds a thread of tension to the story, giving the romance higher stakes than a simple reunion story. It shapes David’s choices and forces him to weigh what he’s willing to risk.
This story really tugged at my heart. Their marriage of convenience starts as a practical and protective arrangement for Anna, but slowly shifts into something tender and real. I especially loved that their affection isn’t instant fireworks—it’s layered and grounded in genuine admiration. It was easy for me to believe that these two people would choose each other, even without the pressure. Both Anna and David are fighting for freedom—freedom from controlling men, from painful pasts. Watching them choose each other, not just out of necessity but out of love, made me ridiculously happy.
I loved David's journal entries at the beginning of each chapter. They gave me a glimpse of what his life had been like and how important Anna was to him, even though she was only there for one brief summer. I thought I knew what David's secret was but was still shocked when it was revealed. The tone of this story is more serious than the author's other books but I loved its message of hope. I highly recommend this tender love story.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain, via NetGalley but I also bought a digital copy. All opinions in this review are my own.
February 15, 2026
This is the perfect novel to review on Valentine's Day. The love story sticks with you long after. David and Anna face huge roadblocks to real joy. His painful history keeps him from opening up to her. She starts as a friend but craves more. I loved how David and Anna's caring relationship started when they were young. Years pass, and Anna and her mom face many problems. David steps in to save them without any thought of his own welfare. Many things happen quickly. Soon, they fake an engagement, with some humor, odd moments, and deep feelings that can't be denied.
David's secrets loom large in their relationship, along with a cruel father's shadowed presence. Anna would do anything to help David. They want to make one another happy, but barriers get in the way. This love story is one of hope and healing from their past. So much happens, but no spoilers will show up here.
I loved this book, and all of Author Esther Hatch's novels. She has a beautiful way with words. This was my favorite quote,
"My love earlier had been selfish. I'd loved him before, what I felt now was deeper. I'd wanted David in my life for the happiness he brought me. Now, more than anything, I wanted to fill his world with joy. "
Read this amazing story of sacrifice, healing, hope, and love. If You'll Have Me takes its place as one of my top Proper Romance books.
David's secrets loom large in their relationship, along with a cruel father's shadowed presence. Anna would do anything to help David. They want to make one another happy, but barriers get in the way. This love story is one of hope and healing from their past. So much happens, but no spoilers will show up here.
I loved this book, and all of Author Esther Hatch's novels. She has a beautiful way with words. This was my favorite quote,
"My love earlier had been selfish. I'd loved him before, what I felt now was deeper. I'd wanted David in my life for the happiness he brought me. Now, more than anything, I wanted to fill his world with joy. "
Read this amazing story of sacrifice, healing, hope, and love. If You'll Have Me takes its place as one of my top Proper Romance books.
Read
December 2, 2025A sweet and gripping tale of childhood friends (and not-quite sweethearts) all grown up and reacquainted, but with painful secrets obscuring their path forward. This was a bit angsty for me, with a truly abhorrent father figure looming in the background that added a lot of tension and distress, but it was definitely a page-turner with main characters that became ever more easy to sympathize with the longer you spent time with them as a reader.
Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing for this digital arc via Netgalley!
Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing for this digital arc via Netgalley!
March 8, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ Was this the most historically accurate book? No. Was it still delightful? YES. If you’re willing to make room for a heroine with a decidedly modern mindset, then this was a delightful clean childhood-friends-to-more marriage of convenience. This caught me by surprise as it started out a bit shallow, but quickly became more interesting!
Romance: closed door
Language: none
Trigger warning: loss and reference to past physical abuse
Romance: closed door
Language: none
Trigger warning: loss and reference to past physical abuse
February 19, 2026
Aw, I really liked this. The whole first half, I had my hand over my heart because David was just the absolute sweetest with Anna. And his little journal snippets at the beginning of each chapter were so freaking cute, sometimes they'd make me tear up. This was a slow burn and the door is firmly shut, but i didn't feel like I missed out on anything---well maybe just a little 🤭.
Only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars is that there was a little bit of a misunderstanding trope and I wished they could get on the same page sooner, and i also think it could have been a little longer to flesh some things out a little more, but those were small negatives overall.
These two were just the cutest together. I loved their love.
Only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars is that there was a little bit of a misunderstanding trope and I wished they could get on the same page sooner, and i also think it could have been a little longer to flesh some things out a little more, but those were small negatives overall.
These two were just the cutest together. I loved their love.
February 10, 2026
Super hype but the most cartoon ahh villain
December 29, 2025
Content: no language, kissing only, some violence (mostly off-page, nothing descriptive/gory; physical abuse mentioned, scars seen and discussed)
Genre/tropes: historical romance (Victorian, 1850s), fake engagement/marriage of convenience, he falls first, age gap
My thoughts: I will say, normally I love Esther Hatch books, I’ve reread many of them and a couple are particular favorites of mine (looking at you Lord Bryant), but this one just didn’t land for me. I can’t quite put a finger on it. Parts felt repetitive (both action/plot wise and character arc/reflective thoughts), and honestly I grew bored of Lord Murphy as the (mostly) unseen villain, despite how truly evil he is, and the horrors he put his children through, David especially.
For the age gap—she is two years older than he is, which I feel like is next to nothing, especially for that long ago. (But normally the age gap went in the other direction.) It felt like the pov character, Anna, could not stop thinking about it. As a reader it felt overdone to me. I kept thinking “yes, I get it, let’s please move on.”
While the romantic scenes weren’t my top tier (again, Lord Bryant 😍) I thought they were well done, and I was rooting for them. And just when I thought they were going to work things out, David threw another wrench into the works. I think the scene of the almost kiss (during the musical performance night) might be my favorite. I also really loved the sibling interactions and connections, especially how much they care for and work to protect the others (whether for good or ill themselves).
And the scene at the beginning where Anna is in the tree and David comes up? So good.
Despite this one not being my favorite, I am looking forward to other books in this series, especially for David’s brother, Garrett, who I really hope gets a book. (Provided the current Lord Murphy isn’t around for long in that one 😅)
Genre/tropes: historical romance (Victorian, 1850s), fake engagement/marriage of convenience, he falls first, age gap
My thoughts: I will say, normally I love Esther Hatch books, I’ve reread many of them and a couple are particular favorites of mine (looking at you Lord Bryant), but this one just didn’t land for me. I can’t quite put a finger on it. Parts felt repetitive (both action/plot wise and character arc/reflective thoughts), and honestly I grew bored of Lord Murphy as the (mostly) unseen villain, despite how truly evil he is, and the horrors he put his children through, David especially.
For the age gap—she is two years older than he is, which I feel like is next to nothing, especially for that long ago. (But normally the age gap went in the other direction.) It felt like the pov character, Anna, could not stop thinking about it. As a reader it felt overdone to me. I kept thinking “yes, I get it, let’s please move on.”
While the romantic scenes weren’t my top tier (again, Lord Bryant 😍) I thought they were well done, and I was rooting for them. And just when I thought they were going to work things out, David threw another wrench into the works. I think the scene of the almost kiss (during the musical performance night) might be my favorite. I also really loved the sibling interactions and connections, especially how much they care for and work to protect the others (whether for good or ill themselves).
And the scene at the beginning where Anna is in the tree and David comes up? So good.
Despite this one not being my favorite, I am looking forward to other books in this series, especially for David’s brother, Garrett, who I really hope gets a book. (Provided the current Lord Murphy isn’t around for long in that one 😅)
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story had me holding my breath from the first pages all the way until the end! With an opening chapter that sucked me right in with its sweet peculiarity and every subsequent chapter slowly revealing hidden secrets and unrequited love.
Anna has returned to the small village she spent one summer in many years ago, as she's trying to find a future for herself and her mother. She's fallen on very difficult times and is trying to find employment and housing until she can collect her inheritance.
David lives in the same village and when they met during that one summer, he had proposed to her even though he was too young to be able to do anything about it. But their connection has carried through the years and now that Anna is back, they're drawn to one another again.
I love the moment they find one another in the opening chapter. It's sweet, it's sweetly peculiar with their teasing of one another and awkward in the moments leading up to how Anna will get herself out of her favorite tree. Yes, you'll have to read to find that out!
David couldn't be happier that she has returned and he's determined to do whatever he can to help her. A fake engagement, a fake marriage and so many secrets that Anna is trying to uncover about this boy who has become such a handsome man. But David holds a lot of information back. I knew there was something bad underneath the surface, you can feel it throughout every restrained emotion from David.
These two are powerfully emotional in the development of their love for one another, but they both hesitate to be loved. They both struggle with believing they are worthy of love and they have to fight to have what they desire. It's not an easy road and it's fraught with many obstacles.
This is why I held my breath through the entire book. Those secrets are slowly revealed and it's heartbreaking. But love always triumphs and the end of this one made my heart so happy for them.
Anna has returned to the small village she spent one summer in many years ago, as she's trying to find a future for herself and her mother. She's fallen on very difficult times and is trying to find employment and housing until she can collect her inheritance.
David lives in the same village and when they met during that one summer, he had proposed to her even though he was too young to be able to do anything about it. But their connection has carried through the years and now that Anna is back, they're drawn to one another again.
I love the moment they find one another in the opening chapter. It's sweet, it's sweetly peculiar with their teasing of one another and awkward in the moments leading up to how Anna will get herself out of her favorite tree. Yes, you'll have to read to find that out!
David couldn't be happier that she has returned and he's determined to do whatever he can to help her. A fake engagement, a fake marriage and so many secrets that Anna is trying to uncover about this boy who has become such a handsome man. But David holds a lot of information back. I knew there was something bad underneath the surface, you can feel it throughout every restrained emotion from David.
These two are powerfully emotional in the development of their love for one another, but they both hesitate to be loved. They both struggle with believing they are worthy of love and they have to fight to have what they desire. It's not an easy road and it's fraught with many obstacles.
This is why I held my breath through the entire book. Those secrets are slowly revealed and it's heartbreaking. But love always triumphs and the end of this one made my heart so happy for them.
March 5, 2026
Achingly beautiful, intensely emotional, I could not put this book down. I was instantly intrigued from the very first page and I fell right into Anna’s world and I never wanted to come back out. I was right alongside her as she tried to find a safe place for herself and her mother. I was crying as her heart was breaking. I was crying! I don’t cry during books! Hatch brings the reader directly into the mind and heart of Anna as she navigates her life and her relationship with David. This romance story is one for the ages and I believe it will win awards. If you want a story with depth and all of the feelings, this is that book. Hatch takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride that you won’t want to end. I need another book, I could read an entire series about these characters. Please write more. I am having a book hangover in the best way possible. Five stars for If You’ll Have Me by Esther Hatch!
I received a copy of this book for free, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book for free, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 22, 2026
Oh my stars, I LOVED this book! David was completely adorable and the romance was so sweet. It’s not completely light read as there are some darker elements towards the end but the ending is overall lovely. I am 100% hoping this is not the last we see of the characters in this book and that some of the other characters get their own stories!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
January 26, 2026
I am OBSESSED!!!!! 🤩 😍 This was the best start to a book I have read in a long time!!! “Are you real?” Oh, I just can’t get over it. I friggin love David. LOVE HIM!!
This book is the perfect balance of all the things I need and love in a book - humor, tension, swoon, heartbreak. I cried two times in this book - and that’s a big deal for me. There is SO much packed into the pages of this book. I just don’t even know if I have all the words because it was incredible. I keep telling my husband how much I loved it, and I don’t know if he’s sick of it yet 😂😂 I was so giddy and happy for so much of the book, David was so sweet and romantic, and loved Anna so much. I want to reread it again already!! 🥹❤️
Also, this is a Single POV but the little quotes at the beginning of the chapter from him were like little drops of sunshine, and I LOVED them!!!!!
Thank you so much to Esther and Shadow Mountain for an advance copy. All gushing is given freely.
TW: child abuse- message me for more detail
This book is the perfect balance of all the things I need and love in a book - humor, tension, swoon, heartbreak. I cried two times in this book - and that’s a big deal for me. There is SO much packed into the pages of this book. I just don’t even know if I have all the words because it was incredible. I keep telling my husband how much I loved it, and I don’t know if he’s sick of it yet 😂😂 I was so giddy and happy for so much of the book, David was so sweet and romantic, and loved Anna so much. I want to reread it again already!! 🥹❤️
Also, this is a Single POV but the little quotes at the beginning of the chapter from him were like little drops of sunshine, and I LOVED them!!!!!
Thank you so much to Esther and Shadow Mountain for an advance copy. All gushing is given freely.
TW: child abuse- message me for more detail
February 7, 2026
Absolutely loved this clean historical romance. I finished it in less than 24 hours and just could not put it down. When David was only 14, he first proposed to Anna she was a bright light and his life that was often filled with torment and sadness. After eight long years, they are finally reunited and David has an opportunity to not only repay the joy she brought to his life, but also to help her when she is in a difficult situation. I loved David and all his shameless flirting. I loved the age difference! You don’t typically see the woman older in historical romance but when you are in your 20’s a two year age gap isn’t so insurmountable. I also love the little snippets from David’s journal at the beginning of the chapters, although this written with a single point of view it was fun to see how much he loved Anna even from such a young age. I would definitely recommend this one and I hope his siblings also get their own stories.
Trigger warning, severe child abuse in the past
Trigger warning, severe child abuse in the past
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