What do you think?
Rate this book
The Mismatched Lovers #2
A Hint of Scandal
Fate throws a shy wallflower into the path of a handsome wounded soldier.
Major Max Aubrey, invalided out of the army, has to marry before he turns thirty in a few months’ time—or he’ll forfeit the property left to him by his late father. Along with his much older brother, the Earl of Westbury, his mother and sister-in-law are determined he should marry forthwith and receive his inheritance. It's with marked reluctance that he agrees to escort his sister-in-law and niece to London for the season.
Serafina Gilbert, the orphaned half-sister of Sir Ogden Gilbert, is very much the poor relation in the Gilbert family. When the parsimonious Ogden takes a small house in London for the season, he and his wife, who hates Serafina, bring her along so she can act as an unpaid companion to their oldest daughter. Being already twenty-two, Serafina has had it drummed into her that she’s an unattractive old maid.
At her first ball, Serafina bumps into Max. When they both inadvertently end up escaping to the safety of the dark summerhouse, Max offers to escort her to the British Museum. Each acknowledges, without saying anything, that they’re attracted to one another.
After Serafina accepts Max’s almost businesslike proposal of marriage, his mother invites her to visit Bratton Park, the seat of Max’s ailing brother. There, they discover the earl has a problem that could cause a terrible a woman is claiming to be his lawful wife. And now, it seems, she’s determined that her adult son is the true heir to the earldom.
Suddenly, it falls to Max and Serafina to discover the truth before they can even think about the growing—and real—feelings between them.
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
The Mismatched Lovers
Book 1: A Sham Engagement
Book 2: A Hint of Scandal
Book 3: A Duchess of Mystery
Major Max Aubrey, invalided out of the army, has to marry before he turns thirty in a few months’ time—or he’ll forfeit the property left to him by his late father. Along with his much older brother, the Earl of Westbury, his mother and sister-in-law are determined he should marry forthwith and receive his inheritance. It's with marked reluctance that he agrees to escort his sister-in-law and niece to London for the season.
Serafina Gilbert, the orphaned half-sister of Sir Ogden Gilbert, is very much the poor relation in the Gilbert family. When the parsimonious Ogden takes a small house in London for the season, he and his wife, who hates Serafina, bring her along so she can act as an unpaid companion to their oldest daughter. Being already twenty-two, Serafina has had it drummed into her that she’s an unattractive old maid.
At her first ball, Serafina bumps into Max. When they both inadvertently end up escaping to the safety of the dark summerhouse, Max offers to escort her to the British Museum. Each acknowledges, without saying anything, that they’re attracted to one another.
After Serafina accepts Max’s almost businesslike proposal of marriage, his mother invites her to visit Bratton Park, the seat of Max’s ailing brother. There, they discover the earl has a problem that could cause a terrible a woman is claiming to be his lawful wife. And now, it seems, she’s determined that her adult son is the true heir to the earldom.
Suddenly, it falls to Max and Serafina to discover the truth before they can even think about the growing—and real—feelings between them.
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
The Mismatched Lovers
Book 1: A Sham Engagement
Book 2: A Hint of Scandal
Book 3: A Duchess of Mystery
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2025
31 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Fil Reid
25 books63 followersAWARD-WINNING author, Fil Reid's first novel won a GOLD medal at the Readers' Favorites Awards in 2022.
Fil lives in Cornwall with her extremely supportive husband and where she's only minutes from the sea. She has a rescue dog from Romania called Bella.
She writes historical fiction and has a six book time travel series, GUINEVERE, out in which the heroine is a 21st-century girl kidnapped back to the Dark Ages to become King Arthur's Queen Guinevere. Lots of fun plot twists mixed in with some of the well-known and also the lesser known legends.
Her poor husband mostly sees the back of her head as she sits at the computer writing.
When she's not writing (which she does pretty much all of the time) she likes to walk the dog, visit sites of historical interest (preferably those connected to her writing), read, and sew.
She has Asperger's Syndrome, but she sees that as a plus as it helps her to be very focused on what she does.
Fil lives in Cornwall with her extremely supportive husband and where she's only minutes from the sea. She has a rescue dog from Romania called Bella.
She writes historical fiction and has a six book time travel series, GUINEVERE, out in which the heroine is a 21st-century girl kidnapped back to the Dark Ages to become King Arthur's Queen Guinevere. Lots of fun plot twists mixed in with some of the well-known and also the lesser known legends.
Her poor husband mostly sees the back of her head as she sits at the computer writing.
When she's not writing (which she does pretty much all of the time) she likes to walk the dog, visit sites of historical interest (preferably those connected to her writing), read, and sew.
She has Asperger's Syndrome, but she sees that as a plus as it helps her to be very focused on what she does.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 26, 2025
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, given to me by Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.5 stars.
An interesting tale about a kind of Cinderella heroine and the wounded hero who is both rescuer and rescued, “A Hint of Scandal”, by Fil Reid, is an enjoyable read with a credible depiction of historical time and space.
Serafina and Max are lovable, relatable characters: her intelligence and survival instincts within her evil, stingy family, and his acceptance of his duties and physical limitations give them compelling personalities.
I liked the honesty between them and the affection within family and with friends. Although Serafina step-brother and his wife are just horrid people, Letty, their daughter, is still not totally lost, even with all that selfishness.
I also enjoyed having both their perspectives on things, although at some point I felt there was a bit too much internal musing.
The representation of Max’s disability seemed accurate, but I was curious about how he would manage eating, since several scenes involve meals.
3.5 stars.
An interesting tale about a kind of Cinderella heroine and the wounded hero who is both rescuer and rescued, “A Hint of Scandal”, by Fil Reid, is an enjoyable read with a credible depiction of historical time and space.
Serafina and Max are lovable, relatable characters: her intelligence and survival instincts within her evil, stingy family, and his acceptance of his duties and physical limitations give them compelling personalities.
I liked the honesty between them and the affection within family and with friends. Although Serafina step-brother and his wife are just horrid people, Letty, their daughter, is still not totally lost, even with all that selfishness.
I also enjoyed having both their perspectives on things, although at some point I felt there was a bit too much internal musing.
The representation of Max’s disability seemed accurate, but I was curious about how he would manage eating, since several scenes involve meals.
May 12, 2025
Yey
Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. Well so I wanted to read a book like Bridgerton and then I found this one. Okay so being honest at the beginning I thought I wouldn't like the book or that the characters were normal. Yeah so I was so wrong in the best way, because in the second part I was able to see the wit and charm of them all. I love that the book is fast to read and that is a HEA.
Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. Well so I wanted to read a book like Bridgerton and then I found this one. Okay so being honest at the beginning I thought I wouldn't like the book or that the characters were normal. Yeah so I was so wrong in the best way, because in the second part I was able to see the wit and charm of them all. I love that the book is fast to read and that is a HEA.
May 15, 2025
A Hint of Scandal by Fil Reid is a perfect example of what a terrific author she is. This book is a perfect example of her best work, filled with the musings of a man, Max Aubrey, who has lost the use of one arm and Serafina Gilbert who is a twenty-two year old orphan who lives on the “largesse” of her half brother and his wife. In reality, the servants had it better, but she was grateful. If she could get her brother to let loose of the two thousand pounds her father had left her, she would leave and pursue a life of her own, but that was unlikely, so she hung in. She did love her nieces and nephews, especially Letty, who was to make her come out this year. The only thing the couple like more than pinching pennies was moving up in society and they had high hopes for Letty. Max’s mother and sister-in-law also wished for him to marry and according to his father’s will, he must do it soon, before his 30th birthday, in order to quality for his inheritance. All the earmarks of a disaster. He vowed to marry the first woman he cam across who didn’t bore him silly.
There is more than romance here: when his dying brother receives a letter recalling a youthful indiscretion which could topple his family, Julian asks Max to help and Max involves Serafina, to whom he has become betrothed. Although there have been no words of love spoken he has complete respect for her intellect and common sense. With that problem firmly taken care of, both of them have recognized their feelings for the other and are excited to proceed. This is a novel full of personality, detail, and believable plot lines. These characters make my day, proving that people that don’t have the best of everything can succeed. Delightful!
I was invited to read A Hint of Scandal by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #AHintOfScandal #FilReid
There is more than romance here: when his dying brother receives a letter recalling a youthful indiscretion which could topple his family, Julian asks Max to help and Max involves Serafina, to whom he has become betrothed. Although there have been no words of love spoken he has complete respect for her intellect and common sense. With that problem firmly taken care of, both of them have recognized their feelings for the other and are excited to proceed. This is a novel full of personality, detail, and believable plot lines. These characters make my day, proving that people that don’t have the best of everything can succeed. Delightful!
I was invited to read A Hint of Scandal by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #AHintOfScandal #FilReid
April 22, 2025
A Hint of Scandal is the second book in The Mismatched Lovers series. This book can be a stand-alone read.
Major Max Aubrey has returned home after being wounded. As if that isn't enough, he also has to marry before he turns thirty or he loses his inheritance. Max knew he should marry but feels as if he is not marriage material with one arm in a sling and feeling useless. He reluctantly agrees to accompany his mother, sister-in-law and niece for her season in London where he should be able to find a bride.
Serafina Gilbert, lives with her half=brother more as part of the help than as a member of the family. Her brother is a miser and provides the barest of necessities for his family, let alone his sister. While in London for the season, he and his wife, who treats her more like 'Cinderella' than a family member brings her along so she can be a companion to their oldest daughter, Lettie.
At her first ball, wearing a gray drab gown runs into Max. Shortly after, the sparks begin to fly as they learn they have a few interests in common. Serafina feels as if she is an ugly duckling and will never be considered by Max as someone he would court. Max also feels as if he is not marriage material because of his useless arm.
Max quickly agrees to ask Serafina to marry him when his brother's illness makes it clear he is not likely to live much longer and would like to see him married before he dies. But he has a favor to ask which will require Max to ask for Seraphina’s help to save the family from a scandal rearing its head from a past indiscretion.
This was a quick afternoon read. The characters were wonderful written and the plot while not new felt a bit fresh and entertaining.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
Major Max Aubrey has returned home after being wounded. As if that isn't enough, he also has to marry before he turns thirty or he loses his inheritance. Max knew he should marry but feels as if he is not marriage material with one arm in a sling and feeling useless. He reluctantly agrees to accompany his mother, sister-in-law and niece for her season in London where he should be able to find a bride.
Serafina Gilbert, lives with her half=brother more as part of the help than as a member of the family. Her brother is a miser and provides the barest of necessities for his family, let alone his sister. While in London for the season, he and his wife, who treats her more like 'Cinderella' than a family member brings her along so she can be a companion to their oldest daughter, Lettie.
At her first ball, wearing a gray drab gown runs into Max. Shortly after, the sparks begin to fly as they learn they have a few interests in common. Serafina feels as if she is an ugly duckling and will never be considered by Max as someone he would court. Max also feels as if he is not marriage material because of his useless arm.
Max quickly agrees to ask Serafina to marry him when his brother's illness makes it clear he is not likely to live much longer and would like to see him married before he dies. But he has a favor to ask which will require Max to ask for Seraphina’s help to save the family from a scandal rearing its head from a past indiscretion.
This was a quick afternoon read. The characters were wonderful written and the plot while not new felt a bit fresh and entertaining.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
May 14, 2025
I would like to thank Dragonblade Publishing and Fil Reid for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
2.7 Stars rounded to 3
"Major Max Aubrey has been injured, his arm hangs useless by his side, his military career and social life over in an instant. Now on top of it all he has to marry before he turns thirty in a few months’ time—or he’ll forfeit the property left to him by his late father
Serafina Gilbert, the orphaned half-sister of Sir Ogden Gilbert, is very considered the poor plain relation in the Gilbert family, when her family takes a small house in London for the season to debut their oldest daughter.
When the two meet a small undeniable flame ignites that will set the two on a path they leads them to secrets that could shatter not just their reputations but the very heir to the Earldom."
Short, Easy read.
The characters are a little one dimensional and not a whole lot of interesting things happen.
The romance feels more like a simmer than slow burn. I'm not sure I was as invested in them or their chemistry enough to really have that satisfying ending when they finally sleep together.
The whole romance feels a bit lackluster. I get that we were going for more of a slow burn with two characters who don't know anything-experience wise-about being in love but, it still seemed a bit too blasé. I think we might have relied on too much of the plot for momentum in this story but seeing as the romance is the main focus their lack of passion for one another made the whole story seem kind of bland and lacking in emotional depth.
2.7 Stars rounded to 3
"Major Max Aubrey has been injured, his arm hangs useless by his side, his military career and social life over in an instant. Now on top of it all he has to marry before he turns thirty in a few months’ time—or he’ll forfeit the property left to him by his late father
Serafina Gilbert, the orphaned half-sister of Sir Ogden Gilbert, is very considered the poor plain relation in the Gilbert family, when her family takes a small house in London for the season to debut their oldest daughter.
When the two meet a small undeniable flame ignites that will set the two on a path they leads them to secrets that could shatter not just their reputations but the very heir to the Earldom."
Short, Easy read.
The characters are a little one dimensional and not a whole lot of interesting things happen.
The romance feels more like a simmer than slow burn. I'm not sure I was as invested in them or their chemistry enough to really have that satisfying ending when they finally sleep together.
The whole romance feels a bit lackluster. I get that we were going for more of a slow burn with two characters who don't know anything-experience wise-about being in love but, it still seemed a bit too blasé. I think we might have relied on too much of the plot for momentum in this story but seeing as the romance is the main focus their lack of passion for one another made the whole story seem kind of bland and lacking in emotional depth.
June 10, 2025
This story was basically interesting but there were so many flaws that it became irritating.
The main characters are Seraphina and Max. Seraphina is half-sister with a mean, stingy baronet. He and his wife allowed Seraphina to stay with them when the father died. She was treated as an unpaid servant and her brother kept her inheritance from her.
Max is the second son of an earl and became a soldier. He was wounded and lost the use of his right arm. He has had trouble adjusting and wants to be reclusive. He must marry before he is thirty in order to gain his inheritance but he dreads going into society.
Max and Seraphina meet at the first ball when she spills lemonade on him. He notices how her family treats her and it angers him.
Cons: on page 33 Letty suddenly becomes Hetty for a couple of pages. The author uses modern phrases such as people watching. That was not common usage during the 1800's.
On page 82 Max and Seraphina go for an afternoon outing where they comment on the "pale morning sun." On page 185 the Dowager Countess becomes a Dountess. There are so many more instances where the time begins in the afternoon only to become a cold morning. These inconsistencies add confusion to the story. There is also over-use of certain phrases and words.
I understand this is a published author of Children's books and can only conclude she must have self-published this one and neglected to re-read what she had written.
The main characters are Seraphina and Max. Seraphina is half-sister with a mean, stingy baronet. He and his wife allowed Seraphina to stay with them when the father died. She was treated as an unpaid servant and her brother kept her inheritance from her.
Max is the second son of an earl and became a soldier. He was wounded and lost the use of his right arm. He has had trouble adjusting and wants to be reclusive. He must marry before he is thirty in order to gain his inheritance but he dreads going into society.
Max and Seraphina meet at the first ball when she spills lemonade on him. He notices how her family treats her and it angers him.
Cons: on page 33 Letty suddenly becomes Hetty for a couple of pages. The author uses modern phrases such as people watching. That was not common usage during the 1800's.
On page 82 Max and Seraphina go for an afternoon outing where they comment on the "pale morning sun." On page 185 the Dowager Countess becomes a Dountess. There are so many more instances where the time begins in the afternoon only to become a cold morning. These inconsistencies add confusion to the story. There is also over-use of certain phrases and words.
I understand this is a published author of Children's books and can only conclude she must have self-published this one and neglected to re-read what she had written.
May 19, 2025
A Wounded Hero and a Shy Wallflower—Can They Be What the Other Is Looking For?
Much like Cinderella, Serafina has spent her life overlooked and treated more like a servant than family. Orphaned and living under the control of her cold brother and cruel sister-in-law, she’s come to believe she’s unlovable.
Major Max Aubrey returned from the war with an injured arm and little hope that any woman could look past his scars—especially now that he’s under pressure to marry before he turns thirty, or lose his inheritance.
Their chance meeting at a ball leads to a quiet connection, and Max’s practical proposal seems like the solution to both their problems. He needs a wife; she needs freedom. What begins as a convenient arrangement, however, takes a deeper turn when they travel together to uncover a brewing scandal involving Max’s family.
As secrets unravel, so do the walls around their hearts. Neither Max nor Serafina is willing to admit what they truly want: a marriage based not on necessity, but on love.
I enjoyed this Regency romance and would recommend it to fans of slow-burn love stories, wounded heroes, and heroines who grow stronger as they discover their worth. At its heart, it’s a tender story of second chances—at freedom, at self-worth, and at the kind of love neither Max nor Serafina believed they could have.
Much like Cinderella, Serafina has spent her life overlooked and treated more like a servant than family. Orphaned and living under the control of her cold brother and cruel sister-in-law, she’s come to believe she’s unlovable.
Major Max Aubrey returned from the war with an injured arm and little hope that any woman could look past his scars—especially now that he’s under pressure to marry before he turns thirty, or lose his inheritance.
Their chance meeting at a ball leads to a quiet connection, and Max’s practical proposal seems like the solution to both their problems. He needs a wife; she needs freedom. What begins as a convenient arrangement, however, takes a deeper turn when they travel together to uncover a brewing scandal involving Max’s family.
As secrets unravel, so do the walls around their hearts. Neither Max nor Serafina is willing to admit what they truly want: a marriage based not on necessity, but on love.
I enjoyed this Regency romance and would recommend it to fans of slow-burn love stories, wounded heroes, and heroines who grow stronger as they discover their worth. At its heart, it’s a tender story of second chances—at freedom, at self-worth, and at the kind of love neither Max nor Serafina believed they could have.
May 4, 2025
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
If ever there was a leading lady who deserved a happy ending it is Serafina. She is so poorly treated by her extended family and made to feel as though she has no right to a husband and family of her own. Even Letty, who Serafina is constantly making excuses for, treats her terribly and is just another spoiled young debutante. I am glad that Julian's family was pushing him toward finding a wife or else he would have missed his chance at meeting Serafina and they would have both lost out on what turned into a pretty great relationship. I could not help feeling that you could probably skip a chunk of the middle of the story without losing much of the plot, but the beginning and end are very strong. The mystery to be solved also helped Julian and Serafina see how well they worked together and gave them some time away from society's eyes to admit and/or understand how they really felt for each other. It was a little sad when Julian realized how selfish and terrible his brother had been when younger, it was clear that his vision of his big brother was forever changed and not for the better.
If ever there was a leading lady who deserved a happy ending it is Serafina. She is so poorly treated by her extended family and made to feel as though she has no right to a husband and family of her own. Even Letty, who Serafina is constantly making excuses for, treats her terribly and is just another spoiled young debutante. I am glad that Julian's family was pushing him toward finding a wife or else he would have missed his chance at meeting Serafina and they would have both lost out on what turned into a pretty great relationship. I could not help feeling that you could probably skip a chunk of the middle of the story without losing much of the plot, but the beginning and end are very strong. The mystery to be solved also helped Julian and Serafina see how well they worked together and gave them some time away from society's eyes to admit and/or understand how they really felt for each other. It was a little sad when Julian realized how selfish and terrible his brother had been when younger, it was clear that his vision of his big brother was forever changed and not for the better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2025
This sweet and slow-burning love story pairs two unlikely heroes—shy, sensible Serafina and brooding, battle-scarred Max—in a marriage of convenience that quickly turns into something more. The classic wallflower-meets-wounded-soldier trope is handled with warmth and care, and the chemistry between the leads is subtle but deeply satisfying.
What sets this apart from a standard Regency romance is the unexpected twist of a family scandal—a potential case of bigamy that threatens Max’s inheritance and the future of his entire family. The mystery element adds intrigue without overpowering the central romance, and it gives Max and Serafina a chance to work together and build real trust.
Serafina’s journey from overlooked spinster to quietly confident heroine is a joy to watch, and Max’s vulnerability is genuinely touching. Fans of Mary Balogh or Carla Kelly will feel right at home.
This is the perfect read if you enjoy gentle romance with a touch of scandal, a dash of wit, and a lot of heart.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
What sets this apart from a standard Regency romance is the unexpected twist of a family scandal—a potential case of bigamy that threatens Max’s inheritance and the future of his entire family. The mystery element adds intrigue without overpowering the central romance, and it gives Max and Serafina a chance to work together and build real trust.
Serafina’s journey from overlooked spinster to quietly confident heroine is a joy to watch, and Max’s vulnerability is genuinely touching. Fans of Mary Balogh or Carla Kelly will feel right at home.
This is the perfect read if you enjoy gentle romance with a touch of scandal, a dash of wit, and a lot of heart.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
May 4, 2025
4,5 stars
I enjoyed this book and for me, I think this is a new author.
Our hero has lost the feeling in his right arm after being shot. He's been invalided out of the army. He has an older brother who is the earl. His brother has a heart condition. Max will loose his inheritance unless he marries. His sister in law, Maria and his mother don't want that to happen. They persuade Max to accompany his neice, Arabella to the season.
Meanwhile Serafina is the step sister to Sir Ogden who treats her more like an unpaid slave. His wife is a piece of work. Fina is sorry for her her neice as she believes she hasn't had any good examples.
Max and Fina meet and Max is almost persuaded to offer her a marriage of convenience but then falters. He dislikes how she is treated. Eventually there is a bit puzzle that needs solving that could disinherit Max's SIL and nephew so her gets Fina to help.
I'll look for more work from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
I enjoyed this book and for me, I think this is a new author.
Our hero has lost the feeling in his right arm after being shot. He's been invalided out of the army. He has an older brother who is the earl. His brother has a heart condition. Max will loose his inheritance unless he marries. His sister in law, Maria and his mother don't want that to happen. They persuade Max to accompany his neice, Arabella to the season.
Meanwhile Serafina is the step sister to Sir Ogden who treats her more like an unpaid slave. His wife is a piece of work. Fina is sorry for her her neice as she believes she hasn't had any good examples.
Max and Fina meet and Max is almost persuaded to offer her a marriage of convenience but then falters. He dislikes how she is treated. Eventually there is a bit puzzle that needs solving that could disinherit Max's SIL and nephew so her gets Fina to help.
I'll look for more work from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
April 20, 2025
The book is the second one in the series but can be read as a standalone. Although the plot is not a novelty as far as the romances go, it has a very comfortable reading flow and writing style. I enjoyed reading it very much.
The main characters are likeable and not overdrawn, although the villains are a bit too villainous. Their characters, as well as Letty’s, might need a few more nuances to keep up with the atmosphere provided for the MC, but it does not distract too much from the main cozy feeling. Also, the mystery is dropped towards the last quarter of the book and brings the needed dynamics for the characters as well as some variety into the romantic plot.
Light and easy read, not overladen with conflicts, cringes, drama or trauma. And not too steamy also.
Some editing issue is that Letty is called Hetty in the most part of chapter four.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The main characters are likeable and not overdrawn, although the villains are a bit too villainous. Their characters, as well as Letty’s, might need a few more nuances to keep up with the atmosphere provided for the MC, but it does not distract too much from the main cozy feeling. Also, the mystery is dropped towards the last quarter of the book and brings the needed dynamics for the characters as well as some variety into the romantic plot.
Light and easy read, not overladen with conflicts, cringes, drama or trauma. And not too steamy also.
Some editing issue is that Letty is called Hetty in the most part of chapter four.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 30, 2025
If it is one thing this author does well, it is developing her characters VERY well. Serafina is a poor relation and her sister in law would rival Cinderlla’s stepmother for. Hellacious woman of the year. Her brother wouldn’t win brother of the year either. Max is a wounded soldier and his inability to come to terms with his problem was well written..I could feel his torment and sense of worthlessness. Two people who don’t believe they can be loved finding each other was so sweet and adorable. Their meet-cute was well designed, especially in the summerhouse. There is a ‘realness’ to this author’s writing , that makes reading a true pleasure. Would have loved to have seen Ogden and family eating a little more ‘crow’ after the way they treated Serafina and perhaps the wedding as well, but a very enthralling story and hard to put down.
I received this story for free and these are my own views.
I received this story for free and these are my own views.
May 17, 2025
This is a heartwarming Cinderella romance; however, instead of Prince Charming, Serafina Gilbert is rescued by a wounded warrior. Both feel out of place in society, Serafina because of her dowdy appearance and impoverished state brought on by her relatives' parsimony, and Max because of his war wound resulting in a lame arm. A chance meeting in a summerhouse reveals Serafina's passion for Egyptology, artifacts, and history, and for once, Max is not bored out of his mind whilst talking with a woman who is well-read and educated. Facing down her family when he proposes to her is his first hurdle in winning Serafina's heart, but when his brother reveals that his youthful sins have caught up with him, Max discovers just how resourceful his betrothed is, winning his admiration and the realization of his deeper feelings. I received a copy of this lovely romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
May 24, 2025
Two semi-wallflowers...
I really enjoyed this book. Max is almost thirty, has to wed to inherit an estate and invalided out of the military. He is not looking for love, but for someone he can rub along well with. He's pragmatic and very sweet and family oriented.
Serafina is the downtrodden, Cinderella-esque, poor relation. She is the unpaid companion who is treated like a servant. She does, however, once she meets Maxim, rub along well with him. They really are sweet together, both a little lacking in confidence but they gain trust and confidence as they work to solve a potentially huge scandal of Max's much older brother.
The story is at its best when its just Max and Serafina getting to know each other.
Recommend.
I really enjoyed this book. Max is almost thirty, has to wed to inherit an estate and invalided out of the military. He is not looking for love, but for someone he can rub along well with. He's pragmatic and very sweet and family oriented.
Serafina is the downtrodden, Cinderella-esque, poor relation. She is the unpaid companion who is treated like a servant. She does, however, once she meets Maxim, rub along well with him. They really are sweet together, both a little lacking in confidence but they gain trust and confidence as they work to solve a potentially huge scandal of Max's much older brother.
The story is at its best when its just Max and Serafina getting to know each other.
Recommend.
May 19, 2025
Taken advantage of by her family, Serafina Gilbert doesn't visualize any other life. Captain Max Aubrey has returned home from serving in the Calvary with a useless right arm. To obtain his fortune, he must marry soon before he turns thirty. Drawn to Serafina, he invites her to the museum and a ride in the park. He feels they would rub along together and he proposes. Serafina sees this as freedom from her family and says yes.
One final request from his dying brother takes them on a journey to solve a mystery and discover they love each other.
Mild descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
One final request from his dying brother takes them on a journey to solve a mystery and discover they love each other.
Mild descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
May 23, 2025
This may be my favorite book by Fil Reid so far. Both main characters suffer from self confidence issues. Serafina, an orphan, has been brought up in her horrible brother's family and just been treated most shabbily. Max suffers from a war wound in his arm. Both of them are wallflowers in the eyes of the vain, spoiled ton.
I'm so happy they met each other and found happiness. Their slow burn romance was just precious. They are two beautiful people inside and out. Honestly, if they ever cross paths again with Serafina's family, it will be too soon.
Thank you to Dragonblade for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
I'm so happy they met each other and found happiness. Their slow burn romance was just precious. They are two beautiful people inside and out. Honestly, if they ever cross paths again with Serafina's family, it will be too soon.
Thank you to Dragonblade for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
May 7, 2025
I loved Fil Reid's Arthur and Gwen series, so I really wanted to give this book a try as well.
I really enjoy how her stories are easy to read, with just very comfortable language - great descriptions without getting too lyrical, much showing without telling, realistic dialogue that doesn't sound stilted.
In this book, we've got two main characters who have self-esteem issues, a marriage of convenience for an inheritance, and some Cinderella vibes. I found the characters to be surprisingly well-rounded in a "I really don't like you, but also, you're not all bad" kind of way. It's surprising because so often, we see protagonists being perfect, and villains being perfectly evil. Seeing characters who are so double-sided definitely made me feels some ways while reading.
The pacing was a bit choppy. Some parts were great with Serafina and Max interactions, but their inner monologues got repetitive and "will she/won't she" very quickly.
I think overall, it's a pretty basic trope story that didn't fill out as I had hoped from reading the author's Gwen series.
I really enjoy how her stories are easy to read, with just very comfortable language - great descriptions without getting too lyrical, much showing without telling, realistic dialogue that doesn't sound stilted.
In this book, we've got two main characters who have self-esteem issues, a marriage of convenience for an inheritance, and some Cinderella vibes. I found the characters to be surprisingly well-rounded in a "I really don't like you, but also, you're not all bad" kind of way. It's surprising because so often, we see protagonists being perfect, and villains being perfectly evil. Seeing characters who are so double-sided definitely made me feels some ways while reading.
The pacing was a bit choppy. Some parts were great with Serafina and Max interactions, but their inner monologues got repetitive and "will she/won't she" very quickly.
I think overall, it's a pretty basic trope story that didn't fill out as I had hoped from reading the author's Gwen series.
May 8, 2025
The story touches on how one can internalize the cruel statements of others. Max endured an injury in war that makes his arm not work. He feels "half a man." Serafina has been belittled and made to feel inferior by her sister-in-law for most of her life. Neither believe they are lovable or appealing to the opposite sex. However, they have a conversation which sets them on a different course. A heartfelt story that many can relate to.
May 20, 2025
Max and Serafina decide on a marriage of convenience. Neither believes they are worthy to marry yet are drawn to each other. Overall, the story moves along as a fairly even pace using a generally acceptable format. About 3/4 through there is a sudden potential scandal about to take place. Max goes to Serafina to help him save his dying brother. A well paced story with a bit of a twist added in.
June 8, 2025
The second story in the Mismatched Lovers and the first book by this Author that I have read. I want to read the first book. I love the cover. Major Max Aubrey, invalided out of the army, has to marry before he turns thirty, so he goes to London for the Season. He meets Serafina Gilbert, the orphaned half-sister of Sir Ogden Gilbert. The story is well written with a very good storyline and great characters with a happy ending.
June 19, 2025
A lovely book featuring Sera an orphanage treated shabbily by her family and Max a wounded war veteran. A chance meeting and a discussion about a marriage of convinience later, sees Sera and Max slowly discovering each other and developing mutual respect and admiration. When Max's family scandal needs resolved, he along with Sera work to together to solve the mystery.
Overall a good read
#AHintofScandal #NetGalley
Overall a good read
#AHintofScandal #NetGalley
April 19, 2025
Two people who believe they are unlovable, one because no-one has cared for her for eighteen years and the other due to a life-changing injury, meet when they are escaping the crowds at a ball and nothing is ever the same again. An enjoyable story which I read in one sitting.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews