What do you think?
Rate this book
Merry Spinsters, Charming Rogues #3
Lady Avery and the False Butler: Merry Spinsters, Charming Rogues, Book 3
Lady Avery Heywood has never been kissed. She's never had a Season, danced the waltz at a ball, or been in love. The staunch spinster has resigned herself to a loveless existence, where she dutifully raises her brother's four children and cares for an ageing aunt. But Avery yearns to break free from the shackles of her humdrum existence. Determined to check off each item on her list of unfulfilled dreams, she turns to her butler for assistance. Little does she know that beneath her butler's unassuming demeanor lies a secret that could forever alter their destinies.
As Avery and her enigmatic butler navigate the bewildering world of high society and its glittering balls, their worlds collide in a tumultuous dance of mixed identities and hidden desires. But as class lines blur and danger looms, she Who is Jerkins, really? Servant, lord, rakehell . . . or perhaps even a daring highwayman?
Before long, Avery finds herself tumbling into a splendid adventure of mistaken identity, danger, and intrigue. In this lively and romantic tale of love against all odds, Avery will discover that true passion can be found with the most unexpected of people . . .
As Avery and her enigmatic butler navigate the bewildering world of high society and its glittering balls, their worlds collide in a tumultuous dance of mixed identities and hidden desires. But as class lines blur and danger looms, she Who is Jerkins, really? Servant, lord, rakehell . . . or perhaps even a daring highwayman?
Before long, Avery finds herself tumbling into a splendid adventure of mistaken identity, danger, and intrigue. In this lively and romantic tale of love against all odds, Avery will discover that true passion can be found with the most unexpected of people . . .
Audible Audio
Published February 27, 2024
About the author
Sofi Laporte
35 books363 followersSofi Laporte is a bestselling author of sweet, mischievous Regency romances filled with witty banter and heart-tugging happily-ever-afters. Her clean, closed-door romances are perfect for readers who grew up on Georgette Heyer and never quite recovered.
A globetrotter at heart, she was born in Vienna, grew up in Seoul, studied Comparative Literature in Maryland, and lived in Quito before settling in Europe. When not crafting stories, Sofi enjoys exploring medieval castle ruins, taking leisurely walks with her dog, and embracing the rewarding challenge of raising three multilingual children.
A globetrotter at heart, she was born in Vienna, grew up in Seoul, studied Comparative Literature in Maryland, and lived in Quito before settling in Europe. When not crafting stories, Sofi enjoys exploring medieval castle ruins, taking leisurely walks with her dog, and embracing the rewarding challenge of raising three multilingual children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
October 19, 2023
I’m so happy that we didn’t have to wait until 2024 for this one - I think this is my favorite book by this author, definitely my favorite in this series! I may end up purchasing a copy I enjoyed it so much. I’ve already read it twice in less than 24 hours because I had to go back and read it with the end in mind….book is adorable and clean and so fun. I think I might fall in love with the butler ;)
October 18, 2023
The writing is fine but the characters are not
I like most things that I've read by this author, including other books in this series. However! The main character in this book is insufferably dumb. She makes horrible choices. The love interest is only slightly better. If you don't mind characters doing stupid things, you'll probably love this book. It's really good otherwise. For me, it was nearly a deal breaker.
I like most things that I've read by this author, including other books in this series. However! The main character in this book is insufferably dumb. She makes horrible choices. The love interest is only slightly better. If you don't mind characters doing stupid things, you'll probably love this book. It's really good otherwise. For me, it was nearly a deal breaker.
November 3, 2023
Technically this was a DNF for me but I got to 90% so 🤷🏻♀️. I knew going in that it was meant to be a silly, fun book where you would need to suspend belief a bit, but it got just a little too unbelievable for me. Also, Avery’s incredibly rash decision making drove me nuts, and I stopped caring what happened to her because I kind of felt like she deserved whatever she got if she was going to do such stupid things. 🫣😬 I normally really like this author’s books so hopefully this one just wasn’t for me and I will still try the next one in the series.
October 13, 2023
I am absolutely loving the Merry Spinsters, Charming Rogues series. I had just come off a real disappointing read and found the ARC to Lady Avery and the False Butler happily awaiting me in my inbox so I jumped all over it, hoping it would be a raucous good time and it WAS! The book was just what I needed: something light and fun that would allow me to lose myself in the story.
Pros - I appreciate the author’s light hand when it comes to the characters physical descriptions. Some authors give too much detail and some not enough, but Sofi Laporte leaves just enough to the imagination. There was a sweet and mysterious MMC, a very relatable FMC, and a fun rogues gallery of secondary characters. I also love how this particular story drops the reader right in and allows the world to unfold in what felt like a natural pace. This also can be read as a complete stand alone if you’ve not read the other two in the series - there is no connection between the three except they are all just fun!
Cons - I did lose some sleep because I stayed up late reading and then thinking about the story as I tried to go to bed.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Pros - I appreciate the author’s light hand when it comes to the characters physical descriptions. Some authors give too much detail and some not enough, but Sofi Laporte leaves just enough to the imagination. There was a sweet and mysterious MMC, a very relatable FMC, and a fun rogues gallery of secondary characters. I also love how this particular story drops the reader right in and allows the world to unfold in what felt like a natural pace. This also can be read as a complete stand alone if you’ve not read the other two in the series - there is no connection between the three except they are all just fun!
Cons - I did lose some sleep because I stayed up late reading and then thinking about the story as I tried to go to bed.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving my review voluntarily.
January 30, 2024
this novel was pure seratonin. its not something you take completely seriously, as the plot verged on silly, but i mean that in the best way possible as i couldn’t stop smiling throughout my whole reading experience. and i couldn’t put this down until i reached the final page. i especially loved the moments between avery and jenkins. such as when she returns home angry due to thinking that someone else was him, only for jenkins to tenderly prove her wrong. did i swoooon? YES. anyway, if you’re looking for a lighthearted historical romcom with a touch of mystery and antics, then this is perfect for you.
December 9, 2023
Two stars for the author’s light, enjoyable writing style.
The story itself begins well, a 33-year old spinster realizes life is passing her by and sets out a ‘bucket list’ of things to experience before settling into her future role as companion to a great-aunt. About mid-way however, the plot starts to devolve and, by the last quarter, it’s just too preposterous to swallow. I struggled to finish.
As the story progressed, I also didn’t find the main character particularly likeable. Too often, she behaved like a feather-brained twit instead of a grown woman. Nor did she come across as particularly kind or considerate, after all she didn’t notice the butler once in three years?! As to the hero, he’s more caricature than character. Putting aside the ridiculousness of his backstory, given who he ‘really’ is, are we actually supposed to believe he stayed on as butler that entire time because he was silently pining away for the heroine? Hmm.
Overall, incredibly frustrating!
The story itself begins well, a 33-year old spinster realizes life is passing her by and sets out a ‘bucket list’ of things to experience before settling into her future role as companion to a great-aunt. About mid-way however, the plot starts to devolve and, by the last quarter, it’s just too preposterous to swallow. I struggled to finish.
As the story progressed, I also didn’t find the main character particularly likeable. Too often, she behaved like a feather-brained twit instead of a grown woman. Nor did she come across as particularly kind or considerate, after all she didn’t notice the butler once in three years?! As to the hero, he’s more caricature than character. Putting aside the ridiculousness of his backstory, given who he ‘really’ is, are we actually supposed to believe he stayed on as butler that entire time because he was silently pining away for the heroine? Hmm.
Overall, incredibly frustrating!
June 24, 2024
This is a fun story if you have the right expectations. It reminds me of the movie Spy with Melissa McCarthy. She’s an inexperienced spy who jumps into crazy intrigue. In this case, Avery, a 33 year old spinster decides to misbehave and have an adventure. She is supported in this by the mysterious butler who seems to feel responsible for her. She fearlessly walks into many hair raising adventures with the ton, a surprisingly dangerous milieu. Just go with it and enjoy the craziness. The reader does a fabulous Avery whom you want to strangle but who manages to be funny and endearing.
June 30, 2025
A spinster has a midlife crisis, writes a bucket list, and makes every conceivable bad decision. This book is an adventure unlike the prior volumes of the series. It was also very clearly made up as the author went. The absurdity keeps increasing.
Avery is a ninny. She doesn't get to know many of the side characters, rather speculates on who they might be. The butler is mysterious and shifts as the plot requires.
Avery is a ninny. She doesn't get to know many of the side characters, rather speculates on who they might be. The butler is mysterious and shifts as the plot requires.
March 1, 2026
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
I’ll start off by saying I normally love this author’s strong FMCs. They’re usually feminine while still being intelligent and compelling.
This… was not that.
I can give some grace, because the FMC is meant to be incredibly sheltered and naive for her age (she’s a spinster who never had a season). But this is never explained, and I think some readers would’ve benefited if that was spelled out. A lot of her decisions make sense if you see it through that lens.
However, what I *don’t* like is the lack of character growth. She starts the book making stupid decisions, and ends the book making even worse decisions. That is not a strong, compelling lead. It had a lot of potential to show the FMC growing and learning. I just couldn’t understand what the MMC saw in her.
Stubbornness and stupidity can be forgiven on their own, but together, they are a lethal combination.
It felt more like we had this incredibly (unbelievably) accomplished MMC, who inexplicably falls for a woman that keeps creating messes he has to clean up. I really loathe that dynamic in a book.
To that point: I love a good fake identity trope, but the ridiculousness in the end kinda ruined it for me. He’s somehow several things, while still managing to keep his real identity private. Oh, and let’s add in another one in the end for good measure. Huh?
I love a good, silly regency plot, but this one definitely pushed the boundaries for me. Still one of my favorite regency authors though! This one just missed the mark.
I’ll start off by saying I normally love this author’s strong FMCs. They’re usually feminine while still being intelligent and compelling.
This… was not that.
I can give some grace, because the FMC is meant to be incredibly sheltered and naive for her age (she’s a spinster who never had a season). But this is never explained, and I think some readers would’ve benefited if that was spelled out. A lot of her decisions make sense if you see it through that lens.
However, what I *don’t* like is the lack of character growth. She starts the book making stupid decisions, and ends the book making even worse decisions. That is not a strong, compelling lead. It had a lot of potential to show the FMC growing and learning. I just couldn’t understand what the MMC saw in her.
Stubbornness and stupidity can be forgiven on their own, but together, they are a lethal combination.
It felt more like we had this incredibly (unbelievably) accomplished MMC, who inexplicably falls for a woman that keeps creating messes he has to clean up. I really loathe that dynamic in a book.
To that point: I love a good fake identity trope, but the ridiculousness in the end kinda ruined it for me. He’s somehow several things, while still managing to keep his real identity private. Oh, and let’s add in another one in the end for good measure. Huh?
I love a good, silly regency plot, but this one definitely pushed the boundaries for me. Still one of my favorite regency authors though! This one just missed the mark.
April 16, 2026
Lady Avery and the False Butler is an entertaining mix of kidnappings, drama, love, and mystery — truly, what more could one want from a Regency romp?
Lacy Avery is such a sweet, gentle soul, the kind of woman who slips through the cracks simply because no one bothers to look closely. She never had her proper chance to join society, and her family only seems to remember her when they need someone to watch the children. When her brother and his family relocate to Vienna, she bravely decides not to go to her Aunt Euphemia’s. Instead, she creates a list, a delightful catalogue of things she’s never done but longs to experience and with the help of her ever‑reliable butler, she sets out to complete it.
Jerkins, of course, is the perfect butler: always present, always capable, always invisible in the way servants often are. But it’s a shame, really, because he notices Lady Avery. He sees her kindness, her loneliness, her spark. And the more time they spend together, the more obvious it becomes that Jerkins may not be everything he seems.
Between the escalating mystery, the unexpected danger, and the slow‑burn affection blossoming between two people who were never meant to cross social lines, the story is a charming, spirited adventure. And as for Jerkins’s true identity… well, that’s a secret worth discovering on your own.
Lacy Avery is such a sweet, gentle soul, the kind of woman who slips through the cracks simply because no one bothers to look closely. She never had her proper chance to join society, and her family only seems to remember her when they need someone to watch the children. When her brother and his family relocate to Vienna, she bravely decides not to go to her Aunt Euphemia’s. Instead, she creates a list, a delightful catalogue of things she’s never done but longs to experience and with the help of her ever‑reliable butler, she sets out to complete it.
Jerkins, of course, is the perfect butler: always present, always capable, always invisible in the way servants often are. But it’s a shame, really, because he notices Lady Avery. He sees her kindness, her loneliness, her spark. And the more time they spend together, the more obvious it becomes that Jerkins may not be everything he seems.
Between the escalating mystery, the unexpected danger, and the slow‑burn affection blossoming between two people who were never meant to cross social lines, the story is a charming, spirited adventure. And as for Jerkins’s true identity… well, that’s a secret worth discovering on your own.
February 1, 2026
3.5 🌟 (Audible)
Excellent palette cleanser, but a little more convoluted than its predecessor. Still entertaining!
Excellent palette cleanser, but a little more convoluted than its predecessor. Still entertaining!
October 19, 2023
This is a clean and charming story of a lonely spinster and a highway man, a butler, and an earl. It’s humorous, interesting, and filled with surprises. Best of all, there’s a HEA.
When Lady Avery’s brother and his family depart London to take up a diplomatic position in Vienna, she’s left behind to take care of Great-Aunt Euphemia, who’s ancient, blind, and deaf. Avery doesn’t mind, except she does. She wants her chance to live. She decides that she’ll allow her Great-Aunt to wait a while, safe in the care of others, while she undertakes doing things she’s never done. She doesn’t realize just how much trouble she can get herself into.
Butler Jerkins has been a loyal retainer of Lady Avery’s brother for three years. When Lady Avery unexpectedly arrives back at her brother’s leased townhouse on Wimpole Street. Jerkins doesn’t know quite what to do with her, but he will do everything in his power to see to her comfort and safety. But Jerkins has secrets that Lady Avery know nothing about, but she’ll soon begin to unravel what he’s all about.
This was a delightful Regency story. It kept me wanting to know what might come next, and, therefore, kept me turning pages. The characters are wonderful and deeper and more filled-out that those often found in this type of book. The writing was wonderful. All the books in this series have been entertaining, but this one just might be my favorite so far.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
When Lady Avery’s brother and his family depart London to take up a diplomatic position in Vienna, she’s left behind to take care of Great-Aunt Euphemia, who’s ancient, blind, and deaf. Avery doesn’t mind, except she does. She wants her chance to live. She decides that she’ll allow her Great-Aunt to wait a while, safe in the care of others, while she undertakes doing things she’s never done. She doesn’t realize just how much trouble she can get herself into.
Butler Jerkins has been a loyal retainer of Lady Avery’s brother for three years. When Lady Avery unexpectedly arrives back at her brother’s leased townhouse on Wimpole Street. Jerkins doesn’t know quite what to do with her, but he will do everything in his power to see to her comfort and safety. But Jerkins has secrets that Lady Avery know nothing about, but she’ll soon begin to unravel what he’s all about.
This was a delightful Regency story. It kept me wanting to know what might come next, and, therefore, kept me turning pages. The characters are wonderful and deeper and more filled-out that those often found in this type of book. The writing was wonderful. All the books in this series have been entertaining, but this one just might be my favorite so far.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
November 25, 2023
Sigh. Loved this book. 💕
April 11, 2024
Read this if you are in the mood for:
- A historical romantic comedy romp
- Shenanigans with the butler
- A heroine with a scandalous bucket list
- A low steam book, there are no sex scenes
- Twists and turns!
I have been reading historical romance for a long time, and yet. AND YET. I don't think I have read a single one where the butler was anything more than a secondary character. Have I been missing a whole genre of butler romances? Because I loved it and I want more.
This was a really fun read, a lovely historical romance romp around with a very charming heroine and a butler with a somewhat murky past. I would highly recommend reading this if you want something light hearted and lovely to read. Think a less polished Julia Quinn.
- A historical romantic comedy romp
- Shenanigans with the butler
- A heroine with a scandalous bucket list
- A low steam book, there are no sex scenes
- Twists and turns!
I have been reading historical romance for a long time, and yet. AND YET. I don't think I have read a single one where the butler was anything more than a secondary character. Have I been missing a whole genre of butler romances? Because I loved it and I want more.
This was a really fun read, a lovely historical romance romp around with a very charming heroine and a butler with a somewhat murky past. I would highly recommend reading this if you want something light hearted and lovely to read. Think a less polished Julia Quinn.
February 4, 2024
I was expecting a fun romp and that's exactly what I got. However Avery had a number of too stupid to live moments that really bugged me. There were more personalities than Sybil which also bugged me. I wish there were half stars. Since there are not, I've chosen to round up.
December 1, 2025
My least favorite of the series. Avery ruined it. I get she's supposed to be a sheltered spinster, but no 33 year old should be so juvenile, so dangerously naive. Most of the plot is this lady repeatedly YOLOing herself into peril. Maddening!
2.5 stars.
2.5 stars.
October 24, 2023
Just a quick read. Completely ridiculous- did he also pilot hot air balloons in the side? But inoffensive.
June 24, 2025
The plot is so preposterous even for a historical romance, which tend to focus more on the romance than any historical accuracy.
And yet I found myself highly charmed?
3.5⭐️
And yet I found myself highly charmed?
3.5⭐️
December 2, 2023
Not one, not two, But THREE ...and a half secret identities
what an adventure.
I don't want this series to end. There has to be another Spinster (defying societal expectations)or a Rakeish Rogue (all loyal and loveable and reformed and heroic) somewhere out there. 🎵I know you're out there, somewhere out there🎵(insert guitar solo here)
Romance Plot/Storyline/Themes:
Character Development/Favorite Character:
●Avery was wildly adultified as child and clearly left its mark on her. She never stood a chance. She is equal parts fretful, responsible and adventurous - she would definitely thrive in the 21st century the era of anxiety and bravery. Strange bedfellows.
●Jerkins he of many faces is mysterious and oozes this appeal that you just know is hidden beneath the weird butler disguise. I mean we all knew he was the highwayman, so much foreshadowing couldn't miss it.
"There was no point in arguing with Jerkins. He was as inflexible as an iron bar." (Avery on Jerkins and he sounds sintintilatingly dominant with all that formality)
"She looked at his face and quickly averted her eyes. He looked like thunder." (Jerkins is my hero)
●Belinda "The Beautiful Charlatan maybe Cousin"- I too enjoy sleeping as much as you. Wish I could sleep all day though, alas Life has got to be lived ... and paid for.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Scene::
Jerkins tender and quiet demeanor in the opening chapters in particular, Avery's moment of drunken self discovery as she makes that list and promptly passes out in a drunken stupor. Jerkins is so chivalrous and strong he's practically edible.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Quotes:
You have the makings of an eccentric, and that is a breed of woman who is not only strong, but independent and, while no one likes to admit it, secretly admired, if not feared, because they have managed to rise above the strictures of society." (A fancy Duchess meets Avery )
"it had been a relief to have him save her from a predicament at Lady Jersey's rout, and she was indeed grateful for his intervention, she would
prefer to go to a ball without her horribly efficient, omnipresent butler watching her." (Mooom! can I get a hot butler like Jerkins for Christmas?)
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Concepts: Oh the times were unkind to women but then again when have the times been anything but?
One shan't attend the ridiculous ball without a chaperone, one shan't dance without introductions, one shan't attend fancy balls without a lady companion - reminds me of a scene in Enola Holmes 2.
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025
Challenge Prompt: 150 Romance books by 2025
I don't want this series to end. There has to be another Spinster (defying societal expectations)or a Rakeish Rogue (all loyal and loveable and reformed and heroic) somewhere out there. 🎵I know you're out there, somewhere out there🎵(insert guitar solo here)
Romance Plot/Storyline/Themes:
Character Development/Favorite Character:
●Avery was wildly adultified as child and clearly left its mark on her. She never stood a chance. She is equal parts fretful, responsible and adventurous - she would definitely thrive in the 21st century the era of anxiety and bravery. Strange bedfellows.
●Jerkins he of many faces is mysterious and oozes this appeal that you just know is hidden beneath the weird butler disguise. I mean we all knew he was the highwayman, so much foreshadowing couldn't miss it.
"There was no point in arguing with Jerkins. He was as inflexible as an iron bar." (Avery on Jerkins and he sounds sintintilatingly dominant with all that formality)
"She looked at his face and quickly averted her eyes. He looked like thunder." (Jerkins is my hero)
●Belinda "The Beautiful Charlatan maybe Cousin"- I too enjoy sleeping as much as you. Wish I could sleep all day though, alas Life has got to be lived ... and paid for.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Scene::
Jerkins tender and quiet demeanor in the opening chapters in particular, Avery's moment of drunken self discovery as she makes that list and promptly passes out in a drunken stupor. Jerkins is so chivalrous and strong he's practically edible.
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Quotes:
You have the makings of an eccentric, and that is a breed of woman who is not only strong, but independent and, while no one likes to admit it, secretly admired, if not feared, because they have managed to rise above the strictures of society." (A fancy Duchess meets Avery )
"it had been a relief to have him save her from a predicament at Lady Jersey's rout, and she was indeed grateful for his intervention, she would
prefer to go to a ball without her horribly efficient, omnipresent butler watching her." (Mooom! can I get a hot butler like Jerkins for Christmas?)
Favorite/Curious/Ludicrous/Unique Concepts: Oh the times were unkind to women but then again when have the times been anything but?
One shan't attend the ridiculous ball without a chaperone, one shan't dance without introductions, one shan't attend fancy balls without a lady companion - reminds me of a scene in Enola Holmes 2.
StoryGraph Challenge: 1800 Books by 2025
Challenge Prompt: 150 Romance books by 2025
April 5, 2024
I liked this short novel. Not as much as I liked the previous two novels in the series, but it was still a darn good read. Unbelievable, but good. I have always considered regency romance an honorary sub-genre of fantasy, and this book just confirmed my opinion. After all, I don't believe in dragons or magic either, not really, but I still enjoy reading fantasy. I enjoyed this tale too. From the first screen on my kindle, the story had a gentle grip on me.
The heroine, Avery, is a 33-year-old spinster, kind and naive. She has never experienced life to the full: her list of 'Never Experienced' is 2 pages long, written tightly on both sides. The list includes such items as shooting a gun, kissing a man, falling in love, drinking whiskey, etc. When a twist of fate offers her a chance to have those experiences, she grabs it.
The hero is a much more complicated personality. A chameleon of sorts, he juggles several different identities. But as the story is told from Avery's POV, the reader only discovers his identities gradually and painfully, same as Avery does, until all is revealed close to the end.
The author's imagination gallops in all directions in this deceptively quiet story, and a strong suspension of disbelief is required for the reader to enjoy it. As I have that commodity in spades, I did enjoy it.
The heroine, Avery, is a 33-year-old spinster, kind and naive. She has never experienced life to the full: her list of 'Never Experienced' is 2 pages long, written tightly on both sides. The list includes such items as shooting a gun, kissing a man, falling in love, drinking whiskey, etc. When a twist of fate offers her a chance to have those experiences, she grabs it.
The hero is a much more complicated personality. A chameleon of sorts, he juggles several different identities. But as the story is told from Avery's POV, the reader only discovers his identities gradually and painfully, same as Avery does, until all is revealed close to the end.
The author's imagination gallops in all directions in this deceptively quiet story, and a strong suspension of disbelief is required for the reader to enjoy it. As I have that commodity in spades, I did enjoy it.
January 30, 2024
4.5 stars.
if comedy, short reads, and historical romance is your thing, then i'm already on my knees, begging you to read. this. book.
spinsters who find love is one of my favorite historical romance tropes. unfortunately this theme is highly saturated in the genre, so finding the treasures beneath the inevitable dnfs is difficult. but this one had me laughing, sighing, screaming, AND almost crying because of its sweet ending.
the plot was paced so well it didnt feel rushed nor dreadfully lengthy. the characters were adorable and i loved how the writing immediately pulled me into avery's mischievous antics and had me care about her. she was such a fun main character!
if comedy, short reads, and historical romance is your thing, then i'm already on my knees, begging you to read. this. book.
spinsters who find love is one of my favorite historical romance tropes. unfortunately this theme is highly saturated in the genre, so finding the treasures beneath the inevitable dnfs is difficult. but this one had me laughing, sighing, screaming, AND almost crying because of its sweet ending.
the plot was paced so well it didnt feel rushed nor dreadfully lengthy. the characters were adorable and i loved how the writing immediately pulled me into avery's mischievous antics and had me care about her. she was such a fun main character!
▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||||။၊|• the feral playlist
- “Lady Avery. Has anyone ever told you that your eyes flash the most enchanting green when you are angry?”
- actually, every avery & jerkins interaction had me FOAMING IN THE MOUTH
October 28, 2023
Lady Avery Haywood noticed her butler has smoky blue eyes totally inappropriate as she is leaving to take care of Great aunt Euphemia! Avery decides not before she rusticates in the country for the rest of her life she will have an adventure! Boy does she because her butler goes by several names and has several secrets! Avery makes out her never list as she has spent the last several years looking after her nephews! Her older brother children have left to go overseas and not once thought of her the spinster aunt! Enter the butler Jerkins Aka Julius Aka Lord Blackhurst Aka the Black Earl! Honestly never knew a hero with so many names or conquests! When secrets start to reveal enemies come to light along with Jerkins past! Can Avery have a future with a man of so many secrets? Can Jax Aka Jerkins be a lover of one woman after all these years? Bravo definitely 4.6 stars
June 9, 2026
Did not let me down. I always pick up a Sofi Laporte book if I'm in a slump, or if I need a palate cleanser after a heavy read. As always, this story was fun, clever, swoony and heartwarming. She's such a witty writer and the twists at the end are great. I loved Avery and her "butler." I especially liked the godfather character introduced near the end and the bonus reading material of Lady Avery's story.
February 6, 2026
I liked this book more than I thought I would. I went in with very low expectations. But it was a short and at times fun read. But I also had lots of problems with the decision making in this book and the end came together way too fast. I didn't like the love interest and his secret keeping or the way unrealistic happy ending.
February 5, 2026
3.5 stars. Cheesy, obvious, quick! Overall fun with a lot crammed into the end (maybe too much? How many twists do we need?)
Definitely want to knock some sense into our leading lady and couldn’t quite catch the fever for our leading lad, but liked the creativity of the story.
Definitely want to knock some sense into our leading lady and couldn’t quite catch the fever for our leading lad, but liked the creativity of the story.
October 20, 2023
Delightful story!
March 21, 2024
Silly, cute
June 5, 2024
Loved this one. Kept me guessing to the end
February 20, 2025
This girl dumb as hell
Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews