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An Unsuitable Heiress
'Brilliant, sparkling and very clever' Elizabeth Buchan
‘Do you realise, Corinna, just how hard it is for a young woman of irregular birth, without family, fortune or friends in the world? Marriage is the only way to get any chance of a life.’
Following the death of her mother, Corinna Ormesby has lived a quiet life in the countryside with her cantankerous Cousin Agnes. Her father's identity has been a tantalising mystery, but now at nineteen Corinna knows that finding him may be her only way to avoid marriage to the odious Mr Beech.
Deciding to head to London, Corinna dons a male disguise. Travelling alone as a young woman risks scandal and danger, but when, masquerading as a youth, she is befriended by three dashing blades, handsome and capable Alick Wolfe, dandy Ferdinand Shilton and the incorrigible Lord Purfoy, Corinna now has access to the male-only world of Regency England. And when she meets Alick's turbulent brother Darius, a betrayal of trust leads to deadly combat which only one of the brothers may survive.
From gambling in gentleman’s clubs to meeting the courtesans of Covent Garden, Corinna’s country naivety soon falls away. But when she finds her father at last, learns the truth about her parentage and discovers her fortunes transformed, she must quickly decide how to reveal her true identity, while hoping that one young man in particular can see her for the beauty and Lady she really is.
Sunday Times bestselling author Jane Dunn brings the Regency period irresistibly to life in a thrilling novel packed with romance, scandal, friendship and colour. Perfect for fans of Jane Austen. Janice Hadlow, Gill Hornby, and anyone with a Bridgerton-shaped hole in their lives!
‘Do you realise, Corinna, just how hard it is for a young woman of irregular birth, without family, fortune or friends in the world? Marriage is the only way to get any chance of a life.’
Following the death of her mother, Corinna Ormesby has lived a quiet life in the countryside with her cantankerous Cousin Agnes. Her father's identity has been a tantalising mystery, but now at nineteen Corinna knows that finding him may be her only way to avoid marriage to the odious Mr Beech.
Deciding to head to London, Corinna dons a male disguise. Travelling alone as a young woman risks scandal and danger, but when, masquerading as a youth, she is befriended by three dashing blades, handsome and capable Alick Wolfe, dandy Ferdinand Shilton and the incorrigible Lord Purfoy, Corinna now has access to the male-only world of Regency England. And when she meets Alick's turbulent brother Darius, a betrayal of trust leads to deadly combat which only one of the brothers may survive.
From gambling in gentleman’s clubs to meeting the courtesans of Covent Garden, Corinna’s country naivety soon falls away. But when she finds her father at last, learns the truth about her parentage and discovers her fortunes transformed, she must quickly decide how to reveal her true identity, while hoping that one young man in particular can see her for the beauty and Lady she really is.
Sunday Times bestselling author Jane Dunn brings the Regency period irresistibly to life in a thrilling novel packed with romance, scandal, friendship and colour. Perfect for fans of Jane Austen. Janice Hadlow, Gill Hornby, and anyone with a Bridgerton-shaped hole in their lives!
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First published January 1, 2023
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About the author
Jane Dunn
30 books144 followersJane Dunn is a leading biographer, the author of Moon in Eclipse: A Life of Mary Shelley, A Very Close Conspiracy: Vanessa Bell and Virginia Wolf, and Antonia White: A Life. Elizabeth and Mary: Cousins, Rivals, Queens was published in the spring of 2003 and spent seven weeks in the top ten of the Sunday Times bestseller list. A fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, Dunn lives near Bath with her husband, the linguist and writer Nicholas Ostler. Her most recent book is Read My Heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
April 18, 2023
Dnf at 59%
This is a historical romance with the heroine dressing up as a man. Sounds good, right? Unfortunately the story was not for me.
I had high hopes for the part about Corinna pretending to be a man but it was a wasted potential. It didn’t last long and there wasn’t much fuss when she revealed herself as a woman. I was hoping for a scandal, drama or at least some emotional turmoil but nope, everyone just moved on.
But this wasn’t my biggest problem with this book. I had a few issues with the writing and the story but there were two main reasons why I couldn’t get myself to finish. The most important and the most disturbing of the two is the love story.
Corinna’s love interest is Alick. Alick’s brother is Corinna’s father’s second cousin and heir, which makes Corinna and Alick cousins which makes me nauseous.I know they are not close relatives but if they inherit from the same person it means that they are related. I know that marrying cousins was normal back then. I still don’t want that particular historical accuracy in my romance novels, I’m weird like that.
The second thing is Corinna’s relationship with her father. He loved her so much and yet they “lost touch” after her mother died? She was a twelve year old illegitimate child, alone in the world with nowhere to go, and that’s when her filthy rich daddy earl “lost touch” with her?
He was later punished for being a lousy father because his beloved son died and that’s when he remembered: wait, I had another one of those somewhere! And I love her (so much) so let’s find her!
They found each other pretty quickly and there were no hard feelings whatsoever.
They were both happy to be reunited, they loved each other and she called him papa. That’s not even remotely close to what reunions with neglecting parents look like in real life.
Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a historical romance with the heroine dressing up as a man. Sounds good, right? Unfortunately the story was not for me.
I had high hopes for the part about Corinna pretending to be a man but it was a wasted potential. It didn’t last long and there wasn’t much fuss when she revealed herself as a woman. I was hoping for a scandal, drama or at least some emotional turmoil but nope, everyone just moved on.
But this wasn’t my biggest problem with this book. I had a few issues with the writing and the story but there were two main reasons why I couldn’t get myself to finish. The most important and the most disturbing of the two is the love story.
Corinna’s love interest is Alick. Alick’s brother is Corinna’s father’s second cousin and heir, which makes Corinna and Alick cousins which makes me nauseous.I know they are not close relatives but if they inherit from the same person it means that they are related. I know that marrying cousins was normal back then. I still don’t want that particular historical accuracy in my romance novels, I’m weird like that.
The second thing is Corinna’s relationship with her father. He loved her so much and yet they “lost touch” after her mother died? She was a twelve year old illegitimate child, alone in the world with nowhere to go, and that’s when her filthy rich daddy earl “lost touch” with her?
He was later punished for being a lousy father because his beloved son died and that’s when he remembered: wait, I had another one of those somewhere! And I love her (so much) so let’s find her!
They found each other pretty quickly and there were no hard feelings whatsoever.
They were both happy to be reunited, they loved each other and she called him papa. That’s not even remotely close to what reunions with neglecting parents look like in real life.
Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2023
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
AN UNSUITABLE HEIRESS by Jane Dunn is an entertaining Regency historical romance/historical fiction with an adventuress young woman who dresses in men’s clothing and travels to London to find the father she never knew and pursue her dream of being a professional painter. This is an easy and fun to read standalone Regency story with enchanting characters.
Corrina “Cory” Ormesby has always known she is an illegitimate child. Since her mother’s death she has spent the last seven years with a cousin in the country. Her cousin is no longer willing to support her and rather than being forced into an unwanted marriage, she dresses in men’s clothes and travels with her pet poodle to London in search of the father she knows nothing about but does have the yearly gifts he sent on her birthdays until her mother’s death.
When she tries to stop the abuse of a horse at a carriage stop, she is knocked down and a trio of young blades come to her aid and befriend her. They assist her in solving the unknown identity of her father, learn her true gender, and then they all must learn to navigate the difference in circumstances for the sexes in Regency London.
I really liked Corrina and her bravery as she sets out on her journey and her determination to live the life she wants without losing her innate kindness to people and animals and her sense of adventure. The author’s research is evident in the description of norms, clothing, and language. All her gentlemen friends are realistic representatives of this period. This story has a mix of romance, a search for personal independence, friendship, adventure, and cute pets. It also demonstrates a balance between light and fun predictability vs. societal norms and strictures.
I recommend curling up in your favorite reading chair with a cuppa and letting this story take you on an enjoyable journey to Regency London.
AN UNSUITABLE HEIRESS by Jane Dunn is an entertaining Regency historical romance/historical fiction with an adventuress young woman who dresses in men’s clothing and travels to London to find the father she never knew and pursue her dream of being a professional painter. This is an easy and fun to read standalone Regency story with enchanting characters.
Corrina “Cory” Ormesby has always known she is an illegitimate child. Since her mother’s death she has spent the last seven years with a cousin in the country. Her cousin is no longer willing to support her and rather than being forced into an unwanted marriage, she dresses in men’s clothes and travels with her pet poodle to London in search of the father she knows nothing about but does have the yearly gifts he sent on her birthdays until her mother’s death.
When she tries to stop the abuse of a horse at a carriage stop, she is knocked down and a trio of young blades come to her aid and befriend her. They assist her in solving the unknown identity of her father, learn her true gender, and then they all must learn to navigate the difference in circumstances for the sexes in Regency London.
I really liked Corrina and her bravery as she sets out on her journey and her determination to live the life she wants without losing her innate kindness to people and animals and her sense of adventure. The author’s research is evident in the description of norms, clothing, and language. All her gentlemen friends are realistic representatives of this period. This story has a mix of romance, a search for personal independence, friendship, adventure, and cute pets. It also demonstrates a balance between light and fun predictability vs. societal norms and strictures.
I recommend curling up in your favorite reading chair with a cuppa and letting this story take you on an enjoyable journey to Regency London.
August 28, 2023
Heyeresque hijinks in a Regency romance for a bright young lady donning cravat and breeches for her quest to find her father.
Introductions are In Order
Jane Dunn is a new to me author, but by no means is this her debut into historical research or writing sparkling historical romance. This was plain to me from the start and I welcomed her attention to authentic historical backdrop and dialogue even while I delighted in the madcap plot to put naïve country girl, Corina Ormesby in men’s clothes and have her conduct her quest to find out who her father is.
Damsel in Disguise
Motivated by a sketchy marriage prospect her older cousin insists is all she can expect to attain, naïve Corina feels motivated to dress in men’s clothes for protection while on her lone quest to London in search of her unnamed mysterious paternal parent. Amusing how this gets complicated fast by three new dandified friends who take her on their larks and give her a real eye-opener into the difference between the gentle and confined world of Regency ladies and the freedom that comes to a man of class and at least moderate means.
I expected the ripping off her disguise to bring great drama and I girded up my loins for it. But, it turns out that the disguise didn’t even last through half the book. Her discovery and meet up with her long, lost father was also tame so no need to fear over the top drama. In truth, the conflict was elsewhere because finding her father might not have led to him shunning her, but her papa was only the beginning not the culminations of complications in Corina’s life including her attachment to capable and kind Alick.
Light, But Not All Frivolity
While An Unexpected Heiress had a light, not quite madcap quality with the disguise and the group of friends, it touched on social issues of the past like how precarious life could be for women forced to depend on men, the stigma of illegitimacy, and the lot of ‘second sons’ like Alick. I liked how Jane Dunn brought this out while keeping up the entertaining tone of story and due diligence to character and relationship development. Speaking of relationships, my favorite element in the book was the friendship and scenes with Corina, Alick, Ferdy and Purfroy.
An Unsuitable Heiress has a lively Regency era dialogue, sparkling characters, and rompish set up to a solid Regency Romance. I would definitely pick up another of Jane Dunn’s regencies and suggest other sweet historical romance fans pen An Unsuitable Heiress to their wish list.
I rec'd an eARC from the publisher to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Austenprose on Aug. 14th.
Introductions are In Order
Jane Dunn is a new to me author, but by no means is this her debut into historical research or writing sparkling historical romance. This was plain to me from the start and I welcomed her attention to authentic historical backdrop and dialogue even while I delighted in the madcap plot to put naïve country girl, Corina Ormesby in men’s clothes and have her conduct her quest to find out who her father is.
Damsel in Disguise
Motivated by a sketchy marriage prospect her older cousin insists is all she can expect to attain, naïve Corina feels motivated to dress in men’s clothes for protection while on her lone quest to London in search of her unnamed mysterious paternal parent. Amusing how this gets complicated fast by three new dandified friends who take her on their larks and give her a real eye-opener into the difference between the gentle and confined world of Regency ladies and the freedom that comes to a man of class and at least moderate means.
I expected the ripping off her disguise to bring great drama and I girded up my loins for it. But, it turns out that the disguise didn’t even last through half the book. Her discovery and meet up with her long, lost father was also tame so no need to fear over the top drama. In truth, the conflict was elsewhere because finding her father might not have led to him shunning her, but her papa was only the beginning not the culminations of complications in Corina’s life including her attachment to capable and kind Alick.
Light, But Not All Frivolity
While An Unexpected Heiress had a light, not quite madcap quality with the disguise and the group of friends, it touched on social issues of the past like how precarious life could be for women forced to depend on men, the stigma of illegitimacy, and the lot of ‘second sons’ like Alick. I liked how Jane Dunn brought this out while keeping up the entertaining tone of story and due diligence to character and relationship development. Speaking of relationships, my favorite element in the book was the friendship and scenes with Corina, Alick, Ferdy and Purfroy.
An Unsuitable Heiress has a lively Regency era dialogue, sparkling characters, and rompish set up to a solid Regency Romance. I would definitely pick up another of Jane Dunn’s regencies and suggest other sweet historical romance fans pen An Unsuitable Heiress to their wish list.
I rec'd an eARC from the publisher to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Austenprose on Aug. 14th.
June 5, 2023
As a child, I used to ‘borrow’ the Georgette Heyer books from our bookcase, and read them secretly. I’ve always had a love for regency romance, and historical fiction. Although this beautifully written book could fall under regency romance, there is so much depth to the story, covering love, loss, illegitimacy, inheritance, friendship and the way in which regency society works.
Jane Dunn has such an engaging writing style that I was immediately pulled into the story, to the point where nothing existed beyond my book. I shut everything out, heard nothing (sorry Mr Bookmad) and fully immersed myself in a regency world created by the author with such skill, and the subtlety that only a historian can bring to a fictional world.
I loved the tenacity of Cory, she was so confident and pure-hearted, and prepared to stand up for what was right. Her friendship with Alick, Rav and Ferdy was an entertaining one, and I loved the way in which she quickly became part of their friendship group, and they rallied around to help her find her father in London. In addition to her new found male friends, I loved the way in which she could effortlessly draw new friends to her, and I particularly liked Suze and Taz. A special mention should also go to little pet dog Piro, who was adorable, and very tenacious when it came to sausages!
There were lots of new words I came across within the story which added authenticity as well as giving me some new regency words.
An Unsuitable Heiress was a compelling and enthralling story of a determined young woman’s journey to find her father and her own place in the world.
Jane Dunn has such an engaging writing style that I was immediately pulled into the story, to the point where nothing existed beyond my book. I shut everything out, heard nothing (sorry Mr Bookmad) and fully immersed myself in a regency world created by the author with such skill, and the subtlety that only a historian can bring to a fictional world.
I loved the tenacity of Cory, she was so confident and pure-hearted, and prepared to stand up for what was right. Her friendship with Alick, Rav and Ferdy was an entertaining one, and I loved the way in which she quickly became part of their friendship group, and they rallied around to help her find her father in London. In addition to her new found male friends, I loved the way in which she could effortlessly draw new friends to her, and I particularly liked Suze and Taz. A special mention should also go to little pet dog Piro, who was adorable, and very tenacious when it came to sausages!
There were lots of new words I came across within the story which added authenticity as well as giving me some new regency words.
An Unsuitable Heiress was a compelling and enthralling story of a determined young woman’s journey to find her father and her own place in the world.
July 4, 2023
A delightful caper with a truly page-turning end!
Such a fun story with a band of compelling and interesting characters. I loved the set up of the main plot and various subplots that all came together at the end. There was real depth to the characters and truly heartfelt moments. I think I was rather fond of them all by the close of the book. Alick was chivalrous and very good natured; I liked the mystery around his personal life. Our heroine was, in many ways, a rejector of propriety — but for good reason; a well-intentioned and charming character. Gorgeous period language and dialogue - such fantastic buckish slang - it really evoked the era and made this wonderful book such a pleasure to read!
Such a fun story with a band of compelling and interesting characters. I loved the set up of the main plot and various subplots that all came together at the end. There was real depth to the characters and truly heartfelt moments. I think I was rather fond of them all by the close of the book. Alick was chivalrous and very good natured; I liked the mystery around his personal life. Our heroine was, in many ways, a rejector of propriety — but for good reason; a well-intentioned and charming character. Gorgeous period language and dialogue - such fantastic buckish slang - it really evoked the era and made this wonderful book such a pleasure to read!
May 15, 2023
I really liked the story. The characters are interesting and I liked the glimpse in the ways of man. Mostly the scenes, when the men realise that the main character is a girl, were funny and informative. I think the author managed it perfectly to show the awkwardness of these situations. The story was well developed and in some situations even suspenseful.
The style is well fitting the era and I learned quite a lot new vocabulary. It was interesting even though I had to google some meanings.
I highly recommend this book.
The style is well fitting the era and I learned quite a lot new vocabulary. It was interesting even though I had to google some meanings.
I highly recommend this book.
May 27, 2023
Since her mother died, Corinna Ormesby has lived a quiet life in the country with her cousin however, in order to escape a tedious marriage Corinna sets off for London cleverly disguised as a boy. On her adventurous and rather scandalous journey for a young woman in Regency England, Corinna meets three dashingly handsome young men who come to her rescue on more than one occasion. Quickly immersed in London's high society Corinna must keep up the pretence of being a young man about town but this proves harder than expected especially when she learns something important about her past.
This is a really lovely Regency story. I especially enjoyed getting to know Corinna, she's a feisty heroine, and the young beaus who surround her with so much eloquence, grace and good humour bring a real sense of fun to the story. There are twists and turns aplenty which bring to life all the subtle nuances of Regency life. The freedom afforded to young men is especially detailed especially when men seem to have all the fun whilst young women are seen either as a scandalous diversion or as suitable marriage material. There's a more serious side to the story which develops well and I enjoyed understanding a little more about Corinna's past and the revealing of her relationship with a father she thought she had lost is done with a nice gentle touch.
An Unsuitable Heiress is a fun-filled romp through Regency England, with a smattering of romance, a sense of adventure and a wonderful heroin at its core. What's not to like!
This is a really lovely Regency story. I especially enjoyed getting to know Corinna, she's a feisty heroine, and the young beaus who surround her with so much eloquence, grace and good humour bring a real sense of fun to the story. There are twists and turns aplenty which bring to life all the subtle nuances of Regency life. The freedom afforded to young men is especially detailed especially when men seem to have all the fun whilst young women are seen either as a scandalous diversion or as suitable marriage material. There's a more serious side to the story which develops well and I enjoyed understanding a little more about Corinna's past and the revealing of her relationship with a father she thought she had lost is done with a nice gentle touch.
An Unsuitable Heiress is a fun-filled romp through Regency England, with a smattering of romance, a sense of adventure and a wonderful heroin at its core. What's not to like!
June 12, 2023
How lovely to be back in the Regency period for another historical romance by Jane Dunn. In 1815, The Battle of Waterloo has concluded and the effects of the war have had a profound impact on many families. Others have benefitted from it, such as Darius, who steps up to become the legitimate heir of Lord Ramsbury. A complete contrast to his younger brother, Alick, his pride and vanity make him fairly unlikeable. Parallel to the lives of the Regency aristocrats, we also have a story based around Corinna Ormesby who proves herself to be ingenious, independent and determined. As the lives of these characters collide, you get to see how life was for the upper classes and in particular, the men.
The plight of women is shown in stark relief to the freedoms which the men enjoy. In order to solve a mystery around her parentage, Corinna sets out to leave the path to an unhappy marriage which has been set for her and to travel incognito as a male. She risks her reputation and future marriage prospects to do so. This is a pacy romance with some entertaining characters and equally entertaining animals! I enjoyed seeing how Corinna set out to follow her ambitions and yet always kept her kind heart and generous spirit intact.
In short: Friendships are forged in Regency London
The plight of women is shown in stark relief to the freedoms which the men enjoy. In order to solve a mystery around her parentage, Corinna sets out to leave the path to an unhappy marriage which has been set for her and to travel incognito as a male. She risks her reputation and future marriage prospects to do so. This is a pacy romance with some entertaining characters and equally entertaining animals! I enjoyed seeing how Corinna set out to follow her ambitions and yet always kept her kind heart and generous spirit intact.
In short: Friendships are forged in Regency London
April 23, 2023
I received a digital ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I am always a sucker for a Regency romance, and this one was relatively enjoyable. The plot certainly had its interesting points and I can see where Dunn's friend's suggestion of "a bit more danger to the heroine's life" were inserted. However, the fact that I could see where they were inserted to me means that they did not develop very naturally as plot points. The twists and turns were too sudden to be believable at times. As usual, however, Dunn's historical research shines through in the accuracy of characters' language and events that are mentioned. The romance was also enjoyable, but we still did not get enough moments inside characters' heads to feel their growing emotions. Overall, a good read, but lacking that spark to make it one of my favorite historical romances.
I am always a sucker for a Regency romance, and this one was relatively enjoyable. The plot certainly had its interesting points and I can see where Dunn's friend's suggestion of "a bit more danger to the heroine's life" were inserted. However, the fact that I could see where they were inserted to me means that they did not develop very naturally as plot points. The twists and turns were too sudden to be believable at times. As usual, however, Dunn's historical research shines through in the accuracy of characters' language and events that are mentioned. The romance was also enjoyable, but we still did not get enough moments inside characters' heads to feel their growing emotions. Overall, a good read, but lacking that spark to make it one of my favorite historical romances.
May 23, 2023
They’re nothing like a good regency romance and In this story we follow Corrina who has just lost her mother and doesn’t know who her real father is so she sets out on a journey to London to find him. However it is not safe for a women to travel alone so she decides to dress up as a Man. Along the way she meets a group of interesting men and then finds her father. But what happens when she want to reveal her identity as a women. This story was filled with interesting characters and an unusual plot. I do enjoy a good regency romance
April 13, 2023
4 stars
A nice story. Corinna is illegitimate and her aunt is not keen to still support her. Corinna wants to find her father. She has some of her birthday presents and hope's these will give clues to his identity. She also has some memories of living at his estate before her mother decided to leave. She decides to go to London in disguise as a man, Her friend cuts her hair and takes her to the coach station. On the way she sees a horse being abused and is about to be beaten up by the owner when three dandies/corinthian's rescue her and take her to London, putting her up in Freddy's house. There's lots of good descriptions and characters. I think the only thing I wasn't sure about was : would Galahad be able to be legitimised legally once his parents were wed....I think it might have worked if someone had told a few falsehoods!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A nice story. Corinna is illegitimate and her aunt is not keen to still support her. Corinna wants to find her father. She has some of her birthday presents and hope's these will give clues to his identity. She also has some memories of living at his estate before her mother decided to leave. She decides to go to London in disguise as a man, Her friend cuts her hair and takes her to the coach station. On the way she sees a horse being abused and is about to be beaten up by the owner when three dandies/corinthian's rescue her and take her to London, putting her up in Freddy's house. There's lots of good descriptions and characters. I think the only thing I wasn't sure about was : would Galahad be able to be legitimised legally once his parents were wed....I think it might have worked if someone had told a few falsehoods!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2023
Not just another Regency Romance, but also a thrilling Adventure, with more than a nod to the Gothic Novel and the historical romances of Walter Scott. The genteel world of dandies and tea parties is firmly located in a violent milieu of war, fisticuffs, duels, abduction and highway robbery, and the women in the story prove as courageous and resilient as the men, sometimes indeed more so. An Unsuitable Heiress is beautifully written, with its tongue only just in its cheek, and you should allow yourself to be carried away by it as if by a tall dark stranger in a carriage and four. I enjoyed it even more than The Marriage Season, and that's quite a lot.
June 5, 2023
A charming story about irresistible characters!
When Cory determines to run away to London to find her father, the only safe way for her to do so is to disguise herself as a young man. But when she sees a carter mistreating his horse, she steps in and her disguise is almost undone. Three members of the haut ton step in to help and adopt her as one of their own. Will they see through Cory’s disguise? Can they help her find her father?
When Cory determines to run away to London to find her father, the only safe way for her to do so is to disguise herself as a young man. But when she sees a carter mistreating his horse, she steps in and her disguise is almost undone. Three members of the haut ton step in to help and adopt her as one of their own. Will they see through Cory’s disguise? Can they help her find her father?
April 28, 2023
A feisty heroine who stands up to society norms and fends for herself! Really enjoyed this book - and its different take on the marriage conundrum
I found this author by chance and read The Marriage Season first, which was a good introduction to her style. Really enjoyed it - modern regency romance without all trills and fluffs…
I found this author by chance and read The Marriage Season first, which was a good introduction to her style. Really enjoyed it - modern regency romance without all trills and fluffs…
June 12, 2023
lovely read
Really enjoyed reading this book
Very witty and well written. Characters were great and the whole book flowed beautifully
Can’t wait for more books from this author
Really enjoyed reading this book
Very witty and well written. Characters were great and the whole book flowed beautifully
Can’t wait for more books from this author
September 24, 2023
3.5 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a cute historical romance set in Regency England. I love MC Corinna (Cory)! She is smart, capable, loving, determined, and doesn’t let obstacles get in the way of what she wants. She bravely flees the countryside to go to London in search of her father. She planned her flight perfectly and escapes dressed as a boy. As luck would have it she meets up with the other MCs when they rescue her from a fight.
They take her under their wing and she fits right in with their carefree ways, learning more than she bargained for into the lives of men. The 3 men she befriends are very different and offer her different forms of friendship. It was interesting to see how they reacted to finding out she’s a woman. Cory begins to have feelings for one of the men, Alick, but she doesn’t know if he will see her as anything other than a friend. Add in a despicable older brother that she shares her inheritance with, and the relationship is further complicated.
The mystery of her parentage is solved early in the book and the rest of it focuses on her relationship with her father, the 3 men she befriended and a young French woman that she takes into her care.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Austen Prose PR and Boldwood Books. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a cute historical romance set in Regency England. I love MC Corinna (Cory)! She is smart, capable, loving, determined, and doesn’t let obstacles get in the way of what she wants. She bravely flees the countryside to go to London in search of her father. She planned her flight perfectly and escapes dressed as a boy. As luck would have it she meets up with the other MCs when they rescue her from a fight.
They take her under their wing and she fits right in with their carefree ways, learning more than she bargained for into the lives of men. The 3 men she befriends are very different and offer her different forms of friendship. It was interesting to see how they reacted to finding out she’s a woman. Cory begins to have feelings for one of the men, Alick, but she doesn’t know if he will see her as anything other than a friend. Add in a despicable older brother that she shares her inheritance with, and the relationship is further complicated.
The mystery of her parentage is solved early in the book and the rest of it focuses on her relationship with her father, the 3 men she befriended and a young French woman that she takes into her care.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Austen Prose PR and Boldwood Books. All opinions are my own.
September 4, 2023
"An Unsuitable Heiress" is a beautifully written and enthralling Regency-era story written by Jane Dunn. It was very interesting to see this story and its characters expressed through the post-Battle of Waterloo historical lens and to see how this impacted the characters' lives, thoughts, opinions, and emotions. The setting, characters, clothing, and locations are described beautifully with details that immediately draw the reader in while immersing them into the story. I love these characters and their friend group (including Piro and Whiskey)! The characters all feel very three-dimensional, the speed of the plot was just right, the author's writing style feels smooth and clear, the romance is sweet and swoony with lots of emotional depth and romantic tension, and each chapter is captivating! This is an absolute page-turner of a book. This story has it all! A damsel in disguise, charming hijinks, an honorable hero, a debonair dandy, a moody lord, captivating suspense, sparkling wit and banter, swoony romance, a sweet yet mischievous poodle named Piro and so much more. This story was an absolute delight to read! And felt Heyer-esque at times all while maintaining its own originality. "An Unsuitable Heiress" is charming, original, and so much fun! I very highly recommend it. Thank you very much to AustenprosePR, Boldwood Books, author Jane Dunn, and NetGalley for providing me with the wonderful opportunity of being on this book tour and for providing me with a digital copy to read and review honestly.
did-not-finish
September 12, 2024DNF at 53%
I think the notes this book touches on seem rather routine, like I've read it before, but I was not particularly interested in the characters. I think the premise sounds really fun but my mood or the execution - both? - leave me disconnected.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
I think the notes this book touches on seem rather routine, like I've read it before, but I was not particularly interested in the characters. I think the premise sounds really fun but my mood or the execution - both? - leave me disconnected.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
February 14, 2024
omg loved, unlike any other book i’ve listened to - and the narrator’s voice is so soothing. i may like 1800’s english books now
May 15, 2023
***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
I absolutely loved the first book in this series, so I was excited when I got the opportunity to read and review this one as well. This book started out as a slow burn, and I was afraid I wasn't going to enjoy it, but it just took a chapter or two to really get into it. It started with the war ending and Napoleon being captured and everyone in London either celebrating or waiting anxiously to hear news of their loved ones who were off fighting in it. Once we got past all of that, though, that is when the book starts to pick up the pace. Corinna Ormesby, who has been living with her disagreeable cousin ever since her mother died, decides to go to London and try to find her father. Her parents never married, and she doesn't even know his name, but she has several gifts that he has sent her over the years on her birthday that she hopes will help aid her in her search. She wants nothing more than to find her father and to become a portrait painter. She has no interest in getting married off, and if she stays at her cousin's house, that is exactly what is going to happen to her. Because she can't venture to London un-chaperoned, she cuts her off her long hair and dresses as a man. Once there, she is befriended by three dashing blades, handsome and capable Alick Wolfe, dandy Ferdinand Shilton and the incorrigible Lord Purfoy, Corinna now has access to the male-only world of Regency England. She also meets Alick's turbulent brother Darius, who is bitter and angry, because he has just found out that as the closest heir to the estate of Earl of Ramsbury who is of poor health, he will not be getting all of the estate after all. This book was full of passion, love, anger, retribution, gaiety, friendships, and families of all types - the ones you are born into and the ones you forge. I am thoroughly enjoying this series, and hope there will be many more books to come . This book gets a well deserved five stars.
I absolutely loved the first book in this series, so I was excited when I got the opportunity to read and review this one as well. This book started out as a slow burn, and I was afraid I wasn't going to enjoy it, but it just took a chapter or two to really get into it. It started with the war ending and Napoleon being captured and everyone in London either celebrating or waiting anxiously to hear news of their loved ones who were off fighting in it. Once we got past all of that, though, that is when the book starts to pick up the pace. Corinna Ormesby, who has been living with her disagreeable cousin ever since her mother died, decides to go to London and try to find her father. Her parents never married, and she doesn't even know his name, but she has several gifts that he has sent her over the years on her birthday that she hopes will help aid her in her search. She wants nothing more than to find her father and to become a portrait painter. She has no interest in getting married off, and if she stays at her cousin's house, that is exactly what is going to happen to her. Because she can't venture to London un-chaperoned, she cuts her off her long hair and dresses as a man. Once there, she is befriended by three dashing blades, handsome and capable Alick Wolfe, dandy Ferdinand Shilton and the incorrigible Lord Purfoy, Corinna now has access to the male-only world of Regency England. She also meets Alick's turbulent brother Darius, who is bitter and angry, because he has just found out that as the closest heir to the estate of Earl of Ramsbury who is of poor health, he will not be getting all of the estate after all. This book was full of passion, love, anger, retribution, gaiety, friendships, and families of all types - the ones you are born into and the ones you forge. I am thoroughly enjoying this series, and hope there will be many more books to come . This book gets a well deserved five stars.
May 23, 2023
My Review: I had an amazing time reading this book. I read it in 48 hours. We follow Cory/ Corinna’s journey trying to find her long lost father, by which she goes through great lengths to get to London. Her life takes a positive turn when she happens upon a trio of young men who take her under their wing and give her friendship, a home and inspiration. After working out that her father is non other than Lord Ramsbury who has recently suffered a significant loss and is trying to find her too. We meet Darius and Alick Wolfe and a number of other amazing characters, such as Laura Flowerdew, Suze, William Swift etc.
I fell in love with Piro the dog and Eclipse the horse. We have babies, kidnapping, love, fights. It’s so engaging that I wouldn’t mind seeing this televised. I was totally immersed in the romanticism of the story and wouldn’t mind an Alick/ Will Swift type in my life too. I absolutely recommend this book. 5 shiny stars
I fell in love with Piro the dog and Eclipse the horse. We have babies, kidnapping, love, fights. It’s so engaging that I wouldn’t mind seeing this televised. I was totally immersed in the romanticism of the story and wouldn’t mind an Alick/ Will Swift type in my life too. I absolutely recommend this book. 5 shiny stars
November 19, 2023
Awful. Truly a horribly written book. Not a _single_ character behaves in a manner consistent with the Regency time period. The behavior is wrong, the speech is wrong, the etiquette is wrong - even the morals are wrong. The characters don’t speak/behave/act in the ways real humans would in ANY time period. I had to force myself to finish, only because I knew it would nag at me if I didn’t. It strains my credulity almost to the breaking point to believe that this book was written by the same person who wrote, “The Marriage Season.”
May 27, 2023
5 stars. Much better than first book: more action as Corinna dressed as Cory travels to London to search for her father and a career as a portrait painter to escape marriage to an old man. She is rescued by 3 young men and taken into their friend group. She finds her father, befriends a young French girl. Lots of good regency stuff
Think there is one more upcoming book
Think there is one more upcoming book
November 8, 2023
Plagiarism? How is Jane Dunn allowed to copy Georgette Heyer almost word for word and not be called out? Heyer’s books are great and this author is taking credit for her work??
May 26, 2024
Corinna Ormesby has lived a quiet life in the countryside with her cranky Cousin Agnes since her mother's death. She never knew who her father was, but she hopes to solve the mystery. Her aunt is planning on marrying her off to the odious Mr Beech, but she has other plans. She wants to travel to London to see if she can figure out who her father is, as well as possibly make a match during the season. Knowing it is dangerous for a woman to travel alone, she dresses as a man/youth and meets up with a group of three friends: handsome and capable Alick Wolfe, dandy Ferdinand Shilton and the incorrigible Lord Purfoy. She now has a way to enter the Ton of Regency England. Corrina finds herself interested in Alick, but she isn't sure how she can finally reveal her real self to him.
An Unsuitable Heiress by Jane Dunn is an entertaining Regency Romance with an independent, adventuress young woman. She wants to pursue her dream of becoming a professional artist, but knows that the only way to do that is to find her father. The only clues she has are the cards and gifts she received each year on her birthday, until her mother's death seven years ago. The three men she hooks up with were also wonderfully described and very different from one another. I liked how they showed the various men that populated the Ton. This book shows the the differences in the sexes at this time in history, although Corrina does buck those trends. This is an easy and fun to read standalone Regency story with enchanting characters. I always enjoy reading about the various norms, attitudes, customs and activities during the various times in history. Once again, I did a read/listen to this book. I enjoyed the narration by Richard Attlee. He did a great job with the various voices and the storytelling. I liked his tone and it was nice to have a male narrator as much of the book is from the male POV. If you enjoy a fun and enjoyable Regency Romance with a different plot, then I recommend you pick up The Unsuitable Heiress in whatever format you prefer.
An Unsuitable Heiress by Jane Dunn is an entertaining Regency Romance with an independent, adventuress young woman. She wants to pursue her dream of becoming a professional artist, but knows that the only way to do that is to find her father. The only clues she has are the cards and gifts she received each year on her birthday, until her mother's death seven years ago. The three men she hooks up with were also wonderfully described and very different from one another. I liked how they showed the various men that populated the Ton. This book shows the the differences in the sexes at this time in history, although Corrina does buck those trends. This is an easy and fun to read standalone Regency story with enchanting characters. I always enjoy reading about the various norms, attitudes, customs and activities during the various times in history. Once again, I did a read/listen to this book. I enjoyed the narration by Richard Attlee. He did a great job with the various voices and the storytelling. I liked his tone and it was nice to have a male narrator as much of the book is from the male POV. If you enjoy a fun and enjoyable Regency Romance with a different plot, then I recommend you pick up The Unsuitable Heiress in whatever format you prefer.
September 5, 2023
Corinna Ormsby is an illegitimate child. After the death of her mother, she has lived with her mother’s difficult cousin through her teenage years. Soon to be forced into a marriage she doesn’t want, at nineteen, Corinna decides it is time she travel to London in search of her unknown father. With the help of her platonic friend William, she dresses as a boy, Cory, and sets off on an adventure with her small dog, Piro, in her pocket. She soon finds herself in a fight and is rescued by three society men, Alick, Ferdy, and Rav. They bring her to town and help her on her quest to find her father and to support herself through portrait painting. Will she find her father, and will she find true love?
This is my first novel by author Jane Dunn. I was quickly brought into the story by the engaging writing style, and I found myself unable to put it down. It reminded me of a light Georgette Heyer story with the adventure, Regency setting, and fun Regency slang. I enjoyed the humor in the story, but also the look at the hardships for those not born on the right side of the blanket or to a wealthy family. I also like in a novel when a girl dresses up as a boy and discovers the mysteries of what is going on in the world of men. It always makes for moments of hilarity. The big reveal came about halfway through the story and Cory easily became Corinna, which I thought was surprising. I was expecting fireworks at the big reveal!
I loved how Corinna stood up for what is right in the world and was pure at heart. I liked the romance between Alick and Corinna as it developed although I was worried for awhile that it was going to be with his brother, Darius, who is the Byronic hero of the story. I just really liked all of the characters and how Corinna found new friends wherever she went. I would love to read more about this cast of characters in the future.
Book Source: Review Copy from NetGalley. Thank-you! I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Austenprose PR Book Tour. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2023...
September 24, 2023
If you’re a fan of Regency romance and want something unpredictable, with lots of twists and turns, then An Unsuitable Heiress is certainly the book for you.
Our heroine Corinna is living with a cousin who wants to marry her off after the death of her mother years before. She’s illegitimate but determined to find her father, so she sets off for London, dressed as a man for her own safety and freedom of movement. She falls in with three young dashing men of the Ton, and the adventures spiral from there.
I found Corinna to be very easy to love and root for and really enjoyed all of the side characters as well. I love the found family trope, and this certainly is a great example of it. You can also definitely tell that author Jane Dunn is a historian and put lots of work into researching all the historical details. Which, of course — as a historian myself — I loved to see!
I highly recommend checking out An Unsuitable Heiress! My full review is at www.culturecabinet.com.
Thank you to Jane Dunn, Boldwood Books, and Austenprose for a copy in exchange for an honest review. And thanks to Austenprose for including me on the book tour!
Our heroine Corinna is living with a cousin who wants to marry her off after the death of her mother years before. She’s illegitimate but determined to find her father, so she sets off for London, dressed as a man for her own safety and freedom of movement. She falls in with three young dashing men of the Ton, and the adventures spiral from there.
I found Corinna to be very easy to love and root for and really enjoyed all of the side characters as well. I love the found family trope, and this certainly is a great example of it. You can also definitely tell that author Jane Dunn is a historian and put lots of work into researching all the historical details. Which, of course — as a historian myself — I loved to see!
I highly recommend checking out An Unsuitable Heiress! My full review is at www.culturecabinet.com.
Thank you to Jane Dunn, Boldwood Books, and Austenprose for a copy in exchange for an honest review. And thanks to Austenprose for including me on the book tour!
February 26, 2024
The Earl of Ramsbury's son and heir died right before Napoleon surrendered. With a bad heart, he must find the daughter he lost years ago. At nineteen, Corrina Ormesby is ready for adventure and to find her father in London. Striking out on her own dressed as a lad, she is rescued by three young bucks on their way back to London. Accepted as one of their group, they introduce her to the inter sanctum of the male world not knowing he is a she. A complicated story with the plot going off in different directions. Sometimes ending abruptly, sometimes long and drawn out. Romance? Not so much. It's definitely clean. Still it's an interesting book to read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
April 23, 2023
I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed An Unsuitable Heiress. I did find the first two chapters a little slow; however, the book quickly began to pick up. I loved the quick pace, the humour, and the feisty female protagonist. Jane Dunn works to capture the reality of propriety within historical society but also gives way to a headstrong main character.
I gave this book three stars as I thought it was a good read, and I enjoyed it however, I think that there was a lot that could have been expanded on (such as Cory dressing as a boy).
I really enjoyed An Unsuitable Heiress. I did find the first two chapters a little slow; however, the book quickly began to pick up. I loved the quick pace, the humour, and the feisty female protagonist. Jane Dunn works to capture the reality of propriety within historical society but also gives way to a headstrong main character.
I gave this book three stars as I thought it was a good read, and I enjoyed it however, I think that there was a lot that could have been expanded on (such as Cory dressing as a boy).
September 29, 2023
A delightful historical romp. This "romance" follows the adventures of Corinna Ormsby, an illigitimate young gentlewoman who goes in search of her father, and the unconventional adventures that transpire. First dressing as a boy, she hightails it to London and finds herself taken in and befriended by three dashing gentleman dandies, who help her on her quest while introducing her to the freedoms only men enjoy. Upon finding her father and entering society, she then assembles her own eccentric found family, taking in a spirited young French noblewoman and the pregnant mistress of a rival nobleman, with her three dandies and a country squire who was her childhood friend.
The narrative clips along from one adventure to the next with the lighthearted fun of her comapions. Corinna experiences everything from gentlemen's clubs and brothels, society balls, attempted robbery and kidnapping, to delivering a baby, and romance. Overall a lighthearted and fun escape if you're a fan of historical romance.
The narrative clips along from one adventure to the next with the lighthearted fun of her comapions. Corinna experiences everything from gentlemen's clubs and brothels, society balls, attempted robbery and kidnapping, to delivering a baby, and romance. Overall a lighthearted and fun escape if you're a fan of historical romance.
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