He’s determined to win her back. She’s determined to forget him.
Four years ago in Cornwall, Sophia Hale’s heart was broken. The man she loved, Isaac Ellington, cast her aside—or so she was told. Despite now being resigned to spinsterhood, her new stepfather drags her back into London society, insisting she find a match. She even considers it—until Isaac strolls back into her life.
Isaac never stopped loving Sophia. Now in London, his inability to open his heart has earned him the reputation of a heartbreaker, not to mention a swift banishment from every respectable gentleman’s club. His only option? Blackstone’s—a club for outcasts—where the rules from his host are mend his ways, or be cast out for good. There’s just one Lord Blackstone’s stepdaughter is none other than Sophia, and she’s courting someone else.
With secrets between them, an overprotective stepfather watching their every move, and an inconvenient amount of unresolved feelings, Sophia and Isaac must risk their hearts again, or remain forever apart?
***
Forever Engaged is a closed-door regency romance full of mysterious secrets, delightful characters, a second chance at love, and swoony moments to keep you turning pages. The Bachelors of Blackstone's series can be enjoyed in any order.
How does @ashtyn_newbold_author always do it? 😍 I always know when I pick up one of her books that I'll never be disappointed. 🩷 I always love a clean Regency, but hers always go so deep in the emotions, the love between the characters, even just where it's set. You can feel everything with them, till you have to remind yourself it's not real. 😅 Because it all feels soooo real. 🩷
Sophia and Isaac will definitely be a new favorite couple of mine now. I've come to love the second chance vibe, and this one was PERFECT. Neither of them let each other go all the way, even when they thought they had. And seeing each other just once again...brought it all back in a heartbeat. And they fought till the end for it again. 🩷
I could easily go on and on about Ashtyn's books, but I'll just leave it here and hope that I've encouraged you to try one of hers if you haven't yet, and if you haven't, this is a good one to start!! 🩷
Forever Engaged (Bachelor’s of Blsckstone’s #6 by: @ashtyn_newbold_author
••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~He’s determined to win her back. She’s determined to forget him. Four years ago in Cornwall, Sophia Hale’s heart was broken. The man she loved, Isaac Ellington, cast her aside-or so she was told…
“No matter how many years had passed-four to be precise-one could never forget the eyes of the person they once loved. They were the windows to his heart.”
-Forever Engaged, is a beautifully closed-door regency romance tenderly filled with mysterious secrets, delightful characters, a second chance at love, and swoony moments to keep you turning pages. It’s a story that intrigued me right from the start, that had my full attention and heart all along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed the humor weaved with such swoony moments. The endearing characters who stand for what’s right and rise above obstacles for love had me sighing. Seeing them figure out the past and forge ahead with hope made my heart happy. I love how wonderfully this dear story shows that no matter the amount of wealth or status, they do not create lasting happiness. Finding the special ones that do bring happiness are worth treasuring and are of the most value. This dear story my friends, is a dear story worth reading!🙌🏻📚🩷
“Behind her eyes, she saw a dream for her future. She saw smiles and laughter and joy. She saw sorrow and hardships, but a hand to hold through it all. Most of all, she saw him-Ellington-her entire heart wrapped up in a cravat and jacket...with a streak of blue paint on his forehead.”
•Content: accident and death of a loved one mentioned, dishonety, a side character who gambles, drinks, with mild innuendo, a suspected kidnap scenario, mysterious secrets, no language, kisses only!
“We all make mistakes, and more mistakes are made in love than in any other business, I daresay.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“I wish for you to be happy. I wish for that more than anything.”
A captivating story of true love that conquers all obstacles, but only after much distrust and tribulation. The tension was electric! The yearnings and misunderstandings so raw. Yet there was romance and humor.
The good guys were admirable and the villain despicable. Lots of twists and turns as mysteries are unraveled and hearts laid bare. Grab your hat and hold on as you enjoy this wonderful story!
I was so sad for the main characters through most of the book, just for the HEA to kind of fall flat. To be honest, the story ended quite abruptly. I was expecting there to be ~ more ~ after what ended up being the ending, especially after everything Isaac and Sophia went through (not to mention a number of plot points left unanswered).
The perfect, cute, clean romance with some mystery woven in between. A beautiful starting scene. Some hilarious jealousy scenes when she is courting someone who is NOT him. Unlikely partners in crime as they together sabotage another’s relationship even while each thinks the other harbors ill will towards the them. Spoiler: Neither does. (Not really a spoiler as you are aware of this the entire time as the reader.) The resolution at the end also leave nothing lacking. I very much want to read more of her books now!
4.5 stars! I always enjoy Miss Newbold’s books! This one has all the elements to love! There was a creepy villain, an eccentric step father, a sweet love story, laugh out loud moments, and Cornwall! I enjoyed the bit of mystery throughout and the scheming between the two main characters! I need to read more of this series!
This was absolutely one of my favorite reads this year! I loved their innocent love starting the book and then being reunited when they’re older and more mature, so good. The last few chapters were full of way more mystery than I was expecting too. Would read again!
A delightful regency romance! I am loving this series of Blackstone's bachelors! You won't want to miss this one especially if you enjoy a second chance romance!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
3.5⭐️ Miscommunication is a tough trope to do well when the book could end at any time with one simple, but direct conversation. Newbold navigated this well, I just struggle to sit and wait for the confrontation to happen, then continue to wait while thinking how it could go wrong, then pushing to get to it, then not enjoying the journey because the unresolved problem is a constant rock in my shoe, thorn in my side, hair on my arm, food spot on my page? Just talk to each other and move on!
A book by Ashtyn Newbold is ALWAYS a good read. I was looking forward to this book and thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful story of love, second chances and secrets. The pacing is fluid and kept my attention, the connection between Sophia and Isaac was palpable in the tension, the looks, the longing, oh it was wonderful. I was intrigued by the ending and was very happy with it all.
Sophia Hale and Isaac Ellington met in Cornwall, fell in love and planned to marry, but for mysterious reasons abruptly separated. Four years later they meet again in London and sparks fly between them, but there are obstacles separating them, Sophia is almost engaged to an earl and Lord Blackstone, her stepfather, forbade Isaac to court Sophia. Neither wants to end up heartbroken again and they know they must forget the other, but as they spend more time together and try to save Sophia's sister from a libertine, the ties they once had begin to bind them together again. The secrets of what drove them apart once come to light and they wonder if they can finally be together?
You will find: 💌 Second Chance Love 💌 Dual POV 💌 Secrets and Mysteries 💌 Love Triangle 💌 Cornwall
~ Sophia had convinced herself that she and Isaac were destined to be much like Trelowen. No matter how grand and beautiful their love had once been, it could not last forever. She had tried to rebuild their ruins, but they continued to crumble in front of her. ~
*By the way, I eat cashews all the time, apparently I have a strong constitution 🤭 IYKYK
This is the sixth book in The Bachelors of Blackstone's series I completely recommend this book!
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Sometimes you read a book that just sweeps you away in the story that you can’t put it down - Forever Engaged by Ashtyn Newbold turned out to be one of those books for me! A beautifully written regency era story of young lovers (Sophia and Isaac) torn apart in mysterious circumstances and falsely led to believe the other was responsible. Meeting up years later, and still bearing the scars and sadness of their lost love they struggle with both their feelings for each other and their trust for each other. A sweet story full of emotion with an element of mystery and discovery which kept me reading late into the night. The characters were wonderfully written (I especially loved Isaac!), believable and their chemistry swoon worthy. The element of mystery kept me guessing and there were a few unexpected twists and turns which only added to my desire to keep on reading! The story is part of a multi author series ‘Bachelors of Blackstone’s’ and in this book we see more of Lord Blackstone himself (recurring character as owner of the Blackstone’s club for misfits featured in all the stories) who is Sophia’s stepfather, and it was great to get more depth to his (somewhat eccentric) character. He did come across differently in this one but I presume that was in part due to his more fatherly side being highlighted rather than just his eccentricities. The secondary characters were also well written, particularly the young and naive Prudence and the villainous Percy! The only thing missing from the book was an epilogue and I would have loved to hear how Lord Blackstone reacted to the events at the end of the book but it’s only a minor niggle and the ending was still deeply satisfying without one. A sweet, clean romance which works well as a standalone despite being part of the multi author series. That said, the other books in this series are also well worth a read so why not give them all a go!
Ashtyn Newbold's considerable writing talent is on full display in "Forever Engaged". Her contribution to the multi-author Bachelors of Blackwood's series, this book features young sweethearts separated due to a cruel letter each one receives.
With mutual dislike and distrust of the other, Sophia Hale and Isaac Ellington attempt to move on, albeit unsuccessfully. However, they work together to thwart Isaac's cousin Percy's determined courtship of Sophia's younger sister Prudence. The latter is a sweet girl but is so naive it takes drastic measures to open her eyes. Percy Ellington is interesting as well, but he proves to be despicable. Lord Blackwood, the diligent and protective stepfather, shows his humorous side: “I must own that I acted quite like a squirrel this evening. I was certain you were after my acorns."
Did I identify the author of the poisonous letters? While I suspected the writer, the motive came as a complete surprise. Fortunately, secrets come to light, enabling Sophie and Isaac to happily move forward to their future.
Newbold's prose is a delight. Clean and devoid of violence, this tale is a lovely installment of the series. Thanks to the author for a copy of this enjoyable story. 4.5 stars
[4.5 stars] This is a sweet, second-chance, regency romance. Though I wouldn’t call it a rom-com, there is a light humor to it, and I found the book both charming and enjoyable.
Years earlier, the MCs were deeply in love and on the brink of engagement. They were suddenly forced apart, however, by the intervention and deception of others. Now in London they encounter each again for the first time, and find their old feelings returning, along with a great deal of hurt and bitterness. Circumstances cause them to form a shaky alliance, but there are many miscommunications, suitors, and secrets to overcome before they can finally have their HPE.
Though I typically do not care for books having prolonged conflict that can be resolved with a simple conversation, this one is an exception. It’s well written and engaging… despite the rushed ending.
Content: There is no foul language or sex, and the violence is minimal (just a couple punches thrown). The romance is limited to mildly descriptive kisses. There is no mention of faith or God.
📚✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨📚 Title: Forever Engaged Series: Bachelors of Blackstone Author: Ashtyn Newbold Genre: Regency Romance, Second-Chance Love Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫 (3.5 rounded to 4)
📝 My Thoughts: Forever Engaged is a tender second-chance Regency that aches in all the right places. Isaac and Sophia’s broken engagement sets the stage for stolen glances, unspoken regrets, and one fateful masquerade that changes everything. 🎭✨ The characters feel real, imperfect, wounded, yet hopeful. Their banter isn’t sharp and quippy; it’s the softer kind that hides heartbreak behind polite smiles. The plot is believable and unfolds at a steady, satisfying pace. There’s no sword fight or carriage chase instead, the drama comes from old secrets, family expectations, and the quiet courage it takes to trust someone again when they’ve already broken your heart once. It’s part of the Bachelors of Blackstone series, but absolutely works as a standalone. You’ll pick up hints about other bachelors, but nothing feels missing if you start here.
✔️ Potential Triggers: Betrayal, parental death, emotional abandonment all tastefully handled, but worth noting for sensitive readers.
💖 Perfect for: Readers who crave second-chance romance, sweet clean love stories, and slow-burn Regency tension. If you’re a sucker for yearning glances across a ballroom or whispered confessions in hidden corners, this one’s for you.
🔖 Favorite Quote: "All farewells should be sudden, when forever, else they make an eternity of moments, and clog the last sad sands of life with tears."
📌 Final Verdict: An uplifting, emotional read with the perfect dose of nostalgia and hope. Forever Engaged is about finding the courage to face the truth and each other when the past won’t stay buried. While I did wish for just a touch more spark in the romance at times (some moments felt a bit repetitive), the gentle resolution and honest emotions make it a cozy, satisfying escape for fans of sweet historical romance.
“I will always want you. I have never stopped.” Forever Engaged by was such a good second chance romance with some serious longing that had me super invested as I read. Isaac and Sophia were a perfect match until they both received heartbreaking letters that tore them apart. Four years later, they find each other in a London ballroom, both unable to commit to someone else, but guarded against the other. I loved the way they are thrust together and have to break down the walls protecting their hearts and then fight for a chance at happy ever after with each other again. Read this for: *Cornwall *Dual POV *Second chance *Courtship sabotage and mysterious saboteur *Forced proximity *Swoony yearning *Rival suitor and villainous cousin *”How well do I know you” game *Stolen moments with some serious chemistry *Kisses I really enjoyed this Regency romance and definitely recommend it. 4.5 stars
this was just a fine book! there wasn’t really anything that made me feel too much, it was just a decent, neutral time lol. i was never DYING to pick it up but never had a bad time when i actually did pick it up. i think i struggled with it being a second chance romance but without any past chapters, so i didn’t really understand why i should be rooting for them to be together and didn’t understand why they fell in love in the first place. i also just don’t think i knew enough about the characters at all to really feel anything for them. it wasn’t poorly written, it just wasn’t written with much tension or passion or emotion (haha that sounds so awful). i will always love regency proper romances (and still loved the overall vibes of this book) and will always be looking for new ones to read, but this one just made me wish i was reading edenbrooke the whole time LOL. i did like the scene where they played the who knows each other better game but that’s the only one that stood out lol
This story took its sweet time at getting to the point. It did not pick up steam until halfway through the novel. There were a few times I thought about giving up on it, however, I’m glad I persevered. The second half was so much better than the first, and all I will say it that the hero, Isaac, grew a backbone, and finally did something worth of the title of ‘hero’.
Once Isaac became a real man, the story picked up and then the real romance began. Of course, there was a love triangle as well as a minor mystery and a twist towards the end that I will admit I did not see coming (which is rare for me in romance novels).
For the first half of the book, I give 2**, but the second half I give 4**** so I will average it out and give the story a 3*** rating, and if you’re interested in the premise, then I recommend sticking with it until the end, because it does get better.
I experienced a captivating second-chance regency romance filled with art and intrigue. Sophie, a talented painter, and Isaac, a charming gentleman, find their courtship abruptly shattered just as a proposal looms. The reasons behind their separation are cloaked in mystery. Four years later, fate unites them once again as they work together to uncover the true intentions of Isaac's cousin towards Sophie's sister. Will their hearts reignite, or will they unearth hidden secrets along the seaside that threaten to tear them apart forever? Don't miss this enchanting tale of love and discovery! I loved it!
A clean story, part of a multiauthor series ‘The Batchelors of Blakestone’. I enjoyed the story, two lovers parted and meeting a few years later each thinking the other had ended their previous courting. I felt the ending was maybe a little rushed. How had Prudence managed to get to Cornwall? Yes she had travelled with her maid, but how had she the funds for a carriage and where did she get it. Then Percy appears down there, not entirely sure why he is back in the story, other than to be threatened with the evidence, but it seems a little contrived. However I did like it so it just misses 5 stars.
What a great story! It was not what I expected but was so much more! Of young love stopped too soon. There is humor, romance and mystery. The hero and heroine are struggling with the damage done many years in the past. They group together for a purpose beyond themselves. The author created wonderful characters with a plot that has many surprising moments and twists. This book is part of a series. Each can be read as a standalone but having read each of them it is fun to see other characters from the books appear. I gladly recommend this book, series and author!
This is a book in the Bachelors of Blackstone series. It is a kisses only Regency era romance. It has a standalone storyline but is connected to the other books in the series because of the Gentlemen's Club for outcasts. Each of these books are written by different authors and can really be read in any order.
I liked the characters in this book and really enjoyed the majority of it. There were a couple of scenes toward the end that gave me a little moment of concern. The author probably could have arranged for some events to have been handled differently, but overall I found the book to be interesting.
This is one of my new favorites. A great addition to this wonderful series. I loved the characters of Sophia and Isaac. Their love for each other was so sweet. until unforeseen circumstances pulled them apart. Fast forward four years and is there a chance for happiness? I thought the story had a lot of intrigue and suspense.. Some delightful banter and entertaining awkward moments. I hardly wanted to put the book down. We also see a lot more of Mr. Blackstone. It can be read as a standalone story. It is a clean and wholesome historical romance.
I enjoyed this story as I do most of Ashtyn Newbold's stories. It was sweet had believable characters and a good story arch. I think the only thing I wish, is I wish there had been an epilogue. I really want to know her step father's and her mother's reaction to everything. It would be nice to get a brief peek into their future.
I know this is a book series with multiple authors, but I hope the author gives Prudence her own story. I think she deserves a "happily ever after" of her own.
This book keep me engaged all night! I went to sleep around 4am bc I couldn’t put it down. This author is excellent in drawing you in. However I dislike when a story’s conflict could’ve been solve just by talking. But this author made it that I still wanted to keep reading to see how it was going to solve. Towards the end, there’s a plot twist I DID NOT SEE COMING at all!! All props to the author 👏 I also want to say she writes the best kisses! It gives me all the feels 😊
I truly enjoy this story and I see myself reading it again.
Chapter 1 was all it took to draw me into this book. I couldn’t put it down and ended up binge reading it in one setting. The story was super charming. I loved how Isaac and Sophia both felt like they had reasons to hate the other but couldn’t help being drawn to each other anyway. The story had surprises and twists that made the book even harder to put down. Plus Mr Blackstone shined in this book. Rating: All audiences! Sweet clean romance.
Definitely read this one. A story for those who love pure romance and of two people fighting to beat the impossible. There were a few good twists in there I didn't see. Many sweet moments for the two. I've been enjoying this series, and it was fun to have Lord Blackstone featured more in this story. Overall, I say a good story with a great flow, characters, all the makings of a story to escape into and enjoy for a few hours.
In Cornwall, Isaac and Sophia plan to marry, but unexpectedly, Sophia and her family pick up and suddenly leave for London. Both receive a letter from the other saying they have changed their mind about marriage and both are stunned and hurt. Four years later they accidentally meet in London and Isaac decides to pursue her again. Ashtyn Newbold writes an interesting and compelling story about what actually happened four years ago that split them up.
Still not sure about the Blackstone premise, but I liked the characters and thought Newbold constructed the plot cleverly. I do have a few random questions, like: why would you lock the door to your study at night, how does male handwriting look so much like female, and why is the ick the way he sits on the ground? Just to name a few of my more shallow musings. There are some larger questions at the end. But the writing was better and had more emotional depth than the last one I read.
This romance novel completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. The story kept me interested the entire way through, with characters that felt real and moments that truly sparked emotion—both happy and heartbreaking. I found myself smiling one moment and tearing up the next. It’s the kind of book that stays with you after you turn the last page, reminding you how powerful love, loss, and hope can be.