Our story begins in England during the early 1800s, or as it is more commonly known, the Regency era.
Marriage is common among the residents of England—love is a rarity.
Evelyn Riley’s first season as an eligible young lady in London’s society is finally coming to an end. She will no longer need to endure the dreadful attire, dull conversations, or poor dance partners. Though, her suffering has brought about many wonderful consequences, such as setting in motion those around her to be with the people they love.
Evelyn has witnessed firsthand the many romantic mistakes of those around her and is determined not to act so foolishly herself now that she has found the man she wants to marry. Her attraction is instant, but her determination to be with Arthur Landon grows stronger with each moment she spends in his company. Always feeling like an outsider in her social circle, his decidedly non-elite background and many other admirable qualities solidified her affection.
Arthur Landon has always been content with his simple life of working in his family’s dress shop during the day and practicing his beloved violin in the evenings. He has never felt anything is missing—until he met Miss Evelyn Riley. The allure is shocking. Never before has anyone caused such emotions within him. Even though he fights against the feelings, when Evelyn is in his presence, his doubts disappear and his devotion amplifies.
The only problem?
The disparity of their families’ wealth and standing within London.
Once Evelyn realizes she has fallen for Arthur, her determination to marry him leads to impulsive decisions that take the young couple on an unexpected journey.
E.G. Verot spends her days in the world of education but spends her nights reading, writing, and loving books of all flavors and spices. She has a TBR list longer than she cares to admit. She has been longing to share the characters from her daydreams with you for many years. She lives in the Northeast and looks forward to the winter weather all year. When she is not reading, she can be found spending time with her pets, crocheting, and enjoying her life with loved ones.
I AM SOBBING OMG. I never wanted this to end. When E.G. Verot sent me the ARC for this i about died. second I started this is coudlnt stop. There's just something so addicting about her writing🥰 Evelyn Riley hates the high society she was born into. She despises going to balls and wearing the uncomfortable dresses she is put in under her mother's insistence. After watching her dear friends and family find love and peace around her, out of London society she is determined to find it as well. But when she meets a lowly dressmaker's son and violinist named Arthur she knows he is the one. Determined as she is, she will have him but sweet as Arthur is he doesn't want her to lower herself for him despite being just as head over heels for her. Their union would be greatly discouraged but when has Evelyn ever let that stop her? Only thing is, will their fates be able to intertwine or will they be kept apart forever? Y'all. I sobbed when this ended. I cannot believe the main parts of this series are over. I met the wonderful E.G. Verot through this series when the first was published and I just can't believe it's over. I knew Evelyn was a favorite of mine the second I read about her. She is fierce and stubborn and is determined to get her way no matter what. Like this girl will do whatever it takes and I love her. plus she tortures all men who aren't Arthur and like we love a devoted queen. Then sweet arthur omg. he is such a dumb little angel. like let her love you. he is just too pure and good and I can't help but adore them. I could feel their chemistry through these pages omg. I can't explain it as anything other than pure love. It had my little heart absolutely melting. They were so good together and I felt like their number 1 fan lol. Arthur is an absolute fool for her and she's absolutely devoted to him. She walks him like a dog and I LOVE IT. I especially love how E.G. makes me feel like a Victorian man seeing an ankle for the first time with these books. They have just enough spice and caress that I feel like an absolute fool. I was squealing the entire time lol. and omfg. Marie and Theo?? yes please.Bridget and Henry OMFG. tom??! We love you, king. Same for Mr. Riley. and Mrs. Riley please get your shit together. I just never want this series to end. oh and fuck you, Harold. We love ivy. I couldn't ask for anything better. E.G. never fails to amaze me. I will be patiently waiting for that novella🤭
I did not read books 1 or 2, and I was a bit lost with the family/friend dynamics. There's some characters with similar names that made me flip back to see who it was.
This was a cute, Regency-era romance. The characters are engaging, there was an unexpected villain, and a situation that brings all of the characters together towards the end.
I think I would have enjoyed this more, if I had read the previous books in the series.
Side note- I read Bewitched on Werewolf Way, also by this author, and recommend it if you enjoy this writing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and an leaving this review voluntarily.
I adore this historical romance series, and immediately jumped on the ARC opportunity to return to its world of strong-willed ladies and swoony gentlemen. This novel offers the passion of first love, a dashing rescue, the charming exchange of love letters, and the help of well-meaning friends who see these two love birds need a little nudge xD It's a sweet and emotional story set against the backdrop of the English countryside, and I can't recommend it enough!
As the final book in the Eton Cottage series, Disparity and Devotion explores not only the complexities of young love, but the determination that is sometimes necessary to achieve your happily ever after. Filled with unexpected twists, a touch of spice, and plenty of playful banter, this love story will leave you not only laughing but gasping, clapping, and swooning. If you like Regency Era romance, a strong-willed FMC, and plenty of found family goodness, this is the book for you!!
So cute with a bit of something unexpected thrown in! I did read the first two books and I think having the other characters background did help build this story. I don't read a lot of regency books, but E.G. Verots writing is so good I can't help but enjoy myself when I read these stories! I especially like the strong willed fmcs 💜