Yielding to Love

The Taverstons of Iversley #4

by Carol Coventry

If the gossips of the ton can agree on one thing, it is that the Earl of Iversley’s formidable brother is married to the army—or, he was.

Major Crispin Taverston is known for his ability to take quick and total control in any situation. In the fight against Napoleon, this talent served him well. But he is tired of war and sick of spying, despite being bloody good at it. With the emperor’s recent defeat, Crispin returns home, only to find himself bored and annoyed by peacetime challenges—challenges such as avoiding ambush at social events by debutantes hoping to ensnare an earl’s brother. Crispin refuses to be caught. Ever. He believes death stalks him, and leaving behind a widow and fatherless children is not in his plans.

Miss Camellia Harrington has spent the last few years caring for her parents and then mourning them. When her brother returns from war severely injured, she sees nothing in her future but more of the same. Twenty-five-years old, with no dowry, and with looks that have been described as “witchy,” she knows she won’t attract a husband. Fine. But she would like to experience…intimacy. Just once. To see what the fuss is about.

When Crispin pays a call on his one-time superior officer, he is introduced to the uncannily beautiful Miss Harrington. In short order, he discovers the colonel’s sister is witty, sensible, perceptive, and surprisingly pleasant to be with. Perhaps too pleasant. But as long as he denies the growing attraction he feels for her, his life can proceed as usual, his lonely plans unchanged.

Until the lady takes charge, and Crispin loses control.

What happens when a world-weary soldier who refuses to love meets a lady he cannot refuse?

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The Taverstons of Iversley
Book 1 - Counting on Love
Book 2 - Holding onto Love
Book 3 - Waiting for Love
Book 4 - Yielding to Love

Genres: Historical Romance

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2025

Reviews

[Steph | Quill & Corset · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yielding to Love is the fourth and final installment of Carol Coventry’s the Taverstons of Inversley, a family saga that follows four siblings discovering love and finding their place after the passing of their father.

This series is more than a historical romance. It is a detailed portrait of a family going through a transformation. Carol Coventry writes absolutely beautiful romance, but at the same time, she does not romanticize life. The struggles the Taverstons face are hard and heart-wrenching, but it brings a sense of realism to this family. It is hard to remember that they are fictional.

One thing I really appreciate about this series is that all of the family members and their beloved friends play a role in every book. The MMC and FMC do not exist in insolation; everyone else’s life keeps moving forward. The sibling relationship had plenty of time to grow even as each sibling married and began a family and home of their own. While this book is a five star read for me, the whole series works together to make something more stunning. This book made the perfect finale.

Yielding to Love is about the second son, Major Crispin, who has just returned to England following Napoleon’s first defeat. Unsure what to do about his idle life and indecision keeping him from moving forward, Crispin finds a problem to fix. His bedridden former commander, Colonel Neville Harrington, needs to return to the countryside immediately to save his health. Crispin escorts him and Neville’s spinster sister, Camellia, back to their home.

Camellia does not understand why Crispin has inserted himself into their lives, nor does she understand why he has remained so long. However, she does know that she is enjoying his company. As she spent her younger years taking care of and mourning her parents, she has accepted that it is unlikely she will marry. Still, she wonders if Crispin may be able to show her some of the intimacy she is missing.

Throughout the series, I have grown to love Crispin. He was mysterious and held many secrets even from his family. I enjoyed that this book finally gave me some answers and allowed me to hear his thoughts. Crispin and Camellia had a long road to get to their HEA, but their love for each other is so true that it sometimes gets in the way. I am only sad that their book is last, because we will not get to see their marriage develop like we did for the rest of the siblings.

This series is distinctly memorable and I will not forget it for a long time. I hope that Carol Coventry considers writing some bonus content about the Taverstons. It is really hard to say goodbye.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is not easy or overly romantic stories (I think Jasper's and Olivia's are most likely the most) but all are angsty. This book was tough to read, it made my heart heavy. Camilla was the star. She really deserves all the kindness and sweetness in the world and I truly hope Crispin gives that to her. She loves very much and provides care to those around her. Her and her brother were really a lovely friendship to see. She was a good person that never lost her empathy no matter how hard her life was. Crispin, he was an enigma in the previous books. Breezing in and helping his family but disappering just as fast. We see in this book the demons he is dealing with and how they have taken a toll on his life and how he sees himself. He was cruel, angry, but kind and considerate too. He was a complicated man.

The part when they travel to the graveyard together, truly heartbreaking and really represents this book at its core I think.. If you like heavier stories, I would give this book a go (really the entire series).

I like to imagine that both found peace together that helps heal the trauma and hardships.

Oh and I am so happy for the entire family. Especially Vanessa and Jasper.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Major Crispin Taverston has left the war behind. Napoleon is a prisoner on Elba. At loose ends, Crispin decides to visit the colonel he served in the war. Severely injured, the colonel lies in a hospital bed dying. Meeting the colonel's sister at the hospital, he sees she's overwhelmed with her brother's health. Crispin decides to devote himself to the care of the colonel. Camellia is a lonely young woman tired of everyone she loves dying. An unfortunate choice destroys her friendship with Crispin. The consequences create many misunderstandings and a lot of heartache. Then Napoleon escapes from Elba.
A tear jerker if you want to read one. Kisses and some mild descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Mary Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Probably doesn't help that I haven't read books 2 & 3 though i liked Crispin from the first book. He's paired with Camelia and IMO he comes over as a bit cavalier and brash. He doesn't think his actions through. I suppose it's very realistic for the period of time but their HEA was torturous. She's been hurt by having to care for parents and then injured brother. Crispin leaves her in dire straits and then gets resentful when she has to make decisions to stop herself falling into destitution. IMO, not a happy story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Dragonblade publishing for an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

Yielding to Love is the fourth installment in Carol Coventry’s Taverston series, and while it can absolutely stand on its own, it still manages to draw readers into a rich, emotionally charged world filled with complex characters and intense personal struggles. Though you don’t need to have read the first three books, Yielding to Love has enough depth and history that those who are already invested in the series will find familiar threads, while newcomers will still be hooked from the very first page.

The heart of the story is Camellia, a deeply empathetic woman who tirelessly cares for everyone around her—often at the expense of her own needs and desires. Watching her tend to her loved ones, especially her brother, who has been severely injured in war, is both inspiring and heartbreaking. Camellia’s selflessness is both her strength and her greatest flaw, and I couldn’t help but root for her as she navigates a world that often seems to ask too much of her.

Then there’s Crispin. A soldier struggling to readjust to civilian life, he’s grappling with his own demons, particularly when it comes to his loyalty to Camellia’s brother, the ex-colonel. I found the way he cared for the colonel—who, in his weakened state, has become addicted to pain medication—both tender and complex. But, I have to admit, Crispin was frustrating at times! He often acted without thinking, and his tendency to resent Camellia for decisions she made—after he’d neglected and ignored her—didn’t exactly endear him to me.

Their dynamic felt very real, though, with both characters wrestling with their emotions and flaws, and that’s where the true drama of the novel lies. It’s a hard-fought path to their happily-ever-after, one that’s full of misunderstandings, pain, and regret. While the ending was satisfying, I honestly would have liked just one more chapter to fully bask in the aftermath of their journey. Their hard-earned HEA felt a bit rushed in the final moments, leaving me wanting more of the peace they had fought so hard for.

One thing that did occasionally pull me out of the story was the author’s use of some uncommon vocabulary. While I appreciate a good challenge, there were a few words that stumped me and slowed the pace a little, breaking the immersive flow of the narrative.

Despite these small hiccups, I thoroughly enjoyed Yielding to Love—the characters, the emotional depth, and the growth they experienced kept me invested. It’s a lovely, layered romance that will tug at your heartstrings. Plus, I’ll never forget that charming exchange between Camellia and Crispin:

“You promised I wouldn’t fall,” she accused.
“You didn’t fall.” He tried very hard not to laugh but didn’t quite succeed.
“You launched yourself out of the seat.”
She glared at him. Then the cloud passed and she snorted.

That moment perfectly encapsulates the blend of humor and tension that runs through their relationship.

Overall, Yielding to Love earned a solid 3 stars out of 5. While it didn’t blow me away, it’s an emotionally resonant story with characters you’ll want to root for, flaws and all. Definitely worth the read for fans of heartfelt, character-driven romance.

[Susan Steggall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have already reviewed Book 1 in the Taverstons of Iversley series but now present a composite review for the remaining three books as the stories closely involve all four siblings, as follows:
The Taverston’s of Iversley, Carol Coventry.

While these four Regency romances – Counting on Love, Holding onto Love, Waiting for Love and Yielding to Love – are all standalone novels, the lives of their characters are so closely intertwined that individual reviews would not do the continuing story justice. The books follow the four Taverston offspring – Jasper, the eldest and therefore the Earl of Iversley on his father’s death, then youngest brother Reginald, who prefers the life of a scholar rather than his pre-destined role as a clergyman. Olivia, the youngest sibling and something of a tomboy is next and lastly the second eldest, Crispin who as Major Taverston fought with Wellington in the Napoleonic wars. The women are smart, feisty and attractive; the men handsome and well off with a splendid array of townhouses, manors, thoroughbred horses and devoted servants.
The author has carried out meticulous research in her settings in both rural and urban England. Clothing, home architecture and décor, food, the seasons (not only the weather but also the social climate of debutante’s balls) are all handled with wit and flair. The intrigues and carnage of the Franco-English wars serve as backdrop but are intelligently handled. While conventional plot situations will delight devotees of romance novels, Coventry has introduced some very modern concepts such breaking down barriers in the rigid class system, early stirrings of suffragism, bisexuality and contraception. She does not hesitate to bring heroine and hero together up close and very personal before marriage, in spite of the confining mores of the period. The author’s professional expertise in medicine has allowed her to provide knowledgeable (21st-century) insights into diseases that were poorly understood and improperly treated in the early 19th century. Coventry cleverly introduces literary elements such as having a heroine read Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice and, perhaps tongue-in-cheek by includinga housekeeper called ‘Mrs Clay’ – a nod to another Jane Austen novel, Persuasion.
Predictably, the course of true love does not always run smooth but, in the end, misunderstandings are swept aside and ‘all’s well that ends well’. Coventry’s novels will be appreciated by all readers who enjoy the fantasy world of Regency England.

[Charmaine Fernando · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful series that I thoroughly enjoyed. The Taverstons of Inversley are such a loving, supportive family that you cannot help but fall in love with all of them. This time, its Major Crispin’s turn to find love – albeit the hard way. He is recently back from the war after Napoleon’s first defeat and is at lose ends. He is so used to coming in and out of his family’s lives, in between assignments that the longer stay leaves him stuck and itching to do something substantial.

Enter his former bedridden commander, Colonel Neville Harrington. The hospital conditions where he is recovering are atrocious not to mention the harsh treatment of one of the male nurses that his spinster sister, Camellia despairs of him dying in the hospital. With little money left from the father’s estate, or Neville’s sold commission, she is desperate to find someone who can assist with the task at hand.

Enter Crispin who not only offers to help bring Neville back to the family homestead but stays to help with the opening the house, hiring help for Neville, repairing little things around the home and generally feeling a sense of contentment he has not felt in a long time. The love between Crispin and Camellia is a slow and gradual that was lovely to read and believable, especially given both characters’ past.

Unfortunately, the captured Napoleon escapes and Crispin is once again roped in to gather intel that will bring him to justice.

An enjoyable read. I am so glad Crispin finally gets his HEA, returns to his loving family and is now finally able to embrace civilian life fully and joyfully. I received an ARC from the publishers and NetGalley and submit my honest review voluntarily.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A smoldering Regency romance with heart, heat, and a stubborn soldier who never stood a chance.

Crispin Taverston is everything a romantic hero should be: brooding, capable, and wholly unprepared for the force that is Miss Camellia Harrington. Fresh from the horrors of war, Crispin wants nothing to do with polite society or the matchmaking mamas of the ton. But when he meets Camellia—sharp, striking, and refreshingly honest—his carefully constructed walls begin to crack.

Camellia, meanwhile, is refreshingly unconventional. With no illusions about her marital prospects, she’s pragmatic but curious—and not about to let life pass her by without experiencing at least some of it. Her dynamic with Crispin is slow-burn perfection: witty, emotionally charged, and deeply satisfying.

The chemistry between them is undeniable, and the tension builds deliciously as Crispin fights (and fails) to resist both fate and feelings. But this is more than just a love story; it’s about grief, healing, and two people finding joy in places they never expected.

This romance strikes a beautiful balance between humor, heartache, and heat. A thoroughly enjoyable read that proves sometimes, love is the best kind of surrender.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Major Crispin Taverston is known for his ability to take quick and total control in any situation. In the fight against Napoleon, this talent served him well. But he is tired of war and sick of spying, despite being good at it. With the emperor’s recent defeat, Crispin returns home, only to find himself bored and annoyed by peacetime challenges. Miss Camellia Harrington has spent the last few years caring for her parents and then mourning them. When her brother returns from war severely injured, she sees nothing in her future but more of the same. Twenty-five-years old, with no dowry, and with looks that have been described as “witchy,” she knows she won’t attract a husband. When Crispin pays a call on his one-time superior officer, he is introduced to the uncannily beautiful Miss Harrington.
The fourth book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own I’ve enjoyed meeting the Taverston family. I really liked both Crispin & Camellia & thoroughly enjoyed their journey to a HEA which wasn’t easy but it was very enjoyable. I liked the chemistry between them & whilst it didn’t sizzle it grew throughout the book
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[I · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with this complimentary ARC.

I want to preface this with the fact that I have not read any of the other books in this series, and was under the impression that this would be a silly lighthearted romp that would cure my reading slump.

While it did in fact cure my reading slump (which would entitle this book to four stars alone), it was not remotely lighthearted, which I can prove by the mess of tissues surrounding me as I write this. I mean this in the most genuine, complimentary way possible, but this was a real book. Cammellia and Crispin's story was quite honestly one of unending tragedy, and was at times incredibly difficult to read. Their love was one of softness, yet edged by the bitter edges of all they were experiencing. Some of the pacing felt off to me, as well as some of their actions. But on the whole, I enjoyed it. I would recommend this; however, be prepared to cry.

[Cherry London · Rating 4 out of 5]

A romantic book that annoyed the heck out of me, it gave me a headache. Although the war left its mark upon the soldiers, I thought Crispin could have shown more desire instead of the crudeness he dished out to Camellia, who should have been more circumspect when her libido got the better of her. Crispin was an utter idiot when the woman he desired tried her untrained hand at seduction. Instead, he treated her like a whore, acting like a rutting bull, wham, bam, thank you ma'am, was very undesirable of him; it was of poor taste. Camellia had no backbone after her botched seduction attempt, and the offer of marriage was boldly refused because of her silly ideas. Finding herself with child, she made haste to his door, only to be turned away due to his illness. Hasty to jump into a man's bed, and hasty to wed, never was a good combination. It was not as exciting as I had expected.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love, Heartbreak, and Redemption
Crispin knows how to fight wars, but now that peace has come, he’s a man adrift. He shows his kindness by helping his injured former commander—but in doing so, he may find more than he expected. Camellia, his commander’s sister, has already lost everyone dear to her. When she meets Crispin, something stirs between them, but he refuses to let his heart get involved.
Crispin is an enigma—tender and selfless one moment, distant and cruel the next. Just when love begins to bloom, he breaks Camellia’s heart. Can either of them find their way back from that pain? Can redemption heal what was shattered?
This story will break your heart before it puts it back together. It’s a deeply emotional read—beautiful, raw, and not for the faint of heart. Keep those tissues close.

[Mindy B (reader_of_the_lost_arcs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My GOODNESS that was a hard-fought HEA. I loved Crispin but I also wanted to shake him. Man, what are you doing??? But that's just me expecting Crispin to be a completely different person than he's been in the first three books. Why do I love Crispin - - - BECAUSE he's broody, moody, mysterious and dangerous. So now I am disappointed he's not instantly turned into a cinnamon roll?? No, Crispin did his Crispining thing but then he eventually figured it out. Camellia was the best lady to ever come his way and he knew it. Thankfully, Camellia's a Very patient person.

The rest of the family-loved them. I hope we all get to see them again someday.

Thank you to Carol Coventry and Dragonblade for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

[Cherie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fate, Poems, Family
The story is packed full of a multitude of many underlying emotions that took me into a world of longing, tragedy, disappointment, along with discovering their ability to fall deeply in love with each other.
The characters Major Crispin and Camellia are very interesting down-to-earth mostly sensible characters, and the plot kept my interest.
Desire came through but I would have liked to see more charisma and passion between Crispin and Camellia.
Book Rating 3.8 rounded up to 4 stars.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughout this series, Major Crispin Taverston has been one of my favorite characters, with his quirky humor, the ability to solve everyone's problems, and phantom appearances - now you see, now you don't. This novel, however, puts him in a completely different light, and there were times when I got quite angry with him at his unkindness, lack of wisdom, and selfishness, leaving Miss Camillia Harrington feeling betrayed and tainted. When duty calls, Crispin once again answers the call, but the horrors of the final battle with Napoleon leave him sickened to the core. Returning to England a different man, events make him realize that he may have been wrong about Camellia, and he sets out to find the truth, which is indeed sorrowful. He also discovers that Camellia is even stronger than he thought, and he finally comes to his senses. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two slightly world weary souls...

Crispin is a soldier who is done with war. He's a second son and a wedding prize.
He's determined to void the parson's trap.

Camellia is considered a spinster at 25. She has spent years taking care of her parents and now her brother, Crispin's CO. She wants to experience the physical side of things and Crispin is wary. I liked that they both had lived experience.
Recommend.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this series alot, yet I was a bit taken back and disappointed by the change in Crispin. I know people can change after experiencing wars and such but it crushed my heart to see that much change in him. Camellia, thank goodness for her! She brought the whole thing back into perspective and kept the story going forward. The story can standalone and if you haven't read the other stories, your experience with Crispin will be completely without expectations.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

FMC with piebaldism and MMC with what I’m positive is IBD with maybe a touch of ARFID.
***also has a newborn with pyloric stenosis***
Not for the faint of heart - lots of trauma and death in this one as well as reproductive losses. But I knew this MMC would deliver a good book and it was true. Like the others in the series more of a historical drama with romance elements but perhaps the closest to being HR in the series.

[Mahnoor Lasania · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughout the series, I have grown to love Crispin. He was mysterious and held many secrets even from his family. I enjoyed that this book finally gave me some answers and allowed me to hear his thoughts. Crispin and Camellia had a long road to get to their HEA, but their love for each other is so true that it sometimes gets in the way. I am only sad that their book is last, because we will not get to see their marriage develop like we did for the rest of the siblings.

[Michael Lartey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tale of love, honor, and vengeance. Jocelyn escapes from an abusive marriage and ends up in the care of Sir Gann Burnett, who sweeps her off her feet. She tries to hide her secrets but not for long. Her nightmare of being discovered by her abusive husband may come true, and when it does, Gunn must be around to protect her. A must-read for lovers of historical fiction and romance.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yielding to love
By Carol Coventry

This author is new to me. I enjoyed the story immensely. She crafted it with a wonderfully wholesome family dynamic. The romance, plot and characters all made for a truly uplifting story. I will definitely be reading more of her work. It was a breath of fresh air from start to finish.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story reminded me of life. Not everything turns out rosy and simple. Camelia becomes a caregiver of her parents and becomes the rock in the family. Crispin is in the military and looses touch with "his" purpose. Camelia is the nurturer and is the glue holding everything together. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more by Carol Coventry.

[Christine Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Happy Ending

When I read a family series such as The Taverstons, I grow closer to the family members with each book I read in the series.
Coming to the final book of the series is difficult. Even with the happy ending, I know I will miss my new friends. Maybe the author will update lovers of the Taverstons in future novels. I certainly hope so!

[Sven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has delivered some unadulterated emotions and love stories, and Crispins is no different. Camellia and Crispin just gelled their attraction, their goals , their love, and it just worked.

This is worth your time to read.

#netgalley #YieldingToLove

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of struggle, grief, illness and war but the darkness is uplifted by family, friends and love. Whilst this the end of a series it can be easily read as a standalone.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Another great book in the series. I love that the hero is a horse boy and that food intolerances is looked at.

[Danielle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Such a disappointing end to an otherwise great series.
And why do so many babies die?

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

ARC REVIEW

This book ticks all the boxes for me when it comes to historical romance. I really liked Camellia as a main character and really enjoyed the various plot points that got them to there HEA. Would definitely recommend and will be checking out more books by Carol Coventry.

[Monie_11 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book by Carol Coventry, and overall, it was a nice, cozy read with a touch of emotion and charm.

The story follows Major Crispin Taverston, a war hero who’s basically done with everything—fighting, spying, and especially being chased by women just because he’s the earl’s brother. He wants a quiet, drama-free life. Then he meets Camellia Harrington.

Camellia really tugged at my heart because she's gone through a lot. She endured grief after grief, but even with all that, she stays strong and grounded. I really admired her for that.

The romance between her and Crispin is slow and subtle, but it works. There’s a quiet kind of tension that builds up. It’s not full of dramatic twists, but it has a gentle, emotional feel that sneaks up on you. The side characters were interesting too. I found myself really curious about Hazard and Alice—I'd definitely want to read their story.

While the story didn’t completely blow me away, it was still a good, heartwarming read that left me with a swirl of emotions.

Huge thank you to Carol Coventry, NetGalley, and Dragonblade Publishing for the e-ARC.

#NetGalley #CarolCoventry #YieldingToLove #DragonbladePublishing #eARCreview