Violet

The Flower Trilogy #1

by Lauren Royal

England, 1673

The Ashcroft family motto is "Question Convention," and eldest sister Violet agrees with the sentiment completely. For one thing, she's not planning to marry. Plain Violet is smart enough to realize any suitors would be after her large inheritance, or else interested in her beautiful younger sisters—and she'd much rather spend her time improving her mind than risking her tender heart...

Having wasted six years wooing a lady who eloped with another man, Ford Chase, Viscount Lakefield, has had it with women. Ford would much rather spend his time pursuing the sciences and constructing the first watch with a minute hand. Having his young niece dropped in his lap proves an unwelcome, annoying distraction…until an uncommonly intelligent neighbor named Violet comes to help…

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Amazon, Regency, Fiction

416 pages, ebook

First published September 3, 2002

About the author

FALL IN LOVE WITH A HISTORICAL ROMANCE BY LAUREN ROYAL!

LAUREN ROYAL is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of humorous historical romance. Her “truly enchanting” novels have won many awards including Booklist's “Top 10 Romance of the Year,” and they’ve earned raves from reviewers including Publishers Weekly, who calls her “an impressive talent.”

All of Lauren's books are complete, stand-alone stories, and yet they are also all connected—because they all feature her beloved “outrageously funny, loyal, compassionate, and unconventional” Chase family!

Lauren writes steamy historical romance on her own and sweet/clean historical romance with her daughter, Devon Royal. Lauren lives in Southern California with her family, two constantly shedding cats, and a stupendous collection of fuzzy socks. When she's not busy writing, she enjoys singing along (off-key) to Hamilton, dancing (badly), and (wasting time) watching HGTV.

Want great free and 99¢ books sent to your inbox on select Fridays? Sign up for Lauren's Book Club newsletter at http://royall.ink/Newsletter

Become an honorary Chase cousin (and get a FREE historical cookbook)! Join Lauren's Chase Family Readers Group on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/ChaseFamilyReaders

Visit Lauren’s website at LaurenRoyal.com, where you can learn about the real people and real places in her books, enter a contest to win jewelry, and see the ever-growing branches of the Chase Family Tree.

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Reviews

[Penny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not big on HRs, in fact this is just the second one I've read and honestly I'm not sure if I should read more in the future.

This wasn't bad per se but some things made me not enjoy it. First of all I think it was unnecessarily long so it bored me a lot but what I didn't like about it most (it's just a personal preference though) it was that it had to do so much with physics and science in general. As a STEM student I read about topics like these every day and it's not something I would like to read about in a book. Reading is supposed to be relaxing, not reminding you of what you studied the previous day.

I would have liked the story a lot more if these topics were missing and if the book had been shorter and didn't have so many plot lines. I don't want to swear off HRs so I'll give this genre another chance but unfortunately I didn't like this one. 2 ⭐

[Marisa Valle · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first half was really good but Violet got kind of annoying in the last part. She was initially so smart & reasonable and then became all insecure & stubborn & indecisive. I think I've read enough in this series.

[Bree Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet is a sweet and inventive, very unusual and quite extraordinary story one does not find very often. Both main characters, Violet and Ford, have something about them that makes them unforgettable. Violet is nearsighted, and when Ford makes her a pair of glasses that is such a sweet moment when she suddenly sees the world as it truly is for the very first time.

As a reader, all your senses are called upon in this enchanting love story as Ford tries to convince a rather headstrong and very reluctant that she does not only deserve love but that he in fact has come to love her. Her alone, and not her fortune.

For some reason, I started reading this series out of order and so Violet was the second novel after Lily. Therefore, it was a delight to see their equally unusual parents “again” or rather meet them for the first time. They are such amazing people that I wish I could read their own undoubtedly unique story!

Highly recommended!

[Valentine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly I had more fun than I expected reading this book. Which is surprising given that it was in no way, shape, or form historically accurate. It took me out of the book a little bit whenever Violet casually undressed and redressed in the span of five-ish minutes. Do you know how many layers people wore back then?? There were straight pins involved no one was this casual about undressing. Also, women didn't wear any underwear so there was really no point. You could always just ... lift up your skirts and get going.

But anyway, my main problem was that there were never enough servants! The aristocracy at this time were rolling in servants. You couldn't turn a corner or look behind a bush without seeing a servant. And yes, I know that Ford is poor or whatever, but still! I would expect at least five servants in that house of his, not two. And Violet is rich! Where is her lady's maid? Her chaperone? Etc etc! Like no single viscount in the entirety of the 17th century ever knocked on a door himself, especially in the rain. There are *peasants* for that. Like I honestly cannot express how much the servant thing annoyed me. Like other than the fact that there simply weren't enough, Chrystabel was super friendly with all her servants? I'm not saying that no aristocrat ever was friendly to their servants, but ... actually maybe that is what I'm saying. And there were so many golden opportunities for some class commentary, all of which were IGNORED. I know I am one of the few people who enjoys class discourse in my romance novels but I really, really, really enjoy it and it disappointed me to see an opportunity wasted.

To conclude this review, I include some of my stream-of-consciousness notes I took while reading the first few chapters (before I got sucked in like a ship into an enormous whirlpool):
**For the real, authentic vibe, these are directly copied from the notes app on my phone
1. Isn’t a Ford chase a car? Idk I’m bad with cars
2. No noble man in the 17th century knocked on other people’s doors HIMSELF there are servants for that
3. “It’s time you grew up and realized there is more to life than science and seduction” I'm CACKLING
4. WHERE ARE ALL THE SERVANTS
5. how is this mother so chill and cavalier with her daughter’s virtue
6. Seriously where the fuck are the servants.
7. I am not on board with this alchemical pseudo history

So, yes, I enjoyed it but I would have enjoyed it *more* with the appropriate number of servants.

[Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characterisation is the highlight. The whole family are brimming with character. What did disappoint me was Violet's lack of self-esteem. It'd be one thing if she'd decided not to marry due to her desire to be a philosopher. It's quite another that she's convinced herself that she is unlovably ugly. While sad at first, I ultimately got sick of hearing about her insecurities over the whopping 67+ chapters. A little back and forth is to be expected in such a story but it really wasn't necessary to have her change her mind so many times. With some pruning, this could be a much more enjoyable read.

[Sandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A historical romance between Violet and Ford. She is quiet and thoughtful. He is an absent-minded scientist. Together they are adorable. But not quiet as adorable as Ford's young niece Jewel. I loved how this story was as much about the friendships that develop as the romance that results. Violet's family are a lot of fun and her Mom is very special. The characters were people I would like to know. I enjoyed this book very much.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had so much potential, however, for me, all the historical inaccuracies were just far too off-putting.

[Elis Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked Lauren Royal's Jewel Series; all three books were loaded with fun historical tidbits, and enough adventure/danger/mystery to keep the characters from devolving into endless naval-gazing. So of course I picked up the next series—the Flower Series.



The Hero: Ford Chase—last unwed Chase from the Jewel Series. Charles II awarded those who stayed with him through his exile with titles and estates. Ford was made Viscount Lakefield. Unfortunately the title comes with a run-down estate and no money, and he's way too busy geeking out on clockworks (really) to bother fixing up the place.



The Heroine: Violet Ashcroft, daughter of the Earl of Trentingham, reckons she's going to die a virgin. She's got two beautiful sisters, and she's comparatively plain, so the only reason a man would court her is to get at her fabulous inheritance. What she looks forward to in life is gaining that inheritance so she can publish a book of philosophy.



The situation: Ford gets saddled with his little niece, and while he loves her he's dying to get back to inventing the newest and best watch. Lady Trentingham arrives to visit with her young son Rowan (yes, all the Ashcroft kids have plant names—the dad is into vegetation) and Ford's niece Jewel (cuz of course a child born of the Jewel series…) is instantly in love. In an annoying, 10-year-old-girl-crush kinda way. Lady T sees opportunity knocking, in a match-making-mama kinda way. She proposes that the "children" have a regular play date—and then makes sure that she and the other two Ashcroft girls are busy so Violet has to accompany Rowan for his daily visits.

The conflict: Apart from the usual guy-not-wanting-to-get-leg-shackled nonsense, the other issue is that Vi looks around at the ramshackle estate and figures that Ford's protestations of love are just a nice way of getting his hands on her money.

Yeah, that's about the size of it. See, I love a good romance—and this is a good one. But honestly, if there isn't something else in the story to keep me from getting annoyed with all the neurotic "how can I be sure he loves me and not my money/beauty/booger collection?", it's going to lose a point. With the Jewel series, the romances were wrapped around larger stories involving abduction, chasing bad guys, murder mysteries, but here, the story was all about the characters' angst.

Upshot: Not a bad story—pretty good love scenes. And some interesting tidbits about scientists and philosophers of the Reformation era. I'll add a half star for that. 3.5 stars.

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was super cute! i'm a sucker for geek romance, and to have it be a historical geek romance? wonderful. simply wonderful.

violet is extremely intelligent, but so used to being overlooked in favor of her beautiful sisters, she's resigned herself to spinsterhood at the tender age of twenty. surely no man would want her except for her money or to get to her sisters, right?

ford is a man of science, and though no stranger to the carnal arts, prizes his scientific pursuits over all else. until he has to take care of his niece. until he finds that there is something more to life than just tinkering away in his laboratory. used to getting what he wants, surely proving himself to violet will be no problem?

i love how it all happens. and i must say, violet's insecurities can be a bit much at time, but then it all remains true to character. at times i was thinking, "oh, why can't you see how much he loves you?!" but the timing of revelations and whatnot DID seem suspect. for a girl with so little knowledge of her own worth, i suppose it would be easy to go on doubting herself rather than take that leap of faith.

i love that ford is such a straightforward fellow. no game playing for this man! once he decides he loves her, and wants to be with her, he gets tunnel vision. it's wonderful that he doesn't get dissuaded by her rejection and tries harder.

overall, a nice romance.

p.s.
the kids were fun too. their prankster ways were pretty funny.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/2/2020)! 🎁

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Queen - per RFS
.
Ford è l’ultimo dei fratelli Chase, ancora scapolo, gemello di Kendra e visconte di Lakefield.

Il suo carattere è un insieme di contraddizioni: logico scienziato, canaglia romantica, zio responsabile, si veste come un principe e vive come un povero. Un alchimista alla ricerca della pietra filosofale!

Un bel giorno si ritrova a dover accudire la nipote Jewel, di soli 6 anni, per preservarla dal morbillo da cui è affetta tutta la famiglia. Inizialmente si trova spiazzato da questa situazione e ciò lo porta a rivedere tutte le sue consolidate abitudini. Normalmente trascorre le sue giornate rinchiuso a Lakefield House, la sua malridotta tenuta dove si trova il suo prezioso laboratorio, a svolgere esperimenti scientifici, ma la ragazzina di cui deve prendersi cura lo ammalierà, al punto da fargli desiderare di cambiare vita e avere anche lui una famiglia.

Non avendo mai accudito un bambino, si trova in difficoltà e un aiuto gradito arriva inaspettatamente dalla vicina impicciona, che ha una famiglia eccentrica e un figlio, coetaneo di Jewel che diventerà suo compagno di giochi.

La situazione si complica quando la donna decide di ammogliare Violet, la più grande delle sue tre figlie, proprio con il bel visconte.

“Interroga Conformationem” cioè metti in dubbio le convenzioni è il motto della famiglia Ashcroft e, Violet lo incarna perfettamente. Questa semplice ragazza, all’apparenza senza molte attrattive per conquistare un uomo, si ritrova a catturare pian piano l’attenzione di uno scapolo incallito come Ford.

Il rapporto tra i due è curioso e snervante allo stesso tempo, con un crescendo di sensualità.

Violet non è la tipica protagonista dei romanzi rosa ambientati nell’Inghilterra del 1673.

Poco incline alle smancerie e studiosa di filosofia, Violet rifugge il matrimonio soprattutto perché ha poca autostima e a quasi ventun anni, dovendo venire in possesso di una cospicua eredità, teme di essere scelta solo per il denaro.

Purtroppo le condizioni della tenuta in cui vive Ford non contribuiscono a tranquillizzare la ragazza che si ritroverà a pensare che il visconte non sia veramente innamorato di lei.

L’autrice riesce egregiamente a farci sorridere con questi due giovani così anticonformisti e fuori dalle regole. Inevitabilmente saranno attratti proprio da questa caratteristica e pian piano, il protagonista farà emergere la femminilità e la sensualità nella nostra eroina.

Lo consiglio agli amanti dei classici romanzi rosa storici per l’eleganza nei racconti senza far mancare quella sensualità che li caratterizza.

[Sammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I was addicted to Ford's character and personality :)

I loved the science of the time that was included, and the appearance of incredible scientists of the time like Newton.

The only reason I dropped a star is because poor Ford had such a hard time convincing Violet of his love and her constantly refusing his proposals time after time really irked me... especially her self doubt got quite irritating towards the end.

[BJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Setting is Medieval but everything sounded and looked like modern day. Their conversations were very current, and so were their names. The H's name is Ford, and and the h are together to care for his niece. I just couldn't go on as I was constantly jarred out of the story by the plot and writing style.

[Chelsea Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren Royal is one of the queens of historical romance, and Never Doubt a Viscount is proof of that.

All the props for her strong female characters that don't swoon over every man with a title.

This book was *chef's kiss* and made me want to go back and read the entire series.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book, but relied quite a bit on the “just talk to each other already” premise. Still, I really enjoyed the nerdy hero and heroine, the guest appearances by Restoration-era philosophers and scientists, and the break from the Regency (also sometimes referred to as “romance times.”).

[L-J Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, sexy, fun.

[Saramarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet is book 1 from Lauren Royal's Chase Family: The Flowers series. Based in England 1673, this series follows the Ashcroft sisters.

Violet is the eldest sister and as a Earl's daughter she has a large inheritance. For this reason she believes that any suitor would be after her dowry not her plain self.

Ford Chase is Viscount Lakefield who doesn't want the trouble of a wife or women in general. His time is only for science or his inventions. But that changes when his young niece is suddenly left in his care. Now, he must find a way to keep her entertained, who better to help than his lovely neighbor.

Like all the Chase men you won't be able to keep yourself from falling in love with Ford. His mind and selflessness is what keeps Violet coming back for more.

Fantastic start to this series.

[Sonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

So Ford, the hero, is an impoverished lord who is really into science. He cares nothing of making money or responsibilities and just wants to invent and experiment. Violet is a rich heiress with a penchant for philosophy. She's also very plain which leads her to believe that she will never be loved for anything other than her money. They meet and the predictable happens.

So my problem with the book is that I really liked some parts and really didn't like others. First, I really liked 5 year old Lady Jewel and 7 year old Lord Rowan. They were incredibly cute together and I really hope they have a story b/c they were freaking adorable. Then, I really liked Ford. He was charming, handsome, and contentious. Violet, on the other hand, was obnoxious - not b/c she was insecure, that was kind of charming, but because she made Ford work so hard for her love. That really kind of turned me off. Also, she really wasn't all that supportive of his science experiments. She thought him wanting a rich wife just so he could not work and continue his scientific experiments. In that way, she not only underestimated him as a man but also as a scientist to think that he was a dabbler. I think Lily - one of Violet's sisters - said it best when she told Violet that Ford wasn't lazy, he just wasn't motivated by money. He wanted to change the world and make it better. It was sad that Violet's sister had to tell her what she should have known about him.

So, in reality, I would probably give this book 3 1/2 stars since I was in between liking and really liking this book.

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 2 out of 5]

This review is from: Violet (Flower Trilogy, Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
This would have been a 5 star review if the heroine Violet had been likeable. Violet brings the whole story down. She is like a weight on the story and you just want Ford the hero to leave her and find someone else that is worth his love. Ford is written very well and makes a great hero. The secondary character and the hero Ford are the only reasons I gave this book 3 star. Violets parents Lord Tentingham and Lady Chrystabel and Violets brother Rowan and Fords niece Jewel make the story. They are very well written. I have no idea what L Royal was thinking when she wrote such a indecisiveness and horribly insecure heroine. A little of this would have been OK but it goes on and on, until you don't care what happens to Violet. I really wish authors would remember the reader has to like the hero and the heroine and it is a bonus if you have great secondary characters. I bought The Flower series as a bundle. I am really hoping I like Lily bk 2 better. If not Ms.Royal just lost a fan.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best part of this book? Jewel and Rowan. The kids budding "friendship" is freaking adorable.

That comment isn't to say that Violet and Ford weren't wonderful to read about either! Their story led me to remember the quote from Pride and Prejudice “I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun.” I feel that that quote is very fitting for Violet and Ford. They both at first are forced into each other's company because of Jewel and Rowan and just fall for each other. But, the more time they spend together, the more their growing feelings become apparent.

Truly loved Violet and Ford. Their relationship, feelings, and story are believable. Props to Royal for once again creating a heroine that bucks social norms.

[Sara G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story! The supporting characters are actually FAR more interesting than the heroine. She sort of bored me, although the hero is completely amazing - inventing glasses to help her see? That's a man after my own heart! The thing I love most about Ms. Royal's books is how she includes the actual historical tidbits at the end, and this was no exception. This book had the hero and heroine hanging out with Sir Isaac Newton and the rest of the Royal Society... love!! Overall, very solid book, and I would have rated it higher if the heroine wasn't so damn blind (pun not intended!) to the fact of the hero's feelings for her.

[☽ Rhiannon ✭ Mistwalker ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this! Unique setting, characters, and plot lines. Plain heroine, hot nerdy hero, and several moments that made me laugh out loud. I usually don’t like children in romance novels, but I liked Jewel and Rowan. A nice read.

[Lisbette Tomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I was looking up the book's info to write up this review, I realized that I have read the first book in the previous series (although I haven't reviewed it yet). It's been a whlie so it didn't meaningfully impact my review of this, but I'm tempted to go back and reread it now that I've read this one. Both series are set in England in the mid to late 1600s, a somewhat unusual setting in the historical romance space, and I really enjoyed the variety.

Violet is the eldest of three daughters and thanks to a generous grandfather, has a large enough inheritance that she believes any man who woos her will only be doing so because of that, not because of who she is. It doesn't help that her younger sister is gorgeous, which only makes her look even more plain in comparison. As a result, she prefers to stick to more intellectual pursuits and plans to someday use her inheritance to publish a book on philosophy.

Ford Chase, on the other hand, is the baby of the Chase family and spends much of his time ensconced in his laboratories. When his intended elopes with another man, possibly because he had made no progress on actually proposing after 6 years, he decides to take a break at his property in the countryside. When he stops at his brother's house along the way, he ends up in charge of his young niece for over a week. Unfortunately for him, he knows very little about how to handle children. Violet's appearance is something of a godsend, since he was hoping to have time to work on a design for a new type of watch, but soon she becomes even more distracting than his niece, although for entirely different reasons.

Complicating matters is the fact that his estate is in desperate need of funds, the sort of thing that would require that he marry for money. There's no way to hide this from Violet either, as the disrepair is obvious, but when she discovers that his creditors are threatening foreclosure, it only solidifies her belief that the only reason he could want to marry her is for her money.

I feel like the side characters made this book work. Violet's mother in particular was a favorite of mine, although much of that is due to her passion for creating perfumes for her friends. She distills her own essential oils and Ford won me over when he built a distillation column for her to use in her work. Ford's niece is both charming and impish and it is amusing to watch her wrap her uncle around her little finger. We see somewhat less of Violet's sisters and Ford's friend Rand (likely to avoid writing oneself into too many corners!), but I enjoyed the glimpse of the scientists that made up the Royal Society. The Chase family does show up in force toward the end of the book, allowing for visits with some characters from the previous series, but if you haven't read those books then it just becomes a lot of names to keep track of.

There were a few points where I was a little frustrated with Violet's insistence that there was no other reason that Ford would want to marry her beyond her money. She chose to ignore any evidence that might suggest otherwise and it made me want to slap her. Even when it seemed like she had made up her mind, she still went back and forth two or three more times before finally committing. The only other complaint I have is that the sex scenes, while well-done, are somewhat disconnected from the story as a whole. This makes more sense when you realize that a "clean and sweet" version of the book has also been published for those who don't want explicit content in their book and I can't fault the author for trying to broaden the potential audience, but it's also kind of obvious when you look at it in retrospect. The story does suffer some as a result.

Anyway, this was an enjoyable read and I liked it well enough that I will probably keep my eye out for either the sequel or the box set. It's well worth the sale price.

[Krys · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sadly, I opted to DNF this one at a little over 50% as I could no longer stand either the historical inaccuracies, the characters, or the utter boredom that came with reading it. And I HATE it when I have to DNF a book as I know just how much an author puts into writing.

To start, I'm sorry, I don't care that your family motto is "Question Convention," there is no way any respectable family would be letting their eldest unmarried daughter constantly be in the company of an eligible, titled, man whether they had a matchmaking mama or not. It just was not done. And no, her seven year old brother doesn't count as a chaperone. Honestly, I had to laugh not only at how many times Violet's maid wasn't even sent to accompany her (after sitting in the carriage upon their first meeting), or how often her one sister offered to take her place and was turned down without a reason given other it being inferred that Ford might take advantage of her younger, prettier, sister whereas he would never dream of doing so with her.

Sadly, I'm also have to touch briefly upon Jewel, Ford's very young niece (she turns six during the story) who is already apparently so well-trained in "female wiles" that she not only openly flirts with Violet's seven-year-old brother Rowan, but writes letters to him asking him to visit. In what world does a five-year-old know how to flirt? That in itself was quite disturbing (and it was the author that put it about that she was flirting, not me reading too much into it which makes it worse in my opinion).

Moving on from that, I just couldn't get invested in the story. Ford goes out his way to make Violet a pair of glasses so that she can, you know, actually see the world around her, and while she gushes over how much she loves them.... she also doesn't want to be seen in public wearing them. Because people will talk. Okay and? She was so insufferably insecure thinking the world revolved around her, that I quickly wished Ford would find someone else. On the flip side of that, Ford had been using her from the start to occupy (aka free babysitting) his niece so he could work on his inventions because he couldn't afford the staff to actually occupy her, so perhaps those two were actually meant for each other as I didn't care much for him either.

That being said, as I did DNF this one, please, if you are familiar with this author (although I know this is an older story), or the synopsis appeals to you, by all means please take a chance and read it for yourself, you may enjoy it more than I did.

[Evelyn Grabas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had very mixed feelings about the book. Although I enjoyed the content immensely regarding the scientists, etc. at that time, some I knew and some I had not heard of. I learned so many things through Fords experiments, some that I knew and others that I was thrilled to learn.
Also I had never heard of Aristotle's Masterpiece and just loved the fact that there was something of that nature out there at that particular period of time. As I said, I really came out of reading this book with so much knowledge that I didn't have a clue about, that I was really thrilled to read an enjoyable book and further my education. My kudos to the author for the exemplary research she did to produce such an interesting and informative book.
Were it not for Violet, I would have thoroughly enjoyed the book. And she is the only reason I did not give it 5 stars. Personally, I got the impression that she was not playing with a full deck. Granted she had an inferiority complex, most particularly about her looks, but she really went overboard with it. I was beginning to think that maybe she wanted Ford to give her a pound of his flesh and a pint of his blood to prove his love for her. I do think the author went a little heavy with Violet's complexes. I also find it amazing that someone should be afflicted with an inferiority complex to so great a degree and then just slough it off just like that. In reality, anyone who would be as bad as she was should have required a little mental health to get past it.
All in all, I may try some of the other books in this series with the hope that they will be filled with knowledge that I will find interesting and educational as well as being an enjoyable read.

['i Mari 🍷 YAAAAAAS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not gonna lie. This is my absolute favourite in this series. The only reason why I'm giving it a 3⭐️ is because of a couple of things I constantly found slightly annoying. The heroine for one; too much insecurity and too little action for my taste. I was constantly annoyed by her lack of action regarding her doubts towards the relationship, herself, and the hero. That was my big issue. It was an issue that was mentioned too much imo. Every time it's mentioned, it's clear. So to mention it in every single meaningful encounter makes it a bit tedious to read.

Why then do I think this is favourite out of the Jewel/Chase/(Probaly) Flowers (mildly curious about Lily's book but haven't the slightest urge to read it 😩) series? Well, it's the only one I actually read from cover to cover 😂. I loved the intellectual side of it. It added a lot more depth to the story. Loved it.

Amber was a book I was looking forward to reading but after this I'm thinking of reading Corinna's story. I'm too curious about Griffin and Rachael's story. From their little one page encounter in the epilogue for Lost In Temptation, I fell in love with them. Griffin made me LOL. I love characters that give me a good LOL moment.

Regarding this book though; it was a good read. Ford and Violet are perfect for each other and the way their story was told and how their HEA came about is, surprisingly, a very good read. I'm glad I picked up this book. Well I'm off to the nearest book! Adios and Happy Reading 🙂

[Rainelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Doubt a Viscount, by Lauren Royal. This romance novel was a smash hit with me. Lauren Royal did an excellent job at catching my attention with the chaotic entertainment that transpires throughout the book. I found the book very easy to read. I definitely enjoyed the humor between all of the characters, especially the children, Jewel, Rowan and Harry the cooks husband, he’s right there with them.
I feel that these three could have their own comedy book. You have to read the scene about the glue, mud and the dining room chair. I found it hilarious. The drama is not to overwhelming or intense, although Rose needs to go focus her attention on being a young lady. Read a book. Help your mother with making perfume.
Plants some flowers girl! To much into adult business she is. This lighthearted story will make you fall in love with being in love excluding the match making mothers. The dialogue among the characters is easy to understand. I didn’t find any words that made it hard for me to comprehend what was happening between each each sene.
The romance between Ford and Violet is a slow burn, but I found their journey towards each other very sweet and very romantic, “when the children are not around”. I look forward to reading more books from this writer. If you’re looking for some comedic laugh with a romance intertwined, I recommend this book. Until next time my fellow readers... read on!

[Connie N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

#1 in The Flower Trilogy romance series

This has been on my TBR for years, but I don't know why it took me so long to get around to reading it. It was great, with wonderful characters. And I liked the different timeframe of the 1600's rather than the Regency period. Violet is the oldest daughter of a well-to-do family, but they have unconventional ideas. Her mother is a perfumer and a matchmaker, while her father is a lord, but famous for his gardening skills. Sadly, Violet feels she's the plain daughter and expects that men will only want her for her inheritance. Along comes Ford, an impoverished viscount. He's a well-read inventor, caring more about science than his estate. But when he falls for Violet, he can't convince her that he loves her because he needs money and she can't see beyond that. The scenario made sense (although I think the chip on Violet's shoulder went on a little too long). But their relationship is charming, and bother their crazy families added fun and entertainment to the story. I liked learning about some inventions and scientific beliefs that were present during that time period, and I liked the relative freedom of these characters compared to the sticklers of the Regency period which is more familiar to me. I will definitely continue with this series. Although I was surprised to find that it is a spinoff series because the secondary characters that we met in this book were featured in The Jewel Trilogy.

[Jess | The_Book.Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ford Chase, scientist, inventor, and Viscount of Lakefield is so very close to cracking the code on his latest invention. Determined to have the peace and quiet to finish his project, he leaves London for his countryside home. Immediately all his plans are derailed. His little niece Jewel needs to stay with him for a spell and he has no idea what to do with children. Luckily his neighbor has a young son around Jewels age, and he is desperate for them to get along. Enter Violet Ashcroft; intelligent, philosophical older sister of Rowan- and reluctant chaperone of playtime visits.
Violet dreams of writing her own book and living happily as a spinster. Convinced no man would ever want to marry her, she has consigned herself to being alone. What she never planned for is a man like Ford. Ford is everything she would want in a partner, but can she set aside her fears and assumptions to pursue the love of a lifetime?
I have to say, Ford was the best part of this book. He was so charming and thoughtful, and I loved watching him fall in love. I also enjoyed Violet, but she spent way too much time in her own head assuming the worst of people and talking down about herself. At times, she was just a little too tedious for my taste. Her biggest appeal, however, was her wonderful family. I’m quite excited that her sisters each get their own books next.
Another entertaining historical romance, the Chase Family has certainly wormed its way into my heart.

[Lynne Shear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ford Chase, the Viscount Lakefield distracts himself in his scientific pursuits, he spends hours, even days locked away inventing and dreaming, until one day, arriving at his brother's house, his niece Violet is dropped into his arms as the rest of the family have measles. But what does one do with a five-year old?
Luckily, he doesn't have to wonder for very long because Chrysanthamum the neighbour next door, who is a wizard at matchmaking, has the perfect answer.
She will send her studious eldest daughter Violet Ashcroft over with her young brother Rowan to play with little Jewel.
But Violet doesn't think she is worthy of a handsome husband, someone who will listen to her philosophical thoughts, her ideas and her dreams, that is until she stares into those dreamy blue sapphire eyes of the handsome, witty and easy going Ford Chase.
But surely nobody could love her for her, plain Violet, she's sure a man would only want her for her £10,000 dowry, wouldn't they?
This is a most delightful love story. It is witty, humorous, emotional and endearing. Lauren Royal has a wonderful flair for engaging her reader from the very first word to the very last.
Lauren catches the era beautifully. I smiled all the way through this book and was surprised and delighted to find out that 'Mum' does indeed know best!!