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Highfield Hall #1
Doubts and Desires
Welcome to The Highfield Chronicles, a six-book romance series featuring the Northcott family of Highfield Hall, Yorkshire.
Louisa Northcott faces her second Season with quiet resolve. Her first wasn’t disastrous, but it failed to deliver the heart-stirring romance she craves. She longs for more than a “suitable” match, she wants someone who quickens her pulse. She never expects to meet such a man before even leaving for London.
Maxwell Harlow, a tall, handsome, and aloof Anglo-Scottish industrialist, captures her attention the moment she encounters him in the stables at Highfield. He’s in Yorkshire to lease the vacant Northcott Manor, Louisa’s family estate, but he’s already engaged to an aristocratic bride. Disappointed, Louisa turns her focus back to the coming Season.
Maxwell, meanwhile, has never sought marriage. Focused solely on success during Britain’s Industrial Revolution, he has little interest in anything that might compromise his autonomy. But when Lord Dent, an indebted viscount, offers his daughter’s hand for a fee, Maxwell initially declines. Purchasing a bride leaves a bitter taste. Yet the appeal of securing a noble connection leads him to accept the deal. With a wedding planned, he seeks a home for his future wife, which brings him to Northcott Manor. There, he notices Captain Northcott’s eldest daughter, but Louisa is off-limits.
Still, fate intervenes. At a London society event, Maxwell and Louisa cross paths again. One innocent yet careless moment alters everything, throwing their lives into turmoil. Maxwell must choose between the rigid control of his career and the unpredictable stirrings of his heart.
Louisa refuses to give up hope. She believes Maxwell will come to love her, truly, deeply. But her faith is tested, again and again.
Just as happiness seems within reach, a devastating crisis threatens everything. Louisa begins to question whether Maxwell ever truly cared. Has she misjudged him? Has he deceived her all along?
In the end, only faith, and love, can overcome the doubts and reignite the desires that first drew them together.
Tropes / ✅ Victorian Romance
✅ Slow Burn
✅ Love vs Duty
✅ Class Differences
✅ Forbidden Attraction
✅ Industrialist Hero
✅ Faithful Heroine
✅ Second Chance at Love (emotional and situational)
✅ Emotional Angst
✅ Fated Lovers
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
Highfield Hall
Book 1 - Doubts and Desires
Book 2 - Charades and Chivalry
Book 3 - Passion and Principles
Book 4 - Pride and Propriety
Book 5 - Obsession and Obligation
Book 6 - Vices and Virtues
Louisa Northcott faces her second Season with quiet resolve. Her first wasn’t disastrous, but it failed to deliver the heart-stirring romance she craves. She longs for more than a “suitable” match, she wants someone who quickens her pulse. She never expects to meet such a man before even leaving for London.
Maxwell Harlow, a tall, handsome, and aloof Anglo-Scottish industrialist, captures her attention the moment she encounters him in the stables at Highfield. He’s in Yorkshire to lease the vacant Northcott Manor, Louisa’s family estate, but he’s already engaged to an aristocratic bride. Disappointed, Louisa turns her focus back to the coming Season.
Maxwell, meanwhile, has never sought marriage. Focused solely on success during Britain’s Industrial Revolution, he has little interest in anything that might compromise his autonomy. But when Lord Dent, an indebted viscount, offers his daughter’s hand for a fee, Maxwell initially declines. Purchasing a bride leaves a bitter taste. Yet the appeal of securing a noble connection leads him to accept the deal. With a wedding planned, he seeks a home for his future wife, which brings him to Northcott Manor. There, he notices Captain Northcott’s eldest daughter, but Louisa is off-limits.
Still, fate intervenes. At a London society event, Maxwell and Louisa cross paths again. One innocent yet careless moment alters everything, throwing their lives into turmoil. Maxwell must choose between the rigid control of his career and the unpredictable stirrings of his heart.
Louisa refuses to give up hope. She believes Maxwell will come to love her, truly, deeply. But her faith is tested, again and again.
Just as happiness seems within reach, a devastating crisis threatens everything. Louisa begins to question whether Maxwell ever truly cared. Has she misjudged him? Has he deceived her all along?
In the end, only faith, and love, can overcome the doubts and reignite the desires that first drew them together.
Tropes / ✅ Victorian Romance
✅ Slow Burn
✅ Love vs Duty
✅ Class Differences
✅ Forbidden Attraction
✅ Industrialist Hero
✅ Faithful Heroine
✅ Second Chance at Love (emotional and situational)
✅ Emotional Angst
✅ Fated Lovers
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
Highfield Hall
Book 1 - Doubts and Desires
Book 2 - Charades and Chivalry
Book 3 - Passion and Principles
Book 4 - Pride and Propriety
Book 5 - Obsession and Obligation
Book 6 - Vices and Virtues
- GenresHistorical
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2025
9 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Wren
12 books17 followersAuthor of Victorian and Regency romances. Charlotte is also the alter-ego for author Avril Borthiry, who writes medieval and fantasy romance.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 9, 2025
3.5 Stars
One Liner: A bit slow but decently done
1845, Yorkshire
Louisa Northcott is in her second Season, determined to find the love she wanted – with sparks and heart-stirring romance. She hasn’t found it in her first season, though she met someone who was engaged to someone else and had to find her chance elsewhere.
Maxwell Harlow is an Anglo-Scottish industrialist more focused on his business during Britain’s Industrial Revolution. However, he accepts a deal to marry an indebted viscount’s daughter. A search for a house leads him to Northcott Manor, where he sees Louisa.
Neither of them plans for fate to intervene again in a London society event. That said, a life together is not easy. Louisa’s hope may not be enough when crisis strikes and threatens to take everything away.
The story comes in Louisa and Max’s third-person POVs (plus one chapter from another POV).
My Thoughts:
This is the first book in the series, so we meet quite a few people – all the siblings who will have a book each.
The writing and vibe suit the timeline, though the pace slows down a bit because of that. Still, it’s well done.
I like the setting and the side characters – the parents and siblings (the MMC’s brother too). The gardener and a couple of others were good, too. They’d make nice recurring characters for the series.
The blurb part of the story takes place in the first few chapters, and as you can guess, the rest happens later.
The FMC and MMC had decent personalities with some flaws. I felt they were pretty decent overall. Not great, but good enough to make the book an enjoyable read.
There’s a side plot I rather liked. Does it have a sugary-sweet resolution? Yes. Do I mind? Absolutely not! It brought a sense of contentment into the storyline, which appealed to me.
There’s an epilogue too, and it deals exclusively with this couple. That’s actually good. Sometimes, epilogues in series books are used to hint at the next story, which isn’t always necessary. So, yay for keeping it relevant.
To summarize, Doubts and Desires is an enjoyable Victorian romance with some drama and a touch of spice (2ish). I’ll keep an eye open for the second book in the series.
Thank you, NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #DoubtsandDesires
One Liner: A bit slow but decently done
1845, Yorkshire
Louisa Northcott is in her second Season, determined to find the love she wanted – with sparks and heart-stirring romance. She hasn’t found it in her first season, though she met someone who was engaged to someone else and had to find her chance elsewhere.
Maxwell Harlow is an Anglo-Scottish industrialist more focused on his business during Britain’s Industrial Revolution. However, he accepts a deal to marry an indebted viscount’s daughter. A search for a house leads him to Northcott Manor, where he sees Louisa.
Neither of them plans for fate to intervene again in a London society event. That said, a life together is not easy. Louisa’s hope may not be enough when crisis strikes and threatens to take everything away.
The story comes in Louisa and Max’s third-person POVs (plus one chapter from another POV).
My Thoughts:
This is the first book in the series, so we meet quite a few people – all the siblings who will have a book each.
The writing and vibe suit the timeline, though the pace slows down a bit because of that. Still, it’s well done.
I like the setting and the side characters – the parents and siblings (the MMC’s brother too). The gardener and a couple of others were good, too. They’d make nice recurring characters for the series.
The blurb part of the story takes place in the first few chapters, and as you can guess, the rest happens later.
The FMC and MMC had decent personalities with some flaws. I felt they were pretty decent overall. Not great, but good enough to make the book an enjoyable read.
There’s a side plot I rather liked. Does it have a sugary-sweet resolution? Yes. Do I mind? Absolutely not! It brought a sense of contentment into the storyline, which appealed to me.
There’s an epilogue too, and it deals exclusively with this couple. That’s actually good. Sometimes, epilogues in series books are used to hint at the next story, which isn’t always necessary. So, yay for keeping it relevant.
To summarize, Doubts and Desires is an enjoyable Victorian romance with some drama and a touch of spice (2ish). I’ll keep an eye open for the second book in the series.
Thank you, NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #DoubtsandDesires
August 28, 2025
3✨
𖥔 ݁ ˖✶ ⋆˚₊ overall
before you get scared this rating of three is good in my eyes. as romance is not my preferred genre i have found it difficult to rate any romance book anything above a three stars. to my surprise i enjoyed this book more than i expected.
𖥔 ݁ ˖✶ ⋆˚₊ plot + writing
if you’re looking to switch up your palate cleanser, or just read something that’s different to what you normally read i think this victorian era romance, could be something to pick up. tbh i was quite scared that i was going to despise the book, because of something we found out about the male lead at the start but that was sorted out quickly. thinking back so much happened but i wasn’t really that captivated. however, i do believe everything was assimilated really well into the story line and at the end there was no loose threads. side note: if it wasn’t for the fact this was an arc i probably would’ve dropped, but that’s probably because im not the target audience for this.
considering the difference in writing style to convey the time period it was set in, it wasn’t difficult to understand. yes, at the start it was a bit of a shock, but i quickly got used to it. i think each of the characters had their own distinct voice and the usage of multiple pods really helped tell the story. it was mainly our main leads, but occasionally we would get a different perspective and it really helped push the story along.
𖥔 ݁ ˖✶ ⋆˚₊ romance
right from the beginning there was CONSENT. it was never an if, but or when situation, it was always there. it also didn’t feel like there was a power imbalance between them. they respected each others wishes and voiced there opinions about things almost immediately.
𖥔 ݁ ˖✶ ⋆˚₊ characters
₊˚.༄ louisa rose northcott
i was really scared that she was going to be another naive, innocent female lead. to my pleasant surprise she wasn’t. she was able to speak confidently and express her opinions to the male lead and others.
₊˚.༄ maxwell benedict harlow
honestly i don’t really have much to say about him. he didn’t really wow me, but i could see the love and respect he had for louisa. one thing that did irk me was that he said ‘lass’. i don’t know why i just don’t like the word, but that’s more of a personal gripe. it made complete sense for him to use the world considering his characterisation.
₊˚.༄ family
it was so nice to read about the relationship between her and her family. especially since the book was sent in the victorian period it probably wasn’t common, but it was lovely to read about. they clearly loved each other and acted how siblings act.
thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing Inc. for the arc of this book. all opinions in this review are mine alone.
⋆⭒˚｡⋆ ୭ | pre-read
i have no idea when i requested this, but it got approved so i guess im gonna read it
𖥔 ݁ ˖✶ ⋆˚₊ overall
before you get scared this rating of three is good in my eyes. as romance is not my preferred genre i have found it difficult to rate any romance book anything above a three stars. to my surprise i enjoyed this book more than i expected.
𖥔 ݁ ˖✶ ⋆˚₊ plot + writing
if you’re looking to switch up your palate cleanser, or just read something that’s different to what you normally read i think this victorian era romance, could be something to pick up. tbh i was quite scared that i was going to despise the book, because of something we found out about the male lead at the start but that was sorted out quickly. thinking back so much happened but i wasn’t really that captivated. however, i do believe everything was assimilated really well into the story line and at the end there was no loose threads. side note: if it wasn’t for the fact this was an arc i probably would’ve dropped, but that’s probably because im not the target audience for this.
considering the difference in writing style to convey the time period it was set in, it wasn’t difficult to understand. yes, at the start it was a bit of a shock, but i quickly got used to it. i think each of the characters had their own distinct voice and the usage of multiple pods really helped tell the story. it was mainly our main leads, but occasionally we would get a different perspective and it really helped push the story along.
𖥔 ݁ ˖✶ ⋆˚₊ romance
right from the beginning there was CONSENT. it was never an if, but or when situation, it was always there. it also didn’t feel like there was a power imbalance between them. they respected each others wishes and voiced there opinions about things almost immediately.
𖥔 ݁ ˖✶ ⋆˚₊ characters
₊˚.༄ louisa rose northcott
i was really scared that she was going to be another naive, innocent female lead. to my pleasant surprise she wasn’t. she was able to speak confidently and express her opinions to the male lead and others.
₊˚.༄ maxwell benedict harlow
honestly i don’t really have much to say about him. he didn’t really wow me, but i could see the love and respect he had for louisa. one thing that did irk me was that he said ‘lass’. i don’t know why i just don’t like the word, but that’s more of a personal gripe. it made complete sense for him to use the world considering his characterisation.
₊˚.༄ family
it was so nice to read about the relationship between her and her family. especially since the book was sent in the victorian period it probably wasn’t common, but it was lovely to read about. they clearly loved each other and acted how siblings act.
thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing Inc. for the arc of this book. all opinions in this review are mine alone.
⋆⭒˚｡⋆ ୭ | pre-read
i have no idea when i requested this, but it got approved so i guess im gonna read it
September 16, 2025
I, sadly, found this book a little boring. I didn’t like either of the leads enough to keep me pulled back into the story either. There was a scene where he got turned on my another woman after he had already met and was engaged to the MFC, I don’t know that turned me off. I wanted to like Louisa but I just didn’t, I don’t have anything negative to say about her.
I thought the cover was lovely and premise sounded quite interesting. I am wondering if it is me though as I see many people really enjoyed this book.
I thought the cover was lovely and premise sounded quite interesting. I am wondering if it is me though as I see many people really enjoyed this book.
November 19, 2025
It’s not like me to wish to hear more from a man, but I think this book needed more of Maxwell’s pov. She cared so much for him, quickly, and he doesn’t seem to reciprocate at all outside of some boarish possessiveness for half the book. He brushed her off, sent her out of his room over and over, and left me cringing. Then Max suddenly decides he *does* love her and some soap opera level drama ensues, but a lot of the romance doesn’t feel earned. I don’t feel like all the dramatics were really warranted either, I was entertained by it though. 2.5 stars.
September 1, 2025
Doubts and Desires is the first historical romance novel in a six-book series and centers on the Northcott family. The Northcott family resides at Highfield Hall, located in Yorkshire, and owns another (vacant) property nearby, Northcott Manor.
Max Harlow, a businessman driven to succeed in building railways through England, is looking for the perfect place to set up shop as he plans and puts his business deals together.
His business interests will require that he travel throughout the country and decides that Northcott Manor would be the perfect place to rent. Max understands that his betrothed, Sybella Chessington, may not be wild about it, but the property suits his needs. Sybella has the station in life that Max is seeking while he has the money that her family so desperately needs. It’s a match that Max needs for his social standing but then an unexpected change in circumstances occurs, one that will change his life forever.
Louisa Northcott, the eldest daughter of Grace and Aldous Northcott, is searching for the love of her life, after striking out during her first London season. She simply hasn’t found “Mr. Right.” Through a chance meeting, she is introduced to Max Harlow, the new tenant of Northcott Manor. They are later thrown together in a compromising situation and the die is cast.
Will love overcome Max’s drive for success? Has he found his happily-ever-after? I was cheering this couple on from the beginning of the book to the very last page, although at times, I wanted to throttle both characters. What is readily apparent to the reader was not so obvious for Max and Louisa. Needless to say, Doubts and Desires, had a wonderful ending and left me clamoring for the remaining books in the Northcott-family series.
Max Harlow, a businessman driven to succeed in building railways through England, is looking for the perfect place to set up shop as he plans and puts his business deals together.
His business interests will require that he travel throughout the country and decides that Northcott Manor would be the perfect place to rent. Max understands that his betrothed, Sybella Chessington, may not be wild about it, but the property suits his needs. Sybella has the station in life that Max is seeking while he has the money that her family so desperately needs. It’s a match that Max needs for his social standing but then an unexpected change in circumstances occurs, one that will change his life forever.
Louisa Northcott, the eldest daughter of Grace and Aldous Northcott, is searching for the love of her life, after striking out during her first London season. She simply hasn’t found “Mr. Right.” Through a chance meeting, she is introduced to Max Harlow, the new tenant of Northcott Manor. They are later thrown together in a compromising situation and the die is cast.
Will love overcome Max’s drive for success? Has he found his happily-ever-after? I was cheering this couple on from the beginning of the book to the very last page, although at times, I wanted to throttle both characters. What is readily apparent to the reader was not so obvious for Max and Louisa. Needless to say, Doubts and Desires, had a wonderful ending and left me clamoring for the remaining books in the Northcott-family series.
November 20, 2025
This book kicks off the Highland Hall series with a very classic Regency setup, but the author adds enough emotional weight and character depth to keep things feeling fresh. Louisa Northcott is instantly easy to root for—she’s earnest, a little dreamy, and quietly stubborn in the best way. Her desire for a genuine, pulse-quickening romance makes her feel relatable, especially as she navigates yet another Season with more hope than certainty.
Maxwell Harlow, on the other hand, is the kind of brooding, industrial-era hero I don’t see often enough. He’s practical to a fault, borderline rigid, yet clearly carrying an undercurrent of longing he refuses to admit to himself. The whole “engaged-by-business-arrangement” plot adds a nice layer of tension without feeling melodramatic.
I really enjoyed how the story balances the earthy Yorkshire setting with the bustle of London society. The early stable encounter between Louisa and Maxwell sets the chemistry beautifully, and the later London run-in that upends both their lives felt believable rather than contrived.
What I really liked was the slow shift in Maxwell—watching him wrestle between duty, ambition, and this connection he doesn’t quite know what to do with, and Louisa’s hopefulness is sweet without being naïve.
It’s not all soft-focus romance; there’s genuine heartbreak and doubt woven in. Still, the ending delivers a satisfying sense of earned love rather than an easy fix.
Overall, this feels like a strong start to a family-centered series. I’m curious to see where the other Northcotts go next.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Maxwell Harlow, on the other hand, is the kind of brooding, industrial-era hero I don’t see often enough. He’s practical to a fault, borderline rigid, yet clearly carrying an undercurrent of longing he refuses to admit to himself. The whole “engaged-by-business-arrangement” plot adds a nice layer of tension without feeling melodramatic.
I really enjoyed how the story balances the earthy Yorkshire setting with the bustle of London society. The early stable encounter between Louisa and Maxwell sets the chemistry beautifully, and the later London run-in that upends both their lives felt believable rather than contrived.
What I really liked was the slow shift in Maxwell—watching him wrestle between duty, ambition, and this connection he doesn’t quite know what to do with, and Louisa’s hopefulness is sweet without being naïve.
It’s not all soft-focus romance; there’s genuine heartbreak and doubt woven in. Still, the ending delivers a satisfying sense of earned love rather than an easy fix.
Overall, this feels like a strong start to a family-centered series. I’m curious to see where the other Northcotts go next.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
August 28, 2025
This is the first novel I have read by the author. I enjoyed her writing style and the romance that developed between Maxwell and Louisa. The plot also outlines the industrial advances taking place in the post-Napoleonic era, bringing about a shift from dominance by the nobility and emphasizing the opportunities available to men with the courage to step out and take a risk. Maxwell was one of those who took up the challenge, making him wealthy in the process. Despite his very serious demeanor, Maxwell is nevertheless amused, and his interest is piqued the first time he sees Louisa galloping across the moors, shrieking with delight. Louisa is disappointed to find that Maxwell is betrothed, but not all is lost. A moment of inattention at a ball results in the breaking of Maxwell's engagement and his being wed to Louisa. The class difference between them quickly becomes evident, leaving Louisa with doubts about their marriage, even though she swallows the hurt and accepts his focus on business. When Maxwell truly messes up, it is time for him to rethink his marriage vows and consider the future of their relationship. The novel comes to a lovely conclusion as Maxwell and Louisa navigate the hurdles in their way, when he comes to understand the gem he has in his wife. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
August 25, 2025
Louisa Northcott wants more than a 'suitable' match - she wants passion, a spark. Enter Maxwell Harlow, a brooding industrialist who’s already engaged but can’t help noticing her. When fate throws them together again, Louisa dares to hope for love, but Maxwell’s rigid control and emotional distance put everything at risk.
I requested this for the class difference trope, hoping for a North and South vibe, and while it wasn’t a huge focus, I did appreciate Max’s industrialist background - especially the brief but meaningful scene addressing workers’ conditions. This sort of class difference is rare in historical romance, the social awareness discussions even career, so I’m glad it was included (even if Louisa's response was gaslit by the men around the table as an over emotional woman).
Max was a little frustrating - cold, distant, and very much a product of his time - but I tried to remind myself that’s probably how many gentlemen actually behaved. The family mystery woven into the plot was unexpectedly moving, and I loved that the resolution wasn’t tidied into a perfect bow. Life isn’t always neat, and I respected the realism.
Louisa’s quiet strength carried the story, and I’m definitely curious about her siblings, especially the artist brother. I’ll be keeping an eye out for the rest of the series!
Thanks to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
I requested this for the class difference trope, hoping for a North and South vibe, and while it wasn’t a huge focus, I did appreciate Max’s industrialist background - especially the brief but meaningful scene addressing workers’ conditions. This sort of class difference is rare in historical romance, the social awareness discussions even career, so I’m glad it was included (even if Louisa's response was gaslit by the men around the table as an over emotional woman).
Max was a little frustrating - cold, distant, and very much a product of his time - but I tried to remind myself that’s probably how many gentlemen actually behaved. The family mystery woven into the plot was unexpectedly moving, and I loved that the resolution wasn’t tidied into a perfect bow. Life isn’t always neat, and I respected the realism.
Louisa’s quiet strength carried the story, and I’m definitely curious about her siblings, especially the artist brother. I’ll be keeping an eye out for the rest of the series!
Thanks to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.
August 25, 2025
I wouldn't say I hated this, but I wouldn't say I enjoyed it that much also.
I enjoyed the historical style and the way the language was written properly like they would speak during these times. The setting was beautiful and I loved what was written descriptive wise.
What I hated was that the characters just, weren't really likable. Louisa was honestly annoying & Max at first truly seemed like your typical man. Although he came to slightly redeem himself for me, she on the other hand did not. Their romance was okay, but the slow burn was torturous because it was so obvious Max liked her he just couldn't come to admit it which drove me insane.
The plot was there, I mean its weird his ex mistress just randomly perishes at the end and like who really was the person Louisa saw on the Moor?
Thank you to Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the historical style and the way the language was written properly like they would speak during these times. The setting was beautiful and I loved what was written descriptive wise.
What I hated was that the characters just, weren't really likable. Louisa was honestly annoying & Max at first truly seemed like your typical man. Although he came to slightly redeem himself for me, she on the other hand did not. Their romance was okay, but the slow burn was torturous because it was so obvious Max liked her he just couldn't come to admit it which drove me insane.
The plot was there, I mean its weird his ex mistress just randomly perishes at the end and like who really was the person Louisa saw on the Moor?
Thank you to Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2025
Faith, hope and love are hugely challenged in this new series. Maxwell, a self made man, focuses his life, energies and passions on moving ahead. Being married is a necessity rather than a desire, therefore his expectations are that it will fit into his pattern of life. Until he meets Louisa, who doesn't fit his plan at all. She on the other hand wants love and partnership. The push/pull of this story will have the reader surrounded by plenty of conflicting emotions. This is what makes it should an amazing read.
September 8, 2025
This is a very well written book and I'm happy that I discovered this author. Louisa and Maxwell are forced to get married because they end up compromised. What comes afterwards is a slow burn relationship where they end up catching feelings for each other. I loved Louisa and I kind of went back and forth with Maxwell, but he figured it out, just at the right time. I also loved her family and look forward to the next book!
Thank you to Charlotte Wren and Dragonblade for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
Thank you to Charlotte Wren and Dragonblade for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
August 29, 2025
I read this one from NetGalley, and it’s a lovely dive into slow-building historical romance. I am completely in love with Lousia and Maxwell's story. This was a new to me author and I'm already sure I'll love any of her books!
Doubts and Desires was a moody, beautifully rendered Victorian era book. The redemption and slow burn felt rooted, emotional, and earned.
I'll definitely revisit this book!
Doubts and Desires was a moody, beautifully rendered Victorian era book. The redemption and slow burn felt rooted, emotional, and earned.
I'll definitely revisit this book!
December 12, 2025
Captivating from the first chapter to the last.
The opening at Northcott Manor hooks you immediately, and the tension only ramps up from there. The London scenes are vivid, the secondary characters feel alive, and the romance is clean yet intense. When the “innocent yet careless moment” sparks the turning point, it’s impossible not to gasp. The ending is hopeful without being predictable. Truly a standout Regency romance.
The opening at Northcott Manor hooks you immediately, and the tension only ramps up from there. The London scenes are vivid, the secondary characters feel alive, and the romance is clean yet intense. When the “innocent yet careless moment” sparks the turning point, it’s impossible not to gasp. The ending is hopeful without being predictable. Truly a standout Regency romance.
January 6, 2026
I really enjoyed how the story balances the earthy Yorkshire setting with the bustle of London society. The early stable encounter between Louisa and Maxwell sets the chemistry beautifully, and the later London run-in that upends both their lives felt believable rather than contrived.
November 29, 2025
We have Miss Louisa Northcott niece of an Earl and beloved oldest daughter of Captain Aldous Northcott. Louisa is going into her second season with the intent to marry for affection if not love! She meets Mr Maxwell Harlow self made business man who constantly travels to enlarge his assets! Max personally oversees all his holdings with his brother Finlay assistance!
He has come to lease a home on their property from her father Northcott Manor for him and his bride to be!
Well this certainly nips in the bud Louisa’s attraction to him or does it! Max and Louisa see each other again in a very compromising room! Which only magnifies them being alone in it!
Max appears handsome, serious and very methodical in his approach to business and his life! He expects marriage will change him little! Business endeavors always come first!
Louisa is mortified and embarrassed at the turn of events but secretly hopeful of a happy marriage!
Max is neglectful of his wife and Louisa solves a 30 year old family mystery!
Not everyone is happy for the couple and when Max’s past comes calling it causes a huge rift that seems insurmountable! Will this make or break their marriage? You must read this very charming tale that will keep you turning pages! Bravo can’t wait for the rest of the series!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review!
He has come to lease a home on their property from her father Northcott Manor for him and his bride to be!
Well this certainly nips in the bud Louisa’s attraction to him or does it! Max and Louisa see each other again in a very compromising room! Which only magnifies them being alone in it!
Max appears handsome, serious and very methodical in his approach to business and his life! He expects marriage will change him little! Business endeavors always come first!
Louisa is mortified and embarrassed at the turn of events but secretly hopeful of a happy marriage!
Max is neglectful of his wife and Louisa solves a 30 year old family mystery!
Not everyone is happy for the couple and when Max’s past comes calling it causes a huge rift that seems insurmountable! Will this make or break their marriage? You must read this very charming tale that will keep you turning pages! Bravo can’t wait for the rest of the series!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review!
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