A mysterious heir is on his way to England. Will Molly be able to find her place in his household, or will a tragic fate befall one of them within the week?In this clean mystery romance, two people are thrust together on the ashes of a disastrous murder plot. Now they must find a way to work together despite the unexpected attraction between them.
No one knows the new heir ...
Marco Scott has never been to England, but now he is next in line to a title. Surrounded by potential enemies, he must find his footing in this strange land. Learning he is to act as guardian to an enticing young woman only makes matters more complicated.
A ward stuck in a stranger’s home ...
Molly Carter is handed over to the new heir, a man no one knew existed until it was revealed a peer was murdered to conceal his existence. To make matters worse, he might be the most beautiful man alive, which is making her blurt out the most embarrassing nonsense.
But someone is not happy that Marco will inherit. Danger lurks in the shadows, and he can’t inherit if he’s dead. Can Molly and Marco come to terms with their newfound passion to solve the mystery before one of them ends up in a grave?
Miss Carter and the Baron's Heir is a heartwarming tale of integrity, unexpected devotion, and love found in the most unlikely of places. Can be read as a standalone.
Miss Carter and the Baron’s Heir is the tenth book in the captivating Dazzling Debutantes series by C.N. Jarrett. I have found the series as a whole to be consistently intriguing, with its blend of mystery and romance keeping me hooked. In this installment, the long-running question of who killed Baron Filminster—and why—is finally resolved. It is almost unbelievable to discover that Simon’s mother, driven by an obsession to see her son become the next baron, orchestrated shocking deeds with the help of others. Now the true heir, the son of Peter Scott, arrives from Italy, where he has lived his entire life.
Marco Scott, accompanied by his brother and two friends, journeys to England to examine his inheritance and determine his future. Having never set foot in England before, Marco finds himself navigating unfamiliar territory while surrounded by potential adversaries. Matters become more complicated when he learns he is to serve as guardian to the spirited and captivating Molly Carter.
From their very first meeting, Molly is instantly drawn to Marco in a way she has never experienced. Determined to win his heart, she faces a man who is equally determined to uphold his duties and keep his distance—especially as he considers whether he will remain in England at all. With three attempts already made on his life, Marco’s priorities are survival and finding his place as the unexpected heir. Yet, his growing attraction to Molly is undeniable, and danger escalates as someone clearly does not want him to claim his title.
I thoroughly enjoyed how this plot wove seamlessly into the larger series, combining a clever whodunit with moments of romantic tension and suspense. Marco’s patience and sense of honor made him an admirable hero, while Molly’s determination and spirited nature made her compelling to root for. The mystery was well crafted, the characters engaging, and the romance carried just the right touch of angst before reaching a satisfying resolution. A few tantalizing hints about the next book promise even more excitement to come.
Miss Carter and the Baron’s Heir delivers everything I love about historical romance with a twist of mystery—the suspense keeps you turning pages, and the romance leaves you smiling. Fans of the series will be delighted by this installment, and new readers may well be inspired to start from the beginning. I eagerly await the next adventure. Bravo, C.N. Jarrett!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In this clean historical regency romance Miss Molly Carter proves she is brave, intelligent, witty and can be very determined when she decides she needs something to happen whether it be for love or for safety. The book is book ten in the Dazzling Debutantes series and book five in the Reluctant Reckonings series and with being a crossover book and rather later in a series, the circumstances bringing the Italian raised Marco and Angelo Scott to English soil along with their companions Lorenzo Di Bianchi and Sebastian Markham could be confusing if one has not read some of the previous books but as this book’s story unfolds, I do believe enough background is given to be able to comprehend what has taken place before. I do recommend reading the previous books though because they are delights and truly help understand the background going into this one, yet this book with all its wonderful characters, mostly males with two very different females, it’s intrigue as to who is still reckoning havoc on the Scott family and the reluctant commitment of Marco in love and baron responsibility, can definitely be held as a standalone on its own merits. I enjoyed the contrast between Molly and her “French poodle” companion Miss Claudette Dubois. May I say that the lady’s maid turned companion’s ways and Molly’s thoughts about her and her ability to trick her chaperone often added humor to a book full of dangerous mishaps and a kidnapping at gunpoint. Even though the romance is an instant-attraction it takes a rather long time before Marco is willing to commit to Molly and to taking on full responsibility as the new heir to the Baron of Blackwood because he struggles with his indecision on returning to Florence. I thought that the way the author had others supply translation for the Italian dialect, most of the time only needing to supply a word, gave the dialogue a realistic, cultural feel making it more realistic and rather romantic at times. I must admit I’m excited about Sebastian’s and Lady Slight’s story because Sebastian has been a mystery for a while and I do believe Lady Harriet Slight deserves redemption after all the loves she has lost.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I've enjoyed this series but this was not good. The story was there, the characters were there, but it never fit together well. It felt like lazing writing. There was an instant attraction between Molly and Marco, but the romance never developed much beyond that. He eventually realizes she is a strong woman of courage and she comes to understand that his indecision comes from the turmoil of becoming an heir in a foreign country and having several attempts made on his life (which paints her as rather self absorbed).
After only knowing each other for a day and a half and under limited circumstances, she is willing to follow him to Italy because "we care for one another". Care for and lust for are not the same thing. And when he tells her very politely she must look elsewhere, she replies, " But I want you." So is she interested in him or his looks?
Later in the story, when she makes an obvious and logical observation about the problems they're facing, Marco is impressed that she is "a resilient woman with a strong mind". That doesn't say much for the women he has known.
Another example of lazy writing is when Molly encounters the missing butler. After a rather lengthy conversation, he led her to a small cart pulled by one horse and she noticed for the first time "he was dressed as a workman in a large overcoat with his hat pulled low." From a butler's formal wear to a workman's clothing? How could she possibly not have noticed earlier?
Later, when Marco is frantic about Molly's disappearance and looking for help with the search, he encounters his brother in the library and from the rich aroma of his coffee, Marco realizes his brother "must have brought some coffee with him from Florence". His observation totally kills the pace of the story and it seems like the author just wanted to include some of her research about Florence. She always does research for her novels, but that Marco, who is a member of The Church of England, is so familiar with Dante's very dark Inferno and seems to give credence to the nine circles of the underworld, is rather disturbing. I'm not sure he would be good husband material.
The Duke of Halmesbury sent a representative to Florence, Italy to encourage Marco Scott to travel to England for the purpose of visiting his late father’s homeland and assuming his position as Baron Blackwood’s heir. Reluctantly he agreed, and his younger brother Angelo and their two friends Sebastian and Lorenzo decided to accompany Marco on his journey. After an uneventful voyage and a carriage mishap, they arrived to be greeted by John Scott, the current Baron of Blackwood; Simon Scott, the former Blackwood heir and current Scottish Viscount Lord Campbell; Molly Carter, the Baron’s ward; and Nicholas, John and Simon’s younger brother. They were soon joined by the Duke of Halmesbury and Lord Saunton. To round out the cast of characters there was MacNaby, the butler; Duncan the footman; and Claudette Dubois, the former lady’s maid for the Dowager Baroness and current paid companion of Molly….much to the dismay of both women. Molly was instantly attracted to Marco, and although he too felt drawn to her, he tried to hold back as he had not yet decided whether or not he would remain in England. Therefore, the push/pull between them permeated most of the story. Meanwhile, as Marco was getting the lay of the land, he experienced several deadly near misses, which generated a search for the Dowager Baroness’ accomplice. As the story unfolds you will read about secrets, surprises, journals, lovely kisses, internal battles and a kidnapping at gun point. This is a well-written, exciting tale filled with convoluted familial relationships, conflict, emotional turmoil, and an unexpected viilain. It is fast-paced, intense, and because they had to bring Marco and Angelo up to speed, a quick synposis of previous events.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Setting: This story approaches the saga we have been following: who killed The Baron of Filminster, and what of unknown son of Peter Scott, dead brother of the Baron of Blackwood? However, Simon Scott’s mother had arranged for the death of Baron Filminster and other poisonings, which we learned at her death in the last book. It is now time to meet the son of Peter Scott, the true heir of the Baron Blackwood. Our story begins in Italy where Marco Scott was born and has been living with his mother and brother. Marco and his brother Angelo leave Italy with 2 friends, one of whom is an Englishman who had stayed in Italy after his ‘continental tour’ typical of English well-to-do sons.
Critique: This is another clean love story that emerges from the tangled web of secrets that remain after the death of Simon Scott’s mother, who had an accomplice in her dastardly deeds. This accomplice continues plying his craft, which makes for multiple risky situations from which Marco narrowly escapes death, often with companions also at risk. The mystery remains until the end, which I had not able to untangle on my own. We are left with a teaser about Marco’s English companion Sebastian, who appears to have a story of his own to tell. Will I read it? Yes, if indeed one is in the works! If you enjoy books in a loosely connected series, with clean love stories and a hint of mystery, I think you will enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I don't know quite what it is about C N Jarrett's writing, but yet again I read a book of hers twice before reviewing it, because I enjoyed it so much.
Marco and Molly are engaging characters and, as always, there is something about them that makes them very different from the characters we've met previously. Marco is plucked very reluctantly from his Italian family and sunlit Florence to take up life amongst the nobility in England, which is not always green and pleasant. Molly, who has already shown her strength and resilience in 'Miss Bigsby and the Aristocrat next Door', proves to be even more level headed and resourceful. This is a story of new beginnings, which also features strong friendships, with a satisfying ending. Love the little, highly amusing sayings at the start of each chapter and the Dante's Inferno references.
The Reluctant Reckonings series has been a wonderful blend of romance and 'whodunit' intrigue and I'm almost sorry that Miss Carter and The Baron's Heir finishes off the plot line that started with the murder of Baron Filminster, even though there are more Dazzling Debutants to come (hurrah!). Although the book is stand alone and contains sufficient back story to get the gist of the overarching mystery, I would recommend that you start the series at the beginning with Miss Abbot if possible to get the very best out of it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you C N Jarrett for such a fun read.
I thank C.N.Jarrett for this book, the last one from the Reluctant Reckonings. We finally find out how the whole affair that started with the sordid death of Baron Filminster comes to an end, and that a new couple is to come together is the silverlining. Miss Molly Carter meets the Baron's heir, Marco Scott, the Florentine heir to the baroncy. Their story is pleasant: a rather capable heroine, brave and insistent, able to sway a murderer and able to help a group of men to find out the truth in the affair. This book has many references to Dante's Inferno, as Marco is tormented by the decision he gas to make, to take over the role of heir,or to leave everything behind in England, and return to Florence, to the life he had made. And to take another chance at love with Molly, after losing his first love to consumption, to let his heart be susceptible to love and the positivity of loss, or cower out and leave for Italy. It is a story of second chance, but also of discovery of love. Thank you, C.N.Jarrett and Booksirens for this book, it was a beautiful ending to a captivating series! I have received this book as ARC from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Another great story by this talented author in this series. What a way to keep your attention and turning the pages. The characters old and new are witty, remarkable and crafted to take you on a journey full of intrigue, mystery and suspense. Marco Scott is being called back to London as the heir to the Blackwood Earldom. His father's death left him next in line behind his Uncle John. Uncle Simon and Nicholas would follow him and his brother Angelo. They leave Florence only to arrive in London for some strange accidents to occur. Molly Carter is staying with her Uncle John and Simon after their mother's death as Simon's ward. They all had hoped the death threats would stop but more occur after Marco arrived. Simon takes his wife and leaves for Scotland for safety till the killer if found. Nicholas reads his mother's journals for clues and for the protection of everyone. Has lots of action, steam, love, family that goes with this mystery. Can't wait for the next one. Exceptional !!!!!!!!!!! Would recommend this story and the series to everyone.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.
This was a cozy and enjoyable mystery romance with a nice balance of intrigue and sweetness. The story pulled me in quickly with its premise of a hidden heir and a dangerous secret, but it kept things light enough to feel comforting rather than intense. Molly is easy to like and feels very real. She is put into an unfamiliar situation and handles it with a mix of determination and awkward honesty that makes her stand out. Her tendency to say the wrong thing at the wrong time adds humor and charm. Marco fits the role of a mysterious heir well, but he also shows vulnerability as he tries to adjust to a new life filled with pressure and hidden threats. The mystery kept the story moving, with a steady sense of danger in the background. It never became too dark, which worked well for the tone. The romance developed slowly and felt natural, built on trust and shared challenges rather than instant connection. A great pick if you enjoy clean historical romance with a touch of mystery and gentle character growth. I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Marco Scott, his brother and a couple of friends, arrive in London to meet his somewhat complicated family and learn about the title it appears he will inherit.. On his way to the family home, the group is involved in a carriage “accident.” When he arrives, he meets his uncles and Molly Carter, who has lived with the Scotts since her parents died. Marco and Molly are instantly attracted He doesn’t want to encourage anything since he is not sure if he will stay in England. More attempts on his life make going home to Florence seem the best course. This is another well-done story with mystery, drama, attempted murder, danger, intrigue, secrets, plot twists, and surprises. There are characters from the other stories, as well as some new ones. I love Marco and Molly together. Do they solve the mystery? Yes. Do Marco and Molly have a happy ending? Yes. An enjoyable story, and an interesting hint at what comes next. I received an ARC of this book via BookSirens and voluntarily reviewed it.
Marco Scott is not pleased to leave Italy with his brother and their two friends for England as heir to the deceased Baron Blackwood. The English side of the Scott family had not deigned to recognize the widow and two sons of the old baron’s first son. His arrival was not auspicious—a carriage accident as he travels to the Blackwood London townhouse from the docks leaves him with bruised ribs.
The three sons of his father’s younger brother greet him—as does Molly Carter, a cousin by marriage who has been staying with them since the death of her mother.
Molly and Marco have an instant attraction to each other. Marco, who has lost one woman he loved, is determined not to lose his heart again. Molly is equally determined to pursue love.
But with someone in the household trying to kill Marco--three attempts in four days--even a discussion of the future must wait.
This is final installment of the Reluctant Reckonings, but it can be read as a stand-alone.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the last episode in the series, finally coming to the conclusion of the murder mystery begun in volume one.
The heirs mentioned in the last volume were located and convinced to come to London to sort things out regarding succession of title and estates.
The son who has been handling the affairs due to his father's death and brother's illness leaves detailed notes and instructions for the new heirs, with promises to assist if questions arise.
The cousin by marriage, who has been living with them in the house, is instrumental in assisting in the murder investigation and helping with tending the brother in his sick room.
The heirs arrive, along with two of their friends, and also help with the murder investigation, as it appears that the conspiracy instigated previously has continued, and someone is determined to eliminate these heirs as well, in favour of the son who has been dealing with all the estate business.
Complications abound as it seems that nobody is completely free of danger.
I have loved reading about the mystery involving the death of the baron since this series began, and I’m glad to finally know how it all wrapped up. However, this was probably my least favorite of all the books. I just didn’t feel as connected to Marco, and while the connection between him and Molly happens instantaneously, I didn’t feel like the characters developed enough to have a deep relationship in such a short amount of time. I really enjoyed Molly in the previous book, but she seems a bit out of character to me with her desperation for this relationship to work out when they'd only know each other a matter of days. I just didn't feel as invested in them like I have in the previous books. Despite that, I still enjoyed the story and will continue to read books by this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Miss Carter and the Barons Heir was a delightful read.
Marco, the newly found heir comes to England to figure out if he wishes to take the title, but mostly just to reunite with his estranged family on his father's side. Molly is the ward of the house who is coming out of mourning.
Molly's constant antics and bravery were fantastic. She kept things going and never let there be a dull moment. While Marco fended for his life amidst trying to figure out if he wanted to make England his home.
So many fun characters. Each one dealing with their own circumstances, but working together to put everything to right. Even Marco's friends jumping in to help when they really had no clue why made them endearing. All of it made for an enchanting read. So grateful to have had this opportunity!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I struggled with this book and although they can be read as a standalone book, it is part of a series and it is frustrating when you still do not know the final end of the story but the intermediate parts of the book are so obvious when you have read the others in the series.
Marco Scott is an unwilling heir and falls in love with Molly against his will as he wishes to go back to Italy. However somebody is trying to kill him to prevent him taking his title and a number of things happen to make him fear for his life.
Will this change things, when Molly is threatened, will he realise how much he cares for her and will he be willing to put his own life on the line to save hers?
It is a pleasant book to read and is good for holiday reading.
This is the story of Marco Scott and Molly Carter. Marco has been living in Firenze, but he travels to London with his brother and two friends to meet his dead father’s estranged family, and to discover the estate to which he is now the true heir….
I’ve enjoyed every book in this excellent Reluctant Reckonings series, and this was a good and unforeseen ending to the murder of Baron Filminster that began several books ago. I loved the appearance of characters from other books by this author, and although the plot wasn’t as compelling as some of the previous ones, I still enjoyed it and would recommend this author if you love a good story and some excellent characters 🐈⬛.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the last story in this series and although I enjoyed it, It did not pull me in as the previous books. I enjoyed the characters for the most part, but I had a hard time keeping track of the characters. The storyline is intriguing, unfortunately I didn’t get the closure I wanted in the end. The mystery is solved, and there is a happily ever after. It was just anti-climatic. It does lead you into a new series with some of the characters,that I will happily read. I don’t believe every book can be 5 star. I give this book a 3.5 rating, rounded up to a 4. I am happy. I read it to finish out this part of the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book again revolves around the long-running question of who killed Baron Filminster. The new heir has been found in Italy and he is a little reluctant to go to England, but with his brother and two good friends he does journey there to at least get to understand his late father’s legacy. The beginnings in England don’t start out well as there is an attempt to kill him. The FMC is a ward of the baron and she is in love at first sight, but the road to a HEA won’t be smooth until the villain is caught. It was a clean read with enough intrigue to keep the pages turning. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Heir against his will After an estrangement that lasted decades, Marco is informed that he is the heir to the Blackwood title and has to travel to England. Upon arrival, he and his brother Angelo are victims of a carriage crash. Now that the baroness has committed suicide, who has been tampering with their carriage? Who is still trying to kill the legitimate heir? And what is he supposed to do with the beautiful young woman; who has become his ward, and those pesky feelings they are developing for each other? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have enjoyed all of the Reluctant Reckonings series, but this might be my favorite. The romance moves quickly, but I really enjoyed how this plot tied into all of the other books in the series. The heroine is realistic and determined and her maid is the perfect annoying touch (and some justice for her abominable behavior in previous books). I really enjoyed the Italian brothers and their characters and relationship. Another win from CN Jarret. Thank you Book Sirens for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
This was another whodunit along with a rousing game of chase the bride to be. Marco was exceedingly patient and understanding with Molly. And the reluctant Baron turned out to be a fortuitous choice for the job, perfecto!perfect!! The intrepid Molly was a wonderful character for all her feistiness and thirst for knowledge and justice. A charming storyline and two characters that enamored and surprised me. Kudos. I loved these two. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
An Unseen Enemy. Marco Scott unexpectedly discovers that he is heir to a barony but more concerning is that both he and his brother are at risk of being murdered, so that the next in line can inherit. Marco has to deal with not only leaving his beloved city of Florence, encountering new family members and dodging accidents but a spirited and outspoken young lady who decides she wants to marry him. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from BookSirens. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A clean murder mystery full of action, suspense and intrigue as a new heir, Marco, arrives from Italy and struggles with life in England and is reluctant to stay. Molly, is infatuated with Marco and is keen for him to stay. I loved both of them together and their chemistry as they worked to capture a murderer. An exciting read, filled with danger and with some interesting new characters as well as familiar ones.
I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
“Miss Carter and the Baron’s Heir” is a wonderful book with well developed, likeable characters and an engaging story line. Through many challenges and much danger, the characters triumph to reach their happily ever after. The book was hard to put down but had a very satisfying ending. I love C. N. Jarrett’s clean Regency romance style. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes clean Regency romance.
I really enjoyed this story as I have other books by this author. The book is well written with good character development. I like the main characters. Besides being a sweet love story, it is also a mystery with drama and the characters searching for the perpetrator. From the previous book in the series we thought the mystery was solved, but there were other people involved. I recommend this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Marco and Molly are cute together, although it does seem as if Molly comes across a little desperate sometimes in her pursuit of Marco given how little time they’ve known each other. I liked the elements of intrigue and drama. Although this is a standalone story I definitely felt like I was missing information that must be in previous books in the series, so would recommend reading the series in order for the best experience. Overall I liked it and would recommend.
Miss Carter and the Baron's Heir is Book 5 in the Reluctant Reckoning by C N Jarrett. Marco grew up in Italy and is surprised to discover he is the new Baron Heir. This is a mystery, attempted murder with a sprinkling of romance. I thought that this story was well written with wonderful characters. I think every mystery and romance reader will want this book on their TBR list. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
I am enjoying this series that has interconnected storylines. It’s amazing how the pressures of inheritance and increase consequence can be used as tools to manipulate people. Watching Marco and Molly navigate this unfolding complex family suspense was interesting. Enjoyable to the very end!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this book. That said, it could have had a lot more to it. The story was simple, as was the outcome. Who didn’t see that coming? It’s a nice feel-good something to read. I do like happy endings, but when I know in the first chapter how the story ends? There was so little negative to balance the positive against. Even the one conflict was briefly touched on and shoved under the rug.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I read this author's work both from the clean romance one as well as the steamier ones. If you read only the clean romance, then this series is designed for your pleasure. Well crafted, evenly paced, Add in mystery and romance along with characters who have depth and realism, and you have a terrific experience. Don't miss out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.