The Proposition of the Season

Fairfax Sisters #3

by Michelle Kenney

'How I love a story of sisters, and Michelle Kenney has conjured up four sparky modern-minded Fairfax girls. The dialogue is quick-fire, plot complex and satisfying, the men heroic and rich' Jane Dunn, Sunday Times bestselling author Perfect for Bridgerton and Jane Austen fans! Fall in love with your favourite new Regency series, with this third installment from the Fairfax family…

‘And you’ve come here today to read me a lecture in all my deplorable habits?’

‘No…’ she stalled, wracking her brain for inspiration and failing, ‘I’ve come here to ask you to marry me!’

After three disastrous seasons, bookish Josephine Fairfax believes that she is long past the age of finding her perfect fictional hero. But when her brother’s loathsome Monstrous Marriage Masterplan results in her youngest sister Matilda’s engagement to the vastly unsuitable Lord Huntingly, even she must draw the line.

Josephine may be the bluestocking sister, but she is still a Fairfax who will sacrifice anything for family, even proposing marriage to a man who may be the most dangerous gentleman in the ton…

Each book in the Fairfax Sisters series can be read as a standalone.

Why readers have fallen in love with The Proposition of the Season: 'A delightfully lighthearted regency romp. Five stars from me' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Lord Huntingly is the regency bad boy of my dreams' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This book will keep you coming back for more' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This book is a rollercoaster, evoking classic Bronte and Austen works, and keeping the reader gripped until the last page' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A historical romance with a bit of mystery and a strong heroine who asks questions instead of waiting around for answers' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Lighthearted and charming, it’s the perfect nostalgic read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐

'The perfect mix between Bridgerton and a Katrina Kendrick book - and I ATE this up' ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical

Audible Audio

Published February 6, 2026

About the author

I’m a firm believer in magic, and that ancient doorways to other worlds can still be found if we look hard enough. I’m also a hopeless scribbleaholic and, when left to my own devices, likes nothing better than to dream up new fantasy worlds in the back of a dog-eared notebook. Doctors say they're unlikely to find a cure any time soon.

In between scribbling, I love reading, running, attempting to play bluegrass and beach treasure-hunting with my small people (dreamers-in-training).

Somehow, I have an LLB (hons) degree, an APD in Public Relations and I’m an Accredited Practitioner with the CIPR. But I’m definitely happiest curled up against a rainy window, with my nose in a book!

I’m represented by Northbank Talent Management, and love chatting all things book-related at https://www.facebook.com/BookofFireMK Twitter: @mkenneypr and Instagram: @mich_kenneyauthor

Book of Fire is the first in a YAFantasy Trilogy published by HarperCollins HQ. City of Dust, Book 2, was published October 2018 (digital) and December 2018 (paperback), and Storm of Ash, the final instalment was published in December 2019 (Digital) and February 2020 (Paperback)

Reviews

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge thank you to Michelle Kenney and One More Chapter for sending me an advanced copy! 💕

The Proposition of the Season is another adorable regency historical from Michelle Kenney! I’m obsessed with the Fairfax sisters, and in this book we got to see a bit more from the brothers! I love the sweet dynamics between all these siblings (except Thomas, he can kick rocks 🫡). Fred and Matilda especially are such a treat to read about. We also get little slices of life from the characters of the previous two books, which was nice!

These books read as very traditional regency romances, with lots of tension without spice. There are a lot of nods to Austen, especially with this book following Josephine—the bookish, almost-on-the-shelf Fairfax sister. The murder mystery and drama was reminiscent of Northanger Abbey (a chronically underrated Austen book).

Josephine propositions the mysterious (and possibly murderous) Lord Huntingly to save her little sister from the match, and then has to try to uncover the truth about his past before their wedding is announced. Which is hard to do when he’s smirking and scarred and tragically handsome. 🤭

Although this is probably my favorite of the series so far, I wish we had gotten more interactions with Lord Huntingly. Compared to the other mmcs in the series, he didn’t get much time on page. I wanted more dark and broody disagreements in alcoves! More longing glances across ballrooms!

If you love watching old regency movies, this is the series for you! Lighthearted and charming, it’s the perfect nostalgic read. 💕

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story had great potential but the romance felt severly underdeveloped. We know little to nothing about our hero except that he is a brooding male with a "dark secret". I can count with my fingers the number of times where the hero and heroine were together in one page in the book. It's a bummer since I had high hopes for this book.

[Sarah Bickings · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Proposition of the Season is third in a series about the Fairfax sisters that is very austenesque. I loved being able to see followups from the two books before and Josephine is a lovely character...the bookish, but spunky sister who has been plagued by illness. This book had SOOO much promise, but I felt that the romance and even Josephine's characterization was super underdeveloped instead of focusing more on the mystery of the male lead's backstory. Josephine is the most romantic minded sister and this had the potential to be totally swoon worthy, but fell a bit flat for me. Still love this series and I am looking forward to reading the next installment!
Thanks to #NetGalley and #HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter | One More Chapter for the ARC.

[Susan J. Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favourite Fairfax regency romance from Michelle Kenney so far, with a not insignificant nod to the courtship of Jane Austen’s Elizabeth and Darcy.
Another fun and swift read, as Josephine steps up to protect her younger sister from the confines of a marriage contract. In doing so, she encounters a scandal that requires investigation and rises to the challenge. Her investigations are revealing in more than one way, not just uncovering truths about two gentlemen she’s grown close to, but also about her feelings towards them.
A delightfully lighthearted regency romp. Five stars from me, with thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK One More Chapter for the chance to read an ARC. The Proposition of the Season releases on 6 February.

[shus · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5 stars. als luisterboek voor mn walks

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely my favorite of the Fairfax series. More grounded in reality, fewer hijinks, more likable characters. And a few parallels to Pride and Prejudice, which is always welcome. Thanks to One More Chapter for the ARC.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Proposition of the Season started out a little slow for me. It wasn't long before the main character was writing in her journal to a fictional character, Fitzwilliam (Darcy one would presume since she loves Jane Austen). I just find this a little juvenile. Obviously, writing in a journal is one thing. And the point was to show how deeply affected Josephine is by the fictional stories that she's read and what she is looking for in a match. But I felt it was a little unrealistic given her age. Just a little annoyance.

I haven't read the previous books in this series. The previous two have featured Josephine's older sisters, Sophie and Phoebe. So I did feel like I was missing a little information. But what's most important to know is that Josephine's oldest brother, Sir Thomas, is determined to marry his sisters off as quickly as possible. He seems to be only concerned with money, even though the estate was never mentioned to be struggling exactly. He just seems to be obsessed with how much money his sisters are costing him and how he can't wait to marry them off. Even going so far as to engage their youngest sister, Matilda, to a man whose reputation has been damaged by scandal--scandal that paints him as a potential murderer.

Josephine is so determined to rescue her younger sister from this fate, that she reaches out to Lord Huntingly to offer herself as an alternative to Matilda since it is the family name he is seeking in the match. Huntingly is so awed by Josephine that he agrees. Josephine then spends the rest of the book bouncing back and forth between being drawn to Huntingly and being scared she's going to be married to a murderer.

Instead of asking him any direct questions, she makes assumptions and then spends a large amount of time going behind his back to ask all kinds of questions from everyone but him. I mean sure he might not be truthful with her, but at least ask the man what he knows and what happened before judging him one way or the other. Sheesh. I get that this is part of the period culture. People rarely spoke directly it seems.

In the meantime, Josephine has somewhat idealized her brother Fred's friend, Sir Francis. He is well read and seems to value Josephine's mind despite many considering her a spinster bluestocking. Yet he hasn't made any offers or any indication that he thinks of her beyond his friend's sister. We do come to learn more about Sir Francis. **Highlight for spoiler: I do wish he hadn't been involved in the situation with Huntingly's father and Eliza. I felt that was a little too on the nose. Having him be a rogue and womanizer was enough in my book. I didn't feel like him being connected to the downfall of Huntingly himself was necessary. End spoiler.

Also, I was annoyed with Fred. Why did he have be included in the admiration that everyone apparently feels for Sir Francis? Things were subtle which I do appreciate, but I'm also so sick of this being pushed on us in nearly every book. And I often choose historical regency fiction so that I can avoid this topic.

I'm unsure whether I will continue this series. I'm vaguely interested in Matilda's story. She is a bit of a wild child so her story could go in so many directions. And I do wonder if the series will eventually follow any of the brothers. I would obviously skip Fred's if he's ever given one. But it is called "Fairfax Sisters," so likely not.

Favorite quote:

-"I trust the flavour is to your liking, sir?" ..."Indeed," he replied, taking a drink with dancing eyes, "the flavour is very much to my liking. A small wedding, no objection to restoration work, and a skilled hostess--you are in danger of making me like the flavour a great deal, Miss Fairfax."

All of that being said, once I got passed the beginning and a few things that annoyed me slightly, I really did enjoy the overall story. The FMC & MMC didn't have a ton of on-page interactions, which I would have preferred more of, but I still read it fairly quickly. The rate I read and my desire to keep reading has me wanting to rate this around 4 Stars, however, the issues I had with the characters and overall plot brought The Proposition of the Season down to 3.5 Stars. Have you read The Proposition of the Season? What did you think? Let me know!

[Annie Mae · Rating 2 out of 5]

‘The Proposition Of The Season’ by Michelle Kenney - 2 out of 5 ⭐️

‘The Proposition of the Season’ promises a Regency romance perfect for fans of ‘Bridgerton’ and Jane Austen. While it is the third instalment in the Fairfax family series, it is also advertised as a standalone novel.

This was my first read by Michelle Kenney and not my usual genre, so I was excited to step into the world of Regency romance and experience the rare pleasure of following characters through ballroom parties, exquisite gowns, and tension-filled dances with unexpected lovers.

Although this story featured many of the expected setting elements I just mentioned, it didn’t capture the typical characteristic spark and allure that defines this genre.

Unfortunately, I found the pacing of this book to be slow, with majority of the narrative consisting of the main character’s inner thoughts. This repetitiveness caused the story to drag, as the focus remained on what the character was thinking rather than on the events unfolding. As I continued to read, I ended up skimming parts of the dialogue to get to sections that were more engaging and active in their storytelling.

I also wouldn’t recommend this as a standalone book, as many elements of the storyline rely on prior knowledge from the earlier books in the series. From the very first page, readers are met with an immense amount of detail and a narrative that jumps straight in, without the usual lead-in to ease them into the story. While there are occasional clarifications for certain scenes and conversations between characters, they feel insufficient and take away from the overall story. Personally, I think this book would work best as being advertised solely as part of the series, following the traditional reading order.

However, if you’ve read this series from the start or want to try a series set in the Regency genre, this could be the book for you!

Tropes and Themes:
- Regency genre
- Planned marriage
- Historical Romance
- Some aspects of mystery

*Thank you to NetGalley, Michelle Kenney, and Team OMC for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review*

[Sifa Poulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC from the publishers as part of preparing for a UKYASpotlight interview. It has not affected my opinions.

THE PROPOSITION OF THE SEASON is a Regency romance wrapped up in a mystery.

The centre of this tale is the mystery of what exactly caused this duel that caused Huntingly (the love interest) to flee the country - and what happened in Italy afterwards. Josephine is determined to discover who this man she's propositioned is, but with it happening so long ago - and almost everyone dead - she must track down the last remaining clues.

I enjoyed there being a mystery wrapped up in this romance. Josephine is the bookish sibling so her tale being as chaotic as her siblings' wouldn't have fit. Instead, her attention to detail gets to shine, as does her quieter determination.

I do feel, however, like this meant we didn't get quite as much interaction with Huntingly as I'd have expected in a romance. The pair have a few very charged encounters, but he has far less on-page time than I thought he would. I came to the end with the sense that this was only really the start of their relationship. They have found a meeting of minds, a solid bedrock for everything to develop from.

Of the three entries so far, this one is firmly in the new adult space. It does have crossover appeal with YA and adult readers, like THE MISMATCH OF THE SEASON and THE SCANDAL OF THE SEASON, however, it does feel slightly easier to place, age range wise. There has been a time jump since THE SCANDAL OF THE SEASON, meaning that we have an older heroine here (a spinster at the grand old age of twenty-two).

The next book is Mathilda's, and I am really looking forward to it. She is the most outspoken and chaotic sibling, and I can't wait to see the havoc she causes everyone as she enters the marriage mart.

[Daphne Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three in this hilarious series about strong and determined women, who want to marry on their own terms.
Set in 1826, the Fairfax sisters, now left at the mercy of their eldest brother Thomas are Josephine and Matilda. Josephine has failed to attract any suitors during her last three seasons on the marriage go - round, and Thomas has decided she is too bookish and well read to attract a husband, her fate will be as a Maiden aunt, living on his charity and being a helpmate to her nephews and nieces. His Monstrous Marriage Plans are now concentrated upon eighteen year old Matilda, however, she has very strong ideas about the state of wedlock, she wants to experience the world before she is tied down to a husband and the expectation of children. Thomas has a fight on his hands.
The Fairfax Estate is next to the Estate owned by the Huntingly family. The owner left the country six years ago under a cloud, but has recently returned. There is a rumour that Lord Alistair left after being accused of murder, but having returned somewhat older and wiser, is looking for a wife, and Thomas sees the opportunity to arrange a marriage for Matilda.
Josephine decides to investigate Lord Huntingly, to check out if the rumours have any truth in them and try to ascertain whether he would be a suitable match for her sister.
However, fans of this series know, this may be the intention, but fate shows her hand in many unusual ways concerning the Fairfax sisters and their courtships. Certainly, Phoebe and Sophie had rather unconventional routes to marriage, but they are both very happy with their long suffering husbands, and perhaps all will go well this time?
What follows is a comedy of errors, forthright remarks, hilarious misunderstandings and headstrong behaviours from all parties.
I love this series, and I am intrigued by hints about Fred, brother to Josephine and Matilda, is he keeping a secret about his sexuality?
I look forward to the next book, it’s a lovely cosy read, romance and this time uncovering secrets about a prospective husband.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Josephine Fairfax is a bespectacled, bookish young woman of twenty-eight. After three failed seasons she is most definitely on the shelf and has retired to live in the family home with her eldest (insufferable brother) and younger siblings. She spends her days writing romantic fiction and letters to her imaginary beau.

When she discovers her brother is determined to marry off her younger sister Matilda to Lord Huntingly, a man none of them have ever met, about whom there are murky rumours about a duel which resulted in him and his opponent fleeing abroad, Josephine knows she must act. Matilda has no interest in marriage or children, she wants to be a pirate! Marrying her off to an unsuitable man would be cruel. So Josephine suggest to Lord Huntingly that if all he needs is a wife with the Fairfax good name he should take her instead. Surprisingly, the rather drunk Lord Huntingly agrees.

However, Josephine is determined to discover the truth about the duel and her investigations start to point at her fiancé as being not only in the wrong but also pursuing him and killing him in a street brawl in Italy. If that is true how could she possibly marry him?

This is the third book about the Fairfax sisters, although I haven't read the others. Initially I found the writing a bit stilted and it also felt like a mash-up of several books by Georgette Heyer (Frederica where she suggests Alverstoke should marry her instead of her sister, and Huntingly is a bit like Damerel in Venetia) and probably a bit of Jane Austen as well. That feeling wore off as the story progressed but I must say I found Josephine's character a bit confusing. After coming across like Mary Bennett to start with she suddenly starts berating Huntingly and her older brother which seemed out of character.

Anyway, this was pleasant enough and perhaps if I had read the two previous books I would have had a better understanding of Josephine's character.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

[Georgiana Valentina · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, thank you to NetGalley, One More Chapter, and the author for providing me with this ARC.

This was a cute Regency-era romance. It took me a little longer to get into than I initially expected, mostly because I wasn’t fully used to the writing style, but once I settled in, it became fun and witty.

Josephine is a really empowering and ambitious character, and she genuinely surprised me as the story progressed. I found her to be interesting and well developed. One of my favorite aspects of the book was the relationship between the sisters. It was wholesome, heartwarming, and a joy to read.

The story itself was engaging, and the characters all had strong personalities. We get a sunshine heroine, though not overly so, paired with a grumpy hero who turns out to be far more sensible and layered than he first appears.

One quote that really stood out to me was:
“I consider a person without scars is one who has barely lived. It is our blemishes and imperfections that define us, not the opposite.”
This quote genuinely inspired me and made me reflect on how often we judge people based on appearances or secondhand opinions, without truly knowing them.

While the story started off strong, it did become a bit predictable toward the end. I also would have liked to see more interactions between the romantic leads. Their relationship felt like it progressed very quickly, which made the romance feel slightly rushed.

Overall, this was a four-star read for me. I understand there are more books featuring the Fairfax sisters, but they can be read as standalones, which I appreciated.

[Melissa-Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Going into this book, I was so ready for a swoon, drama-filled season with high society tension, whispered scandals, and a romance built on a deliciously messy proposition. And honestly? It delivered on vibes... just not quite on depth for me.

The premise is strong: a strategic arrangement during the social season that slowly blurs into something more. I loved the setup and the potential for slow-burn tension. There were definitely moments where the chemistry sparkled, especially in the quieter scenes where the characters dropped their guards. Those were my favorite parts, the almost-confessions, the lingering glances, the emotional vulnerability peeking through.

That said, I found myself wanting more emotional intensity. The stakes sometimes felt lower than they could have been, and I didn't always feel fully immersed in the characters' inner conflicts. The romance had sweet moments, but I never quite reached that "kick my feet and scream" level of investment. Some plot beats also felt a bit predictable, which made the journey less surprising than I'd hoped.

Overall, this was a pleasant, easy read with a charming premise and soft romantic tension - just not one that completely swept me away. If you love:
💌 bold proposal/marriage proposition
👀 ton politics and reputation pressure
💍 marriage of convenience vibes
🌸 regency romance (light, Bridgerton-adjacent)

... you will most likely enjoy this book!

For me, it was a solid 3-stars! Enjoyable, cute, but not unforgettable!

Thank you to HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Petra Petrella · Rating 3 out of 5]

After three unsuccessful seasons, Josephine Fairfax has accepted that romance may remain firmly fictional for her. Practical, observant, and protective of her family, she intervenes when her sister becomes engaged to an unsuitable match… by proposing marriage herself to a man whose reputation is anything but reassuring.

What begins as a calculated solution gradually turns into a quieter exploration of compatibility, trust, and unexpected affection.

😊 YAY for

• An intriguing inversion of the usual Regency courtship dynamic (always a fan of FMC proposing marriage, seduction lessons, etc. - especially if she is a quiet, nerdy type)

• A steady, gently developing relationship

• Subtle emotional beats in the smaller interactions

🤔 NAY for

• Emotional tension that never fully escalates (I missed my lovely angst/grovel, etc.)

• A romance that remains tender but rarely intense

• Few moments that truly linger after finishing

✨ Petra’s Notes and Comment for the Author

This novel offers a pleasant, well-structured Regency romance built on an appealing premise. A heroine initiating a marriage arrangement carries real narrative potential, particularly within the rigid social framework of the ton. I’ve seen this setup lead to deeply layered emotional journeys elsewhere, which perhaps raised my expectations here.

I appreciated the restraint in the storytelling and the absence of unnecessary melodrama. Still, I found myself wishing for greater emotional depth aka moments that ache, unsettle, or demand more from the characters.

Overall warm, enjoyable and polished read. I suspect many readers looking for a cozy Regency romance will love this one.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Knightsbridge Manor, Devon - 1826

Josephine Fairfax has had 3 unsuccessful seasons to her brother, Thomas’s disgust. As he is now head of the family, he disdains that she loves nothing more than books and writing. She has 2 sisters who have married well and a younger sister, Matilda, 18, who is looking forward to her first season. Matilda is spontaneous and loves life. So, when Thomas announces that he has paired Matilda to the notorious Lord Tristan Huntingly of Huntingly Manor in Somerset who has just returned to his home after having left under a cloud that suggests he had been involved in a duel leaving someone dead.

Josephine is not going to sit back and let her darling sister, Matilda be used by Thomas, so she journeys to the Huntley estate, now rundown, and offers to marry Lord Huntingly in place of her sister. He laughs but accepts.

Now, we are thrown into the antics of the many family members. We find Thomas to be a tyrant and a skinflint. To think he can run his sister’s lives like he does is off putting. There is also a mystery and secret surrounding Lord Huntingly and a duel in which he was involved some years ago. Josephine starts to look into exactly what happened and clear the man’s name if she can. Perhaps it’s the dialogue or just the story itself that I found dragged to the point of almost being boring. I persevered and finished the book. However, I didn’t find it to be a compelling read. Sorry.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Christine Sturman · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Michelle Kenney’s book, “The Proposition of the Season”, Miss Josephine Fairfax will never get married. She has been “out” for three seasons with no result. Her oldest brother, Sir Thomas Fairfax’s “Monstrous Marriage Master Plan”, as his four sisters have dubbed it, hasn’t worked for Josephine. She is the ultimate wallflower and blue-stocking. She is resigned to be the spinster sister. So instead Sir Thomas turns his efforts to his youngest sister, Matilda. He wants to make a match between Matilda and Lord Alastair Huntingly, even though Lord Huntingly has a disgraced, rumor -filled past. Josephine cannot let her joy-filled youngest sister’s life be ruined by such a match and takes steps to change everything. Josephine is determined to be successful, no matter the cost!

Ms. Kenney makes good use of the language style and colloquialisms of Regency England, even though it seems wordy and too formal for modern readers. I liked the way Josephine uses her love of studying, and investigating to find out the truth of Lord Alastair’s past. The “Proposition of the Season” is the third installment of the Fairfax Sisters series. I wish I had read the first two books of this series as there were many references to Josephine’s older two sisters in this book. Though this is the third book in the series, this book can be read by itself. Readers who like romances and especially Regency Romances are sure to enjoy this book.

I wish to thank One More Chapter for the complementary eARC of this book and for selecting me to review it on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#PropositionOfTheSeason
#OneMoreChapter
#NetGalley
#HistoricalFiction
#RegencyRomance
#FairfaxSisters3

[Faye Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Proposition of the Season is the third book in The Fairfax Sisters series of regency romances, but they can be read as standalones. I read the first one in the series and have now read the third one, and while it's nice to see glimpses of the past couples and what they're up to now, you wouldn't miss any context for this book by reading this one first. Everything you need to know is summarised in this book.

I enjoyed the plot of The Proposition of the Season, which mainly focused on Josephine's investigation into the duel that ended with her new fiance fleeing abroad for years in disgrace. I thought the story was an interesting one, and a nice switch up from her sisters' stories in the previous books. It had a really strong start, with Josephine showing up unexpectedly to propose to Huntingly, taking her younger sister's place. They had great chemistry in that scene. However, there wasn't enough of Josephine and Lord Huntingly together in the rest of the book for me. When they were together in a scene, I really liked them as a couple but I wanted way more scenes of them together. 

I'd recommend this as a fun, easy-to-read, no-spice regency romance. It has an interesting story and a great group of sisters at the heart of it. I wish there was more of the central couple together for this one though!

3.5, rounded up to 4

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Juli · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a lot of potential but it sadly didn't live up to it.😔

The beginning leaves us with the hope of a sweet romance between the main characters, while overcoming differences/misunderstandings and secrets.
While the part with discovering secrets very much took up all of the focus, the romance part sadly came too short. I don't know, but for me it seemed like she didn't like him, was very suspicious of him and there were not many things that hinted at her developing deep feelings.. . And that for almost the whole book!
The banter between them the few times they met was very sweet but I found it very strange that he had to kiss her almost every time even though they didn't know each other and love wasn't even on the horizon. With all that considered I had hope that the real romancing and the getting to know each other would finally happen after all the mysteries were cleared up.... But again I was let down and right after the mystery is solved they get together and behave as if they had been in love since the beginning.
Don't get me wrong. You could see that he was interested in her since their first meeting and also that she finds him attractive (naturally there is some heart fluttering when they kiss) but from beginning to end we know what she's thinking and it's doupt about him and not love.

To conclude this here... This book had left me wanting and I expected more to come from the really good beginning.

[Acantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun. It was utterly ridiculous and entertaining and probably forgettable in a couple of days, but while you're reading this, you are going to have a good time.

It was a little light on the romance - our MMC barely gets any page time and what little he is in, he's a bewildering presence. His actions would have easily 'ruined' Jo many times over if this had been any other book. Indeed, the actions of Jo in general, would have ruined her in the regency sense of the word. She's meant to be the bookish, shyer, smarter of the Fairfax sisters and really she should have known better than to do anything she does in this book.

Instead, what this book is - and more importantly, what it should be considered as going into it - is a murder mystery. There are secrets to be unravelled and the core of the book is a mix of sisterly love and a multi-layered mystery that stretches across time and has ruined many lives in its wake.

If you can go into it expecting that and not getting too annoyed at the lack of interaction between the main characters beyond a handful of scenes, then you will enjoy it. I also liked the call backs to the previous books and seeing how the other sisters are getting on in their lives as well as learning more about the final unwed sister. I cannot wait to see how her book will turn out.

~thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~

[Laura-Elise Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have LOVED every single one of the Fairfax sisters books and this one was no exception! This was a very different story to the other two, very dark and mysterious.
It's the turn of Josephine, the sensible, bookworm sister to find a match, and her brother is getting frustrated, as after three seasons, she still isn't married. So he's decided to write her off, and focus on wild, some might say feral Matilda, who has no intentions of getting married.
Josephine's still hoping the handsome Lord Dashton might make her an offer, even if he is a little self-obsessed, but when the reclusive Lord Huntingley returns to the UK, her world is turned upside down.
Rumours surround Huntingley, who has been ostracised from the ton, but fearless Josephine wants to know the truth.
And when her brother decides he'd make a good match for her marriage phobic sister, she decides there's only one thing to do. Propose to Huntingley and find out the truth behind the rumours.
This book is a rollercoaster, evoking classic Bronte and Austen works, and keeping the reader gripped until the last page.
Josephine is the smart, unflappable heroine who considers every word and movement as carefully as if she were playing a game of chess, and Huntingley is the perfect tall, dark, aloof anti hero.
Cannot wait to read again!

[Jen Sheldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: none
Tropes:
* Regency romance
* Closed door romance
* Large family with Bridgerton vibes
* Opposites attract
* Mysterious lord returned to the ton
* Bookish FMC
* Planned marriage

Thank you to NetGalley, Michelle Kenney, and One More Chapter for this eARC! If you like regency romances like Bridgerton but with less spice, I recommend this book and its series!

So far Josephine has been my favorite of the sisters as I relate with her the most. She’s a smart, strong willed feminist but still believes in love and romance. Just that she wants to choose that love for herself and not be told what to do and who to be with.

That’s why her proposition to Lord Huntingly is both caring and bold of her, and it was obvious how quickly they both had a connection, despite them both having protestations of it.

I also enjoyed the mystery and intrigue of the triangle with them both and Sir Francis, and how this really made her bond with her sister Matilda more. She was truly a good voice of reason for her throughout. I feel like I have that same connection with my sisters, so I liked how they both are there for each other.

In the end I really liked Huntingly’s grand gesture and their HEA, I just wished for more details in the epilogue! I really enjoy this series and cannot wait to read the next!

[Kelly Heslip · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is refreshing to read a clean, Regency style romance, and Michelle Kenney has delivered. Once again, with the third installment of her Fairfax Sisters series, we are taken into the life of Josephine Fairfax, who has royally failed in her three seasons to make a match. Just when she thinks she has met a life of spinsterhood, she finds herself saving her youngest sister from a union with the Lord whose rumored unscrupulous past could ruin the entire family. Her plan to save her sister: marry the man herself.

Josephine is perhaps the most level headed of her four sisters, but she also harbors a desire for a hero and a great love. Kenney's portrayal of her heroine is vastly different from the headstrong sisters of books past. There is a sensible strength of mind, although, imagination can run away with the best of them. Lord Huntingly may not come across as the most dashing of Lord's, but he will grow on the reader and have them squarely in his corner before the end.

A sweet, lovely romance that was a quick enjoyable read, I am almost saddened to think there may only be one more tale to give us for the youngest sister. Maybe the brothers will earn their spot in the series.

Thank you to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Smut Report]

Heat Factor: There is no heat in this one, and really only two kisses.

Character Chemistry: They’re drawn to each other but it’s very chaste, because it’s Jane Austen meets murder mystery.

Plot: Josephine, with three failed seasons under her belt, ends up proposing to her younger sister’s arranged fiance in order to save her from an unwanted marriage…but Lord Huntingly has a whole lot of rumors swirling around him and Josephine decides to find the truth before she’ll say “I do”.

Overall: It’s a sweet little read, but there’s not a lot of romance involved.

Read our full review at The Smut Report

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

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[Mary Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I haven't read any of the series but this didn't dim my enjoyment of this book. Josephine is a bluestocking content with writing to her diary (perfect hero). Her elder brother, Thomas has mostly given up with finding her a match and moves his sights onto her younger sister. Jo is unhappy at this because she hopes that her sister Mathlda will have a few more years of experimentation and finding her own character without restrictions. Thomas decides that the local returned bad boy will be a great match for Mathilda so Josephine does something out of character and proposes to him.
There's a mystery about why our hero got injured in a duel with his best friend and why he left for italy.
I thought this bit seemed a bit gothic and reminded me of Northanger Abbey where the heroine is convinced there are bad things happening.
Lord Huntingly comes across IMO a bit two dimensional and Josephine a bit flaky...sometimes keen on our hero and then both in a bad temper with each other...Luckily Josephone pieces it all together.

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

[Arcs & Edges · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclamer: received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

What struck me most was the atmosphere. Michelle Kenney excels at blending the elegance of the Regency era with a dark, haunting (murder) mystery. The setting felt like a character on its own, misty, mysterious and immersive.

The slow-burn romance was beautifully written. It didn't feel rushed, allowing the tension to build naturally alongside the mystery. I found myself genuinely rooting for the characters, even as the gothic elements kept me on edge.

I'm giving this a solid 4 stars. The middle section slowed down a bit for me, but the atmospheric payoff and the resolution of the mystery were well wordth the wait. If you enjoy Jane Austen or Bridgerton, this is a must-read.

Even though this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. However, as someone who hasn read the fist two books yet, I did feel like I was missing some background information and context at times. That being said, the story was intriguing enough that I'm definitely going back to read the fist two books now!

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me just why I love a regency romance.
The drama, glamour and mild scandal was brilliant through this. Though a romance it also heavily focused on the mystery surrounding the main man which I think was a great pivotal element that really helped to develop the romance intertwined with it.
I would mention that this is a standalone within an interconnected series, as I have not read the prior books I did find the first 10% or so of this book quite overwhelming. There was a lot of characters introduced and cementing their unique personality's, motives and desires was a lot but once past that initial hurdle the pacing evened out and it was great to read.
My main love of this book was the scandals of the time that had me clutching at my metaphorical pearls. A secret kiss or such forward behaviour had me so excited to keep reading for more little snippets, I was absolutely hooked.
I really enjoyed reading this book and absolutely loved the characters involved. Great resolution all around which made it even more enjoyable a read.
Favourite Quote - " I know I should apologise for making you blush, but in truth I adore it, so I won't,"
Favourite Character - Josephine

[Ann-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josephine Fairfax, the bookish sister, has reached the grand old age of 22 with three failed seasons behind her. Her brother Thomas grudgingly agrees that Josephine can remain at home as he has no intention of spending more money on her. However, Thomas is still pursuing his marriage master plan but now his focus is on the youngest Fairfax sister, Matilda, whom he plans to wed to Lord Alistair Huntingly, a man with a decidedly dodgy past, before she begins her season. This horrifies Josephine and she is determined to save Matilda – her plan, why ask Lord Huntingly to marry her instead. Surprisingly he agrees.

Shades of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer abound in this book as Josephine investigates Lord Huntingly’s past to find out why he fought a duel, why he fled to Italy and if he really did kill someone, even though no body was found.

A thoroughly enjoyable story, very easy to read, I loved the family loyalty (apart from Thomas obviously!) and I can’t wait to find out what havoc Matilda wreaks when she does get her season.

Thanks to Net Galley and Harper Collins for an ARC for my honest review.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free ARC in exchange for a review.

So, I haven't picked up the other books in the series, but maybe they are more entertaining than this?

The thing is, at about 70% of the way into the book, the romance still hadn't really started and by the end... it also hadn't? I genuinely think Jo and Huntingly (whose first name I don't think we learned until about halfway into the book) have like three conversations in this entire novel. And most of that is yelling at each other. I definitely don't believe they're in love or even like by the end of the story.

The mystery is very unnecessarily convoluted and the villain reveal is lame and really shoved in there. Huntingly was weird and we never really saw enough of him to figure him out. Jo was fine, but honestly, not really that interesting or well-developed.

This series compares itself to Jane Austen's novels. That is a bold claim for any book, and especially this monotonous one. Although I can't speak for the other books, I found this one essentially like reading someone's daily planner with a couple more details. I don't think you need to bother here. Two stars.

[Clairiefaerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars, pure escapism! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is the third in Michelle Kenney’s regency romance series and it’s bookish Josephine’s turn to find her match. This book can work as a standalone but I recommend reading the first two before this one to understand the family dynamics. Thomas Fairfax is no Anthony Bridgerton, he wants his sisters married off as soon as possible.

I did worry that I wouldn’t love this one as much as the first two as it had a slower start but after we first meet Huntingly, drunk at breakfast time but still somehow capable of charming Jo I was hooked. Alistair is my favourite of the sisters unconventional matches so far, I was thoroughly charmed by him.

I enjoyed the mystery at the centre of the plot surrounding Huntingly’s infamous duel and liked seeing a George Wickham level scoundrel unmasked. As always, Michelle Kenney writes the perfect banter for a polite distain to lovers romance.

This series is so much fun, I’m hoping for Matilda’s book already.

Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite different from the other books in the series in that almost all of the thoughts belong to Josephine and none of Alistair’s thoughts are shared, keeping the reader in the dark about the mystery surrounding him. Though the story seemed to go rather slowly and there seemed to be a lot of storyline concern others than the hero, I understood after finishing the tale what the author was doing. I enjoyed it immensely as Josephine stepped out of her comfort zone and worked the puzzle that was the mystery. A rather sad situation, but the reveal was rather funny and the end was totally swoon worthy. I could never get a feel for Alistair as he wasn’t really in the story that much, but the parts he had were wonderfully written. The times they were together was fiery with painful banter and delicious….well, you need to read it to find out. I was glad to see Thomas get his due(finally) and hope he has a story as well. A good story and can’t wait for Matty’s story!

I received this story for free and these are my own views.