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A Very Village Scandal #1
Nepatogi grafo viešnia
Idiliškas kaimelis ant Temzės upės kranto toks atrodo tik iš pirmo žvilgsnio. Čia kunkuliuojantys jausmai užlieja ir išgydo net seniausiai sudužusias širdis.
Trijų knygų serija Tikras skandalas. Pirma knyga
Jai patiko nekęsti šio grafo, iki apsistojo jo dvare!
Sofija Gilbert troško sugriauti atsiskyrėlio naujojo grafo planus parduoti savo užmiesčio dvarą ir nuostabų kaimelį jo valdose. Bet kai ištikus nelaimei grafas pasiūlo prieglobstį, Sofijai tenka permąstyti išankstines nuostatas apie šį nemalonų, užsispyrusį vyrą. Praeityje patyrus nusivylimą, malonus netikėtumas vėl pajausti pašėlusiai plakančią širdį ir kūną, trokštantį jo prisilietimo…
Trijų knygų serija Tikras skandalas. Pirma knyga
Jai patiko nekęsti šio grafo, iki apsistojo jo dvare!
Sofija Gilbert troško sugriauti atsiskyrėlio naujojo grafo planus parduoti savo užmiesčio dvarą ir nuostabų kaimelį jo valdose. Bet kai ištikus nelaimei grafas pasiūlo prieglobstį, Sofijai tenka permąstyti išankstines nuostatas apie šį nemalonų, užsispyrusį vyrą. Praeityje patyrus nusivylimą, malonus netikėtumas vėl pajausti pašėlusiai plakančią širdį ir kūną, trokštantį jo prisilietimo…
320 pages, Hardcover
Published October 7, 2025
74 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Heath
132 books1,177 followersWhen Virginia Heath was a little girl it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Twenty books and two Romantic Novel of the Year Award nominations later, and it still takes her forever to fall asleep.
Her new Regency Romcom for St Martin's Press ~ Never Fall For Your Fiancée ~ is on sale November 9, 2021
If you want to find out more check out virginiaheathromance.com or follow her on Facebook @VirginiaHeathAuthor
Her new Regency Romcom for St Martin's Press ~ Never Fall For Your Fiancée ~ is on sale November 9, 2021
If you want to find out more check out virginiaheathromance.com or follow her on Facebook @VirginiaHeathAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
April 14, 2022
I am a fan of this author and so I was excited to read this book. It has a lot of really great reviews. I just could not get into it, and I found the premise of the villagers protesting the sale of the land left me feeling a bit flat. There were parts of the book and romance that I adored. So, I alternated between entertained, and it is dragging a bit. I enjoyed the parts about the h &H family but would have liked a bit more and I can't even describe what that "more" is.
February 11, 2022
Barbara’s rating: 4.3 of 5 Stars
Series: A Very Village Scandal #1
Publication Date: 2/22/22
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 288
This was a delightfully entertaining, witty, romantic, heartwarming book and I loved every word of it. I loved these two flawed people who had endured so many hurts and now lived within an insular shell where nobody could reach them. If nobody could get past the shell, then nobody could hurt them. Neither Rafe nor Sophie could get past those past hurts and we almost missed out on our lovely HEA. Rafe’s walls were easier to break than Sophie’s because Rafe had a weakness – his brother Archie. If you won Archie over, then Rafe was soon to follow.
Rafe Peele definitely didn’t want to become an earl and surely never expected it. He had no idea whatsoever that he had a cousin who was an earl – now that cousin is dead and Rafe is left with all of those responsibilities. Rafe is a war hero – a loving brother – and all he wants is to buy some land in the middle of nowhere and raise horses. When he inherits the title, money, and estate that goes with it, he has no intention of keeping the unentailed estate and starts making arrangements to sell it to the highest bidder. Except, he visits the estate at Whittleston-On-The-Water only to be inundated by villagers who fight him at every turn – and they are led by one witch named Sophie Gilbert. She was like a General in battle and bested him at every turn.
I love that Rafe always refers to Sophie as a witch – and always refers to the village as ‘whinging Whittleston on the blasted Water’. I loved Rafe as soon as I discovered Archie, his brother. Rafe was so very loving and protective of him that I just knew immediately that he would be a wonderful husband and father.
Sophie has lived in the village for the last ten years – since she was disowned and thrown into the street by her cruel father. She lives with her aging aunt whose health is precarious. Sophie will do anything to protect her aunt – and the villagers who have all taken her in and loved her for all ten of those years. So, when it appears the upstart new earl is planning to sell their homes out from under them, she vows to do whatever it takes to protect them.
It was a delight to see Sophie and Rafe find their HEA. The only reason I didn’t give this book 5-stars is that it didn’t have an epilogue. To me, this story cried out for an epilogue and I just didn’t feel as if the story was finished without one. However, I still loved the story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: A Very Village Scandal #1
Publication Date: 2/22/22
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 288
This was a delightfully entertaining, witty, romantic, heartwarming book and I loved every word of it. I loved these two flawed people who had endured so many hurts and now lived within an insular shell where nobody could reach them. If nobody could get past the shell, then nobody could hurt them. Neither Rafe nor Sophie could get past those past hurts and we almost missed out on our lovely HEA. Rafe’s walls were easier to break than Sophie’s because Rafe had a weakness – his brother Archie. If you won Archie over, then Rafe was soon to follow.
Rafe Peele definitely didn’t want to become an earl and surely never expected it. He had no idea whatsoever that he had a cousin who was an earl – now that cousin is dead and Rafe is left with all of those responsibilities. Rafe is a war hero – a loving brother – and all he wants is to buy some land in the middle of nowhere and raise horses. When he inherits the title, money, and estate that goes with it, he has no intention of keeping the unentailed estate and starts making arrangements to sell it to the highest bidder. Except, he visits the estate at Whittleston-On-The-Water only to be inundated by villagers who fight him at every turn – and they are led by one witch named Sophie Gilbert. She was like a General in battle and bested him at every turn.
I love that Rafe always refers to Sophie as a witch – and always refers to the village as ‘whinging Whittleston on the blasted Water’. I loved Rafe as soon as I discovered Archie, his brother. Rafe was so very loving and protective of him that I just knew immediately that he would be a wonderful husband and father.
Sophie has lived in the village for the last ten years – since she was disowned and thrown into the street by her cruel father. She lives with her aging aunt whose health is precarious. Sophie will do anything to protect her aunt – and the villagers who have all taken her in and loved her for all ten of those years. So, when it appears the upstart new earl is planning to sell their homes out from under them, she vows to do whatever it takes to protect them.
It was a delight to see Sophie and Rafe find their HEA. The only reason I didn’t give this book 5-stars is that it didn’t have an epilogue. To me, this story cried out for an epilogue and I just didn’t feel as if the story was finished without one. However, I still loved the story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 22, 2022
Miss Sophie Gilbert has lived in Whittleston-on-the-Water with her Aunt Jemima for the last ten years ever since her father threw her out of his house and disowned her. Sophie has come to love this village and would do anything to protect it – including wage war with the new Earl who plans to sell the property to the highest bidder. An annoying, stubborn, and much too handsome earl.
Former soldier and widower Rafe Peel had no idea he was heir to the Hockley earldom, but when he did, he saw the opportunity to build a new life for himself and his brother Archie. He plans to sell the unentailed estate in Whittleston-on-the-Water and use the money to buy land and start a horse farm – but to his surprise, his plans are thwarted by the villagers – headed by the annoying, stubborn, and much too beautiful Sophie. But when Sophie’s home is destroyed by fire and her aunt almost dies, Rafe offers them refuge and they see that maybe they are not so different – but can they let go of the hurts from their past to forge a future?
This was a well-written, nicely paced story with wonderful characters and quite a bit of humor, but don’t be fooled by the laughter, this book packs an emotional punch and has a surprising number of off-page triggers. Both Sophie and Rafe have loved before and neither of their relationships ended well, for different reasons, so neither is willing to let the walls they have built to protect their hearts be easily broken and their road to HEA will not be easy – but what a ride it is! I enjoyed this book, but I agree with other reviews, it does end a bit abruptly and an epilogue would have been nice. Overall, it is a nice start to a new series and I would happily recommend it.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
Former soldier and widower Rafe Peel had no idea he was heir to the Hockley earldom, but when he did, he saw the opportunity to build a new life for himself and his brother Archie. He plans to sell the unentailed estate in Whittleston-on-the-Water and use the money to buy land and start a horse farm – but to his surprise, his plans are thwarted by the villagers – headed by the annoying, stubborn, and much too beautiful Sophie. But when Sophie’s home is destroyed by fire and her aunt almost dies, Rafe offers them refuge and they see that maybe they are not so different – but can they let go of the hurts from their past to forge a future?
This was a well-written, nicely paced story with wonderful characters and quite a bit of humor, but don’t be fooled by the laughter, this book packs an emotional punch and has a surprising number of off-page triggers. Both Sophie and Rafe have loved before and neither of their relationships ended well, for different reasons, so neither is willing to let the walls they have built to protect their hearts be easily broken and their road to HEA will not be easy – but what a ride it is! I enjoyed this book, but I agree with other reviews, it does end a bit abruptly and an epilogue would have been nice. Overall, it is a nice start to a new series and I would happily recommend it.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
December 4, 2025
Lengva ir paprasta meilės istorija. Įdomūs veikėjai. knyga patiko.
February 17, 2022
The Earl's Inconvenient Houseguest was another great read, set at the Regency time, written by one of my favourite author of the genre. Virginia Heath crafted a very interesting story, a perfect blend of fun, hot and heartwarming writing, with an amazing group of characters.
Now that there is a new Lord of the manor Whittleston-on-the-water inhabitants fear for their future. They think they will lose their houses and their peace when Lord Hockley sell all his new acquired lands. Sophie Gilbert leads the resistance of the villagers against the unsuffereble Earl, but will she change her mind after she spends some time in his company?
Sophie and Rafe instantly became two of my favourite characters. I loved to read about a woman so assertive and strong, a woman who acts on her needs and especially about a woman who care about her home and neighbours so much to try to fight the abuses to protect them. Rafe was a great surprise for me, he looks surly and bashful but, actually, he has a kind, selfless heart that he tries to protect against slanderers.
This is a must read. I highly recommend this.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
February 17, 2022
4.75 Stars
Sophie Gilbert has lived in Whittleston on the Water with her aunt for a decade, then the Earl of Hockley dies & Rafe Peel a distant relative becomes the new earl. All Rafe wants to do is to find a remote small estate & breed horses there with his brother Archie. So he decides to sell the mausoleum. Sophie & the villagers thwart Rafe’s plans to sell his country estate and the quaint village which forms part of it. But when disaster strikes and he offers her refuge, she must reconsider everything about this vexing, determined man.
I loved everything about this book, the humour, the characters, I found it to be heart warming & emotional. I loved the feisty Sophie who was nearing thirty, outspoken but also caring. I wasn’t sure of my feelings about Rafe until we met Archie & then my heart melted, who couldn't love a man who would do anything for his younger brother. I loved the banter between Rafe & Sophie & was totally invested in how their relationship changed & grew. They both had erected walls which needed to be demolished & boy did they take some demolishing. I also loved Archie, who was a breath of fresh air & totally honest. My only quibble was that the ending was a tad abrupt & I would have loved an epilogue to round off the book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Sophie Gilbert has lived in Whittleston on the Water with her aunt for a decade, then the Earl of Hockley dies & Rafe Peel a distant relative becomes the new earl. All Rafe wants to do is to find a remote small estate & breed horses there with his brother Archie. So he decides to sell the mausoleum. Sophie & the villagers thwart Rafe’s plans to sell his country estate and the quaint village which forms part of it. But when disaster strikes and he offers her refuge, she must reconsider everything about this vexing, determined man.
I loved everything about this book, the humour, the characters, I found it to be heart warming & emotional. I loved the feisty Sophie who was nearing thirty, outspoken but also caring. I wasn’t sure of my feelings about Rafe until we met Archie & then my heart melted, who couldn't love a man who would do anything for his younger brother. I loved the banter between Rafe & Sophie & was totally invested in how their relationship changed & grew. They both had erected walls which needed to be demolished & boy did they take some demolishing. I also loved Archie, who was a breath of fresh air & totally honest. My only quibble was that the ending was a tad abrupt & I would have loved an epilogue to round off the book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
October 10, 2023
Whittleson-on-the River, England. Feb 1818.
I liked this non-cookie-cutter story where both
leads felt vulnerable. This had heart, humor &
I especially liked the dialogue. The love felt real.
Sophie, a merchant's dtr., 10 years ago fled her
home in disgrace. Her Aunt Jimima, in the
aforementioned small village, took Soph into
her cottage. Aunty, preoccupied w/ her health,
discovered she had a heart condition. These 2
ladies grew close.
Army Capt. Rafe, fought at Waterloo. He was
called home after his sire's death. He had
responsibility now for his charming/ curious
somewhat mentally slow, younger bro. Archie.
They both lived as recluses.
Rafe learned he had other family. He received news
that his cous died and he was now Earl of Hockley,
title included a beautiful yet cluttered country home
and riches. Much later he discovered his cousin had
been cheap with tenant home repairs.
Rafe came to examine his new property. He stayed
detached from the villagers b/c he planned to sell
the country home quickly and leave. He wanted
Archie to avoid harsh words/ rejection. Rafe liked
horses over people. He planned own a horse farm.
The village ladies chose Sophie as their leader. She
learned he planned to sell his new land. They staged
a protest to avoid the sale of Rafe's new land. They
blocked several prospective buyers from viewing this
land.
Military taught Rafe "Stay calm. Appear reasonable.
Stay measured. Remain in control at all costs." How
could he negotiate w/ vexing "comely witch" Sophie?
If I had 50 cents for every time the author used the
witch word, I could afford another of her Kindle
books.
Strengths:
1) the brothers were close 2) MCs grew close & got
sexy. She seduced him!
3) the ladies sewing circle supported each other
& helped Sophie move on from her past love.
4) Rafe admitted his love, first.
So So aspects;
1) the MCs needed to tone down the anger
2) 10 yrs ago or in present day Sophie had an
item she could have pawned. Then resourceful
Sophie and her aunt could have had more
financial security when tragedy struck.
3) I think the village ladies would have given
Soph and aunt 2nd hand clothes or helped
make them clothes, sooner than they did.
All ladies valued dignity.
I liked this non-cookie-cutter story where both
leads felt vulnerable. This had heart, humor &
I especially liked the dialogue. The love felt real.
Sophie, a merchant's dtr., 10 years ago fled her
home in disgrace. Her Aunt Jimima, in the
aforementioned small village, took Soph into
her cottage. Aunty, preoccupied w/ her health,
discovered she had a heart condition. These 2
ladies grew close.
Army Capt. Rafe, fought at Waterloo. He was
called home after his sire's death. He had
responsibility now for his charming/ curious
somewhat mentally slow, younger bro. Archie.
They both lived as recluses.
Rafe learned he had other family. He received news
that his cous died and he was now Earl of Hockley,
title included a beautiful yet cluttered country home
and riches. Much later he discovered his cousin had
been cheap with tenant home repairs.
Rafe came to examine his new property. He stayed
detached from the villagers b/c he planned to sell
the country home quickly and leave. He wanted
Archie to avoid harsh words/ rejection. Rafe liked
horses over people. He planned own a horse farm.
The village ladies chose Sophie as their leader. She
learned he planned to sell his new land. They staged
a protest to avoid the sale of Rafe's new land. They
blocked several prospective buyers from viewing this
land.
Military taught Rafe "Stay calm. Appear reasonable.
Stay measured. Remain in control at all costs." How
could he negotiate w/ vexing "comely witch" Sophie?
If I had 50 cents for every time the author used the
witch word, I could afford another of her Kindle
books.
Strengths:
1) the brothers were close 2) MCs grew close & got
sexy. She seduced him!
3) the ladies sewing circle supported each other
& helped Sophie move on from her past love.
4) Rafe admitted his love, first.
So So aspects;
1) the MCs needed to tone down the anger
2) 10 yrs ago or in present day Sophie had an
item she could have pawned. Then resourceful
Sophie and her aunt could have had more
financial security when tragedy struck.
3) I think the village ladies would have given
Soph and aunt 2nd hand clothes or helped
make them clothes, sooner than they did.
All ladies valued dignity.
February 22, 2022
The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest is the first book in Virginia Heath’s new series, A Very Village Scandal. It has a great cast of characters and an interesting plot twist.
Whittleston-on-the-Water is in an uproar! There is a new lord at the manor and it looks like he might sell it. What will happen to the tenants of the little village? Rafe Peel is reluctantly the new earl, Lord Hockley. An ex-military man, he doesn’t want the responsibilities of an old estate. He just wants to find a quiet place where he and his special needs brother can live in peace. Sophie Gilbert is an unlikely leader, but she rises to the occasion to launch the campaign to save the village. When the small cottage she shares with her Aunt Jemima burns down, Rafe is obliged to offer shelter at the estate.
Rafe and Sophie are not exactly enemies, but merely two people at cross purposes. He is tired of conflict and very protective of his brother, Archie. She was hurt in the past and owes a debt of gratitude to her aunt. The line is drawn in the sand, but both of them must revise their thinking as attraction blooms. In addition to the main characters there is a host of village people that add dimension to the story. The concept of a man inheriting an earldom that he doesn’t want is a clever twist. The book had witty humor and sweet romance. A very enjoyable read.
ARC provided by the author
Whittleston-on-the-Water is in an uproar! There is a new lord at the manor and it looks like he might sell it. What will happen to the tenants of the little village? Rafe Peel is reluctantly the new earl, Lord Hockley. An ex-military man, he doesn’t want the responsibilities of an old estate. He just wants to find a quiet place where he and his special needs brother can live in peace. Sophie Gilbert is an unlikely leader, but she rises to the occasion to launch the campaign to save the village. When the small cottage she shares with her Aunt Jemima burns down, Rafe is obliged to offer shelter at the estate.
Rafe and Sophie are not exactly enemies, but merely two people at cross purposes. He is tired of conflict and very protective of his brother, Archie. She was hurt in the past and owes a debt of gratitude to her aunt. The line is drawn in the sand, but both of them must revise their thinking as attraction blooms. In addition to the main characters there is a host of village people that add dimension to the story. The concept of a man inheriting an earldom that he doesn’t want is a clever twist. The book had witty humor and sweet romance. A very enjoyable read.
ARC provided by the author
February 12, 2022
The Earl's Inconvenient Houseguest
First book in the series "A Very Village Scandal"
Rating: 3.5 (rounded up to a 4)
Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This first book in the series that will tell the stories of scandal of a small village. Our first couple is Rafe and Sophie. This follows the enemy to lovers trope, because these two really hated each other. LOL Rafe has become an earl and because of this is now the owner of some land that happens to be surrounded or own a village. He is determined to sell this land so he can build his own place in the middle of nowhere (for reasons). In comes Sophie, who lives with her aunt in this village and decides to gather some of the village people to protest this sale. These were some of the funniest scenes in the book because I could clearly picture them holding placards and chanting not-so-nice things to Rafe. Later something heartbreaking happens that Sophie ends up living temporarily at Rafe's house. It is during this time that they get to know each other, which leads to them to develop feelings for each other, who they believed were their worst enemy.
Why the 3.5 stars?
It was a good story and I liked it. I liked the pacing of the story, never a dull moment. These two had great chemistry and their bantering at the beginning of the story was so entertaining. Archie, Rafe's younger brother, was so sweet and I loved the comments he made to Rafe and Sophie about each other.
I look forwards to the next in the series.
First book in the series "A Very Village Scandal"
Rating: 3.5 (rounded up to a 4)
Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This first book in the series that will tell the stories of scandal of a small village. Our first couple is Rafe and Sophie. This follows the enemy to lovers trope, because these two really hated each other. LOL Rafe has become an earl and because of this is now the owner of some land that happens to be surrounded or own a village. He is determined to sell this land so he can build his own place in the middle of nowhere (for reasons). In comes Sophie, who lives with her aunt in this village and decides to gather some of the village people to protest this sale. These were some of the funniest scenes in the book because I could clearly picture them holding placards and chanting not-so-nice things to Rafe. Later something heartbreaking happens that Sophie ends up living temporarily at Rafe's house. It is during this time that they get to know each other, which leads to them to develop feelings for each other, who they believed were their worst enemy.
Why the 3.5 stars?
It was a good story and I liked it. I liked the pacing of the story, never a dull moment. These two had great chemistry and their bantering at the beginning of the story was so entertaining. Archie, Rafe's younger brother, was so sweet and I loved the comments he made to Rafe and Sophie about each other.
I look forwards to the next in the series.
January 16, 2022
Amazing, heartfelt and romantic. Sophie Gilbert has lived with her elderly Aunt in a small town since her heart was broken, and she is fine with that. Rafe, the new Lord Hockley, does not want to be in whinging Whittleston on the blasted Water, and has made that quite clear. The fight between these two is hilarious. The passion even better. This story will make you laugh, cry, cheer and sigh. Will quickly become one of you favourites.
February 25, 2022
Moreover, Jamie Warriner, there is a new gorgeous Captain in town!! (don't worry Jamie, you will always be my favourite, but I just can't resist Rafe🥰)
Gorgeous, brilliantly funny and utterly romantic!!
It’s always a great day when then there is a new Virginia Heath book in it, especially when said book is the start of a whole new captivating and wonderful new series. I know that; A Very Village Scandal series is going to be a blast, judging by this first and glorious peek into the little village of Whittleson-in-the-water this series (and its residents) is going to brighten my year.
I adore Sophie and Rafe, they are so compelling and hilarious to watch as they bicker and banter their way through to their happy ending. But, it’s not an easy ride, they don’t have the easiest of journeys, I did wonder at times if they were going to make it, but I worried for no reason after all this is a Virginia heath romance so we know there is going to be a happy ever after.
I connected with Sophie instantly, she is a whirlwind a little pocket rocket. She has a past, something she is trying to forget and move on from, which is harder said than done. I loved her loyalty towards her aunt, who took her in years before when her so-called, good for nothing father did a bunk. Her aunt has always been a constant, she has been the parent she never had and now she is at the stage of life where her own health is in question. Sophie does what so many of us have done turned her back on her own happiness to care for her aunt.
Sophie spoke to me, I saw a lot of myself in her she is determined to do right by her aunt, and passionate about her village plus not averse to speaking her own mind and standing up for what she believes – even if that does mean gathering the villages in revolt and holding a blockade on the road.
Rafe having returned home from the war has a title and an estate thrust upon him. He doesn’t want to be the lord of the manor or any of the stress and responsibility of being in this position. After everything he has lived through, all he wants is peace, a quiet life raising horses with his brother.
Archie who is an absolute cutie, I love how honest he is and it’s incredibly refreshing to have a character with certain difficulties taking a starring role in a historical romance, I do hope we will get to see more Archie he is a ray of sunshine.
He is determined to make his and Archies life as stress-free and peaceful as possible, which is not as easy as he thought when he suddenly comes up against a ‘Witch with a black cat‘ and a whole village up in arms against him. Rafe’s devotion for his brother and that he is determined Archie is not to suffer or become upset or even have people mock him, made me love him all the more. He is an incredibly good man, despite what the villagers optionally think of him and that he is flawed and is fringed with sadness, he has so much compassion, kindness, loyalty, passion and duty which surges through those veins – plus not to mention is bloody gorgeous!!
I love that (apart from Rafe) is relatively free of aristocrats, don’t get me wrong I love a dashing Duke or enigmatic Earl as much as the next woman with a pulse, but it is incredibly refreshing to have ordinary people fighting for what they believe and more than that but putting the aristocrat in his place. These villagers are fabulous, as a whole, they bring so much to the story and I can’t wait to get to know them better over the course of this series.
This book is a hoot, honestly, I was chuckling away like the manic hyenas from the Lion King, the chemistry and banter between Rafe and Sophie is scorching and hilarious, they are a brilliant couple – even though they do try and deny it.
They are both resolute in their opinions, both stubborn and flawed, both having to overcome personal troubles and pasts which still haunt them which makes for dazzling and hilarious banter and a gorgeous sparkling romance. I loved the journey they took. I laughed and was sighing with huge heart-eyes throughout, they are a terrific couple and I do hope we will get to see how they are fairing up as the series progresses.
The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest is right up there with my favourites, it’s perfect in every way that perfect is; Gorgeous, sensual, brilliantly funny, utterly romantic, a great cast of characters, a fantastic fast-paced plot which had me laughing as much as crying, and a hero who is …well you may know already, but perfect!
Overall, this is a gorgeous, sensual, sexy and incredibly funny enemies to lovers romance, a defined must read!!
Gorgeous, brilliantly funny and utterly romantic!!
It’s always a great day when then there is a new Virginia Heath book in it, especially when said book is the start of a whole new captivating and wonderful new series. I know that; A Very Village Scandal series is going to be a blast, judging by this first and glorious peek into the little village of Whittleson-in-the-water this series (and its residents) is going to brighten my year.
I adore Sophie and Rafe, they are so compelling and hilarious to watch as they bicker and banter their way through to their happy ending. But, it’s not an easy ride, they don’t have the easiest of journeys, I did wonder at times if they were going to make it, but I worried for no reason after all this is a Virginia heath romance so we know there is going to be a happy ever after.
I connected with Sophie instantly, she is a whirlwind a little pocket rocket. She has a past, something she is trying to forget and move on from, which is harder said than done. I loved her loyalty towards her aunt, who took her in years before when her so-called, good for nothing father did a bunk. Her aunt has always been a constant, she has been the parent she never had and now she is at the stage of life where her own health is in question. Sophie does what so many of us have done turned her back on her own happiness to care for her aunt.
Sophie spoke to me, I saw a lot of myself in her she is determined to do right by her aunt, and passionate about her village plus not averse to speaking her own mind and standing up for what she believes – even if that does mean gathering the villages in revolt and holding a blockade on the road.
Rafe having returned home from the war has a title and an estate thrust upon him. He doesn’t want to be the lord of the manor or any of the stress and responsibility of being in this position. After everything he has lived through, all he wants is peace, a quiet life raising horses with his brother.
Archie who is an absolute cutie, I love how honest he is and it’s incredibly refreshing to have a character with certain difficulties taking a starring role in a historical romance, I do hope we will get to see more Archie he is a ray of sunshine.
He is determined to make his and Archies life as stress-free and peaceful as possible, which is not as easy as he thought when he suddenly comes up against a ‘Witch with a black cat‘ and a whole village up in arms against him. Rafe’s devotion for his brother and that he is determined Archie is not to suffer or become upset or even have people mock him, made me love him all the more. He is an incredibly good man, despite what the villagers optionally think of him and that he is flawed and is fringed with sadness, he has so much compassion, kindness, loyalty, passion and duty which surges through those veins – plus not to mention is bloody gorgeous!!
I love that (apart from Rafe) is relatively free of aristocrats, don’t get me wrong I love a dashing Duke or enigmatic Earl as much as the next woman with a pulse, but it is incredibly refreshing to have ordinary people fighting for what they believe and more than that but putting the aristocrat in his place. These villagers are fabulous, as a whole, they bring so much to the story and I can’t wait to get to know them better over the course of this series.
This book is a hoot, honestly, I was chuckling away like the manic hyenas from the Lion King, the chemistry and banter between Rafe and Sophie is scorching and hilarious, they are a brilliant couple – even though they do try and deny it.
They are both resolute in their opinions, both stubborn and flawed, both having to overcome personal troubles and pasts which still haunt them which makes for dazzling and hilarious banter and a gorgeous sparkling romance. I loved the journey they took. I laughed and was sighing with huge heart-eyes throughout, they are a terrific couple and I do hope we will get to see how they are fairing up as the series progresses.
The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest is right up there with my favourites, it’s perfect in every way that perfect is; Gorgeous, sensual, brilliantly funny, utterly romantic, a great cast of characters, a fantastic fast-paced plot which had me laughing as much as crying, and a hero who is …well you may know already, but perfect!
Overall, this is a gorgeous, sensual, sexy and incredibly funny enemies to lovers romance, a defined must read!!
February 16, 2022
I received an ARC from the publisher and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
After reading my first Virginia Heath book last year, I was excited to read more from her. However, I think The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest was perhaps the wrong book to start with among her lengthy backlist of Harlequin Historicals.
I do like the village setting, and the fact that Heath drew from her real life to create it helps in the immersion. But other than that, I found this book rather wanting.
Rafe and Sophie are both rather bland, stiff, and distant. There isn’t the believable tension that makes enemies-to-lovers work. There’s a lot of mulling over things, which meant I was skimming and skipping, and then finding myself reaching the end, and being like, “that’s it?” *scratches head*
I do see potential in the breadcrumbs being set up for future titles. And I can see how the hook could appeal to other people, as there are some more positive reviews out there.
After reading my first Virginia Heath book last year, I was excited to read more from her. However, I think The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest was perhaps the wrong book to start with among her lengthy backlist of Harlequin Historicals.
I do like the village setting, and the fact that Heath drew from her real life to create it helps in the immersion. But other than that, I found this book rather wanting.
Rafe and Sophie are both rather bland, stiff, and distant. There isn’t the believable tension that makes enemies-to-lovers work. There’s a lot of mulling over things, which meant I was skimming and skipping, and then finding myself reaching the end, and being like, “that’s it?” *scratches head*
I do see potential in the breadcrumbs being set up for future titles. And I can see how the hook could appeal to other people, as there are some more positive reviews out there.
February 21, 2022
The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest has plenty of banter, wit, and romance. I guarantee you will devour this book in one sitting.
This book was so much fun to read! I was sorry to see the story end because I didn’t want to leave the characters and place I had fallen so in love with. There wasn’t a thing I didn’t like about this book. The story was heartfelt, funny, and oh so romantic. I loved that it was full of entertaining antics and a cast of quirky and loveable characters. I wasn’t expecting how much I would be laughing and smiling while reading this book. It’s not something that usually happens when I read historical romances. I loved watching as the villagers set out to thwart Rafe’s plans to sell his estate.
My two favourite characters were Mrs. Fitzherbert and Archie. Mrs. Fitzherbert is a feisty lady in her 90’s. She has this no-nonsense fierceness about her. It truly was a fabulous sight watching her put the justice of the peace and the English soldiers in their places when they tried to remove the villagers from the road. Archie is adorable, and his character had my heart-melting. He added so much light and happiness to the story and had me laughing at the things he would say.
Click on the link to read our full review on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/2022/02/...
This book was so much fun to read! I was sorry to see the story end because I didn’t want to leave the characters and place I had fallen so in love with. There wasn’t a thing I didn’t like about this book. The story was heartfelt, funny, and oh so romantic. I loved that it was full of entertaining antics and a cast of quirky and loveable characters. I wasn’t expecting how much I would be laughing and smiling while reading this book. It’s not something that usually happens when I read historical romances. I loved watching as the villagers set out to thwart Rafe’s plans to sell his estate.
My two favourite characters were Mrs. Fitzherbert and Archie. Mrs. Fitzherbert is a feisty lady in her 90’s. She has this no-nonsense fierceness about her. It truly was a fabulous sight watching her put the justice of the peace and the English soldiers in their places when they tried to remove the villagers from the road. Archie is adorable, and his character had my heart-melting. He added so much light and happiness to the story and had me laughing at the things he would say.
Click on the link to read our full review on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/2022/02/...
January 23, 2022
The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest is set in 1818. This is book one of A Very Village Scandal series of historical romances. It opens with villagers discussing the new lord of the manor and his possible plans for the estate. Many of the villagers fear that he will turn them out of their homes or sell the estate to a ruthless money-grabbing lord.
Rafe Hockley has inherited much of the land and village of Whittleston-on-the-Water, but what he really wants is a horse stud in a remote part of the country, far away from gossiping villagers; the quicker he can sell his inheritance, the better. However, he must first deal with Miss Sophie Gilbert, the leader of the Save Our Village brigade.
Sophie and her aunt live in a ramshackle cottage which the previous Lord Hockley refused to repair. She will do anything to save her aunt and the other villagers from being sent packing by any hard-hearted lord.
This is a fun story with some great battle lines between Rafe and the villagers. It took me a few chapters to get into the book and enjoy the characters, but once we began to learn more about them I soon became enchanted.
Rafe Hockley has inherited much of the land and village of Whittleston-on-the-Water, but what he really wants is a horse stud in a remote part of the country, far away from gossiping villagers; the quicker he can sell his inheritance, the better. However, he must first deal with Miss Sophie Gilbert, the leader of the Save Our Village brigade.
Sophie and her aunt live in a ramshackle cottage which the previous Lord Hockley refused to repair. She will do anything to save her aunt and the other villagers from being sent packing by any hard-hearted lord.
This is a fun story with some great battle lines between Rafe and the villagers. It took me a few chapters to get into the book and enjoy the characters, but once we began to learn more about them I soon became enchanted.
Read
February 1, 2022Categories
Historical Fiction, Sagas, Regency Romance
Miniseries
A Very Village Scandal (Book #1)
Historical Fiction, Sagas, Regency Romance
Miniseries
A Very Village Scandal (Book #1)
March 8, 2022
Four and a half stars
Sophie Gilbert lives with her aunt in a fire hazard of a cottage in Whittleston-on-the-Water. When the new lord of the manor moves in, the village is abuzz and frankly, terrified that he intends to sell the whole lot and evict them all, leaving them all homeless and destitute.
Captain Rafe Peel never expected to inherit. He’s worked his whole life to care for and protect his family. He’s no desire for the encumbrances or responsibilities of his new title and property.
Sophie and Rafe clash in an epic battle of smartly determined military minds, with each vowing and vying to protect what is nearest and dearest to them. It is a pleasure to see Virginia Heath’s characters fight for their hearts and their futures. A full complement of supporting cast round out the plot well. A winning start to a terrific new series.
Sophie Gilbert lives with her aunt in a fire hazard of a cottage in Whittleston-on-the-Water. When the new lord of the manor moves in, the village is abuzz and frankly, terrified that he intends to sell the whole lot and evict them all, leaving them all homeless and destitute.
Captain Rafe Peel never expected to inherit. He’s worked his whole life to care for and protect his family. He’s no desire for the encumbrances or responsibilities of his new title and property.
Sophie and Rafe clash in an epic battle of smartly determined military minds, with each vowing and vying to protect what is nearest and dearest to them. It is a pleasure to see Virginia Heath’s characters fight for their hearts and their futures. A full complement of supporting cast round out the plot well. A winning start to a terrific new series.
July 22, 2025
A love letter to the realest fictional charaters ever read.
Rafe and Sophie were a very complex pair of individuals and an even more intriguing couple. Their story was strong, interesting, and filled with emotions and stories. Virginia Heath is a student of human experience and people, and that shows. Her novels are beautifully crowded, and her characters are so full that it could make many best-selling authors jealous. Flawed and diverse in such a human and understanding way. Hurt in such a sympathetic manner. And deserved and afraid to love as much as every single one of us.
Truthfully, the small village themes in combination with the families and the different forms they can be found in were my favorite part of the novel. Either small, like a pair of brothers or a niece and her aunt, or a whole microcosmos of a village, the writing and structure of the society blurred the boundaries of what it means to be a family in the most adorable way. But the best feature of this book was, of course, Archie, who left a soft spot in my heart. Disability representation doesn't have to be very crystal clear as long as it is there and it exists not only for the sake of writing it, but to actually contribute to the story.
The only small "issue" I had was the rush ending. I feel I needed something more. It definitely kept me at the edge of my seat, but I believe I wanted them to have a longer happy ending, I suppose. The plot was so poignant that I wanted them to lick their wounds before the conclusion of the story. Apart from that, I loved it, and I believe this love letter proves it.
Tags:
Historical Romance⚔️🏰🐲
Scarred MMC👀👀👀
Grumpy/sunshine🙄🤭🥰
Historical Romance⚔️🏰����
Enemeis to lovers 🤤😳 🥵
Learning intimacy💁👌😍
Miscommunication😵💫⚠️
Different social classes ✨👑💫
Spicy 🤤😳 🥵
Sexual Assault (mentioned)💥🏴 🏴
Parental death❤️🩹 💔
Angst😐😑😬
Autism/Disability Representation🌻🌻🌻
Grieff❤️🔥💔
Miscarriage 🏴 🏴 🏴
Slow burn 🕯🪔 🧯
HEA🔔👰🏼🌠
Rafe and Sophie were a very complex pair of individuals and an even more intriguing couple. Their story was strong, interesting, and filled with emotions and stories. Virginia Heath is a student of human experience and people, and that shows. Her novels are beautifully crowded, and her characters are so full that it could make many best-selling authors jealous. Flawed and diverse in such a human and understanding way. Hurt in such a sympathetic manner. And deserved and afraid to love as much as every single one of us.
Truthfully, the small village themes in combination with the families and the different forms they can be found in were my favorite part of the novel. Either small, like a pair of brothers or a niece and her aunt, or a whole microcosmos of a village, the writing and structure of the society blurred the boundaries of what it means to be a family in the most adorable way. But the best feature of this book was, of course, Archie, who left a soft spot in my heart. Disability representation doesn't have to be very crystal clear as long as it is there and it exists not only for the sake of writing it, but to actually contribute to the story.
The only small "issue" I had was the rush ending. I feel I needed something more. It definitely kept me at the edge of my seat, but I believe I wanted them to have a longer happy ending, I suppose. The plot was so poignant that I wanted them to lick their wounds before the conclusion of the story. Apart from that, I loved it, and I believe this love letter proves it.
Tags:
Historical Romance⚔️🏰🐲
Scarred MMC👀👀👀
Grumpy/sunshine🙄🤭🥰
Historical Romance⚔️🏰����
Enemeis to lovers 🤤😳 🥵
Learning intimacy💁👌😍
Miscommunication😵💫⚠️
Different social classes ✨👑💫
Spicy 🤤😳 🥵
Sexual Assault (mentioned)💥🏴 🏴
Parental death❤️🩹 💔
Angst😐😑😬
Autism/Disability Representation🌻🌻🌻
Grieff❤️🔥💔
Miscarriage 🏴 🏴 🏴
Slow burn 🕯🪔 🧯
HEA🔔👰🏼🌠
January 31, 2022
I enjoy every book Virginia Heath writes but I have my favourites among them, notably the Warriner series (especially the first and fourth books) and the King’s Elite series.
The latest book from Ms Heath is right up there with these. “The Earl’s Inconvenient House Guest” is fresh and refreshing, bang up to date but at the same time firmly rooted in its time period, addressing the fears, hopes and lives of ordinary people in a satisfying way, whilst also showing the burdens of privilege and land ownership.
Rafe is a hero I can fall for. He's a caring, decent man but not annoyingly perfect, and completely miffed at finding himself responsible for a whole village when he already has more than enough on his plate, caring for his Down’s Syndrome brother. As the carer of a son with a learning disability, I identified absolutely with him and his desire to offload some of his responsibilities.
I also thought Archie was beautifully and sympathetically drawn, if a little more articulate than any Down’s person I've ever known. His obsession with four letter names and his dogmatic approach to things using his own unfathomable logic was spot on, too.
The heroine, Sophie, was very likeable. She was realistic, a good combination of feisty and shy, assertive and diffident with an admirable desire for justice and a real concern for her neighbours.
If there was one thing that jarred, it was the book’s opening. The conversation between the village ladies at the very start of the book did its job in conveying necessary information to the reader whilst showing us the characters of Rafe and Sophie through their reactions to it, but it was a long gossip and it felt a little like an infodump. Having said that, it would have worked well in the opening moments of a screenplay, and did set the tone.
I loved the final moments of the book, when the two main characters resolved things. I could see and hear them as they reconciled, and they were very real. I was truly caught up in the emotion of the moment.
I very much look forward to the next book in this series and to getting to know more of the inhabitants of whingeing Whittleston on the blasted Water.
The latest book from Ms Heath is right up there with these. “The Earl’s Inconvenient House Guest” is fresh and refreshing, bang up to date but at the same time firmly rooted in its time period, addressing the fears, hopes and lives of ordinary people in a satisfying way, whilst also showing the burdens of privilege and land ownership.
Rafe is a hero I can fall for. He's a caring, decent man but not annoyingly perfect, and completely miffed at finding himself responsible for a whole village when he already has more than enough on his plate, caring for his Down’s Syndrome brother. As the carer of a son with a learning disability, I identified absolutely with him and his desire to offload some of his responsibilities.
I also thought Archie was beautifully and sympathetically drawn, if a little more articulate than any Down’s person I've ever known. His obsession with four letter names and his dogmatic approach to things using his own unfathomable logic was spot on, too.
The heroine, Sophie, was very likeable. She was realistic, a good combination of feisty and shy, assertive and diffident with an admirable desire for justice and a real concern for her neighbours.
If there was one thing that jarred, it was the book’s opening. The conversation between the village ladies at the very start of the book did its job in conveying necessary information to the reader whilst showing us the characters of Rafe and Sophie through their reactions to it, but it was a long gossip and it felt a little like an infodump. Having said that, it would have worked well in the opening moments of a screenplay, and did set the tone.
I loved the final moments of the book, when the two main characters resolved things. I could see and hear them as they reconciled, and they were very real. I was truly caught up in the emotion of the moment.
I very much look forward to the next book in this series and to getting to know more of the inhabitants of whingeing Whittleston on the blasted Water.
February 3, 2022
🪧 The Earl's Inconvenient Houseguest 🪧
A Very Village Scandal Book 1
✒️ Virginia Heath
https://www.facebook.com/virginiaheat...
Release Date 02/17/2022 & 02/22/2022
Publisher Mills&Boon Historical / Harlequin Historical
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09D1F19B3/...
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CZ8F62S/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
The earl she loved to hate …until she stayed in his mansion! Sophie Gilbert has thwarted the standoffish new earl’s plans to sell his country estate and the quaint village that forms part of it. But when disaster strikes and he offers her refuge, she must reconsider everything about this vexing, determined man. After the heartbreak in her past, it’s a revelation to feel her pulse racing and her body yearning for his touch… From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past. A Very Village Scandal Where love can be found at every turn
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
🪧 The Earl's Inconvenient Houseguest 🪧
A Very Village Scandal Book 1
✒️ Virginia Heath
https://www.facebook.com/virginiaheat...
Release Date 02/17/2022 & 02/22/2022
Publisher Mills&Boon Historical / Harlequin Historical
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09D1F19B3/...
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CZ8F62S/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
The earl she loved to hate …until she stayed in his mansion! Sophie Gilbert has thwarted the standoffish new earl’s plans to sell his country estate and the quaint village that forms part of it. But when disaster strikes and he offers her refuge, she must reconsider everything about this vexing, determined man. After the heartbreak in her past, it’s a revelation to feel her pulse racing and her body yearning for his touch… From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past. A Very Village Scandal Where love can be found at every turn
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
🪧 The Earl's Inconvenient Houseguest 🪧
A Very Village Scandal Book 1
✒️ Virginia Heath
https://www.facebook.com/virginiaheat...
Release Date 02/17/2022 & 02/22/2022
Publisher Mills&Boon Historical / Harlequin Historical
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09D1F19B3/...
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CZ8F62S/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
The earl she loved to hate …until she stayed in his mansion! Sophie Gilbert has thwarted the standoffish new earl’s plans to sell his country estate and the quaint village that forms part of it. But when disaster strikes and he offers her refuge, she must reconsider everything about this vexing, determined man. After the heartbreak in her past, it’s a revelation to feel her pulse racing and her body yearning for his touch… From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past. A Very Village Scandal Where love can be found at every turn
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will her fears forever scare her from trusting someone with her broken heart …
It is always a pleasure to rediscover Mrs Heath’s prose, and this new series is full of great promises.
This enemies to lovers story is a breath of fresh air, sets outside the ton and its ballrooms and parties, with mostly commoners and a wide casts of protagonists in addition to the main characters.
Sophie has been sheltered by her aunt in her great of needs and since never left. But with their home place being threatened, it is her who finds herself unexpectedly head of the rebellion against their new landlord.
Rafe never knew he had an Earl as a cousin, so when the burden of his late relative’s estates fall on him, he wants to have nothing to do with it. So sell it, he will do. He has other priorities than managing a lot of unwelcoming tenants, so he thinks.
So they quickly butt heads.
Until circumstances put them under the same roof, and they revisit their opinion of the other as secrets and wounds from their past are shared.
How I loved Archie, Rage’s brother, he is the light of this story, the puppy’s scene is pure delight.
Rafe and Sophie are two very flawed characters, they let their past alter their view of others, Rafe misjudging the villagers for a bunch of unsavory persons because he had been rejected before, never acknowledging them as individuals and Sophie (how I was upset at her!!!) hiding behind her fears to live a half-life instead of a whole with risk of loosing even when she is assured again and again of the love of a good man.
I felt like with how the last chapter ended, it lacked an epilogue.
4.25 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the author and Rachel’s Random Ressources , here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CZhrUO0I...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
A Very Village Scandal Book 1
✒️ Virginia Heath
https://www.facebook.com/virginiaheat...
Release Date 02/17/2022 & 02/22/2022
Publisher Mills&Boon Historical / Harlequin Historical
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09D1F19B3/...
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CZ8F62S/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
The earl she loved to hate …until she stayed in his mansion! Sophie Gilbert has thwarted the standoffish new earl’s plans to sell his country estate and the quaint village that forms part of it. But when disaster strikes and he offers her refuge, she must reconsider everything about this vexing, determined man. After the heartbreak in her past, it’s a revelation to feel her pulse racing and her body yearning for his touch… From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past. A Very Village Scandal Where love can be found at every turn
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
🪧 The Earl's Inconvenient Houseguest 🪧
A Very Village Scandal Book 1
✒️ Virginia Heath
https://www.facebook.com/virginiaheat...
Release Date 02/17/2022 & 02/22/2022
Publisher Mills&Boon Historical / Harlequin Historical
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09D1F19B3/...
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CZ8F62S/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
The earl she loved to hate …until she stayed in his mansion! Sophie Gilbert has thwarted the standoffish new earl’s plans to sell his country estate and the quaint village that forms part of it. But when disaster strikes and he offers her refuge, she must reconsider everything about this vexing, determined man. After the heartbreak in her past, it’s a revelation to feel her pulse racing and her body yearning for his touch… From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past. A Very Village Scandal Where love can be found at every turn
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
🪧 The Earl's Inconvenient Houseguest 🪧
A Very Village Scandal Book 1
✒️ Virginia Heath
https://www.facebook.com/virginiaheat...
Release Date 02/17/2022 & 02/22/2022
Publisher Mills&Boon Historical / Harlequin Historical
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09D1F19B3/...
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CZ8F62S/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
The earl she loved to hate …until she stayed in his mansion! Sophie Gilbert has thwarted the standoffish new earl’s plans to sell his country estate and the quaint village that forms part of it. But when disaster strikes and he offers her refuge, she must reconsider everything about this vexing, determined man. After the heartbreak in her past, it’s a revelation to feel her pulse racing and her body yearning for his touch… From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past. A Very Village Scandal Where love can be found at every turn
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will her fears forever scare her from trusting someone with her broken heart …
It is always a pleasure to rediscover Mrs Heath’s prose, and this new series is full of great promises.
This enemies to lovers story is a breath of fresh air, sets outside the ton and its ballrooms and parties, with mostly commoners and a wide casts of protagonists in addition to the main characters.
Sophie has been sheltered by her aunt in her great of needs and since never left. But with their home place being threatened, it is her who finds herself unexpectedly head of the rebellion against their new landlord.
Rafe never knew he had an Earl as a cousin, so when the burden of his late relative’s estates fall on him, he wants to have nothing to do with it. So sell it, he will do. He has other priorities than managing a lot of unwelcoming tenants, so he thinks.
So they quickly butt heads.
Until circumstances put them under the same roof, and they revisit their opinion of the other as secrets and wounds from their past are shared.
How I loved Archie, Rage’s brother, he is the light of this story, the puppy’s scene is pure delight.
Rafe and Sophie are two very flawed characters, they let their past alter their view of others, Rafe misjudging the villagers for a bunch of unsavory persons because he had been rejected before, never acknowledging them as individuals and Sophie (how I was upset at her!!!) hiding behind her fears to live a half-life instead of a whole with risk of loosing even when she is assured again and again of the love of a good man.
I felt like with how the last chapter ended, it lacked an epilogue.
4.25 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the author and Rachel’s Random Ressources , here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CZhrUO0I...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
February 17, 2022
The Inconvenient Houseguest is a charming historical romance about an outspoken woman determined to keep her home and an unyielding war hero set on selling the land she lives on. An indelible battle cry if I ever heard one!
Land isn't the only thing Rafe inherited from his unknown distant cousin. Unfortunately, he has to contend with the 500 angry villagers his greedy cousin left behind who are led by Miss Sophie Gilbert an outspoken and outrageous young woman who is the bane of his existence. But then tragedy strikes and Rafe sees another side to the beautiful woman who challenges him. His growing attraction is futile, but he can't compete with a ghost from her past and his heart is just too jaded to risk anything between them. Little did he know Sophie's techniques of persuasion.
Sophie is a spinster past her prime who has lived with her Aunt Jemima ever since that horrible day ten years ago. She vowed never to return to the father that threw her out. Even after Sophie and Jemima's cottage burned to the ground and they were saved by the ill-tempered Earl Rafe Peel who is bound and determined to sell the land they live on. But her temporary stay under his roof has made her see the careful and kind man under the gruff mask. Her attraction to Rafe is growing and her passionate nature takes over as she is content to share her body, but protect her heart. However, not everything goes as planned.
The volatile nature of Rafe and Sophie's first meetings are funny and enlightening to how their relationship will be in the future. They are both very intelligent and stubborn people who have important responsibilities to their families, and they have had tragic pasts that hinder their ability to see what's right in front of their faces. As they are forced together after the fire, it's fun to watch these two headstrong people grow to respect and care for each other. Rafe's love and protection of his brother Archie are admirable. He has made Archie his priority and his actions, though incorrect as Sophie points out, are to keep his brother safe from prejudice and unkindness. Sophie also has a responsibility to her aunt who almost died in the fire, but the devastation of losing her home and belongings has added to the grief she never expressed from her loss so many years ago. It's Rafe who insists she let it all out which opens the door to the passionate woman she used to be by going against 19th-century propriety and seducing the very willing Rafe. I love how Rafe falls first, and Sophie comes around just in time.
I love the delightful Archie who is a boy in a man's body. He is so full of life and masterful manipulation when it comes to Sophie and Rafe. Sophie's natural kindness and love for Archie are evident when she does not hesitate to introduce him and his unbelieving and protective brother to the wonderfully accepting people in the village.
If you love historical romance with bold beautiful characters who like to go against the norm, please give this lovely book a try.
Thank you to Ms. Heath for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Land isn't the only thing Rafe inherited from his unknown distant cousin. Unfortunately, he has to contend with the 500 angry villagers his greedy cousin left behind who are led by Miss Sophie Gilbert an outspoken and outrageous young woman who is the bane of his existence. But then tragedy strikes and Rafe sees another side to the beautiful woman who challenges him. His growing attraction is futile, but he can't compete with a ghost from her past and his heart is just too jaded to risk anything between them. Little did he know Sophie's techniques of persuasion.
Sophie is a spinster past her prime who has lived with her Aunt Jemima ever since that horrible day ten years ago. She vowed never to return to the father that threw her out. Even after Sophie and Jemima's cottage burned to the ground and they were saved by the ill-tempered Earl Rafe Peel who is bound and determined to sell the land they live on. But her temporary stay under his roof has made her see the careful and kind man under the gruff mask. Her attraction to Rafe is growing and her passionate nature takes over as she is content to share her body, but protect her heart. However, not everything goes as planned.
The volatile nature of Rafe and Sophie's first meetings are funny and enlightening to how their relationship will be in the future. They are both very intelligent and stubborn people who have important responsibilities to their families, and they have had tragic pasts that hinder their ability to see what's right in front of their faces. As they are forced together after the fire, it's fun to watch these two headstrong people grow to respect and care for each other. Rafe's love and protection of his brother Archie are admirable. He has made Archie his priority and his actions, though incorrect as Sophie points out, are to keep his brother safe from prejudice and unkindness. Sophie also has a responsibility to her aunt who almost died in the fire, but the devastation of losing her home and belongings has added to the grief she never expressed from her loss so many years ago. It's Rafe who insists she let it all out which opens the door to the passionate woman she used to be by going against 19th-century propriety and seducing the very willing Rafe. I love how Rafe falls first, and Sophie comes around just in time.
I love the delightful Archie who is a boy in a man's body. He is so full of life and masterful manipulation when it comes to Sophie and Rafe. Sophie's natural kindness and love for Archie are evident when she does not hesitate to introduce him and his unbelieving and protective brother to the wonderfully accepting people in the village.
If you love historical romance with bold beautiful characters who like to go against the norm, please give this lovely book a try.
Thank you to Ms. Heath for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
March 2, 2022
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest begins the A Very Village Scandal series with a story that drew me in from the first page and held me in that world, loving every moment of sass, passion, and engagement until the final page. Sophie and Rafe (and Archie and all the villagers) came to life on the pages, full-blown realistic, believable, and earning my affection and my respect for their stands and their actions (mostly). Sure, there are always “those” characters just as there are “those” people in life, but what I found here was two people being handed a situation that neither expected nor really knew how to handle at first… but they learned, they grew, and they connected.
When Rafe inherited not only the title but the property owned by his distant, deceased uncle it was the absolute last thing he ever expected to happen to him. He’d been a soldier, he’d worked his fingers to the bone to provide for his family, and he’d fought against odds that would lay many people flat on the ground. He survived. Now that he has this unexpected and unwanted property, he cannot wait to sell this estate and move deeper into the country where he can raise horses, live quietly with his brother, and have the world just leave them alone. Life in Whittleston-on-the-Water didn’t go along as Rafe expected, and for a while, it seems like his own dreams will never come true. Ironically, his enemy has the ability to become so much more, the answer to all the questions, the woman he could love for a lifetime. But they have so much to get beyond before that is even a remote possibility.
Sophie came to live with her aunt during a devastating period of her life. Now that the new Earl is showing his true stripes by making noises about selling his estates, which includes the village of Whittleston-on-the-Water, Sophie will stop at nothing to stop him even if that means going toe-to-toe in devious ways like protesting his plans in ingenious (and totally spoiler ways). I adored Sophie from the first appearance.
Both Rafe and Sophie have much to overcome, much to learn from each other and from life itself. But they’ve faced the hard things before, now they have to work at letting someone else in, allowing someone to know their truths and accept them just as they are. I loved watching this couple find their way to each other through anger, suspicions, and eventually love. The author won my heart (and future purchases) through her portrayal of Archie. He is written from the heart and I appreciate that while he’s not perfect, he was perfectly presented to us in a way that celebrated him and gave us the gift of this charming man.
I loved The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest for many reasons, and if you love a good romance with believable characters and situations, then this is a story you’ll want to check out as soon as possible. As a reader, I’ve been away from Harlequin Historicals for a few years now, I’m so glad that my first steps back were with Rafe, Sophie, and Archie.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest begins the A Very Village Scandal series with a story that drew me in from the first page and held me in that world, loving every moment of sass, passion, and engagement until the final page. Sophie and Rafe (and Archie and all the villagers) came to life on the pages, full-blown realistic, believable, and earning my affection and my respect for their stands and their actions (mostly). Sure, there are always “those” characters just as there are “those” people in life, but what I found here was two people being handed a situation that neither expected nor really knew how to handle at first… but they learned, they grew, and they connected.
When Rafe inherited not only the title but the property owned by his distant, deceased uncle it was the absolute last thing he ever expected to happen to him. He’d been a soldier, he’d worked his fingers to the bone to provide for his family, and he’d fought against odds that would lay many people flat on the ground. He survived. Now that he has this unexpected and unwanted property, he cannot wait to sell this estate and move deeper into the country where he can raise horses, live quietly with his brother, and have the world just leave them alone. Life in Whittleston-on-the-Water didn’t go along as Rafe expected, and for a while, it seems like his own dreams will never come true. Ironically, his enemy has the ability to become so much more, the answer to all the questions, the woman he could love for a lifetime. But they have so much to get beyond before that is even a remote possibility.
Sophie came to live with her aunt during a devastating period of her life. Now that the new Earl is showing his true stripes by making noises about selling his estates, which includes the village of Whittleston-on-the-Water, Sophie will stop at nothing to stop him even if that means going toe-to-toe in devious ways like protesting his plans in ingenious (and totally spoiler ways). I adored Sophie from the first appearance.
Both Rafe and Sophie have much to overcome, much to learn from each other and from life itself. But they’ve faced the hard things before, now they have to work at letting someone else in, allowing someone to know their truths and accept them just as they are. I loved watching this couple find their way to each other through anger, suspicions, and eventually love. The author won my heart (and future purchases) through her portrayal of Archie. He is written from the heart and I appreciate that while he’s not perfect, he was perfectly presented to us in a way that celebrated him and gave us the gift of this charming man.
I loved The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest for many reasons, and if you love a good romance with believable characters and situations, then this is a story you’ll want to check out as soon as possible. As a reader, I’ve been away from Harlequin Historicals for a few years now, I’m so glad that my first steps back were with Rafe, Sophie, and Archie.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
April 24, 2022
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Virginia Heath is back with a warm-hearted and deliciously witty Regency romance that is simply irresistible: The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest.
Sophie Gilbert is not about to let the new earl sell his country estate and the charming village that forms part of it. Not averse to rolling up her sleeves and working as hard as she can to achieve her objectives, Sophie is thrilled when she manages to thwart the Earl of Hockley’s plans! Rafe happens to be the most infuriating man Sophie has ever clapped eyes on and she plans to be a thorn in his side and not allow him to do anything to the village she loves living in. Sophie plans to give Rafe a very wide berth and to keep her distance – until disaster strikes and she finds herself with nowhere to go and nobody to turn to. Luckily for her, Rafe steps in and offers her refuge, but will living in his house prove to be a blessing in disguise or a recipe for disaster?
Having learned early on to keep her heart firmly under lock and key, romance is the very last thing on Sophie’s mind. The past had taught Sophie a very harsh lesson that had convinced her that men are not to be trusted, but the more time she spends with Rafe, the more she realizes that there is more to this aloof aristocrat than meets the eye. Thrust in close proximity to him, Sophie begins to find herself drawn to Rafe. But is she willing to let go of the past and trust Rafe with her heart? Or will she continue to be held hostage by old heartbreaks and devastating memories?
Sophie and Rafe have been given an unexpected chance at happiness, but have they got the strength and courage to let go of the past and fight for a love that could last a lifetime? Or will they end losing the best thing that’s happened to both of them in a very long time?
Virginia Heath has done it again and with The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest has written a charming, emotional and poignant historical romance I couldn’t stop reading. Virginia Heath effortlessly blends hilarious repartee and laugh out loud comedy with searing intensity and heart-wrenching pathos and in The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest has created two wonderful characters readers will fall in love with.
A gorgeous Regency tale from a writer who always delivers, The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest is the latest enjoyable historical romance by the fabulous Virginia Heath.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Virginia Heath is back with a warm-hearted and deliciously witty Regency romance that is simply irresistible: The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest.
Sophie Gilbert is not about to let the new earl sell his country estate and the charming village that forms part of it. Not averse to rolling up her sleeves and working as hard as she can to achieve her objectives, Sophie is thrilled when she manages to thwart the Earl of Hockley’s plans! Rafe happens to be the most infuriating man Sophie has ever clapped eyes on and she plans to be a thorn in his side and not allow him to do anything to the village she loves living in. Sophie plans to give Rafe a very wide berth and to keep her distance – until disaster strikes and she finds herself with nowhere to go and nobody to turn to. Luckily for her, Rafe steps in and offers her refuge, but will living in his house prove to be a blessing in disguise or a recipe for disaster?
Having learned early on to keep her heart firmly under lock and key, romance is the very last thing on Sophie’s mind. The past had taught Sophie a very harsh lesson that had convinced her that men are not to be trusted, but the more time she spends with Rafe, the more she realizes that there is more to this aloof aristocrat than meets the eye. Thrust in close proximity to him, Sophie begins to find herself drawn to Rafe. But is she willing to let go of the past and trust Rafe with her heart? Or will she continue to be held hostage by old heartbreaks and devastating memories?
Sophie and Rafe have been given an unexpected chance at happiness, but have they got the strength and courage to let go of the past and fight for a love that could last a lifetime? Or will they end losing the best thing that’s happened to both of them in a very long time?
Virginia Heath has done it again and with The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest has written a charming, emotional and poignant historical romance I couldn’t stop reading. Virginia Heath effortlessly blends hilarious repartee and laugh out loud comedy with searing intensity and heart-wrenching pathos and in The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest has created two wonderful characters readers will fall in love with.
A gorgeous Regency tale from a writer who always delivers, The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest is the latest enjoyable historical romance by the fabulous Virginia Heath.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 1, 2022
I REALLY wanted to like this one more than I did, but there were just a lot of things that killed it for me.
To begin with, I never bought into the romance between Sophie and Rafe. In fact, I much preferred it when they were at odds with each other as I felt that it made for a much more interesting dynamic. At least then it made sense for him to think of her as a witch, and for them to butt heads as often as they did.
But then her aunt and Rafe are injured in a fire, and no one blinks an eye when he moves both her and her aunt into his house with him and his brother. I understand that the aunt was injured, but surely it would have been closer to move her into the home of one of the other villagers? It was a highly improper living arrangement, and as gossip minded as some of the villagers were, should have been turned into a scandal unto itself. However, it seemed to be glossed over to the sake of putting our two main characters into close proximity to one another. And for what? Even after they sleep together she still steadfastly refuses to be in a relationship with him beyond the physical. He still thinks of her as a witch. They still butt heads (although his brother Archie quickly moves into the spotlight as favorite character during this time).
It isn't until later on that it is suggested to Sophie by those same older, gossip mongering old crones that she seduce Rafe in order to get what they, as a village, want. Which sadly would have made more sense if that is how the author had chosen to go about it. I mean instead of her being the "wanton" she claims to be because once upon a time she was in love, what if she had seduced him for the sake of the village and then fell in love? To me that would have been a more interesting (and believable) story-line.
Despite the issues that I had personally with this one, I am sure it will still appeal to those who enjoy historical romances set in small villages.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
To begin with, I never bought into the romance between Sophie and Rafe. In fact, I much preferred it when they were at odds with each other as I felt that it made for a much more interesting dynamic. At least then it made sense for him to think of her as a witch, and for them to butt heads as often as they did.
But then her aunt and Rafe are injured in a fire, and no one blinks an eye when he moves both her and her aunt into his house with him and his brother. I understand that the aunt was injured, but surely it would have been closer to move her into the home of one of the other villagers? It was a highly improper living arrangement, and as gossip minded as some of the villagers were, should have been turned into a scandal unto itself. However, it seemed to be glossed over to the sake of putting our two main characters into close proximity to one another. And for what? Even after they sleep together she still steadfastly refuses to be in a relationship with him beyond the physical. He still thinks of her as a witch. They still butt heads (although his brother Archie quickly moves into the spotlight as favorite character during this time).
It isn't until later on that it is suggested to Sophie by those same older, gossip mongering old crones that she seduce Rafe in order to get what they, as a village, want. Which sadly would have made more sense if that is how the author had chosen to go about it. I mean instead of her being the "wanton" she claims to be because once upon a time she was in love, what if she had seduced him for the sake of the village and then fell in love? To me that would have been a more interesting (and believable) story-line.
Despite the issues that I had personally with this one, I am sure it will still appeal to those who enjoy historical romances set in small villages.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
February 13, 2022
The Earl’s Inconvenient House Guest (Harlequin Historical, February 2022) is Book One in Virginia Heath’s new series, A Very Village Scandal.
Virginia Heath is one of my favorite historical romance authors; she’s on my “must read” author’s list, and that made this review very difficult for me to write. I’m sad to say The Earl’s Inconvenient House Guest was a disappointment for me. I never connected with Rafe or Sophie – they were both a little too hard-hearted and too militant for my taste. The first half of the story felt disconnected from the second half (as if they were two different stories or it had started in the wrong place altogether). The HEA happened so quickly after Rafe and Sofie had sex for the first time, I was convinced I had missed a bunch of pages. I hadn’t. Too much introspection and narrative had me skipping sentences, paragraphs, and even pages. Overall, the story felt disjointed, formulaic, and just “mailed-in” (oh, it hurts just to type that).
There were positive elements – like Archie! He was my favorite character – he had personality, he was authentic and well-drawn. I think he deserves his own book and his own Happily Ever After. I enjoyed the change of scenery from London and the ton to an English village and its cast of charming supporting characters.
I can and do recommend The Earl’s Inconvenient House Guest because I’m a Virginia Heath fangirl. I can’t wait to read the next installment in her new Harlequin Historical series, A Very Village Scandal.
Please note: I received The Earl’s Inconvenient House Guest in eBook format from the author (via BookFunnel) in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I shared here are mine and mine alone and were in no way influenced by its provider or its format.
Virginia Heath is one of my favorite historical romance authors; she’s on my “must read” author’s list, and that made this review very difficult for me to write. I’m sad to say The Earl’s Inconvenient House Guest was a disappointment for me. I never connected with Rafe or Sophie – they were both a little too hard-hearted and too militant for my taste. The first half of the story felt disconnected from the second half (as if they were two different stories or it had started in the wrong place altogether). The HEA happened so quickly after Rafe and Sofie had sex for the first time, I was convinced I had missed a bunch of pages. I hadn’t. Too much introspection and narrative had me skipping sentences, paragraphs, and even pages. Overall, the story felt disjointed, formulaic, and just “mailed-in” (oh, it hurts just to type that).
There were positive elements – like Archie! He was my favorite character – he had personality, he was authentic and well-drawn. I think he deserves his own book and his own Happily Ever After. I enjoyed the change of scenery from London and the ton to an English village and its cast of charming supporting characters.
I can and do recommend The Earl’s Inconvenient House Guest because I’m a Virginia Heath fangirl. I can’t wait to read the next installment in her new Harlequin Historical series, A Very Village Scandal.
Please note: I received The Earl’s Inconvenient House Guest in eBook format from the author (via BookFunnel) in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I shared here are mine and mine alone and were in no way influenced by its provider or its format.
February 21, 2022
Goodness, I loved this book so much I read it straight through without moving! It's a heart-filling, smile-cracking delight!
The main characters Rafe and Sophie are wonderful, complex characters both with heart-felt reasons for their actions and feelings, resistance and decisions, but can't help but be attracted to each other. I was totally absorbed in their feelings and actions, and loved the way they went from adversarial to playful (especially General Gilbert, the Rebel Alliance and Captain Peel), and whew, those steamy bedroom scenes were incredible!
Virginia's writing means the people, places and events unrolled as clearly as watching a film, and I could picture the village in the hills and river so well that I would love to live there. From the start you are wrapped in the warmth of Whittleston-on-the-Water, and constantly entranced by the people you meet. It's exquisitely rendered, reminding me of Cranford, and the first scene felt like a master class in back story and scene setting.
I loved the supporting characters such as the militant straight talking Mrs Fitzwilliam, Mrs Outhwaite the pushy village gossip, flirty yet steadfast Isabel, frail Aunt Jemima, and of course adorable, irrepressible Archie. I can't wait to meet the WotW residents again.
There are so many great phrases, so many funny, amusing lines. I want to quote them all but don't want to spoil the fun for others, and the sheer joy of reading them as they occur.
This book has everything - drama, conflict, people power, stubborness, community, friendship, loyalty, devotion, upended expectations, and of course love. If you like really good, rich yet light-touch immersive story telling, this is the book for you, and i cant recommend it enough.
The main characters Rafe and Sophie are wonderful, complex characters both with heart-felt reasons for their actions and feelings, resistance and decisions, but can't help but be attracted to each other. I was totally absorbed in their feelings and actions, and loved the way they went from adversarial to playful (especially General Gilbert, the Rebel Alliance and Captain Peel), and whew, those steamy bedroom scenes were incredible!
Virginia's writing means the people, places and events unrolled as clearly as watching a film, and I could picture the village in the hills and river so well that I would love to live there. From the start you are wrapped in the warmth of Whittleston-on-the-Water, and constantly entranced by the people you meet. It's exquisitely rendered, reminding me of Cranford, and the first scene felt like a master class in back story and scene setting.
I loved the supporting characters such as the militant straight talking Mrs Fitzwilliam, Mrs Outhwaite the pushy village gossip, flirty yet steadfast Isabel, frail Aunt Jemima, and of course adorable, irrepressible Archie. I can't wait to meet the WotW residents again.
There are so many great phrases, so many funny, amusing lines. I want to quote them all but don't want to spoil the fun for others, and the sheer joy of reading them as they occur.
This book has everything - drama, conflict, people power, stubborness, community, friendship, loyalty, devotion, upended expectations, and of course love. If you like really good, rich yet light-touch immersive story telling, this is the book for you, and i cant recommend it enough.
February 17, 2022
A classic and enjoyable enemies to lovers.
Rafe Peel, Lord Hockley, is your classic Regency hero - a former soldier returned to England, ready to settle down. I liked that he was neither rake nor spy. Instead, he was a good man seeking a quiet life, utterly unprepared for an inheritance and in a realistic twist, utterly uninterested in being Lord of the manor. His main flaw is in his stubborn overprotection of his brother, in which I am unable to find fault.
Sophie Gilbert is equally as admirable - devoted to her aunt with a backbone of steel, and ready to believe the best of their new landlord until she learns he plans to sell their home out from under them. It is a delight to see her and Rafe circle each other as they slowly let down their guard. I liked her forwardness and that while she is determined to be strong, she is not above being vulnerable as well.
However, it is Archie who steals the show. He is a delightful character who brightens every scene he is in and who pushes the plot along simply by being himself. If the romance is the heart of this book, Archie is the soul, and the sprinkles on top are the varied cast of villagers (forgive the mixed metaphors), particularly Sophie's darling Aunt Jemima. Low on plot but high on character growth, the tight setting never feels claustrophobic or rushed.
Best enjoyed at home, wherever that may be, and with a modicum of housing security - pick up the Earl's Inconvenient Houseguest, where a reluctant Earl finds the only thing more inconvenient than an unexpected houseguest is falling in love with her.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own.
Rafe Peel, Lord Hockley, is your classic Regency hero - a former soldier returned to England, ready to settle down. I liked that he was neither rake nor spy. Instead, he was a good man seeking a quiet life, utterly unprepared for an inheritance and in a realistic twist, utterly uninterested in being Lord of the manor. His main flaw is in his stubborn overprotection of his brother, in which I am unable to find fault.
Sophie Gilbert is equally as admirable - devoted to her aunt with a backbone of steel, and ready to believe the best of their new landlord until she learns he plans to sell their home out from under them. It is a delight to see her and Rafe circle each other as they slowly let down their guard. I liked her forwardness and that while she is determined to be strong, she is not above being vulnerable as well.
However, it is Archie who steals the show. He is a delightful character who brightens every scene he is in and who pushes the plot along simply by being himself. If the romance is the heart of this book, Archie is the soul, and the sprinkles on top are the varied cast of villagers (forgive the mixed metaphors), particularly Sophie's darling Aunt Jemima. Low on plot but high on character growth, the tight setting never feels claustrophobic or rushed.
Best enjoyed at home, wherever that may be, and with a modicum of housing security - pick up the Earl's Inconvenient Houseguest, where a reluctant Earl finds the only thing more inconvenient than an unexpected houseguest is falling in love with her.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own.
February 22, 2022
The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest is the first in the a new series by one of my favorite author's Virginia Heath. Virginia has a way of making characters and locations come to life and leave me feeling like I've just watched a movie. I always look forward to a new book from Virginia as I know that both the heroine and hero are going to ultimately be kind people.
In The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest the hero Rafe has inherited Hockley Hall a rundown estate he doesn't want, and a with it a village and a large variety of tenants that have a multitudes of issues. The previous owner of the estate had been a terrible landlord and things are in a serious state of disrepair. Rafe has a brother, Archie, who means the world to him and he doesn't have time to care for the village and their concerns. He immediately comes into conflict with the residents of the village because his intentions do not align with their needs. The villagers decide to protest the direction Rafe had planned on going in and elect one of their own, Sophie, as their champion. Sophie is living in a run down cottage near Rafe's estate with her Aunt Jemima. Sophie has ideas on how she can stop the Rafe's plans and our hero and heroine proceed to bump heads. Sophie and Rafe both have troubled pasts that leave them unwilling to easily trust people's intentions and their road to happily ever after is strewn with trouble. The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest is an entertaining read and I look forward to more in the A Very Village Scandal series.
My favorite character is Rafe's brother Archie but I don't want to spoil the joy of discovering him by revealing too much.
In The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest the hero Rafe has inherited Hockley Hall a rundown estate he doesn't want, and a with it a village and a large variety of tenants that have a multitudes of issues. The previous owner of the estate had been a terrible landlord and things are in a serious state of disrepair. Rafe has a brother, Archie, who means the world to him and he doesn't have time to care for the village and their concerns. He immediately comes into conflict with the residents of the village because his intentions do not align with their needs. The villagers decide to protest the direction Rafe had planned on going in and elect one of their own, Sophie, as their champion. Sophie is living in a run down cottage near Rafe's estate with her Aunt Jemima. Sophie has ideas on how she can stop the Rafe's plans and our hero and heroine proceed to bump heads. Sophie and Rafe both have troubled pasts that leave them unwilling to easily trust people's intentions and their road to happily ever after is strewn with trouble. The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest is an entertaining read and I look forward to more in the A Very Village Scandal series.
My favorite character is Rafe's brother Archie but I don't want to spoil the joy of discovering him by revealing too much.
February 11, 2022
A new Virginia Heath story is always a joy and I was thrilled to receive an advance copy of The Earl's Inconvenient Houseguest in return for an honest review.
Set in the fictional Regency village of Whittleston in the Water, it concerns the new local landowner and his relationship (or lack thereof) with the local populace and one comely lady in particular. It cracks along at a rollicking pace, full of humour and verve and paints a picture of the village and its inhabitants with the broadest of brush strokes. For all that the characters are larger than life, they bear a certain authenticity. We all know a spiteful busybody or a spry old lady with a twinkle in her eye.
I enjoyed getting to know Sophie and Rafe and watching them sparring as their protective layers are slowly stripped away. However, the star of the book is Archie, Rafe's younger brother. With his joyful zest for life and innocence, he does much to bring our hero and heroine to their happy ending.
While the tone is largely frothy and humorous, there are some shrewd observations about how we deal or fail to deal with our grief and fears and how we should not take people at face value but look beneath the masks we all wear to cope with life.
Ms Heath's books are such fun: the author's joie de vivre shines through, her characters are so relatable and her blissful happy endings make me feel the world is a better place for having her stories to read.
Set in the fictional Regency village of Whittleston in the Water, it concerns the new local landowner and his relationship (or lack thereof) with the local populace and one comely lady in particular. It cracks along at a rollicking pace, full of humour and verve and paints a picture of the village and its inhabitants with the broadest of brush strokes. For all that the characters are larger than life, they bear a certain authenticity. We all know a spiteful busybody or a spry old lady with a twinkle in her eye.
I enjoyed getting to know Sophie and Rafe and watching them sparring as their protective layers are slowly stripped away. However, the star of the book is Archie, Rafe's younger brother. With his joyful zest for life and innocence, he does much to bring our hero and heroine to their happy ending.
While the tone is largely frothy and humorous, there are some shrewd observations about how we deal or fail to deal with our grief and fears and how we should not take people at face value but look beneath the masks we all wear to cope with life.
Ms Heath's books are such fun: the author's joie de vivre shines through, her characters are so relatable and her blissful happy endings make me feel the world is a better place for having her stories to read.
February 8, 2022
Miss Heath has brought a story far from the life of London ton and I love it! Rafe, a new Earl of Hockley, is resolutely determined to sell the inherited country estate so that he can live further from the society with his brother. However, the strong outspoken Sophie cannot let that happen as there will be so many villagers evicted from the Whittleston-on-the-Water village including her and her dear aunt.
This book was refreshingly different from what I had expected. I was taken into how the villagers jointly march for the justice of their residences, how cleverly Sophie prevents the buyers from visiting the estate and how defiant she is towards Rafe with its sarcasm and witty banter yet beneath its controversial march, there are so many painful secrets that made me want to turn the pages over and over. When Sophie is in dire of predicament, Rafe kindly offers his residence for Sophie and her aunt to stay and eventually the undeniable secrets, Rafe’s brother’s condition and their sexual attraction emerge.
Not only does The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest have truly compelling characters among the villagers but also a challenge prejudice about disabled person and love. If you want a refreshing and entertaining read, this is for you as I also love it!
This book was refreshingly different from what I had expected. I was taken into how the villagers jointly march for the justice of their residences, how cleverly Sophie prevents the buyers from visiting the estate and how defiant she is towards Rafe with its sarcasm and witty banter yet beneath its controversial march, there are so many painful secrets that made me want to turn the pages over and over. When Sophie is in dire of predicament, Rafe kindly offers his residence for Sophie and her aunt to stay and eventually the undeniable secrets, Rafe’s brother’s condition and their sexual attraction emerge.
Not only does The Earl’s Inconvenient Houseguest have truly compelling characters among the villagers but also a challenge prejudice about disabled person and love. If you want a refreshing and entertaining read, this is for you as I also love it!
February 16, 2022
The lovely country village of Whittleston-on-the-Water is on a war footing: the new earl, Lord Hockley, the owner of all the land in and outside the village, wants to sell his estate and the new owner will probably evict all its inhabitants. Miss Sophie Gilbert is determined to lead a rebellion against the vicious, albeit handsome lord, but fate has other plans for both of them…
I’m ashamed to admit that this was my first book of Virginia Heat, because now I know what I missed! I missed her magnificent, emotional writing, I missed her well-defined characters, I missed the way she creates a believable plot with little twists and turns during the narration. I loved the atmosphere of the village she was able to create and through her words I was able to picture the quaint little place, with its shops, cottages and cobbled streets and the gossipy, but generous and adorable people who live there. I loved the witty banter between the characters and the hilarious scenes now and then and I loved young Archie and his brother’s love for him. So, what can I say? The author certainly exceeded all my expectations and this won’t certainly be my last book of her!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’m ashamed to admit that this was my first book of Virginia Heat, because now I know what I missed! I missed her magnificent, emotional writing, I missed her well-defined characters, I missed the way she creates a believable plot with little twists and turns during the narration. I loved the atmosphere of the village she was able to create and through her words I was able to picture the quaint little place, with its shops, cottages and cobbled streets and the gossipy, but generous and adorable people who live there. I loved the witty banter between the characters and the hilarious scenes now and then and I loved young Archie and his brother’s love for him. So, what can I say? The author certainly exceeded all my expectations and this won’t certainly be my last book of her!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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