He never noticed she loved him—until she stopped letting him take her for granted.
Lady Camilla Rowlandson has enjoyed an intimate friendship with Lord Pembroke ever since his cousin married her sister two years ago. But after overhearing that the earl intends to pursue another lady, Camilla resolves to set aside her feelings and find a husband who offers peace rather than heartache. If that means meeting Pembroke's effortless charm with cool indifference, so be it.
Accustomed to winning every heart, Lord Pembroke is baffled when the one woman who always understood him suddenly grows distant. Camilla’s sharp wit, quiet reserve, and refusal to flatter him captures his notice, and his determination to win back her friendship quickly becomes a temptation he cannot ignore.
Amid the glittering London season, every dance, conversation, and stolen glance becomes another move in a game of pride and longing. Under Society’s watchful eye, Camilla must decide whether protecting her heart is worth losing the man she loves, while Pembroke must discover that love cannot be won by charm alone.
Jennie Goutet is the best-selling author of eighteen historical romances, including the Clavering Chronicles, Memorable Proposals, and The Bridwells’ Grand Tour series. Her books have received first place in historical romance for the New England Reader’s Choice Awards and have hit the number one spot in Regency Romance on Amazon. They have been featured on BookBub and Hoopla, and are translated into six languages. Jennie is an American-born Anglophile who lives with her French husband and their three children in a small town outside of Paris, but her imagination resides in Georgian England, where her proper historical romances are set. You can learn more about Jennie’s books and sign up for her newsletter on her author website, jenniegoutet.com.
Camilla has been in love with Pembroke for years and has had a great friendship with him. However, when she overhears that he is going propose to another woman, she is devastated and decides not to give him another thought and no longer seeks his attention. Pembroke doesn’t know why his amusing friend is no longer wanting anything to do with him and suddenly that is very bothersome. He is determined to get his friend back but realizes she may be more than that. I really liked this story! It was so cute. I loved watching Pembroke realize his feelings and pursue Camilla. I liked that Camilla didn’t wilt but stood strong. And I liked watching them come together in the end. Overall a great read and I definitely recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“That you used to find me a great many things gives me cause to hope. It means you thought of me.”
This slow-burn romance is filled with family, ballrooms, witty banter, and a good dose of yearning. These amazing characters take you on a roller coaster of feelings with their friends to not to love. I was hooked from the first page to the last!
Camilla is witty, determined, and kind. Her self-criticism was heartbreaking but I loved that she wasn’t going to settle for less than love. I loved that she spoke her mind and teased Pembroke. Her struggle with her feelings for him and whether or not her heart could trust him was intense. Rowe Pembroke is charming, attentive, and steadfast. I loved his desire to make Camilla smile and draw her out. I loved that he accepted her just as she was and never intentionally made her feel less than. I loved Rowe and Camilla’s friendship and easy camaraderie. Their banter and teasing even when their relationship was strained was amazing. Oh! When he realized she meant something to him outside of her family relation he was relentless in his pursuit! I loved his determination to prove his love and devotion.
A few more quotes: 🎩 He could not say what it was that made him want to be near her, only that he missed what they had had before. 🎩
“Before I let you go, Lady Camilla, I must say that I think men and women can be friends. And I hope you will still be mine, whatever faults you may perceive in me.”
“I asked you to marry me because I am madly, deeply”—he spoke the words with serious deliberation— “and irrevocably in love with you.”
This complimentary copy was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
"With sudden clarity, he saw that she was going to be his downfall. The end to his bachelor days."
"If he wished to regain her interest, he would have to work for it. She would not be such a fool as to give her heart away again so quickly."
"You should be curious about the state of my heart, Lady Camilla, for it concerns you very nearly."
I have been loving this series of unconventional sisters by Jennie Goutet! This one features middle sister Camilla, a fuller-figured young woman determined to have a voice rather than fall prey to insecurities. She's had a friendship of witty repartee with her brother-in-law's cousin Lord Pembroke, but while her heart has become involved, he sees her as a sister. So Camilla determines to put him from her heart and mind and find a match that sees her.
I loved Camilla's self-respect despite her insecurities. She was never, ever going to settle for less. It was delightful watching Pembroke's confusion and slow realization of his own feelings - once Camilla's walls went up he was determined to bring them down, but at first couldn't understand why it bothered him. His bumbling attempts to woo her and finally communicate his heart were both sweet an amusing. He absolutely loved and valued her for who she was, he just didn't understand the significance of those feelings until he nearly lost her.
But I loved how her family were determined to help him! I loved their growth as a family as well, coming out of the shadow of their deceased, domineering father to come into their own as individuals and together. A delightful and heartwarming historical romance.
What a delight – I devoured this book in one sitting!
This, the third tale in Jennie Goutet’s The Earl’s Sisters series, lives up to its title: witty dialogue between two very likeable characters; a story with many wily twists and turns; and an on-off friendship that makes you wonder if this couple will ever reach the point of courting one another.
Lord Pembroke, determined never to marry, nonetheless enjoys the company of his cousin’s witty sister-in-law, so it’s a shock when she suddenly withdraws her friendship.
Lady Camilla Rowlandson has long esteemed the handsome Lord Pembroke and for a while dared to dream that he might be in love with her too. But she overhears something that disabuses her of this idea and determines never again to make a fool of herself over him. After all, there are plenty of other fish in the sea…
I loved this sweet Regency romance. It’s a fun, light-hearted page-turner that lifted my spirits and left me smiling. It can be enjoyed as a standalone but it's well worth reading the whole charming series. I received an advance copy of this book and the opinions expressed are my own.
I really enjoyed this book, best yet of the series. I found it to be a real page turner that drew me into the story and romance and I didn't want to stop reading.
As they say you don't know what you have until it's gone ... and that was how Pembroke felt when suddenly Lady Camilla wasn't quite as friendly as she had been previously. Lady Camilla is a tenderhearted young lady with a dry wit but she is also realistic as despite her affection for him, Pembroke doesn't return it so she needs to look elsewhere for a husband. Pembroke doesn't know what to think but is determined to make her smile again, properly. He is so blind that he doesn't realise it might cost him his heart.
I loved the witty nature of this book and the way both characters changed and grew through it. I especially loved the way Pembroke was so blind and confused by Camilla. This book is totally sweet and I have really enjoyed getting to know the Rowlandson family. I look forward to book 4 in the series and hopefully to eventually seeing Evo (the Earl) grow up into a responsible young man.
Love Jennie’s books! They are always such a pleasure to read and always seem to pass the most important test which is: would I want to read it again. For this one, defintely yes! Camilla is an interesting and realistic person, not the typical swooning debutante and atypically for this genre, she is concerned about her weight. She is fortunate to be in a family that is giving her freedom to accept or reject the suitor of her choice. Typically, an author only provides the heroine’s viewpoint, but this book lets us in on the hero’s viewpoint too, which is nice. Rowe is overall a nice guy and, with the family’s father gone, provides helpful guidance to Camilla’s younger brother. But, like many of us, he has tunnel vision and is so concerned about being trapped in a boring or sad marriage like so many he has seen, that he almost overlooks the right woman. Overall this is a deliciously romantic book.
I received an advance copy from the author, but all opinions are my own.
Delightful storytelling! Set in England in 1806 and 1807, this book continues tales of the Rowlandson family. Lady Camilla has loved Lord Pembroke for many years. Although he enjoys Camilla’s companionship, he doesn’t see her as a potential wife — mostly because he’s desperately trying to avoid marriage altogether. Their relationship ebbs and flows with many ups and downs, until they finally understand their own hearts. The vivid descriptions of English countrysides, London ballrooms, card parties, and dinners make this story come alive. The characters are captivating and vibrant, and the dialogue flows with creativity and wit. An enjoyable reading experience that I recommend to readers who enjoy chaste (great kisses only) historical fiction.
I received a copy of this story. These thoughts are my own. 4.5 stars
This is a continuation of a series of a family of mostly girls finding their way in the world. Camilla has loved Pembroke for as long as she has known him. But she is just his cousin's wife little sister, and he may banter with her, but that is all. She decides to put him from her mind and find an acceptable replacement.
Pembroke is feeling pressure to marry, but no one can claim his heart. As Camilla keeps her smiles and banter from her, he works hard to find a way to win her friendship and maybe more back.
Thus is a sweet regency romance. The characters are fun, are realizing their failings, and struggling to see their own self worth. I appreciate the author allowing me to ready an early delicious of this book.
I love it when an author creates a world and family and then invites us into that world. I was glad to revisit the Earl’s sister series. I enjoyed how the heroine moves past her first infatuation into love. She then realizes it is not returned and moves past it … or tries. The hero is a little bit slow on the whole thing and this is what causes the whole dilemma and storyline! I loved the growth that both characters have as well as the inner kindness they show to others. I found it delightful and heartwarming and fully enjoyed the story. I look forward to seeing more of the Earl of Poole’s family have their own stories…as well as the Earl himself. I enjoyed this book so much I have it on preorder when it comes out! I received an ARC copy of the book and all opinions are my own.
If you haven’t met the Earl and his sisters you need to need to be introduced. This family is captivating and well worth having tea with.
With two older sisters married, it is now Lady Camilla Rowlandson’s season. Camilla is sharp, curvy, and confused. She has loved Lord Pembroke for a long time but will he come to realize that she is more than just his cousin’s sister-in-law?
When Camilla has multiple men who are interested in her, will she give up her childhood crush and will Lord Pembroke realize who has always been right in front of his eyes before it is too late.
Filled with verbal fencing and tender moments, this book is one that is hard to put down.
This author never fails to leave me sighing in pleasure at the end of her books. Although it took Rowe too long to discover his true feelings for Camilla, once he realized them, he tried to make her feel loved and wanted in ways that made me smile and think of my husband. That is high praise in my book! As far as Camilla, it was fun to see her grow into her confident, witty self throughout the series, culminating in Rowe helping her to see her self-worth and find the happiness they both deserved. Thanks to the author, I received an ARC copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
This was a really fun read and a great addition to the series! I loved Camilla and her determination to move past her infatuation (even if it inexplicably didn't work), and I appreciated that Rowe realized immediately that his friendship was different and that bothered him (I wonder why?). I loved the dual POV and their love story - even though there were many misunderstandings - and thoroughly enjoyed reading this!
I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
Add this book to your reading list immediately! Jennie Goutet has delivered another compelling tale with wit, zing, and tenderness entwined into each page. I couldn't put it down. This story of resolve and self-discovery and a love that takes courage will bring anticipation, intensity, and rejoicing to your life in all the best ways. To revisit the Rowlandson family with this new love story will rivet you to no end. Go, get your copy right now!
What a delightful, fun book! Just look at that beautiful cover but whats inside is just as beautiful. Lady Camilla has held a tendre for Lord Pembroke but he is totally unaware until he is finally aware but is it too late for these two lovebirds?! The journey is witty and swoony!! Highly recommend this captivating clean regency romance!
Thanks so much to the author for the arc read!! I am leaving a review voluntarily.
Camille is very comfortable around Pembroke her brother in law’s cousin and starts developing feelings for him. Then she overhears a conversation with him and his cousin which allows her to realize she must move on. When she attends her season months later and sees him and tries hard to keep distance. But he is determined to figure out what’s wrong and in time all misunderstandings are resolved to a hea
This charming and amusing book certainly lives up to its title. There is an abundance of wit, wiles, and courtship, and I found myself constantly torn between amusement and exasperation as the story unfolded. The ending was completely satisfying. This is my honest review after reading an ARC from the author.
I enjoyed this book tremendously. I really liked the heroine Camilla, her true-to-life struggles and her wit. I laughed out loud several times. Pembroke is a gentleman with a heart for the underdog. I have liked him since his appearance in the first book in this series. This book can be read as a stand-alone novel, but is fully enjoyed when you read the whole series.
I really enjoyed the story between Camilla and Pembroke. I liked how Camilla knew when to move one and for him to realize what he was missing. The plot, the previous characters interactions and seeing how their growth is quite entertraining.
I recommend the author and the series. I received and ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
This is a lovely book of two people finding out about their own feelings and relationship. Free flowing with witty conversations and heart melting moments. I love all of this authors work and this one didn’t disappoint. Well worth the read, enjoy 😁
There is a reason Jennie Goutet is ranked number one by readers of Regency romance: she's good! This book had me enthralled from start to finish with sparkling dialogue and a delightful pair of lead characters.
This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.
I enjoyed this story. The plot was realistic and the dialogue was witty. Camilla and Pembroke were sweet. I loved watching their relationship change and grow.