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The Rented Heart: Regency adventure romance (Inconvenient Ventures #4)
A dead painter's code. A bad leg. And a woman with the audacity to mistake him for the valet.In this steamy Regency romance, a midnight intruder and a sharp-tongued skeptic find themselves bound by a bargain neither expected ... and a desire neither can deny. But can two people built on secrets trust each other enough to find what they're truly searching for?
He has more to hide than she knows ...
Nicholas Scott, younger brother of a baron, has spent weeks confined to Grimsfell Hall, a crumbling Cornish manor lashed by Atlantic wind, nursing an injured leg and a sharper pride. When he wakes in the dead of night to find a fair-haired woman in spectacles calmly rifling through his bedchamber, he is not frightened. He is, for the first time in a very long while, intrigued. The quest she proposes is not without its dangers. The coin she offers is not something he needs. But the peculiar young woman herself? That, he suspects, is another matter entirely.
She can keep this strictly professional ...
Millie Metcalfe has a mission and no time for distractions ... least of all one with broad shoulders and an irritating habit of being right. That Mr. Scott requires her assistance with his physical treatments is a complication she will manage with perfect composure. It most certainly does not make her imagine her hands moving over his bare, warm skin. Not once. The arrangement is merely a little intimate. Merely inconvenient. Merely the most unsettling thing that has ever happened to her.
As the quest draws them deeper into danger and closer together, Nicholas must choose between the lie he's built and the truth she deserves, and Millie must decide whether letting someone in is worth the risk of being hurt.
The Rented Heart is the delightful fourth book in the Inconvenient Ventures Regency adventure romance series, set within Nina Jarrett’s bestselling Inconvenient Brides world. Each sub-series can be enjoyed on its own, with a new romance in every volume. If you enjoy clever clues, secret societies, daring heroines, and heart-stopping kisses, then you’ll adore Nina Jarrett’s charming novel. Can be read as a standalone book or as part of the series. Buy The Rented Heart for a tale of adventure and passion today! What to
✔️ Kissing
✔️ Open Door
✔️ Midnight intruder
✔️ Scarred / injured hero
✔️ Treasure hunt & cipher mystery
✔️ Enemies-to-allies dynamic
✔️ Nurse / healer intimacy
He has more to hide than she knows ...
Nicholas Scott, younger brother of a baron, has spent weeks confined to Grimsfell Hall, a crumbling Cornish manor lashed by Atlantic wind, nursing an injured leg and a sharper pride. When he wakes in the dead of night to find a fair-haired woman in spectacles calmly rifling through his bedchamber, he is not frightened. He is, for the first time in a very long while, intrigued. The quest she proposes is not without its dangers. The coin she offers is not something he needs. But the peculiar young woman herself? That, he suspects, is another matter entirely.
She can keep this strictly professional ...
Millie Metcalfe has a mission and no time for distractions ... least of all one with broad shoulders and an irritating habit of being right. That Mr. Scott requires her assistance with his physical treatments is a complication she will manage with perfect composure. It most certainly does not make her imagine her hands moving over his bare, warm skin. Not once. The arrangement is merely a little intimate. Merely inconvenient. Merely the most unsettling thing that has ever happened to her.
As the quest draws them deeper into danger and closer together, Nicholas must choose between the lie he's built and the truth she deserves, and Millie must decide whether letting someone in is worth the risk of being hurt.
The Rented Heart is the delightful fourth book in the Inconvenient Ventures Regency adventure romance series, set within Nina Jarrett’s bestselling Inconvenient Brides world. Each sub-series can be enjoyed on its own, with a new romance in every volume. If you enjoy clever clues, secret societies, daring heroines, and heart-stopping kisses, then you’ll adore Nina Jarrett’s charming novel. Can be read as a standalone book or as part of the series. Buy The Rented Heart for a tale of adventure and passion today! What to
✔️ Kissing
✔️ Open Door
✔️ Midnight intruder
✔️ Scarred / injured hero
✔️ Treasure hunt & cipher mystery
✔️ Enemies-to-allies dynamic
✔️ Nurse / healer intimacy
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2026
About the author
Nina Jarrett
48 books327 followersNina started writing her own stories in elementary school but quickly grew distracted when she finished school and moved on to non-profit work with recovering drug addicts. There she worked with people from every walk of life from privileged neighborhoods to the shanty towns of urban and rural South Africa.
One day she met a real-life romantic hero. She instantly married her fellow bibliophile and moved to the USA where she enjoyed a career as a sales coaching executive at an Inc 500 company. She lives with her husband on the Florida Gulf Coast.
Nina believes in kindness and the indomitable power of the human spirit. She is fascinated by the amazing, funny people she has met across the world who dared to change their lives. She likes to tell mischievous tales of life-changing decisions and character transformations while drinking excellent coffee and avoiding cookies.
One day she met a real-life romantic hero. She instantly married her fellow bibliophile and moved to the USA where she enjoyed a career as a sales coaching executive at an Inc 500 company. She lives with her husband on the Florida Gulf Coast.
Nina believes in kindness and the indomitable power of the human spirit. She is fascinated by the amazing, funny people she has met across the world who dared to change their lives. She likes to tell mischievous tales of life-changing decisions and character transformations while drinking excellent coffee and avoiding cookies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 2, 2026
Nicholas Scott is at Grimsfell Hall on this Bianchi quest, but he is bored! With a leg injury requiring daily attention, he’s not very happy. But when he discovers a woman searching his bedroom, that piques his interest. Millie Metcalfe is running out of time to complete her father’s research. When Millie offers Nick a job that pertains to the Bianchi journals, he agrees go because, uh, it might be interesting. Not much action in this installment, but a lovely slow burn romance! Filled with emotion, drama, secrets, and a bit of humor, this is a good addition to the series.
I received a free copy via Booksirens, and this is my honest review.
I received a free copy via Booksirens, and this is my honest review.
July 13, 2026
Nina Jarrett is a wonderful writer, and there were truly some moving passages throughout the novel. I wish I had read the other books in the series to get a clearer sense of the stakes at play here in regard to the cipher and mystery. While, you could technically say this is a standalone, there are just too many references to the previous books that cannot be glossed over.
The pacing of the novel was more sedate than I would have preferred for this adventure. In fact, the climax of the story is a bit forgettable. It wasn’t too difficult to guess who the antagonist was. I also didn’t feel the sense of urgency in having to decode the cipher. Maybe I would’ve been more invested having read the previous books. While the meet cute was a lot of fun, I didn’t really follow how Millie came to be in his room. Again, this probably would’ve been clearer had I read the other books.
I liked both characters, though I wish there was a better balance between their inner monologues and their interactions. I could see the attraction between the pair and hints of a romance, but I didn’t really get to enjoy watching it unfold. To give an example, there would be a couple of lines of dialogue between the pair followed by a page or so of inner monologues. There was lots of telling and less show. While the romantic plot ends on a HEA, the mystery ends on a cliffhanger, so if you do plan to read this book, know that you should commit to the entire series.
Overall, it’s a solid read and it did interest me enough to go back and read the previous books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The pacing of the novel was more sedate than I would have preferred for this adventure. In fact, the climax of the story is a bit forgettable. It wasn’t too difficult to guess who the antagonist was. I also didn’t feel the sense of urgency in having to decode the cipher. Maybe I would’ve been more invested having read the previous books. While the meet cute was a lot of fun, I didn’t really follow how Millie came to be in his room. Again, this probably would’ve been clearer had I read the other books.
I liked both characters, though I wish there was a better balance between their inner monologues and their interactions. I could see the attraction between the pair and hints of a romance, but I didn’t really get to enjoy watching it unfold. To give an example, there would be a couple of lines of dialogue between the pair followed by a page or so of inner monologues. There was lots of telling and less show. While the romantic plot ends on a HEA, the mystery ends on a cliffhanger, so if you do plan to read this book, know that you should commit to the entire series.
Overall, it’s a solid read and it did interest me enough to go back and read the previous books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.
This continues the mystery of Mateo Bianchi that has been established in the last three books of the series, and this is the story that features Nicholas Scott, the brooding, cranky younger son of the Scott family who has been bedevilled by his long standing leg injury, and recovering from his prior dependence on alcohol, and the trauma of his familial relationships, especially his mother.
Nicholas had travelled to Grimsfell, accompanying one of his Italian-born Scott relations, and Lorenzo Bianchi to continue their search for information about Mateo Bianchi, Lorenzo's Renaissance ancestor, and his secrets and legacy. They have discovered many secrets left by Mateo in the hidden rooms of Grimsfell, but are stymied by his coded journals as there is no key.
But Nicholas, aiding in the research when not too troubled by the continued pain in his leg, and when he deigns to, has figured out some patterns in the symbols of the journal. Even so, they anticipate that unravelling the full code will take much time.
Things change when Nicholas is roused one night by a bold, strange woman rifling through his belongings in his room at Grimsfell. This is his introduction to Miss Millie Metcalfe, who is on her own quest involving Mateo Bianchi.
Millie is the determined and focused daughter of an Oxford scholar who was focused on Bianchi, but before finishing his reseach, started to to become trapped in the fog of dementia. Millie is determined to help him continue his research and protect his knowledge and legacy, but is stymied by a few factors, including the fact that her gender prevents her access to scholarly resources that were available to her father. As she discovers, Nicholas, a prior student at Oxford, may be her key to access to those hallowed halls, and thinking he is a lowly secretary to one of the lords at Grimsfell, she offers to hire him to aid her in her search, temporarily.
With an opportunity to gain more information that can help them decode Bianchi's journals, Nicholas continues his ruse as a lowly secretary and goes with Millie, embedding himself in her life and household, while helping her with her plans, in the hopes of gaining information that will help him and his compatriots. What he does not expect is that he actually starts to enjoy being with Millie, and she makes him feel and grow beyond the small isolated world fo pain, pride, and bitterness he has been living in for the past many years. Not only that, but he comes to appreciate and care for her father, and their household family, and feels accepted and seen by them in a way that he never was in his own family, and he begins to want Millie and that sense of acceptance and caring in his future.
Except there is still the lies about himself that he has yet to reveal to Millie.
This continues the overarching mystery of Mateo Bianchi and the secrets he has left behind in his art, architechture, and journals, as well as bringing in a link to Arthurian legend, but focuses the story on Nicholas and his healing from his past hurts, physical and mental, through his new relationship with Millie and her family. His bitterness was quite a pervasive and tangible shadow in his previous appearances in the preceding stories, so it was good to read about his growth beyond that, and in finding peace, love, and a purpose and place beyond his past.
4 stars out of 5
This continues the mystery of Mateo Bianchi that has been established in the last three books of the series, and this is the story that features Nicholas Scott, the brooding, cranky younger son of the Scott family who has been bedevilled by his long standing leg injury, and recovering from his prior dependence on alcohol, and the trauma of his familial relationships, especially his mother.
Nicholas had travelled to Grimsfell, accompanying one of his Italian-born Scott relations, and Lorenzo Bianchi to continue their search for information about Mateo Bianchi, Lorenzo's Renaissance ancestor, and his secrets and legacy. They have discovered many secrets left by Mateo in the hidden rooms of Grimsfell, but are stymied by his coded journals as there is no key.
But Nicholas, aiding in the research when not too troubled by the continued pain in his leg, and when he deigns to, has figured out some patterns in the symbols of the journal. Even so, they anticipate that unravelling the full code will take much time.
Things change when Nicholas is roused one night by a bold, strange woman rifling through his belongings in his room at Grimsfell. This is his introduction to Miss Millie Metcalfe, who is on her own quest involving Mateo Bianchi.
Millie is the determined and focused daughter of an Oxford scholar who was focused on Bianchi, but before finishing his reseach, started to to become trapped in the fog of dementia. Millie is determined to help him continue his research and protect his knowledge and legacy, but is stymied by a few factors, including the fact that her gender prevents her access to scholarly resources that were available to her father. As she discovers, Nicholas, a prior student at Oxford, may be her key to access to those hallowed halls, and thinking he is a lowly secretary to one of the lords at Grimsfell, she offers to hire him to aid her in her search, temporarily.
With an opportunity to gain more information that can help them decode Bianchi's journals, Nicholas continues his ruse as a lowly secretary and goes with Millie, embedding himself in her life and household, while helping her with her plans, in the hopes of gaining information that will help him and his compatriots. What he does not expect is that he actually starts to enjoy being with Millie, and she makes him feel and grow beyond the small isolated world fo pain, pride, and bitterness he has been living in for the past many years. Not only that, but he comes to appreciate and care for her father, and their household family, and feels accepted and seen by them in a way that he never was in his own family, and he begins to want Millie and that sense of acceptance and caring in his future.
Except there is still the lies about himself that he has yet to reveal to Millie.
This continues the overarching mystery of Mateo Bianchi and the secrets he has left behind in his art, architechture, and journals, as well as bringing in a link to Arthurian legend, but focuses the story on Nicholas and his healing from his past hurts, physical and mental, through his new relationship with Millie and her family. His bitterness was quite a pervasive and tangible shadow in his previous appearances in the preceding stories, so it was good to read about his growth beyond that, and in finding peace, love, and a purpose and place beyond his past.
4 stars out of 5
July 15, 2026
The search for the secrets and mysteries surrounding Matteo Di Bianchi’s legacy and their connection to the Arthurian legend continues, this time taking the reader to Oxford. As always in this series, Nina Jarrett weaves together a gripping plot, a heartwarming love story with very likable characters, a touch of suspense, mystery, a secret society and steamy love scenes. This time, the story centers on Nicholas Scott, whom fans of the series already know from previous books as a scarred, bitter grump who, after a serious accident in his childhood, drowned his physical and emotional wounds in alcohol and only undergone withdrawal later in the series. In this book, you learn more about his inner demons, and he starts to face his challenges head-on. I really liked the new Nicholas. By his side is Millicent, a wonderful, strong heroine whose blunt and matter-of-fact manner made me smile time and again. It’s a heartwarming slow-burn “strangers-to-allies-to-lovers” romance. The two of them work great together and are a perfect match. I also found it amusing that a character from the author’s new “Oxley” series made a cameo appearance in the story.
Nicholas Scott, the youngest brother of the Baron of Blackwood, accompanied his Italian friend Lorenzo Di Bianchi to Grimsfell out of boredom to help him in his quest to find his ancestors’ legacy. One night, Nick wakes up to find a strange woman in his bedroom who intends to steal the manuscript belonging to Gabriel Strathmore, Lord Trenwith, and seems to have no qualms about it. Instead, she offers Nick a position as her private secretary for three months; in return, he must accompany her to Oxford and help her retrieve a journal that her father has hidden in a library, as well as help her retrieve the manuscript that Gabriel sent to Oxford. Nicholas is fascinated by the young woman and the challenge and agrees to work with her. This gives him the opportunity to learn what he can for Lorenzo.
For years, Millicent “Millie” Metcalfe has had to watch her father’s mental decline—a scholar who has devoted his entire life and research to the legend of Arthur. Since then, she has been running her father’s affairs and trying to continue her father’s research indirectly, as she, being a woman, is not permitted to enter the halls and libraries at Oxford or to study there. Nick Scott, an Oxford graduate, is just what she needs, since he has connections and is intelligent. Together, they get closer and closer to solving the mystery, and while Millie feels comfortable in Nick’s company, trusts him, and takes care of his bad leg, Nick blossoms far away from his title and his family’s scandals and finally feels like he’s doing something meaningful with his life. His feelings for Millie are also growing stronger, but his “lies by omission” regarding his true identity stand between them…
All in all, a gripping romance perfect for anyone who loves complex characters, wounded heroes, determined bluestockings, treasure hunts, heart, humor, and passion. I don't recommend reading this book as a standalone, since the plot continues from the previous installments.
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
Nicholas Scott, the youngest brother of the Baron of Blackwood, accompanied his Italian friend Lorenzo Di Bianchi to Grimsfell out of boredom to help him in his quest to find his ancestors’ legacy. One night, Nick wakes up to find a strange woman in his bedroom who intends to steal the manuscript belonging to Gabriel Strathmore, Lord Trenwith, and seems to have no qualms about it. Instead, she offers Nick a position as her private secretary for three months; in return, he must accompany her to Oxford and help her retrieve a journal that her father has hidden in a library, as well as help her retrieve the manuscript that Gabriel sent to Oxford. Nicholas is fascinated by the young woman and the challenge and agrees to work with her. This gives him the opportunity to learn what he can for Lorenzo.
For years, Millicent “Millie” Metcalfe has had to watch her father’s mental decline—a scholar who has devoted his entire life and research to the legend of Arthur. Since then, she has been running her father’s affairs and trying to continue her father’s research indirectly, as she, being a woman, is not permitted to enter the halls and libraries at Oxford or to study there. Nick Scott, an Oxford graduate, is just what she needs, since he has connections and is intelligent. Together, they get closer and closer to solving the mystery, and while Millie feels comfortable in Nick’s company, trusts him, and takes care of his bad leg, Nick blossoms far away from his title and his family’s scandals and finally feels like he’s doing something meaningful with his life. His feelings for Millie are also growing stronger, but his “lies by omission” regarding his true identity stand between them…
All in all, a gripping romance perfect for anyone who loves complex characters, wounded heroes, determined bluestockings, treasure hunts, heart, humor, and passion. I don't recommend reading this book as a standalone, since the plot continues from the previous installments.
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Nina Jarett wrote "The Rented Heart" to examine how people confront their deep-seated flaws, overcome past traumas, and undergo genuine emotional changes. This was evidenced in the characters she created for her story. The author was inspired by those people who dare to make changes in their lives. Her focus was on what actions people desired to take to transform their lives. The emphasis of her writing was on kindness,resilience, and having the courage to be vulnerable. Her setting was the Regency Era in England in the early 19th century. Her belief was that emotional connections and inner strengths would permit anyone to overcome societal constrictions.
The Regency Era was characterized by a distinct blend of aristocratic elegance, rapid industrial growth, and social transformation. She decided to construct her story in this era because its strict social rules provided narrative tension for the characters who were driven by romance. In order to elevate her story telling to a new level,the author leaned heavily on the cultural dynamics of 19th Century England. There were four distinct reasons. The four reasons were:
1. Amplifying Emotional Stakes Through Etiquette
2. The Perfect Backdrop for Arcs
3. Balancing Glomorous with High Stakes Adventure
4. A Shared Immersive "Quasi-Fantasy" World
There were four core themes which were essential to the story. The themes functioned as the engine which drove the plot forward. The themes were the basis for the characters' choices, the building up of the central romance, and aided in the resolution of the plot's conflicts. The four core themes of The Rented Heart weave together the emotional growth of the characters, the historical limitations of the era, and the stakes of the overarching mystery. The four core themes were:
1.Vulnerability vs. Fierce Self-Protection
2. The Weight of Deception vs. Earned Trust
3. The Power of Personal Transformation
4. The Reclamation of Lost Legacies
The plot of the story was centered around a scholarly treasure hunt, mistaken identity, and an unexpected partnership. The plot allowed the reader to track the actions of Millie Metcalf, a scholar's daughter, and Nicholas Scott, the younger brother of a baron. Millie was attempting to solve a complex academic and historical mystery. As the plot progresses, her father's ciphers intersect directy with a hidden mystery involving a secret society and lost Renaissance art in Europe. Ultimately, this made her puzzle the key to unlocking the secrets to this high stakes historical recovery.
This story will be a challenge to your puzzle solving skills. The book features a refreshing pair of characters. One character is a heroine who refuses to helpless and the other character who is determined to fight his own battles. The characters are outliers in society. This is a must read for those who enjoy a smart, emotionally deep historical romance eventually turning into an heart pounding adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and without hesitation gave the story a five star rating.
The Regency Era was characterized by a distinct blend of aristocratic elegance, rapid industrial growth, and social transformation. She decided to construct her story in this era because its strict social rules provided narrative tension for the characters who were driven by romance. In order to elevate her story telling to a new level,the author leaned heavily on the cultural dynamics of 19th Century England. There were four distinct reasons. The four reasons were:
1. Amplifying Emotional Stakes Through Etiquette
2. The Perfect Backdrop for Arcs
3. Balancing Glomorous with High Stakes Adventure
4. A Shared Immersive "Quasi-Fantasy" World
There were four core themes which were essential to the story. The themes functioned as the engine which drove the plot forward. The themes were the basis for the characters' choices, the building up of the central romance, and aided in the resolution of the plot's conflicts. The four core themes of The Rented Heart weave together the emotional growth of the characters, the historical limitations of the era, and the stakes of the overarching mystery. The four core themes were:
1.Vulnerability vs. Fierce Self-Protection
2. The Weight of Deception vs. Earned Trust
3. The Power of Personal Transformation
4. The Reclamation of Lost Legacies
The plot of the story was centered around a scholarly treasure hunt, mistaken identity, and an unexpected partnership. The plot allowed the reader to track the actions of Millie Metcalf, a scholar's daughter, and Nicholas Scott, the younger brother of a baron. Millie was attempting to solve a complex academic and historical mystery. As the plot progresses, her father's ciphers intersect directy with a hidden mystery involving a secret society and lost Renaissance art in Europe. Ultimately, this made her puzzle the key to unlocking the secrets to this high stakes historical recovery.
This story will be a challenge to your puzzle solving skills. The book features a refreshing pair of characters. One character is a heroine who refuses to helpless and the other character who is determined to fight his own battles. The characters are outliers in society. This is a must read for those who enjoy a smart, emotionally deep historical romance eventually turning into an heart pounding adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and without hesitation gave the story a five star rating.
July 2, 2026
Finally, Nicholas Scott has earned the spotlight! He's been a prominent side character from the beginning of this series, and I'd been eager to have his own story told. It's finally in this fourth book of the series that we see him find his place, his purpose, and the woman who would facilitate all that into place.
The mystery of Matteo di Bianchi's works and the characters' continued quest to unravel them further unfolds in this story. The addition of Millicent "Millie" Metcalfe as another avid and substantial participant in the quest introduced us to more time-honored and prestigious academic libraries found in England, those settings' disappointing practice of not admitting women scholars to peruse the historical works housed therein, and to the mythology of King Arthur. This book truly wasn't just Nicholas and Millie's love story, but a tale of two individuals' life passions and purposes aligning and becoming one in its direction moving forward.
Going back to the book's spotlight on Nicholas, it is here where we finally see him find his peace. He's been aimless for a significant amount of time already, trying to maintain his sobriety, dealing daily with a physical ailment where the management of pain has its highs and lows, and trying to figure out what exactly to do with himself. It's in this book we see him set himself straight once and for all, and of course it's one remarkable, unusual woman who makes that happen. Millie is unlike any other female character in this series so far. Her frankness, her sharp focus on things that matter to her, her unwavering determination, and her boldness - I think all these made her very suitable to someone like Nicholas. It was these very qualities that helped Nicholas look into himself to discover what and who he really is deep inside, and to bring that man outward into the light. I can imagine looking into their future and the fascinating family they would make should they have children of their own.
One more book is to come for this series, the finale, and it all ends with Lorenzo di Bianchi's story. I look forward to finally finding out how Lorenzo will finish his historical quest, and who the woman will be that will stand by him when that happens.
I received a free review copy of this book. I am giving this review wholly voluntarily.
The mystery of Matteo di Bianchi's works and the characters' continued quest to unravel them further unfolds in this story. The addition of Millicent "Millie" Metcalfe as another avid and substantial participant in the quest introduced us to more time-honored and prestigious academic libraries found in England, those settings' disappointing practice of not admitting women scholars to peruse the historical works housed therein, and to the mythology of King Arthur. This book truly wasn't just Nicholas and Millie's love story, but a tale of two individuals' life passions and purposes aligning and becoming one in its direction moving forward.
Going back to the book's spotlight on Nicholas, it is here where we finally see him find his peace. He's been aimless for a significant amount of time already, trying to maintain his sobriety, dealing daily with a physical ailment where the management of pain has its highs and lows, and trying to figure out what exactly to do with himself. It's in this book we see him set himself straight once and for all, and of course it's one remarkable, unusual woman who makes that happen. Millie is unlike any other female character in this series so far. Her frankness, her sharp focus on things that matter to her, her unwavering determination, and her boldness - I think all these made her very suitable to someone like Nicholas. It was these very qualities that helped Nicholas look into himself to discover what and who he really is deep inside, and to bring that man outward into the light. I can imagine looking into their future and the fascinating family they would make should they have children of their own.
One more book is to come for this series, the finale, and it all ends with Lorenzo di Bianchi's story. I look forward to finally finding out how Lorenzo will finish his historical quest, and who the woman will be that will stand by him when that happens.
I received a free review copy of this book. I am giving this review wholly voluntarily.
July 7, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed The Rented Heart, the third book in the Inconvenient Ventures Regency adventure romance series, set within Nina Jarrett’s bestselling Inconvenient Brides world.
The hunt for Matteo di Bianchi’s elusive cypher continues in this installment. Lorenzo is still desperate for answers, but circumstances force his friend Nicholas Scott to take up the search. Nicholas, the younger brother of a baron, has been confined for weeks at windswept Grimsfell Hall in Cornwall, nursing both an injured leg and a wounded pride. When he wakes one night to find a woman rifling through his papers, the adventure truly begins.
Millie Metcalfe, practical, brilliant, and determined, offers Nicholas a job that sends him to the Oxford libraries in pursuit of vital information about the cypher. Unbeknownst to her, Nicholas conceals his true identity. I loved Millie’s intelligence and resourcefulness, as well as her fierce devotion to her father as he struggles with fading memories. It was equally rewarding to see Nicholas revealed as more than a brooding, injured aristocrat; his depth, vulnerability, and humor made him an endearing hero.
This steamy Regency romance blends mystery, adventure, and emotional growth in a slow-burn love story. Nicholas and Millie’s relationship unfolds with warmth and wit against a backdrop of academic intrigue, hidden identities, and the eerie charm of Grimsfell Hall.
The characters are lovable, their eccentricities and imperfections making them all the more engaging.The unfolding mystery surrounding Matteo di Bianchi’s treasure adds compelling tension, and the Regency Oxford setting is beautifully realized.
The Rented Heart is a heartfelt and captivating addition to the series, delivering romance, suspense, and genuine emotional depth. I loved spending time with Nicholas and Millie, and I can’t wait to see where the next adventure takes this group of spirited friends as they unravel the secrets of the di Bianchi cypher.
Fans of Regency romance with mystery and charm will find themselves thoroughly enchanted. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The hunt for Matteo di Bianchi’s elusive cypher continues in this installment. Lorenzo is still desperate for answers, but circumstances force his friend Nicholas Scott to take up the search. Nicholas, the younger brother of a baron, has been confined for weeks at windswept Grimsfell Hall in Cornwall, nursing both an injured leg and a wounded pride. When he wakes one night to find a woman rifling through his papers, the adventure truly begins.
Millie Metcalfe, practical, brilliant, and determined, offers Nicholas a job that sends him to the Oxford libraries in pursuit of vital information about the cypher. Unbeknownst to her, Nicholas conceals his true identity. I loved Millie’s intelligence and resourcefulness, as well as her fierce devotion to her father as he struggles with fading memories. It was equally rewarding to see Nicholas revealed as more than a brooding, injured aristocrat; his depth, vulnerability, and humor made him an endearing hero.
This steamy Regency romance blends mystery, adventure, and emotional growth in a slow-burn love story. Nicholas and Millie’s relationship unfolds with warmth and wit against a backdrop of academic intrigue, hidden identities, and the eerie charm of Grimsfell Hall.
The characters are lovable, their eccentricities and imperfections making them all the more engaging.The unfolding mystery surrounding Matteo di Bianchi’s treasure adds compelling tension, and the Regency Oxford setting is beautifully realized.
The Rented Heart is a heartfelt and captivating addition to the series, delivering romance, suspense, and genuine emotional depth. I loved spending time with Nicholas and Millie, and I can’t wait to see where the next adventure takes this group of spirited friends as they unravel the secrets of the di Bianchi cypher.
Fans of Regency romance with mystery and charm will find themselves thoroughly enchanted. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 5, 2026
I have been anticipating Nicholas’ story for a long time, and this is so very different from what I expected. He has been in physical pain and angry for so long that I figured his match would involve verbal battles, sarcasm and a clashing of wills, not acedamia, false identity and peaceful surrender. Nicholas, Lorenzo and Vicount and Vicountess Trenwith were still at Grimsfel Hall working on deciphering paperwork that they found. One morning, at 3 am, Nicholas woke to an intruder in his bedroom searching through his papers. When confronted, the young lady, Millie Metcalf, assumed that he was the Viscount’s secretary, so the Honorable Nicholas Scott introduced himself as Nick Scott and played along. Needing a man with Oxford credentials to retrieve her father’s paperwork from a male-only library, Millie offered to employ Nick for three months at an exorbitant salary. Lorenzo was for it, the Vicountess was not, Nick went. What follows ia a tale filled with legend, research, slight of hand, attraction and academic debate. There are two undercurrents, deceit and desire. Millie is struggling with her father’s dementia and has been continuing his life’s work, since discussing that seems to temporarily bring him back to the present. It just so happens that her father’s work coincides with Lorenzo and the gang’s studies. Although this story is calmer than I expected, it is engaging and sweet. Nicholas has the opportunity to re-invent himself, giving him the opportunity to excel rather than fail. Characterwise, Pike and Betty are not your typical butler and lady’s maid, and they way they support the Metcalf’s is gentle and formidable. This story is filled with creative tidbits, including excerpts from Isla’s journals. I really enjoyed the personification of body parts, especially Nicholas’ rather expressive leg. Next up, Lorenzo and the series finale.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2026
Millie and Nicholas
“The Rented Heart”moves ever closer to the Arthurian quest with hidden cyphers, old journals, intriguing manuscripts, and two people brought together by interesting circumstances. This is the fourth book in Nina Jarrett’s Inconvenient Ventures (or, counting from the very, very beginning number fourteen of Inconvenient Brides). This has been an interesting quest. Who doesn’t like King Arthur and his gallant knights in the days of old. Millie, a scholar in her own right, has taken over for her father, a top Arthurian scholar in his day. Nicholas Scott is a drifting, now sober, brother to a baron. Both are wonderful, deep characters going it alone till they join forces. Nicholas leaves his past behind and passes himself off as a private secretary. Millie hires him to go where she cannot—collegiate libraries housing collections for scholars. These two complement each other. I thought it was great that Millie didn’t even bat an eye about taking over Nicholas’ treatment for his leg. I enjoyed this couple’s slowly built relationship. A few kisses along the way foreshadowed a passionate connection. The overall quest that arcs through this five part venture has been deeply thought out and meticulously planned, it flows from book to book as this inconvenient world continues to grow and evolve. A great read with secrets to uncover. The characters are wonderful, each had a part to play. I’ve been with the “Inconvenient” books from the beginning and I am still intrigued, still interested in this world inhabited by these people. Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
“The Rented Heart”moves ever closer to the Arthurian quest with hidden cyphers, old journals, intriguing manuscripts, and two people brought together by interesting circumstances. This is the fourth book in Nina Jarrett’s Inconvenient Ventures (or, counting from the very, very beginning number fourteen of Inconvenient Brides). This has been an interesting quest. Who doesn’t like King Arthur and his gallant knights in the days of old. Millie, a scholar in her own right, has taken over for her father, a top Arthurian scholar in his day. Nicholas Scott is a drifting, now sober, brother to a baron. Both are wonderful, deep characters going it alone till they join forces. Nicholas leaves his past behind and passes himself off as a private secretary. Millie hires him to go where she cannot—collegiate libraries housing collections for scholars. These two complement each other. I thought it was great that Millie didn’t even bat an eye about taking over Nicholas’ treatment for his leg. I enjoyed this couple’s slowly built relationship. A few kisses along the way foreshadowed a passionate connection. The overall quest that arcs through this five part venture has been deeply thought out and meticulously planned, it flows from book to book as this inconvenient world continues to grow and evolve. A great read with secrets to uncover. The characters are wonderful, each had a part to play. I’ve been with the “Inconvenient” books from the beginning and I am still intrigued, still interested in this world inhabited by these people. Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an absolutely superb read!
The plot absorbed me from the first paragraph and didn't let go till the very end! It was masterful in its slowness! It has this reflective melancholy mood mixed with a sensual slow burn and an intriguing mystery, and there was something very soothing about certain recurring passages like the way life outside goes on while they’re stuck, or Nick’s daily negotiations with his leg, and Millie’s “he’s just my employee” mantra.
Millicent & Nicholas - a scholar’s daughter on a quest to complete her father’s work before his mind is fully gone, and a reformed idle spare with an opinionated leg looking for his place in the world.
Caught while snooping around his room, and assuming he’s just a private secretary, she offers him a job. Because he’s a man. A man who can open doors that remain stubbornly closed to women – and she needs access. He goes along with her scheme because she intrigues him and her quest overlaps with that of his Italian cousins.
And off they go, from Cornwall to Oxford and its many hallowed libraries...
She’s been caring for her father and his legacy for years; time is running out and the vultures are circling.
He’s getting acquainted with his sober self after years of substance abuse, reassessing his past, trying to determine a future.
Both are utterly emotionally exhausted, but unaware until the other lifts some of the burden. They are kindred spirits – observant, intelligent, focused – but different in temperament. Where she’s open, he deflects with wry humour, yet when she cares for his leg, he surrenders.
I loved that Millie is that tiny bit odd; wired differently by nature and by circumstance.
I loved that Nick sees her as an equal from the start, and that he feels like crap over his deceit as soon as it’s spoken – and he gets so deliciously jealous!
And I absolutely adored visiting all those ancient libraries, the protocol, the cypher, its secrets and the way they unravel them!
FYI this is book 4 and the mystery has been ongoing since book 1, so while it works as a standalone, it’s definitely worth starting at the beginning.
The plot absorbed me from the first paragraph and didn't let go till the very end! It was masterful in its slowness! It has this reflective melancholy mood mixed with a sensual slow burn and an intriguing mystery, and there was something very soothing about certain recurring passages like the way life outside goes on while they’re stuck, or Nick’s daily negotiations with his leg, and Millie’s “he’s just my employee” mantra.
Millicent & Nicholas - a scholar’s daughter on a quest to complete her father’s work before his mind is fully gone, and a reformed idle spare with an opinionated leg looking for his place in the world.
Caught while snooping around his room, and assuming he’s just a private secretary, she offers him a job. Because he’s a man. A man who can open doors that remain stubbornly closed to women – and she needs access. He goes along with her scheme because she intrigues him and her quest overlaps with that of his Italian cousins.
And off they go, from Cornwall to Oxford and its many hallowed libraries...
She’s been caring for her father and his legacy for years; time is running out and the vultures are circling.
He’s getting acquainted with his sober self after years of substance abuse, reassessing his past, trying to determine a future.
Both are utterly emotionally exhausted, but unaware until the other lifts some of the burden. They are kindred spirits – observant, intelligent, focused – but different in temperament. Where she’s open, he deflects with wry humour, yet when she cares for his leg, he surrenders.
I loved that Millie is that tiny bit odd; wired differently by nature and by circumstance.
I loved that Nick sees her as an equal from the start, and that he feels like crap over his deceit as soon as it’s spoken – and he gets so deliciously jealous!
And I absolutely adored visiting all those ancient libraries, the protocol, the cypher, its secrets and the way they unravel them!
FYI this is book 4 and the mystery has been ongoing since book 1, so while it works as a standalone, it’s definitely worth starting at the beginning.
July 15, 2026
The hunt for the key to Mateo Bianchi work continues in book four, The Rented Heart, in Nina Jarrett's Inconvenient Ventures Series. An unexpected job offer based on a mistaken assumption of identity has set the plot for the story. Nicholas Scott, youngest brother of the Scott family, decides to accept the offer and travel with the young woman, Millie. They are going to her home in Oxford to search the libraries for hidden clues about a subject that her father has been researching for years.
I have been waiting to see who Nina would pair with the sarcastic, broody Nicholas and I was really surprised! Millie is levelheaded, brilliant and through in all her endeavors but the Nicolas we meet on the quest is much different from the man in the previous books. He is still in physical and emotional pain from the injury and abuse he suffered as a teen, but a softer side comes to the front with Millie!
I loved the story and the respectful relationship that grew between them. I found myself laughing at Nicholas' quick comebacks and tearing up at his compassionate treatment of Millie's scholarly father. As a librarian, I also appreciated all the details surrounding the libraries and the traditions with a grateful reverence for the changes that brought about the open door policies we have today.
I am a fan of Nina's writing and admire the way she weaves the characters, families and friendships throughout the series. I look forward to the next book in the series!
I received an ARC and am leaving a voluntary review bases solely on my personal reading experience.
I have been waiting to see who Nina would pair with the sarcastic, broody Nicholas and I was really surprised! Millie is levelheaded, brilliant and through in all her endeavors but the Nicolas we meet on the quest is much different from the man in the previous books. He is still in physical and emotional pain from the injury and abuse he suffered as a teen, but a softer side comes to the front with Millie!
I loved the story and the respectful relationship that grew between them. I found myself laughing at Nicholas' quick comebacks and tearing up at his compassionate treatment of Millie's scholarly father. As a librarian, I also appreciated all the details surrounding the libraries and the traditions with a grateful reverence for the changes that brought about the open door policies we have today.
I am a fan of Nina's writing and admire the way she weaves the characters, families and friendships throughout the series. I look forward to the next book in the series!
I received an ARC and am leaving a voluntary review bases solely on my personal reading experience.
June 27, 2026
I have been waiting eagerly for Nicholas's story and it is a cracker. Nicholas, the sardonic youngest Scott brother, damaged physically and mentally by the injury he sustained as a young teenager and his abusive mother, recovering from long term substance abuse, blossoms into a caring, compassionate, capable and clever young man who is able to love and be hopeful about his life. Millie is a determined, focused, scholarly, young woman driven by her love for her ailing father, who comes into Nicholas's life in a very surprising way and then offers him a job, because he is a man who can pass through doors that are barred to her. I love the tender scenes between them; I love the sympathetic descriptions of her father; I love the descriptions of Oxford, its traditions and libraries, and of Millie's yearning for what is denied to her purely because she is a woman and I enjoyed the difficulty arising from Nicholas's initial, but understandable, concealing of his real identity and how it is resolved.
For me the overarching quest of the Inconvenient Ventures series is almost incidental to Nicholas's and Millie's story, but it is, of course, moving along nicely and I liked the clever little cross over to a member of the Fraser-Oxley family which features in Nina Jarrett's new series. Excellent.
I was fortunate to receive a free advance review copy and this review is voluntary and entirely my own opinion.
For me the overarching quest of the Inconvenient Ventures series is almost incidental to Nicholas's and Millie's story, but it is, of course, moving along nicely and I liked the clever little cross over to a member of the Fraser-Oxley family which features in Nina Jarrett's new series. Excellent.
I was fortunate to receive a free advance review copy and this review is voluntary and entirely my own opinion.
July 14, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I haven't r3ad any of the others in the series yet. Admittedly, the title made me think it might be a little cliche and Hallmark for my taste, but instead I found it to be a grounded period romance with characters that felt unique and well balanced. The female lead reminds me immensely of a friend I have so I kept projecting her into it and I don't think she'd be disappointed by that. The prose style is also very enjoyable and helps add to the characterize without being in first person. I also like how the standard third act "breakup" is handled since I tend to hate that cliche.
The two criticisms I have are 1) it gets a bit repetitive in moments, reminding us repeatedly of the main characters' feelings about their situations frequently while hinting heavily to things that will not be explained until future books in ways that do not necessarily give new information each time, just the same bit and 2) we are introduced early to the concept of our villians, they are mentioned again early on, then completely forgotten about until basically the end of the book and do very little. Again, this is plainly set up for future volumes but there are a few moments where their presence could have been felt more or they could have caused issues that didn't come to fruition.
Overall, I'd like to continue the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The two criticisms I have are 1) it gets a bit repetitive in moments, reminding us repeatedly of the main characters' feelings about their situations frequently while hinting heavily to things that will not be explained until future books in ways that do not necessarily give new information each time, just the same bit and 2) we are introduced early to the concept of our villians, they are mentioned again early on, then completely forgotten about until basically the end of the book and do very little. Again, this is plainly set up for future volumes but there are a few moments where their presence could have been felt more or they could have caused issues that didn't come to fruition.
Overall, I'd like to continue the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
This is an excellent continuation to this fascinating series!
The series has a gripping set of puzzles, intrigues, and characters.
This story mostly concerns a lovely, gentle romance between two intelligent people (Millie & Nicholas) who have been forced to be somewhat withdrawn by circumstances, and who are starting to realise that their lives could, in fact, change for the better.
There are lovely touches of humour throughout ...
"You kissed her," Henri said.
"A beautiful and intriguing young woman came into my bedchamber in the middle of the night," Nicholas said. "I was asleep, not dead."
"The cold of a place that had spent nearly a thousand years deciding that heat was a visitor rather than a resident."
... as well as poignant moments ...
"But perfect moments were only perfect because of their brevity, which was simultaneously their value and their cruelty."
There are several good supporting characters (many of whom tie in with the previous books in the series) however the portrayal of "Papa" is wonderful - both sympathetic and perceptive (and sadly recognisable to anyone familiar with the situation).
I thoroughly recommend this book (and, indeed, the rest of the series too).
(I was fortunate to receive an ARC however the above is, as ever, my own opinion.)
The series has a gripping set of puzzles, intrigues, and characters.
This story mostly concerns a lovely, gentle romance between two intelligent people (Millie & Nicholas) who have been forced to be somewhat withdrawn by circumstances, and who are starting to realise that their lives could, in fact, change for the better.
There are lovely touches of humour throughout ...
"You kissed her," Henri said.
"A beautiful and intriguing young woman came into my bedchamber in the middle of the night," Nicholas said. "I was asleep, not dead."
"The cold of a place that had spent nearly a thousand years deciding that heat was a visitor rather than a resident."
... as well as poignant moments ...
"But perfect moments were only perfect because of their brevity, which was simultaneously their value and their cruelty."
There are several good supporting characters (many of whom tie in with the previous books in the series) however the portrayal of "Papa" is wonderful - both sympathetic and perceptive (and sadly recognisable to anyone familiar with the situation).
I thoroughly recommend this book (and, indeed, the rest of the series too).
(I was fortunate to receive an ARC however the above is, as ever, my own opinion.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
This time, Nicholas takes center stage in the investigation after a brief but intriguing encounter with a woman rifling through his papers in the middle of the night. Unaware of his true identity, she engages him to help her gain access to Oxford libraries that are closed to women. Nicholas, curious about how much she knows and whether her knowledge could aid their ongoing quest, agrees and the fun begins.
I loved watching the mutual respect between Nicholas and Millie grow as they worked together. Their relationship develops naturally, but the lies Nicholas tells create obstacles that threaten the trust forming between them. I found myself eager to discover whether they could overcome those deceptions and whether their efforts would ultimately advance the quest.
There are some particularly lovely moments involving Millie's father, who is portrayed with great sympathy and compassion despite the challenges of his medical condition. The banter throughout the story is engaging and often delightful, adding warmth and humor to the mystery.
One of my favorite aspects of this series is the overarching mystery that connects the books. It blends seamlessly with the romance, allowing the characters to pursue both the larger quest and their own happily-ever-afters. This book is a wonderful addition to the series, and I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes next.
I loved watching the mutual respect between Nicholas and Millie grow as they worked together. Their relationship develops naturally, but the lies Nicholas tells create obstacles that threaten the trust forming between them. I found myself eager to discover whether they could overcome those deceptions and whether their efforts would ultimately advance the quest.
There are some particularly lovely moments involving Millie's father, who is portrayed with great sympathy and compassion despite the challenges of his medical condition. The banter throughout the story is engaging and often delightful, adding warmth and humor to the mystery.
One of my favorite aspects of this series is the overarching mystery that connects the books. It blends seamlessly with the romance, allowing the characters to pursue both the larger quest and their own happily-ever-afters. This book is a wonderful addition to the series, and I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes next.
July 6, 2026
Finding Value
Languishing from a childhood injury, Nicholas Scott is barely enduring Lorenzo’s vibrating energy while trying to help him decipher his ancestor’s journal. In the previous novel, his nephew Angelo found the Room of Science, which Matteo di Bianchi had hidden within the walls at the Cornish manor…but Angelo was aided by Isolde Fairfax, who had spent two decades also hidden from view. What are the mysteries that this journal holds?
This novel explores several things: Nicholas trying to find his worth in life, how Millicent Metcalfe asks his assistance to help her father’s research, an archaic faction which is trying to undermine their search, and the startling revelations that are found in Nicholas’ mother’s journal.
The author does an excellent job in keeping readers’ interests in this novel as they are guided through revered libraries, ancient texts, and a quest to decrypt the cyphers guarding a well kept secret. And to further that interest, a budding romance between Milly and Nick takes shape. For those who have been dedicated to reading this series in its entirety, you will be rewarded with the answer to the question: Who killed Filminster?
I have received an ARC from the author and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
July 8, 2026
Another fantastic story in this series. Very well written, hard to put down, just keeps you turning the pages. Full of drama, mystery, adventure, society, secrets, love, steam, danger, boring journals, trauma, action, emotions and a few laughs. Nicholas Scott "Nick" is at the Hall on the quest that Matteo and Lorenzo came to England to solve. Nick id still trying to recover from his broken leg years ago. When his mother , Isla, treats him like an imperfect son, his brother steps in to help him. He is also the one who has to read his mother's journals and learning the truth about her. At the hall, Nick and Lorenzo realize they need to find the decoder working on diBiachi's journals. Millie Metcalfe is the daughter of a scholar who has also been working on the same journals. Yet her father's only has a few moments of clarity as he has dementia. Together they have to overcome the "others" who are looking for the information, who keep showing up in her father's mind. Has lots of action on their way to solving the secrets that Matteo diBiachi hid in the Cornish manor. The characters are fabulous as always, can't wait for the next story. Would recommend to everyone this story and the series.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.
June 28, 2026
This is the story of Nicholas Scott and Millie Metcalfe. Nick and Millie have a very unconventional first meeting at 3am one morning when he wakes up to find her searching his bedroom. Not realising quite who he really is, she makes him an attractive offer to become her secretary for three months. As it’s a way to further the ongoing search for answers to a mystery he’s been involved with, how can he say no……
This was another well written story with great characters, interesting information on Regency Oxford and an excellent plot. Although Nicholas has appeared in several other books by this author, including both the Inconvenient Ventures and Reluctant Reckoning series, you really need to read this series in order as the twisting plots continues to build through each book. I’ve now read over a dozen books by Ms Jarrett and enjoyed every one, so would not hesitate to recommend her to lovers of Regency fiction who enjoy a bit more adventure rather than just the average romance as her plots really are excellent 🐈⬛.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was another well written story with great characters, interesting information on Regency Oxford and an excellent plot. Although Nicholas has appeared in several other books by this author, including both the Inconvenient Ventures and Reluctant Reckoning series, you really need to read this series in order as the twisting plots continues to build through each book. I’ve now read over a dozen books by Ms Jarrett and enjoyed every one, so would not hesitate to recommend her to lovers of Regency fiction who enjoy a bit more adventure rather than just the average romance as her plots really are excellent 🐈⬛.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2026
This was a continuation of the series of which I believe you can read as a standalone.
Nicolas and Mille where real and well rounded characters. They worked well with each other on the page and in my minds eye.
I loved that she was so 'hands on' analytic and so very 'to the point' no nonsense.
Nicolas has grown a lot of the last books of this series coming out of his self imposed shell to now encounter a woman of intrigue and possibility's.
Possibilities both ,for himself and the unravelling of the enigma he finds himself embarking on with his fellow friends and cousins, and his own life.
And thus this is where 2 worlds combine and push on to discoveries and deceits forcing Nicolas to work as another identity to find out more whilst falling in love with Millie.
All the characters, main and side, in this story, where full and engaging. The scenarios and times expressed realistically.
I am enjoying this series for the love blossoming and the generations old riddle that is unravelling.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Nicolas and Mille where real and well rounded characters. They worked well with each other on the page and in my minds eye.
I loved that she was so 'hands on' analytic and so very 'to the point' no nonsense.
Nicolas has grown a lot of the last books of this series coming out of his self imposed shell to now encounter a woman of intrigue and possibility's.
Possibilities both ,for himself and the unravelling of the enigma he finds himself embarking on with his fellow friends and cousins, and his own life.
And thus this is where 2 worlds combine and push on to discoveries and deceits forcing Nicolas to work as another identity to find out more whilst falling in love with Millie.
All the characters, main and side, in this story, where full and engaging. The scenarios and times expressed realistically.
I am enjoying this series for the love blossoming and the generations old riddle that is unravelling.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
The search continues for the elusive mystery that Lorenzo has been searching for. But he must allow his friend, Nick to go in his place. Having been floating through life instead of living it, Nick finally finds something to capture his attention-Millie. She is a practical, scholarly, woman doing her best for her father. I adored their first meeting and her blunt, decisive mannerisms. Very refreshing from some of the ‘ditzy’ females that Regency romance sometimes have. Though some of the conversation was over my head, it was interesting to learn about the different libraries in Oxford. Having watched my mother descend into ‘mind sickness’ and slowly fade away mentally, I was in total agreement with how Millie’s dad was written. I loved how the author wrote about Nick’s leg and it’s constant “speaking” to Nick. That was rather amusing.This is well plotted, well planned and wonderfully mysterious story well worth the read as we continue to search for Matteo’s treasure.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 26, 2026
Have a tissue handy on the day you allow for this delicious instalment of the steamy, laugh-out-loud, Regency mystery quest procedural that started in Italy and has shifted to Grimsfall Hall in Cornwall, where the Honorable Nicolas Scott's goodwill is diminishing to resentment with aspirations toward fury when an intruder breaks his at-best-fitful sleep, and features abduction, adventure, betrayal, coming-of-age, drugs, enemies-to-lovers, England, families, intrigue, politics, rescue, romance, listening, patience, stenchy unguent, a proposition, Dominus, Regis Aeterni, not thinking about---, the futility of arguing with facts, a propagandist, accumulating problems, competition, supplementary considerations, degrees of handsomeness, the Radcliffe Camera, the Bodleian, Duke Humphrey's Library, contentment, Merton College Library, being afraid to ask, Historia Regum Britanniae, self-pity, and about time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2026
A good addition to this series, but listed as stand-alone however I think it is better read in order, so you can get the full picture of all that has been accomplished to this point. Everything is coming together and Nick Scott (aka The Honorable Nicholas Scott) is front and center for this portion of the mystery and adventure. He's hidden behind a mask since he was 14, and has only been involved out of boredom. Until Millie Metcalfe sneaks into his room, while he's sleeping.
There is so much going on in this book, and it was hard to put down sometimes because things were changing quickly. Nick and Millie are both hiding, not from someone, but from themselves. Each a ghost in their own life, until they meet. Drawn to each other, not telling the whole truth. They are on a quest, but find themselves and each other a long the way.
Highly recommend this series from the beginning.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There is so much going on in this book, and it was hard to put down sometimes because things were changing quickly. Nick and Millie are both hiding, not from someone, but from themselves. Each a ghost in their own life, until they meet. Drawn to each other, not telling the whole truth. They are on a quest, but find themselves and each other a long the way.
Highly recommend this series from the beginning.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 26, 2026
Following along in the overarching theme from the series, we have another beautiful story. Again, this can stand alone, but makes so much more sense for having read the previous books.
Our MMC is the Spare to the title held by his brother, and for many years has been struggling to find his place in the world. After rejection by his mother Following a childhood accident, he felt more like an orphan, rather than maintaining a family place. Always struggling with a sense of striving to belong, but never achieving that fulfillment.
The FMC has a scholar as a father, but his mind is deteriorating, and she is caught between maintaining the house, the father, and trying to continue his research in an environment where women are excluded.
Mistaking him for a secretary, she hires him to assist with the research, as he can enter the libraries she cannot. Together they discover secrets, and develop a relationship beyond the original intention. It is lovely to see the growth and trust developing between them.
Our MMC is the Spare to the title held by his brother, and for many years has been struggling to find his place in the world. After rejection by his mother Following a childhood accident, he felt more like an orphan, rather than maintaining a family place. Always struggling with a sense of striving to belong, but never achieving that fulfillment.
The FMC has a scholar as a father, but his mind is deteriorating, and she is caught between maintaining the house, the father, and trying to continue his research in an environment where women are excluded.
Mistaking him for a secretary, she hires him to assist with the research, as he can enter the libraries she cannot. Together they discover secrets, and develop a relationship beyond the original intention. It is lovely to see the growth and trust developing between them.
Review of advance copy
After learning about Nicholas Scott's misfortunes and how they had affected his life, I was pleased to hear his perspective on the situation that had impacted him since his youth, and especially to see him in a different, more mature role. Millie Metcalfe amazed me with her determination, intelligence, and audacity. That woman was a force of nature. She was exactly what Nicholas needed to focus, evaluate, and accept what was truly being offered to him. The mission proved interesting, full of intrigue, suspense, abundant valuable information, conflicting emotions, romance, passion. and even a villain. I'm eager to read Lorenzo's story, with his obsession with Matteo di Bianchi and how he continues to draw the other characters into his increasingly intriguing quest. I reviewed this copy that I received from BookSirens and entertained me a lot.
July 14, 2026
Nicholas Scott is at Grimsfell Hall to help with search for Mateo Bianchi’s art and secrets. He has made a tiny bit of progress with the code, but Lorenzo is driving him crazy, he is bored, and his leg hurts. Millie Metcalf is determined to continue her father’s research. When Nicholas awakens to find Millie searching his chamber, he is intrigued. With a couple of interesting conditions, the two of them are off on a journey to decipher codes and solve the Bianchi mystery. They did not plan to fall in love. This is a wonderful addition to the story and some progress toward solving the mystery is made (this is going to surprise you). The story continues the mystery. It has adventure, secrets, some drama, a dose of humor, and a lovely slow-burn romance.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSirens and voluntarily reviewed it.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSirens and voluntarily reviewed it.
July 25, 2026
The title The Rented Heart by Nina Jarrett is absolutely spot on! Nick pretends to be a private secretary, selling his services for three months to the wonderful Millie, who is on a dedicated mission to finish her father’s lifelong research. It is a fantastic adventure featuring a sweet dynamic between two very goal-oriented people.
I also loved the secondary characters! Betty the maid always knows exactly when she needs to be seen or fade into the background. Then there is Pite, the ex-soldier turned butler, who fiercely guards Millie’s house and her father from unwelcome visitors. Millie's father is written beautifully too; despite his declining mind, Nick treats him with so much dignity and respect. It is a truly heartfelt read packed with intrigue, adventure, and genuine care. ❤️📜
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I also loved the secondary characters! Betty the maid always knows exactly when she needs to be seen or fade into the background. Then there is Pite, the ex-soldier turned butler, who fiercely guards Millie’s house and her father from unwelcome visitors. Millie's father is written beautifully too; despite his declining mind, Nick treats him with so much dignity and respect. It is a truly heartfelt read packed with intrigue, adventure, and genuine care. ❤️📜
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
At Grimsfell Hall, the search for the key to break Matteo di Bianchi's cypher continues. Nicholas awakens in the night to a young lady rifling through his papers. Millie Metcalfe offers him a job to obtain vital information from the Oxford libraries in connection to the cypher, only he doesn't give her his true identity. After discussing this opportunity with the Gabriel, Henri and Lorenzo, he and the young lady return to her home in Oxford. Giving him purpose, Nick takes on the challenge of the quest, only to place her father, an Oxford scholar, in more danger. A slow burn romance between an honest lady and a man who needs to stand on his own.
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Booksirens.
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Booksirens.
June 25, 2026
Nicholas Scott, has spent weeks confined indoors nursing an injured leg when he wakes to find a striking woman in his bedchamber searching through his things. He is surprised and he plays along when she thinks he is the hired help. She believes he can assist her and offers him money to achieve her mission. He in return also requires her help with his physical treatments. She is willing to come to the party. But soon it becomes a little too intimate and they are drawn closer together. Dangers lurk and they both begin to feel for each other and so must to become more honest and open. They have much to share before they get to their HEA. It is a sensual slow burn within an engaging mystery. She is determined to achieve her goal and he is rediscovering himself after years of living a less than honourable existence. Both are emotionally spent but together they balance each other out. A wonderful tale that keeps you turning the pages!
July 6, 2026
“The Rented Heart” by Nina Jarrett
-Finally! Nicholas Scott’s story, and it was well worth the wait. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
This is a heartfelt slow burn filled with academic intrigue, hidden identities, humor, and emotional growth. Nicholas and Millie are wonderful together, and I love watching their relationship develop as they work toward a shared goal. Millie’s devotion to her father adds genuine warmth and depth to the story, while the Regency Oxford setting is fascinating.
This installment moves the series mystery forward, but the romance remains the true highlight. A charming, engaging read that leaves the reader excited for the series finale.
-Finally! Nicholas Scott’s story, and it was well worth the wait. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
This is a heartfelt slow burn filled with academic intrigue, hidden identities, humor, and emotional growth. Nicholas and Millie are wonderful together, and I love watching their relationship develop as they work toward a shared goal. Millie’s devotion to her father adds genuine warmth and depth to the story, while the Regency Oxford setting is fascinating.
This installment moves the series mystery forward, but the romance remains the true highlight. A charming, engaging read that leaves the reader excited for the series finale.
August 11, 2026
Rented knowledge, truthful heart?
Remember miss Metcalfe? She appeared in the study of Lord Strathmore’s mentor in Oxford not long before he was murdered.
When the mysterious miss Metcalfe appears in his bedroom at Grimsfell Hall in the middle of the night, Nicholas can’t resist her proposal to work for her. Not that he needs the money, he is only curious where she will lead him. She needs his access to the Bodleian library in Oxford now that her father is bedridden.
She is prepared to ignore his gruff character, to take in stride the treatment of his bad leg and his changing temper.
But how long can she ignore her heart and his?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Remember miss Metcalfe? She appeared in the study of Lord Strathmore’s mentor in Oxford not long before he was murdered.
When the mysterious miss Metcalfe appears in his bedroom at Grimsfell Hall in the middle of the night, Nicholas can’t resist her proposal to work for her. Not that he needs the money, he is only curious where she will lead him. She needs his access to the Bodleian library in Oxford now that her father is bedridden.
She is prepared to ignore his gruff character, to take in stride the treatment of his bad leg and his changing temper.
But how long can she ignore her heart and his?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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