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The Beaumonts #2
Beguiled
The second book in the Beaumont series, following the younger generation of the Beaumont family as they navigate obligations, ambition, and the search for love.
Is choosing the one your heart desires worth losing the esteem of those you love best?
After failing to land a husband during her first Season, Alice Pembroke has been sent to the country home of her cousin, Marchioness Priscilla Beaumont, for tutelage. Anxious to meet her fathers ambitions of a high ranking marriage, Alice is willing to do anything her cousin instructs, but being assigned to oversee the gardens of Hampton House wasn't what she anticipated. Neither is working in proximity to the handsome new Estate Manager, who is the exact sort of man she's been taught to look down upon.
Having recently vacated his position as a Solicitor catering to the Peerage, Ethan Beaumont is eager to prove himself at Hampton House. He plans to make his cousin West’s estate a leading example within the Aristocracy by using new, more ethical land management practices—making it worth disappointing his father by leaving his law practice. Those ambitions are quickly hampered when Ethan must oversee garden renovations alongside a beautiful, vain, debutant who embodies the very life he finally escaped from.
Suppressing their objections to working together after a terrible first encounter, unbidden attraction begins to bloom over long days spent turning the soil. Impressions that were planted early on are soon found to be flawed and assumptions proven false, but both know the other is a distraction toward reaching their ultimate goals. Will they be able to acknowledge growing feelings and find a path forward together, even if choosing one another means uprooting envisioned futures?
Is choosing the one your heart desires worth losing the esteem of those you love best?
After failing to land a husband during her first Season, Alice Pembroke has been sent to the country home of her cousin, Marchioness Priscilla Beaumont, for tutelage. Anxious to meet her fathers ambitions of a high ranking marriage, Alice is willing to do anything her cousin instructs, but being assigned to oversee the gardens of Hampton House wasn't what she anticipated. Neither is working in proximity to the handsome new Estate Manager, who is the exact sort of man she's been taught to look down upon.
Having recently vacated his position as a Solicitor catering to the Peerage, Ethan Beaumont is eager to prove himself at Hampton House. He plans to make his cousin West’s estate a leading example within the Aristocracy by using new, more ethical land management practices—making it worth disappointing his father by leaving his law practice. Those ambitions are quickly hampered when Ethan must oversee garden renovations alongside a beautiful, vain, debutant who embodies the very life he finally escaped from.
Suppressing their objections to working together after a terrible first encounter, unbidden attraction begins to bloom over long days spent turning the soil. Impressions that were planted early on are soon found to be flawed and assumptions proven false, but both know the other is a distraction toward reaching their ultimate goals. Will they be able to acknowledge growing feelings and find a path forward together, even if choosing one another means uprooting envisioned futures?
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 30, 2026
4 people want to read
About the author
Andie James
5 books22 followersAndie writes historical romance andis the host of First Encounter—a podcast exploring both the foundations, and the future, of historical romance. She lives happily in the Pacific Northwest and loves a good story in any form (book, TV, movie, stage), games with friends, good food, and coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beguiled is the second book in the Beaumonts series, where well-meaning and ultimately kind characters find love. Here we have Ethan, West's cousin, signed on to be the estate manager and bring it to Modern Times v. Alice, Priscilla's cousin, needing a reset after her first season. Alice has been reared for society by Priscilla's super-snob mom, since her own is dead and her father is an invalid, reliant on his brother the (other) marquis to provide. Because of that, she feels a lot of parental pressure to marry next season.
Look, I defer to historians and author's research, but is it realistic to think a young lady who is a guest in her cousin's home would pull a 0-60 "Do you have any idea who I am?" at the slightest perceived pushback from a member of their staff? I feel like manners would preclude that? Regardless, Alice does, but sadly for her not at some lowly garden laborer, but the hunky cousin of her host. Leading him to have and never deviate from a poor first impression that she's a snob. It's actually never clear to me why she thinks "haughty debutant" is the best persona for her to adapt, and I did appreciate her calling out Priscilla on providing that role model for her (because pre- the action of Bequeathed Priscilla was a mean girl debutant).
Anyway, Ethan fancies himself a man of the people, laboring alongside his staff, too above simple flower gardens when he could be Improving Things For The Working Man. I appreciate how West is like, no my dude, you are actually the boss so focus on plans and reports and "cleaning up the garden for the lady of the house" and leave the digging to others. Ethan was a lawyer like his dad, but wants to bring down the system, and improve lives on the micro level of the estate while that happens. Just to be clear, everyone in this book was reared at the marquis level. So all this "boo the aristocracy" talk from Ethan is completely un-self aware. In fact at one point West is all, "you know that I also hold a title?"
A lot of this conflict is Ethan not wanting to be in love with someone in the aristocratic circles because of the bringing down the Man of it all, "Ethan hated that Alice was a constant reminder of everything he was seeking to escape" even though he is also the exact same level. Like DUDE. Meanwhile she's singing, I'm a girl in the world in which my only job is to marry rich, my father has no sons so I'm the one, who has to social climb for one. Completely disregarding the fact that, again, Ethan is the wealthy cousin of a marquis, so the match she thinks her father would never approve is actually pretty reasonable.
Frankly while Ethan is looking for systems to dismantle, he should be examining the patriarchal structure that requires women to seek security in what all parties acknowledge is a transactional matrimonial outcome rather than sulking about "she was only here because she believed landing a good match was paramount." Why is it paramount Ethan? Why does she believe that?
James's characters have a certain inelastic thinking (especially her MMCs who are often, first thought, best thought), and here Ethan and Alice can't seem to move off their starting positions even though there is plenty of new information to shift their perspectives. Sure, Alice was snobby when she got there, but he has since found out about her upbringing and assumptions. For her part, Alice is convinced she has to act a certain way and marry this season even though she's been flat out told (when the showing didn't take) that she should try for different. Oh well, as she thinks about her real (and metaphorical garden) "Alice looked out the window and admired what they'd accomplished thus far, even if it did still need to develop."
Almost every possible character has told him to settle down about his hardcore stance against the Man because a) he is the Man a b) just settle down dude and make gradual change as possible. I mean, he only thinks like 14 times "Yes, she had shown herself to be a caring woman once aware of other realities; however, she was still a daughter of the aristocracy. Could he compromise everything he was trying to accomplish for his own selfish desires?" My kindle note is "Oh grow up. He's literally the son of aristocracy." AND! You nepo-babied your way into being the estate manager of a huge estate with no actual qualifications for the job, maybe settle down on the man of the people noise.
Anyhoo, they love each other, there's Only One Cottage in a torrential rainstorm, and we all know what that means, everyone gets their heads out of their pockets in time. Oh! And there is a fantastic scene where Alice tells her father what's what and it's like out of a telenovela. Perfect. Oh, and all the trauma that poor Alice had been going through for the last few years could have been avoided if her dad had one (1) slightly emotionally vulnerable conversation with his brother. Men!
Readers who enjoy a low-conflict, lower steam cozy romance will embrace this series. James writes good people trying to do good, and it is a welcome respite in these trying times.
Look, I defer to historians and author's research, but is it realistic to think a young lady who is a guest in her cousin's home would pull a 0-60 "Do you have any idea who I am?" at the slightest perceived pushback from a member of their staff? I feel like manners would preclude that? Regardless, Alice does, but sadly for her not at some lowly garden laborer, but the hunky cousin of her host. Leading him to have and never deviate from a poor first impression that she's a snob. It's actually never clear to me why she thinks "haughty debutant" is the best persona for her to adapt, and I did appreciate her calling out Priscilla on providing that role model for her (because pre- the action of Bequeathed Priscilla was a mean girl debutant).
Anyway, Ethan fancies himself a man of the people, laboring alongside his staff, too above simple flower gardens when he could be Improving Things For The Working Man. I appreciate how West is like, no my dude, you are actually the boss so focus on plans and reports and "cleaning up the garden for the lady of the house" and leave the digging to others. Ethan was a lawyer like his dad, but wants to bring down the system, and improve lives on the micro level of the estate while that happens. Just to be clear, everyone in this book was reared at the marquis level. So all this "boo the aristocracy" talk from Ethan is completely un-self aware. In fact at one point West is all, "you know that I also hold a title?"
A lot of this conflict is Ethan not wanting to be in love with someone in the aristocratic circles because of the bringing down the Man of it all, "Ethan hated that Alice was a constant reminder of everything he was seeking to escape" even though he is also the exact same level. Like DUDE. Meanwhile she's singing, I'm a girl in the world in which my only job is to marry rich, my father has no sons so I'm the one, who has to social climb for one. Completely disregarding the fact that, again, Ethan is the wealthy cousin of a marquis, so the match she thinks her father would never approve is actually pretty reasonable.
Frankly while Ethan is looking for systems to dismantle, he should be examining the patriarchal structure that requires women to seek security in what all parties acknowledge is a transactional matrimonial outcome rather than sulking about "she was only here because she believed landing a good match was paramount." Why is it paramount Ethan? Why does she believe that?
James's characters have a certain inelastic thinking (especially her MMCs who are often, first thought, best thought), and here Ethan and Alice can't seem to move off their starting positions even though there is plenty of new information to shift their perspectives. Sure, Alice was snobby when she got there, but he has since found out about her upbringing and assumptions. For her part, Alice is convinced she has to act a certain way and marry this season even though she's been flat out told (when the showing didn't take) that she should try for different. Oh well, as she thinks about her real (and metaphorical garden) "Alice looked out the window and admired what they'd accomplished thus far, even if it did still need to develop."
Almost every possible character has told him to settle down about his hardcore stance against the Man because a) he is the Man a b) just settle down dude and make gradual change as possible. I mean, he only thinks like 14 times "Yes, she had shown herself to be a caring woman once aware of other realities; however, she was still a daughter of the aristocracy. Could he compromise everything he was trying to accomplish for his own selfish desires?" My kindle note is "Oh grow up. He's literally the son of aristocracy." AND! You nepo-babied your way into being the estate manager of a huge estate with no actual qualifications for the job, maybe settle down on the man of the people noise.
Anyhoo, they love each other, there's Only One Cottage in a torrential rainstorm, and we all know what that means, everyone gets their heads out of their pockets in time. Oh! And there is a fantastic scene where Alice tells her father what's what and it's like out of a telenovela. Perfect. Oh, and all the trauma that poor Alice had been going through for the last few years could have been avoided if her dad had one (1) slightly emotionally vulnerable conversation with his brother. Men!
Readers who enjoy a low-conflict, lower steam cozy romance will embrace this series. James writes good people trying to do good, and it is a welcome respite in these trying times.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A reviving country estate, a garden project, and two young people, polar opposites in everything but their heart’s desire.
Alice & Ethan – the failed debutante and her prickly estate manager
She vain, inconsiderate and snobbish. He hardworking, dedicated and in control.
Both grandchildren of a marquess, both 2nd son children, her family’s title ancient, his bought, and their upbringing miles apart.
Both are under tremendous pressure. She because her first season tanked and she doesn’t want to disappoint her beloved ailing father, and he because he wants to prove his life choices weren’t a mistake.
Both are also physically attracted to one another at first sight, but clash horribly at first hello – and then find themselves strong-armed into designing their cousins’ garden. Together!
Butting heads, sizzling kisses, a ginger kitten, digging & dirt, a rainstorm accident, big fights & small endearing gestures. Their bickering eventually grows into a strong friendship, but privately both want it to be more, yet know they can’t have it... except, what if they can?
A lovely and engaging enemies-to-lovers of a different kind.
They shouldn’t click, yet they do. She needles him; doesn’t necessarily means to, but her blinders are in the way – and he gets so terribly frustrated at his own inability to stay away, he lashes out at her and rips them off.
Alice isn’t the spoiled princess Ethan believes her to be, but simply the result of her upbringing, and just like him, she’s torn between duty and desire. I really admired how much she matures throughout the story!
And I loved how Ethan knows he’s being an arse, yet can’t help himself. He’s confused and overwhelmed, struggling to reconcile duty, beliefs, honour and love – but he’s there when she needs him most, and it was the most heartwarming thing!
A beautiful feel-good story with a very rewarding happily ever after that left me with this warm and comfy sense of peace.
Alice & Ethan – the failed debutante and her prickly estate manager
She vain, inconsiderate and snobbish. He hardworking, dedicated and in control.
Both grandchildren of a marquess, both 2nd son children, her family’s title ancient, his bought, and their upbringing miles apart.
Both are under tremendous pressure. She because her first season tanked and she doesn’t want to disappoint her beloved ailing father, and he because he wants to prove his life choices weren’t a mistake.
Both are also physically attracted to one another at first sight, but clash horribly at first hello – and then find themselves strong-armed into designing their cousins’ garden. Together!
Butting heads, sizzling kisses, a ginger kitten, digging & dirt, a rainstorm accident, big fights & small endearing gestures. Their bickering eventually grows into a strong friendship, but privately both want it to be more, yet know they can’t have it... except, what if they can?
A lovely and engaging enemies-to-lovers of a different kind.
They shouldn’t click, yet they do. She needles him; doesn’t necessarily means to, but her blinders are in the way – and he gets so terribly frustrated at his own inability to stay away, he lashes out at her and rips them off.
Alice isn’t the spoiled princess Ethan believes her to be, but simply the result of her upbringing, and just like him, she’s torn between duty and desire. I really admired how much she matures throughout the story!
And I loved how Ethan knows he’s being an arse, yet can’t help himself. He’s confused and overwhelmed, struggling to reconcile duty, beliefs, honour and love – but he’s there when she needs him most, and it was the most heartwarming thing!
A beautiful feel-good story with a very rewarding happily ever after that left me with this warm and comfy sense of peace.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Beguiled is the second book in the Beaumonts series, set during the Regency. Andie James writes her characters so affectionately that I could relax and enjoy the journey to the happily ever after. If you have read Bequeathed, you’ll recognise Priscilla and West, and their home provides the backdrop for Alice Pembroke and Ethan Beaumont's romance.
Alice leaves London to stay at Priscilla and West’s estate so they can assist her with preparing for her next season, when, to please her father, she has to find herself an aristocratic husband. Also on the estate is Ethan, West’s cousin who has taken up the position of estate manager. Ethan has embraced a new way of thinking that gives the workers and staff more agency over their own lives. In contrast, Alice believes in the superiority of the aristocracy and that if she shows any recognition of the humanity of the lower classes, she is showing weakness. It’s quite the journey for Alice to unlearn things she’s been taught since she was a little girl and she also wants to do the right thing by her widowed father. The plot is largely character-driven and it is wonderful to see how Alice comes to a new way of thinking as she falls in love with Ethan.
The estate is gorgeous, if run down, and Alice creates a garden which serves as a lovely metaphor for her own growth.
This is a gentle, almost old-school romance. There’s no big drama, or wicked villains, just good people finding themselves. Ethan and Alice are wonderful, and the way they yearn and then lean on each other is a joy to read.
Thank you so much Andie James for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
Alice leaves London to stay at Priscilla and West’s estate so they can assist her with preparing for her next season, when, to please her father, she has to find herself an aristocratic husband. Also on the estate is Ethan, West’s cousin who has taken up the position of estate manager. Ethan has embraced a new way of thinking that gives the workers and staff more agency over their own lives. In contrast, Alice believes in the superiority of the aristocracy and that if she shows any recognition of the humanity of the lower classes, she is showing weakness. It’s quite the journey for Alice to unlearn things she’s been taught since she was a little girl and she also wants to do the right thing by her widowed father. The plot is largely character-driven and it is wonderful to see how Alice comes to a new way of thinking as she falls in love with Ethan.
The estate is gorgeous, if run down, and Alice creates a garden which serves as a lovely metaphor for her own growth.
This is a gentle, almost old-school romance. There’s no big drama, or wicked villains, just good people finding themselves. Ethan and Alice are wonderful, and the way they yearn and then lean on each other is a joy to read.
Thank you so much Andie James for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another feel-good story from Andie James about characters who have a heart of gold. The story takes place at the house of Priscilla and West Beaumont, who are the characters from book number one. Alice is Priscilla's cousin and Ethan is West's cousin. Alice and Ethan are both staying at their house while they design the gardens for the estate. Priscilla, Mrs. Matchmaker herself, set this entire thing up, thinking that they might enjoy working together (wink, wink!)
At first they tend towards rudeness, but soon they begin to talk and communicate honestly, and their real personalities come out. There's a border collie named Tobias and a kitten named Knightly (!!!), so you know the mmcs are DOOMED in their efforts to not fall in love.
The entire book was just lovely from start to finish. Even when they're being prickly with each other. ESPECIALLY when there's an empty caretaker's cottage. I hope there is more to this series!
Thank you to Andie James for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
At first they tend towards rudeness, but soon they begin to talk and communicate honestly, and their real personalities come out. There's a border collie named Tobias and a kitten named Knightly (!!!), so you know the mmcs are DOOMED in their efforts to not fall in love.
The entire book was just lovely from start to finish. Even when they're being prickly with each other. ESPECIALLY when there's an empty caretaker's cottage. I hope there is more to this series!
Thank you to Andie James for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm always on board with a likeable/unlikeable heroine, but fold that into a book that's so damn sweet, with tons of character work? Sold!
Read this one for:
-Ginger cats
- The scene in which he bandages her hand
- Caught in a rainstorm
- Only one bed
- A "farewell" kiss (ha! Is it ever?)
Read this one for:
-Ginger cats
- The scene in which he bandages her hand
- Caught in a rainstorm
- Only one bed
- A "farewell" kiss (ha! Is it ever?)
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews