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Love from London #5

Miss Warrington's Portfolio for Designing a Betrothal

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Blackmail is a strange start to a love story…

Miss Dahlia Warrington has acquired a reputation for two things--being fashionable, and turning down every suitor who’s asked for her hand.

She has a secret list of what she’s looking for in a husband, and no gentleman has ever matched her requirements. She’s starting to wonder whether such a man even exists…

For years, Lord Cavendish has been plagued with the memory of a young lady in a moonlit garden. He only met her the once, and he never learned her name…

Now William has been called back to London to fix the mess his late brother left behind. The largest problem isn’t the family home that’s fallen into ruin, the horde of debt collectors, or assuming the title he never expected to inherit. The most pressing issue is that his eight sisters are all of a marriageable age and only one has been presented.

When William quite literally runs into the lady from his past, she doesn’t recognize him, but he realizes she might be the answer to securing his sisters’ futures…

Can Dahlia and William overcome their contentious start?

522 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2026

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About the author

Jill M. Beene

18 books227 followers
Be sure to follow me on Goodreads to get every update! I live in sunny California with my handsome husband and my slobbery English Mastiff, Rupert. I've always loved stories and wanted to write novels. When I'm not getting words on the page, I'm walking my dog or cooking something (hopefully) delicious. Feel free to ask me a question or connect with me here, but you can also find me on Instagram or my website, JillMBeene.com. I so appreciate my readers! Thank you!

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5 stars
176 (54%)
4 stars
106 (32%)
3 stars
37 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Kremena Koleva.
423 reviews90 followers
February 11, 2026
В Miss Warrington's Portfolio for Designing a Betrothal на Jill M Beene атмосферата на Bridgerton среща ярката откровеност в отношенията. Истинско забавление с остроумни, честни и целенасочени герои! Колкото смях и добро настроение да има на страниците й, толкова и мъдри мисли, точни наблюдения и искрено изказани мнения открояват новелата от всички исторически романси,които съм чела. Наистина вярвам, че във времето на изискани обноски, лустросани светски разговори и класово раболепничене е имало хора, които са заобикаляли обществените порядки и фалшивите норми на поведение. Честността на изказаните мисли са глътка чист въздух сред бурята от надменност, прикрити меркантилни намерения и прикрито зад титли и влияние поведение.
Най - интересната глава в книгата беше 33 - та! Един много светски и много поучителен разговор за птиц. Всъщност за кокошки. Никой не очаква такъв да се проведе в предния салон по време на визитите на господата в периода на Сезона в Лондон. Когато обикновено се обявяват намеренията за ухажване на някоя дама! Но всъщност май точно там й е мястото на темата! За предпочитанията на кокошките към комфорт и спокойна среда, за да снасят най - добрите яйца. Абсолютно изискана метафора, поднесена към дамата, която е пленила сърцето на героя ни! Интелигентността на всеки джентълмен може много деликатно да бъде установена от реакцията му към такъв разговор! А госпожицата има възможност нагледно и набързо да установи кой от ухажорите й е сериозен в намеренията си. И кой си струва да бъде поощрен!
Който разбрал, разбрал!
А аз постоянно бях във възторг от играта на остроумие и реалистични претенции между Далия Уорингтън, сестра й Рейчъл, лорд Уилям Кавендиш и сестра му Клер. Това си бяха типа хора, които бих искала да имам в компанията си!
Ако героите в една книга отговарят на собствените ми виждания за общуване извън лъжливите рамки за благоприличие и изказват отношение, намерение и мисли с исткреност, мога да нарека тези образи сродна душа! А книгата - достойна за 5⭐️!

* "So many in society act as if it is the married state itself that is the goal, and not happiness within the marriage. Marriage isn't the finish line of some race—it is the starting point of a lifelong endeavor, a commitment. Why on earth would you try to find a spouse under pretense?"
* " And while we're on the subject, I might point out that conforming to society's definition of happiness has made many people miserable, indeed."
Profile Image for Jill M Owen.
74 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2026
Yes, I have fallen down a rabbit hole and have been ignoring my other book. Overall cute book. Loved the plot in regards to how fmc had her revenge of sorts for mmc breaking her heart. But there were some plot holes. I need more details about mmc 's sisters courtship that were occurring in this book. Yes, I now have to read the next book. But first to finish my other current read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
511 reviews5 followers
February 25, 2026
Like others in the series this is a delight. The dialogue is sparkling, with some genuinely funny moments. The clothing descriptions in this volume are lush and detailed, as fits our FMC especially. I like that both the leads here have overcome a lot in their lives, even if all that takes place off page or in another installment.

Now to the difficulties. In some ways, this is rounded UP to a 4. Clear feelings are dragged out without a whole lot of story to hang all of that on. Look, in these types of books, they always get together, so there must be other elements to create suspense or surprise. There was very little of that. In addition, there were no stolen kisses, only longing memories of the one from long ago. Such chaste activity would not have “ruined” either character nor violated the closed-door nature of these romances, but it would have been something. There are constant suggestions of interesting things happening to other characters, but none of those plot lines are resolved. Right now there are potentially five other stories waiting. The not so clever overtures in this direction make me think that ultimately, when told, several stories will overlap. But, for now, there are just loose threads left that are more messy and annoying than suspenseful.

I found myself especially interested in Dahlia’s male friend who clearly is on the spectrum. Despite her constant promises that she will help find him a kind wife, she spends the season, instead, sitting home every day and being feted, making almost no effort to even talk to other women who aren’t related to her or who will be related to her.

Other installments in the series include some mistaken identity, kidnapping (twice!)…some action in other words. This one included a visit to a dressmaker’s shop with the big reveal of the dressmaker’s identity. Not very riveting stuff.

Overall, charming characters (especially the side ones) and Berne’s clever dialogue, but just not enough story. It largely felt like a bridge for more books. 😏
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
4,054 reviews22 followers
May 16, 2026
The easy-going banter between the main and secondary characters added much to this story. I loved it. In fact, I have noted the release dates for the next two books by Ms. Beene. The wit and interaction between the characters is so engaging that I read for hours to see what happened. Then, I was disappointed that there was no more story to read!

Finally, there is a reason for the 500+ pages: this is an involved story that grabs the reader immediately. William met a young woman at a ball in the garden. Although he did not get her name, she stayed with him for four years.

He arrives back after his older brother, Richard, and holder of the title, has died, and the eight sisters have been left hungry and destitute. The new Lord Cavendish must set things right and get his sisters married. To that end, he sends the four younger ones to Paris and concentrates on the four older ones. They need dresses and all the finery necessary for a Season in London. When William picks up some of the drawings of a companion in a hackney (one day), he figures he has found the woman who can take his sisters in hand.

Dahlia Warrington just happens to be the woman William met in the garden four years ago. He blackmails her to create gowns for the sisters. With such an inauspicious beginning, can true love emerge? This book is beautifully written.


Love from London – Total of 6
1. Mr. Pickwick's Guide to Marriageable Young Ladies (2020)
2. Lord Salisbury's Ledgers on How to Woo a Wife (2022)
3. Lady Waldrey's Gardening Almanac for Cultivating Scandal (2025)
4. Miss Ashbury and the Anatomy of Mending a Heart (2025)
** 5. Miss Warrington's Portfolio for Designing a Betrothal (2026)
6. Lord Cole's Compendium of Love and Other Curiosities (2026)
Profile Image for Lida Marie.
193 reviews3 followers
May 11, 2026
📚✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨📚
Title: Miss Warrington’s Portfolio for Designing a Betrothal
Series: Love from London, Book 5
Author: Jill M. Beene
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📝 My Thoughts: Polished, Personal, Perfect
I had the best "aha!" moment with this one! I recently read The Trouble with Tweed (from the author's other series) and loved Claire Preston's story. When I saw names like William, Lily, and Margaret popping up here, it finally clicked: this is William’s story! Seeing Claire’s protective older brother finally get his own spotlight was so satisfying. The chemistry between him and Dahlia is wonderful, especially since they both share a "hidden" past before they entered the ton.

💖 Why I Loved It:
* The Connection: Finding out William is Claire’s brother made me so invested in his happiness.

* The Banter: William and Dahlia are both so smart and sharp-tongued; their back-and-forth is chef kiss!

* The Sisters: Sisters on both sides are a chaotic delight and add so much heart to the story.


🔖 Favorite Quote:
"Love is nothing but risk. At the outset, in the middle, and especially toward the end. Love means that someone will get hurt eventually."

📌 Final Verdict:
This works perfectly as a standalone, but it is even better if you have met the Preston family in Jill Beene's other books. It is a sweet, closed-door Regency romance with a "boring businessman" hero who is actually a total swoon-worthy romantic.

#RegencyRomance #Bookstagram #JillMBeene #CleanRomance #HistoricalFiction #BookReview #LoveFromLondon #FabricOfLove #BookishConnections
Profile Image for Natasha.
382 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
January 31, 2026
As always, witty, humorous, and delightful pursuit of a second-chance HEA in a Regency London

This entire series is simply amazing and full of humor and romance one must have in their TBR. However, with all its wit and silliness, the novel touches on issues of social disparity, shallowness, and expectations of fitting into a mold, as well. It is the goodness of a noble character that’s praised and an inside beauty that’s admired.

Although, a reader can easily admire the atmosphere of Regency with its fashion and style which is in abundance here and only create a character of its own.

And as far as main characters are concerned, Dahlia and William are just a treat to read about.
It is meant to read as a series, and you’ll greatly benefit to start with Book 1 in Love from London series. Truly, your enjoyment level will absolutely rise a notch or two. Especially, as the characters you’ve fallen in love with will reappear - or a glimpse at a new series will whet your appetite.


I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Jasmine.
214 reviews
February 6, 2026
── .✦ "…It was just pure bad luck that the one man who caught your eye wasn't looking at you in that way at first. You can hardly hold that against him forever. He sees you now. He's looking at you now. And I don't think he's going to look the other direction ever again."

~

˗ˏˋ˗ˏ 4 🌟 ● 🫑

~

Once again, I find myself delving into this world. And once again, I am not unhappy with what I see.

The story was quite intriguing, given William was a tradesman and how trades were viewed back then. I mean, we see that through the story when looking back at Robert's take.

And the way we saw Dahlia slowly come around to William's earnest way of being, likely *because* he was a tradesman/businessman and he had to be.

The addition of Claire's pov and why she acted how she did makes me feel confident that not only will she find help in Dahlia in her own book (book 6) but that she will certainly have a storyline that will be worth the (digital) pages.

I love when I'm not let down by series. And I'm glad I found this series.
124 reviews
February 11, 2026
Absolutely LOVED this story! I love all of Ms. Beene’s stories so read them all. She is like a breath of fresh air in the historical romance department and much appreciated. Please note, for me I have only given 5 stars to a handful of books over the decades and save that for something that moves me so completely or profoundly that it is still with me. 4 stars, for me, means that I absolutely loved it, it was a great story that pulled me in and I had to keep reading because it was just that good. What a lovely book to read while we had snow falling and freezing temps. (: Thank you Ms. Beene, your next release is written in my calendar and much anticipated.
36 reviews
March 3, 2026
I ended up skipping over most of the last half of this book. The lead characters became tiresome. They were nice people, but after overcoming early hardships in their lives they became incredibly, unapologetically materialistic, which ultimately leads to becoming shallow. Books about shallow people are boring, just like spending time with shallow people is. I evaluate a book's quality by how much I miss the hero/heroin when the book is finished. Do I feel sad to say goodbye. I honestly do not miss a single person in this book. No desire to spend time with these folks.

That said there were several clever lines and insights, so not a total loss.
27 reviews
March 7, 2026
Sweet and inventive

I live a good story about people developing more than romantic love. The character development was fun to watch in this one. I felt the heartache as misunderstandings led to conflict, celebrated when love filled in the gap, and enjoyed the banter in the in-between.
10/10 for another clean romance. 0 🌶 though there is a kiss described that is rather more heated than expected for the era. Nothing I wouldn't feel comfortable with my teens or preteens reading.
If you enjoy unconventional love with a hint of drama, this one is for you.
627 reviews3 followers
March 21, 2026
William was a great character, but DAHLIA was a bit hardheaded but very talented with her dress designs and color choices. Her sister Rachel was quite unusual, but what a character! Not only would she discuss odd and inappropriate topics and say, whatever was on her mind at any time, but she also had a fascination for taxidermy and even wore a taxidermied crow on her shoulder. I was disappointed not to find out what happened to the awkward (mentally challenged?) suitor who was learning how to court someone from Dahlia. I hope I see him again in future books.
397 reviews15 followers
February 18, 2026
HOW is it possible that Jill Beene's stories are each better than the last? I enjoyed this one even more than I enjoyed the first two books of this series, and I didn't think that was possible. This one has everything - banter, romance, laughter, intelligence - but without any of it being forced or overdone. My favourite regency romance of Ms Beene's yet. Dahlia and William are honestly the best couple.
Profile Image for Dobby.
589 reviews39 followers
February 11, 2026
Despite my earlier resolve - after finishing book #4 - to give up on this series, I decided to give it a chance. I went into the story promising myself that if the same editing errors occurred in this book as well, I'd DNF and call it done.

I'm thrilled to report that I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I was immersed in the story from the first page and stayed there comfortably until the end. Literally, The End ended the book, quite nicely. I'm glad I gave the book a chance. Well done, Ms Beene, well done.
2 reviews
February 3, 2026
She’s Done It Again!

Another excellent book by Jill M Beene! While Eleanor and Edward’s story remains my all-time favorite, Dahlia and William’s story is now fighting with Percy and Adelaide for second spot.

Also, when I am old, I too want to be a part of Aunt Janie’s group!
Profile Image for Amaanda.
6 reviews
February 5, 2026
Another captivating book by Jill M. Beene

Such a fun book (again! Yay!)! I just picked it up for a quick read before starting something I ought to do and here I am - hours later - happy and abit sad that I’ll have to wait months till the next instalment…
77 reviews
February 9, 2026
Well Designed Romance

I enjoyed the character growth in both William and Dahlia. William's vulnerability was convincing without being sappy and Dahlia finally let go of her pride enough to appreciate him. The pacing was good and the banter believable. A very entertaining read.
Profile Image for Janice Hamel Poljak.
25 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2026
Wonderful

I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this book. The story was fresh, the secondary characters interesting, and the humor…oh my I barked laughter several times. Best book I’ve read in months.
6 reviews
March 5, 2026
This was my favorite in the series! So much to love about this one. Strong characters all around. I especially love the development of the character of Dahlia’s sister, Rachel. I found myself smiling and laughing out loud several times because or her antics.
Profile Image for Holly Hastings.
61 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2026
Very enjoyable book

Very involved plot with many characters. More about life outside the ball room. Loving Family relationships. No over baring parents demanding titles or fortunes. Looking forward to next in series.
67 reviews
April 7, 2026
My favorite of the series! Dahlia and William’s story felt very realistic for this setting. The tropes weren’t too overplayed, and I loved Dahlia and Rachel’s wit. Could really understand how each character had their own difficult pasts and became stronger from it.
Profile Image for Hannah Horn.
59 reviews
February 8, 2026
The first half was 4⭐️, the last half felt lack luster and mainly prepped for the next book.
426 reviews2 followers
February 10, 2026
This fifth adventure is as delightful as the first one was. Intervening entries in the series were interesting but lacked the verve that one and five have. I am looking forward to #6 from Beene.
30 reviews
March 3, 2026
This was a little bit more complex historical romance than many. Light touch of humor. Interesting complex characters with the usual misunderstandings. But a fun easy read.
380 reviews
March 5, 2026
Silks and lace

From rags to riches. That's what these stories are about. And making certain they are never destitute again. They can't own anything.
Profile Image for Bryony.
307 reviews4 followers
March 26, 2026
Not as strong as the others, but fun nonetheless. I can’t help but imagine Madame Auberts as the dressmaker lady in the first Bridgerton haha
Profile Image for D Call.
668 reviews29 followers
May 3, 2026
Hilarious

Dahlia and William have humor, but oh my gosh, Rachel kills me! And the Preston sisters are funny, too. My favorite so far of the series.
Profile Image for Heather.
275 reviews2 followers
February 14, 2026
wonderful

I love how this author takes the time to tell a complete relationship story - no shortcuts, no instalove. And, how even when truth is told, people are complicated and need time. This was a great addition to this series, and I highly recommend reading ALL of them.

Some kissing, but sparkly clean.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews