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Highfield Hall #2
Charades and Chivalry
He knocked her off her feet and into his heart.
As the Season draws to a close, Julian Northcott prepares to return to Highfield Hall, his family’s estate in Yorkshire, though his wish to meet a woman who can stir his heart has not been granted. Until his final day in Town, when an unfortunate incident turns fortunate, and places him in the company of the lovely Annabelle Fairfax.
Annabelle Fairfax is promised to another, but she can’t get the handsome gentleman who knocked her over—and set her back on her feet—out of her mind. Still, her engagement to Leo de Witte was set long ago by her doting parents and his, and it is an agreement she will not break, even though her heart apparently yearns for another. Now, she could only pray that her ailing father, whom she adores, will be well enough to walk her down the aisle.
But on what should have been the happiest day in Annie’s life, tragedy strikes, and her life is forever changed in a way she could never imagine. Heartbroken, she now finds herself facing an unknown future. She leaves London for a safe and quiet haven in England’s northern climes where destiny—and Julian Northcott--shows up once again. They are sure they are destined to be together forever.
Yet when shocking secrets emerge from her past, Annie’s future is jeopardized yet again. Worse, her relationship with Julian is seriously compromised. That, coupled with the ever-present threat from a suspected killer on the run causes her to flee to London where she hopes to become lost in anonymity. Julian, however, has no intention of letting Annie go a second time.
In the end it will take the strength of his love, the unshakable unity of family, and maybe some help from Scotland Yard to overcome the killer and bring Annie to his side for the rest of their lives.
Topes you'll VictorianSecret PastSecond ChancesYorkshireFated Romance
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
Highfield Hall
Book 1 - Doubts and Desires
Book 2 - Charades and Chivalry
Book 3 - Passion and Principles
Book 4 - Pride and Propriety
Book 5 - Obsession and Obligation
Book 6 - Vices and Virtues
As the Season draws to a close, Julian Northcott prepares to return to Highfield Hall, his family’s estate in Yorkshire, though his wish to meet a woman who can stir his heart has not been granted. Until his final day in Town, when an unfortunate incident turns fortunate, and places him in the company of the lovely Annabelle Fairfax.
Annabelle Fairfax is promised to another, but she can’t get the handsome gentleman who knocked her over—and set her back on her feet—out of her mind. Still, her engagement to Leo de Witte was set long ago by her doting parents and his, and it is an agreement she will not break, even though her heart apparently yearns for another. Now, she could only pray that her ailing father, whom she adores, will be well enough to walk her down the aisle.
But on what should have been the happiest day in Annie’s life, tragedy strikes, and her life is forever changed in a way she could never imagine. Heartbroken, she now finds herself facing an unknown future. She leaves London for a safe and quiet haven in England’s northern climes where destiny—and Julian Northcott--shows up once again. They are sure they are destined to be together forever.
Yet when shocking secrets emerge from her past, Annie’s future is jeopardized yet again. Worse, her relationship with Julian is seriously compromised. That, coupled with the ever-present threat from a suspected killer on the run causes her to flee to London where she hopes to become lost in anonymity. Julian, however, has no intention of letting Annie go a second time.
In the end it will take the strength of his love, the unshakable unity of family, and maybe some help from Scotland Yard to overcome the killer and bring Annie to his side for the rest of their lives.
Topes you'll VictorianSecret PastSecond ChancesYorkshireFated Romance
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
Highfield Hall
Book 1 - Doubts and Desires
Book 2 - Charades and Chivalry
Book 3 - Passion and Principles
Book 4 - Pride and Propriety
Book 5 - Obsession and Obligation
Book 6 - Vices and Virtues
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2025
About the author
Charlotte Wren
12 books18 followersAuthor of Victorian and Regency romances. Charlotte is also the alter-ego for author Avril Borthiry, who writes medieval and fantasy romance.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
We have Book 2 and it every bit as delightful as book one!
We have Julian Northcott who quite literally knocks his future down in the form of Annabelle Fairfax aka Annie! They run into each and Annie is knocked on her rear!
She has an ill father and home and her maid aka mother figure Hattie is with her!
They sense this is a meeting with profound impact but both are destined for other paths!? Aren’t they?
Annie is to be married in two weeks to a childhood betrothed and now her father and Hattie both sound out regrets!
Annie only thinks she loves him and the following events that happen show she does not know Leopoldo De Witte!
Well a tragedy ensures there is no wedding and it is still more unlikely that Julian and Annie will meet again in the countryside but they do!
Julian was being cajoled into courting and marrying the daughter of a Viscount!
But the heart wants without reason and they each haven’t forgotten the other!
When the opportunity arises to renew their acquaintance Julian is even more sure and promptly introduces her to his entire family that is present!
But the past won’t let Annie go and some secrets kept from her may sabotage her future!
Can love prevail and can a chance encounter really mean two hearts aligned!?
Bravo I received an ARC copy from Netgalley for my unbiased opinion!
We have Julian Northcott who quite literally knocks his future down in the form of Annabelle Fairfax aka Annie! They run into each and Annie is knocked on her rear!
She has an ill father and home and her maid aka mother figure Hattie is with her!
They sense this is a meeting with profound impact but both are destined for other paths!? Aren’t they?
Annie is to be married in two weeks to a childhood betrothed and now her father and Hattie both sound out regrets!
Annie only thinks she loves him and the following events that happen show she does not know Leopoldo De Witte!
Well a tragedy ensures there is no wedding and it is still more unlikely that Julian and Annie will meet again in the countryside but they do!
Julian was being cajoled into courting and marrying the daughter of a Viscount!
But the heart wants without reason and they each haven’t forgotten the other!
When the opportunity arises to renew their acquaintance Julian is even more sure and promptly introduces her to his entire family that is present!
But the past won’t let Annie go and some secrets kept from her may sabotage her future!
Can love prevail and can a chance encounter really mean two hearts aligned!?
Bravo I received an ARC copy from Netgalley for my unbiased opinion!
February 3, 2026
This was a lovely Victorian romance with just the right mix of heart, drama, and danger. From the moment Julian literally knocks Annabelle off her feet, I was hooked. Their first meeting felt charming and very “fated,” and I enjoyed how their connection lingered even when circumstances kept pulling them apart.
Annabelle is a sweet, loyal heroine who is torn between duty and her heart, and I really felt for her as tragedy kept changing the course of her life. Julian, on the other hand, is patient, devoted, and quietly strong—the kind of hero who never gives up once he knows who he loves. I especially liked the Yorkshire setting, which added a cozy, emotional backdrop to their second chance at happiness.
The secret past, the shocking revelations, and the threat of a killer gave the story real tension and kept the pages turning. Add in supportive family, a determined hero, and even a bit of help from Scotland Yard, and this became more than just a romance—it was an emotional journey.
If you enjoy Victorian romance, second chances, secret pasts, and a love that refuses to fade, this is definitely worth the read. Perfect for curling up with on a quiet afternoon.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Annabelle is a sweet, loyal heroine who is torn between duty and her heart, and I really felt for her as tragedy kept changing the course of her life. Julian, on the other hand, is patient, devoted, and quietly strong—the kind of hero who never gives up once he knows who he loves. I especially liked the Yorkshire setting, which added a cozy, emotional backdrop to their second chance at happiness.
The secret past, the shocking revelations, and the threat of a killer gave the story real tension and kept the pages turning. Add in supportive family, a determined hero, and even a bit of help from Scotland Yard, and this became more than just a romance—it was an emotional journey.
If you enjoy Victorian romance, second chances, secret pasts, and a love that refuses to fade, this is definitely worth the read. Perfect for curling up with on a quiet afternoon.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
December 22, 2025
Charades and Chivalry is the second book in the Highfield Hall series, but it can be read as a standalone.
I enjoyed how Annie and Julian quite literally bump into each other at the start of the story and how, from that moment, the plot quickly takes off. Their initial meeting felt natural and engaging, and I liked how the story later shifts from London to the countryside, allowing them to meet again and begin their relationship in earnest. Leopold de Witte was a thoroughly despicable character, so I was very glad that Annie did not end up marrying him.
I also appreciated how Julian introduces Annie to his entire family, which added warmth and depth to their developing relationship. These moments helped ground the romance and made their connection feel more genuine.
Overall, I had a lot of fun reading this book and found it an enjoyable and satisfying romance. While it may not have been perfect, I would still recommend it and would happily read more from Charlotte Wren.
Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the review copy. My opinions are my own!
I enjoyed how Annie and Julian quite literally bump into each other at the start of the story and how, from that moment, the plot quickly takes off. Their initial meeting felt natural and engaging, and I liked how the story later shifts from London to the countryside, allowing them to meet again and begin their relationship in earnest. Leopold de Witte was a thoroughly despicable character, so I was very glad that Annie did not end up marrying him.
I also appreciated how Julian introduces Annie to his entire family, which added warmth and depth to their developing relationship. These moments helped ground the romance and made their connection feel more genuine.
Overall, I had a lot of fun reading this book and found it an enjoyable and satisfying romance. While it may not have been perfect, I would still recommend it and would happily read more from Charlotte Wren.
Thanks to Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the review copy. My opinions are my own!
January 9, 2026
A beautiful romance emerges out of heartbreak and loss, as the charming Julian Northcott chances upon Annabelle Fairfax. He tries to forget her, knowing she is not available to him, but when circumstances change, Julian loses no time in tracking her down, only to be thwarted once again. Coming face-to-face with Annabelle in the home of a family member gives him hope that a relationship with her is destined. Unfortunately, lies and deceit abound, and when Annabelle unearths the truth about her family, Julian shows his steadfastness and devotion, bringing the novel to a sweet conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
January 4, 2026
He bumped into her...
Or rather, crashed into Annie. Julian meets Annie when he knocks her down. Set in Victorian times, Annie is already pledged by her father to marry Leo. Things don't go according to plan and Annie ends up meeting Julian again, under different circumstances. They click but again, fate has other things in store for Annie. It seems like the heroine can't catch a break, while Julian goes about his life.
Or rather, crashed into Annie. Julian meets Annie when he knocks her down. Set in Victorian times, Annie is already pledged by her father to marry Leo. Things don't go according to plan and Annie ends up meeting Julian again, under different circumstances. They click but again, fate has other things in store for Annie. It seems like the heroine can't catch a break, while Julian goes about his life.
January 4, 2026
Have you ever met someone who you believe is your match only to be separated by circumstances? Book two of this series takes us on a journey of star crossed characters who should be together but aren't. Or are they? Plot is very well done and the story has you hanging on to hope that the awesome characters will meet again and have another opportunity for love. Hold your breath for this one, it's good.
January 15, 2026
Charlotte Wren is an excellent author and I enjoyed visiting this family again. One thing that's pretty much guaranteed is that there's going to be twists and turns. The family also seems to increase at every book! I loved Annie and Julian. It's amazing how much they got to know each other when they first met for only about a half an hour AND a ladies maid was present all the time. It was fate!
Thank you to Dragonblade for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
Thank you to Dragonblade for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
December 23, 2025
An Engaging Story.
A wedding disruption causes a tragedy and a seismic shift in Annie’s world. However not one but two unexpected meetings with Julian Northcott give her hope of a different future… until a scandalous secret comes to light and those hopes are dashed.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A wedding disruption causes a tragedy and a seismic shift in Annie’s world. However not one but two unexpected meetings with Julian Northcott give her hope of a different future… until a scandalous secret comes to light and those hopes are dashed.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews