Trisha Messmer always had an obsession with reading, starting at the tender age of four (or so her mother told her).Finding some of the things she read lacking-or at least not ending the way she thought they should-she started making up her own stories. They lived within her vivid imagination for a long, long time until one day they broke free and put themselves on a page. Sometimes things really do take on a life of their own.She hopes you enjoy her musings as much as she enjoyed writing them, If they make you laugh, sigh, or even cry, she would love hearing about it. Sign up for her newsletter and receive free exclusive VIP content of supplemental material.
Anne Weatherby may be twenty-six and a spinster, but she's not looking for a husband unless she falls in love. What's wrong with wanting a husband who makes goo-goo eyes at his wife? Her brother thinks a house party will be a perfect opportunity to find one. Collin Bell, Viscount Manning, is a widower with two daughters. He's not ready to marry again. Tell that to four precocious little girls. Anne and Collin find themselves caught in a marriage with insecurities, guilt, pain and especially humor. Mild descriptive sex. I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author.
The 4th book in the London Ladies League series follows Anne and Colin's story.
Anne is considered "on the shelf" at 26, and her brother, Andrew, wants to select her a husband. Unfortunately Anne's reputation as a reckless flirt, and her somewhat amusing though not always appropriate habit of blurting out thoughts hasn't done her many favours in the marriage department. Anne just wants someone to love and appreciate her, a man to make "goo-goo" eyes at her, just like the husbands of her happily married friends. But at 26, she has yet to even be kissed.
Colin is a viscount and widower, with two young spirited daughters. He has no desire to return to society, let alone endure well meaning and unwanted matchmaking attempts, but he's been hiding away for 3 years since his wife's passing, his sister, Honoria, convinces him to attend the house party she's hosting.
An ill-fated meeting between Colin and Ann ensues, sparks fly, as does their supposed mutual dislike for one another. With the assistance of a couple of scheming young girls however (including one of Colin's daughters), during a game of hide and seek, Colin and Anne find themselves trapped, somewhat literally, in a situation that neither of them had wanted.
The Muckraker scandal sheet takes more of a backseat in the events of this story, but still simmers beneath the surface. The mystery surrounding the identity of the individual behind the Muckraker continues to be an ongoing under-thread, the same as in the other books in the series. We are still no closer to an answer as yet. I wont spoil the read for you by giving all the details of the events that transpire but the story was undoubtedly a very enjoyable read, that I would definitely recommend.
I really enjoyed the story, romance, ongoing mystery, and as always the return of characters from the other London Ladies League and Hope Clinic books is always a highlight. Whilst you don't necessarily need to read them all to follow the events of this book, I would highly recommend them. They're not only really great stories in their own right, but the context is better understood due to the extended knowledge the other books provide. Give them all a read. Trust me, you wont be disappointed.
Trisha Messmer’s London Ladies’ League series continues to delight, and this latest installment is no exception—prepare to be charmed, amused, and maybe even a little exasperated in the best way.
Take one grumpy viscount, add one sunshiny “shameless” flirt, shake well, and voilà: delicious Regency chaos. Anne Weatherby, age twenty-six and never kissed, is the life of every ballroom. Society whispers that she’s a flirt, but beneath the laughter and sparkle is a woman longing for something real. She’s fun, fearless, and completely unapologetic—a walking, talking rumor magnet.
Enter Colin Bell, Viscount Manning: widower, father of two, and permanent resident of Grumpville. His heart died with his wife, and he has zero interest in love—or in Anne, no matter how tiny, stubborn, and exasperatingly charming she may be. He goes to the Duke of Merrick’s house party expecting family, polite society, and possibly a little sisterly matchmaking interference. He does not expect Anne Weatherby to turn his world upside down.
Their first meeting is a rom-com gem. Anne bounces off his gruffness like sunlight on armor, and their banter is utterly irresistible. Nicknames, witty asides, forced proximity… this is Regency romance at its most fun. Watching Lord Grump and the “Elfin of Menace” push each other’s buttons while slowly breaking down walls is as entertaining as it is heartwarming.
The Muckraker scandal sheet, as always, lurks in the background, adding just enough intrigue to keep the series thread tugging at your curiosity. We still don’t know who’s behind it—but the gossip is as juicy as ever.
This story is fast-paced, funny without being silly, and full of heart. Anne and Colin make each other stronger, and their journey from wary strangers to unexpected allies to something much more is a joy to watch. By the end, I was grinning like a fool and maybe a little annoyed that the next book isn’t in my hands right now.
A must-read for anyone who loves witty banter, opposites-attract romance, and just a sprinkle of Regency chaos. I received an advanced copy of the book from the author, and his review is entirely voluntary, all thought and opinions are my own.
Reading this new installment to The London Ladies’ League by Trisha Messmer, is like having afternoon tea with your dear friends. It is totally delicious with lots of laughter sprinkled in too!
Once again the story begins with a house party at Hartridge House, the Burwood’s country estate in Dorset. The guest list was smaller but still included all the ladies of the League along with their spouses or chaperones and some additional close family members and friends of the Burwood’s.
The main characters are Miss Anne Weatherby and Colin Bell, Viscount Manning. This time, Ms. Messmer draws inspiration from Jane Austen’s novel “Emma”, a personal favorite of mine. Like Emma Woodhouse, Anne is sometimes seen as meddlesome and slightly careless while also possessing a very kind heart. Colin by contrast is definitely judgemental and quite disparaging towards Anne when they first meet. Like Mr. Knightley, he has a serious and is rather firm demeanor, masking his true affectionate nature. Joining the house party guests this time are four precocious little girls. Anne’s twin nieces (Indira and Eleanor) and Colin’s two daughters (Cassandra and Elinor). Some of the banter between the girls and the adults involved made me laugh out loud. The girls play a mischievous little prank that has life changing consequences for the lead couple. I encourage you to see how Anne and Colin’s relationship saga unfolds in this charming episode featuring a grumpy knight and an elfin “Nymph of Nuisance.” I hope you enjoy it as much as I did… A Handy Hint: Be sure to read the Author Notes included at the end of the story. I admit that I sometimes skip them but please don’t this time!
I am anxiously awaiting the final book of this series, “The Lady Takes It All” when we will all finally find out who is responsible for the Muckraker gossip sheet. I cannot wait to see what is in store for Lady Miranda and Miles Grey! As one of my favorite historical romance authors, Trisha Messmer has a few surprises for us I am sure.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
We have Miss Anne Weatherby sister to Andrew impetuous, lovely and speaks without thinking. She often talks in her head but it really out loud which it’s important in this story! She is 26 and in the shelf so much so her dowry has been increased. We have Lord Colin Manning aka Moody-Manning aka Lord Grumpy-Trousers Aka Grump! All names dubbed by Anne. They obviously rub each other the wrong way from the first! Colin has some interesting names for Anne as well like: The Nymph of Nuisance just one of many! Colin considers Anne to be flighty, exuberant and lacking decorum! His girls love her and does need an heir but never her!? But the heart wants what it wants and I now know there are hidden depths to Anne o would have never believed or understood until this book. The children have other plans for this obstinate couple and definitely have their way! Anne and Colin have explosive chemistry that even the drama at their wedding can’t quite put out the fire! But Colin had tried to please his father for so long he doesn’t know who he or the man he wants to be! Unbelievable but Anne helps him become that and more! You won’t put this one down! There is lord of water, a miniature duel, a locked cupboard, secret passages and disloyal servants to say the least! Bravo! Can’t wait to see how a gaming hell owner wins his lady! I received an ARC copy from Story Origins for my unbiased opinion!
The 4th in the series and a fun story with a few laugh out loud moments. Colin Bell, Viscount Manning is still mourning the loss of his wife for a few years now. His sister is trying to convince him it’s time to go on living and invites him and his two daughters to her house party. Once the girls found out about the party there was no way he could disappoint them. He just needs to avoid any matchmaking attempts from his sister. But he realized very soon it’s not his sister attempts who he should avoid but the petite menace who his daughters adore. Anne Weatherby has so far avoided marriage, not that she didn’t want to be married but holding out for love. She loves playing with her nieces who made friends with the grumpy Viscount daughters at the house party of her best friend. Which put her in his path, which was sometimes a good thing. If only he wouldn’t aggravate her or smile sometimes. The banter is great between Colin and Anne and the 4 mischievous girls just warms your heart. A fun enemy to lover story and love the returning characters from the previous books. Thank you to the author for this ARC. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
This is the long-awaited story of Colin and Anne. Colin, a widower with two young daughters, was merely going through the motions of living. Anne, an unbridled ball of energy, was the last thing that he needed in his orderly world. A house party, attended by many guests known to readers, sets the stage for this unlikely pairing. The writing in this book flowed so well that I was able to read it in a day. I loved seeing so many of my favorite characters again, especially Harry, the Duke of Ashton. That man can't seem to go anywhere without being put to work! The book was upbeat in that the focus was on living in the present instead of crying about the past. The Muckraker does manage to throw a bit of a wrench into the works, but it seems like his or her days are numbered! I loved that the epilogue also included Ashton-in his personal capacity. It might also be giving some hints as to the direction of the author's future works. Happily, there is one more book coming up which promises to finally reveal the identity of The Muckraker. I received a free ARC from StoryOrigin and this is my honest review.
This latest London Ladies League offering does not disappoint! Here we meet Anne, considered a spinster at 26 but holding out for a love match, and Colin, Lord Manning, a widower with two precocious daughters, who has no desire for another wife. The two are convinced by family and friends to attend a house party where they meet. To say they find each other annoying at best is an understatement! When a child's prank places them in a compromising position, they agree marriage is the only course of action lest the infamous Muckraker turn the occurrence into a nasty scandal.
We can always depend on Ms. Messmer to give us endearing characters, and Anne and Colin are no exception. She deftly details personalities, dreams, and foibles. She manages to weave a thread of humor throughout the tale as well. I'm always happy to see characters from previous stories make an appearance as they do here. That being said, this book can certainly be read as a stand-alone, but if you haven't read the earlier novels you're missing out! I received a complimentary copy from the author, but it is my pleasure to provide my own thoughts on the book.
Another fascinating installment of the London Ladies' League Series feature Miss Anne Weatherby and Lord Colin Bell, Viscount Manning. Anne had to fight past scandalous gossip and the knowledge she had mistook a friend's kindness as a indication he was seeking more when in actually he had a love interest elsewhere. When she and Colin meet, they are at odds with each other but Colin's children and Ann's nieces work together to force them to see that they actually have chemistry and interests in each other that is undeniable. Colin didn't think love was possible for him but he did want to marry again to get his heir and a spare and based upon Anne's age she needed to marry soon so that she would one day hopefully have a family of their own. Their relationship worked because they each provided the other what was missing in their lives- for Anne, her chance of love and a family of her own and for Colin, that someone who encouraged him to be the man he wanted to be. I am so looking forward to the next story, Miranda and Myles, which was brilliantly set up in this book.
Starting with the title, this is a must read. Step into a regency rom com with Grumpy Trousers and the Nymph of Nuisance. These may be two of my favorite characters. Colin, Viscount Manning, a widower with two young daughters, is burdened with guilt, responsibility, and sadness. Anne Weatherby is small in stature but stubborn, independent, wonderfully outspoken and determined to approach marriage in her clearly outspoken way. Being stuck at a house party, even with family and friends, each is determined not to yield to unexpected feelings. Loved the banter, the nicknames they assign and their interactions. Forced together, these opposites attract. Theirs is a journey of surprise, revelations, and trust. Together they make each other stronger. A must read, loved every minute. A fast-paced story, written with humor and heart. Great characters, well done. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In the glittering world of Regency England, a lonely Viscount finds himself unexpectedly drawn into a whirlwind romance during a lively house party. His spirited daughter and her equally mischievous cousin hatch a clever plan to bring the potential lovers together, engineering a serendipitous moment by locking the unsuspecting pair in a closet. When her protective brother discovers their playful scheme, the situation quickly escalates, leading to a hasty wedding that catches both the bride and groom by surprise. Now, these two near-strangers must navigate the delicate waters of matrimony, learning to understand, respect, and ultimately love one another as they build a shared life together. Their journey is filled with tender moments, misunderstandings, and the gradual discovery of a deep and meaningful connection that neither expected to find at this stage of their lives.
This is the fourth book in the series. This is Anne's story. It is an opposites attract, regency style romance.
Anne is friends with the other characters in this series and was almost the reason one of her friends didnt marry the man she loved. That same friend invites Anne to a house party, where she meets her brother Colin. He is widowed and has decided its time he met up with friends again and perhaps looks for a new wife and mother for his children. Anne is not his first choice as they do not hit it off when they first meet, but they cannot stop thinking about each other, even if it is to complain about each other. They initially try to court other people, but after being tricked into being alone together in a compromising position, they have to get married and finally realise their true feelings for each other.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Anne was a bit annoying in the other books and even though she was still a little annoying in this book, I am glad that I read it. It showed a different side to Anne than you see in the other books because you actually see how she thinks and feels instead.
A Very Happy Ever After! If you want to read a great story about a pair of very interesting main characters who are joined by two lively, lovable young girls, a whole lot of puppies and the appearance of a 'ghostly knight in armour', then this is definitely the book to read. It is such an endearing story with a little bit of everything I hold dear and it kept me happily entertained. One thing in particular which I just have to mention is the way our heroine, Anne, kept blurting out her thoughts which were often inappropriate and tended to land her in some of the most embarrassing situations. This is a story full of fun and the better things in life and is certainly worth reading! I have just finished reading an early copy and am happy to leave my voluntary review.
I loved this story! Anne is such a fun character. She is refreshing, funny and filled with joy! Enter Colin who is grumpy, lonely, and closed off. As a widower with two young daughters and no heir, he knows he needs to remarry. His ideas of what he wants are presented through excellent writing while also pointing out what he might have instead. The dialogue between Colin and Anne is superbly written. The story is fresh and unlike any other which makes it even more exciting and enjoyable to read!
4.5 stars Anne Weatherby is 26 years old and considered to be a spinster. Her brother wants her to get married. She often speaks her thoughts aloud! Colin, Lord Manning is a widower with two young daughters. He is quite often in a grumpy mood. They are opposites in personality and their exchanges are amusing. Anne does seem immature at times but she did improve as a character as the story evolved. Colin is coming round to the idea of marriage, especially seeing other happy couples at the house party they are attending. However, Anne doesn’t seem likely to fit the bill. However, others have different ideas. This was an entertaining read, the story moved along at a good pace and held my interest until the end. I received a copy via Story Origin and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved this book. It is beautifully written with wonderful descriptions of the characters, settings, and action. Lots of humor and funny incidents balance the trials Anne and Colin face along the way. I loved the children and their part in the story. And, it was lovely seeing old friends from Trisha's previous books.
Each time I read one of Ms Messmer's novels,I' m saying oh I like this one the best. Well move over to Colin and Anne.,they just moved into first place.The novel was a joy to read, great story, that give deep sighs,some sympathy for Colin's struggles and laughs and loves for Anne. Loved the extended Epoligue. Highly recommend give it a read you won't be disappointed.