A Most Faithful Companion

Supposed Scandal #4

by Kasey Stockton

She cannot afford scandal. He cannot forget her.

Nine years ago, Emma Darling chose duty—and lost everything for it. With her parents gone, her standing in ruins, and her dreams packed away, she has survived by becoming an unimposing companion to the kind, if meddlesome, Mrs. Buckley. It is not the life she imagined, but it is safe. Ordered. Predictable.

Until the last man she ever wished to face returns to Derbyshire.

Captain Owen Buckley comes home from India hardened by war, driven by purpose, and frustrated with injustice. And he has not forgotten Emma. Not the way she once made him hope. Not the way she still makes his pulse stumble.

Forced beneath the same roof, their shared past simmers in every corridor and unfinished room. When whispers begin to coil through the village, hinting at their growing familiarity, Emma knows scandal could cost her the last scrap of security she has left.

And without security, Emma has nothing.

A Most Faithful Companion is a tender, slow-burn Regency romance of second chances, fierce loyalty, and the courage to hope again.

Genres: Audiobook, Regency, Historical Romance, Historical, Second Chance, Romance, Historical Fiction

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2026

Reviews

[Emma | meadowroselibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

"𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘬 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵. 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦'𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳."

This was a bit of a slow one for me, but I ended up enjoying it! I think my biggest struggle was keeping it straight who was who and everyone's part in the book, but once I figured that out, it was better.

I'm really loving second chance love stories soo much!! I love how when they fall in love again, (or just picks back up) it grows stronger, it's like a brand new love.

I love how he never forgot her, even after 9 years. 🩷 This one truly has the swoony no spice, happily ever after love!!

*I received an e-ARC copy, all opinions are my own

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love Jane Austen’s Persuasion, you will love this retelling. Emma Darling and Captain Owen Buckley are great characters. They have similar circumstances to Persuasion, of course. There are misunderstandings, and heartache to heal from and reconnect to one another. I really loved both of these characters. They are both so kind to the people around them and each other. I loved seeing them get their second chance. Another character I liked was Aunt Clara. Overall, a great second chance romance story and I recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Kathryn Noorani · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was 100 pages too long. I loved the main characters but my goodness this could have been much shorter!

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful second-chance Regency romance that will have you smiling! I love, love, loved, the nods to Jane Austen's book Persuasion throughout this book! It's not a retelling of it, just some great references to scenes from it or characters. I loved watching these characters and how even after all of the time of separation from each other, they still loved one another. And that loved only grew and thrived when they were reunited. Even though there was some hesitation between the two of them and hurt from the not knowing and separation of many years.

The secondary characters were delightful...well most of them. There were a couple that I just wanted to tell them to pack it all up and move along please! Hahaha! I'm sure you'll figure out who I'm talking about when you read the book. And you'll probably feel much the same way as I do! But the delightful secondary characters, you're going to love them! They had me giggling and smiling, especially in their matchmaking antics moments! They're the best!

Emma and Owen were so sweet together. Emma cracked me up as she tried to be indifferent and put up a bit of a front to protect her heart. And when that front was finally let down, talk about swooniness!!! Even swooniness before the wall is down! The buildup of these two talking through everything and being open with each other was wonderful! Very satisfying story of family, friends and sweet love!

This is part of a multi-author series but each book can be read as a standalone novel. I've loved all of the ones that I've read so far! Can't wait to keep reading more of them!

Content: Clean. Some sweet kisses but nothing further. No language.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Kristalyne, love.lovely.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness this book stole my heart. I fell in love with these characters and their second chance romance is absolutely amazing in every way!!!

This book is so beautifully written, it is so intriguing, and I knew I would love this story from the dedication and the prologue!!! I love that this story is an ode to Jane Austen’s Persuasion. It was so fun finding nods to that incredible story all throughout this book!

What an absolutely beautiful second chance romance! The tension, the pining, the re-meet cute! This book had me completely captivated! I loved getting pieces of their history throughout the book, the banter, the looks across the room, the hand touches, I couldn’t get enough of Emma and Owen!!!

These two deserve all the happiness in the world together and I was dying waiting to see how things would work out between them!

Owen and Emma’s story had my heart aching, I was cheering for them from the start, there were moments that had me swooning, and then that ending melted me into a puddle!!! A very happy puddle!

I never wanted to stop reading and I read every free moment I had! When I wasn’t able to read this beautiful book, I was thinking all about it!!! This is such a beautiful in every way story that made my heart so very happy! I love Emma and Owen soo much and I have a feeling you will fall in love with them too!!! This is a new favorite second chance romance that I want to revisit again and again!

Favorites:
💌Gorgeous setting in Derbyshire
💌Love Aunt Clara
💌Dreamy and sweet hero
💌Kind and thoughtful heroine
💌All the emotions!
💌The swooniest kisses
💌Every moment Owen and Emma are together
💌Tender and heart melting romance!
.
.
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Thank you so much to the author for the arc copy, a positive review was not required but freely given. All opinions are my own.

Content: mild danger, death of loved ones in the past, war mentioned, strained family relationships, kisses only

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked both Owen and Emma as characters. I felt terrible for the circumstances that Emma had to live through. I love a good second chance and I was rooting for these two to communicate and figure it out once Owen returned. I did feel like I wanted more interaction between Owen and Emma so I was left feeling a bit “meh” about the story overall. It leaned heavily on their past connection (which we only saw a snippet of) instead of any reconnection between them.

[Alicia (aliciasalwaysreading)]

I had the privilege of proofreading this one! It's such a sweet second-chance romance!

[Kristi W - Book Love By Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I do not deserve you.” “Enough of that.” Emma pressed her forehead to his. “Happiness is not earned.” His voice was a whisper. “Then what is it?” “A gift,” Emma said.

This second chance romance is filled with forced proximity, changes in station, a little suspense, friendship, yearning, and a tender slow-burn love.

Emma is caring, reserved, and devoted to Aunt Clara. I loved that she didn’t let her changed circumstances discourage her. I loved her friendliness toward and caring of the tenets and townspeople. Owen is determined, honorable, and captivated. I loved how much he cared for Aunt Clara and his determination to see her happy and settled. I loved that he didn’t let his changed circumstances affect him and that he continued to be himself and pursued his dreams. I loved how both Emma and Owen worked through their heartbreak. I loved their determination to be friends again and how that lead to some swoony moments and a beautiful romance. I loved seeing them find their way back to one another. The epilogue was so satisfying!

A few more quotes:
🩵 Even after all these years, Emma took his breath away.

🩷 Emma had given her heart away long ago, and try as she might, it could not be redirected. She could not love anyone but Owen.

🩵 Loving her and being loved by her filled each of the cracks and crevices in his soul, driving away his insecurities.

“We need to show everyone in this room just how real our love still is.” “What did you have in mind?” “Dance with me?” he asked. “I would love to.”

This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

[Jenna Killpack · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are like me and love Jane Austen’s Persuasion this one will be right up your alley! A historical second chance romance with found family and a tiny dose of suspense.

Emma is torn between love and family duty and ends up unhappy with her choice, don’t we all have youthful regrets?

“Emma had given her heart away long ago, and try as she might, it could not be redirected. She could not love anyone but Owen.”

Owen leaves England for India with a broken heart and a commission in the army purchased by his beloved uncle.

“Bemoaning past mistakes is nothing more than a waste of time. Learn from them and move on”

9 years later after returning to England for the reading of his uncles will, Emma and Owen’s paths cross once again under unexpected circumstances

“I have learned that the blessings we seek do not always arrive in the package we expect or even want. Sometimes, the blessing still comes, but it is wrapped in something entirely different from what we’ve spent our lives imagining or preparing for.“

I love a good second chance love story! And this one did not disappoint. I would definitely recommend this one and anything Kasey Stockton has written!

“Happiness is not earned.”
“Then what is it?”
“A gift”

[Taylor Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This truly is a love letter to Jane Austen's Persuasion and I couldn't be happier to see it getting the love it deserves! I adored the dual POV in this one - getting to see the longing from both Emma and Owen's sides was just too good, especially for a second-chance romance. Their chemistry was undeniable, the characters fleshed out and nearly jumping out of the pages, and I just adored their story! If you love Persuasion, you will absolutely love this one!

I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Connie Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice clean regency romance. lots of proper acting and keeping feelings under wraps. she became a lady’s companion and he became a captain in the army. she was engaged to another (that her father picked) but it all worked out

[Saysha · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was some good writing and sweet dialogue in this one. It was Persuasion with a bunch of other side stories. Some of the transitions were awkward, and the ending was a bit odd, but I liked the characters even if I thought Lilly should only be spelled with one L.

[Ashley Laneri · Rating 2 out of 5]

So much potential, love the idea for the story, but so many moments wasted. I wish we could have experienced more longing between the two. It just felt like we got in the weeds of propriety. She could have ridden the horse with him, or I wanted them to have a spot that was just theirs 9 years ago that they ended up going back to. The characters just didn’t have enough experiences where we were able to see how much they loved and longed for one another. Still love Kacey Stockton though!

[Faith | The Wholesome Shelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕍𝕚𝕓𝕖: A Persuasion-inspired regency romance filled with aching yearning, restrained emotion, and slow-burn tension. Think quiet longing, emotional distance slowly closing, and a love story shaped by time, regret, and second chances.

𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
This was exactly the kind of regency romance I had been looking for. I wanted something that captured that deep, patient kind of yearning, and this book truly delivered on that front.

Captain Owen, in particular, stood out to me. His longing for Emma was so steady and sincere, the kind of love that doesn’t fade even after time and hardship. I really appreciated how grounded his character felt in his devotion, even when circumstances made things difficult between them.

Emma’s journey was also compelling. Despite everything she had endured, there was still a core of kindness in her, even if she had become more guarded over time. I liked how the story showed that hardship doesn’t erase who you are, but it does shape how you move through the world. That quiet emotional shift in her character added depth to her decisions and her interactions with Owen.

I read through this book very quickly, which is usually a sign that I’m fully immersed, and that was definitely the case here. The pacing worked really well for me, and I found myself wanting to keep going just to see how everything would unfold.

This is a solid 4-star read for me mainly because it feels more like a one-time emotional experience rather than a story I would return to repeatedly. There was also one moment involving a supporting character that felt a bit inconsistent at first, as if her behavior shifted too abruptly, though it may have been intentional within the narrative.

Even so, I still really enjoyed the story overall. The ending was satisfying, everything wrapped up in a way that felt emotionally complete, and the romance itself delivered exactly what I was hoping for.

𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕕 𝔽𝕠𝕣: Slow-burn yearning, Persuasion-inspired romance, emotionally restrained love story, steady devotion, and satisfying resolution.

ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕥:
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲: Kisses only
𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗴𝗲: None

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁: Mild peril, light violence, and an attempted kidnapping subplot.

ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕/𝕃𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕟 𝕚𝕗 𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕃𝕚𝕜𝕖:
If you enjoy Persuasion-inspired romances, slow-burn yearning, second-chance love stories, and regency settings with emotional restraint and payoff, this is a lovely pick.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a poignant story with wonderful characters who absolutely needed to have a second chance together. I really love that this is the author's take on Jane Austen's book Persuasion which is probably my favorite of Austen's books. The MFC family's interference in their relationship changed their plans of marriage. When Emma Darling chose her parents choice for a spouse over her relationship with Owen Buckley, her heart was broken. Owen's uncle paid for him to enter the military which sent him away for nine years. Emma had no idea that her parents would die shortly after leaving her with no where to live and now serving as a companion for those nine years to Owen's aunt. But now Captain Owen Buckley will be returning to Derbyshire to take over his uncle's estate.

Emma and Owen will be living together under the same roof, making her life an uncertainty. She has her regrets of refusing his marriage offer and now her place in society has been reduced. Any dreams she has had of having a husband and family died years ago.

I loved Owen's character as he does everything he can to help his aunt deal with the lose of her husband. With the unexpected terms of the will, he will have to work with Emma to make a place of comfort for his aunt that she will agree to. Owen's father and stepmother are horrible people who try to push their will on him as they try to find him a wife.

Through it all Emma and Owen continue to have feelings for each other that have never died. Will they finally figure out how to be together despite the outside interference?

This book is part of a multi-author series Supposed Scandal with a wonderful group of authors. I'm not sure if there is any connection between stories.

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unrequited love, all the longing, Persuasion vibes, swoony second chance romance? A Most Faithful Companion has it all in spades! Kasey Stockton beautifully delivers a unique twist on the Jane Austen classic with all the lovely nods to the original while still telling a clever, new story.

Nine years ago, Emma Darling chose her family’s wishes over her heart. She refused the only man she’s ever loved, only to end up orphaned & a companion to his kind aunt, Mrs. Buckley. While he joined the army, Emma carefully packed away her dreams of ever becoming a wife & mother, resigning herself to a safe, if lonely future.

Captain Owen Buckley never forgot Emma or the sting of her rejection. When he returns from India after nine long years, battle-worn and weary, he visits Buckley Place only to find Emma there as his aunt’s companion. Can they rekindle what was once lost, or will rumors and Emma’s seeming indifference destroy any chance at a future together?

I adored this story! Persuasion is a favorite of mine, and I loved all the clever nods to the classic while it still being something new & original. Having both Emma’s & Owen’s perspectives made all the mutual pining even better. Emma can hardly believe Owen is finally home or that a different future might still be possible. Meanwhile, Owen has no idea where he stands with her, whether she married, why she’s living with his aunt, or if there’s any hope left for them at all. There are so many unresolved issues & romantic tension between them slowly teased out throughout the story. I couldn’t wait for one of them to finally crack & admit their feelings. When it finally happens, it’s absolutely worth the wait.

I also loved Mrs. Buckley and her meddling ways, along with Owen’s encouraging friend. There are several twists that make the story unique, with just a touch of suspense woven in. The ending had me on pins & needles, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

If you love Persuasion or sweet Regency romance, highly recommend! Though part of a series, it’s easily read as a standalone. I received an advanced copy from the author, but also borrowed in Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily.

[Catherine Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Most Faithful Companion is a delightful regency read that swept me away into the world of estates, companions and romance. I enjoyed all the relationships throughout the story which showed a sense of community that I just don't see in our world today. I love disappearing into the regency world and as usual Kasey Stockton has written an excellent story.

Sometimes you have to make lemons into lemonade and that is exactly what Emma and Owen have done. Emma's family was well to do as she grew up but when smallpox hits everything changes in an instance and she finds herself being thankful for a companion job with a dear neighbour. Owen's family and finances were never quite good enough for Emma's father but a stint in the army and a new inheritance sees him sitting in quite a different position to where he was before. As Emma and Owen meet each other again 9 years later they must adjust from their prior memories and situations to their current ones, and the role reversal that has happened. Can their former love be renewed? Add in the neighbourhood gossip looking for scandal and parents who have their own idea about who Owen should marry and everything is up in the air.

⭐  second chance romance  
⭐ forced proximity  
⭐ Jane Austen's Persuasion  
⭐ change in situation  
⭐ social pressure  
⭐ sweet and clean

I really enjoyed this story but felt it dragged slightly (this could just be me however as I currently have a cold). I found the romance to be tender, sweet and a slow-burn - I just wanted them to hurry up and talk to each other! I enjoyed the bit of unexpected drama at the end which left me guessing for a moment there.

[Venus Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very sweet story about a second chance at love.
The longing and regret over past decisions were deeply felt (I might have shed a tear or two), and the consequences the main characters had to face really moved me.
This story is inspired by Jane Austen’s Persuasion and has a similar pace—more leisurely and reflective.
The main characters are also more emotionally mature.
I think if you like Persuasion, you’ll enjoy this book.
Emma and Owen had a life different from what they imagined, but their love remained steadfast over the years, and I loved the faithfulness of their hearts and the longing that had built up over so much time.
They are both kind-hearted people who care for others and have the best intentions.
They deserved a happy ending, and they got it! The epilogue was beautiful—it melts your heart.
I recommend it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ¾

Emma Darling made the mistake of choosing duty over love, but by the time she realized it, it was too late.
Nine years later, Emma is a lady-in-waiting to a kind woman who took her under her wing after Emma lost everything.
Now completely alone and without the fortune or social standing she once had, she spends her days lamenting her lost dreams.
Captain Owen Buckley left England nine years ago when the woman he loved broke his heart. Now, scarred by war, he returns to his aunt and uncle’s home in Derbyshire to start a new life.
But the last thing he expected was to find the very woman who had rejected him in that house.
When Emma and Owen are forced to share the same space and see each other constantly, they realize that time hasn’t made their hearts forget. But now, with their different social statuses, scandals, and gossip, the chance to be together seems harder than ever

You will find:
🥀Dual POV
🥀Second chance
🥀Forced proximity
🥀Vibes of “Persuasion”
🥀Change in social status
🥀Longing
🥀Small-town gossip

This book is part of the Supposed Scandal Series but can be read as a standalone.

Thanks to the author for the copy.
All opinions are my own.

💐 For aesthetic reviews with edits, quotes and more, follow me on Instagram: @sina.venus.booklover

[Lida Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨📚
Title: A Most Faithful Companion
Series: Supposed Scandal (Book 4)
Author: Kasey Stockton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📝 My Thoughts: Regency Romance Regrets
If you love a deeply moving, second chance historical romance, this book is for you! The story follows Emma Darling, a lady's companion who had to sacrifice her own dreams and love years ago due to family duty. Now, nine years later, the man whose heart she broke, Captain Owen Buckley, returns. The tension, the unspoken yearning, and the growth between these two characters are beautifully written and kept me fully engaged from start to finish! This story is an incredible homage to Jane Austen's Persuasion, perfectly capturing that same heartbreaking ache of lost time and past regrets.

💖 Why I Loved It:
The writing quality is top-tier, mirroring the emotional depth of a classic Austen novel. I absolutely loved the slow-burn chemistry and the realistic growth of the characters. It is a clean, uplifting romance that stands entirely on its own merit while beautifully echoing the themes of Persuasion. It can technically be read as a standalone, but the emotional payoff is so high you will definitely want to dive into the rest of the series!

🔖 Favorite Quote:
"Had she chosen love over family obligation, this house would still have been her home, but she would have been one of the family, not one of the servants."

📌 Final Verdict:
Second chance satisfaction! A beautifully written, memorable historical romance that fans of sweet, emotional, and marriage-minded stories will adore.

#AMostFaithfulCompanion #KaseyStockton #SupposedScandalSeries #BookReview #Bookstagram #HistoricalRomance #RegencyRomance #CleanRomance #SecondChanceRomance #JaneAustenVibes #PersuasionHomage #BookReviewer #RomanceReader #BooksOfInstagram #HistoricalFiction

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Darling is one of the most selfless individuals and has an absolutely beautiful heart. She was born into a wealthy family where she was expected to do as she was told. Including marrying a man she had no interest in and shirking her love for a man below her station. The man she truly loved was bought a commission into the navy and left soon after her rejection.

Now he's returning home a Captain and with a responsibility to his late Uncle and family. The uncle's family is waiting for him before they read the will and the only things he's nervous about is whether or not he'll see Emma again.

As he returns to town he quickly learns that Emma's station has drastically changed. The woman he thought he moved on from is still single and now working as a companion to his Aunt. Their attraction to one another hasn't diminished, but with everything different now they have to navigate their new setting.

I really enjoyed Emma and Owen. They both care so deeply for one another but they both also carry this responsibility for others in their lives. Trying to keep everyone happy proves a difficult task though and danger is in the horizon as well. There's someone in their lives that's looking to use them to better their own situation as well.

All of these layers provided for a heartwarming and brave setting. Facing fears and allowing themselves happiness was one of the hardest obstacles for both characters. I also really adored Owens Aunt Clara. Her quirks and sweet nature round out both Owen and Emma's tension leaving everyone feeling supported and loved.

Great reminders about inner strength and fortitude, this is one to spend a weekend with!

[Riella Cristobal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story! I really felt for the characters and was rooting for them!
Emma was a sweetheart! She definitely was sensitive to the needs of others and their perception of her. I loved her care for Mrs. Buckley and their sweet relationship. Emma was such a support to her and Mrs. Buckley was in a way a mother figure. Emma had developed a place for herself and I admired her dedication.
I really felt for Owen! He was suddenly faced with returning home to face both his inheritance and Emma. I loved his care for his aunt and how genuinely he tried to help her.
It was so sweet to see Emma and Owen reconnect. They had history and it was difficult for both of them to be forced together again. They still cared so much for the other, but there was a lot to overcome internally for each of them and externally through the social pressures. I loved seeing them learn each other again and how they supported one another. They were such good complements to each other.
This was a sweet historical romance. It had a second chance romance and only kisses. It is part of a series of standalones.
I received an ARC.

[Jessica Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

[4.5 stars]
I really enjoyed this book. It’s an engaging and entertaining second-chance romance, with endearing characters and a sweet storyline. I’m a huge Kasey Stockton fan and have been eagerly awaiting its release.

There were just a couple things that held it back from a full 5-stars for me:

1. The ending was just a little… out of place. I won’t say it came out of nowhere because there were hints along the way that something was up, but it also didn’t fit with the rest of the book. It wasn’t integrated or flowing or… logical?
2. This is a pet peeve of mine so may not be a problem for others, but I became frustrated with the lack of communication between MCs. Seriously, one conversation discussing what happened could have cleared everything up, but a whole book later…

Regardless, it’s a good book and definitely worth the read.

Content:
There is no foul language or sex, and the violence is minimal. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. There is no mention of faith or God.

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you love Jane Austen‘s Persuasion? This retelling historical romance with clean swoony scenes, witty banter, and a bit of drama, is the perfect book for you. You will fall in love with Owen and Emma. Their love story starts as young love, but duty and class differences become too much to bear. Owen is off to the army and Emma engaged to a Baron. When tragedy overcomes Emma and her family, her life changes in an instant. For nine years, they both live their lives the best they can.
The story is so charming. It tugs at the heart strings, you cheer for the victories and it makes your heart swell with love. There are many twist and turns that cause Owen and Emma to question their love and their station in life. I enjoyed the supporting characters that continue to stand by their side during conflict. True love, never dies in this second chance romance. Personally, I would have enjoyed having the drama at the end fleshed out a little more and possibly a little more closure with Owen‘s parents. But overall, it is a wonderful story that I highly recommend.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Most Faithful Companion is the stuff second chance romance fans dream of. I am serious when I say it had the best kind of pining for each other with good pacing and forced proximity—I couldn’t get enough of it!

With a little bit of a nod to Persuasion, this is basically the author’s love letter to Jane Austen’s book which was so fun. It’s completely its own plot, own conflict, and own characters (so not a retelling), but there were little Easter eggs throughout that made me smile each time I noticed them.

Emma and Owen had that spark that just caught me in the feels from the first moment they were on page until the very end. I loved the dual POV and seeing the insights into both hearts and heads. It was a super cute Regency romance and one I am fully going to read again and again. It might be my new favorite Regency of Kasey’s, I truly loved it that much. Five stars, totally recommend!

I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MOST Faithful COMPANION
(Supposed Scandal Series)
by: Kasey Stockton
@authorkaseystockton

••I give this book 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

~She cannot afford scandal. He cannot forget her…

-My friends, A MOST Faithful COMPANION, is such a tender, slow-burn Regency romance of beautiful second chances, fierce loyalty, and the courage to hope again. My goodness, I thoroughly enjoyed the sweetness of swoony moments, the forced proximity, witty banter, and much more as I savored reading this dear story. It simply blossoms with such warm, hope, bravery, and beauty. I loved watching dear characters who both in their own have faced great loss, heartache, and disappointment in the past, yet they haven’t let those struggles define them. Instead, these tender struggles allowed room to refine, strengthen, be grateful, and look for good along the way. I loved watching insecurities melt away, and hope weaved throughout, which beautiful opens the heart to the possibility of something more with second chances, and that there still can be joy, beauty, and happiness, ahead. Within this story there also is bit of mystery and danger that seems to lurk within the shadows. Yet, with goodness, strength, and grit, the danger’s attempted grip does not get the best and love still prevails! This dear story has much to love and is absolutely worth the read and feels.🙌🏻📚❤️

•Content: feelings of loss, grief, insecurities, and some guilt, death of loved ones (in past; mentioned on page), strained family relationships, serving in war mentioned (battle wounds-physical/emotional), some suspense, mild danger, attempted kidnapping, self-defense, some dishonesty/shady behavior of side character, no language, kisses only!

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

#amostfaithfulcompanion
#supposedscandalseries
#authorkaseystockton
#allaboutthebestreads

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma Darling and Owen Buckley were at one time planning on marrying, but circumstances prohibited that. I loved that Emma’s position as companion to Owen’s aunt brought them back together and their love for the elderly widow helps heal old wounds.

Ballrooms are typically settings for dancing and light conversation, But, the Buckley Ball had an unexpected and exciting twist to it. I loved it and thought it brought an in

This story is based upon Jane Austen’s Persuasion, and Ms. Stockton did a great job in keeping certain elements of the story while still making A Most Faithful Companion her own. Readers of Regency era novels will certainly enjoy this story of second chances and HEA. I not only enjoyed the story but the epilogue as well.

I received a copy of the book from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet story! Second chance romance and the loyalty of a wonderful companion. This book will leave you feeling so satisfied!

I loved the backstory with Owen and Emma, and while it was sad and tragic, it helped to build this story so well. When they come into contact with each other 9 years after their broken engagement, there is clear chemistry that never went away. The way they work together to help Owen’s aunt made it obvious how perfect they still were for each other. The reigniting of their love story was really sweet. I enjoyed the journey! Plus the other subplots as well. I wasn’t expecting the slight plot twist with another certain gentleman 😂. But everything culminated in a wonderful happily ever after.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

“They were at an impasse. Emma meant nothing to this man anymore. Indeed, he was nearly a stranger. But how his eyes darted about her face, the firm way he held himself, as though maintaining composure, gave her leave to believe he was struggling with this interlude quite as much as she was.”

A Most Faithful Companion by Kasey Stockton is a beautiful story about love, doubt, forgiveness, redemption and second chances.

I absolutely adore Emma and Captain Owen Buckley. With all of the vibes from Jane Austen’s Persuasion, Emma and Captain Buckley will surely make your heart ache and soar at the same time! From the misunderstanding, to the change in stations and resolution, this book had me engaged the entire time. There are so many beautiful moments, but I especially love the stolen moment in the big house! Swoon rating 10/10! I also love Aunt Clara and the found family trope she empowers with both characters. The ending – I gasped at the surprise twist – and especially loved how everything wrapped up.

cw: swoony kisses, closed door, no swearing

[Jesica · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Her heart—foolish, independent creature that it was—had not seemed to understand that he was her past.”

Oh I adored this second chance romance with some forced proximity & some persuasion vibes. I loved all the winks to persuasion sprinkled throughout. It’s been nine years since Emma chose duty over love. When Emma’s parents pass away everything changes and Emma becomes a companion to survive. When Captain Owen Buckley returns from war he inherits his Uncle’s estate & discovers his Aunt Clara’s companion is Emma his lost love. Being in the same house they discover that their feelings haven’t changed but social standings have & of course there is a bit of scandal 🤭 I love both Emma & Owen & watching them reconnect & Aunt Clara is a hoot! If you are looking for a fun regency I’d definitely pick this one up!

"Loving her and being loved by her filled each of the cracks and crevices in his soul, driving away his insecurities.”

"Happiness is not earned."
"Then what is it?"
"A gift”

[clean.reads.corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I am tired of trying to pretend I do not immediately look for you each time I step into a room, that yours is not the opinion I seek when I need advice. Years have passed...but I am as drawn to you now as I ever have been."

Persuasion is my favorite Jane Austen book and this story captures that same spirit effortlessly. There are even passages that evoke the agonizingly beautiful letter from Wentworth, while still staying true to the originality of this story.

The tender love story between Owen and Emma will melt your heart. The author has managed to convey so much longing and tension between these two while still delivering a heartfelt low-angst story. I absolutely loved every minute of it!