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How to Not Marry a Lord
Discover the BRAND NEW gorgeous, super spicy Regency romance from Emma Orchard
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single woman in possession of a good fortune must not be in want of a husband…
After four weary years on the marriage mart, Cecilia longs for an appealing match – or maybe, shockingly, no match at all. So when she and her sisters discover they are unexpectedly heiresses to a substantial Suffolk estate, Cecilia dares to imagine a future shaped by her own choosing.
There is, however, one strict to secure their inheritance, none of the sisters may become engaged for a full year.
Cecilia is confident she can manage – but that's before fortune hunters in the shape of handsome lords begin to circle, matchmakers sharpen their claws, and a taciturn Major proves far more difficult to ignore than any conventional proposal.
Can Cecilia protect her heart, her sisters, and the freedom she has only just discovered… or will desire cost her everything she stands to gain?
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single woman in possession of a good fortune must not be in want of a husband…
After four weary years on the marriage mart, Cecilia longs for an appealing match – or maybe, shockingly, no match at all. So when she and her sisters discover they are unexpectedly heiresses to a substantial Suffolk estate, Cecilia dares to imagine a future shaped by her own choosing.
There is, however, one strict to secure their inheritance, none of the sisters may become engaged for a full year.
Cecilia is confident she can manage – but that's before fortune hunters in the shape of handsome lords begin to circle, matchmakers sharpen their claws, and a taciturn Major proves far more difficult to ignore than any conventional proposal.
Can Cecilia protect her heart, her sisters, and the freedom she has only just discovered… or will desire cost her everything she stands to gain?
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Published June 13, 2026
About the author
Emma Orchard
11 books102 followersEmma Orchard was born in Salford. She studied English Literature at the Universities of Edinburgh and York, before working behind the scenes in publishing and television for many years. Her first job was at Mills & Boon, where she met her husband in a classic enemies-to-lovers romance. She now lives in North London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 17, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read this ARC!
I love a good historical/regency romance. Bridgerton? Yes please! So I was quite pleased to be able to read this book by Emma Orchard. I knew from the first few pages I read that this was going to be a fun book to dive into.
We begin with our main characters, the younger Constantine sisters: Beatrice, Cecilia, and Bianca, who have just inherited fortunes from an Aunt they didn't know existed. The only caveat to their receiving their new fortunes, is that they cannot marry or become engaged for a full year. This sounds easy enough to them, as they've already had a few seasons out in London, and were left dissatisfied with men in general. Everything is fine and dandy until they arrive in Suffolk and meet a family of destitute fortune hunters, out to wed and bed the Constantines in order to take their new riches for themselves.
One thing I loved about this story, and what made it different from other regency romance novels I have read in the past, was that the Constantine women were free to have fun. Because of their new heiress titles and financial independence, they actually had control over their own well being and used that control to enjoy themselves. I loved that Cecilia took charge of her own sexuality, and that Bea was not ashamed of being attracted to women. The book celebrated these points, and it made for much more fun spicy scenes. This novel offered a mix of open and closed door spice, and nothing was overly explicit and it emphasized the fear of being caught in the act during a forbidden tryst or two.
There were a few major things that held me back from giving this book more stars, and, in reality, I would probably rate it 3.5/5. The first of these was the writing style. It is very reminiscent of classics and I found the prose too hard to follow sometimes. It's totally a personal problem, but I often had to reread paragraphs to figure out what was happening. Secondly, I was very confused when, near the end of the book, it turned from a romance to a murder mystery? I felt like I had flipped a page into an Agatha Christie novel, and Miss McIntyre had become Miss Marple. The whole scene felt out of place and very high stakes for a romance novel.
This is still a book I would recommend to certain friends of mine. It features some great romance tropes like Grumpy & Sunshine, Beauty & The Beast (if you take Alistair's word for it), and Forbidden Love. It makes me curious about what other books Emma Orchard has written!
I love a good historical/regency romance. Bridgerton? Yes please! So I was quite pleased to be able to read this book by Emma Orchard. I knew from the first few pages I read that this was going to be a fun book to dive into.
We begin with our main characters, the younger Constantine sisters: Beatrice, Cecilia, and Bianca, who have just inherited fortunes from an Aunt they didn't know existed. The only caveat to their receiving their new fortunes, is that they cannot marry or become engaged for a full year. This sounds easy enough to them, as they've already had a few seasons out in London, and were left dissatisfied with men in general. Everything is fine and dandy until they arrive in Suffolk and meet a family of destitute fortune hunters, out to wed and bed the Constantines in order to take their new riches for themselves.
One thing I loved about this story, and what made it different from other regency romance novels I have read in the past, was that the Constantine women were free to have fun. Because of their new heiress titles and financial independence, they actually had control over their own well being and used that control to enjoy themselves. I loved that Cecilia took charge of her own sexuality, and that Bea was not ashamed of being attracted to women. The book celebrated these points, and it made for much more fun spicy scenes. This novel offered a mix of open and closed door spice, and nothing was overly explicit and it emphasized the fear of being caught in the act during a forbidden tryst or two.
There were a few major things that held me back from giving this book more stars, and, in reality, I would probably rate it 3.5/5. The first of these was the writing style. It is very reminiscent of classics and I found the prose too hard to follow sometimes. It's totally a personal problem, but I often had to reread paragraphs to figure out what was happening. Secondly, I was very confused when, near the end of the book, it turned from a romance to a murder mystery? I felt like I had flipped a page into an Agatha Christie novel, and Miss McIntyre had become Miss Marple. The whole scene felt out of place and very high stakes for a romance novel.
This is still a book I would recommend to certain friends of mine. It features some great romance tropes like Grumpy & Sunshine, Beauty & The Beast (if you take Alistair's word for it), and Forbidden Love. It makes me curious about what other books Emma Orchard has written!
June 14, 2026
How to Not Marry a Lord is a fun, quick historical romance! We get two love stories, one straight and one queer, and a lot of plot lines in a fairly short book.
All of the women of this story were very easy to like. The sisters were all very distinct and had lovely relationships with each other, and their chaperone was surprisingly charming. The love interests were also sweet. The villains of this story were fairly one dimensional, but the relationships were the focus anyway.
I've read a ton of historical romance, so I'm always delighted when there's an original premise. These three Regency-era sisters come in the way of heiress money, provided they do NOT get engaged for the next year. This made for a very fun newfound independence for the girls to do exactly as they pleased. It was then a little disappointing that two of the three sisters found themselves partners literally day one. Instalust is never my favorite, and though both couples definitely had connections, it was startlingly quick. The straight couple's banter was actually great for the very short time before they were together. The Sapphic relationship was also instalust but at least had a more interesting and complicated dynamic. I wish the girls got to enjoy their freedom more and that their respective partners had to work a little harder.
The pacing of this book was also pretty strange. We start immediately with the shock of the sisters' inheritance, then immediate coupling up of the sisters, slow going interlude, then very abrupt violent climax, then pretty tame ending. The craft of the writing really seemed to be there, but (and I rarely say this,) this story would likely have benefited from being drawn out a bit more to develop the relationships. I did appreciate all of the Pride and Prejudice and period-typical Gothic references.
There is some mention of emotional abuse and some very brief violence and the queer relationship is handled very well for the historical era. If you like your historical romance with confident leading ladies who live with no regrets, I think you'll enjoy this book! This is my first book by Emma Orchard, and I'll be checking out her other books.
Thank you, Boldwood Books, for the arc!
All of the women of this story were very easy to like. The sisters were all very distinct and had lovely relationships with each other, and their chaperone was surprisingly charming. The love interests were also sweet. The villains of this story were fairly one dimensional, but the relationships were the focus anyway.
I've read a ton of historical romance, so I'm always delighted when there's an original premise. These three Regency-era sisters come in the way of heiress money, provided they do NOT get engaged for the next year. This made for a very fun newfound independence for the girls to do exactly as they pleased. It was then a little disappointing that two of the three sisters found themselves partners literally day one. Instalust is never my favorite, and though both couples definitely had connections, it was startlingly quick. The straight couple's banter was actually great for the very short time before they were together. The Sapphic relationship was also instalust but at least had a more interesting and complicated dynamic. I wish the girls got to enjoy their freedom more and that their respective partners had to work a little harder.
The pacing of this book was also pretty strange. We start immediately with the shock of the sisters' inheritance, then immediate coupling up of the sisters, slow going interlude, then very abrupt violent climax, then pretty tame ending. The craft of the writing really seemed to be there, but (and I rarely say this,) this story would likely have benefited from being drawn out a bit more to develop the relationships. I did appreciate all of the Pride and Prejudice and period-typical Gothic references.
There is some mention of emotional abuse and some very brief violence and the queer relationship is handled very well for the historical era. If you like your historical romance with confident leading ladies who live with no regrets, I think you'll enjoy this book! This is my first book by Emma Orchard, and I'll be checking out her other books.
Thank you, Boldwood Books, for the arc!
June 13, 2026
How Not to Marry a Lord by Emma Orchard is a historical romance with a few twists to keep your attention. We have the usual suspects: a young lady who just came into her inheritance, a wounded gentry who believes he is too scarred to be loved, and a grasping nobleman who is desperate for money.
The book opens with the three youngest Constatine Sisters getting an inheritance from a great aunt that they knew nothing about. There is also a huge house with all sorts of creeks and groans. As the sisters settle in, they meet some of the locals and immediately attract the “wrong attention”.
However, Major Alistair Bartrum, the local hero, crotchety, grumbling and difficult is added to the drama and creates an attachment to Cecilia. While the Pallant Family tries very hard to charm the Constatine Sisters.
At the end there was a humdinger of a surprise and a clarity of feelings. I found the beginning a little slow and the ending full of everything that could have been spread out better across the novel. Having said that, I mostly enjoyed the novel and will look for the next novel in the series.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book opens with the three youngest Constatine Sisters getting an inheritance from a great aunt that they knew nothing about. There is also a huge house with all sorts of creeks and groans. As the sisters settle in, they meet some of the locals and immediately attract the “wrong attention”.
However, Major Alistair Bartrum, the local hero, crotchety, grumbling and difficult is added to the drama and creates an attachment to Cecilia. While the Pallant Family tries very hard to charm the Constatine Sisters.
At the end there was a humdinger of a surprise and a clarity of feelings. I found the beginning a little slow and the ending full of everything that could have been spread out better across the novel. Having said that, I mostly enjoyed the novel and will look for the next novel in the series.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2026
The Constantine sisters have struggled since their father‘s death. Now when the three older sisters are married and happy, the three younger unmarried sisters are delivered a surprise boone of an unexpected inheritance! An unknown great aunt has left them an inheritance in the home! They are now heiresses… as long as they can remain unmarried for the next year!
The sisters immediately set out for their new home along with their retired governance as chaperone and find that their new setting is teaming with inquisitive neighbours and possible fortune hunters- especially the sibling trio next door that has her eye on all three of the Constantine sisters!
Thankfully, you’re some good souls in the neighbourhood looking out for them, like the injured Major, who Cecilia takes an interest in! Too bad nothing could happen between them until her year is up… Or can it?
It was a fun story with big cast of characters. Sibling dynamics play a big part and is shown in many forms within this story. I especially enjoyed seeing the comparison between the Constantine’s and the fortune hunting siblings.
This book is towed as a steamy book for a Bridgerton fans, well there were some steamy parts. I didn’t find this to be too hot to handle, but interestingly enough, it didn’t include a sapphic relationship for one of the sisters.
In general, I felt the story dragged a little at some points and could’ve been better received by being cut shorter in parts… but overall enjoyed this romp! It definitely left me wondering/hoping for the other two sisters will be getting their own HEA in a future story!
The sisters immediately set out for their new home along with their retired governance as chaperone and find that their new setting is teaming with inquisitive neighbours and possible fortune hunters- especially the sibling trio next door that has her eye on all three of the Constantine sisters!
Thankfully, you’re some good souls in the neighbourhood looking out for them, like the injured Major, who Cecilia takes an interest in! Too bad nothing could happen between them until her year is up… Or can it?
It was a fun story with big cast of characters. Sibling dynamics play a big part and is shown in many forms within this story. I especially enjoyed seeing the comparison between the Constantine’s and the fortune hunting siblings.
This book is towed as a steamy book for a Bridgerton fans, well there were some steamy parts. I didn’t find this to be too hot to handle, but interestingly enough, it didn’t include a sapphic relationship for one of the sisters.
In general, I felt the story dragged a little at some points and could’ve been better received by being cut shorter in parts… but overall enjoyed this romp! It definitely left me wondering/hoping for the other two sisters will be getting their own HEA in a future story!
June 13, 2026
Cecilia Constantine and her sisters inherit a Suffolk estate, if they stay unmarried for one full year. Suddenly every fortune-hunting lord comes calling, while a quiet, honorable Major proves far more tempting than any titled suitor.
Witty dialogue, sharp social satire, likable heroines, steamy chemistry, and a refreshing focus on female freedom and choice. Fast-paced once it finds its stride.
Slow opening, multiple viewpoints take time to settle, and the “gold-digging aristocrats” trope feels familiar.
Witty dialogue, sharp social satire, likable heroines, steamy chemistry, and a refreshing focus on female freedom and choice. Fast-paced once it finds its stride.
Slow opening, multiple viewpoints take time to settle, and the “gold-digging aristocrats” trope feels familiar.
June 14, 2026
I received a free ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This was another enjoyable Regency romance from Orchard. At first I wasn't sure about how the F/F storyline was being framed, but I think it might have redeemed itself by the end. While I also appreciated following multiple sisters here, I did feel like we didn't get quite enough time with each romance to really delve as deeply into it as one could have. Overall, though, a very pleasant read.
This was another enjoyable Regency romance from Orchard. At first I wasn't sure about how the F/F storyline was being framed, but I think it might have redeemed itself by the end. While I also appreciated following multiple sisters here, I did feel like we didn't get quite enough time with each romance to really delve as deeply into it as one could have. Overall, though, a very pleasant read.
May 12, 2026
How to Not Marry a Lord is the third book I’ve read by Emma Orchard, and while I enjoyed all of the books, this one was my least favourite of the three.
In the previous books I read, I met the Constantine sisters. In this book, the three remaining unmarried sisters, Beatrice, Cecilia, and Bianca, unexpectedly inherit an estate and a fortune from an unknown, eccentric aunt. The young ladies, with their former governess as chaperone, head off to their newly inherited home. There, a nearby impoverished lord and his siblings plot to marry or otherwise get involved with the young women, so that they can restore their family fortune, and resume their spendthrift ways.
I found the opening of this book to be very slow, and I was easily distracted from the story. At about 25%, it still wasn’t extremely clear to me which of the sisters was the focus of the story, and although the hero had been introduced to the reader, the young ladies still had not encountered him.
The characters of the sisters were likeable, as was their chaperone. I was aggravated by the oldest sister, Beatrice. She seemed to take a lot of risks , even after she suspected the young woman she was involved with was not being truthful. Her behaviour just made no sense to me.
My biggest problem with this book was the plot of evil family trying to trick young women into marriage so they can steal their money and make them miserable. I just am just not a fan of that setup.
Otherwise, the writing was entertaining, there were several spicy scenes, and I think the story will appeal to other historical romance readers, it just wasn’t for me.
I received an advance review How Not to copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In the previous books I read, I met the Constantine sisters. In this book, the three remaining unmarried sisters, Beatrice, Cecilia, and Bianca, unexpectedly inherit an estate and a fortune from an unknown, eccentric aunt. The young ladies, with their former governess as chaperone, head off to their newly inherited home. There, a nearby impoverished lord and his siblings plot to marry or otherwise get involved with the young women, so that they can restore their family fortune, and resume their spendthrift ways.
I found the opening of this book to be very slow, and I was easily distracted from the story. At about 25%, it still wasn’t extremely clear to me which of the sisters was the focus of the story, and although the hero had been introduced to the reader, the young ladies still had not encountered him.
The characters of the sisters were likeable, as was their chaperone. I was aggravated by the oldest sister, Beatrice. She seemed to take a lot of risks , even after she suspected the young woman she was involved with was not being truthful. Her behaviour just made no sense to me.
My biggest problem with this book was the plot of evil family trying to trick young women into marriage so they can steal their money and make them miserable. I just am just not a fan of that setup.
Otherwise, the writing was entertaining, there were several spicy scenes, and I think the story will appeal to other historical romance readers, it just wasn’t for me.
I received an advance review How Not to copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s somehow both too slow and too fast. It's only my second historical romance, though, so I'm not sure what the norm is.
I liked parts of it, but I also disliked a lot, so it lands squarely in the middle, leaving very little impact.
Let's start with the good - the stipulations of the inheritance are nicely flipped from the standard, so as premises go, this was one I enjoyed. It felt fresh somehow, giving the ladies some freedom at a time when such a thing wasn't the norm.
Pallants being the bad guys was like cute colorful sprinkles on a cake, because a ‘palant’ is a jerk in Polish, and it's rare that I get to chuckle because of such funny language coincidences (I assume it's not deliberate).
Before the romancing happened, the FMC had an entertaining dynamic with the MMC. I wish it lasted longer because it was genuinely fun to read, but it was sadly a really - really - short time.
I've also found myself liking Bea’s side plot and - in connection to it - the complexity of Vivianne’s situation. It wasn't something I expected but it proved to be quite interesting and made me think a lot about feelings versus rationality and the merits of judging the actions of someone who didn't know any better.
Now for the things which bothered me, leading with the biggest issue - the pacing (of the book, too, but mainly of the romance). It's all over the place. Nothing happens for half of the book, and when it does, it’s immediate and followed-up with more of nothing. There’s no build-up. No tension. Nothing that would make me feel anything at all, except for maybe some surprise at the speed itself. It makes the story drag. I had a busy few days but I have to admit that even when I did have some time, I wasn't too keen to pick the book back up. Because of the pacing and what transpired in the end, I’m kind of indifferent about the romance. Also, the bits of it that are there are too awkwardly written for me to enjoy them. The spice particularly.
It’s unclear for a long time who’s the main focus of the story. It took me way too long to figure out who the actual FMC is and I don't think I should've been this confused. I don't care if a book is 3rd person or 1st, and I don't mind side plots with their own pairings, but I need to clearly know who the main character is if it's a romance.
And finally - coming back to the romance of it - it reads like insta-love or lust when it isn't and I don't think it's supposed to be. It doesn’t work well here. I was confused at how fast - see, again, the pacing was clearly off - everything happened when they shared so little of themselves with each other (other than physically). I don't see any special connection here, don't feel like I know any of them as well as I should, or that they have a reason to really be in love. It's all a little bland.
I'm sure there are many historical romance fans who would've enjoyed this far more than me. In the end, it wasn't my cup of tea. Not bad, but not great either.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for letting me read the ARC.
I liked parts of it, but I also disliked a lot, so it lands squarely in the middle, leaving very little impact.
Let's start with the good - the stipulations of the inheritance are nicely flipped from the standard, so as premises go, this was one I enjoyed. It felt fresh somehow, giving the ladies some freedom at a time when such a thing wasn't the norm.
Pallants being the bad guys was like cute colorful sprinkles on a cake, because a ‘palant’ is a jerk in Polish, and it's rare that I get to chuckle because of such funny language coincidences (I assume it's not deliberate).
Before the romancing happened, the FMC had an entertaining dynamic with the MMC. I wish it lasted longer because it was genuinely fun to read, but it was sadly a really - really - short time.
I've also found myself liking Bea’s side plot and - in connection to it - the complexity of Vivianne’s situation. It wasn't something I expected but it proved to be quite interesting and made me think a lot about feelings versus rationality and the merits of judging the actions of someone who didn't know any better.
Now for the things which bothered me, leading with the biggest issue - the pacing (of the book, too, but mainly of the romance). It's all over the place. Nothing happens for half of the book, and when it does, it’s immediate and followed-up with more of nothing. There’s no build-up. No tension. Nothing that would make me feel anything at all, except for maybe some surprise at the speed itself. It makes the story drag. I had a busy few days but I have to admit that even when I did have some time, I wasn't too keen to pick the book back up. Because of the pacing and what transpired in the end, I’m kind of indifferent about the romance. Also, the bits of it that are there are too awkwardly written for me to enjoy them. The spice particularly.
It’s unclear for a long time who’s the main focus of the story. It took me way too long to figure out who the actual FMC is and I don't think I should've been this confused. I don't care if a book is 3rd person or 1st, and I don't mind side plots with their own pairings, but I need to clearly know who the main character is if it's a romance.
And finally - coming back to the romance of it - it reads like insta-love or lust when it isn't and I don't think it's supposed to be. It doesn’t work well here. I was confused at how fast - see, again, the pacing was clearly off - everything happened when they shared so little of themselves with each other (other than physically). I don't see any special connection here, don't feel like I know any of them as well as I should, or that they have a reason to really be in love. It's all a little bland.
I'm sure there are many historical romance fans who would've enjoyed this far more than me. In the end, it wasn't my cup of tea. Not bad, but not great either.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for letting me read the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was so incredibly excited to dive into How to Not Marry a Lord. The premise alone completely sold me: an inheritance with a brilliant caveat—the heroines must not marry or get engaged for twelve months after receiving it. It’s the absolute perfect setup for a historical romance filled with independence and drama.
While I ultimately gave this a 3.5 star rating because the writing is incredibly witty and the female characters are fantastic, the pacing and romance development left me a bit conflicted.
What I absolutely loved:..
◼️ The Smart & Confident Women: The female characters in this book are brilliant. They are intelligent, sharp, and entirely confident in what they want, which is always refreshing to read.
◼️ The Banter and Wit: Emma Orchard can write dialogue! The banter was lively, clever, and kept me smiling through many chapters.
◼️ The Spice Level: This sits in a comfortable middle ground between open and closed-door romance. It’s not super heavy on the spice, but it does feature explicit, on-page scenes that are well-written.
Where it lost me a little:
◼️ The Timeline & Pacing: The entire plot takes place over the span of just one single month. Because everything was crammed into four weeks, the pacing felt pretty uneven. It would crawl in some sections and then sprint through others, making it hard to stay fully engaged. I really wish the author had allowed more passage of time to let the plot points and character development breathe.
◼️ Insta-Love vs. Slow Burn: Because of the short timeline, the romance went from zero to sixty. The first half of the book lacked tension or build-up—in fact, early on, I was genuinely confused about who the FMC was even going to be! Once the romance actually started, it happened fast. I would have loved way more banter and mutual admiration between the FMC and MMC to anchor their connection, rather than it leaning so hard into insta-lust.
◼️ That Ending: There is a specific situation at the tail end of the book that felt a little out of place. I didn't hate the plot point itself, but it felt like it dropped out of nowhere. A little more groundwork and foreshadowing earlier in the story would have pulled this together beautifully.
Final Verdict:
If you love witty, independent heroines, great dialogue, and a fantastic inheritance trope, this is absolutely worth the read! I just went into it wanting a slow-burn with agonizing tension, and instead got a fast-moving whirlwind. A solid, highly enjoyable read, but one that needed a bit more time to truly reach its full potential.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
While I ultimately gave this a 3.5 star rating because the writing is incredibly witty and the female characters are fantastic, the pacing and romance development left me a bit conflicted.
What I absolutely loved:..
◼️ The Smart & Confident Women: The female characters in this book are brilliant. They are intelligent, sharp, and entirely confident in what they want, which is always refreshing to read.
◼️ The Banter and Wit: Emma Orchard can write dialogue! The banter was lively, clever, and kept me smiling through many chapters.
◼️ The Spice Level: This sits in a comfortable middle ground between open and closed-door romance. It’s not super heavy on the spice, but it does feature explicit, on-page scenes that are well-written.
Where it lost me a little:
◼️ The Timeline & Pacing: The entire plot takes place over the span of just one single month. Because everything was crammed into four weeks, the pacing felt pretty uneven. It would crawl in some sections and then sprint through others, making it hard to stay fully engaged. I really wish the author had allowed more passage of time to let the plot points and character development breathe.
◼️ Insta-Love vs. Slow Burn: Because of the short timeline, the romance went from zero to sixty. The first half of the book lacked tension or build-up—in fact, early on, I was genuinely confused about who the FMC was even going to be! Once the romance actually started, it happened fast. I would have loved way more banter and mutual admiration between the FMC and MMC to anchor their connection, rather than it leaning so hard into insta-lust.
◼️ That Ending: There is a specific situation at the tail end of the book that felt a little out of place. I didn't hate the plot point itself, but it felt like it dropped out of nowhere. A little more groundwork and foreshadowing earlier in the story would have pulled this together beautifully.
Final Verdict:
If you love witty, independent heroines, great dialogue, and a fantastic inheritance trope, this is absolutely worth the read! I just went into it wanting a slow-burn with agonizing tension, and instead got a fast-moving whirlwind. A solid, highly enjoyable read, but one that needed a bit more time to truly reach its full potential.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Emma Orchard delivers a light-hearted Regency Romance How To Not Marry a Lord as she introduces the Constantine Sisters who have just discovered they are no longer boarder line poor, dependent on the legacies supplied by their already well married and connected sisters, but heiresses.
Once the shock wears off, and it was a serious shock, discovering not only an Aunt of whom they knew nothing at all, but that she had left to the three of them, in equal portions, a house, Albrey Hall, and a very sizable fortune, they rally and set out to travel to Suffolk to discover just what it is they have inherited.
Albery Hall turns out to be a delightful, if somewhat run-down red brick Tudor Style manor looked after by three staff, overgrown gardens and more sparsely furnished rooms than they had ever imagined.
It is not long before the three sisters, Beatrice, Cecilia and Bianca discover they are the subject of local gossip in the small town as well as the target of Lord Oliver Pallant and his siblings as they need a fortune before he is declared bankrupt.
Major Alistair Bartrum is healing from horrific wounds caused fighting Boney at Saint-Dizier; he is grumpy and in pain much of the time, trying to heal by walking on the sands at low tide, has shunned society and feels very sorry for himself. He does not want anything to do with the new arrivals.
And so, as each day slowly unfolds, the sisters begin to enjoy their newfound freedom with money to spend and the ability to live how they choose, so long as they abide by the two strict conditions of the inheritance.
Something disturbing occurs which makes them begin to wonder about Albery House, the history of the House and area in which they now live. Was there an intruder in the house and if so, who was it and why. It also raises a very salient point about the location of the house to the shoreline and whether this mysterious and charming house has hidden passages, secret tunnels and if so where are they to be found.
But in the meantime, Cecilia begins to fall in love, Beatrice discovers she has been played for a fool and Bianca is enjoying her freedom to paint and sketch, while darker forces are at work which could see them all in considerable danger.
How To Not Marry a Lord is a most enjoyable, light-hearted return to a time of Victorian England, where anything can and often does happen in the marriage stakes.
Once the shock wears off, and it was a serious shock, discovering not only an Aunt of whom they knew nothing at all, but that she had left to the three of them, in equal portions, a house, Albrey Hall, and a very sizable fortune, they rally and set out to travel to Suffolk to discover just what it is they have inherited.
Albery Hall turns out to be a delightful, if somewhat run-down red brick Tudor Style manor looked after by three staff, overgrown gardens and more sparsely furnished rooms than they had ever imagined.
It is not long before the three sisters, Beatrice, Cecilia and Bianca discover they are the subject of local gossip in the small town as well as the target of Lord Oliver Pallant and his siblings as they need a fortune before he is declared bankrupt.
Major Alistair Bartrum is healing from horrific wounds caused fighting Boney at Saint-Dizier; he is grumpy and in pain much of the time, trying to heal by walking on the sands at low tide, has shunned society and feels very sorry for himself. He does not want anything to do with the new arrivals.
And so, as each day slowly unfolds, the sisters begin to enjoy their newfound freedom with money to spend and the ability to live how they choose, so long as they abide by the two strict conditions of the inheritance.
Something disturbing occurs which makes them begin to wonder about Albery House, the history of the House and area in which they now live. Was there an intruder in the house and if so, who was it and why. It also raises a very salient point about the location of the house to the shoreline and whether this mysterious and charming house has hidden passages, secret tunnels and if so where are they to be found.
But in the meantime, Cecilia begins to fall in love, Beatrice discovers she has been played for a fool and Bianca is enjoying her freedom to paint and sketch, while darker forces are at work which could see them all in considerable danger.
How To Not Marry a Lord is a most enjoyable, light-hearted return to a time of Victorian England, where anything can and often does happen in the marriage stakes.
June 20, 2026
A charming Regency romance with heart, humour and a wonderfully frustrating obstacle standing in the way of love
This was such an enjoyable read and another reminder that Emma Orchard knows how to write characters you genuinely want to spend time with. From the very beginning, I was hooked by the premise. A clause in a will that prevents marriage is exactly the sort of obstacle that promises plenty of romantic tension, and it certainly delivers.
One of the things I appreciated most was how the story explored the realities of being a woman in the Regency era. While the romance is at the heart of the novel, there is also a thoughtful examination of the restrictions placed upon women and the limited choices available to them. It adds depth to the story and makes the characters' struggles feel all the more meaningful.
The relationship between the main protagonists develops beautifully. Their growing connection feels natural and believable, and I found myself rooting for them from the start. I was also pleasantly surprised by another relationship within the story. Initially, I was not convinced it would work, but Emma Orchard handled it with such care that I became fully invested in its outcome.
The only reason this was not quite a five-star read for me comes down to the ending. Based on the premise, I expected the story to unfold over a much longer period, with the characters repeatedly facing the temptation to marry while waiting for the restriction to expire. While most of the novel takes place over several weeks, the final stages felt much quicker than I had anticipated. I also expected the antagonist to create far more trouble and resistance before finally backing down. As a result, the conclusion felt a little abrupt and not quite as satisfying as I had hoped.
That said, I still thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. The characters, the romance and the historical setting more than made up for my reservations, and I am already looking forward to picking up another book by Emma Orchard.
My thanks go to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced reading copy of this novel.
This was such an enjoyable read and another reminder that Emma Orchard knows how to write characters you genuinely want to spend time with. From the very beginning, I was hooked by the premise. A clause in a will that prevents marriage is exactly the sort of obstacle that promises plenty of romantic tension, and it certainly delivers.
One of the things I appreciated most was how the story explored the realities of being a woman in the Regency era. While the romance is at the heart of the novel, there is also a thoughtful examination of the restrictions placed upon women and the limited choices available to them. It adds depth to the story and makes the characters' struggles feel all the more meaningful.
The relationship between the main protagonists develops beautifully. Their growing connection feels natural and believable, and I found myself rooting for them from the start. I was also pleasantly surprised by another relationship within the story. Initially, I was not convinced it would work, but Emma Orchard handled it with such care that I became fully invested in its outcome.
The only reason this was not quite a five-star read for me comes down to the ending. Based on the premise, I expected the story to unfold over a much longer period, with the characters repeatedly facing the temptation to marry while waiting for the restriction to expire. While most of the novel takes place over several weeks, the final stages felt much quicker than I had anticipated. I also expected the antagonist to create far more trouble and resistance before finally backing down. As a result, the conclusion felt a little abrupt and not quite as satisfying as I had hoped.
That said, I still thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. The characters, the romance and the historical setting more than made up for my reservations, and I am already looking forward to picking up another book by Emma Orchard.
My thanks go to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced reading copy of this novel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
okay so. the premise? genuinely delightful. Cecilia inherits an estate with her sisters but there's a CATCH.... none of them can get engaged for a whole year or they lose everything. fortune hunters immediately begin circling, matchmakers sharpen their claws, and a brooding taciturn Major shows up being all... Major-ish. this is my roman empire. this premise has everything. the enemies of Cecilia's freedom are literally just Men and Society and i was fully ready to go to war alongside her.
and for a while?? it delivers!! the banter is crisp, Cecilia is sharp and likeable, and the Major is doing that whole "silent and emotionally constipated but secretly has Feelings" thing that has been rotting my brain since Mr Darcy was invented. i ate it up. no notes.
BUT. and this is a big but. the middle stretch of this book is where my attention started filing a formal complaint. there's a point around the halfway mark where i genuinely felt like the plot was just… idling? like a car with the engine running but going nowhere. Cecilia keeps almost getting into trouble and then not quite. the tension would build and then just… dissolve. rinse, repeat. i was rooting for ''something'' to actually combust and instead it kept handing me slightly warm tea.
the sisters subplot is sweet but also i kept forgetting which one was which. sorry to the sisters.
the Major does eventually unclench emotionally and when he does it's lovely, it really is. but the man takes SO LONG to get there that i wanted to grab him by the cravat and say babes. SAY THE WORDS. we are on page 200.
three stars because the bones are excellent, Emma Orchard genuinely writes witty Regency with real charm, and the ending paid off enough that i didn't feel robbed. but this one didn't hit quite as hard as it should have given everything it had going for it.
would i read the next one? obviously yes. do i have a problem? that's not what we're discussing here.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!
and for a while?? it delivers!! the banter is crisp, Cecilia is sharp and likeable, and the Major is doing that whole "silent and emotionally constipated but secretly has Feelings" thing that has been rotting my brain since Mr Darcy was invented. i ate it up. no notes.
BUT. and this is a big but. the middle stretch of this book is where my attention started filing a formal complaint. there's a point around the halfway mark where i genuinely felt like the plot was just… idling? like a car with the engine running but going nowhere. Cecilia keeps almost getting into trouble and then not quite. the tension would build and then just… dissolve. rinse, repeat. i was rooting for ''something'' to actually combust and instead it kept handing me slightly warm tea.
the sisters subplot is sweet but also i kept forgetting which one was which. sorry to the sisters.
the Major does eventually unclench emotionally and when he does it's lovely, it really is. but the man takes SO LONG to get there that i wanted to grab him by the cravat and say babes. SAY THE WORDS. we are on page 200.
three stars because the bones are excellent, Emma Orchard genuinely writes witty Regency with real charm, and the ending paid off enough that i didn't feel robbed. but this one didn't hit quite as hard as it should have given everything it had going for it.
would i read the next one? obviously yes. do i have a problem? that's not what we're discussing here.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!
June 18, 2026
London - 1815
The three younger Constantine sisters are preparing to attend a party when they receive notification that they are the recipients of an inheritance from an unknown woman.
Beatrice, 26, Cecilia, 22, and Bianca, 19, have not had any luck at the Seasons they have attended. Their 3 older sisters have married well and have children.
Aunt Augusta Albury, an aged widow, has left the 3 sisters a fortune including Albury Hall. They will each receive the same amount of money which is huge. there are two stipulations they must adhere to or their fortune will be given to the remaining sisters and they will have no claim on the Hall. They cannot be currently engaged, nor can they marry for a year. As they all 3 fit those conditions, they are happy to go and live in the house. Their chaperone will be their former Scottish governess, Miss Macintyre. The Hall is large and as Augusta had been ill and wanted no visitors, the place needs a good clean as do the vast grounds. It is located near the sea.
Pallant Manor is the nearby home of Oliver Lord Pallant, an impoverished Baron and his sister, Vivienne, and their younger brother Sebastian, an arrogant young man. When Vivienne calls upon the sisters, she comes back with tales saying they will all 3 marry one of the sisters and get their fortune. All 3?
Another neighbor is Major Alistair Bartrum who was injured in the war with Napoleon. He has a scar on his face and his leg is in bad shape. He walks with a cane and has been told that he must walk on the sandy shore to make his leg stronger. He is crabby and prefers to be left alone.
As the Constantine sisters mingle with the local people, we find some of them are genuinely nice but there also lurks some dangerous ones out to line their pockets. Who are they and are there potential suitors for the sisters?
This is a very well-written book with well-created characters. I enjoyed it immensely and look forward to reading even more books by Emma Orchard.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The three younger Constantine sisters are preparing to attend a party when they receive notification that they are the recipients of an inheritance from an unknown woman.
Beatrice, 26, Cecilia, 22, and Bianca, 19, have not had any luck at the Seasons they have attended. Their 3 older sisters have married well and have children.
Aunt Augusta Albury, an aged widow, has left the 3 sisters a fortune including Albury Hall. They will each receive the same amount of money which is huge. there are two stipulations they must adhere to or their fortune will be given to the remaining sisters and they will have no claim on the Hall. They cannot be currently engaged, nor can they marry for a year. As they all 3 fit those conditions, they are happy to go and live in the house. Their chaperone will be their former Scottish governess, Miss Macintyre. The Hall is large and as Augusta had been ill and wanted no visitors, the place needs a good clean as do the vast grounds. It is located near the sea.
Pallant Manor is the nearby home of Oliver Lord Pallant, an impoverished Baron and his sister, Vivienne, and their younger brother Sebastian, an arrogant young man. When Vivienne calls upon the sisters, she comes back with tales saying they will all 3 marry one of the sisters and get their fortune. All 3?
Another neighbor is Major Alistair Bartrum who was injured in the war with Napoleon. He has a scar on his face and his leg is in bad shape. He walks with a cane and has been told that he must walk on the sandy shore to make his leg stronger. He is crabby and prefers to be left alone.
As the Constantine sisters mingle with the local people, we find some of them are genuinely nice but there also lurks some dangerous ones out to line their pockets. Who are they and are there potential suitors for the sisters?
This is a very well-written book with well-created characters. I enjoyed it immensely and look forward to reading even more books by Emma Orchard.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Firstly, thank you to Emma Orchard and Boldwood Books for gifting me an ARC of How to Not Marry a Lord. I am always incredibly honoured to be chosen for these opportunities.
I was drawn to this book for two reasons; it was giving Bridgeton, and I was fascinated by the premise that in order to secure their inheritance, none of the sisters may become engaged for a full year. This idea took regency romance and gave it a real good shake!
The sentence structure, being written in a style true to the period, took a little getting used to begin with, but I soon found myself flying through the book with ease. In fact, the writing style effectively established the atmosphere, making it easy to feel as though one had been whisked away to the 19th century.
I truly admired how the female characters in this story were portrayed as remarkably self-reliant, deriving a sense of strength from their ability to express themselves without restraint. This really is a tale of female empowerment. I also enjoyed the themes of male vulnerability and how beautiful two people accepting each other entirely as themselves can be.
I felt that the spice level was perfect. These moments felt organic to the plot, serving as more than just filler; they enriched the narrative and deepened my connection to each character. The scenes were both emotionally authentic and wonderfully swoon worthy.
The narrative quickly captivated me, as I experienced a whirlwind of emotions, from thrill and anxiety to heartache and treachery, right alongside the characters.I found myself excited to pick the book back up and quickly developed a bond with the characters, which I always see as a very promising sign.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed How Not to Marry a Lord, and will definitely be recommending it. I’m also looking forward to picking up some of Emma’s other work.
I was drawn to this book for two reasons; it was giving Bridgeton, and I was fascinated by the premise that in order to secure their inheritance, none of the sisters may become engaged for a full year. This idea took regency romance and gave it a real good shake!
The sentence structure, being written in a style true to the period, took a little getting used to begin with, but I soon found myself flying through the book with ease. In fact, the writing style effectively established the atmosphere, making it easy to feel as though one had been whisked away to the 19th century.
I truly admired how the female characters in this story were portrayed as remarkably self-reliant, deriving a sense of strength from their ability to express themselves without restraint. This really is a tale of female empowerment. I also enjoyed the themes of male vulnerability and how beautiful two people accepting each other entirely as themselves can be.
I felt that the spice level was perfect. These moments felt organic to the plot, serving as more than just filler; they enriched the narrative and deepened my connection to each character. The scenes were both emotionally authentic and wonderfully swoon worthy.
The narrative quickly captivated me, as I experienced a whirlwind of emotions, from thrill and anxiety to heartache and treachery, right alongside the characters.I found myself excited to pick the book back up and quickly developed a bond with the characters, which I always see as a very promising sign.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed How Not to Marry a Lord, and will definitely be recommending it. I’m also looking forward to picking up some of Emma’s other work.
June 14, 2026
Title: How Not to Marry a Lord
Author: Emma Orchard-I read A Most Unsuitable Suitor and gave it 5⭐
Publication date: 6/13/26 | Read: 6/13/26
Format: e-Book 320 pgs.
Genre:
*Historical Romance
*Mystery
Tropes:
*inheritance
*secret affairs
*sapphic romance
*sisterhood/female friendship
*grumpy H
POV: 3rd person
TW:H scarred, fortune hunters, blackmail, inexperienced h, abuse-not H or h
Setting: England 1814
Summary: After inheriting a fortune from a distant relative, Cecilia and her 2 sisters leave their mother, set up their new house, and enjoy their freedom. Major Bartram is scarred and injured from fighting abroad, but when he meets Cecilia, she awakens a passion he thought he lost long ago.
Heroine: Cecilia Constantine-22
Hero: Major Alistar Bartram- 29
Other Characters
*Augusta Alberty-distant aunt who left the unmarried Constantine women a house and money
*Beatrice Constantine-26, the oldest spinster sister
*Bianca Constantine-19, the youngest, an artist
*Vivienne Pallant-Oliver's sister
*Lord Oliver Pallant-Constantine's next-door neighbor, used to own their new home
*Sebastian Pallant-Lord Pallant's brother
*Ms. Euphemia Macintyre-former governess/chaperone
*Mrs. Janet Bartram-Major's mother/matchmaker
*Rory-Major's younger brother, attending Cambridge
My Thoughts/Likes:
-The Constantine women w/ financial independence in 19th century
-Vivienne and Bea's affair and later the betrayal/forgiveness
-Cecilia and Alistar's stolen moments- not enough time spent together though
-Lord Pallant and his siblings plot to have the Constantine women and their fortune
Rating: 4/5
Spice level: 4/5
Thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Emma Orchard for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
Author: Emma Orchard-I read A Most Unsuitable Suitor and gave it 5⭐
Publication date: 6/13/26 | Read: 6/13/26
Format: e-Book 320 pgs.
Genre:
*Historical Romance
*Mystery
Tropes:
*inheritance
*secret affairs
*sapphic romance
*sisterhood/female friendship
*grumpy H
POV: 3rd person
TW:H scarred, fortune hunters, blackmail, inexperienced h, abuse-not H or h
Setting: England 1814
Summary: After inheriting a fortune from a distant relative, Cecilia and her 2 sisters leave their mother, set up their new house, and enjoy their freedom. Major Bartram is scarred and injured from fighting abroad, but when he meets Cecilia, she awakens a passion he thought he lost long ago.
Heroine: Cecilia Constantine-22
Hero: Major Alistar Bartram- 29
Other Characters
*Augusta Alberty-distant aunt who left the unmarried Constantine women a house and money
*Beatrice Constantine-26, the oldest spinster sister
*Bianca Constantine-19, the youngest, an artist
*Vivienne Pallant-Oliver's sister
*Lord Oliver Pallant-Constantine's next-door neighbor, used to own their new home
*Sebastian Pallant-Lord Pallant's brother
*Ms. Euphemia Macintyre-former governess/chaperone
*Mrs. Janet Bartram-Major's mother/matchmaker
*Rory-Major's younger brother, attending Cambridge
My Thoughts/Likes:
-The Constantine women w/ financial independence in 19th century
-Vivienne and Bea's affair and later the betrayal/forgiveness
-Cecilia and Alistar's stolen moments- not enough time spent together though
-Lord Pallant and his siblings plot to have the Constantine women and their fortune
Rating: 4/5
Spice level: 4/5
Thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Emma Orchard for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Did you, dearest reader, tire of the rigmarole about the London ton? Do you wish to wander free into the cliff sides with water? Do you thirst for some spice, and yet yearn for an independent, inquisitive and intrepid ladies? Does Sense and Sensibility feel a little tame for your wildness? If so, then this scorcher by Emma Orchards will cause you to lift your taffeta skirts and run seaside to see what the fuss is all about!!
Cecilia Constantine is freed from the marriage mart with her great great great (great?) aunt's inheritance, and a simple stipulation about not getting engaged or married for a year. The upheaval to a small town where everyone knows everyone and nothing escapes notice is brilliantly executed! The boorish interaction with Major Allistair and the nighttime trysts are the stuff legends are made of. There is a cursory nod to queer with the elder sibling Bea's story, but I loved the witty, spicy and seductive banter that ensues between the Major and Miss Constantine. And of course, doffed hats to the remarkable, dry and absolute cracker that embody the side characters - Miss Macintyre, Mrs Pritty - who know the system and how the game is played.
This book was devoured overnight, and relished like a well strung instrument, providing a new context to a loved melody (aka Austen themes) - replete with loathsome, nefarious and yet quality villains, this tale was well wrought!
Courtesies to Boldwood books and Netgalley for furnishing this delightful read. the book is best enjoyed with tea, on a picnic in a windy day, or on steps with the susurration of waves by the seaside, preferably with a libation of the spiritual variety!
#hownotomarryalord #Junereleases #boldwoodbooks #Netgalley
Cecilia Constantine is freed from the marriage mart with her great great great (great?) aunt's inheritance, and a simple stipulation about not getting engaged or married for a year. The upheaval to a small town where everyone knows everyone and nothing escapes notice is brilliantly executed! The boorish interaction with Major Allistair and the nighttime trysts are the stuff legends are made of. There is a cursory nod to queer with the elder sibling Bea's story, but I loved the witty, spicy and seductive banter that ensues between the Major and Miss Constantine. And of course, doffed hats to the remarkable, dry and absolute cracker that embody the side characters - Miss Macintyre, Mrs Pritty - who know the system and how the game is played.
This book was devoured overnight, and relished like a well strung instrument, providing a new context to a loved melody (aka Austen themes) - replete with loathsome, nefarious and yet quality villains, this tale was well wrought!
Courtesies to Boldwood books and Netgalley for furnishing this delightful read. the book is best enjoyed with tea, on a picnic in a windy day, or on steps with the susurration of waves by the seaside, preferably with a libation of the spiritual variety!
#hownotomarryalord #Junereleases #boldwoodbooks #Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 rounded to 4. This is my third from Emma and her evolution as an author is visible in a good way.
Netgally copy.
Yays 👍
- Modern in it's sensibilities with the secondary couple getting not just part of the plot but also steam, in a way that made sense for the story not just because
- The family dynamic is lovely, siblings love each other and yet give ample space to one another while respecting their autonomy and choices
- Miss Macintyre, the governess, was the heroine of the book hands down. What a smart, sassy, badass! Watch and learn ladies! I wish she had her own book
- Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer references are on point
Nays 👎
- Both for the main and secondary couple, intsalust was real. Which made their chemistry shallow at best and forced at worst. There is no plausible explanation for why the FMC wants to kiss the MMC she's met 2 times in public settings, briefly.
- To the point above, the female characters are shown as sensible, educated and progressive, why then their definition of freedom is so narrowly limited to sex is mind boggling. In the context of the wider story and depictions is also feels sudden and out of character for Cecelia and Bea.
- The main couple ultimately due to these failings just didn't get compelling enough to root for them, beyond generally wanting an HEA in a romantic novel
- It also took a long time for the FMC and MMC to meet, or maybe just felt longer which didn't give them enough time to grow on you as a couple
Verdict 🪒
Decent read, low angst, while being interesting and short enough to follow through to the end. Recommended for light one off reading and entirely forgettable within a few hours.
Netgally copy.
Yays 👍
- Modern in it's sensibilities with the secondary couple getting not just part of the plot but also steam, in a way that made sense for the story not just because
- The family dynamic is lovely, siblings love each other and yet give ample space to one another while respecting their autonomy and choices
- Miss Macintyre, the governess, was the heroine of the book hands down. What a smart, sassy, badass! Watch and learn ladies! I wish she had her own book
- Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer references are on point
Nays 👎
- Both for the main and secondary couple, intsalust was real. Which made their chemistry shallow at best and forced at worst. There is no plausible explanation for why the FMC wants to kiss the MMC she's met 2 times in public settings, briefly.
- To the point above, the female characters are shown as sensible, educated and progressive, why then their definition of freedom is so narrowly limited to sex is mind boggling. In the context of the wider story and depictions is also feels sudden and out of character for Cecelia and Bea.
- The main couple ultimately due to these failings just didn't get compelling enough to root for them, beyond generally wanting an HEA in a romantic novel
- It also took a long time for the FMC and MMC to meet, or maybe just felt longer which didn't give them enough time to grow on you as a couple
Verdict 🪒
Decent read, low angst, while being interesting and short enough to follow through to the end. Recommended for light one off reading and entirely forgettable within a few hours.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A surprise inheritance for the three unmarried Constantine sisters includes a lot of money, a Suffolk estate and one important condition: no engagements for a full year. Cecilia sees this as an opportunity—a chance to want things for reasons that have nothing to do with securing a husband.
We all know men like the Pallant brothers: confident in their charm and totally horrid people. Cecilia sees them coming from a mile away and spends most of the novel scheming to out-maneuver them, which is deeply satisfying. Alistair is their opposite. Scarred, world-weary, protective, and totally gone for Cecilia. He falls first. And hard.
The social conventions are where this book got me. There were moments I wanted to tell the Pallants to fuck off on Cecilia's behalf, and I couldn't, because she couldn't. My 2026 self has no patience for that kind of obligation…but it's also not entirely foreign. We're all bound by expectations we didn't choose. Orchard makes that frustration feel real without letting it swallow the story.
Orchard uses a recap style in places — stream-of-consciousness passages that feel like one friend catching another up on what happened. I liked them. They give the book a conversational quality that works for the story, even if they slow the pacing in spots.
The secondary romance between Beatrice and Vivienne Pallant runs quietly alongside the main plot. Vivienne is a different creature from her brothers entirely, and that pairing earns its place.
This stands alone, but if you've read A Tale of Two Dukes first, there's a satisfying amount of crossover. Beatrice's story next please and thank you.
We all know men like the Pallant brothers: confident in their charm and totally horrid people. Cecilia sees them coming from a mile away and spends most of the novel scheming to out-maneuver them, which is deeply satisfying. Alistair is their opposite. Scarred, world-weary, protective, and totally gone for Cecilia. He falls first. And hard.
The social conventions are where this book got me. There were moments I wanted to tell the Pallants to fuck off on Cecilia's behalf, and I couldn't, because she couldn't. My 2026 self has no patience for that kind of obligation…but it's also not entirely foreign. We're all bound by expectations we didn't choose. Orchard makes that frustration feel real without letting it swallow the story.
Orchard uses a recap style in places — stream-of-consciousness passages that feel like one friend catching another up on what happened. I liked them. They give the book a conversational quality that works for the story, even if they slow the pacing in spots.
The secondary romance between Beatrice and Vivienne Pallant runs quietly alongside the main plot. Vivienne is a different creature from her brothers entirely, and that pairing earns its place.
This stands alone, but if you've read A Tale of Two Dukes first, there's a satisfying amount of crossover. Beatrice's story next please and thank you.
June 6, 2026
“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single woman in possession of a good fortune must not be in want of a husband.”
When an unknown aunt leaves a considerable fortune and her coastal home to the three younger Constantine sisters, the inheritance comes with one unusual condition: if any sister marries or becomes engaged within a year, her share will pass to the other two. Faced with the prospect of yet another London Season or a year of freedom in Suffolk, the sisters waste no time in leaving society behind to explore the possibilities of their newfound independence.
I thought this lightly spiced Regency romance, with a sprinkle of Gothic mystery, was very cleverly written. The prologue offers just enough of a glimpse of what's to come to intrigue the reader without revealing which characters are involved.
Although some darker themes are touched upon, this is, on the whole, a light-hearted and entertaining read, brimming with humour and energy. I particularly loved the relationship between the three sisters. They support one another, respect each other's space, and never miss an opportunity to tease each other. Their former governess and chaperone, Miss Macintyre, was a fascinating character: formidable, perceptive, and often stealing the scene whenever she appeared.
The romances do lean a little towards instalove, but the humour, the affectionate nods to Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, and the feel-good nature of the story more than make up for it.
I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you to Emma Orchard, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the ARC.
When an unknown aunt leaves a considerable fortune and her coastal home to the three younger Constantine sisters, the inheritance comes with one unusual condition: if any sister marries or becomes engaged within a year, her share will pass to the other two. Faced with the prospect of yet another London Season or a year of freedom in Suffolk, the sisters waste no time in leaving society behind to explore the possibilities of their newfound independence.
I thought this lightly spiced Regency romance, with a sprinkle of Gothic mystery, was very cleverly written. The prologue offers just enough of a glimpse of what's to come to intrigue the reader without revealing which characters are involved.
Although some darker themes are touched upon, this is, on the whole, a light-hearted and entertaining read, brimming with humour and energy. I particularly loved the relationship between the three sisters. They support one another, respect each other's space, and never miss an opportunity to tease each other. Their former governess and chaperone, Miss Macintyre, was a fascinating character: formidable, perceptive, and often stealing the scene whenever she appeared.
The romances do lean a little towards instalove, but the humour, the affectionate nods to Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, and the feel-good nature of the story more than make up for it.
I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thank you to Emma Orchard, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the ARC.
June 17, 2026
Cecilia, Beatrice, and Biance make up the Constantine sisters. They were recently told by lawyer that their aunt Mrs. Augusta Albery, of Suffolk, whom they've never met left them an inheritance. This inheritance is to be split between the three of them equally and she also left them her home, Albery Hall. This inheritance came at a perfect moment because due to promigeniture they had to give up their family home in Surrey. The inheritance comes with a clause. They need not marry for the first year of receiving their inheritance. This is to dissuade fortune hunters and for the ladies to taste financial freedom. Will the ladies be able to stay away from love and fulfill their inheritance request? Or will they fall for the fortune hunters who circle around them?
Absolutely loved this historical romance. I enjoyed that it was a bit different from other Regency novels because the female leads were able to enjoy their freedom and money. And that this romance showed that women weren't always the "gold diggers". Many men needed other women's fortunes to help their families out. The sisters were all an absolute delight and I liked reading about them. The Pallant family was a mess and they brought some funny moments to the story. My favorite part was the banter and the "will they, won't they" dynamic between Major Alistair Bartrum and Cecilia. The cherry on top for me and what made this story so magnificent was the LGBT+ representation which isn't often portrayed in Regency era romance books. I think this is my favorite book by this author so far!
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Absolutely loved this historical romance. I enjoyed that it was a bit different from other Regency novels because the female leads were able to enjoy their freedom and money. And that this romance showed that women weren't always the "gold diggers". Many men needed other women's fortunes to help their families out. The sisters were all an absolute delight and I liked reading about them. The Pallant family was a mess and they brought some funny moments to the story. My favorite part was the banter and the "will they, won't they" dynamic between Major Alistair Bartrum and Cecilia. The cherry on top for me and what made this story so magnificent was the LGBT+ representation which isn't often portrayed in Regency era romance books. I think this is my favorite book by this author so far!
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If I could leave this review with just a YES, I’d do it, because … YES!
My second Emma Orchard and thus it would’ve been easy to be disappointed, to find the author a one-trick pony, or see a downtrodden plot - so imagine my delight when instead I found plot twists and fresh winds in a well-known genre and era.
Three sisters inherit an actual fortune, a stunning £45.000 pound each, from a great great great aunt they’ve never known. Their elder sisters have married, and married well (see “a most unsuitable suitor”, which was a delight as well) so these sisters are merely living off the money of their siblings, but they were brought up with all the good graces, and intentions, and virtues, but none of the means and to be given a fortune and thus actual independence is… bliss.
Of course, they are now, immediately, prey for each and every fortune hunter. As one of the sisters contemplates: a lot like they themselves were.
The will comes with conditions and one is that they NOT marry within the year, lest their inheritance goes to the other siblings. There’s no sibling rivalry, that’s not what the plot is about. Instead there’s an inherited Tudor house, neighbours and a new social environment to navigate, and lots of both Austen and (mostly) Georgette Heyerian action.
It comes with a little spice (not even nearly enough to be considered smut, just about right).
Thoroughly enjoyed it and finished within the day (that was a Friday night well spent)
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher in return for my honest opinion
Expected June 13, 2026
My second Emma Orchard and thus it would’ve been easy to be disappointed, to find the author a one-trick pony, or see a downtrodden plot - so imagine my delight when instead I found plot twists and fresh winds in a well-known genre and era.
Three sisters inherit an actual fortune, a stunning £45.000 pound each, from a great great great aunt they’ve never known. Their elder sisters have married, and married well (see “a most unsuitable suitor”, which was a delight as well) so these sisters are merely living off the money of their siblings, but they were brought up with all the good graces, and intentions, and virtues, but none of the means and to be given a fortune and thus actual independence is… bliss.
Of course, they are now, immediately, prey for each and every fortune hunter. As one of the sisters contemplates: a lot like they themselves were.
The will comes with conditions and one is that they NOT marry within the year, lest their inheritance goes to the other siblings. There’s no sibling rivalry, that’s not what the plot is about. Instead there’s an inherited Tudor house, neighbours and a new social environment to navigate, and lots of both Austen and (mostly) Georgette Heyerian action.
It comes with a little spice (not even nearly enough to be considered smut, just about right).
Thoroughly enjoyed it and finished within the day (that was a Friday night well spent)
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher in return for my honest opinion
Expected June 13, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to @netgalley and @boldwoodbooks for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
How to Not Marry a Lord had such a fun premise and I really enjoyed the idea of the Constantine sisters unexpectedly inheriting a fortune with the condition that none of them can marry for a year. The newfound independence, the fortune hunters circling, and the coastal Regency setting made for an entertaining read with plenty of witty moments, romance, and intrigue.
I also appreciated that the spice was introduced fairly early and enjoyed the grumpy wounded hero energy from Alistair. Emma Orchard’s writing style continues to feel very atmospheric and Austen-inspired, while still adding a more modern romantic edge.
That said, compared to the previous Constantine books, this one ended up being my least favorite. I really wanted more focus on Cecilia and Alistair’s relationship and felt like their romance had to compete too much with Beatrice’s storyline. While I enjoyed aspects of Bea’s plot, I found myself wishing for more development between the main couple, more emotional depth, and especially more of Alistair’s backstory. At times the pacing also felt uneven, with the romance moving quickly after a slower start.
Overall, this was still an enjoyable spicy Regency romance with strong sister dynamics, mystery, and themes of female independence. Fans of Emma Orchard’s previous books and readers who enjoy Bridgerton-style historical romance will likely have a good time with this one.
How to Not Marry a Lord had such a fun premise and I really enjoyed the idea of the Constantine sisters unexpectedly inheriting a fortune with the condition that none of them can marry for a year. The newfound independence, the fortune hunters circling, and the coastal Regency setting made for an entertaining read with plenty of witty moments, romance, and intrigue.
I also appreciated that the spice was introduced fairly early and enjoyed the grumpy wounded hero energy from Alistair. Emma Orchard’s writing style continues to feel very atmospheric and Austen-inspired, while still adding a more modern romantic edge.
That said, compared to the previous Constantine books, this one ended up being my least favorite. I really wanted more focus on Cecilia and Alistair’s relationship and felt like their romance had to compete too much with Beatrice’s storyline. While I enjoyed aspects of Bea’s plot, I found myself wishing for more development between the main couple, more emotional depth, and especially more of Alistair’s backstory. At times the pacing also felt uneven, with the romance moving quickly after a slower start.
Overall, this was still an enjoyable spicy Regency romance with strong sister dynamics, mystery, and themes of female independence. Fans of Emma Orchard’s previous books and readers who enjoy Bridgerton-style historical romance will likely have a good time with this one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3,5✨️
Once again, the author treated us to an addictive historical romance with a healthy dose of chaos mixed in. I really liked our female protagonist and her fiery temperament, especially when she finally lost her patience and was completely honest with the most detestable character in the book. The male protagonist had a solid character development arc; however, I would have liked to see more moments between him and Cecilia.
The fact that the book follows both Cecilia and Beatrice meant that my rating was not quite as high, as I think their stories would have benefited from being told in separate books, allowing each one to be explored in greater depth. I am very curious to continue following the next book about these sisters, as I am sure it will be a very enjoyable read.
Mais uma vez, a autora presenteou-nos com um romance de época viciante e com uma boa dose de caos à mistura. Eu gostei bastante da nossa protagonista feminina e do seu temperamento, principalmente, quando o perdeu e foi totalmente honesta com a personagem mais detestável do livro... O protagonista masculino teve um bom arco de desenvolvimento, contudo, gostava de ter visto mais momentos entre ele e a Cecilia. O facto de o livro seguir tanto a Cecilia como a Beatrice, fez com que a minha classificação não fosse tão alta, pois gostava que tivessem tido a sua história em livros diferentes, uma vez que assim as suas histórias podiam ter sido mais desenvolvidas. Estou muito curiosa para continuar a acompanhar o próximo livro destas irmãs, pois de certeza que vai ser uma leitura bastante prazerosa.
Once again, the author treated us to an addictive historical romance with a healthy dose of chaos mixed in. I really liked our female protagonist and her fiery temperament, especially when she finally lost her patience and was completely honest with the most detestable character in the book. The male protagonist had a solid character development arc; however, I would have liked to see more moments between him and Cecilia.
The fact that the book follows both Cecilia and Beatrice meant that my rating was not quite as high, as I think their stories would have benefited from being told in separate books, allowing each one to be explored in greater depth. I am very curious to continue following the next book about these sisters, as I am sure it will be a very enjoyable read.
Mais uma vez, a autora presenteou-nos com um romance de época viciante e com uma boa dose de caos à mistura. Eu gostei bastante da nossa protagonista feminina e do seu temperamento, principalmente, quando o perdeu e foi totalmente honesta com a personagem mais detestável do livro... O protagonista masculino teve um bom arco de desenvolvimento, contudo, gostava de ter visto mais momentos entre ele e a Cecilia. O facto de o livro seguir tanto a Cecilia como a Beatrice, fez com que a minha classificação não fosse tão alta, pois gostava que tivessem tido a sua história em livros diferentes, uma vez que assim as suas histórias podiam ter sido mais desenvolvidas. Estou muito curiosa para continuar a acompanhar o próximo livro destas irmãs, pois de certeza que vai ser uma leitura bastante prazerosa.
June 15, 2026
Thank you to @netgalley and @boldwoodbooks for providing me with an ARC of this book. I absolutely love this author, so I was thrilled to receive an early copy! 💕
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by Emma Orchard, and when the publisher offered me an ARC, I jumped at the chance.
I love a good Regency romance, and this one certainly didn’t disappoint. It’s definitely a little spicy in places, but those scenes can easily be skipped without affecting the main storyline.
I loved all three sisters, although we don’t get to see as much of Bianca. Thankfully, Bea and Cecilia are such standout characters that they more than make up for it.
The plot was fantastic too. Three sisters inheriting from an aunt they never knew existed is such a fun premise! As the story unfolds, there are some great revelations surrounding the will, along with plenty of twists and surprises to keep you hooked.
There are definitely some truly awful characters in this book, but you can tell from the start that they’re going to cause trouble. It was great fun watching their stories play out and seeing how everything came together.
I loved both the romance and the setting. It was refreshing to read a Regency novel set outside London, giving a lovely glimpse into life beyond the big cities.
This is a must-read for fans of Bridgerton and Regency romance in general. I was completely gripped from start to finish, and the ending was wonderfully satisfying. Everything wrapped up just as you’d hope it would! 💕
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by Emma Orchard, and when the publisher offered me an ARC, I jumped at the chance.
I love a good Regency romance, and this one certainly didn’t disappoint. It’s definitely a little spicy in places, but those scenes can easily be skipped without affecting the main storyline.
I loved all three sisters, although we don’t get to see as much of Bianca. Thankfully, Bea and Cecilia are such standout characters that they more than make up for it.
The plot was fantastic too. Three sisters inheriting from an aunt they never knew existed is such a fun premise! As the story unfolds, there are some great revelations surrounding the will, along with plenty of twists and surprises to keep you hooked.
There are definitely some truly awful characters in this book, but you can tell from the start that they’re going to cause trouble. It was great fun watching their stories play out and seeing how everything came together.
I loved both the romance and the setting. It was refreshing to read a Regency novel set outside London, giving a lovely glimpse into life beyond the big cities.
This is a must-read for fans of Bridgerton and Regency romance in general. I was completely gripped from start to finish, and the ending was wonderfully satisfying. Everything wrapped up just as you’d hope it would! 💕
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Took me out of my Bridgerton slump!
This book by @emmaorchardbooks is a refreshing take on a period drama, where our protagonist ladies of the ton need to not find a match for one year as per their dead aunt's will! Thank you @boldwoodbooks and @netgalley for this ARC
🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸
Tropes 🔥
💰 The Inheritance Loophole: Cecilia and her sisters unexpectedly inherit a substantial Suffolk estate and fortune.
🔥Independent Heroine: Having finally found freedom and wealth, Cecilia is determined to remain single—challenging the typical Regency goal of finding a husband.
🌶️Spicy / "Heyer with Spice": Emma Orchard is known for writing Regency romances that blend the witty, authentic historical atmosphere of Georgette Heyer with modern "open door" steaminess.
❤️🔥Forbidden Desire: Because Cecilia cannot marry without losing her inheritance, any romantic feelings she develops become "forbidden," creating high stakes for her future and her sisters.
😑Taciturn / Grumpy Hero: The main love interest is a "taciturn Major" who is far harder for Cecilia to ignore than the usual fortune-hunting lords and conventional suitors.
.
Overall the atmosphere of this book was quite apt and the story is adequately paced, with beautiful settings that make for a great read just after the Bridgerton withdrawal! ❤️🔥🌶️ And it's a refreshing concept rather than the usual plain courting!
.
.
.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYL2Rk...
This book by @emmaorchardbooks is a refreshing take on a period drama, where our protagonist ladies of the ton need to not find a match for one year as per their dead aunt's will! Thank you @boldwoodbooks and @netgalley for this ARC
🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸
Tropes 🔥
💰 The Inheritance Loophole: Cecilia and her sisters unexpectedly inherit a substantial Suffolk estate and fortune.
🔥Independent Heroine: Having finally found freedom and wealth, Cecilia is determined to remain single—challenging the typical Regency goal of finding a husband.
🌶️Spicy / "Heyer with Spice": Emma Orchard is known for writing Regency romances that blend the witty, authentic historical atmosphere of Georgette Heyer with modern "open door" steaminess.
❤️🔥Forbidden Desire: Because Cecilia cannot marry without losing her inheritance, any romantic feelings she develops become "forbidden," creating high stakes for her future and her sisters.
😑Taciturn / Grumpy Hero: The main love interest is a "taciturn Major" who is far harder for Cecilia to ignore than the usual fortune-hunting lords and conventional suitors.
.
Overall the atmosphere of this book was quite apt and the story is adequately paced, with beautiful settings that make for a great read just after the Bridgerton withdrawal! ❤️🔥🌶️ And it's a refreshing concept rather than the usual plain courting!
.
.
.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYL2Rk...
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you Boldwood and netgalley for this opportunity.
I have had the pleasure to review the ARC of How to Not Marry a Lord, by Emma Orchard.
I have to start by saying this was a genuinely surprising and thoroughly enjoyable read. Regency-era romance isn’t usually my usual, but this book completely won me over with its easy, descriptive storytelling and the compelling perspectives of the three sisters and major.
The story follows Cecilia, the unmarried main female character, along with her two also unmarried sisters as they unexpectedly come into an inheritance and relocate from bustling London to the countryside. What awaits them, however, is far from quiet country life, there’s pursuit, scandalous intrigue involving expensive paintings, mischievous temptations on the beach, and even a spirited auction featuring some delightful sofas.
Each of the sisters brings something unique to the narrative, making their journeys engaging and dynamic. I especially enjoyed the balance between strong, intelligent female characters and the presence of broody yet honourable men. And of course, the girls Scottish childhood duchess, now companion steals the show with her bold “mess around and find out” energy.
If you enjoy Regency romance with wit, charm, spirited characters and a nice sprinkling of spice, this story is definitely one to pick up.
⭐ 4/5 stars, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I have had the pleasure to review the ARC of How to Not Marry a Lord, by Emma Orchard.
I have to start by saying this was a genuinely surprising and thoroughly enjoyable read. Regency-era romance isn’t usually my usual, but this book completely won me over with its easy, descriptive storytelling and the compelling perspectives of the three sisters and major.
The story follows Cecilia, the unmarried main female character, along with her two also unmarried sisters as they unexpectedly come into an inheritance and relocate from bustling London to the countryside. What awaits them, however, is far from quiet country life, there’s pursuit, scandalous intrigue involving expensive paintings, mischievous temptations on the beach, and even a spirited auction featuring some delightful sofas.
Each of the sisters brings something unique to the narrative, making their journeys engaging and dynamic. I especially enjoyed the balance between strong, intelligent female characters and the presence of broody yet honourable men. And of course, the girls Scottish childhood duchess, now companion steals the show with her bold “mess around and find out” energy.
If you enjoy Regency romance with wit, charm, spirited characters and a nice sprinkling of spice, this story is definitely one to pick up.
⭐ 4/5 stars, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
With some subtle nods to Northanger Abbey and the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, this Georgette Heyer-inspired spicy regency romance is a complex caper with elements of mystery, secret rendezvous, and endearing characters.
The three youngest Constantine sisters, after many years on the marriage mart, are surprised to learn they have inherited the estate and property of their third-great aunt and a much needed reprieve from living off the benefaction of their older sisters - with one stipulation. None of them can be married, engaged to be married, for an entire year after they receive the inheritance, or their portion is forfeited to the other sisters.
BUT being unexpected heiresses, they are more likely to get preyed upon by gold-diggers, even in their secluded location in Sussex. Enter the nearby (and predatory) Lord Pallant and his siblings, who will definitely give you the ick as a reader, one part Crawford siblings and the other part Thenardier. Ceclia Constantine and her sisters must fend off their advances, all the while restoring their inherited manor to livable condition, settling into the neighborhood, and in Constantine's case, fighting off her unexpected feelings for a particularly surly Major.
It seems as though the characters are written as if they've read Austen themselves, as well as extensively within the gothic romance genre - but though they joke about "boiled potatoes," we should recall that such a scene never existed in Austen's literature, just the 2005 P&P adaptation. It's still an humorous reference, however. But soon they're involved in their own mysteries and adventures in the community where they've settled.
I enjoyed the beachside setting and the role it played in the plot. I liked Alistair and Cecelia as characters, although I didn't appreciate the Beatrice and Vivenne plotline. I liked the relationship between the sisters and Miss Macyntire as a late-stage unexpected hero. The writing was definitely a little wordy at the beginning, which made for a slow pace at the start, but the ending and resolution was satisfying.
The three youngest Constantine sisters, after many years on the marriage mart, are surprised to learn they have inherited the estate and property of their third-great aunt and a much needed reprieve from living off the benefaction of their older sisters - with one stipulation. None of them can be married, engaged to be married, for an entire year after they receive the inheritance, or their portion is forfeited to the other sisters.
BUT being unexpected heiresses, they are more likely to get preyed upon by gold-diggers, even in their secluded location in Sussex. Enter the nearby (and predatory) Lord Pallant and his siblings, who will definitely give you the ick as a reader, one part Crawford siblings and the other part Thenardier. Ceclia Constantine and her sisters must fend off their advances, all the while restoring their inherited manor to livable condition, settling into the neighborhood, and in Constantine's case, fighting off her unexpected feelings for a particularly surly Major.
It seems as though the characters are written as if they've read Austen themselves, as well as extensively within the gothic romance genre - but though they joke about "boiled potatoes," we should recall that such a scene never existed in Austen's literature, just the 2005 P&P adaptation. It's still an humorous reference, however. But soon they're involved in their own mysteries and adventures in the community where they've settled.
I enjoyed the beachside setting and the role it played in the plot. I liked Alistair and Cecelia as characters, although I didn't appreciate the Beatrice and Vivenne plotline. I liked the relationship between the sisters and Miss Macyntire as a late-stage unexpected hero. The writing was definitely a little wordy at the beginning, which made for a slow pace at the start, but the ending and resolution was satisfying.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After four weary years on the marriage mart, Cecilia longs for an appealing match – or maybe, shockingly, no match at all. So when she and her sisters discover they are unexpectedly heiresses to a substantial Suffolk estate, Cecilia dares to imagine a future.
Miss Cecilia Constantine and her sisters Bea and Bianca are unexpected heiresses but can not marry or become engaged for a year! If they do they forfeit their substantial fortunes!
Cecilia is the middle of the sisters and encounters one very stubborn and injured Major Alistair Bartram who has fallen flat on his back on the beach!
She and her sisters rescue him and they begin and unlikely friendship!
Alistair’s ex fiancé left because of his injuries and his self confidence is at an all time low! Cecilia sees him as a handsome and certainly virile man! I like that Alistair is not in need of her fortune and their chemistry is explosive! Cecilia knows exactly how to approach him to help regain his confidence!
The parts I did not like were the relationship in depth description of Bea and her friend! It was unnecessary and took up way too much of the story and I skipped over it!
When Cecilia verbally flayed a Lord at an assembly the consequences were very unexpected and final! It was good that Alistair’s presence was needed because women are frail!?
The stars are for Cecilia and Alistair’s steamy encounters and how they go to trust one another! I received an ARC copy from Netgalley for my unbiased review!
Miss Cecilia Constantine and her sisters Bea and Bianca are unexpected heiresses but can not marry or become engaged for a year! If they do they forfeit their substantial fortunes!
Cecilia is the middle of the sisters and encounters one very stubborn and injured Major Alistair Bartram who has fallen flat on his back on the beach!
She and her sisters rescue him and they begin and unlikely friendship!
Alistair’s ex fiancé left because of his injuries and his self confidence is at an all time low! Cecilia sees him as a handsome and certainly virile man! I like that Alistair is not in need of her fortune and their chemistry is explosive! Cecilia knows exactly how to approach him to help regain his confidence!
The parts I did not like were the relationship in depth description of Bea and her friend! It was unnecessary and took up way too much of the story and I skipped over it!
When Cecilia verbally flayed a Lord at an assembly the consequences were very unexpected and final! It was good that Alistair’s presence was needed because women are frail!?
The stars are for Cecilia and Alistair’s steamy encounters and how they go to trust one another! I received an ARC copy from Netgalley for my unbiased review!
June 13, 2026
Oh, I love, love, LOVED this book!
This completely swept me away, and I found myself devouring page after page. I don't often read Regency romances outside of the classics, but Emma Orchard may have just launched me into my modern Regency romance era because this was an absolute delight from beginning to end.
Three unmarried sisters unexpectedly inherit a vast fortune, but there's one catch: none of them can become engaged or married during the first year, or they'll lose everything. What follows is a wonderfully entertaining story packed with fortune hunters, would-be romances, family loyalty, and plenty of Regency drama.
Alongside the romance, there's some fascinating commentary on the realities of being a woman in Regency society—financial dependence, personal autonomy, and the limited choices available to women. It's a theme that still feels surprisingly relevant today.
I adored Cecilia, who gave me strong Elizabeth Bennet vibes with her wit, intelligence, and refusal to be pushed around and I may have fallen a little (lot) in love with Major Bartram. Add in the other two sisters, a fabulous Scottish governess, and some delightfully dastardly villains who reminded me of the Thorpes and Captain Tilney from Northanger Abbey, and I was completely hooked.
There was never a dull moment—romance, clandestine meetings, scheming villains, strong heroines and a brooding hero. A thoroughly fabulous read that I loved from start to finish.
This completely swept me away, and I found myself devouring page after page. I don't often read Regency romances outside of the classics, but Emma Orchard may have just launched me into my modern Regency romance era because this was an absolute delight from beginning to end.
Three unmarried sisters unexpectedly inherit a vast fortune, but there's one catch: none of them can become engaged or married during the first year, or they'll lose everything. What follows is a wonderfully entertaining story packed with fortune hunters, would-be romances, family loyalty, and plenty of Regency drama.
Alongside the romance, there's some fascinating commentary on the realities of being a woman in Regency society—financial dependence, personal autonomy, and the limited choices available to women. It's a theme that still feels surprisingly relevant today.
I adored Cecilia, who gave me strong Elizabeth Bennet vibes with her wit, intelligence, and refusal to be pushed around and I may have fallen a little (lot) in love with Major Bartram. Add in the other two sisters, a fabulous Scottish governess, and some delightfully dastardly villains who reminded me of the Thorpes and Captain Tilney from Northanger Abbey, and I was completely hooked.
There was never a dull moment—romance, clandestine meetings, scheming villains, strong heroines and a brooding hero. A thoroughly fabulous read that I loved from start to finish.
June 24, 2026
The Constantine sisters, Bea, Cecilia and Bianca, are living in restricted circumstances. They have managed over the past seasons but it is getting harder to manage the London season on their meagre means. At exactly this moment a letter arrives, the three sisters inherited a fortune from an aunt they didn't know. There is only one tiny caveat, to fully inherit they can't get engaged or even married for a year. That shouldn't be too much of a problem, they haven't had a lot of prospects in the past years on the marriage mart. To further their chances at inheriting they travel to their late aunt's estate in Suffolk only to be beleaguered by fortune hunters happy to employ every trick in the book to get at their new riches.
As much as I liked the protagonists and that due to the will the three women held the reins of their lives in their own hands, I didn't enjoy the writing very much (entirely a me-problem!). Emma Orchard manages to write in a style that is very close to that of the late 18th and early 19th century and I am not a fan of slow stories.
That said, if you enjoyed Austen's work in the past, but are looking for a romance novel with a sapphic sub-plot, open and closed door spice (that wasn't too explicit), and I tiny murder mystery tagged on at the end of the story, this novel might be for you.
As much as I liked the protagonists and that due to the will the three women held the reins of their lives in their own hands, I didn't enjoy the writing very much (entirely a me-problem!). Emma Orchard manages to write in a style that is very close to that of the late 18th and early 19th century and I am not a fan of slow stories.
That said, if you enjoyed Austen's work in the past, but are looking for a romance novel with a sapphic sub-plot, open and closed door spice (that wasn't too explicit), and I tiny murder mystery tagged on at the end of the story, this novel might be for you.
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