The Ashwood Betrothal: A Fake Engagement Regency Romance

by Eva Lyndale

Lady Cordelia Ashwood has four weeks to avoid being married off like a useful piece of family property. Maximilian Hart, Earl of Ravenmere, needs respectability before rumors of murder and treason finish what war began. Their solution is outrageous, practical, and entirely a fake engagement staged for the most suspicious drawing rooms in Regency London. But every public smile and tactical touch makes the lie feel less like strategy and more like surrender.

As a scandal sheet stalks Ravenmere's household and a hidden family packet threatens the earl's title, Cordelia and Max must decide whether trust is worth the risk. The Ashwood Betrothal is a fake engagement Regency romance with forced proximity, one-bed inn tension, a wounded war hero, a witty heroine, a he-falls-first earl, and a slow-burn love that becomes dangerously real.

560 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2026

About the author

Eva Lyndale is a historical fiction author and lifelong explorer whose curiosity has carried her to more than forty countries. Her writing blends meticulous historical research with vivid storytelling, offering readers a window into distant eras and the lives shaped within them.

From crumbling coastal ruins to bustling cities layered with centuries of change, the places Eva visits often spark the settings for her novels. She is especially drawn to overlooked moments in history—those quiet, human stories that unfold in the shadows of larger events. Through richly drawn characters and immersive environments, her work explores themes of connection, transformation, and the passage of time.

Eva approaches each project with the mind of a researcher and the heart of a traveler, weaving cultural detail and atmospheric depth into every page. When she’s not writing, she can often be found exploring local archives, wandering through museums, or sketching story notes in a tucked-away café somewhere new.

Reviews

[Jeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Absolutely beautifully written. Lyrical prose on every page. A simple story- an arranged “fake” engagement leads to true love; but a possible missing heir puts the succession of a Duke into question.

For Lady Cordelia Ashwood and His Grace, Maximilian Hart, the Duke of Ravenmere, the path of true love has not been smooth. But what fun would that be?

I received the advance reader copy of this wonderful novel from BookSirens and the author, but my enthusiastic review is mine alone.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew Lady Cordelia Ashwood tongue is razor sharp and so is her wit! But she is quick witted and slow to get all the facts at times! She is temporarily betrothed to one Earl of Ravenmere aka Maximillian Hart. This was brought about by both of their grandmothers who did it with the very best of intentions!
They both have secrets but Max’s involves Whitehall and he never lies to Cordelia but he withheld information for her safety and protection! But Cordelia does not see it that way an oversight in private she made public! I almost stopped reading I was that annoyed with her! Max has definitely suffered enough! But there is a way forward but they have to work in tandem and take the bull by the horns! There are whispers in shadows and in rooms but even more accusing is in print!
I am happy they love each other but at times Cordelia huge reluctance to display any vulnerability is trying because of that vicious tongue of hers! Max has dry wit and subtle displays of affection that are described in detail! There are moments where your emotions are riding high on the outcome! Get set for more boardroom, ballroom and drawing room intrigue than in the bedroom! This author is new to me but definitely will follow her for more adventures! Bravo well done! I received an ARC copy from BookSirens for my unbiased opinion!
**Please note this book ends on a cliffhanger***

[Constance M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this ARC in exchange for a review.
I completely enjoyed the way that humour was used in the phrases used by the characters, especially earlier in the book before the situation became much more serious.

The two grandmothers negotiate a fake engagement for their particular reasons: hers to escape a marriage deadline imposed by her uncle and his to reintroduce him into Society after having spent time away in the War and inheriting the title upon the death of a cousin (may have missed what happened to his parents).

They agree to particular behaviors in public to make the engagement look, legitimate, and begin the performance. Unexpectedly they develop feelings for each other.

Underlying dishonesty and secrets from others cause a fair amount of upheaval, leading to much concern and danger.

Overall, a well done book. This author has written other books that I have also enjoyed, but this one is the beginning of a new series. I look forward to seeing where the characters will go from here.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fake engagement.

Witty, clever banter.

Forced Proximity (one bed)

Slower paced with maybe a little too much description of different situations.

Push/pull of the characters kept me turning pages.

Well-developed characters with an intriguing, page-turning story!

This author is new to me but I’ll definitely be reading more!

But be warned, this is a cliffhanger!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book but I just couldn't. It was dry and uninteresting. It felt like it had been written by someone who did not understand feelings. This book is probably to someone's liking just not mine.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written book. It is very descriptive, which at times was overwhelming to me as it didn't always advance the story. The dialog and story were totally fantastic. I loved the wit and dry humor which kept me reading when the book was over eight hours to read. A wonderful beginning to the series.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and delightful reading!

I absolutely love this book, I love the way it was written, the banter between the characters and then way it made me engaged.