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The Reluctant Bride Collection #1
To Catch A Spinster
Come back to a time when manners are everything and rules are made to never be broken. Come back to a time when men are in charge and women do what they are told...
Yeah, that never happened.
Welcome to Megan Bryce's Regencyland, where ladies with backbone get what they want. Where a woman can thumb her nose at rules and care little for convention, and yet somehow, unexpectedly and most reluctantly, find love.
"To Catch A Spinster"
Olivia Blakesley, self-proclaimed spinster extraordinaire, is quite happy with her life. She has her studies and her duties, what need does she have of a husband? With five sisters married she knows the reality does not live up to the promise, and does not need to personally experiment with the state to know she would be ill-suited to it. However, she finds herself envious of at least one aspect of marriage. But to experience the physical side of marriage, one doesn't need a husband, all one needs is the right man...
Nathaniel Jenkins knows his duty. Marry a young girl from a respectable family and father an heir, no matter how cold the endless parade of suitable girls leaves him. But a shocking proposal from a scholarly spinster leaves him wondering if unsuitable is just what he's looking for. Can he convince his spinster that marriage is the greatest experiment of all?
Yeah, that never happened.
Welcome to Megan Bryce's Regencyland, where ladies with backbone get what they want. Where a woman can thumb her nose at rules and care little for convention, and yet somehow, unexpectedly and most reluctantly, find love.
"To Catch A Spinster"
Olivia Blakesley, self-proclaimed spinster extraordinaire, is quite happy with her life. She has her studies and her duties, what need does she have of a husband? With five sisters married she knows the reality does not live up to the promise, and does not need to personally experiment with the state to know she would be ill-suited to it. However, she finds herself envious of at least one aspect of marriage. But to experience the physical side of marriage, one doesn't need a husband, all one needs is the right man...
Nathaniel Jenkins knows his duty. Marry a young girl from a respectable family and father an heir, no matter how cold the endless parade of suitable girls leaves him. But a shocking proposal from a scholarly spinster leaves him wondering if unsuitable is just what he's looking for. Can he convince his spinster that marriage is the greatest experiment of all?
254 pages, Paperback
First published June 13, 2012
1007 people are currently reading
2967 people want to read
About the author
Megan Bryce
20 books281 followersMegan Bryce sits in front of a computer all day making up stories for a living. Which means she is not nearly as interesting (as well as tall, svelte, and/or dressed) as her characters. She gets bored quickly and just can't be bothered with anyone in her head who doesn't make her laugh--which translates into fun books, outrageous situations, and witty characters.
She writes both contemporary and historical romance, and you can visit her website at www.meganbryce.com
She writes both contemporary and historical romance, and you can visit her website at www.meganbryce.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews
November 20, 2016
I am at a loss about where to start. This book is so far away from the norm that it's going to be hard to describe precisely why I liked it or, indeed, precisely what was wrong with it. It was, as we say in dear old Blighty: Barmy. In many respects the flaws in this book should damn it far down the star scale, but, somehow, they don't. This book gobbled up a couple of exceedingly enjoyable hours of my life, I read it straight through with no desire to put it down.
The plot doesn't set off too many alarms. Practical, scientific spinster, Olivia, sets out to have herself some sex without marriage because she'll never marry, but wants the experience. She wants to chose someone discrete who won't ruin her publicly because she does care about her family.
Typical romance fare. Nothing else is typical, really.
Everything moves at breakneck speed. This is a short book and so we go from finding the target (the hero of the piece, Nathaniel, obviously). To him saying no. To him flirting and sort of agreeing to the compromising in very few pages. Then to the compromising. And finally to a marriage proposal. Somewhat oddly, the longest time is spent on the period after the proposal when the heroine is unconvinced about the prospect of marriage, which seems like the easiest aspect of the story and in need of the fewest number of words. Yet everything in this story that moves like an Olympic triple jumper feels pretty well developed. If I was being asked to make big leaps of belief, I was unaware of most (on which, see below) of them and those that were a bit jarring I could accept in order to make progress with the story.
Bryce has a unique way with words and a very non-typical way of writing romance. Nathaniel on first seeing Olivia observes, “Here was a paragon of womanly failure. Her hair was pinned back in a widow’s knot and she was dressed in hideous brown bombazine with buttons clear to her neck. She looked quite capable of taking a swatch to his backside for any impropriety.” (loc 112). There’s no hair the colour of a thousand suns or piercing lavender eyes and the figure of Aphrodite. Olivia isn’t hiding her wares, she is just herself. Bryce makes an excellent job of convincing you that Nathaniel has fallen for her because she has a fascinating personality and is unlike any other woman of his acquaintance. Equally Olivia’s assessment of him is eminently practical, and as the reader discovers, very Olivia, “The only gentleman she hadn’t dismissed outright was the one in the corner who looked like he wanted to poke his eyes out… He looked quite responsible. Mature. Stoic in the face of adversity. Tight-lipped… He did look a bit tall but she supposed lying down it wouldn’t matter… His form was pleasing. Firm thighs, wide shoulders. Quite manly, actually.”
The book is dialogue heavy. Bryce isn’t one for detailed descriptions or musings on emotions, which is unusual in this genre, in my experience. But the dialogue flows wonderfully and is often funny and irreverent and puts you quickly and easily into the heads of the characters.
Having read one Bryce before, I thought she might not be one for on page sex. This book, however, does have on page sex and it was pretty good.
However, this isn’t perfect. As I said above, some of the leaps stretch the bounds of credibility. Nathaniel’s sudden willingness to consider the plan. And Olivia’s unwillingness to marry him and her entire ‘I’d make a terrible wife’ schtick lasted too long and was somewhat unbelievable to me. She might have been a committed spinster but she wasn’t undertaking any truly egregious activities that might render her ineligible as a spouse, especially when both families agreed about the marriage.
But those criticism cannot take away from the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it's a solid 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because it was fun to read. There’s no doubt that Bryce is marching to the beat of her own historical romance drum, but I like her style and was absorbed by her characters.
The plot doesn't set off too many alarms. Practical, scientific spinster, Olivia, sets out to have herself some sex without marriage because she'll never marry, but wants the experience. She wants to chose someone discrete who won't ruin her publicly because she does care about her family.
Typical romance fare. Nothing else is typical, really.
Everything moves at breakneck speed. This is a short book and so we go from finding the target (the hero of the piece, Nathaniel, obviously). To him saying no. To him flirting and sort of agreeing to the compromising in very few pages. Then to the compromising. And finally to a marriage proposal. Somewhat oddly, the longest time is spent on the period after the proposal when the heroine is unconvinced about the prospect of marriage, which seems like the easiest aspect of the story and in need of the fewest number of words. Yet everything in this story that moves like an Olympic triple jumper feels pretty well developed. If I was being asked to make big leaps of belief, I was unaware of most (on which, see below) of them and those that were a bit jarring I could accept in order to make progress with the story.
Bryce has a unique way with words and a very non-typical way of writing romance. Nathaniel on first seeing Olivia observes, “Here was a paragon of womanly failure. Her hair was pinned back in a widow’s knot and she was dressed in hideous brown bombazine with buttons clear to her neck. She looked quite capable of taking a swatch to his backside for any impropriety.” (loc 112). There’s no hair the colour of a thousand suns or piercing lavender eyes and the figure of Aphrodite. Olivia isn’t hiding her wares, she is just herself. Bryce makes an excellent job of convincing you that Nathaniel has fallen for her because she has a fascinating personality and is unlike any other woman of his acquaintance. Equally Olivia’s assessment of him is eminently practical, and as the reader discovers, very Olivia, “The only gentleman she hadn’t dismissed outright was the one in the corner who looked like he wanted to poke his eyes out… He looked quite responsible. Mature. Stoic in the face of adversity. Tight-lipped… He did look a bit tall but she supposed lying down it wouldn’t matter… His form was pleasing. Firm thighs, wide shoulders. Quite manly, actually.”
The book is dialogue heavy. Bryce isn’t one for detailed descriptions or musings on emotions, which is unusual in this genre, in my experience. But the dialogue flows wonderfully and is often funny and irreverent and puts you quickly and easily into the heads of the characters.
Having read one Bryce before, I thought she might not be one for on page sex. This book, however, does have on page sex and it was pretty good.
However, this isn’t perfect. As I said above, some of the leaps stretch the bounds of credibility. Nathaniel’s sudden willingness to consider the plan. And Olivia’s unwillingness to marry him and her entire ‘I’d make a terrible wife’ schtick lasted too long and was somewhat unbelievable to me. She might have been a committed spinster but she wasn’t undertaking any truly egregious activities that might render her ineligible as a spouse, especially when both families agreed about the marriage.
But those criticism cannot take away from the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it's a solid 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because it was fun to read. There’s no doubt that Bryce is marching to the beat of her own historical romance drum, but I like her style and was absorbed by her characters.
March 12, 2020
This is a sweet and humorous little read. I liked all the characters particularly Nathaniel.
I’ll admit Olivia frustrated me at times. I also felt it went on a bit too long. But overall it was a nice little read.
I’ll admit Olivia frustrated me at times. I also felt it went on a bit too long. But overall it was a nice little read.
October 4, 2018
Olivia and Nathaniel
Olivia Blakesley considers herself a spinster extraordinaire at the age of 27. She loves astronomy and painting. She enjoys helping her father with the estate accounts. The only thing she would like to experience is the physical side of marriage, without having to get married. Olivia needs a man who is discreet. Who will preserve her reputation and protect the name of her family. Definitely not a rake.
Nathaniel Jenkins knows his duty -- to marry and produce an heir. None of the debutantes interest him. They are too concerned with fashion and the next ball. Not a sensible one among them. When he is approached by Miss Olivia Blakesley with an outrageous request, he turns her down flat. A week later he is excited by the prospect of meeting Miss Blakesley again. When he finds out she is still hunting for a man to fulfill her unique request, he decides to woo and seduce her with the hope she will change her mind. What Nathaniel doesn't count on is falling in love with Olivia. How will he convince her to accept his proposal and marry him?
This is a fun and easy read. There is some modern language. The story doesn't follow Regency strictures. The main characters are well developed and the reader cares about them. Their families are real and their banter to get the couple married is witty. The dialogue is delightful and realistic. The pace is quick and smooth. I look forward to reading the next book. There is a mild sex scene in this novel.
Olivia Blakesley considers herself a spinster extraordinaire at the age of 27. She loves astronomy and painting. She enjoys helping her father with the estate accounts. The only thing she would like to experience is the physical side of marriage, without having to get married. Olivia needs a man who is discreet. Who will preserve her reputation and protect the name of her family. Definitely not a rake.
Nathaniel Jenkins knows his duty -- to marry and produce an heir. None of the debutantes interest him. They are too concerned with fashion and the next ball. Not a sensible one among them. When he is approached by Miss Olivia Blakesley with an outrageous request, he turns her down flat. A week later he is excited by the prospect of meeting Miss Blakesley again. When he finds out she is still hunting for a man to fulfill her unique request, he decides to woo and seduce her with the hope she will change her mind. What Nathaniel doesn't count on is falling in love with Olivia. How will he convince her to accept his proposal and marry him?
This is a fun and easy read. There is some modern language. The story doesn't follow Regency strictures. The main characters are well developed and the reader cares about them. Their families are real and their banter to get the couple married is witty. The dialogue is delightful and realistic. The pace is quick and smooth. I look forward to reading the next book. There is a mild sex scene in this novel.
September 24, 2013
This book is a fun, light-hearted read but it's also very frustrating. Firstly, the way the characters behave is really not in keeping with the period. Several strange behaviours are accounted for but other things aren't and they just don't make sense, society didn't work in the way that this book portrays, the characters' behaviour is far too modern. If the heroine cared about her family at all, and she clearly does, she would never have behaved in such a way, and I don't just mean the central premise of the book, her behaviour in all ways throughout the book is improper for the time.
Secondly the language use is really sloppy. There is a word that is too modern or American English on at least every other page. We have the heroine giving people a 'bop', being 'mad' (meaning angry rather than insane), her being 'nutty' or 'batty' over things and the heroine referring to her father 'grounding' her. It's all much too modern.
There is also another thing I wasn't too fond of, which is that the heroine is really quite selfish and hence tiresome. She has no problems in risking her whole family's reputation (although she appears to think it would only be hers, how she can possibly think this I have no idea). I was sufficiently interested to finish the book but I wouldn't recommend it.
Secondly the language use is really sloppy. There is a word that is too modern or American English on at least every other page. We have the heroine giving people a 'bop', being 'mad' (meaning angry rather than insane), her being 'nutty' or 'batty' over things and the heroine referring to her father 'grounding' her. It's all much too modern.
There is also another thing I wasn't too fond of, which is that the heroine is really quite selfish and hence tiresome. She has no problems in risking her whole family's reputation (although she appears to think it would only be hers, how she can possibly think this I have no idea). I was sufficiently interested to finish the book but I wouldn't recommend it.
November 10, 2012
Sweet and funny.
Yes, the plot was a bit out there, BUT I read to escape for a couple of hours, so that was okay.
I kept expecting SOMEONE to overhear their conversations about her proposition. Didn't happen...lol
Their banter was enjoyable, although if you are a stickler for things not always fitting with the time period, you may want to avoid this one. There weren't a LOT of lapses, but it might bother some. Didn't bother me.
Yep, cute.
Yes, the plot was a bit out there, BUT I read to escape for a couple of hours, so that was okay.
I kept expecting SOMEONE to overhear their conversations about her proposition. Didn't happen...lol
Their banter was enjoyable, although if you are a stickler for things not always fitting with the time period, you may want to avoid this one. There weren't a LOT of lapses, but it might bother some. Didn't bother me.
Yep, cute.
November 1, 2021
Solid, but I am not likely to remember it much. It is a Regency with a mostly traditional type story, with a somewhat humorous telling. It was a bit of a romp. I did think (content warning spoiler) .
I liked how central the families are. They were strong support systems. There might have been too many characters for the length of the novel, as it often just scratched the surface and didn’t have much emotional depth. I listened to this as part of the The Reluctant Bride Collection, so I will probably finish the collection. However, as I grow less and less interested in reading Regency-set HR’s, this didn’t really hit the spot for me.
I liked how central the families are. They were strong support systems. There might have been too many characters for the length of the novel, as it often just scratched the surface and didn’t have much emotional depth. I listened to this as part of the The Reluctant Bride Collection, so I will probably finish the collection. However, as I grow less and less interested in reading Regency-set HR’s, this didn’t really hit the spot for me.
April 30, 2016
I read several contemporaries and wanted something different for a change. I found this on my to-be-read pile and figured I'd give it a try. I loved it. Olivia's character was wonderful as she wasn't cut from the norm. The only one of six sisters to remain unmarried, she is twenty-seven and resigned to being a spinster. She isn't like the others. She loves studying the stars and helping her father with his estate accounts. She cares nothing for fashion and the opera or marriage or having babies. She would, however, like to know what it was like to be wooed and seduced. So she hatches a plan to find herself a man who would be agreeable to the idea.
Nathaniel Jenkins is bored with all the silly, flighty women that are always throwing themselves at him. He knows he's expected to marry and produce an heir but no one interests him in that respect. Until Olivia comes along with her crazy idea of having him seduce her. She's not what you'd call beautiful although he admits she is attractive in her own way. Her style of dress is atrocious, wearing drab colors that are in no way flattering to her. At first he turns her down flat, letting her know in no uncertain terms he thinks her idea ludicrous, but when she informs him she'll find someone else, he has second thoughts. What if the person she chooses hurts her or completely ruins her reputation?
Olivia can't believe it when Nathaniel takes her up on her offer. They become involved and before long Nathaniel is honestly pursuing her. So what does he do when he proposes and she refuses?
A lively tail with engaging characters and a highly entertaining plot! Couldn't put this one down. If you're a fan of historical romance you won't want to miss this one.
Nathaniel Jenkins is bored with all the silly, flighty women that are always throwing themselves at him. He knows he's expected to marry and produce an heir but no one interests him in that respect. Until Olivia comes along with her crazy idea of having him seduce her. She's not what you'd call beautiful although he admits she is attractive in her own way. Her style of dress is atrocious, wearing drab colors that are in no way flattering to her. At first he turns her down flat, letting her know in no uncertain terms he thinks her idea ludicrous, but when she informs him she'll find someone else, he has second thoughts. What if the person she chooses hurts her or completely ruins her reputation?
Olivia can't believe it when Nathaniel takes her up on her offer. They become involved and before long Nathaniel is honestly pursuing her. So what does he do when he proposes and she refuses?
A lively tail with engaging characters and a highly entertaining plot! Couldn't put this one down. If you're a fan of historical romance you won't want to miss this one.
did-not-finish
April 23, 2019You are looking for Regency romance - look for further. A girl/woman of the upper class (in Regency era) asking a gentleman to have sex with her because she wanted to try it and she didn't want to get married - WHAT?!?! Again, WHAT?!?! The idea and how it was used is simply absurd and offending to me.
I have read two contemporary romances by Megan Bryce (The Fashionista and The Geek Series), I liked it (3-stars) - perhaps she should concentrate on modern stories.
I have read two contemporary romances by Megan Bryce (The Fashionista and The Geek Series), I liked it (3-stars) - perhaps she should concentrate on modern stories.
January 25, 2014
3 1/2 stars (rounded down to 3 stars, because Olivia's resistance to accept Nathaniel's proposal stopped making sense in the second half of the story)
February 8, 2021
I'm sorry, but I cannot give this book a fair rating or review for this jenre is not my cup of tea.
April 21, 2014
Olivia and Nathaniel had already gone through the time to marry.
Olivia was 27 years and Nathaniel, 39. Their families were concerned and pressing them to meet someone and raise a family.
It turns out that for him it was a little easier. He was a gentleman, untitled, but that does not turn him less worthy. In fact, many mothers insisted that their daughters were seem up by him at the balls. Too young and foolish girls who mostly only cared about fashion and the next ball. Not that Nathaniel flee the marriage; he fled the debutantes!
As for Olivia, in advanced age to be considered a single still to have a chance to marry, was a little more complicated. She has more 5 sisters. All of them already married. Her life was devoted to the study of astronomy and painting. Her life was independent, even still living with parents. And they accepted her way of being.
But still, her mother wanted her to also marry and have her own family.
Olivia felt good being a spinster.
She was happy with herself. She saw her sisters married, having children; her parents go through from the phase of argue to live in indifference. She did not want that for herself. She did not want someone dictating rules and forbid her to do what she liked most. The term spinster did not bother her.
What bothered her was the possibility of ever having experienced sex.
As she was an academic and a reasonable person, had the idea to find a gentleman who accept court her - briefly - and take her to bed.
There couldn't be a famous rake, much less someone indiscreet. She wanted to lose her virginity, but do not put the family name in disgrace.
That's when one of the balls she met Mr. Jenkins. He was tall, handsome, polite, had no gambling addiction and was tremendously discreet with his lovers, since she had never heard of anything that discredit this subject. Now, she would only have to propose...
In his years as a desired bachelor, Nathaniel had never met a woman who asked to be dishonored. As any gentleman, he fled the virgins; and just this woman with a dress out of fashion and hair in the fashion of women past the age of marriage, comes to him and makes a claim that? Of course he would refuse!
On the other hand, Miss Blakesley seemed like the type who would not give up easily. And if it was not him, it would be someone else. And who knows, someone totally inappropriate...
The challenge is accepted.
The only problem was that he did not expect to fall in love with that hard head... and have even rejected his marriage proposal. And now, how he could 'to catch a spinster'?
The pace of the story is perfect.
From the first page I felt connected with the characters.
Positive point: the story is funny. Family dynamics of both, Jenkins, as the Blakeleys, is very good, with great dialogues. The book is not hot, but has a sexy scene, especially at the time of the first romantic encounter of them.
The final scene, when she comes to her senses and goes after him in the park, is priceless.
Negative point: How did I never know this book before?
5 STARS
Olivia was 27 years and Nathaniel, 39. Their families were concerned and pressing them to meet someone and raise a family.
It turns out that for him it was a little easier. He was a gentleman, untitled, but that does not turn him less worthy. In fact, many mothers insisted that their daughters were seem up by him at the balls. Too young and foolish girls who mostly only cared about fashion and the next ball. Not that Nathaniel flee the marriage; he fled the debutantes!
As for Olivia, in advanced age to be considered a single still to have a chance to marry, was a little more complicated. She has more 5 sisters. All of them already married. Her life was devoted to the study of astronomy and painting. Her life was independent, even still living with parents. And they accepted her way of being.
But still, her mother wanted her to also marry and have her own family.
Olivia felt good being a spinster.
She was happy with herself. She saw her sisters married, having children; her parents go through from the phase of argue to live in indifference. She did not want that for herself. She did not want someone dictating rules and forbid her to do what she liked most. The term spinster did not bother her.
What bothered her was the possibility of ever having experienced sex.
As she was an academic and a reasonable person, had the idea to find a gentleman who accept court her - briefly - and take her to bed.
There couldn't be a famous rake, much less someone indiscreet. She wanted to lose her virginity, but do not put the family name in disgrace.
That's when one of the balls she met Mr. Jenkins. He was tall, handsome, polite, had no gambling addiction and was tremendously discreet with his lovers, since she had never heard of anything that discredit this subject. Now, she would only have to propose...
In his years as a desired bachelor, Nathaniel had never met a woman who asked to be dishonored. As any gentleman, he fled the virgins; and just this woman with a dress out of fashion and hair in the fashion of women past the age of marriage, comes to him and makes a claim that? Of course he would refuse!
On the other hand, Miss Blakesley seemed like the type who would not give up easily. And if it was not him, it would be someone else. And who knows, someone totally inappropriate...
The challenge is accepted.
The only problem was that he did not expect to fall in love with that hard head... and have even rejected his marriage proposal. And now, how he could 'to catch a spinster'?
The pace of the story is perfect.
From the first page I felt connected with the characters.
Positive point: the story is funny. Family dynamics of both, Jenkins, as the Blakeleys, is very good, with great dialogues. The book is not hot, but has a sexy scene, especially at the time of the first romantic encounter of them.
The final scene, when she comes to her senses and goes after him in the park, is priceless.
Negative point: How did I never know this book before?
5 STARS
September 23, 2012
Olivia Blakesley is considered a spinster by most of the ton. She is only 27 but has seen many seasons without finding a husband. She has given up. She likes astronomy and she likes the freedom she has at home. She realizes that she would like to experience the attentions of a man but without the attachment of marriage. She decides to look for a prospect at the next ball.
Nathaniel Jenkins knows he needs to find a wife and produce a heir but all the young girls at the balls are making him crazy. They don't have anything interesting to talk about. So when he meets Olivia he knows she is different. She dresses differently and carries herself in a different way. When she proposes him to become more than friends he is completely shocked but he gets over it pretty soon.
Can Nathaniel convince Olivia to become more than lovers?
Very entertaining book. Fast paced. Funny lines too.
3.5/5 Fangs
Nathaniel Jenkins knows he needs to find a wife and produce a heir but all the young girls at the balls are making him crazy. They don't have anything interesting to talk about. So when he meets Olivia he knows she is different. She dresses differently and carries herself in a different way. When she proposes him to become more than friends he is completely shocked but he gets over it pretty soon.
Can Nathaniel convince Olivia to become more than lovers?
Very entertaining book. Fast paced. Funny lines too.
3.5/5 Fangs
September 11, 2012
A Great book and it was so funny I enjoyed it very much
January 17, 2013
This was a pretty sweet story. It wasn't dirty, but it wasn't as clean and chaste as a Jane Austen novel appears to be, either. It was a really quick read, too. I finished it in a day!
I think that Nathaniel and Olivia were very well suited to each other, but she drove me crazy by repeatedly calling herself a spinster. If she didn't want to be a spinster, she never would have propositioned Nathaniel in the first place! Psychologically, she really didn't want to spend all of her time alone. She wanted to connect with someone, and she found that someone. She wasn't ballsy enough to take the next move, however.
She was incredibly infuriating, and very haughty, I thought. Especially after Nathaniel proposed. But, come to think of it, so was Anne Shirley and Lizzy Bennet. I also liked how the author made a few mentions to Pride and Prejudice by having one of her characters repeat what Darcy said to Lizzy the first time he proposed. That was amusing.
I'd probably go back to read this again, sometime. Not one of my all-time favorites, but a fun, fast read nonetheless.
I think that Nathaniel and Olivia were very well suited to each other, but she drove me crazy by repeatedly calling herself a spinster. If she didn't want to be a spinster, she never would have propositioned Nathaniel in the first place! Psychologically, she really didn't want to spend all of her time alone. She wanted to connect with someone, and she found that someone. She wasn't ballsy enough to take the next move, however.
She was incredibly infuriating, and very haughty, I thought. Especially after Nathaniel proposed. But, come to think of it, so was Anne Shirley and Lizzy Bennet. I also liked how the author made a few mentions to Pride and Prejudice by having one of her characters repeat what Darcy said to Lizzy the first time he proposed. That was amusing.
I'd probably go back to read this again, sometime. Not one of my all-time favorites, but a fun, fast read nonetheless.
November 22, 2019
Delightful Novella! Contented Spinster Looking for Experience in Love
Olivia Blakesley, a spinster who is content with her love of astronomy and books, nevertheless wants to experience physical love. So, she sets out to find a man who can provide it. He must be an unattached gentleman and not a rake. Nathaniel Jenkins is just perfect.
Nathaniel is supposed to choose a bride from the balls and soirees. However, he is bored by the debutantes’ chatter. When Miss Blakesley appears to make him a most improper offer, he is shocked and intrigued. After some consideration, he agrees. After all, she does not chatter.
As you might imagine, there are some explicit, albeit well written and tasteful, love scenes in this story. Nathaniel comes to see Miss Blakesley as his perfect match but she is disdainful of her ever being a proper wife and refuses his proposal.
Another well-written early Victorian by Bryce and well-written and with enough back and forth to hole your interest, I recommend it.
Olivia Blakesley, a spinster who is content with her love of astronomy and books, nevertheless wants to experience physical love. So, she sets out to find a man who can provide it. He must be an unattached gentleman and not a rake. Nathaniel Jenkins is just perfect.
Nathaniel is supposed to choose a bride from the balls and soirees. However, he is bored by the debutantes’ chatter. When Miss Blakesley appears to make him a most improper offer, he is shocked and intrigued. After some consideration, he agrees. After all, she does not chatter.
As you might imagine, there are some explicit, albeit well written and tasteful, love scenes in this story. Nathaniel comes to see Miss Blakesley as his perfect match but she is disdainful of her ever being a proper wife and refuses his proposal.
Another well-written early Victorian by Bryce and well-written and with enough back and forth to hole your interest, I recommend it.
April 9, 2015
Fun, light, nice interlude
This book was a fun read. Nathaniel wants something more- respectfully more.
Olivia wants something more- discreetly more.
And so this delightful story unfolds where Nathaniel wants Olivia and Olivia wants to keep things as they are now -unconventional at best.
A nice twist. The Regency/Georgian man seeking the unwilling but appropriate hand of a young lady who liked being a spinster. (Gasp) she isn't, a blue-stocking...really. nor a hoyden... but...
And to her credit she does try to avoid the Rakes...
Stars, magazines,meddling family members, moments of indiscretion, gossip,and all the other things that make this era fun are here.
Not a long nor too outrageous story that left me smiling.
This book was a fun read. Nathaniel wants something more- respectfully more.
Olivia wants something more- discreetly more.
And so this delightful story unfolds where Nathaniel wants Olivia and Olivia wants to keep things as they are now -unconventional at best.
A nice twist. The Regency/Georgian man seeking the unwilling but appropriate hand of a young lady who liked being a spinster. (Gasp) she isn't, a blue-stocking...really. nor a hoyden... but...
And to her credit she does try to avoid the Rakes...
Stars, magazines,meddling family members, moments of indiscretion, gossip,and all the other things that make this era fun are here.
Not a long nor too outrageous story that left me smiling.
February 13, 2015
I was a little reluctant (play on words... this is The Reluctant Bride Series) to read/start this book because the book I had started reading yesterday was a Fail and I was afraid that the Fail of the previous book would move on to this book... but even with that Reluctance I read the book. Don't miss out on a great book just because a previous book was a fail, you may miss out on the book of a lifetime. If you are a stickler for things not always fitting with the time period, you may want to avoid this one but you would be missing out on a book that may change your opinion on reading stories that are Perfectly spot on about all the details from that time period.
May 26, 2014
Free Amazon download that was short enough to be done with in a morning and the summary was promising. I enjoyed it far more than I had expected. Cute and funny, but if you are looking to be transported to old England, this book won't really take you there and the end seemed a bit rushed. But it was great fun to read and throughout the book I kept thinking that it would make a WONDERFUL comedic stage play.
April 27, 2022
Regency romance. Humorous dialog and quirky characters. Premise of story is pretty unbelievable but author made it an interesting quick read.
Note: explicit sexual content.
Note: explicit sexual content.
November 24, 2017
This is a fun book to read! So very unrealistic of its time, but lots of fun! Olivia is so used to living for herself and her studies, away from society, that she has not learned how to live with people. Nathaniel is old enough, and wise enough, to realize that one of the young, fluffy debutantes really wouldn't suit him for a wife. He wasn't expecting the local spinster to be his type, though. Nor was he expecting her to proposition him. And once propositioned, he didn't expect to agree to the arrangement. Olivia was quite pleased with her arrangement with Nathaniel. Once done, they would go their separate ways and she would live her spinster life as she has always planned. So why is she so unhappy now that she has sent him away?
This is a short book. There isn't a lot of time for sneaking around. They talk on the dance floor. On the terrace with chaperones watching. At the park. Her family enables them. His family encourages them. All of society is watching them and talking about them. This couldn't have happened. They meet on her roof! She goes to his townhouse! Nope, it just isn't realistic in the least. It's a fun book to read. Not a book to build a series on.
This is a short book. There isn't a lot of time for sneaking around. They talk on the dance floor. On the terrace with chaperones watching. At the park. Her family enables them. His family encourages them. All of society is watching them and talking about them. This couldn't have happened. They meet on her roof! She goes to his townhouse! Nope, it just isn't realistic in the least. It's a fun book to read. Not a book to build a series on.
February 1, 2018
Practical spinster Olivia is resigned to the idea of unmarried life, but there is one aspect of marriage she's curious about. She decides to find a willing man and experience the physical side of married life. She meets Nathaniel at a ball and he instantly strikes her as the perfect partner, not the usual foppish man or skilled rake. She just needs to convince him to agree.
This was a cute romance, it's set in Regency times but Olivia is a pretty modern girl. If you're a stickler for historical romances, there are some things that may bother you. But if you're willing to overlook some lapses in language and actions, this is a really fun read. Olivia and Nathaniel are really cute together, and they have some adorable and funny conversations. It's a steamy read with descriptive scenes. I'm glad I picked it up!
This was a cute romance, it's set in Regency times but Olivia is a pretty modern girl. If you're a stickler for historical romances, there are some things that may bother you. But if you're willing to overlook some lapses in language and actions, this is a really fun read. Olivia and Nathaniel are really cute together, and they have some adorable and funny conversations. It's a steamy read with descriptive scenes. I'm glad I picked it up!
August 15, 2016
Cute. A Regency Romance with modern sensibilities. Olivia Blakesley is a 27-year-old bookish "spinster" (although not quite, even though she's in her 8th season) with 5 married sisters who sets her sights on being "seduced" so she'll not die a virgin.
She meets (and propositions) one Nathaniel Jenkins a 39-year-old bachelor who is being pressured to marry and produce an heir. Hilarity ensues.
Olivia leaves Nathaniel's head spinning and he is determined to convince her to marry her seducer.
A sweet and romantic story - if you aren't prudish about pre-marital sex in Regencyland!
The story itself is quite simple and predictable, but has good light banter and is entertaining. It's a very quick read so don't expect too much depth to the story!
She meets (and propositions) one Nathaniel Jenkins a 39-year-old bachelor who is being pressured to marry and produce an heir. Hilarity ensues.
Olivia leaves Nathaniel's head spinning and he is determined to convince her to marry her seducer.
A sweet and romantic story - if you aren't prudish about pre-marital sex in Regencyland!
The story itself is quite simple and predictable, but has good light banter and is entertaining. It's a very quick read so don't expect too much depth to the story!
December 11, 2012
A very light, easy read, with only one (I think) explicit love scene, so it's a little safer for those who prefer their steam to be implied.
I enjoyed the idea behind the proposal, and I've loved this trope ever since I read my first romance novel involving a spinster looking for some *ahem* tutoring.
I didn't care for the heroine's stubbornness towards the end, and the final confrontation of sorts, while fitting with her character, just didn't really do it for me.
Overall though, I liked it.
3/5 Stars.
I enjoyed the idea behind the proposal, and I've loved this trope ever since I read my first romance novel involving a spinster looking for some *ahem* tutoring.
I didn't care for the heroine's stubbornness towards the end, and the final confrontation of sorts, while fitting with her character, just didn't really do it for me.
Overall though, I liked it.
3/5 Stars.
December 8, 2015
I read this book because it was free on google play, it was interesting enough to pass the time. Although i liked the premise of the book everything else just seemed off, the way our h approached the H for one, the characters seemed so modern. This is the first book by Megan Bryce i'm reading so maybe i have to get used to her style of writing, besides that the book was entertaining
June 12, 2016
lol...hahaha....this story was very amusing and with such a....an interesting start to their relationship, I can easily forgive the oddities of such a thing happening in that time period. I do want to give fewer stars though because at one point, it felt like the plot became stuck and made little sense. but this book makes me laugh despite it and I would probably read it again just for that
April 2, 2019
It’s a cute book for sure. The hero is one of my favorites that I’ve read. The heroine, however, knocks the stars off. She can be really annoying, especially towards the end.
I would recommend. It’s a short, quick, and cute read.
I would recommend. It’s a short, quick, and cute read.
August 4, 2016
Had a great start but then Olivia really started to grate on my nerves! There was no reason sometimes for how rude she was and she treated Nathaniel abysmally towards the end.
November 5, 2015
Bookbub, we may need a divorce.
January 1, 2016
Nice one.
May 20, 2018
Not bad, surprisingly.
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