The Viscount's Wallflower Bride

Sweet Chase Brides #4

by Lauren Royal, Devon Royal

♥ A swoon-worthy scientist
♥ A nearsighted wallflower
♥ A matchmaking mama
♥ A Royal Society ball
♥ Sweet romance!

Another irresistible romance from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Royal and her daughter, featuring their “outrageously funny, loyal, and endearing” Chase family!

Lady Violet Ashcroft grew up sheltered in the countryside, far from the dashing gentlemen of the court—and that’s how she likes it. Here on her family’s beautiful, quiet estate, she needn’t fight off suitors who are only after her sizable inheritance, or play second fiddle to her prettier younger sisters. Love and marriage aren’t for everyone, and sensible Violet would rather spend her days reading and improving her mind than risking her heart. Until a rather dashing gentleman shows up next door…

Ford Chase, Viscount Lakefield, has had it with women. Who’s got time for them, anyway, when there’s important work to be done? Fresh out of Oxford, Ford is ready to devise his first world-changing invention. All he needs is some peace and quiet on his neglected country estate, where there is no family to nag him and, most especially, no women to distract him—until he’s thrown into the company of the intriguing Lady Violet…

PLEASE NOTE: This book is a SWEET & CLEAN ROMANCE. If you’d prefer to read a steamy romance with a similar plot, look for “Never Doubt a Viscount” by Lauren Royal.

Book Details
A complete, standalone story—no cliffhangers!

Series: Sweet Chase Brides, Book 5
Style: Sweet historical romance
Length: 103,750 words (about 415 standard pages)
Bonus Material: Author’s Note, preview of next book, link to giveaway
Clean Read: No offensive language or explicit content*

* If you’d prefer to read a steamy version of this series, look for “Never Doubt a Viscount” by Lauren Royal.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Ebooks, Regency Romance, Regency

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2016

About the author

FALL IN LOVE WITH A HISTORICAL ROMANCE BY LAUREN ROYAL!

LAUREN ROYAL is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of humorous historical romance. Her “truly enchanting” novels have won many awards including Booklist's “Top 10 Romance of the Year,” and they’ve earned raves from reviewers including Publishers Weekly, who calls her “an impressive talent.”

All of Lauren's books are complete, stand-alone stories, and yet they are also all connected—because they all feature her beloved “outrageously funny, loyal, compassionate, and unconventional” Chase family!

Lauren writes steamy historical romance on her own and sweet/clean historical romance with her daughter, Devon Royal. Lauren lives in Southern California with her family, two constantly shedding cats, and a stupendous collection of fuzzy socks. When she's not busy writing, she enjoys singing along (off-key) to Hamilton, dancing (badly), and (wasting time) watching HGTV.

Want great free and 99¢ books sent to your inbox on select Fridays? Sign up for Lauren's Book Club newsletter at http://royall.ink/Newsletter

Become an honorary Chase cousin (and get a FREE historical cookbook)! Join Lauren's Chase Family Readers Group on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/ChaseFamilyReaders

Visit Lauren’s website at LaurenRoyal.com, where you can learn about the real people and real places in her books, enter a contest to win jewelry, and see the ever-growing branches of the Chase Family Tree.

Join Lauren on Facebook...

Readers Group: facebook.com/groups/ChaseFamilyReaders
Facebook Page: facebook.com/LaurenRoyal

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a sweet clean romance. Silly and romantic. The leading lady had a serious poor self esteem problem and it drug on way too long. Not much happened in this book it is really centered around two book smart characters. It was a quick read and ok entertaining but was so silly and completely not accurate of the times. Even some of the conversations were a little too modern, so not a great book for the historian romance reader. This was an adult read because the girls got a hold of a book that talked about anatomy. They didn't go into too much detail at all it was just the feel of the book was very open.

[Laura Thomas · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too much dithering

Interesting story lost amongst the " I'm not worthy,pretty, enough to be loved" by the heroine, just became monotonous, boring.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember when I got my first glasses. “I can see it—I can see everything! The clouds and the flowers and the leaves on the trees. Each individual leaf.” That's exactly how I felt, I saw leaves!!

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick and cozy romance, that I found so enjoyable and humorous. This author totally captivates the reader her writing style!

Set historically within the country village, outside London, these two were less than the ideal specimens of the ton. However, what they found in each other was love, respect, and admiration.

This book stood alone on its own, but also sets you up to get to know the rest of the people in the series. It was clean, wholesome, and had a definite HEA.

[Joann Herley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Viscount's Wallflower Bride is a historical romance between Ford and Violet. Ford is more interested in his lab than caring for his rundown estate, and Violet has resolved she will be a spinster. Her matchmaker mother gives the relationship a nudge by way of sending Rowan to play with Ford's niece, Jewel. They were my favorite characters. They were playful and witty. There were historical bits to be enjoyed. At times it seemed to drag, but it was an enjoyable read.

[Jacqueline Driggers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a slow start, and at first I didn't care for it, but kept reading. Then it improved and became quite good and I enjoyed it very much.

[CYNTHIA CHARLES · Rating 5 out of 5]

To have control over one’s life was a great gift back then for a woman. Thank you for the journey.

[Dot Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Delightful Love Story

This was my first book I've read by Lauren & Devon Royal, but it certainly won't be the last! This was a delightful love story that takes place in the latter part of the 17th century in England after the restoration of King Charles II.

The hero, Ford Chase, is a scientific person who enjoys inventing and perfecting things. He decides to visit his estate, Lakefield, to work on a project where he is building a watch with 2 hands, rather than 1, that will show the minutes between the hours. He stops by his brother's residence to let him know he'll be gone for a while, only to discover that most members of the household have measles. Ford is talked into taking his 5 year old niece, Jewel, with him, along with her nurse. Thinking that the nurse will keep Jewel occupied, he agrees to do so. Unfortunately, upon almost arriving at Lakefield, the nurse sickens with the measles and he sends her to her home, which is a couple of hours away, leaving him as the person solely responsible for Jewel.

His nearest neighbor is the Earl of Trentingham and his family, the Ashcrofts. Mrs. Ashcroft is a recognized "matchmaker" in the area. When she pays a call on Ford the following day, she decides that he and her oldest daughter, Violet, would be a perfect match. She arranges for Violet to bring Rowan, her 6 year old brother, over to play with Jewel. From there, a romance between Ford and Violet slowly grows, although neither will admit it for a large part of the book. Violet is unsure of herself and feels she is going to be a spinster because no man would want her.

One of my favorite parts was when Violet, who is extremely near-sighted (meaning she can't see objects or people far away) looked through a telescope and was able to see the stars for the first time her life. Upon learning of her near-sightedness, Ford immediately sets about creating a pair of glasses for her with stems that would allow her to wear them hooked behind her ears. When he first gives them to Violet, she thinks they're reading glasses, which she doesn't need. However, when she learns that they're to help her see objects at a distance, she eagerly puts them on and she is both touched by his gift and thrilled to be able to see. I remember when I first got glasses and realized that you could actually "see" a bird in a tree, not to mention the leaves themselves! So I could really empathize with Violet on this.

I can't imagine this book with sex scenes, because it's such a well written romance without them. Although there aren't any historical details (or maybe very few), it's still a great love story. This book was offered free through BookBub, but if I had known how great the story was, I'd have gladly paid for the book. You can't go wrong with this one!

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. Right from the beginning I liked the absent-minded academic who has had little to do with children, trying to cope with his five year old niece. Jewel was such a character and certainly knew how to twist her uncle around her little finger. I also enjoyed the scientific elements and the descriptions of the Royal Society members (Christopher Wren, Isaac Newton etc) and the party which Ford and Violet attended. Violet and her family were entertaining to read about and I loved the little details of the time, such as the cost of tea (it was so valuable that they had locking tea caddies to store it in) and the importation of white sugar from the West Indies. The descriptions of Trentingham Manor (Violet's home) particularly resonated with me. I am a volunteer room guide at The Vyne, National Trust and the Saloon there has Tudor oak paneling with gold rosettes just like the fictional Trentingham Manor's Drawing Room and Tudor linen fold paneling in the Dining Parlour. Plus a Tudor Chapel with 500 year old stained glass windows that are still colourful and vibrant. It wasn't until I reached the end of the book and the author's note with explanations of the historical liberties taken and background to the story, that I realized that this was not a coincidence and that Trentingham had in fact been based on The Vyne! I am sure the author will be pleased to know that I recognised her descriptions. In hindsight I'm surprised I didn't realize the truth sooner as there was also mention of a Stone Gallery (which the Earl used for his plants) and a Summerhouse, though The Vyne is not unique in having these. Ford's house is based on Snowshill Manor, which I have visited on a couple of occasions but was less easily recognisable.

I did wish that Violet and her sisters called their mother Mama, whilst it was explained that it was a diminutive of their father's nickname for his wife, Mum felt rather jarringly modern. The only other thing that is rather strange for a book set in the 17th century is its title, I believe the term of wallflower did not come into usage until the early 19th century.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

[Beverly McCall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Viscount’s Wallflower Bride by Lauren Royal is a sweet romance. Set in the England (countryside) in 1673 we meet two prestigious families—the Ashcrofts and the Chases. We meet our main characters who are intelligent, focused, proud but blinded by their flaws. For example, Violet Ashcroft, the eldest Ashcroft daughter, nearing her 18th birthday, contemplates life as a spinster focusing on her intellectual pursuits. Violet is what society would call the “perfect daughter.” However, she battles with low self-esteem causing her to develop a jaded belief concerning marriageable men possessing ulterior motives of greed. No one would want her but would want her money. Her male counterpart, Ford Chase, is the third son of a noble family. Realizing he will never inherit the title or the family holdings, Ford focuses his attention to his scientific pursuits. These two waltz around a relationship. Can they overcome their fears and find happiness? You’ll have to read this book to find out.

It was a joy to read a regency-type romance without sex scenes. I enjoyed this story for what it is—a character driven story. As such the story arc doesn’t follow the plot driven arc with rising action, climax, and resolution. Instead, the story focuses on the characters and their inner transformation and the relationship between the two protagonists and how they deal with their respective flaws. Once, I realized this, I was able to thoroughly enjoy this book and hence my rating of five stars. I enjoyed the journey of our two main characters as they challenge preexisting beliefs. Through descriptive language and dialogue Ms. Royal lets the readers witness their transformation. The added touch of the secondary characters contributes to revealing the true nature of these two. I like the way the main characters are offset by the younger secondary characters. I thought the pacing matched with the character driven story line.

[Dianna Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read both the "Violet" version of this book and "The Viscount's Wallflower Bride" version and I enjoyed them both. The main difference, aside of the sex scenes being excised is that the ages are adjusted down. Violet is 18 instead of 21. In some ways this makes more sense of her actions, but in other ways in makes certain things seem unrealistic.

Most notably, her belief that she's going to be a spinster. Most girls (in historical romances) don't even start courting until their 18th birthday, and she's not really tried the market yet, so thinking she's "on the shelf" at 18 is a little far fetched.

However, her lack of self confidence, and her continued belief that she's not the sort of girl that men fall in love with, make much more sense when you consider she's 18. And while this particular problem does seem drawn out over the course of the book, keep in mind that story takes place over the course of a couple of month. In real life it could take someone years to get over their lack of self confidence.

I did particularly like her response to getting glasses. I remember when I got mine, and it really does change your life, suddenly not seeing the world as a blur! (And yes, it does help your view of of yourself, when you're not walking into walls and tripping all of the time.)

In both books, Jewel and Rowan steal the early part of the story and I'm still waiting for them to get their own book. Christobel and Joseph however, two of my favorite secondary characters in this series, did finally get their own story treatment in "A Secret Christmas".

Great, fun, reading and highly enjoyable in either version!

The only thing that is puzzling me is...if John Young, the bookseller, new what Aristotle's Master-piece was about - and one must assume that he does he asks Violet if she's sure she wants it - why did he have in the philosophy section?

[Dottie · Rating 5 out of 5]

***I RECEIVED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR MY FAIR AND HONEST REVIEW***

A 17th Century Bookworm Finds Romance with a Scientific Viscount!

Having read several of Lauren and Devon's collaborations before, I can say that I'm certainly a fan of the duo and "The Viscount's Wallflower Bride" might just be my favorite of their works to date.

This is the next chapter in the continuing saga of the Chase family. This time we hear Ford's story. The youngest Chase brother is quite done with women, having been jilted by his betrothed, he is determined to devote his future to his science and inventions rather than matrimonial endeavors.
Then we meet Violet Ashcroft, a bookish young woman on the brink of spinsterhood (at eighteen). Violet has given up hope of finding a husband who is not after her inheritance and genuinely loves her.
As Ford is caring for his six year old niece during a pox epidemic at Greystone, fortune (and a matchmaking neighbor) smiles upon him as he makes the acquaintance of the Ashcroft family. Little do either Ford or Violet expect to fall for each other, but we'll see what happens.

Following the masterful storytelling standard that Lauren Royal has given to readers for years, "The Viscount's Wallflower Bride" is a perfect addition to the Chase Brides series! The characters are not only well developed and believable, but highly empathetic. Since 3/4ths of the story takes place in the English countryside, there's a much more relaxed atmosphere for our setting giving us natural dialogue and little emphasis on societal norms.

My lasting impressions...
1. When is the next installment?!
2. Now I MUST read the original!!! Gimmie the steamy!

Without a doubt, I'll read anything from this mother-daughter duo!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Chase family series each book is better than the last always leaving you with a smile on your face. Violet is about to turn 18 in this day and time this is almost considered a spinster. Violet is a dear sweet soul that was after my heart from the start more interested in reading than going out and about doing lady things. She is a very smart lady in times when one should be. Ford is the man of her dreams but he is only into science with making things his passion. He is the owner of the family estate but just is not interested in it using his money for his inventions. Violets mother plots to make a match of these two she feels sure they are well matched. Violet is just unsure of Ford she will not be pushed into marriage unless she is sure of her man. Ford just doesn’t feel there is anyone out there for him since his girlfriend ran off with another. He needs money and Violet isn’t having anything to do with that unless he loves her. It doesn’t matter how much she loves him she isn’t giving in.

I loved the humor and at times it makes me laugh out loud. I really liked they were neighbors knowing each other and the romance was a friendship first. I really think this makes the best and most lasting love. This is a slow moving romance with Violet taking thing slow Ford has a thing or two to prove. The authors have done their research with this time period matching up events and issues with the times around them. This was a very well written lovely romance that gives you thrills and excitement waiting to see how things turned out. You smile as you can feel Violets sorrow just putting in time waiting and watching. You are going to love this series and this story as the authors take you back in time with a compelling read.
*****************************

[Teri Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I complete a Chase family book, I say that it is my favorite. That's until the next one comes along. This is no exception with Ford and Violet's story.
Violet is a girl after my onw heart. She would rather be smart than pretty. She would rather read philosophy books than go to a ball. About to turn 18, her sisters consider her an almost spinster.
Ford would rather invent things than take care of his estate. He wants to perfect the watch with a minute hand, but has no interest in patenting it if he is successful.
Ford and Violet are next door neighbors. Violet's mother, Mum, is the town matchmaker and she has her sight set on these two. She is successful with her matches and feels that this match is worth pursuing.
I loved that they eased into their relationship and that Violet continued to be unsure of Ford's motives. No jumping in for that girl! Ford was convinced that there was no woman for him after his long time girl ran off with another (not that he was too disappointed).
The spectacles were such a thoughtful gift and the book of instructions was so funny. I have never seen that in a Regency romance. You'll need to read this book to learn about both.
I love Lauren and Devon's writing. These sweet romance books make me smile. I cannot wait to read Lily's story!
I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reader beware! Modernist Mashup

This book was so ridiculous, I was unable to finish it. Although eighteenth-century events and people were heavily paraded throughout the book, there was no pretence of setting the characters in the past. It felt like the characters from a modern romance were dropped into the setting of an historical romance. I stopped at the point that the Viscount was painting his house--HIMSELF. He asks Violet out on "dates". When his niece's nurse falls ill, he takes care of his niece by himself, for over a month. Violet goes to his house by herself many times, often in the evening. Not to mention he and Violet make a distinction between philosophy and science that did not exist at that time, especially not for an alchemist. It was the worst historical romance I have EVER read. I see that these American women have a big following, but no British authors would ever make these mistakes. They are completely tone deaf as regards class and the money and power that goes with nobility. This book made me want to rip it in half, but since it is a kindle I will content myself with this review. Luckily, I did not pay for it, but got it via a Bookbub offer.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming historical novel about a third son with a title and land, who is in need of funds - Ford Chase, Viscount Lakefield and Violet, an Earl's daughter and heiress. They meet when Ford moves back to his property which is close to Violet's family home with his niece, Jewel. Violet's brother is of a similar age and the two children have play dates which brings Violet into constant contact with Ford who is a scientist. Their relationship develops and they fall in love but Violet cannot let go of her distrust of Ford's motives for wanting to marry her, she thinks he only wants to get together because of her dowry. This story is told from both POV and both characters were immensely likeable and believable. I did feel that perhaps some of the topics discussed were not of the right period historically but I stand open to correction. The characters were given a lot of freedom when spending time together which felt inaccurate as ladies were always supposed to be chaperoned. The book felt quite long and there were over sixty short chapters, I think the book could have been condensed slightly. This is an enjoyable closed door book.

[Maria Dariotis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.

This was a really sweet story , it's Lady Violet Ashcroft and Ford Chase Viscount Lakefield's story.
Lady Violet is a sheltered miss who loved being in the country away from all the hustle of London's marriage mart, she knows that she's not marriage material she's to plain and to smart for the average man. Especially when her younger sisters are far prettier , she knows that all they would want is her dowry she's better of without them!
Viscount Lakefield's is to busy with his inventions to think about marriage so his long standing fiancé has had it with him and breaks it off, which suits him just fine. After all he will have more time for his very important work of inventing.
Until he meets the very intriguing Violet she's not the average simpering young miss. This is the clean version of Violet and is just perfect for young tweens without the steamy parts . I would highly recommend. The Lauren Devon Royal team did an outstanding job !

[Debbie West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean, heartwarming Romance

I loved this book..got a little frustrated with Violet at times, but I was a wallflower & could identify with her to a point. I became very excited about this book, though, when the author brought Violet & Ford to the Gresham House, because I am a direct descendent of Sir John Gresham. He was my great ( times 12 ) grandfather, being on my mother's mother's father's family.. This is first time I've read a book where Greshams are mentioned, so it's a really big deal for me. I loved reading about Violet's mom's block & bowl distillery too, as I like infusing oils & vinegars for personal use. And I'd never heard of Aristotle's Masterpiece! I laughed at the girls reading this manual. It wasn't presented as pornography, just factual information. So there were a lot of funny moments in this story. It was informative, as well as greatly entertaining. The characters were warm & funny, especially Violet's hard-of -hearing dad. I hope to be able to read about Lily's & Rose's romances soon.

[Bethany Swafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

With his young niece in tow, Ford Chase takes himself off to his small, rather neglected estate. He expects to complete his important invention in peace and quiet. He finds quite the opposite when he is repeatedly thrown into the company of Lady Violet.

I was drawn into this story from the start. While Ford himself is a bit bland as a hero, Violet herself was sensible and fun. Of all the characters, though, I most enjoyed Ford's niece, Jewel, and Lady Violet's mother, who absolutely was NOT matchmaking as she promised her daughters she would never do that to them.

Honestly, there was only one point I had trouble buying into, and that was parents allowing their daughter to be alone with a man. Beyond that, this was a delightful tale.

I would recommend this to anyone who loves sweet historical romances. I was provided witha free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Candy Laine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Ford and Violet. The sweet version of the original book called Violet.The intellectual and scholarly Ford Chase is trying his best to come to terms with baby sitting his niece Jewel while the rest of her family suffers from measles. That's when Violet's Mum steps in with what seems to him a brilliant idea to keep Jewel occupied. Rowan and Jewel can play together leaving Ford free to his own devices while Violet baby sits them. Then as plans often do, it all falls apart because it's not just Jewel who is looking forward to visits from their neighbours. I love that he made her spectacles. That was just such a sweet gesture! I received the book as a gift from the authors in return for my honest opinion.

[Virginia Tican · Rating 3 out of 5]

The humor comes in all the right places. It is well written and the characters are well developed except that I can not wait for Violet to make up her own mind about Ford's love or lack there of, her constant mistrust in Ford's motivations and her chip~on~the~shoulder insecurities wore me down by Chapter 30. If anything else, I learned how to make rose water and a little about philosophy & science. It is to be noted that the authors did some research and that their hard work paid~off. While all of these are good, I also have the feeling of reading something American despite the English setting, and since the authors are Americans, this comes~off from their work. At least, I did not see the word OKAY in there... there is nothing so off~putting as seeing that word in a Historical novel.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ford is a scientist and an inventor. He is eager to get to his run down estate and work on his watch with two hands. On the way he stops at his brothers home and discovers that the family has the measles. All except his niece Jewel. His brother asks him to take Jewel before she gets sick. He has never taken care of a child before. His neighbor comes over bringing her son to play with Jewel. The next time the two children get together his sister brings him. That is how Violet met Ford. She has lived in the country all her life with two sisters who are much prettier than she is. She has always believed that no man would marry her for any reason other than her money. Neither is looking to get married but her mother thinks they would make a perfect couple.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. A sweet, clean, romantic story about a broke Viscount and an unattractive (in her opinion), heiress who is soon to be a spinster at 18. Ford needs someone to help him take care of his niece, Violets' matchmaking mama tasks her with bringing her little brother to Fords every day to play with Jewel. When Ford realizes that he is in love with Violet and asks her to marry him, Violet doesn't trust his motives. He will do whatever it takes to prove to her that he loves her, and does. I love the Chase series, the books are all well written and have intriguing characters.

[Betty Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. This is about Lady Violet Ashcroft, who grew up sheltered in the countryside far from the dashing gentlemen of court. Violet has a lot of problems believing that she is pretty and thinks of herself as "Ordinary". She also has eye problems and cannot see much at a distance. Her mother is a bit of a matchmaker in her town...and has her eye on the next door neighbor. He is something of a recluse and an inventor. The sparks fly when they do meet and its a bit heartbreaking to see how much low self esteem Violet has about herself. Makes it really hard for the couple. Great story and loved how it all developed and came out in the end. Recommend.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like a cute, geeky love story!

But this wasn't the best. It started off good and then kind of lost me in the last half. Violet was back and forth ALL THE TIME and I got quite annoyed at that. I can handle some of that, but not this much. Fickle mindedness, misunderstandings and not waiting for explanations was pretty much the last half of this book. The story was cute, Ford kept coming back to her and trying to convince her, and would for a couple pages, then she was off again rejecting him. I so wanted him to just leave her be and let you stew in her stupidity and get over her insecurities about him. Oh well. I got through it.

There were also a few editing mistakes in this one.

[Judy Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ford Chase, Viscount Lakefield, is traveling to his country home. He hasn't been there for a while but plans to get some work accomplished. Chase won't have the distraction of family. However, the best laid plans are ruined when in route he picks up his 5 year old niece. There is illness in the family and he must keep her with him for her safety. After arriving at home, Chase is looking for someone, anyone will do, to distract and entertain his niece while he works. Enter Lady Violet. Lady Violet arrives with her little brother in tow. Instead of entertaining his niece, Lady Violet utterly distracts him. If you enjoy a good clean love story, then you will enjoy this read.

[Gerda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I confess I didn't read the whole book but started skipping around 40%, but the story didn't move on so I stopped reading.
Not only the heroine annoyed me but also all character's language and behaviour that just wasn't appropiate for that time. Even if Jewel was very intelligent, her speech was far too advanced for a five year old.

When I buy an historic romance I expect old fashioned behaviour, manners and speech because I want to get lost in a fantasy. Just setting a romance in another time does not work for me.

[Leigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I made it to 85% and gave up. I really wanted to like this book, I loved most of the characters, except the h. If I had been the H, I would have told her to take a long walk off a short pier! She is supposedly smart, in actuality she is so concerned with herself she can’t see anything else. How can she love someone and not trust them. Anything that happens she blames him for lying to her. I had enough. I understand conflict in a story, but every chapter? At least make the h likable! No thanks.

[Mercedes Salvador-McClellan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Science, philosophy, and love

This viscount was moved by his interests in scientific discoveries, he didnt care much for practical endeavours not even by those needed to survive. She believed herself to be a wallflower even at 18th. She loved knowledge, especially philosophy, above all
They met and all their expectations changed; slowly but surely love hot on the way of their plans. It wasnt easy but her practical mind and her unselfish love brought them the possibility of happiness to a reality.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming

Filled with beautifully woven historical details, and quirky facts and fictions, this well written story is sure to win your heart. The author's research into the period is obvious, and cunningly employed to people this work with fascinating and loveable characters that will win your heart. Although much of the converstaion has a more modern feel, I believe it has been done for clarity, and humour, and in no way detracts from the readers enjoyment. Indeed it only enhances a cleverly constructed take. This is a real gem. Highly recommended.