The Unflappable Miss Fairchild

Uncommon Courtships #1

by Regina Scott

The ever practical Anne Fairchild knows the rules of engagement in Regency England—the proper way a young lady should seek a husband. She’s been groomed to make the best match possible so she can help the two elderly aunts who raised her stave off poverty. So why is it one moment in the presence of the dashing Chas Prestwick, and she’s ready to throw propriety to the wind?

The black sheep of the family, Chas excels at shocking Society with his wild wagers and reckless carriage racing. But his bravado masks a bruised and lonely heart. Can the sweet-natured Anne convince him to take the greatest risk of all—on love?

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Regency, Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Clean Romance

177 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 1998

About the author

Regina Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn’t actually sell her first novel until she had learned a bit more about writing. Since her first Regency romance was published in 1998, her stories have traveled the globe, with translations in many languages including Dutch, German, Italian, and Portuguese. She is now the author of more than 50 works of warm, witty historical romance.

She and her husband of 30 years reside in Washington State on the way to Mt. Rainier. Regina Scott has driven four in hand, learned to fence, sailed on a tall ship, and dressed as a Regency dandy, all in the name of research, of course. Sign up for her free alert service to hear when the next book will be out or on sale at https://subscribe.reginascott.com/. You can find her online blogging at www.nineteenteen.com. Learn more about her at www.reginascott.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorreginascott .

Reviews

[Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle freebie 1/5/17. This is an older Zebra Regency romance. That should tell you pretty much everything you need to know.

ETA: Aww! Warm fuzzies! I read it tonight, straight through in a couple of hours, and enjoyed it thoroughly. I really liked these two. And get this: when they had a misunderstanding (which happened more than once) they ... talked honestly. I know, right? And they were both bright people who didn't act like idiots.

Recommended for those who enjoy more-or-less traditional Regencies.

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a charming story that it completely overwhelmed its weaknesses. Anne and Chas were both terribly engaging and I loved seeing them grow as they simultaneously grew together. They started out so different that a large part of the story was them figuring out how to communicate as they came to know each other. I loved how willing both were to listen to the other and to suspend judgement long enough to learn what the other had to say. That foundation of trust made me buy that they had not only come to love each other but that they'd be happy together once they had.

All of that overcame a relatively weak plot, family members who were pretty much just one-characteristic personified, and poor editing. That last surprised me most as you'd think that preparing a rerelease would include an editing pass that would catch things like missing words or, worse, the author's unfortunate mixup between "bridled" and "brindled".

Anyway, this is a light, fun read that completely engaged me for a few hours. I'll definitely be looking up more by the author and hope they are as charming.

[Preeti ♥︎ Her Bookshelves · Rating 3 out of 5]

An amazing H - 4* at least.
1* deducted for the idiotic ninny who doesn't know what she wants, or what the H wants and what her aunt wanted all along!
And another deducted for the drip drip of MUs that the author felt was essential for plot development.
I can add half a star for the poignant and chivalrous secondary romance (that could not be, unfortunately.)

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

I really liked this one. I liked our protagonists instantly and was totally rooting for them to end up together right from the start. Anne was a likable lead. As the title implies, she is unflappable and great under stressful situations. I think what I liked most about her though was her positive outlook on life and able to see the good in everyone. She treats everyone with respect and just seems like the type of person that you would want to be friends with. She captivates our hardened “rake” Chas right from the start. I always love in books when our leads meet for the first time, I thought Anne and Chas had a funny intro. In fact, Chas always seems to be doing something crazy when she runs into him. I really liked Chas, he is supposed to be a rake, but honestly I think he came across more as a rascal than anything else. I really liked how there seemed to be a genuine friendship between Chas and Anne that naturally grew to love. I found their courtship to be charming and fun. They have their share of misunderstandings; he doesn’t feel good enough for her and jumps to the wrong conclusions. While Anne tends to jump to the wrong conclusions based on his reputation. I also liked that while the story was about how the two come together it was also about them each discovering who they really were. They brought out the best in each other and also accepted each other for who they were.

Overall, I thought it was a really fun, lighthearted regency. There were a few things I would have tweaked, but for the most part I thought it was highly enjoyable.

Content: Clean. A little talk of “light skirts” and maybe some minor innuendo.

[Lyuda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ditto to what Linda said.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chas Prestwick, younger brother of the Earl of Prestwick, is a well-known rakehell, but when a former paramour confronts him at a party and threatens to make a scene, he only wants to escape. Luckily, he's accidentally rescued by the arrival of Miss Anne Fairchild who rises to the occasion and handles the situation neatly and quietly. Chas is instantly taken with this angel but thinks she's not for the likes of him. Capable and dependable, Anne has always been willing to do whatever anyone asks in any given situation. The one thing she refuses to do is marry without love, and that happens to be the one goal her Aunt Agatha has in mind for Anne. When Anne finds herself again unexpectedly thrown together with Chas Prestwick, she can't help but enjoy the free feeling the adventure provides. Chas can't get this angel out of his mind and is determined to find out who she is. As luck with have it, Anne's aunt Millicent was a good friend of the Dowager Countess, therefore, Chas finds a legitimate excuse for being in Anne's company and longs to court her properly, but knows he isn't the man for her. For Anne, Chas makes her other suitors appear foolish and boring, but she knows that she doesn't have what it takes to be the woman for Chas. Can true love win out over misunderstandings and the sins of the past? This is a nice, light romance with just the right amount of depth to keep it from being totally fluffy. Chas is a flawed hero and he recognizes his flaws and the reasons for his behavior, which I really like. I also like the family dynamic of the Prestwick family and the way it plays out in the end. Anne is a multi-dimensional character. Her independence is more subtle than most characters and her coolheadedness is much to be admired. The romance is sweet and the chemistry develops nicely without overpowering the plot. There are a few serious kissing scenes but fortunately, they lack the excessive emotional language that often accompanies those types of scenes. I like the characters very much and would like to be friends with them. The plot kept me engaged after a slow Prologue and first chapter. This is a great, quick read for those who enjoy the old style Regencies.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I adored this book! I can not express enough how much I love a sweet, fun, witty story like this. I also love it when an author wants me to believe in a relationship and actually gives me interactions between the characters through out the whole book. I loved Anne. She was a character you really feel like you can be friends with. She was strong and yet not prideful. I adored Chas from the beginning. I loved Chas' best friend and thought he added something extra fun. I also loved every situation that Chas and Anne found themselves together in. I truly feel like I had my fill of their relationship and yet I so wanted more. As much as I truly loved this book I do have a few minor complaints.

*spoiler alert*

I really did not like how Malcolm turned out to be his Dad. I found that whole story line kind of creepy and unnecessary. I see why we needed Chas' mother's character in the story so that he could have yet another excuse to see Anne. But I thought that whole story line with her, her "husband" and Chas' "brother" was just really weird. Take that whole thing out and I think the book would of been so much better!

Second complaint....WHY DID IT END SO FAST??? I felt like we finally get to the part that they are together and whoooooosh...end! I really think a cute epilogue would of added so much and I would of loved to of seen the Aunts reaction to the fact that he is a Earl now.

Other then these few complaints I really enjoyed the book!

Thanks again, K!

[Linda (NOT RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS) · Rating 2 out of 5]

THE UNFLAPPABLE MISS FAIRCHILD is the first book in a series about various rakes and rogues. I actually enjoyed the first half of the book. The hero, Chas Prestwick, had low self-esteem because of his childhood and acted out by participating in outlandish activities. Because of this, many of the ton found him to be an unsuitable man for their daughters. This wasn't ever a problem until he met Miss Anne Fairchild. Kind, wise...a real sweetheart and someone he wanted to spend time with.

What caused me to lower my rating of this romance were the foolish minor misunderstandings between both of these people later in the story. Communication broke down. Nothing lasted very long but then another small mix-up would take place. Both characters had their moments and my interest started to go down-hill.

By the end, what I initally found adorable and entertaining, I just wanted to be done with this book. Yes, Ms. Scott resolved their issues and yes, these two finally got their HEA. But I didn't care anymore. I will give the second book, THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS, a try to see if this series gets any better.

[Mela · Rating 3 out of 5]

[April 23th, 2018: Free on Amazon]

A nice romance. Fast reading. Rather well (enjoyably) written. Characters more complex than in most of Regency romances.

Nonetheless, it was, as for me:

--> too serious/gloomy to have some fun, I much prefer witty language in this kind of stories;

--> not enough drama to speed my heartbeat (only the story of Malcolm made me feel, his story was really moving);

--> no sweet love story that could have fed my need for such love stories (for stories like e.g. in The Inheritance by Louisa May Alcott or in Kilmeny of the Orchard by L.M. Montgomery).

I agree with Linda the first part of the book was better than the second.

Perhaps, I will give Regina Scott another try in the future. But not soon.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A clean fast sweet read. Brilliant twist towards the end that I didn't see coming. I was a bit disappointed with the ending. Thought it was a bit silly.
An overall good read.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love a good regency!

"Sigh" I love a good regency and this was just that. It pulled me in and I found myself completely lost in Chas and Anne's story even if they both infuriated me at times. Fun, clean romance with a few twists I didn't see coming. I loved it! Adorable ending!

[Angie Thompson · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF for profanity

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

So fun:] I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure because it is a reformed rake story but you couldn't help like this rake, but it was the heroine I liked the most. This only took me a couple hours and I just loved the ending and wanted a little more. This was a clean regency with no religion and a couple great kisses:}

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this as an Amazon free ebook because it sounded like something I might enjoy. Sadly, it's proven to be forgettable. I know I thought it was fairly well written, but as far as the plot, it was a bit contrived. Problems popped up and were solved with too much ease and frequency. Came across as rather unrealistic. The descriptions were good, and I think the characters were well developed. Unfortunately, it just didn't stick with me and I'm unlikely to seek this author out for more books unless they are free offerings.

[Holly Bargo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, beautifully edited romance

First, kudos to the author for technical competence. I didn't cringe once at historical anachronisms, wandering apostrophes, misplaced commas, arbitrary capitalization, or other editorial errors. Second, the protagonists managed to adhere to well-used tropes and still remain three-dimensional and likeable. This is a sweet, clean romance that loses nothing for the lack of steadier material. Bravo!

[Diane E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Miss Fairchild and Chas!

Anne is the perfect heroine. Strong, headstrong when necessary, and brave in difficult situations. Chas tries to be a rogue, but doesn't quite reach roguish status. I gave the book 4 stars because it starts sluggishly. If the reader hangs in, she will be delighted with the story.

[Annette]

DNF. I can’t suspend my disbelief. The interactions of the H and h are cute though.

[Mary Longoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unflappable Miss Fairchild (Uncommon Courtships Book 1)

Very interesting fast paced read, I enjoyed very much.
Clean love story, great friendships, with joyful outcomes.
I recommend for fireside reading and a cup of tea.

[Pearl Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a hidden gem! This is quite honestly one of the most unique historical fictions I have ever stumbled upon. There were so many twists and turns happening in each chapter, and commonly-used plot devices were taken with such a refreshing approach that made the story engaging and funny. The two main protagonists were such a delight to read about: their character development was seamless and the chemistry was definitely there. This book is definitely recommended to historical fiction and romance lovers out there.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne Fairchild first meets Chas Prestwick when she accidentally opens the library door (thinking it is the card room) and discovers Liza Scanton trying to ruin what is left of Chas Prestwick's reputation! Her discovery of Liza and Chas effectively ruins Liza's chances of carrying out her scheme. When Liza tries to make Anne part of her scheme, Anne handles both Liza and Chas with amazing ease. Chas doesn't learn her name (when he asks for an introduction she says, "That would not be proper, sir. I think it would be best if we both pretended we'd never met."), but after that first meeting he's pretty sure he's never going to forget her!

They meet again when Chas commandeers her escort's curricle -- his curricle lost a wheel and he is in the middle of trying to set a new record "for curricle and pair to Kew Gardens." Before her escort, Julian, knows what has happened, Chas has uncoupled Julian's horses from his curricle and replaced them with his own race horses -- and he is continuing the race with Anne still seated in the curricle. Again she has made a very favorable impression on Chas, but again she has escaped without him learning her name. But he tells his friend Les, "If fate is kind enough to let us meet again, I won't make that mistake the third time."

Fate is indeed kind and they meet again at a poetry reading. And Chas finally gets his introduction to Miss Anne Fairchild. Anne has a distressing tendency to see the best in everyone, even in a rake like Chas... and Chas seems to find that he is always a better person with Anne around.

But fate is also unkind... Anne learns that her aunts are in financial ruin and if she doesn't marry a rich and respectable man, then they will all be ruined...

This was a really fun, clean read! I could not get enough of Chas and Anne and did not want to put the book (or kindle;) down!

[Tandie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one just didn't do it for me. Chas had insta-love for Miss Fairchild. The ending was quite abrupt & crammed all these things about his family in. I'd have preferred the author interspersed these with the H/h interactions.

[Pauline Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first finished this, I marked it as a 5* read, but when I came to write this review I couldn’t for the life of me remember why. A book that slips out of my mind so quickly when I read so little these days is not really worthy of 5* for me.

It’s a nice story of two people who are very, very different, and, although attracted to each other, move in very different circles and have to overcome their differences to achieve their HEA. He’s a rake (yes, another one; anyone reading modern Regency romances would get the impression that London is entirely populated by rakes, rogues and scoundrels, and every last one of them an earl or a duke). And, as with all these rakes, he turns out to be a real softy at heart, nothing like as bad as he’s painted. She, meanwhile, is a very respectable, not to say dull, person, not his usual type at all. And unflappable, with a calm and practical demeanour.

As with all such stories, the immediate attraction the hero and heroine feel for each other has to be tempered with numerous obstacles, because heaven forfend that two young, unattached people should simply fall in love and marry. Sadly, the obstacles turn out to be that out standby, the misunderstanding, and the singularly stupid attitude of: oh, he can’t possibly love me so I must Wed Another. Sigh. Combined with a number of extreme coincidences, this seems like a regular trope-a-thon, doesn’t it? Nevertheless, I enjoyed it hugely and found it page-turningly readable. A good four stars.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was quite cute. I really like a sweet clean regency romance. The main characters were charming and interesting. I liked how the conflict played out and was resolved. The relationship was very convincingly written. One big complaint is the ending. It seems way to sudden. I wonder if there was a certain page limit given by the publishers that prevented the author from giving a little more closure. I found this for $.99 on Amazon for Kindle. It is totally worth the price.

[Kam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book and found it a bit disappointing. The story was actually very good but the constant misunderstandings and miscommunication between the H and h started to irritate after a while, so only 3 stars from me. I did read that this was one of the author's earlier books so am going to try another one in the series. Worth a read if you like regency romance.

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this storyline it had me laughing while reading. Looking forward to reading more from this author

This was my first story I've had the pleasure to read that was written by Regina Scott. Great fun reading!

[Kim Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Such a great traditional Regency romance. A charming heroine, a delightful hero, a twist plot I never saw coming, and truly witty dialogue. Delighted to have discovered this author.

[Valerie Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute book!!! I loved the characters in this book! Chas was awesome and so fun!

[Susan Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! One of the best, traditional, Regency Romances I have ever read. No graphic sex, no violence, well-written, fun, interesting and I cared about the characters. I highly recommend it.

[ksstannard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greatly fun

Mishaps and misunderstandings meld into a wonderful mix of romance, a little malice, and mischief. Think Arsenic and Old Lace, then eliminate the arsenic.

[Jane Balke Andersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was just in the mood for this light-hearted fun Regency romance. I enjoyed the main characters and the usual London and Bath settings.