Three brand new Regency Romance novellas by Elizabeth Johns, Heather B. Moore, and Rebecca Connolly.
POOR RELATIONS by Elizabeth Johns As a ‘poor relation,’ Emma Standrich has already pre-empted her dismal Season by applying for a governess post. Her aunt and cousin are kind enough to sponsor her, but in truth, Emma is just waiting for it to all be over. Emma’s grief over the death of her brother while in military service casts a pallor on everything else in her life. When Colonel Shelton, the man who was her brother’s superior, asks her to dance at her first ball, Emma is more surprised than anyone. But she has questions for him, and soon she’s caught up in an intrigue she wasn’t expecting—both of the heart and the mind.
EDWARD & EMILY by Heather B. Moore As a second son, Edward Blackwood never anticipated becoming heir to his family estate, or the need to find a wife and secure that inheritance. But with the death of his older brother, Edward is thrust into a life he never wanted. When his mother encourages him to be kind to his long-time neighbor Emily Foster, a girl he’d hardly paid attention to while growing up, Edward realizes that returning home might not be such a set-back after all.
A SPORTING SEASON by Rebecca Connolly Daphne Hutchins is no simpering female who aims for a husband with a fortune. In fact, she’d be more than happy to live her life free of the heartache that men seem to bring. So when she sets out to play the fool in front of the ton during her first Season in order to send all eligible men running, she’s quite unprepared for James Woodbridge. Bored, but with a sense of family duty, James arrives for the Season, anticipating going through the expected motions befitting any gentleman. What he isn’t prepared for is Daphne Hutchins and the way she completely upends his heart.
Like many writers, Elizabeth Johns was first an avid reader, though she was a reluctant convert. It was Jane Austen's clever wit and unique turn of phrase that hooked Johns when she was "forced" to read Pride and Prejudice for a school assignment. She began writing when she ran out of her favorite author’s books and decided to try her hand at crafting a Regency romance novel. Her journey into publishing began with the release of Surrender the Past, book one of the Loring-Abbott Series. Johns makes no pretensions to Austen’s wit but hopes readers will perhaps laugh and find some enjoyment in her writing. Johns attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, a retired English teacher. During their last summer together, Johns would sit on the porch swing and read her stories to her mother, who encouraged her to continue writing. Busy with multiple careers, including a professional job in the medical field, author and mother of small children, Johns squeezes in time for reading whenever possible.
" 'I thought you wanted them to talk,' he countered, taunting her with a brow lift.
She snorted and tried to tug her hand away, but he held it fast. 'About me, not about you.'
Jamie frowned and continued to promenade her around the room like some prized pony. 'Well, that's a bit selfish, I must say.' "
6/29/19:
A Season in London (overall rating: 5 stars)
10/31/19 update: I increased my rating for Edward and Emily from 4 stars to 5. I noticed some details this time through that I didn't the first time, so I've removed two objections I had from my summer reading of the story.
6/22/19:
I'm so happy to be reading another Elizabeth Johns story! It's been a while! I enjoyed Surrender the Past as well as First Impressions and have wanted to read more of her work. The only reason I haven't is that I'm trying to stick with as many free audio books as I can by reading my husband's books or the library's books.
Poor Relations by Elizabeth Johns (5 stars)
6/23/19:
I'm enjoying it thoroughly!! This one is a bit of a spy story with some non-graphic violence at the end. 5 stars!
Summary from the blurb: As a ‘poor relation,’ Emma Standrich has already pre-empted her dismal Season by applying for a governess post. Her aunt and cousin are kind enough to sponsor her, but in truth, Emma is just waiting for it to all be over. Emma’s grief over the death of her brother while in military service casts a pallor on everything else in her life. When Colonel Shelton, the man who was her brother’s superior, asks her to dance at her first ball, Emma is more surprised than anyone.
I liked the fact that even though Emma is a poor relation, she is loved rather than looked down upon.
Edward & Emily by Heather B. Moore (5 stars)
From the blurb: As a second son, Edward Blackwood never anticipated becoming heir to his family estate, or the need to find a wife and secure that inheritance. But with the death of his older brother, Edward is thrust into a life he never wanted. When his mother encourages him to be kind to his long-time neighbor Emily Foster, a girl he’d hardly paid attention to while growing up, Edward realizes that returning home might not be such a set-back after all.
I'm enjoying it so far! Emily is a painter in a way that is beyond what is socially acceptable, and I'm enjoying reading about that aspect of her. Edward's secret delight is pugilism. The story indicates that it's an unacceptable hobby for a gentleman. I've never thought about it! So Edward and Emily each have their own unusual hobby.
6/29/19 udpate: I questioned whether it was unacceptable for a gentleman to be a boxer during the Regency period. It seems I've read about gentlemen engaging in pugilism. On Regency author Susana Ellis' website, I found the following:
"A true gentleman had to be 'good with his fists,' so many a gentleman frequented ... pugilistic clubs... Gentleman Jackson['s] ... boxing academy... was a popular location for gentlemen who wished to improve their pugilistic skills."
Perhaps it was acceptable for gentlemen to practice pugilism but not participate in matches? I'm not sure.
6/25/19:
Edward asks to correspond with Emily while she's in London for the season. In every Regency I've read, this is unacceptable behavior between a man and woman who aren't married or engaged. So I did a bit of looking around and found a nice online article with supporting quotes from Jane Austen's writings to illustrate this point. But it gives the examples of Marianne corresponding with Willoughby in Sense and Sensibility and the discreet methods which Darcy and Captain Wentworth employed to get a letter to their lady loves in Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion. (By the way, if you've never read Persuasion, you've got to, if only to read THE LETTER!)
Update 10/31/19: I've just listened to this book again - sort of, but not exactly accidentally - and have found that the book does address Edward's request to Emily to write to him in a manner that shows that the author is not ignoring the existence of Regency customs. I am satisfied on this point, so I'm rating it higher.
6/27/19:
A Sporting Season by Rebecca Connolly (5 stars)
From the blurb: Daphne Hutchins is no simpering female who aims for a husband with a fortune. In fact, she’d be more than happy to live her life free of the heartache that men seem to bring. So when she sets out to play the fool in front of the ton during her first Season in order to send all eligible men running, she’s quite unprepared for James Woodbridge.
A lady setting out to sabotage her Season is not your typical premise for a Regency story. To paraphrase the thoughts of James, Daphne might crash and burn or she might have a very successful season, and he would find either one interesting!
I'm ready to be amused!
6/29/19:
I WAS amused, and had a lot of fun with this one! 5 stars!
I think it's worth noting that Sarah Zimmerman does an excellent job of narrating this audiobook, as well as other Timeless Romance books I've read recently. She may be my favorite narrator ever. Her website is interesting. I wonder how many different accents she can do. And I wonder if she's related to Stevie Zimmerman, another narrator I like!
I love the Timeless historical collections, and I hope to have the happiness of finding another one with a $1.99 Audible add-on option.
I love Regency romance and it seems like a lot of them follow a similar formula. That can't be said for this set! I honestly can't choose a favorite because each story is so unique and brought a breath of fresh air to the genre.
In POOR RELATIONS, Emma is ready to put herself into a role as governess, but finds herself thrust into a mystery surrounding her brother's death instead. She's one determined woman and I really admire her pluck. I wasn't sure about Colonel Shelton at first, but he proves to be dashing military hero. I love the banter and subtle attractions that develop throughout the book and the two-for-one romance is spot on, as the book also follows Emma's cousin's love life.
EDWARD & EMILY stole my heart. My husband and I grew up together, but never associated until we were in our 20s. Edward always had his nose in a book and now that he finds himself set to inherit, he's encouraged to marry. When he sees his long-time neighbor all grown up, his heart is captured. The way this couple falls in love is utterly romantic and so similar to my own courtship. They each have a way with words and I was as eager to read their letters as I'm sure they were. I had a smile on my face throughout this one.
I couldn't stop laughing while reading A SPORTING SEASON! Daphne is determined to do everything she can to deter her parents from marrying her off. Forced to endure a season in London, she has a plan to end up alone. James is bored with society, but feels a duty. He's captivated by Daphne and her plans and can't help but fall for her. This is anything but a traditional story, but was the perfect endcap to the anthology, as it's heartwarming, sweet, and so humorous.
I loved each story and feel that this book was well worth the time I spent reading it. If you like Regency, add this one to your list!
Content: mild romance; the first book had some mild violence; I think there are one or two cuss words.
*I received a complimentary copy, which didn't affect my review in any way. All thoughts are my own.*
Each of these three novellas were great and each one gets a 5 star rating from me. There are so many different settings for these anthologies. I really have loved all the ones I've read and love reading new books from authors I love as well as discovering new authors who are fabulous too! Heather B. Moore is one of my favorite authors and her book in here shows once again what a great writer she is. Both Elizabeth Johns and Rebecca Connolly are new to me authors, I've had my eye on some of their books but haven't gotten around to reading them yet. After reading their work in this anthology, I believe I need to change that soon. If I had to pick a favorite anthology I don't think I could anymore because they are so different, some are contemporary, some are regency, medieval, halloween themed, old west. I really love the wide variety of stories offered to us readers throughout any of the anthologies.
I picked up this book to start reading and was completely hooked from the first story. I loved it and didn't want it to end. But once it did I moved on to the next one and the next and felt the exact same. Each were very fulfilling with setting, storyline and plot, characters, intrigue, angst, love and great conclusions. Yes they are novellas and I feel I say this when I have read and reviewed any of these anthologies, they didn't feel like novellas. This collection especially because instead of the 6 shorter novellas, we have 3 longer ones. There was plenty of development of characters, the plots and turmoil was full of mischief and strife, the romance was very intriguing and kept me, as the reader, turning pages and not wanting to come up for air.
Poor Relations ~ Elizabeth Johns
We have quite a bit of intrigue and angst in this story. A poor cousin, Emma, has come to stay for a season before heading off to be a governess so that she might secure funds for supporting her family. Her brother has been killed and Emma suspects foul play. If only during her time in London she can secure a meeting with Colonel Shelton, her brother's dear friend and the man he served under while in the army before his death. Luck plays right into Emma's hand and she finds herself dancing with the very man at her first ball. Many rumors abound due to Colonel Shelton and Emma must try to sift through those as well as her memories from what he brother said of him to decide if he is someone she can trust. Plenty of hidden secrets will be uncovered as well as marriage proposals, elopements, gloves coming off, rides through the park, letters, scandal, weddings, spies, death, dancing, love. Ahhh, yes definitely was a great read and can I just say, Emma and Colonel Shelton, very sweet indeed! <3
Edward and Emily ~ Heather B. Moore
Books, death, neighbors, balls, growing up, paints, gloves, secret letters, friendship, estates, portraits, daydreaming, picnics, fisticuffs, disguises, lady in waiting, newspapers, humor, ruins, secret plans, musicales, suitors, vicars, and salutations.
Those are a few of the things that I loved about this novel. I'm sure none of it makes perfect sense if you haven't read the book but it was a fun and very delightful read. Plenty of sweet romance for those of you who love good clean romance in your reads. I loved the friendship between the two MCs and their correspondence back and forth. The aha moments that what you once thought and perceived can be changed and new understanding can occur. Again that may not make sense but it has a great deal to do with this novel and made it a great read. I loved the two romances occurring throughout.
A Sporting Season ~ Rebecca Connolly
Deception runs deep in this novella. Heartache and some anger. Very little detail is given about an incident until near the end but there is plenty alluding to the fact of the incident that has us knowing it has caused quite a stir and turned Daphne Hutchins' world upside down. Now to make sure that she doesn't have to suffer anymore, she's going to act superfluous and not allow anyone to hurt her again. She'll ruin her own reputation, thank you very much! She'll call all the shots and she'll be free to live her life as she chooses away from everyone and everything, especially all the socialites in London, never having to attend a Season again. Her mother tries to spoil all her plans before she can even solidify them, but she will do her best and not let her mother know what her plans are, she'll pretend to go along and oh boy, will she surprise and shock her mother. No one will be able to stop her and distract her...that is until he comes along, ruining everything!
Oh this was very delightful and a fun change to the normal storyline of a regency novel. Usually the young ladies are vying for the attentions and approval of gentlemen and society. But not Daphne. She is a very fun character. She won't be put off, but she's hurting and trying to protect herself. Can she pull off all that she has planned and secure what she believes will be a happy ending and life for her, living quietly in the country with her books? Or will Mr. James Woodbridge cause too much havoc and ruin all her carefully laid plans. Oh I loved it! He and his cousin, and talk about "the Mothers". They were just too much fun, combined with Daphne and all her antics...you're in for a fun and witty, smile inducing read.
Really any of these three novellas were well written, full of witty dialogue, intrigue, love, friendship, and of course a Season in London. As you can probably already guess, I highly recommend this group of novellas. Loved it! *dreamy sigh*
Content: I would say this is a clean read. There are of course kisses, but no sexual content. There is some fighting but nothing graphic, talk of a couple deaths as well.
I received a copy from the publisher, all thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
I get so excited when there's a new Timeless Regency Collection! Thank goodness they release so often ;) I love that they are a bit longer than your average novella so the stories get a good wrap up. This one was fun because two of the authors are new to me.
The first story "Poor Relations" by Elizabeth Johns is very plot focused, and although I was interested at first, I didn't form a strong connection to the characters so my attention waned as the mystery became more drawn out. There is a strong Regency setting and I think the story will be enjoyed by many. (3 stars)
"Edward & Emily" by Heather B. Moore was amazing and definitely one I'll read again in the future. I loved how Edward and Emily's acquaintance quickly develops into friendship then more over a longer period of time and correspondence. The admiration and encouragement they share for each other's secret hobby creates a bond of understanding. They also join forces to unite star-crossed lovers which gives them more opportunities to be together and their sweet romance was just lovely to read. (5 stars)
There are lots of fun scenes in "A Sporting Season" by Rebecca Connolly as Daphne does her best to repel any and all potential suitors. It showed just how desperate she was to avoid marriage and risk having her trust broken again, which stemmed from a heartbreak in her past. Fortunately James sees through her charade and finds her fascinating for it, and withstands her efforts to push him away. He launches a mission of his own, to make Daphne see that there are other desirable options (such as himself) and help her overcome her fears. I loved the way they interacted and that Daphne was able to finally process her hurt in a healing way and come out triumphant. (5 stars)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
If only those stories could be longer. Loved them and the characters. Romance, suspense, humor, drama, lots of teasing. Perfect combinations for a wonderful collection.
Colonel Stelton and Emma made my heart leap several times and I think I must read the story again. But the other two stories were just as romantic. Reading can be so satisfying.
Another book from the Timeless Regency Collection! Yay!! I love these collections, and this one did not disappoint!
Poor Relations by Elizabeth Johns – 4 stars
There was a good amount of suspense and mystery in this novella. I loved Emma’s determination to find out what happened to her brother. Colonel Shelton was such an honorable man. Emma had heard rumors and wasn’t sure what to think of him, but he proved to be the best of men.
Edward & Emily by Heather B. Moore – 5 stars
I loved the relationship that Edward and Emily shared. There was true friendship between them and it made the romance even better. And there was great romance!! I loved the way they supported each other and wanted to know about the other’s interests. I loved their story!
A Sporting Season by Rebecca Connolly – 5 stars
I laughed through this whole story! Daphne’s antics were hilarious. I could picture the shocked faces all around her. I loved James! I loved the way he saw through the act to the real person underneath, and was there for her when she needed him. I would love to read more about their life together!
I received a complimentary copy of the book. I have given my honest opinion.
I'm currently working my way through Rebecca Connolly's books and decided to squeeze her novella A SPORTING SEASON in the other day when I didn't have a lot of time to read. This was a charming story! I loved how Daphne just does her own thing and causes quite the stir wherever she goes. I especially loved that James catches on right away and how he pretty much figures her out and falls for her from the start. It really is a fun regency read, very enjoyable. I only have one small niggle with one part
If you love Regency romance, you must give this book a look! There are three fantastic stories by three fantastic authors. Each story felt fresh and new and maybe just a bit off the beaten regency path- especially the last one. I've never read a regency quite like that one before. I really enjoyed all three books. They were easy to settle in with and made me smile.
I just love these Timeless Collection books. I know just what I'm going to get with them- clean romance, no matter the genre, by authors I know and love. Once in awhile I'm introduced to an author new to me, which is also fun. It's nice to get a variety of authors and stories.
Content: Clean
- I received a copy of this book free. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
Another fun collection. I just wish these books came out more frequently. I really like the length of these novellas. Long enough to get a good story, but not so long that I end up neglecting my kids. :)
Another great addition to the Timeless Regency Collection. I couldn't get through the book fast enough. I wanted to slow down my reading pace, but I couldn't wait to read what happened next.
This collection has three stories. I do have a favorite, it was the last one, "A Sporting Season". It was probably because the character was a little over the top. Her schemes were very funny and James was such a good "sport" about it. It was so unique and original that I loved it.
I really enjoyed all three books. They caught my attention and I liked the characters. If you love regency and good stories, you may want to pick this one up.
A season in London. This book was not bad and I did enjoy it, but it was not as good as I expected. The length of the stories were good, not too short and also not too long. The first story is Poor Relations, it was original, because there was also more of a mystery part in it. Overall I did not really like the characters. Edward & Emily, I did enjoy this book, I loved the painting aspect, but it was just missing a spark for me. A sporting season, I enjoyed the sassy conversations and how she is slowly opening up to him. From this book, this story was my favourite. Overall enjoyable book with very diverse stories, but it was not my favorite of this collection.
*I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review*
A SEASON IN LONDON was another enjoyable novella collection from this line with sweet and romantic stories, this time with an aspect of each story involving a season in London. All three novellas were quite enjoyable, although the last was a favorite. Those who enjoy sweet romance will certainly find some lovely reading here.
POOR RELATIONS by Elizabeth Johns: This was a fun story. I really liked the characters and I liked the intrigue surrounding the heroine's brother. The ending was especially sweet. It could have used just a little more development, but I still liked the story. 3 stars.
EDWARD & EMILY by Heather B. Moore: I've read a lot of stories from this author and her writing is always well done. That was the same here. This story was cute and I loved the initial surprise Edward has towards Emily, who has quite grown up to be a beauty. I also really liked how the romance develops over time and how well the characters get on together. I did want just a little more something, but otherwise, I enjoyed it. 3.5 stars.
A SPORTING SEASON by Rebecca Connolly: I loved this story! I loved the banter and the back and forth between these characters. I loved how James really has to dig in and hang in there with Daphne and the ensuing entertainment and humor. The dialogue was fabulous and you could feel the sparks and chemistry jump right off the page. This is a new author to me, but I definitely plan on picking up her other books! 5 stars.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I've yet to be disappointed by any of the collections in this line. If you want some short, sweet, and fun novellas that you can read in one sitting, then definitely check these out. The stories were all enjoyable and I'm planning on continuing to read each new addition in the line.
Content: Clean Source: I received a complimentary copy from ebooksforreview.com, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.
I am a big fan of the short story. Maybe it's my short attention span but I love these books. I decided to be a little harder on these books and pay closer attention instead of just giving my normal praise for these anthology's. First book is Poor Relations by Elizabeth Johns. This was a sweet simple arraigned marriage story, that was cute. Everything was wrapped up a little too perfectly. Second was Edward and Emily by Heather Moore this was a decent story. I just kept thinking there is no way in Regency England that a lot of what happens in the story would happen. Especially because Emily was a very sheltered young lady. It was a cute story but felt very rushed. Third was my favorite! Of course I am biased because I love all Rebecca's books:} A Sporting Season by Rebecca Connolly was fun, silly, deep and fresh! What a fun idea and such good execution:} So fun to read. So this one gets 5 stars:}
I loved this collection of three novellas set in the regency era in London! Each novella was perfect in length, not too short and not too long. I fell straight into the regency era with each story! Poor Relations by Elizabeth Johns was just the perfect parts of intrigue and romance! I love a good mystery and Johns provided the perfect one! The next story was Edward and Emily by Heather B. Moore. I truly enjoyed this story about Edward Blackwood who had lost his brother unexpectedly and Emily who had lost her father. Thrown together, these two became an unlikely match. Their story was a fun and enjoyable read! The last story was A Sporting Season by Rebecca Connolly. This was my favorite story of the three, although I loved each and every one! I loved Daphne's strong spirit and her willingness to carry out her plan. I loved her determination and her over the top methods to carry out her plan. And then there was Jamie Woodbridge and man was he a keeper! He was the most kind, patient and sweet man around! You will fall in love with this story! All three stories are winners for me! Three great regency love stories, by one favorite author and two soon to be favorite authors! If you want a quick pick me up read, then The Timeless Regency Collection, A Season in London, is just for you! I received a copy of this book for free, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
POOR RELATIONS by Elizabeth Johns - 2 stars The blurb is more promising than the actual story. The romance is barely there. In fact there’s very little interaction between the heroine/hero. Had quite a hard time getting through the story even given how short it was.
EDWARD & EMILY by Heather B. Moore - 4 stars A lovely sweet story & my favourite in the anthology. Made the whole thing worthwhile. Edward has always preferred books and reading over other pursuits from a child and remembers Emily as the spirited girl who would be playing with his older brother while he himself preferred a book. When they meet again as adults, under sad circumstances of having lost a loved one, Edward finds himself quite taken with the lovely lady Emily has grown into & is intrigued by her intelligence and somewhat impropriety of being a painter an artist.
I liked both characters immensely. A rapport and connection quickly builds between them & when Emily accompanies her cousin to London for a season, Edwards asks her (to her astonishment) to write to him. Love their exchange of letters which of course only makes their relationship grow.
A SPORTING SEASON by Rebecca Connolly - 3 stars Different and quite interesting. Daphne only wants to be left alone in the country after suffering a broken engagement after being jilted and cheated, leaving her distrustful of men. When her mother through threats and blackmail (taking away all her books – horrors!) she reluctantly travels to London for a season where her mother emphatically expects her to gain a suitor and husband. But Daphne plots to thwart her mother’s plans but behaving as badly as she can possibly get away with. I loved Jamie for his patience and gentle handling of Daphne. Somewhat amusing & very sweet towards the end.
With so many options to choose from in period romance novels, it’s getting to the point that all stories have been covered. You find yourself enjoying the writing and the author’s style, yet knowing exactly how the story is going to unfold. While being in this category, these three short stories are actually page turners. They are beautifully written. I found the authors very clever and witty and I fully enjoyed having a romance that is passionate and moving and yet still clean! Romance doesn’t have to be raunchy!
These three novellas are a quick and entertaining read. I actually found myself wishing that Moore’s novella was a full novel! A great story that totally enveloped you and left you wanting more.
Completely enjoyed Connollys novella. Pure wit! The story came to life growing by each page and even had a bit of mystery to the story. I found myself wishing it were a movie so that I could watch the interaction between Daphne and Jamie. I would love to meet that charming man.
Sometimes short stories bug me because there doesn't seem to be enough time for a good story but these three were fantastically done. I've read longer books lately that weren't anywhere near as satisfying to read as these. The stories were all different and all engaging.
I received a reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
Poor Relations by Elizabeth Johns Emma is the "poor family relation" staying with her aunt and cousin, hoping to figure out how and why her brother was killed outside of battle. She immediately meets his commanding officer, Colonel Shelton who her brother praised often in his letters. But her cousin's love interest and Colonel Shelton are telling very different stories and she needs to figure out who she can trust! I liked the intrigue that was mixed into this story! Rating: 4 stars
Edward & Emily by Heather B. Moore This was my favorite of the three stories - I loved the friendship between Edward and Emily. I loved that they didn't try to change the other person and embraced each other just the way they were! Rating: 5 stars
A Sporting Season by Rebecca Connelly It took me a while to warm up to Daphne. Once we learn of The Incident we understand why she does what she does, but her "rebelliousness" felt a little more forced than clever to me. So I didn't warm up to her until about halfway through, and then I loved how she stood up for herself at the end. I loved everything about Jamie; he had amazing patience with Daphne. Rating: 3.5 stars
Poor Relations by Elizabeth Johns A very interesting and addicting story. I loved getting two romances, wasn't expecting that. Emma was a great main character and Colonel Shelton was a wonderful hero.
Edward & Emily by Heather B. Moore A good story, but it did feel somewhat rushed. Still it's a novella, so that can be expected. I loved the romance between Edward and Emily. The last scene was my favorite, seeing what Edward's gift to Emily was.
A Sporting Season by Rebecca Connolly I thought Daphne's behavior was funny and very unusual for a lady at the time. Her antics had me chuckling many times, though I did feel badly for her parents. Such a fun read!
I loved all three of these and really can't pick a favorite out of them, they were all great in their own way. I think if you enjoy clean romances set in this period you'll love this collection.
Excellent anthology! This is a collection of three Regency novellas with the theme of a season in London. All the stories read quickly with very engaging characters and satisfying plots.
I loved all the stories but my favorite was Edward & Emily. Such a sweet story and I loved the characters and the way they developed their relationship. And the ending—soown!
This was another fun anthology. I really loved Elizabeth Johns’s novella in this one. It was my first book by her and now I definitely want to read more of her books! Filled with not only romance but mystery, intrigue, and a bit of suspense. I was quite surprised by it all!
Content Guide: Kisses, a fade-to-black between married couple (“Poor Relations”) Mild violence (“Poor Relations”) Scandal (occurs in the past, not detailed, “A Sporting Season”)
This anthology has three stories. The first one by Elizabeth Johns is a suspenseful Regency romance with intrigue, mystery, and dashing men. Pretty exciting story that kept me on the edge of my seat. Heather Moore’s story was another great one with fun characters where a new heir to an estate must marry or lose his inheritance, and finally notices the ‘girl next door’. The last story by Rebecca Connolly was great as well. So much wit and humor, where patience wears out stubbornness in the marriage mart of the ton. I loved all three stories in this set. The time period is fun to read about, and all three of these authors did a superb job capturing my attention and weaving a great romance that made me smile. ***I received a copy of this in exchange for my fair and honest review.
I loved this! Every story was done well and kept me wishing for more. Rebecca Connolly’s “A Sporting Season” novella made me laugh more than any other book I’ve read...ever.
The 3 stories were exactly the right size. The last one was the best but I did really feel sorry for the leading man. He was so wonderful and Daphne was a pill. I also wish she would have slapped her mother!
Really enjoyed this book. The 3 stories included in this book were so very different that it made it really fun to see what a season in London might be like. Each author put their own spin to the regency era and it was really fun to read about these characters. I thought the book was great! I received this book for free in exchange of an honest review.
This is a 3 novella collection of regency romances. The first one was excellent. It was an exciting mystery with a strong climax. I would have liked that one as a full novel. The second one was also very good. I enjoyed the story very much. The third one was just okay. I found Daphne’s antics rather annoying and Jamie’s attraction to her a little unbelievable.
I love the Timeless Romance Anthologies and the Regency period stories are some of my favorites. This edition does not disappoint.
POOR RELATIONS by Elizabeth Johns The story of Emma & Colonal Standich is very well developed for a novella. I was pleasantly surprised with the detail and complexity of the narrative. Not only do you have the story of a young woman falling in love, but a story of intrigue as well. I always enjoy a little mystery along with my romance.
EDWARD & EMILY by Heather B. Moore Both Edward and Emily are adjusting to life without a beloved family member. For Edward, he has lost his elder brother and now assumes the responsibilities of heir to his family's estate. Emily is suffering the loss of her beloved father. Neither is currently looking for a relationship, but circumstances bring them together and they are able to not only find solace and understanding, but also love.
A SPORTING SEASON by Rebecca Connolly Daphne and Jamie are nothing short of a delight to behold. While I would have preferred to have known what "the incident" was from the beginning, I can appreciate the author's desire to leave the details somewhat obscure. Daphne truly knows how to push the boundaries of proper Society without completely ruining herself. Jaime is her perfect foil! I love how he doesn't allow anything Daphne does faze him. He takes all her antics in stride and recognizes the rare prize she is. Their banter is beyond compare - and Jonathan's addition makes it all the more delightful. I think this was my favorite of the three stories.
FYI ~ clean read Honest Disclosure ~ I received a review copy