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The Six Pearls of Baron Ridlington #1
The Landlocked Baron
A Risqué Regency Romance from best selling Historical author Sahara Kelly
“Should I ever pen my memoirs, I shall call them How to Befuddle the French with a Bucket of Slops.” - Edmund, Baron Ridlington, 1814
Inheriting the baronetcy is a burden Captain Edmund Holbury could well have done without. But he has no choice other than to say farewell to the sea and accept the title of Baron Ridlington—which includes the almost-ruined estate, and his five resident siblings. He is going to need some help, and soon.
It comes in the unexpected form of a nasty crack on the head, a ministering hand and a woman who has hidden herself away in the countryside. Rosaline Henry finds the unconscious Baron strangely appealing, and when he makes an unexpected but practical suggestion - she agrees, as much for him as for herself.
Thus begins a voyage of discovery which takes them to new heights of familial creativity, private passion and risky adventure. The sea is in Edmund’s veins, so of course there are ships, spies, fogs and storms, not to mention flirtatious Hussars, a mustache of unsurpassed magnificence, a chicken with unusual preferences…and a fortuitous attack of mal-de-mer!
Can Edmund take the helm of a different kind of ship and steer Ridlington back into the calmer waters of the countryside? Of course, but he needs the right woman’s hand on the wheel…
“Should I ever pen my memoirs, I shall call them How to Befuddle the French with a Bucket of Slops.” - Edmund, Baron Ridlington, 1814
Inheriting the baronetcy is a burden Captain Edmund Holbury could well have done without. But he has no choice other than to say farewell to the sea and accept the title of Baron Ridlington—which includes the almost-ruined estate, and his five resident siblings. He is going to need some help, and soon.
It comes in the unexpected form of a nasty crack on the head, a ministering hand and a woman who has hidden herself away in the countryside. Rosaline Henry finds the unconscious Baron strangely appealing, and when he makes an unexpected but practical suggestion - she agrees, as much for him as for herself.
Thus begins a voyage of discovery which takes them to new heights of familial creativity, private passion and risky adventure. The sea is in Edmund’s veins, so of course there are ships, spies, fogs and storms, not to mention flirtatious Hussars, a mustache of unsurpassed magnificence, a chicken with unusual preferences…and a fortuitous attack of mal-de-mer!
Can Edmund take the helm of a different kind of ship and steer Ridlington back into the calmer waters of the countryside? Of course, but he needs the right woman’s hand on the wheel…
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2017
496 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Sahara Kelly
244 books155 followersI'm really rather boring... Honestly. I live a pretty hum-drum life as a wife and mother. I shop at the local supermarket and use coupons now and again. See? Boring stuff.
I live in Virginia now, so I am learning all kinds of new things - such as being able to buy beer and wine along with bread and toothpaste. Wow!
Having been born and raised in England, I do possess a well-developed feel for the English countryside. Comes in handy for those Regency tales.
Even though I was transplanted over to the US side of the Atlantic, I still have ties to all things Brit. I bake sausage rolls and make Christmas pudding. You can take the girl out of England, but not England out of the girl, I guess.
I'm not sure anyone can write really well unless they read. A lot. I read anything and everything these days. And mostly on my couch with a book on my knees. Yes, the technology is out there for electronic versions, but there's not much to compare with a shiny new hardcover from a favorite author.
I live in Virginia now, so I am learning all kinds of new things - such as being able to buy beer and wine along with bread and toothpaste. Wow!
Having been born and raised in England, I do possess a well-developed feel for the English countryside. Comes in handy for those Regency tales.
Even though I was transplanted over to the US side of the Atlantic, I still have ties to all things Brit. I bake sausage rolls and make Christmas pudding. You can take the girl out of England, but not England out of the girl, I guess.
I'm not sure anyone can write really well unless they read. A lot. I read anything and everything these days. And mostly on my couch with a book on my knees. Yes, the technology is out there for electronic versions, but there's not much to compare with a shiny new hardcover from a favorite author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 10, 2020
Ameeeei!! I just loved it!!! Even thought it's short, it's a complete story. It has everything that I like in a romance.
Some sexness, a strong mind with attitude heroine and, a loving Hero. They grow and overcome the adversities together, without delay.
You can read it as a standalone novel.
Also, the other characters are so interesting that I will read the other books of this serie.
Some sexness, a strong mind with attitude heroine and, a loving Hero. They grow and overcome the adversities together, without delay.
You can read it as a standalone novel.
Also, the other characters are so interesting that I will read the other books of this serie.
July 10, 2017
It was hard for me to get into this book but then it took off it was a mix of a story suspense, mystery and romance
January 3, 2018
Meh...Easy and quick read and I recommend though if it were any longer I would maybe have to reconsider. The relationship between Edmund and Rosalind happened a bit fast for me but that was by design. There were a lot of characters and a full house which pulls away from the romance of Edmund and Rosalind. Kind of boring honestly. I thought the author could have done something more exciting with the end climax and I was waiting for the drama but it never came. There wasn't really anything interesting about either main character. I'm not sure all finish the series. WARNING: there is sex in this book, it is not erotica, but enough to be a steamy & hot adult romance. Please do not read if you are looking for something PG.
Romance-3/5 Steaminess-4/5 Explicitness-3/5
Romance-3/5 Steaminess-4/5 Explicitness-3/5
May 4, 2017
The Landlocked Baron by Sahara Kelly is the first book in the Six Pearls of Baron Ridlington series. It was a great start. I quite enjoyed reading Edmund and Rosaline’s story. Edmund didn’t have the ideal childhood nor did his siblings. He got away when he could and found a love of the sea. When his father dies he automatically inherits the title of Baron. He has to take care of himself and his siblings. He is at a loss because it was never in his plans, plus his father had never really managed things well. Rosaline has found herself the aid to an elderly lady and it isn’t ideal for her. She has suffered through one bad marriage and isn’t looking for love. The two of them meet and the sparks start to fly. They agree to help each other and the best way to do so was to get married. Will the two of them make the best of their situation? Will they end up falling in love? Can they make the best of their situations? Or will they end up regretting it all? I would recommend The Landlocked Baron to anyone who enjoys historical romances.
June 13, 2017
Very good
This book has a bit of everything, romance, suspense, and drama. It is about Ridlington family, the father has died and the oldest has come home from the sea and Navy to become the next Baron. They are burying the father when the casket slips and knocks the new Baron unconscious. He awakens in the hearse with a pretty woman at his side and is convinced he's died and she's an angel. She reassures him and goes with him to his home to look after him. His brothers and sisters are not sure what to do with him so she takes charge. He is in bed and she (Roseline) comes down to speak to them. They are talking when the Baron comes down and insists on having a drink and sitting with them. He is impressed with Roseline and says he would like to talk with her privately which he does. He asks her to marry him as he feels they would work well together and he needs someone to take care of the house and family side of things. It really takes off from this point and is surprisingly good. Very enjoyable.
This book has a bit of everything, romance, suspense, and drama. It is about Ridlington family, the father has died and the oldest has come home from the sea and Navy to become the next Baron. They are burying the father when the casket slips and knocks the new Baron unconscious. He awakens in the hearse with a pretty woman at his side and is convinced he's died and she's an angel. She reassures him and goes with him to his home to look after him. His brothers and sisters are not sure what to do with him so she takes charge. He is in bed and she (Roseline) comes down to speak to them. They are talking when the Baron comes down and insists on having a drink and sitting with them. He is impressed with Roseline and says he would like to talk with her privately which he does. He asks her to marry him as he feels they would work well together and he needs someone to take care of the house and family side of things. It really takes off from this point and is surprisingly good. Very enjoyable.
May 4, 2017
I found this book in my email as a free offer and after reading it I wanted to let others know what a great story it was. I have never read anything of Ms Kelly’s before but I must say I truly enjoyed her writing style. Edmund’s family is something else and I loved how they all came together. Rosaline is just the right person for Edmund she is a truly amazing person. You do get to know Letitia, Hecate and Simon more in this story then Kitty and Richard, but as there is going to be other books they will become friends also with the reader I’m sure. What I really enjoyed was the current love story and the possible future love story. I am looking forward to reading additional works of Ms Kelly and I want to thank her for letting me read her story. I am looking forward to the other books with hope the Rose of Ridlington her further adventures.
November 18, 2018
A wife by chance!
I loved this book. Maybe because the English was more authentic for the age and words like anxiety were used rather than anxiousness.
The main reason was that the two protagonists were nice people. There was no explosion of love, just a quiet acceptance and knowing. The plot was good but again not extravagant. The whole Ridlington family was warm and living despite the fact that they had such an arrogant and distant father. I would imagine that the Pearls are each of the siblings although the Baron himself can't be his own pearl. That must be Rosaline. And what a lovely Pearl she was!
There are no erotic scenes in this book as it doesn't need them. For anyone who doesn't like wading through pages and pages of unnecessary love scenes but who enjoys a good Recency romance.
I loved this book. Maybe because the English was more authentic for the age and words like anxiety were used rather than anxiousness.
The main reason was that the two protagonists were nice people. There was no explosion of love, just a quiet acceptance and knowing. The plot was good but again not extravagant. The whole Ridlington family was warm and living despite the fact that they had such an arrogant and distant father. I would imagine that the Pearls are each of the siblings although the Baron himself can't be his own pearl. That must be Rosaline. And what a lovely Pearl she was!
There are no erotic scenes in this book as it doesn't need them. For anyone who doesn't like wading through pages and pages of unnecessary love scenes but who enjoys a good Recency romance.
April 16, 2018
The Landlocked Baron by Sahara Kelly is a fantastic historical romance. Ms. Kelly has delivered a well-written book packed with an amazing cast of lovable characters. Edmund gives up his career as a captain in the navy when his father dies. Rosaline comes to Edmund's aid when he is injured at his father's funeral. Their story is entertaining and loaded with drama, humor, sexy bits, action and suspense. This book was addicting and kept me reading until 3 am. I enjoyed every page and look forward to reading more from Sahara Kelly in the future. The Landlocked Baron is book 1 of The Six Pearls Of Baron Ridlington Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
February 6, 2019
A het romance where the author seems to have said what if I make the lead male charming but a touch overwhelmed by being a baron and family patriarch and I make the lead female, interesting, intelligent, strong willed but not a shrew... and throw in a bunch of other interesting people, a load of humor and bit of a mystery? There wasn't a lot of character development, but the characters were interesting enough for me to want to read the next book.
My only critique is that there wasn't a lot of action and the tense scenes were resolved in just a couple pages, but other wise a fun read.
My only critique is that there wasn't a lot of action and the tense scenes were resolved in just a couple pages, but other wise a fun read.
July 2, 2017
This story could have been so much better but there wasn't enough setting, plot or character development. The love between the MCs was sweet but sudden and thus unconvincing.
April 24, 2020
This is a good Regency romance, and a good start to the series. I liked both Edmund and Rosaline, and thought they were good for each other. Their romance was a sweet story of a marriage of convenience that turned into a love match. This book gets 4 stars from me.
For those who care, this book does contain sex within marriage, but it is not terribly explicit.
I thought the way that Edmund and Rosaline met was cute, and very creative.
I did agree with some other reviewers that Rosaline seemed a little TOO perfect. With all the problems at the Ridlington home, one person would not have been able to make so many improvements so quickly. But that was a minor issue, and didn't really bother me.
I enjoyed this book, and enjoyed getting to know the Ridlington family. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
For those who care, this book does contain sex within marriage, but it is not terribly explicit.
I thought the way that Edmund and Rosaline met was cute, and very creative.
I did agree with some other reviewers that Rosaline seemed a little TOO perfect. With all the problems at the Ridlington home, one person would not have been able to make so many improvements so quickly. But that was a minor issue, and didn't really bother me.
I enjoyed this book, and enjoyed getting to know the Ridlington family. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
November 20, 2018
Pleasantly surprised
In a hit-or-miss situation it’s often a ‘miss’ with Kindle Unlimited books but I am happy to say that The Landlocked Baron is a solid hit. It might be tempting to criticize how Edmund and Rosaline came to be married after the shortest acquaintance ever, but given the time period and their mutual circumstances it’s not wholly unbelievable. In fact, this whole novel treats some fairly extraordinary circumstances and makes them interesting and believable.
The author does a solid job of character development for the main characters and just enough development with the secondary characters that it makes the idea of reading their stories in this 6 book series something to anticipate. I really liked the down-to-earth feel of these characters and applauded the lack of silly misunderstandings and lust-filled musings of the male protagonist that so often litter the plot of historical romances. The sex is there between the two main characters but more importantly, I felt a solid romantic chemistry between them.
I found that the pacing was good and the dialog interesting if not solidly representative of the era. My only real criticism is that Rosaline’s use of profanity was a bit excessive given the standards expected for ladies of quality in the Regency era.
Bottom line: I enjoyed this one.
In a hit-or-miss situation it’s often a ‘miss’ with Kindle Unlimited books but I am happy to say that The Landlocked Baron is a solid hit. It might be tempting to criticize how Edmund and Rosaline came to be married after the shortest acquaintance ever, but given the time period and their mutual circumstances it’s not wholly unbelievable. In fact, this whole novel treats some fairly extraordinary circumstances and makes them interesting and believable.
The author does a solid job of character development for the main characters and just enough development with the secondary characters that it makes the idea of reading their stories in this 6 book series something to anticipate. I really liked the down-to-earth feel of these characters and applauded the lack of silly misunderstandings and lust-filled musings of the male protagonist that so often litter the plot of historical romances. The sex is there between the two main characters but more importantly, I felt a solid romantic chemistry between them.
I found that the pacing was good and the dialog interesting if not solidly representative of the era. My only real criticism is that Rosaline’s use of profanity was a bit excessive given the standards expected for ladies of quality in the Regency era.
Bottom line: I enjoyed this one.
May 6, 2017
This was a very late night/ early morning read. Captain Edmund Holbury is now the new Baron Ridlington which he never wanted, he had left home because of his father's treatment of him. He meets Rosaline Henry in a most awkward position his father's coffin hit him in the head as it was being carried and he is taken to the hearse his father's coffin was in. I laughed with this book I went what is going to happen next and could not stop reading ! I was gifted a copy but because I liked it I also bought a copy.
August 26, 2017
A very fine tale
As Edmund and the other pallbearers are carrying his father's coffin, a stumble caused the coffin to slip and crash into Edmund's head. When he opened his eyes, an angel was bending over him. And that's how he met his wife, Rosaline.
Edmund is now Baron Ridlington and is responsible for his five siblings as well as his estate. Unfortunately, the estate is penniless. Something must be done to turn the situation around before they all starve.
What follows is an unexpected adventure on the sea that turns out to be an important mission for the Crown.
18
As Edmund and the other pallbearers are carrying his father's coffin, a stumble caused the coffin to slip and crash into Edmund's head. When he opened his eyes, an angel was bending over him. And that's how he met his wife, Rosaline.
Edmund is now Baron Ridlington and is responsible for his five siblings as well as his estate. Unfortunately, the estate is penniless. Something must be done to turn the situation around before they all starve.
What follows is an unexpected adventure on the sea that turns out to be an important mission for the Crown.
18
November 19, 2018
Well written romance
A very surprising book. Just when I thought I knew what wAs going to happen next, the author took a left turn. The first surprise happened in the second or third chapter.
I though the last surprise was a little outside the realm of possibility but I enjoyed it nevertheless.
Some might say the H/h fell in love too quickly but I don't. I was engaged to my husband of 52 years at four months and married at eight months. When you know, you know. LOL
Can't wait to read the next book.
A very surprising book. Just when I thought I knew what wAs going to happen next, the author took a left turn. The first surprise happened in the second or third chapter.
I though the last surprise was a little outside the realm of possibility but I enjoyed it nevertheless.
Some might say the H/h fell in love too quickly but I don't. I was engaged to my husband of 52 years at four months and married at eight months. When you know, you know. LOL
Can't wait to read the next book.
November 6, 2017
Enjoyable read! As the first book of a series, the main characters are well developed and readers are given enough about the secondary characters to want to know more about them. I enjoyed the developing romance and chemistry of Edmund and Rosalind. The Ridlington siblings are interesting enough to pique the reader's curiosity about their subsequent stories revealed in the rest of the books in the series.
March 3, 2018
As the new baron's estate is short on funds, one would think he'd look for a wife with a decent dowry. Instead he's clearly impressed by the "take-charge" and pragmatic ways of the woman he wakes up to after being knocked unconscious by his father's coffin. Much of the story is how they get on with each other and join efforts to better the estate's financial status. There are some surprises for them and Edmund's siblings along the way. All nicely told, the story kept my interest throughout.
May 5, 2017
This was an amazing story.. The characters made me smile and made me sad with them. I really enjoyed the mystery and intrique... the conflict and happiness... the ships and adventures add that air of fun also.. This was an amazingly written story as always by Sahara and I loved it. I'm glad I got to review it
June 13, 2017
Baron
What cute little book! It was sweet, funny and of course some drama. I really enjoyed this book. I like Sahara 's style of writing. Good characters in this book about the Baron 's family. I recommend this light hearted book that was a quick enjoyable read. Looking forward to read about the rest of the family. 👏👏👏☺☺☺
What cute little book! It was sweet, funny and of course some drama. I really enjoyed this book. I like Sahara 's style of writing. Good characters in this book about the Baron 's family. I recommend this light hearted book that was a quick enjoyable read. Looking forward to read about the rest of the family. 👏👏👏☺☺☺
November 16, 2018
Delightful
Looking for something different from my usual contemporary romance books I downloaded what turned out to be a gem of a marriage of convince story with a little mystery thrown in. The book is well written with interesting characters and I will be downloading the other books in the series.
Looking for something different from my usual contemporary romance books I downloaded what turned out to be a gem of a marriage of convince story with a little mystery thrown in. The book is well written with interesting characters and I will be downloading the other books in the series.
February 2, 2019
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I really enjoyed it. The Ridlingtons are really interesting characters. The developing relationship between Roseline and Edmund is good. The reader also gets to know Edmund’s siblings quite well. The added adventure across to France adds a different level of interest. Great.
May 23, 2020
A review suggested this was a steamy, historical romance and while I enjoyed it, it was too light on the romance for me. There were some great characters, but their adventures got in the way of relationship between the H and h. I did like the plot that clearly sets up for a series but I'm not sure this author is for me. I found the plot unbalance, with too much adventure, not enough romance.
July 4, 2017
Charming
Wonderful mixture of adventure and romance. The family relationship with children from different mothers was likely fairly common. Good job of bringing together the history and players of the times.
Wonderful mixture of adventure and romance. The family relationship with children from different mothers was likely fairly common. Good job of bringing together the history and players of the times.
December 16, 2017
Enjoyable
I was pleasantly surprised by this story of family, financial straights, and open bedroom scenes (after marriage) topped off with danger.
I liked this enough to be interested in more by this author.
Mature content
Read in KU
I was pleasantly surprised by this story of family, financial straights, and open bedroom scenes (after marriage) topped off with danger.
I liked this enough to be interested in more by this author.
Mature content
Read in KU
November 17, 2018
A Baron returns from the sea, after his Father dies
It's a mixed family. The father had been married 3 times. And he was a horrible husband. But then again, an even worse father. At his funeral, his eldest sons, as Baron, and to take care of his family
It's a mixed family. The father had been married 3 times. And he was a horrible husband. But then again, an even worse father. At his funeral, his eldest sons, as Baron, and to take care of his family
November 19, 2018
Delightful
This was a good read. Definitely loved the characters and interested in reading the test of the series. First book I've read by this author and will check out others. Thankful the books are on Kindle Unlimited.
This was a good read. Definitely loved the characters and interested in reading the test of the series. First book I've read by this author and will check out others. Thankful the books are on Kindle Unlimited.
March 1, 2019
Fun read
Fun read with a variety of witty and interesting characters. Can’t wait to read about the other siblings.
The only problem I had was that I only knew the age of one of the brothers.
Fun read with a variety of witty and interesting characters. Can’t wait to read about the other siblings.
The only problem I had was that I only knew the age of one of the brothers.
March 15, 2019
Nice tale.
Just an editorial comment. "The Bard of Avon" did not write "gang agley". That was Robert Burns in "To A Mouse" . "The best laid schemes of mice and men, gang aft a-gley". Before using an attribution, be sure that your source is correct.
Just an editorial comment. "The Bard of Avon" did not write "gang agley". That was Robert Burns in "To A Mouse" . "The best laid schemes of mice and men, gang aft a-gley". Before using an attribution, be sure that your source is correct.
June 10, 2019
Just Lovely
What a lovely story. Well written, with just enough drama to enhance the story, but not overtake it. Sweet love story, family story and the finding your place in both. Definitely a fan of this authors work!
What a lovely story. Well written, with just enough drama to enhance the story, but not overtake it. Sweet love story, family story and the finding your place in both. Definitely a fan of this authors work!
February 27, 2020
Quietly humorous with some steam
Delightful read, there is a thread of gently humour running through the story. Convenience turns to love, for each other and is developing for other characters. Add a touch of danger and mystery and you have a great romantic read
Delightful read, there is a thread of gently humour running through the story. Convenience turns to love, for each other and is developing for other characters. Add a touch of danger and mystery and you have a great romantic read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews