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Courting #2
Courting the Country Miss
Cynical and broken-hearted, Leticia banishes dreams of marriage. When her childhood friend, Tristan, wagers he can find her the perfect husband, she hopes the challenge will coax him to forgo his devil-may-care lifestyle. Meanwhile, Leticia throws herself into forming her charity school but meets opposition—even from the people she’s helping.
Guilt-ridden that his past mistakes robbed Leticia of true love, Tristan vows to set it right, but match-making has its pitfalls for a repentant scoundrel. When he finds two ‘perfect’ gentlemen to court her, he discovers his own deep feelings for the lady.
Though Tristan seems to reform, Leticia doesn’t dare risk heartbreak with a notorious rake. When opposition for the school takes a deadly turn, can Tristan protect her from a madman bent on destroying their dreams and their lives?
Guilt-ridden that his past mistakes robbed Leticia of true love, Tristan vows to set it right, but match-making has its pitfalls for a repentant scoundrel. When he finds two ‘perfect’ gentlemen to court her, he discovers his own deep feelings for the lady.
Though Tristan seems to reform, Leticia doesn’t dare risk heartbreak with a notorious rake. When opposition for the school takes a deadly turn, can Tristan protect her from a madman bent on destroying their dreams and their lives?
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2017
20 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Donna Hatch
43 books1,039 followersMulti-award-winning author of more than twenty best-selling Regency Historical Romances, Donna Hatch is a hopeful romantic and an adventurer at heart. Each book she writes is filled with wit and heart and plenty of swoon-worthy romance. Donna sings, plays the harp, and loves to ballroom dance. Her family, including six children and two cats, recently left their native Arizona for the Pacific coast of the US. No matter where they live, she and her husband of over twenty years are proof that there truly is a happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 14, 2021
There is a reason Ms. Hatch is one of my top favorite Regency authors! I always get so excited when she has a new book coming out and jumped at the chance to joining the tour for Courting the Country Miss. This is a companion novel to Courting the Countess, but stands well on its own.
I have really come to enjoy the whole friends-to-lover plots and thought it was handled really well in this one. Leticia and Tristan have been friends since childhood, they have a very strong friendship that really came to life in the story. Leticia is your typical Regency heroine, very poised, beautiful and likable. Tristan is a rake. Or was one. He's charming and witty and luckily for Leticia, coming to a point in his life where he wants more.
I've read a lot of regencies. The whole Redeemed Rake storyline is very very common, but of all the books I've read with that trope, very few actually felt believable for me. Tristan makes the cut for me, he genuinely wanted to change his ways. Even before he developed romantic feelings for Leticia. His change wasn't overnight, which led to the believability and it was really anchored in his realization that Leticia meant more to him than just a friend. Since I'm personally not a fan of the "rake" it takes a skilled author to make me fall for one! Tristan was a great character, I thought he was well developed and I enjoyed seeing his character grow throughout the story.
Leticia and Tristan have a great friendship, and great romantic chemistry. Sometimes it's hard to pull off the switch from friends to lovers, but it was handled expertly here. I truly felt their feelings change and it was fun watching them figure things out.
Overall, this is a charming regency! Well developed characters, a fun plot with depth and of course a swoony romance! I was glued to the pages and sighed with happiness when we reach our HEA.
Content
Romance: Clean. Talk of past relationships, no details.
Language: None
Violence: Very mild
Religious: None
Series: Courting, Book Two
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I have really come to enjoy the whole friends-to-lover plots and thought it was handled really well in this one. Leticia and Tristan have been friends since childhood, they have a very strong friendship that really came to life in the story. Leticia is your typical Regency heroine, very poised, beautiful and likable. Tristan is a rake. Or was one. He's charming and witty and luckily for Leticia, coming to a point in his life where he wants more.
I've read a lot of regencies. The whole Redeemed Rake storyline is very very common, but of all the books I've read with that trope, very few actually felt believable for me. Tristan makes the cut for me, he genuinely wanted to change his ways. Even before he developed romantic feelings for Leticia. His change wasn't overnight, which led to the believability and it was really anchored in his realization that Leticia meant more to him than just a friend. Since I'm personally not a fan of the "rake" it takes a skilled author to make me fall for one! Tristan was a great character, I thought he was well developed and I enjoyed seeing his character grow throughout the story.
Leticia and Tristan have a great friendship, and great romantic chemistry. Sometimes it's hard to pull off the switch from friends to lovers, but it was handled expertly here. I truly felt their feelings change and it was fun watching them figure things out.
Overall, this is a charming regency! Well developed characters, a fun plot with depth and of course a swoony romance! I was glued to the pages and sighed with happiness when we reach our HEA.
Content
Romance: Clean. Talk of past relationships, no details.
Language: None
Violence: Very mild
Religious: None
Series: Courting, Book Two
Similar Books You May Enjoy...
August 13, 2017
I loved reading about the characters again from Courting the Countess and seeing the story continue. I'm not a fan of "rakes" so it took a while for me to warm up to Tristan, but as the story progressed his vulnerabilities were revealed and his choices to become better and worthy of Leticia made him easier to like. Leticia's disappointment in her love life is the focus of her thoughts early in the book, so I was glad when she put her efforts into creating opportunities for education for the lower class. The action in the plot that came later made things exciting and it was great to see Leticia and Tristan's relationship develop from sibling-like to romance. Another lovely Regency from this author!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions expressed are my own)
August 13, 2017
Donna Hatch is on my favorite author list because she has a way of transporting me right into the Regency era with ease. I feel like I'm experiencing a season and always feel an interest in the characters that she writes about. This story is a companion, of sorts, to Courting the Countess, but it can stand alone.
Tristan is a womanizer for sure. Heck, I couldn't help falling for his smooth talking ways and charming personality. I could even imagine his swoony, good looks. And I must say, I was quite impressed with Leticia. In her quest for happiness and marriage, she isn't one to let disappointment come between her and her friend. She can also handle Tristan, which is quite a feat.
Can people really change? In a book with a dashing hero, dangerous undertones, lovable characters, swoony romance, and more, I couldn't read fast enough to find out. I love the time of realization and clarity, the stolen and tender moments, and the determination to go after desires and dreams. I adored pretty much everything about this book and hope there's more to the story with some of these characters!
Content: mild romance (innuendo, implications of affairs); mild violence.
*I received a copy, which did not affect my thoughts. All opinions are my own.*
Tristan is a womanizer for sure. Heck, I couldn't help falling for his smooth talking ways and charming personality. I could even imagine his swoony, good looks. And I must say, I was quite impressed with Leticia. In her quest for happiness and marriage, she isn't one to let disappointment come between her and her friend. She can also handle Tristan, which is quite a feat.
Can people really change? In a book with a dashing hero, dangerous undertones, lovable characters, swoony romance, and more, I couldn't read fast enough to find out. I love the time of realization and clarity, the stolen and tender moments, and the determination to go after desires and dreams. I adored pretty much everything about this book and hope there's more to the story with some of these characters!
Content: mild romance (innuendo, implications of affairs); mild violence.
*I received a copy, which did not affect my thoughts. All opinions are my own.*
August 23, 2017
I can't even begin to tell you how much I love Donna Hatch's books. Every single time. She has such a way of making me love her characters- imperfections and all.
Tristan is a notorious rake. It's hard to shake a label like that even when you want to. Tristan and Leticia have been friends all their lives so they know each other well. I love that they both had that relationship to draw upon throughout the rough waters of this book. It helped them and it helped me to see Tristan through Leticia's eyes as she remembered Tristan from his childhood. I fell in love with these characters. I wanted so badly for them to figure things out. I loved the swoony moments (and there were quite a few) that had me reaching for a fan to cool my flushed face. :)
This book is set in a series but can stand alone. You will love this book more though if you read Courting the Countess first. Just a suggestion because I'm all about loving these books. If you have never read a book by Donna Hatch this is an awesome place to start. She really is one of my favorite authors in the Regency Romance genre.
Tristan is a notorious rake. It's hard to shake a label like that even when you want to. Tristan and Leticia have been friends all their lives so they know each other well. I love that they both had that relationship to draw upon throughout the rough waters of this book. It helped them and it helped me to see Tristan through Leticia's eyes as she remembered Tristan from his childhood. I fell in love with these characters. I wanted so badly for them to figure things out. I loved the swoony moments (and there were quite a few) that had me reaching for a fan to cool my flushed face. :)
This book is set in a series but can stand alone. You will love this book more though if you read Courting the Countess first. Just a suggestion because I'm all about loving these books. If you have never read a book by Donna Hatch this is an awesome place to start. She really is one of my favorite authors in the Regency Romance genre.
August 19, 2018
This was a well written regency romance. I think this is the best rake to reformed story I have read yet. It took a while to get going and the book was a little long for me. There was a bit of repetition but I understand why the author took her time. She wanted to show his change over a year but I think that making the book so long wasn't the best way to do that. I liked both of these characters and that kept me reading. The ending was a little over the top drama after the quiet pace of the book, but I so enjoyed them finally getting together. Donna sure knows how to write a good kissing scene:} This is a clean book. With some kissing and talk of his womanizing ways but done very well.
August 19, 2017
The more books I read written by Donna Hatch, the more I realize what an amazing author she is. She pulls me into the book and the setting. The characters come to life for me.
This book is about when good intentions have unexpected side effects. Tristan feels bad that his actions (in a previous book) had unintended side effects. His good friend, Leticia, was on the loosing end when he lured a pretty girl into a garden. Now, he wants to make things right and help Leticia find a husband. Fortunately, for the reader, his efforts make a great story. Competition is a great motivator.
This is the second book in a series. The first book explains Tristan and Leticia's back story. I do think that this book could be read without the first and enjoyed. This book contains some serious themes: redemption, repentance, change of heart, forgiveness, helping the underprivileged, etc. There are some light moments that will make you laugh. The characters are great and very human.
Source: I received an eBook for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own,
This book is about when good intentions have unexpected side effects. Tristan feels bad that his actions (in a previous book) had unintended side effects. His good friend, Leticia, was on the loosing end when he lured a pretty girl into a garden. Now, he wants to make things right and help Leticia find a husband. Fortunately, for the reader, his efforts make a great story. Competition is a great motivator.
This is the second book in a series. The first book explains Tristan and Leticia's back story. I do think that this book could be read without the first and enjoyed. This book contains some serious themes: redemption, repentance, change of heart, forgiveness, helping the underprivileged, etc. There are some light moments that will make you laugh. The characters are great and very human.
Source: I received an eBook for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own,
October 27, 2017
Love me a hatch book!!! Also love a friends turned into love story. Loved it!!
January 10, 2020
3.5-4*
I’ve been a fan of Donna Hatch since I randomly stumbled upon her book The Strange She Married on Amazon. That was quite a few years ago now. I haven’t quite read all of the books she’s written since then but I have read several of them and have enjoyed them. I even enjoy reading her blog posts where she shares some pretty neat tidbits and history of the Regency period. So if you’re a fan of that era or just enjoy learning some interesting historical facts then I recommend you check out her blog. Or if you sign up for her newsletter you’ll get links to her blog when she adds a new update.
I saw this series when it was first published and it caught my eye. However I have just recently read them. This is the second book. If you’re not familiar with the first one, Tristan is a secondary character in that book. But we learn quite a bit about him from the first one, Courting the Countess (which I’ll refer to as CtC here on out). He actually spurs on the relationship between the two main characters in that book. Now we get to read his own story as well as another secondary character from the first book. Leticia is the other secondary character and was practically engaged to marry Tristan’s brother until he rather quickly became engaged to another. Which you can go read all about in CtC.
Both Tristan and Leticia are left to heal and move on with life. Tristan has been known as a rake and is finding that his previous ways are not bringing him the happiness they once did. Leticia is hurting from losing the man she has loved her whole life. She grew up with both Tristan and his older brother so they have all been good friends for years.
I enjoyed the continuation of the first story and characters. I was glad that Tristan finally starts to change and reform to be a better character. He wasn’t necessarily a horrible character before, just one who wasn’t willing to settle down and enjoy a fling or two with widows. He wasn’t my favorite character. In fact in the first book I kinda wanted to give him a piece of my mind for causing some of the troubles that he caused. But of course if I did that and it worked then the book wouldn’t have had some of the tension and buildup it needed to be able to have a resolution. So I guess I can’t give characters a piece of my mind. Bummer! But I will say that Tristan has some redeeming qualities that helped me to like him more as a character. He’s a bit of a rascal. Not necessarily in a bad way, he’s very devoted to his family and friends and he has good motives for most of the aspects of his life. He has quite a bit of pain that he is working through from his childhood and some heartaches he’s endured. So looking at him from that understanding makes more sense of his actions. But I did come to like him more near the end of the book.
I won’t go into much more detail about the book. I skimmed a few parts at the beginning and the middle because I was as connected to these characters as previous books. But I felt like the book really picked up and caught my attention when I was about mid-way through. I know that I’ll enjoy the books I read by this author so I stuck with it. The ending was sweet and these two characters were finally able to find healing and their own sweet love story.
Content: The book didn’t have any scenes with characters having sex. As I mentioned before, Tristan is a rake so there are mentions of previous indiscretions with widows. It doesn’t go into detail just more knowing it happened. He has a couple widows very blatantly flirting with him and trying to seduce him. So there are some mild innuendos scattered throughout. I would not label it as squeaky clean but maybe steamy clean would be a better description.
I received a copy from the publisher, The Wild Rose Press, Gia NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
I’ve been a fan of Donna Hatch since I randomly stumbled upon her book The Strange She Married on Amazon. That was quite a few years ago now. I haven’t quite read all of the books she’s written since then but I have read several of them and have enjoyed them. I even enjoy reading her blog posts where she shares some pretty neat tidbits and history of the Regency period. So if you’re a fan of that era or just enjoy learning some interesting historical facts then I recommend you check out her blog. Or if you sign up for her newsletter you’ll get links to her blog when she adds a new update.
I saw this series when it was first published and it caught my eye. However I have just recently read them. This is the second book. If you’re not familiar with the first one, Tristan is a secondary character in that book. But we learn quite a bit about him from the first one, Courting the Countess (which I’ll refer to as CtC here on out). He actually spurs on the relationship between the two main characters in that book. Now we get to read his own story as well as another secondary character from the first book. Leticia is the other secondary character and was practically engaged to marry Tristan’s brother until he rather quickly became engaged to another. Which you can go read all about in CtC.
Both Tristan and Leticia are left to heal and move on with life. Tristan has been known as a rake and is finding that his previous ways are not bringing him the happiness they once did. Leticia is hurting from losing the man she has loved her whole life. She grew up with both Tristan and his older brother so they have all been good friends for years.
I enjoyed the continuation of the first story and characters. I was glad that Tristan finally starts to change and reform to be a better character. He wasn’t necessarily a horrible character before, just one who wasn’t willing to settle down and enjoy a fling or two with widows. He wasn’t my favorite character. In fact in the first book I kinda wanted to give him a piece of my mind for causing some of the troubles that he caused. But of course if I did that and it worked then the book wouldn’t have had some of the tension and buildup it needed to be able to have a resolution. So I guess I can’t give characters a piece of my mind. Bummer! But I will say that Tristan has some redeeming qualities that helped me to like him more as a character. He’s a bit of a rascal. Not necessarily in a bad way, he’s very devoted to his family and friends and he has good motives for most of the aspects of his life. He has quite a bit of pain that he is working through from his childhood and some heartaches he’s endured. So looking at him from that understanding makes more sense of his actions. But I did come to like him more near the end of the book.
I won’t go into much more detail about the book. I skimmed a few parts at the beginning and the middle because I was as connected to these characters as previous books. But I felt like the book really picked up and caught my attention when I was about mid-way through. I know that I’ll enjoy the books I read by this author so I stuck with it. The ending was sweet and these two characters were finally able to find healing and their own sweet love story.
Content: The book didn’t have any scenes with characters having sex. As I mentioned before, Tristan is a rake so there are mentions of previous indiscretions with widows. It doesn’t go into detail just more knowing it happened. He has a couple widows very blatantly flirting with him and trying to seduce him. So there are some mild innuendos scattered throughout. I would not label it as squeaky clean but maybe steamy clean would be a better description.
I received a copy from the publisher, The Wild Rose Press, Gia NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
March 15, 2023
The ‘best friends to more’ trope is one of my faves, and so is the redeemed rogue. Courting the Country Miss combines both for a swoonworthy Regency romance.
Leticia and Tristan have been friends since childhood, and Tristan feels a bit responsible for the fact that Leticia is still unmarried after several Seasons. (The author does a good job of recapping the events from book one, but it wouldn’t hurt to read Courting the Countess first.) To assuage his guilt, he decides to find a husband for Leticia. What could possibly go wrong with that plan?
In the meantime, both Leticia and Tristan are at a bit of a crossroads in their lives. Leticia is on the verge of spinsterhood while also starting a school for underprivileged girls. (I loved this subplot, by the way!) Tristan is straddling the fence between ‘rake’ and ‘hero’ and isn’t quite sure which way he wants to go. Donna Hatch does a fabulous job here of allowing Tristan’s ‘hero heart’ peek through even at his most rakish. His character growth in this novel is really admirable.
Bottom Line: Donna Hatch is one of the masters of clean romance with electric tension and smokin’ hot kisses. Tristan and Leticia – and their story – are a great example. But even more than the romance, the strength of Courting the Country Miss lies in its character growth and the power of friendship. It’s perhaps not my favorite of Hatch’s novels, but it’s a sweet romance with a hero who will have you reaching for your fan and a heroine who will have you cheering her on. I’m hoping there’s a book 3 … and I’m hoping I know who it’s about!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Leticia and Tristan have been friends since childhood, and Tristan feels a bit responsible for the fact that Leticia is still unmarried after several Seasons. (The author does a good job of recapping the events from book one, but it wouldn’t hurt to read Courting the Countess first.) To assuage his guilt, he decides to find a husband for Leticia. What could possibly go wrong with that plan?
In the meantime, both Leticia and Tristan are at a bit of a crossroads in their lives. Leticia is on the verge of spinsterhood while also starting a school for underprivileged girls. (I loved this subplot, by the way!) Tristan is straddling the fence between ‘rake’ and ‘hero’ and isn’t quite sure which way he wants to go. Donna Hatch does a fabulous job here of allowing Tristan’s ‘hero heart’ peek through even at his most rakish. His character growth in this novel is really admirable.
Bottom Line: Donna Hatch is one of the masters of clean romance with electric tension and smokin’ hot kisses. Tristan and Leticia – and their story – are a great example. But even more than the romance, the strength of Courting the Country Miss lies in its character growth and the power of friendship. It’s perhaps not my favorite of Hatch’s novels, but it’s a sweet romance with a hero who will have you reaching for your fan and a heroine who will have you cheering her on. I’m hoping there’s a book 3 … and I’m hoping I know who it’s about!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
August 17, 2017
Cynical and heart-broken, Leticia banishes her dreams of marriage. Tristan, a childhood friend, wagers he can find her the perfect husband. Throwing herself into forming her charity school she begins to meet opposition from all angles. Meanwhile Tristan has discovered two “perfect” gentlemen but discovers his own feelings for her. Will Leticia be willing to risk feelings for Tristan?
I loved this book! Another great romance from Donna Hatch. It was fun watching the story unfold to a sweet romance. A sweet story of love, friendship, and bravery. The characters are fun and you cannot help but admire Leticia and swoon over Tristan.
A fun sweet Regency romance that you will not be able to put down!
*Please note I received a copy for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I loved this book! Another great romance from Donna Hatch. It was fun watching the story unfold to a sweet romance. A sweet story of love, friendship, and bravery. The characters are fun and you cannot help but admire Leticia and swoon over Tristan.
A fun sweet Regency romance that you will not be able to put down!
*Please note I received a copy for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 12, 2017
I was very excited to read Courting the Country Miss by Donna Hatch. She is one of my favorite authors. The plot line is excellent. The characters are well-developed, especially where Tristan is concerned. He is a hero to love. Ms. Hatch has done a masterful job showing his inner thoughts and feelings and taking him through many stages of learning and change. He is masterfully portrayed. I admired Leticia. She has high principles and a desire to do good by establishing a charity school. She acquires depth as the story progresses and grows to love and appreciate Tristan in ways she never thought possible. Donna Hatch’s understanding of life during the Regency Era is unexcelled, and she always delivers a great story and a great romance. *Sigh*
August 18, 2017
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars
I liked Tristan and Leticia. Leticia was so gracious when her heart was broken in the first book. She has accepted the fact that she may never marry and has joined forces with Elizabeth to help those less fortunate than herself. Tristan feels guilty because he is the reason Leticia's heart got broken in the first book, even though he didn't mean for that to happen. So he is determined to help her find a husband who is worthy of her.
But the more time Tristan spends with Leticia, the more he realizes that he wants to be that worthy husband - too bad he's such a rake! I loved that Leticia didn't rush into anything with Tristan - she made him work to prove that he had really changed.
I'm looking forward to more books in this series...
Source: Amazon.com
I liked Tristan and Leticia. Leticia was so gracious when her heart was broken in the first book. She has accepted the fact that she may never marry and has joined forces with Elizabeth to help those less fortunate than herself. Tristan feels guilty because he is the reason Leticia's heart got broken in the first book, even though he didn't mean for that to happen. So he is determined to help her find a husband who is worthy of her.
But the more time Tristan spends with Leticia, the more he realizes that he wants to be that worthy husband - too bad he's such a rake! I loved that Leticia didn't rush into anything with Tristan - she made him work to prove that he had really changed.
I'm looking forward to more books in this series...
Source: Amazon.com
March 19, 2018
2.5 -
I didn't love this book, I think I had a hard time with it because the main character Tristan was such a womanizer in the previous book and all his misconduct came out more in this book. Yes, he changes but Leticia is far more forgiving than I would have been in her situation.
Moral Note: Talk of sex outside of marriage between main character & widowed women, women making innuendos at main character, etc.
I didn't love this book, I think I had a hard time with it because the main character Tristan was such a womanizer in the previous book and all his misconduct came out more in this book. Yes, he changes but Leticia is far more forgiving than I would have been in her situation.
Moral Note: Talk of sex outside of marriage between main character & widowed women, women making innuendos at main character, etc.
September 5, 2017
I don't usually like reformed rake stories—they usually seem disingenuous at best and slimy at worst. However this one worked. The motivation for change, both before the story and during, made sense and it felt like a realistic progression. The romance was sweet and I enjoyed watching their relationship progress and change.
January 27, 2019
I am giving this book 5 stars because of character and plot development, and because I loved Tristan so much. But honestly, I did not really see what they saw in Leticia. She didn’t grab me. But of course since I am a female, if there is a swoon-worthy flawed male, I am usually sold.
August 22, 2017
Courting the Country Miss is a delightful new read from author Donna Hatch. From page one, Hatch pulls readers into her enticing regency era story with her charming characters and engaging story. As always, readers will immediately fall in love with this splendid, fun, sweet, and witty regency romance novel. This is a story that readers will thoroughly enjoy and will want to stay up late reading to see what happens next in the relationships of the wonderful characters. This is a story that readers will not soon forget.
Genre: historical, romance, regency, clean reads
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Publication date: August 4, 2017
Number of pages: 312
A review copy of the book provided by Prism Book Tours. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Genre: historical, romance, regency, clean reads
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Publication date: August 4, 2017
Number of pages: 312
A review copy of the book provided by Prism Book Tours. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
August 7, 2017
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
As a lover of period-inspired pieces, I really enjoyed this book. It's romantic, captivating, and even a little bit cheeky. Great book!
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
As a lover of period-inspired pieces, I really enjoyed this book. It's romantic, captivating, and even a little bit cheeky. Great book!
September 5, 2017
Thanks a lot, Donna Hatch, for making me burn the chicken. Note to self: do not try to cook dinner while reading a Donna Hatch. I DID NOT want to put this down! Donna consistently spins a romance in such a way that makes me root for the hero and heroine. I loved this story of Tristian and Leticia. Fabulous characters and pacing. The dry chicken was worth it!
August 13, 2017
This was a delightful story. Still feeling the effects of losing the man she loved almost all her life, Richard, to Elizabeth who later became a good friend and partner in organizing a school for orphan girls, Leticia determines to remain a spinster. Richard’s brother, Tristan, who has lived a life typical of many of the well-to-do in the hedonistic Regency era, wagers he will find her a husband that meets her high standards before Christmas. She agrees to his efforts, mainly to encourage him to seek the company of a more responsible circle of associates.
The author does a great job of making the characters believable as they make their choices, face their challenges, and suffer the consequences of poor decisions. As Tristan seeks the perfect husband for Leticia, he is prompted to make change in himself. Soon there is a love triangle going as men court Leticia, and decisions are made regarding what really matters. The school Leticia and Elizabeth formed is threatened by those who resist change and do not favor allowing the poor to become educated so they may improve their chances of better supporting themselves. In some respects, this is a story of gaining self-awareness and redemption. There is enough action and suspense to keep the story interesting to the end.
The romance elements are sweet and the book has a satisfying ending. I can recommend it to those who love to read historical romance.
I was given an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily chose to post a review.
The author does a great job of making the characters believable as they make their choices, face their challenges, and suffer the consequences of poor decisions. As Tristan seeks the perfect husband for Leticia, he is prompted to make change in himself. Soon there is a love triangle going as men court Leticia, and decisions are made regarding what really matters. The school Leticia and Elizabeth formed is threatened by those who resist change and do not favor allowing the poor to become educated so they may improve their chances of better supporting themselves. In some respects, this is a story of gaining self-awareness and redemption. There is enough action and suspense to keep the story interesting to the end.
The romance elements are sweet and the book has a satisfying ending. I can recommend it to those who love to read historical romance.
I was given an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily chose to post a review.
August 14, 2017
I always enjoy books from Donna Hatch and this is no exception. All the characters simply come alive and practically jump off the page and into the theatre of my mind. Tristan is about as perfectly imperfect as a hero can be. His dashing good looks and affable manner endear him to all who come to know him. And being a bit of a recovering rake make him all the more desirable to the young ladies, though perhaps not their mamas.
Leticia is just about the sweetest little miss. I love her friendship with Tristan - that they have known each other and been so close since childhood bespeaks of a special bond. You can't help but want them to end up together! Of course, they are friends and can't quite fathom a more romantic relationship. Tristan is determined to find a proper gentleman for Leticia to fall in love with and marry before the year's end so that he can go back to his rakish ways and comfortable bachelorhood.
I absolutely love this story. Just the right combination of anticipation, tension, and desire. This is the type of book I love to get lost in as the hours disappear and my responsibilities are left by the wayside.
FYI ~ clean read
Honest disclosure~ I received a copy for review
Leticia is just about the sweetest little miss. I love her friendship with Tristan - that they have known each other and been so close since childhood bespeaks of a special bond. You can't help but want them to end up together! Of course, they are friends and can't quite fathom a more romantic relationship. Tristan is determined to find a proper gentleman for Leticia to fall in love with and marry before the year's end so that he can go back to his rakish ways and comfortable bachelorhood.
I absolutely love this story. Just the right combination of anticipation, tension, and desire. This is the type of book I love to get lost in as the hours disappear and my responsibilities are left by the wayside.
FYI ~ clean read
Honest disclosure~ I received a copy for review
August 15, 2017
Great read
Love Donna Hatch books. This one lived up to my expectations. She has a way of writing that you feel you know the characters.
Love Donna Hatch books. This one lived up to my expectations. She has a way of writing that you feel you know the characters.
August 15, 2017
The story opens with Leticia (“Tish”) heartbroken. Richard, the man she had always assumed she would marry, is now married to another, and it all his brother Tristan’s fault. Fortunately, she has made friends with Richard’s new wife Elizabeth and the two of them are planning to start a charity school for poor girls to teach them enough skills to rise in the world.
Tristan is a charmer, a rake, and Leticia’s best friend. Feeling guilty for having destroyed Tish’s happiness, Tristan comes up with a wager–he’ll find Tish a husband by Christmas…or donate a hundred pounds to her charity school venture. He sets to work finding a pool of suitable suitors (sensible, kind…and monogamous) among the high-ranking nobles of the ton and sends them in Tish’s direction. But when he finds himself inexplicably jealous of every man he introduces to her, he is forced to reevaluate his priorities. Could he ever prevail on Leticia to be more than just his friend, or will his past disqualify him from finding true love with the only one who understands him perfectly?
This book had a sweet, if somewhat predictable, story. Out of all the characters, Tristan Barrett was the star from beginning to end. His charm was undeniable and his story kept the pages turning. I haven’t read the first book in this series yet, but I’m intrigued by the part he plays in that, and I might need to go backwards to get the whole story.
One thing I thought could be improved in this book was a gradual unfolding of the main characters’ motivations, rather than just telling them upfront in the beginning chapter. I also found it slightly incredible how many times Tristan and Tish ignored propriety by going off together by themselves (given the social repercussions that followed this kind of behavior in the previous book).
All in all, it was a relaxing read for a lazy afternoon. I’ll be keeping an eye out for other books by Donna Hatch.
Tristan is a charmer, a rake, and Leticia’s best friend. Feeling guilty for having destroyed Tish’s happiness, Tristan comes up with a wager–he’ll find Tish a husband by Christmas…or donate a hundred pounds to her charity school venture. He sets to work finding a pool of suitable suitors (sensible, kind…and monogamous) among the high-ranking nobles of the ton and sends them in Tish’s direction. But when he finds himself inexplicably jealous of every man he introduces to her, he is forced to reevaluate his priorities. Could he ever prevail on Leticia to be more than just his friend, or will his past disqualify him from finding true love with the only one who understands him perfectly?
This book had a sweet, if somewhat predictable, story. Out of all the characters, Tristan Barrett was the star from beginning to end. His charm was undeniable and his story kept the pages turning. I haven’t read the first book in this series yet, but I’m intrigued by the part he plays in that, and I might need to go backwards to get the whole story.
One thing I thought could be improved in this book was a gradual unfolding of the main characters’ motivations, rather than just telling them upfront in the beginning chapter. I also found it slightly incredible how many times Tristan and Tish ignored propriety by going off together by themselves (given the social repercussions that followed this kind of behavior in the previous book).
All in all, it was a relaxing read for a lazy afternoon. I’ll be keeping an eye out for other books by Donna Hatch.
April 10, 2018
“Courting the Country Miss” is another winner by author Donna Hatch. Can’t say it grabbed my attention right away, but it was enough to keep me reading and enjoying the whole story. Young Leticia Wentworth signs on as her little sister’s escort for her first London season. Leticia figures she’s a has-been because she has not garnered any attention in the marriage mart game the past two seasons.
Leticia’s best childhood friend, Tristen, a known rake, makes a bargain with her to find her a husband before Christmas. Leticia thinks he is crazy to even give her the challenge, and thus has no confidence in her “attract-ability”. Of course, she has certain strict criteria that he must consider, and it’s pretty opposite of the kind of guy that Tristen is. There entails the challenge.
Tristen does get to work on the wager and finds two handsome possibilities. Both seem genuinely interested in the lovely Leticia, and she actually finds each worth her time. The problem is, that Tristen and Leticia are BFFs and that friendship is more powerful than each realizes.
It’s a common plot for Regency novels, but it’s always fun to see how different authors carry through with creativity. Donna Hatch has some wonderful plot turns that made this one a page-turner for me. Loved the hot air balloon ride scene! (First time I have ever had something like that included!)
I would strongly suggest reading this series in order because the characters and their stories set the background. The first one, “Courting the Countess” was only a 3-star for me, but I do recommend reading it before “Courting the Country Miss”. (I like #2 better.) Donna Hatch books have a solid spot on my personal library shelves.
Leticia’s best childhood friend, Tristen, a known rake, makes a bargain with her to find her a husband before Christmas. Leticia thinks he is crazy to even give her the challenge, and thus has no confidence in her “attract-ability”. Of course, she has certain strict criteria that he must consider, and it’s pretty opposite of the kind of guy that Tristen is. There entails the challenge.
Tristen does get to work on the wager and finds two handsome possibilities. Both seem genuinely interested in the lovely Leticia, and she actually finds each worth her time. The problem is, that Tristen and Leticia are BFFs and that friendship is more powerful than each realizes.
It’s a common plot for Regency novels, but it’s always fun to see how different authors carry through with creativity. Donna Hatch has some wonderful plot turns that made this one a page-turner for me. Loved the hot air balloon ride scene! (First time I have ever had something like that included!)
I would strongly suggest reading this series in order because the characters and their stories set the background. The first one, “Courting the Countess” was only a 3-star for me, but I do recommend reading it before “Courting the Country Miss”. (I like #2 better.) Donna Hatch books have a solid spot on my personal library shelves.
August 13, 2017
Courting the Country Miss is the sequel to Courting the Countess. Although you can read then each as their own, I really suggest reading Countess before Miss. Especially since our main characters are in the spots they are at the start of the book because of what our hero's dissipated behaviours at the start of book one.
If Tristan hadn't compromised Elizabeth's reputation at the start of book one, Richard and she wouldn't have wed. Their marriage and love is what aggravates Leticia so much at the start of this book, four years after the start of the previous book.
But yet Leticia and Elizabeth became friends and are working on creating a charity school to teach girls how to read, write and do basic maths. This is part of the key issue in this book. While trying to raise funds for the school, a killer sets his sights on her.
Watching Tristan attempt to find a husband for Leticia was amusing. So careful to give his lifelong friends what he feels she deserves whole fighting his own jealousy. It also hurt seeing the scars that are in Tristan from the actions of his mother.
The build up of his falling for her and the mess she's in with a killer trying to get her held me glued to the pages until the early morning hours. The author spins a sweet but sizzling romance and leaves me wanting more of her work.
If Tristan hadn't compromised Elizabeth's reputation at the start of book one, Richard and she wouldn't have wed. Their marriage and love is what aggravates Leticia so much at the start of this book, four years after the start of the previous book.
But yet Leticia and Elizabeth became friends and are working on creating a charity school to teach girls how to read, write and do basic maths. This is part of the key issue in this book. While trying to raise funds for the school, a killer sets his sights on her.
Watching Tristan attempt to find a husband for Leticia was amusing. So careful to give his lifelong friends what he feels she deserves whole fighting his own jealousy. It also hurt seeing the scars that are in Tristan from the actions of his mother.
The build up of his falling for her and the mess she's in with a killer trying to get her held me glued to the pages until the early morning hours. The author spins a sweet but sizzling romance and leaves me wanting more of her work.
January 5, 2020
Tristan's rash action destroyed his childhood friend Letitia's expected marriage to Tristsan's brother - and as a result, he feels guilty and responsible for finding her a husband. Letitia isn't interested in such a project, but she hopes it will change the company he frequents for the better, and therefore doesn't object. But when he begins to think of others courting and marrying Letitia, he begins to realise that that's not what he wants at all... When the chips are down, can the wrongs of the past be made right?
The tale of Tristan's action and its immediate results are told in an earlier book, which it might be helpful to read first, but it's not actually necessary. Like the first book, this is well written, with romance that develops slowly and some background suspense and charity that exposes the divides in society, particularly then but possibly also now to a lesser extent. Well-plotted and enjoyable, I've enjoyed every book I've come across by this author and recommend them as clean Regency fiction that's sometimes tackled from slightly different angles to the typical obsession with titles (how many dukes do people really think there were around?) and balls. I look forward to more by the author.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
The tale of Tristan's action and its immediate results are told in an earlier book, which it might be helpful to read first, but it's not actually necessary. Like the first book, this is well written, with romance that develops slowly and some background suspense and charity that exposes the divides in society, particularly then but possibly also now to a lesser extent. Well-plotted and enjoyable, I've enjoyed every book I've come across by this author and recommend them as clean Regency fiction that's sometimes tackled from slightly different angles to the typical obsession with titles (how many dukes do people really think there were around?) and balls. I look forward to more by the author.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
November 4, 2019
This story follows "Courting the Countess", this time featuring Leticia Wentworth and Tristan Barrett as the heroine and hero.
Leticia displays uncommon grace, even after getting the short end of the stick in the first novel, through no fault of her own. She becomes best friends with the woman who married her "true love" (this is not a spoiler), and together they open a charity school. This unpopular venture has been a subject in other novels I've read, and is well-portrayed here, with resulting danger.
Tristan is charming and we learn why he acts as he does. His character growth is refreshing, as I did not much care for him in the first book. Leticia and Tristan gradually go from best friends to something more. Thankfully, there is no insta-love!
For a better understanding of the characters' personalities and motivations, it is better to read "Courting the Countess" first, although this is technically a stand-alone.
Donna Hatch's prose flows well with few grammatical errors. This book is also clean. I've read most of Hatch's writings, and while this is not my favorite, I recommend them all.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this enjoyable novel.
Leticia displays uncommon grace, even after getting the short end of the stick in the first novel, through no fault of her own. She becomes best friends with the woman who married her "true love" (this is not a spoiler), and together they open a charity school. This unpopular venture has been a subject in other novels I've read, and is well-portrayed here, with resulting danger.
Tristan is charming and we learn why he acts as he does. His character growth is refreshing, as I did not much care for him in the first book. Leticia and Tristan gradually go from best friends to something more. Thankfully, there is no insta-love!
For a better understanding of the characters' personalities and motivations, it is better to read "Courting the Countess" first, although this is technically a stand-alone.
Donna Hatch's prose flows well with few grammatical errors. This book is also clean. I've read most of Hatch's writings, and while this is not my favorite, I recommend them all.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this enjoyable novel.
August 5, 2017
Leticia expected to marry Richard, a serious, perfect gentleman. Seeing him happily married to someone else breaks her heart, but she carries on. Tristan, feeling guilty for his part in shattering his childhood friend's hopes for the future, sets out to find her a husband. Can past feelings be overcome when new feelings begin to bloom?
Having first met Leticia in book one, I wasn't overly impressed with her character. She improves somewhat in this book, however I can't say that she is a favorite. She spends a great deal of time mourning the future she lost with Richard. To take her mind off her loss, she throws herself into helping organize a school, which brings her into danger. Is her determination to go on bravery or ignorance?
Tristan was not as enjoyable as his brother. There are frequent mentions of his "connection" he made with Elizabeth in the first book, but I never really saw it. His desire to change was done believably, though.
As far as Regency romances, this is enjoyable enough, though not an immediate favorite of mine. Still, fans of Donna Hatch will definitely enjoy it.
I received a copy from Loving the Book
Having first met Leticia in book one, I wasn't overly impressed with her character. She improves somewhat in this book, however I can't say that she is a favorite. She spends a great deal of time mourning the future she lost with Richard. To take her mind off her loss, she throws herself into helping organize a school, which brings her into danger. Is her determination to go on bravery or ignorance?
Tristan was not as enjoyable as his brother. There are frequent mentions of his "connection" he made with Elizabeth in the first book, but I never really saw it. His desire to change was done believably, though.
As far as Regency romances, this is enjoyable enough, though not an immediate favorite of mine. Still, fans of Donna Hatch will definitely enjoy it.
I received a copy from Loving the Book
August 15, 2017
I love best friends to more stories and I enjoy the Regency period stories, so Courting the Country Miss had two points in its favor before I even began reading it.
It took a little while to get everything set up between Leticia and Tristan, but once all of the pieces are in place, these two friends’ story came together quickly. As Tristan realizes he wants more than friendship from the only person who has stood by his side over the years, Leticia fears giving her heart to him. Tristan must prove he’s changed. Not an easy thing to do when you’ve got competition and a tight timeline.
As teasing turns to flirting and friendship blossoms into love, I appreciated that those feelings weren’t a light-switch reaction. It takes a while for these two to admit they feel more for each other.
Leticia’s determination to educate women of the lower class despite the threats from her peers is admirable. Tristan’s protectiveness for his friend (from the beginning of the book) is sweet and shows the reader what’s buried under the person he projects to others.
The ending felt a little rushed to me but overall, Donna Hatch does an admirable job of taking readers on an admirable journey of love, bravery, and friendship. Courting the Country Miss is a pleasant and clean story for those who enjoy reading about the Regency period.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
It took a little while to get everything set up between Leticia and Tristan, but once all of the pieces are in place, these two friends’ story came together quickly. As Tristan realizes he wants more than friendship from the only person who has stood by his side over the years, Leticia fears giving her heart to him. Tristan must prove he’s changed. Not an easy thing to do when you’ve got competition and a tight timeline.
As teasing turns to flirting and friendship blossoms into love, I appreciated that those feelings weren’t a light-switch reaction. It takes a while for these two to admit they feel more for each other.
Leticia’s determination to educate women of the lower class despite the threats from her peers is admirable. Tristan’s protectiveness for his friend (from the beginning of the book) is sweet and shows the reader what’s buried under the person he projects to others.
The ending felt a little rushed to me but overall, Donna Hatch does an admirable job of taking readers on an admirable journey of love, bravery, and friendship. Courting the Country Miss is a pleasant and clean story for those who enjoy reading about the Regency period.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
June 9, 2021
I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
For the kost part I liked this book.
Leticia was left heartbroken when the man she knew she would marry since childhood wed another.
Tristan was responsible for Leticia's heartbreaking so he decides to play matchmaker. Until he realizes that he wants her for himself.
It took longer than I liked for Tristan to change his ways and that made the book feel a little slow and dragged on a bit too long.
But overall I liked their story.
For the kost part I liked this book.
Leticia was left heartbroken when the man she knew she would marry since childhood wed another.
Tristan was responsible for Leticia's heartbreaking so he decides to play matchmaker. Until he realizes that he wants her for himself.
It took longer than I liked for Tristan to change his ways and that made the book feel a little slow and dragged on a bit too long.
But overall I liked their story.
October 18, 2017
This book took me a bit longer to get into...I liked all the characters and enjoyed it but it wasn't until half way through that I really got into the story line.
I also enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Leticia and Tristan even though at times they frustrated me with all their misunderstandings.
Overall, it was a fun regency read! :)
I also enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Leticia and Tristan even though at times they frustrated me with all their misunderstandings.
Overall, it was a fun regency read! :)
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