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Regency House Party: Somerstone #1
The Unwanted Suitor
From Book 1: When Cornelia Greystock received a proposal from Sir James Hawkston, she couldn’t bear it. It had been inspired, she knew, from pity and remorse—not love. Unable to face him afterward, she leaped at an offer of employment from the Countess, Lady Du’Breven. Serving as her companion, Cornelia struggles to adjust to the change in her social status, but the hard work distracts her from her broken heart. That is, until the Countess decides to hold a summer house party at her family estate and invites Sir James.
Sir James has never recovered from his disappointment when Miss Greystock refused his proposal and then fled, according to her family, to live with an unheard-of aunt in Ireland. When he grudgingly accepts an invitation to Lady Du’Breven’s house party, however, he is astounded to find Miss Greystock there. One thing is certain—this time he’ll court her the way he always should have. He is almost certain she returns his feelings, but he must tread carefully. If she refuses his proposal a second time, it would not be gentlemanly to ask a third. As time grows short and she continues to hold him at arms-length, will he find a way to at last win her hand?
The Unwanted Suitor is one of five books all set at the same Regency House Party. While each is a standalone story, watch our characters mingle together with others from the other books in the series. The stories are clean romances and can be read in any order.
Sir James has never recovered from his disappointment when Miss Greystock refused his proposal and then fled, according to her family, to live with an unheard-of aunt in Ireland. When he grudgingly accepts an invitation to Lady Du’Breven’s house party, however, he is astounded to find Miss Greystock there. One thing is certain—this time he’ll court her the way he always should have. He is almost certain she returns his feelings, but he must tread carefully. If she refuses his proposal a second time, it would not be gentlemanly to ask a third. As time grows short and she continues to hold him at arms-length, will he find a way to at last win her hand?
The Unwanted Suitor is one of five books all set at the same Regency House Party. While each is a standalone story, watch our characters mingle together with others from the other books in the series. The stories are clean romances and can be read in any order.
132 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2018
109 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
September 26, 2018
Miss Cornelia Greystock has secretly been in love with her neighbor, Sir James Hawkston for a long time. She did not think that she would ever catch his eye, so she set her sights on his younger brother. But when Timothy professed himself to be in love with her, Sir James made arrangements for him to be betrothed to a wealthy heiress from Bath and ruined her hopes of marriage. So imagine Cornelia's shock when Sir James proposes to her out of pity. She turns him down and flees her home, unable to face him every day.
She finds herself employed as a companion to Countess Du'Breven. Struggling to adjust to her new social standing, she throws herself into her work in hopes that someday her broken heart will heal. When the Countess decides to throw a summer house party, Cornelia finds herself splitting the duties of hostess with her. While reading the names of who'll be attending, Cornelia is shocked to see Sir James' name on the list. She will need to do her best to keep her feelings from showing. He cannot know that she still loves with him.
Sir James Hawkston does not know what in the world possessed him to say yes to attending Countess Du'Breven's summer house party. He's still trying to recover from his rejected proposal. He can't believe how bad he messed everything up. When he arrives at Somerstone, he's shocked to see that Cornelia is employed with the Countess and not off living with some distant aunt like he was told.
Things are starting to look up for Sir James. Now he'll have a second chance at courting Cornelia and showing her just how much he loves her. But with her new social standing, it's not going to be easy. He'll have to convince her that being a Lady's companion is not what life has in store for her. She deserves a happily ever after and he won't stop until he gives it to her.
*dreamy sigh*
Oh my gosh! You guys! I absolutely LOVED The Unwanted Suitor! I was sucked in from the very beginning and devoured it in just a couple of hours! I adored both Cornelia and James. They were perfect for each other! I did NOT want the book to end! I knew going in that it was a novella but I was secretly hoping it would magically turn into a full length novel! A girl can dream, right?! If you're looking for a cute, fun afternoon read and are a fan of regency, then I highly recommend this one! You can thank me later... ;)
This was the first book in the Regency House Party Somerstone series and I already know I will be reading the other books! I want to know what other scheming the Countess Du'Breven has been up to!
Ms. Pennington has quickly become a favorite of mine! I'm definitely looking forward to what she has in store for us next!
And my review just wouldn't be complete without my casting! I adore these two! What do you think?!
Nominated for a 2018 Swoony Award, vote here http://bit.ly/2CWYB9U
She finds herself employed as a companion to Countess Du'Breven. Struggling to adjust to her new social standing, she throws herself into her work in hopes that someday her broken heart will heal. When the Countess decides to throw a summer house party, Cornelia finds herself splitting the duties of hostess with her. While reading the names of who'll be attending, Cornelia is shocked to see Sir James' name on the list. She will need to do her best to keep her feelings from showing. He cannot know that she still loves with him.
Sir James Hawkston does not know what in the world possessed him to say yes to attending Countess Du'Breven's summer house party. He's still trying to recover from his rejected proposal. He can't believe how bad he messed everything up. When he arrives at Somerstone, he's shocked to see that Cornelia is employed with the Countess and not off living with some distant aunt like he was told.
Things are starting to look up for Sir James. Now he'll have a second chance at courting Cornelia and showing her just how much he loves her. But with her new social standing, it's not going to be easy. He'll have to convince her that being a Lady's companion is not what life has in store for her. She deserves a happily ever after and he won't stop until he gives it to her.
*dreamy sigh*
Oh my gosh! You guys! I absolutely LOVED The Unwanted Suitor! I was sucked in from the very beginning and devoured it in just a couple of hours! I adored both Cornelia and James. They were perfect for each other! I did NOT want the book to end! I knew going in that it was a novella but I was secretly hoping it would magically turn into a full length novel! A girl can dream, right?! If you're looking for a cute, fun afternoon read and are a fan of regency, then I highly recommend this one! You can thank me later... ;)
This was the first book in the Regency House Party Somerstone series and I already know I will be reading the other books! I want to know what other scheming the Countess Du'Breven has been up to!
Ms. Pennington has quickly become a favorite of mine! I'm definitely looking forward to what she has in store for us next!
And my review just wouldn't be complete without my casting! I adore these two! What do you think?!
Nominated for a 2018 Swoony Award, vote here http://bit.ly/2CWYB9U
September 18, 2018
Very fun regency novella. I read this in a couple hours and really enjoyed it. It is a first in a series. I have already read the second book and am already impressed with this collection. How did they orchestrate all these books to go together? So cool. This was a fun story of the classic idiot guy not thinking things threw and hurting the girl. The author did a great job of lengthening it out in a believable way. You get good bits of tension. Fun story.
September 2, 2019
Second chances are always fun to read. In this story, a miscommunication and pride come between Cornelia and James. With the help of a scheming Countess and some mischief and mayhem will these two have a chance at happiness? I really enjoyed this one and may look into the rest of the House Party books.
September 20, 2018
Fun, cute regency. Cornelia Greystock's life was ruined when Sir James, her handsome neighbor, ends her romance with his younger brother Timothy by marrying him to a wealthy heiress - and then pity-proposes to her. She runs away to become a companion to the Countess Du'Breven. Countess Du'Breven has a house party and invites Sir James who realizes what a bad job he did proposing to Cornelia without a courtship and without letting her know how he really feels about her. So he uses the house party as an opportunity to court her, even as she tries setting him up with other women at the house party.
Note: There were a lot of typos in this book so if that is something that really bothers you, be forewarned.
Content: Clean
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Note: There were a lot of typos in this book so if that is something that really bothers you, be forewarned.
Content: Clean
Source: Kindle Unlimited
November 1, 2018
This was a sweet story. I enjoyed how playful their relationship was
November 6, 2018
3.5 stars
When Cornelia takes a place as a lady’s companion, she doesn’t plan to ever see Sir James Hawkston again but her new employer has other ideas.
This was a short, fun story about two people who love each other but maybe don’t currently like each other. Sir James knows he messed up when he proposed marriage to Cornelia and is determined to do it right this time.
I loved that Sir James pursued Cornelia with single-minded focus. Instead of getting angry at the pranks she pulls on him, he delights in them. And despite Cornelia’s attempts at avoiding him, he makes sure their paths cross repeatedly.
This is the first book I’ve read in The Regency House Party series (there are five) but it is a great introduction to the series. I didn’t ever feel like I was missing out on a secret with the other guests and got a good sense of Lady Du’Breven’s meddling—it’s for the best for these two characters.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books 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.
When Cornelia takes a place as a lady’s companion, she doesn’t plan to ever see Sir James Hawkston again but her new employer has other ideas.
This was a short, fun story about two people who love each other but maybe don’t currently like each other. Sir James knows he messed up when he proposed marriage to Cornelia and is determined to do it right this time.
I loved that Sir James pursued Cornelia with single-minded focus. Instead of getting angry at the pranks she pulls on him, he delights in them. And despite Cornelia’s attempts at avoiding him, he makes sure their paths cross repeatedly.
This is the first book I’ve read in The Regency House Party series (there are five) but it is a great introduction to the series. I didn’t ever feel like I was missing out on a secret with the other guests and got a good sense of Lady Du’Breven’s meddling—it’s for the best for these two characters.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books 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.
April 17, 2019
Excellent Book
I have just finished this Series and have grinned often and enjoyed each character! What a great way to enjoy life and escape- thank you House Party -and all the creative artists/authors.
I have just finished this Series and have grinned often and enjoyed each character! What a great way to enjoy life and escape- thank you House Party -and all the creative artists/authors.
April 20, 2019
3.5 Stars
This was a short and sweet regency novella, and although clean and well written, it just felt a bit too predictable. Still a good book, it just didn’t really stand out to me.
This was a short and sweet regency novella, and although clean and well written, it just felt a bit too predictable. Still a good book, it just didn’t really stand out to me.
March 5, 2019
I loved this cute story! Sir James definitely bungled his first proposal, but now he has an unexpected second chance with Cornelia. I loved his determination to show her he loves her. There were many sweet, romantic moments, and some very fun pranks as well. I laughed, I sighed, and I enjoyed every minute. Lady Du'Breven knew what she was doing with these two!
February 17, 2019
4.5
"There is something so stirring about moonlit gardens and evening rainstorms… and fish heads beneath my window.”
I love a sassy character from the Regency era. I really, really this book. I had such fun reading this series. This one is about Cornelia Greystock and Sir James Hawkston. You'll be smiling and even chuckling at them throughout this cute, clean romance.
What is neat about this series is each book is written by a different author from different characters all taking place at a house party at Somerstone. They are standalone stories and can be read in any order. I did find small inconsistencies throughout and in varying degrees between the books, but overall I would recommend the series to anyone who enjoys clean regency romances.
I would give the series as a whole 4 stars.
And, to keep it all straight in my mind... I'm going to list out my favorites:
1. An Unlikely Courtship (#2) 4.5 stars
2. The Unwanted Suitor (#1) 4.5 stars
3. The Stable Master's Daughter (#4) 3 stars
4. Mistaken Identity (#3) 3 stars
5. Tabitha's Folly (#5) 2 stars
6. Damen's Secret (Novella) 2 stars
(It's really hard to pick a favorite between books 1 & 2. I would happily reread either; but I think If I had them on my shelf, I'd grab An Unlikely Courtship first.)
"There is something so stirring about moonlit gardens and evening rainstorms… and fish heads beneath my window.”
I love a sassy character from the Regency era. I really, really this book. I had such fun reading this series. This one is about Cornelia Greystock and Sir James Hawkston. You'll be smiling and even chuckling at them throughout this cute, clean romance.
What is neat about this series is each book is written by a different author from different characters all taking place at a house party at Somerstone. They are standalone stories and can be read in any order. I did find small inconsistencies throughout and in varying degrees between the books, but overall I would recommend the series to anyone who enjoys clean regency romances.
I would give the series as a whole 4 stars.
And, to keep it all straight in my mind... I'm going to list out my favorites:
1. An Unlikely Courtship (#2) 4.5 stars
2. The Unwanted Suitor (#1) 4.5 stars
3. The Stable Master's Daughter (#4) 3 stars
4. Mistaken Identity (#3) 3 stars
5. Tabitha's Folly (#5) 2 stars
6. Damen's Secret (Novella) 2 stars
(It's really hard to pick a favorite between books 1 & 2. I would happily reread either; but I think If I had them on my shelf, I'd grab An Unlikely Courtship first.)
September 13, 2018
If there is anything i do not want to read when i choose historicals is a couple of those times behaving like contemporary teenagers. Even if the point of this was some sort of fiction where women were more empowered and outspoken, it just doesn't fit the times standars and to be honest is the opposite of what i was looking for. The heroine could have been "outspoken for that time" instead of outspoken for what this time considers an historical heroine should be. There is no way the way they treated each other (herself with plain rudeness towards him, being an employee and completly lower in rank; even if it sounds ridiculous now, it was not at the time and no character of the time would have found it logical) could have passed without people noticing or even comenting on it. Maybe it just isn't for people expecting the characters to act acordingly to that time, but what's the point of historicals then?
July 23, 2019
I really enjoyed this book!
I can hardly believe I had this book for so long before reading it! It sat in by TBR pile along with so many others & due to life getting crazy busy it became buried I’m sad to say. Not that having so many books to choose from is a bad thing haha but I found this to be a delightful book & I am eagerly looking forward to going through the rest of the series. A feel good, clean, Regency Era romance - what’s not to love?
I can hardly believe I had this book for so long before reading it! It sat in by TBR pile along with so many others & due to life getting crazy busy it became buried I’m sad to say. Not that having so many books to choose from is a bad thing haha but I found this to be a delightful book & I am eagerly looking forward to going through the rest of the series. A feel good, clean, Regency Era romance - what’s not to love?
September 7, 2018
The characters were well developed for a novella. Step back in time to Regency House Parties. A fun and clean read.
September 9, 2018
I really enjoyed this story
This was a fun story with wonderful characters. I loved the time period and setting for the story. This is a sweet, clean romance.
This was a fun story with wonderful characters. I loved the time period and setting for the story. This is a sweet, clean romance.
November 6, 2018
The Unwanted Suitor
Regency House Party: Somerstone #1
By Michelle Pennington
Cornelia Greystock made a rash decision when she refused Sir James Hawkston's offer of marriage. She left her family behind and became a paid companion for the Countess Du'Breven. No longer able to take part in what Society had to offer she has severely limited her future prospects. And when the Countess determines to hold a house party at Somerstone Manor Cornelia is expected to help keep everything running smoothly.
To Cornelia's dismay, Sir James Hawkston is on the guest list and he has accepted. Determined to pair the man who broke her heart with one of the young ladies in attendance, Cornelia's efforts are thwarted when James realizes that Cornelia is in attendance and not hiding away in the country.
As Cornelia proves that she is the hoyden that she has always been in her mission to exact revenge on James she just might steal his heart - unless she kills him first. Determined to right the wrong he committed James and Cornelia just might be playing right into the Countess's scheme.
This is a sweet and easy read that is set in the Regency period (in case you couldn't determine that from the series name). Cornelia is a most entertaining individual as she schemes and plans how to best torment James. And the Countess Du'Breven, well all young ladies in search of a suitable match would do well to end up on her invitation list. And who couldn't help loving Wellington, I mean pugs are just such individuals - I know from experience having a "cousin" who was one and babysitting a couple of them over the years.
I would recommend this book to fans of cute, clean, fun reads. And if you like historical Regency fiction ENJOY!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through SLB Book Tours with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion ~ All views expressed are my own.
Regency House Party: Somerstone #1
By Michelle Pennington
Cornelia Greystock made a rash decision when she refused Sir James Hawkston's offer of marriage. She left her family behind and became a paid companion for the Countess Du'Breven. No longer able to take part in what Society had to offer she has severely limited her future prospects. And when the Countess determines to hold a house party at Somerstone Manor Cornelia is expected to help keep everything running smoothly.
To Cornelia's dismay, Sir James Hawkston is on the guest list and he has accepted. Determined to pair the man who broke her heart with one of the young ladies in attendance, Cornelia's efforts are thwarted when James realizes that Cornelia is in attendance and not hiding away in the country.
As Cornelia proves that she is the hoyden that she has always been in her mission to exact revenge on James she just might steal his heart - unless she kills him first. Determined to right the wrong he committed James and Cornelia just might be playing right into the Countess's scheme.
This is a sweet and easy read that is set in the Regency period (in case you couldn't determine that from the series name). Cornelia is a most entertaining individual as she schemes and plans how to best torment James. And the Countess Du'Breven, well all young ladies in search of a suitable match would do well to end up on her invitation list. And who couldn't help loving Wellington, I mean pugs are just such individuals - I know from experience having a "cousin" who was one and babysitting a couple of them over the years.
I would recommend this book to fans of cute, clean, fun reads. And if you like historical Regency fiction ENJOY!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through SLB Book Tours with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion ~ All views expressed are my own.
November 15, 2018
This is the first book I have read in the Regency House Party series, and it was wonderful. If you enjoy period pieces, then you will love reading about the characters in this story. What is most interesting about this tale though is that it is connected to four other works. Five authors in total collaborated to write these books, and each one is connected; however, each story can be read alone and understood.
Cornelia Greystock has lived a life of pleasure, but now finds herself working as a companion to a Countess. Of course, this type of work is below her station, and even though things have been going somewhat well, she is soon found out by someone from her past. Miss Greystock wants to be left alone to attend to her duties, but knows that her past still calls to her. Will she be able to overcome certain scars in order to find her future?
In an attempt to recover from his past mistakes, Sir James visits the home of a Countess—upon her invitation. He believes the invite to be purely innocent until he runs into a certain lady. Why would Miss Greystock be working as a companion? Why would she be working at all? He ponders this and the pains of his heart throughout his stay, as he hopes to find answers to all his questions. Is it possible to find happiness again even when all hope seems to have disappeared?
There are so many twists and turns in this tale that the reader will constantly be hoping all will turn out right in the end. The characters are interesting, and as I have begun to read the other books, it is interesting to note you will see these names again. The entire plot pivots around a house party—a party filled with surprises! Will each person find love? Will there be a happy ending for all who attend? Make sure you check out each book to find out! Happy reading!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to Singing Librarian Books for my copy.
Cornelia Greystock has lived a life of pleasure, but now finds herself working as a companion to a Countess. Of course, this type of work is below her station, and even though things have been going somewhat well, she is soon found out by someone from her past. Miss Greystock wants to be left alone to attend to her duties, but knows that her past still calls to her. Will she be able to overcome certain scars in order to find her future?
In an attempt to recover from his past mistakes, Sir James visits the home of a Countess—upon her invitation. He believes the invite to be purely innocent until he runs into a certain lady. Why would Miss Greystock be working as a companion? Why would she be working at all? He ponders this and the pains of his heart throughout his stay, as he hopes to find answers to all his questions. Is it possible to find happiness again even when all hope seems to have disappeared?
There are so many twists and turns in this tale that the reader will constantly be hoping all will turn out right in the end. The characters are interesting, and as I have begun to read the other books, it is interesting to note you will see these names again. The entire plot pivots around a house party—a party filled with surprises! Will each person find love? Will there be a happy ending for all who attend? Make sure you check out each book to find out! Happy reading!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to Singing Librarian Books for my copy.
January 3, 2020
Loved this book!
I love Michelle Pennington’s books and I can’t believe I missed this one. You will fall in love with Sir James almost immediately. Except for one wingnut moment with his heroine Cornelia, James is just about perfect. Cornelia is strong and feisty and desperately in love with Sir James. But she blames James for the reason she was forced to leave home to take a job as a companion. James has his work cut out for him to make Cornelia his wife and he gets help from a Countess and her dog Wellington.
Two minor points. There were some editing issues, but nothing so bad as to take away from the story. I also had a bit of a hard time with Cornelia’s maturity level. She pulled some pranks on James that made me roll my eyes for how juvenile she was. But it was in keeping with the story line and if James was able to laugh at her attempts to anger him, who am I to quibble?
I highly recommend this book. James is one romantic hero and Cornelia is one lucky heroine.
I love Michelle Pennington’s books and I can’t believe I missed this one. You will fall in love with Sir James almost immediately. Except for one wingnut moment with his heroine Cornelia, James is just about perfect. Cornelia is strong and feisty and desperately in love with Sir James. But she blames James for the reason she was forced to leave home to take a job as a companion. James has his work cut out for him to make Cornelia his wife and he gets help from a Countess and her dog Wellington.
Two minor points. There were some editing issues, but nothing so bad as to take away from the story. I also had a bit of a hard time with Cornelia’s maturity level. She pulled some pranks on James that made me roll my eyes for how juvenile she was. But it was in keeping with the story line and if James was able to laugh at her attempts to anger him, who am I to quibble?
I highly recommend this book. James is one romantic hero and Cornelia is one lucky heroine.
September 4, 2018
A lighthearted Regency romance, this story is well written with all the elements of a historical love story. Cornelia chooses to go into service rather than to live with her decision to reject Lord James' proposal of marriage. She has long held a candle for James, but his proposal in the wake of his brother's defection does not sit well with her. As the Countess Du'Breven's companion, she loses herself in helping to plan a house party, little realising that the old lady is playing a cunning game of matchmaking. James' appearance at the house party unsettles her, bringing about a series of unexpected antics in an attempt to chase him off. Fortunately James has a strong ally in the Countess, but not before Cornelia once again rues the day he came back into her life. This is a sweet love story, one that left me smiling. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
September 6, 2018
This was my first time reading this author, and I am happy to have found her. Definitely one I will continue reading!
This is NOT a love at first sight and then declaring your undying love the next minute kind of book, THANKFULLY. I personally am not a fan of those. No, this is a book about a second chance to get it right. The couple have a long history, and our heroine has been in love with Sir James for quite some time. When he first realizes he too is in love with her (not knowing she has secretly loved him), he makes a mess of things which causes her to run away and become the companion of the Countess.
Once Sir James realizes he has this one chance to get it right this time, he does everything he can to show Cornelia that he is genuine in his pursuit of her.
CONTENT:
Romance - CLEAN
Language - NONE
Violence - NONE
*This is the first book in the series, and is a stand-alone novel.*
This is NOT a love at first sight and then declaring your undying love the next minute kind of book, THANKFULLY. I personally am not a fan of those. No, this is a book about a second chance to get it right. The couple have a long history, and our heroine has been in love with Sir James for quite some time. When he first realizes he too is in love with her (not knowing she has secretly loved him), he makes a mess of things which causes her to run away and become the companion of the Countess.
Once Sir James realizes he has this one chance to get it right this time, he does everything he can to show Cornelia that he is genuine in his pursuit of her.
CONTENT:
Romance - CLEAN
Language - NONE
Violence - NONE
*This is the first book in the series, and is a stand-alone novel.*
August 9, 2020
Cornelia Greystock receives a marriage proposal from Sir James Hawkston, not believing he did it for any reason other than pity and sorrow, she turns him down and escapes to the Countess Lady Du”Breven as her companion. Her social status is different and she doesn’t feel like she fits in, she works hard and distracts herself. The countess decides to throw a summer house party and invites many nobility to join. On the guest list is Sir James.
This book was not my usual type of book, it was a short romantic historical story and I find that most of the time the characters are lacking and you don’t get a good feel for them. This book was NOT that. This book drew me in and made it hard to put down, it was short but you felt like you understood the background of the characters, and the twists and turns, of course I would have loved to have had more to read, it was so good. I was happy with the way the story ended and enjoyed an escape into this historical romance.
This book was not my usual type of book, it was a short romantic historical story and I find that most of the time the characters are lacking and you don’t get a good feel for them. This book was NOT that. This book drew me in and made it hard to put down, it was short but you felt like you understood the background of the characters, and the twists and turns, of course I would have loved to have had more to read, it was so good. I was happy with the way the story ended and enjoyed an escape into this historical romance.
September 2, 2018
The Unwanted Suitor is a fun whirlwind romance set in regency times. The characters are entertaining and the descriptions transport you back into that era. Sir James Hawkston and Miss Cornelia Greystock are neighbors and childhood friends. The story jumps right in where Cornelia is working as a companion to Lady Du'Breven after turning down an awful marriage proposal from James. She's loved him for years and is hurt by the words he chose when asking for her hand in marriage. We get glimpses of the kind of girl she was growing up through James' memories. He now has to find a way to convince her of his love, but she's got ideas of her own. There are matchmaking games on the go at Du'Breven's house party. Who will win in the end?
I received an ARC of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Posted on Amanda's Books and More
I received an ARC of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Posted on Amanda's Books and More
June 22, 2019
Michelle Pennington has a wonderful talent for writing entertaining stories with great and likable characters.
This first book in the Somerstone House Party series is no exception ~~~
Cornelia's emotions and pride are in a tizzy - (Quote) "You assume a great deal, Sir, for someone who never deigned to notice me beyond a pat on the head. If you had, you might have noticed that your neighbor's daughter had stars in her eyes whenever you were near."
Sir James is a little muddled in the head when it comes to figuring out what a woman wants....
And the Countess Du'Breven is quite mischievous ~ and is "quite good at arranging things...."
This story is fun with good attraction between main characters, a bit of tension, clean romance, and last minute suspense.
I enjoyed it greatly and look forward to the other books in this series!
This first book in the Somerstone House Party series is no exception ~~~
Cornelia's emotions and pride are in a tizzy - (Quote) "You assume a great deal, Sir, for someone who never deigned to notice me beyond a pat on the head. If you had, you might have noticed that your neighbor's daughter had stars in her eyes whenever you were near."
Sir James is a little muddled in the head when it comes to figuring out what a woman wants....
And the Countess Du'Breven is quite mischievous ~ and is "quite good at arranging things...."
This story is fun with good attraction between main characters, a bit of tension, clean romance, and last minute suspense.
I enjoyed it greatly and look forward to the other books in this series!
September 25, 2022
Probably unfair of me to give this low a rating, but it was not what I was looking for. I wanted an angsty tale of a hero chasing after a heroine he had insulted, with the requisite groveling. There are elements of that trop here, but it’s more about a guy who made one mistake and then spends the rest of the story trying to get the heroine to admit she loves him, and for her to stop prancing him and setting him up with other women. I wanted angst and uncertainty, when this was really stubbornness and impulsivity. I wanted her thinking he did not care about her, and her refusing a loveless marriage (instead choosing to sacrifice her future by becoming a companion), but there just wasn’t
angst
here, not truly. Not a bad read, but not my favored tropes. Cornelia is technically a spinster but it feels kind of incidental so she’s not landing on that shelf. (2.5 stars)
October 2, 2018
This is a romantic, entertaining and sweet story. James is determined, bold and impulsive. Cornelia is stubborn, insecure and vulnerable. Cornelia thought she was going to marry James' brother, knowing James was out of her reach, but then James suddenly sent his brother away to marry someone else. So Cornelia left town to take a companion job. Next thing she knows there's a house party happening, and James will be there. While he's doing everything he can to get her to give him a chance, she's doing everything she can to set him up with a different girl. He's very sweet about it, if not exactly smart, and she's twice as stubborn about it. It's a great story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
August 16, 2020
This was a fun, quick read. I loved that they had known each other their entire lives, it added a lot more depth to the relationship. I loved seeing them declare their love for each other. This isn’t a story where they fall in love, it’s a story of them thinking they will never have the one person that will make them happy. It’s a relationship full of misunderstanding and miscommunication, until they finally get the nerve up to just say how they feel! It was adorable to see everything develop with the wooing and the pranks.
I think this house party series is going to be some really good, short regency romance reads by some amazing authors! Definitely give them a try! They can be read in any order too!!
I think this house party series is going to be some really good, short regency romance reads by some amazing authors! Definitely give them a try! They can be read in any order too!!
September 6, 2018
This is a quick, sweet, clean read. Apparently I started reading this series out of order but I thought this one was cute. It had some humor in it and not too much angst. I liked both of the main characters. Their banter was fun and I enjoyed him trying to prove himself to her. I kept waiting for him to tell her straight out that he proposed not out of pity but out of love, even if he did it stupidly. I don't think he ever said it straight out though.
Biggest negative was some sloppy editing toward the end of the book.
Sex: mild marital innuendo, kisses
Language: no
Violence: no
Biggest negative was some sloppy editing toward the end of the book.
Sex: mild marital innuendo, kisses
Language: no
Violence: no
September 16, 2018
I loved this book!
While there were a few grammatical errors and a sentence every now and then I was confused by it didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying this book. I even wish it had been longer. The story was cute and fun and kept me engaged. I loved Cornelia and was entertained by Sir James and his pursuit of Cornelia. A very fun start to this series I think. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Thanks to this author Michelle Pennington for writing this book. Thanks to Ranee S. Clark for suggesting this book in her Facebook group. Can't wait to read the second in the series.
While there were a few grammatical errors and a sentence every now and then I was confused by it didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying this book. I even wish it had been longer. The story was cute and fun and kept me engaged. I loved Cornelia and was entertained by Sir James and his pursuit of Cornelia. A very fun start to this series I think. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Thanks to this author Michelle Pennington for writing this book. Thanks to Ranee S. Clark for suggesting this book in her Facebook group. Can't wait to read the second in the series.
December 29, 2018
A regency house party! What a fun idea for a book series. The elderly, widowed Countess’ of Somerset has carefully planned and invited people to her estate in the hopes of playing matchmaker. She wants only for others to experience what she herself has had the pleasure of... love
The countess’ new companion, Cornelia Greystock has run away from heartbreak and a botched proposal from her lifetime neighbor, Sir James Hawkston. He is to come to the party unknowing that Cornelia has taken a paid position rather than marry him.
The fun and games begin as Sir James tries to win back Cornelia’s affections. The teasing and pranks are quite entertaining.
The countess’ new companion, Cornelia Greystock has run away from heartbreak and a botched proposal from her lifetime neighbor, Sir James Hawkston. He is to come to the party unknowing that Cornelia has taken a paid position rather than marry him.
The fun and games begin as Sir James tries to win back Cornelia’s affections. The teasing and pranks are quite entertaining.
January 12, 2019
I liked this book. It was a light, uncomplicated read that kept me interested throughout the whole book. I did think that some of the things that Cornelia did were kind of silly, like sewing the sleeves of Sir James coats together and putting the fish heads under his bed. She was always fearful of being thought of as being less than a proper lady, so why take the risk of being found in his room? And just for a silly prank?
I also thought that the editing left something to be desired. That was most of the reason I didn't give this book one more star. The editing mistakes made were mostly incorrect wording of a sentence and really should have been caught by a thorough edit.
I also thought that the editing left something to be desired. That was most of the reason I didn't give this book one more star. The editing mistakes made were mostly incorrect wording of a sentence and really should have been caught by a thorough edit.
November 3, 2018
I had not heard of Michelle Pennington before this book series. I love all things Jane Austin and Regency romance, so it didn't take much to convince me to give her writing a try. Oh am I glad that I did.
This is a quick and short novella that I wish was longer. The sweet, regency romance about second chances is such a fun read. I loved Cornelia and Sir James. I was even entertained by the matchmaking Countess and her adorable pug, Wellington.
A fun and cute start to this series, and I already have the rest of this series in my reading que.
This is a quick and short novella that I wish was longer. The sweet, regency romance about second chances is such a fun read. I loved Cornelia and Sir James. I was even entertained by the matchmaking Countess and her adorable pug, Wellington.
A fun and cute start to this series, and I already have the rest of this series in my reading que.
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