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Playful Brides #10.5
Mr. Hunt, I Presume
He never forgot her…
When General Collin Hunt is ordered to take a much-needed holiday, he resigns himself to rest and recreation at his brother's country estate. But when the only woman he ever loved—and selflessly gave up—shows up as his sister-in-law's governess, his carefully ordered life is turned inside out.
She'll never forgive him…
When Erienne Stone defied her family and fled her life of privilege, she never expected to be reunited with the man who'd abandoned her more than a decade before. But Lucy, Duchess of Claringdon, is a hard woman to say no to, even when Erienne's heart is in danger of breaking all over again.
A meddling matchmaker may be the key to their second chance…
After a decade of pain and heartache, can two star-crossed lovers trust the truth in their own hearts?
When General Collin Hunt is ordered to take a much-needed holiday, he resigns himself to rest and recreation at his brother's country estate. But when the only woman he ever loved—and selflessly gave up—shows up as his sister-in-law's governess, his carefully ordered life is turned inside out.
She'll never forgive him…
When Erienne Stone defied her family and fled her life of privilege, she never expected to be reunited with the man who'd abandoned her more than a decade before. But Lucy, Duchess of Claringdon, is a hard woman to say no to, even when Erienne's heart is in danger of breaking all over again.
A meddling matchmaker may be the key to their second chance…
After a decade of pain and heartache, can two star-crossed lovers trust the truth in their own hearts?
148 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2019
72 people are currently reading
819 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Bowman
59 books1,583 followersValerie Bowman is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance.
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and sign-up for her newsletter at: https://valeriebowmanbooks.com/newsle...
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valer...
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and sign-up for her newsletter at: https://valeriebowmanbooks.com/newsle...
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valer...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
January 12, 2019
I love a good second-chance romance, and this had a lot going for it. Collin and Erienne grew up next to each other, but the son of a man who was discharged from the Army because of his drinking was never good enough for her ambitious family. Separated by a mixture of "you deserve better" and meddling parents, they haven't seen each other in years. Now, she is a governess, and he climbed the ranks in the Army and is a decorated officer and celebrated war hero. Due to luck and a little help from the matchmaking Lucy, Collin's sister-in-law, they find each other being in the same house after years of longing.
I actually really loved the beginning, which set up the story nicely and did a wonderful job of showing how the two battled their feelings. But for my taste, there was too much happening in the second half that I didn't really enjoy: .
All in all, this was a charming novella. Just a little too much drama for my taste in the second half.
*I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I actually really loved the beginning, which set up the story nicely and did a wonderful job of showing how the two battled their feelings. But for my taste, there was too much happening in the second half that I didn't really enjoy: .
All in all, this was a charming novella. Just a little too much drama for my taste in the second half.
*I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
February 21, 2019
Another good story from Valerie Bowman, though it was a little too abrupt for my tastes.
I've been really loving Valerie Bowman recently, and I think that this book had a lot of potential, but the novella format stopped it just short of being great.
Mr. Hunt, I Presume was a very sweet second-chance romance between a long-ago separated couple. Colin is a workaholic and Erienne is resigned to be no more than a governess. Everyone from the side characters to the main couple were great, full-fleshed out characters, which is hard to get in a novella. I enjoyed the lightness and good-natured humor in the story.
However, I didn't love the fact that all of the tension in the story relies on a long-ago misunderstanding, and I think that Erienne and Colin still had years of turmoil to work through when the story ended. I wanted more time with them as a couple, getting to know one another again. Still, the relationship was fulfilling and lovely, and it made me want to read more Playful Brides novels to find out what else Valerie Bowman can come up with with a full-length story.
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I've been really loving Valerie Bowman recently, and I think that this book had a lot of potential, but the novella format stopped it just short of being great.
Mr. Hunt, I Presume was a very sweet second-chance romance between a long-ago separated couple. Colin is a workaholic and Erienne is resigned to be no more than a governess. Everyone from the side characters to the main couple were great, full-fleshed out characters, which is hard to get in a novella. I enjoyed the lightness and good-natured humor in the story.
However, I didn't love the fact that all of the tension in the story relies on a long-ago misunderstanding, and I think that Erienne and Colin still had years of turmoil to work through when the story ended. I wanted more time with them as a couple, getting to know one another again. Still, the relationship was fulfilling and lovely, and it made me want to read more Playful Brides novels to find out what else Valerie Bowman can come up with with a full-length story.
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January 14, 2019
3/5 stars.
I received this book from the author and the publishers in exachange for an honest opinion. This does not in any way affect my opinion of the book and it's characters.
The plot of the book is laid out really well in the blurb itself, it's a classic second-chance romance between star crossed young lovers. Only this time aided by Matchmaker-in-Chief of the Playful Brides series, Lucy Hunt. This time however, it's personal for Lucy as the man she's trying to match make is her brother-in-law. That too, against the explicit wishes of her husband Derek. You can guess where this is going to go.
General Collin Hunt the decorated War Hero and Spy, now paper pushing military man and brother to Duke has been living his life for work and country for over 14 years. His father ensured that he and all his brother's dedicated their lives to the service of the crown and country. No time for love, basically. Someone forgot to give this memo to Erienne Stone, a young girl born to a Baron who lived close by to Collin and his brothers. She went ahead and fell in love with him since she was about 16, and Collin tossed his father's memo out the window and fell right back in love with her. Considering this is a second-chance romance we all know things weren't hunky-dory after this. 21 year old Collin Hunt arrives back from the war and tells 18 year Erienne Stone that she deserves better than him and leaves her. But not before asking her to let him go.
Years later, 14 to be exact, enters our mingler-in-cheif Lucy Hunt when she hires Erienne as Governess to her two children. But of course, her primary objective is to re-unite her and Collin and get another notch of successfully constructed romances in her ledger. Lucy's basically once again prioritized her matchmaking side-habit over the education of her children (One of them an heir to be to a dukedom FYI) and I can't decide if that's adorable or just bad parenting. I'm going with adorable because I quite like Lucy. I wish I had a Lucy in my life. I'm digressing, back to the main couple.
Finally, around the 40% mark, Erienne and Collin meet each other and I won't lie, I had been waiting for the ultimate meeting after fourteen years. I was surprised, pleasantly, by Erienne's cheek in the tense but well written dinner that followed. It was clear, abundantly so that both Collin and Erienne still deeply loved each other and it wasn't difficult to root for them to find each other again. In this aspect, the author did a good job. I was highly enjoying myself until not much after the tense, almost awkward dinner things suddenly turn between the MC's. Not that I mind a little bit of hanky-panky, but it felt so out of place that I literally sat blinking for a minute and went back and checked if I skipped an entire chapter by mistake.
Post their inevitable meeting things move at Fast and Furious - Tokyo Drift speed. It's whiplash inducing, and the author should have truly spent more time on their development and reconnection rather than the plot of them coming together. In all honesty, the result of all this is that while I did root for Erienne and Collin, I left this book with more love for Derek and Lucy as a couple than the actual MC's. I found it adorable how Derek has completely accepted that he is incapable of changing his wife's matcmaking nature, and is resigned to the fact that he'll love her to distraction despite that nagging failure. Collin and Derek's conversation around Lucy and Erienne while they were fishing just cemented how much I loved Derek and Lucy.
And they aren't even the main couple in this book. Sigh.
Don't even get me started on the ending random proposal right out of a soap opera. Overall, I enjoyed the book as much as I enjoy other books by the author but I feel there was potential for a lot more. A lot lot more of character development, just some decent conversations about their past and what they've been up to for 14 years is a good place to start. But no instead we got a lot of other things except that . I think the fact that this was a novella made the author speed up the ending, which left me with severe whiplash and going back to read some of my favorite novellas because I know it can be done well.
If you're looking for a quick, no strings attached book then this will be right up your alley! Prepare yourself to be enamored by the side-couple that weren't really the point of the book but hey, they made it better!
I received this book from the author and the publishers in exachange for an honest opinion. This does not in any way affect my opinion of the book and it's characters.
The plot of the book is laid out really well in the blurb itself, it's a classic second-chance romance between star crossed young lovers. Only this time aided by Matchmaker-in-Chief of the Playful Brides series, Lucy Hunt. This time however, it's personal for Lucy as the man she's trying to match make is her brother-in-law. That too, against the explicit wishes of her husband Derek. You can guess where this is going to go.
General Collin Hunt the decorated War Hero and Spy, now paper pushing military man and brother to Duke has been living his life for work and country for over 14 years. His father ensured that he and all his brother's dedicated their lives to the service of the crown and country. No time for love, basically. Someone forgot to give this memo to Erienne Stone, a young girl born to a Baron who lived close by to Collin and his brothers. She went ahead and fell in love with him since she was about 16, and Collin tossed his father's memo out the window and fell right back in love with her. Considering this is a second-chance romance we all know things weren't hunky-dory after this. 21 year old Collin Hunt arrives back from the war and tells 18 year Erienne Stone that she deserves better than him and leaves her. But not before asking her to let him go.
Years later, 14 to be exact, enters our mingler-in-cheif Lucy Hunt when she hires Erienne as Governess to her two children. But of course, her primary objective is to re-unite her and Collin and get another notch of successfully constructed romances in her ledger. Lucy's basically once again prioritized her matchmaking side-habit over the education of her children (One of them an heir to be to a dukedom FYI) and I can't decide if that's adorable or just bad parenting. I'm going with adorable because I quite like Lucy. I wish I had a Lucy in my life. I'm digressing, back to the main couple.
Finally, around the 40% mark, Erienne and Collin meet each other and I won't lie, I had been waiting for the ultimate meeting after fourteen years. I was surprised, pleasantly, by Erienne's cheek in the tense but well written dinner that followed. It was clear, abundantly so that both Collin and Erienne still deeply loved each other and it wasn't difficult to root for them to find each other again. In this aspect, the author did a good job. I was highly enjoying myself until not much after the tense, almost awkward dinner things suddenly turn between the MC's. Not that I mind a little bit of hanky-panky, but it felt so out of place that I literally sat blinking for a minute and went back and checked if I skipped an entire chapter by mistake.
Post their inevitable meeting things move at Fast and Furious - Tokyo Drift speed. It's whiplash inducing, and the author should have truly spent more time on their development and reconnection rather than the plot of them coming together. In all honesty, the result of all this is that while I did root for Erienne and Collin, I left this book with more love for Derek and Lucy as a couple than the actual MC's. I found it adorable how Derek has completely accepted that he is incapable of changing his wife's matcmaking nature, and is resigned to the fact that he'll love her to distraction despite that nagging failure. Collin and Derek's conversation around Lucy and Erienne while they were fishing just cemented how much I loved Derek and Lucy.
And they aren't even the main couple in this book. Sigh.
Don't even get me started on the ending random proposal right out of a soap opera. Overall, I enjoyed the book as much as I enjoy other books by the author but I feel there was potential for a lot more. A lot lot more of character development, just some decent conversations about their past and what they've been up to for 14 years is a good place to start. But no instead we got a lot of other things except that . I think the fact that this was a novella made the author speed up the ending, which left me with severe whiplash and going back to read some of my favorite novellas because I know it can be done well.
If you're looking for a quick, no strings attached book then this will be right up your alley! Prepare yourself to be enamored by the side-couple that weren't really the point of the book but hey, they made it better!
January 20, 2019
Series: Playful Brides #11.5
Publication Date: 2/8/19
Number of Pages: 120
My rating is 3.5 stars rounded up to 4
This is a lovely second-chance romance novella. It is well-written, but I felt it was a bit rushed and I didn’t feel as if I were ‘finished’ with it at the end. I loved the storyline, I liked the main characters, I adored the secondary couple, and the children were wonderful. I just felt like there were chunks of story that were missing or things progressed much too fast. Too fast? Consider the scene during their first dinner and then moving to the library. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it, but when you read it you’ll see what I mean.
I loved that we got to spend time with Lucy and Derek again. Catching up with them and seeing their love and their life as a married couple was wonderful and their two children were a great addition to the story. It was nice to see that Derek has resigned himself to Lucy’s matchmaking and just loves her to distraction. This time, Lucy is matchmaking for Derek’s brother, Collin and their childhood neighbor Erienne Stone. I would have thought that Collin’s story would have come earlier in the series since Lucy and Derek were the featured H/h in the first book, but maybe it took a while to find just the right lady for him.
Collin and Erienne had a relationship of some sort when they were younger. You learn what that relationship was in bits and pieces as you move through the story. It is a story of family betrayal and feelings of unworthiness that cost these two fourteen years of being miserable and apart. Neither of them ever married.
Collin Hunt and his two brothers are basically ‘from the wrong side of the tracks’. Their father was put out of the army because of his overindulgence in alcohol. Their father was also cruel to them because he was training them to be soldiers. Both Collin and Derek were very good at soldiering. Derek’s success earned him the title of Duke of Claringdon for his heroism during the war and Collin is now a general and a high ranking member at the Home Office. Most of Collin's career can’t be mentioned because he spent his time as a spy.
Erienne defied her parent's marriage expectations and left home to become a governess. Now, fourteen years later, the children she was caring for are grown and it is time for her to move on to her next family. When the agency sets her up with an interview with the Duchess of Claringdon, she doesn’t feel she can turn it down. She’s truly surprised at herself when she finally – after much persuasion by the Duchess – accepts the job. She’s torn – she wants to know about Collin, but she’s afraid she can’t handle actually seeing him.
It really is a nice story, but I think I could have lived with a little less backstory if it bought me more time with the couple in the ‘now’. More time for me to know them and them to know each other and especially more time for a less abrupt ending. There was a distinct lack of conversation and discussion between them. They just go straight to lust and remain there. The proposal is entertaining but certainly lacks romance. As I read, I thought “What, this is it?” and it was.
Please check out my reviews at:
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given w
Publication Date: 2/8/19
Number of Pages: 120
My rating is 3.5 stars rounded up to 4
This is a lovely second-chance romance novella. It is well-written, but I felt it was a bit rushed and I didn’t feel as if I were ‘finished’ with it at the end. I loved the storyline, I liked the main characters, I adored the secondary couple, and the children were wonderful. I just felt like there were chunks of story that were missing or things progressed much too fast. Too fast? Consider the scene during their first dinner and then moving to the library. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it, but when you read it you’ll see what I mean.
I loved that we got to spend time with Lucy and Derek again. Catching up with them and seeing their love and their life as a married couple was wonderful and their two children were a great addition to the story. It was nice to see that Derek has resigned himself to Lucy’s matchmaking and just loves her to distraction. This time, Lucy is matchmaking for Derek’s brother, Collin and their childhood neighbor Erienne Stone. I would have thought that Collin’s story would have come earlier in the series since Lucy and Derek were the featured H/h in the first book, but maybe it took a while to find just the right lady for him.
Collin and Erienne had a relationship of some sort when they were younger. You learn what that relationship was in bits and pieces as you move through the story. It is a story of family betrayal and feelings of unworthiness that cost these two fourteen years of being miserable and apart. Neither of them ever married.
Collin Hunt and his two brothers are basically ‘from the wrong side of the tracks’. Their father was put out of the army because of his overindulgence in alcohol. Their father was also cruel to them because he was training them to be soldiers. Both Collin and Derek were very good at soldiering. Derek’s success earned him the title of Duke of Claringdon for his heroism during the war and Collin is now a general and a high ranking member at the Home Office. Most of Collin's career can’t be mentioned because he spent his time as a spy.
Erienne defied her parent's marriage expectations and left home to become a governess. Now, fourteen years later, the children she was caring for are grown and it is time for her to move on to her next family. When the agency sets her up with an interview with the Duchess of Claringdon, she doesn’t feel she can turn it down. She’s truly surprised at herself when she finally – after much persuasion by the Duchess – accepts the job. She’s torn – she wants to know about Collin, but she’s afraid she can’t handle actually seeing him.
It really is a nice story, but I think I could have lived with a little less backstory if it bought me more time with the couple in the ‘now’. More time for me to know them and them to know each other and especially more time for a less abrupt ending. There was a distinct lack of conversation and discussion between them. They just go straight to lust and remain there. The proposal is entertaining but certainly lacks romance. As I read, I thought “What, this is it?” and it was.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given w
January 23, 2019
I had read a previous book in this series and I’m a sucker for a good novella, so I couldn’t resist.
I love love loved Erienne and Collin. I loved that they were childhood friends and the history between them. I especially loved that they pined away for each other. Lucy is straight up adorable I need to go find her book immediately.
Plot wise, it was quick and to the point. There was a touch of drama, but that’s to be expected after 14 years. The angsty times were short lived and it had a fabulous grand gesture.
Overall, it was a fun read. I can’t wait to start the next book.
**Huge thanks to June Third for providing the arc free of charge**
I love love loved Erienne and Collin. I loved that they were childhood friends and the history between them. I especially loved that they pined away for each other. Lucy is straight up adorable I need to go find her book immediately.
Plot wise, it was quick and to the point. There was a touch of drama, but that’s to be expected after 14 years. The angsty times were short lived and it had a fabulous grand gesture.
Overall, it was a fun read. I can’t wait to start the next book.
**Huge thanks to June Third for providing the arc free of charge**
February 10, 2019
Does Lucy Hunt overplay her game?
Loving each other since childhood, Colin Hunt reluctantly broke with Erienne Stone after a request to that effect from her parents. As they put it he had nothing to offer Erienne and she was all but spoken for by someone far superior.
Now a decade later Erienne is a governess and Colin a General and spy working for the home office.
When Colin is ordered to take a holiday he heads for his brother Derek's, (the Duke of Claringdon) estate, little knowing that he'd run into the woman he'd loved and left all those years ago.
(Ah! Those meddling Regency mothers have a lot to answer for!)
Lucy Hunt, the Duchess of Claringdon, is up to her usual match making tricks. This time they might just harm more than help.
A pleasing second chance romance.
A NetGalley ARC
Loving each other since childhood, Colin Hunt reluctantly broke with Erienne Stone after a request to that effect from her parents. As they put it he had nothing to offer Erienne and she was all but spoken for by someone far superior.
Now a decade later Erienne is a governess and Colin a General and spy working for the home office.
When Colin is ordered to take a holiday he heads for his brother Derek's, (the Duke of Claringdon) estate, little knowing that he'd run into the woman he'd loved and left all those years ago.
(Ah! Those meddling Regency mothers have a lot to answer for!)
Lucy Hunt, the Duchess of Claringdon, is up to her usual match making tricks. This time they might just harm more than help.
A pleasing second chance romance.
A NetGalley ARC
February 7, 2019
Mr. Hunt, I Presume by Valerie Bowman is book 10.5 in the Playful Brides Series. This is the story of Collin Hunt and Erienne Stone. I have read the previous books (and loved them!) but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Collin and Erienne about 14 years ago were young and in love but then Collin step away to do the right thing...which set in motion hurt and distrust. Now all this time later he is taking a break from the military to go to his brother's country estate. There he meets Erienne again...but can he walk away this time. Erienne was crushed when Collin didn't choose her and has since went into the work life of being a Governess. When her 'kids' are to old for one she goes to take a new job within the Hunt family. Although she knows it is risky to be so close to Collin's family, but she wants to see what is happening with Collins....besides the money being offered for the job is more than she can turn down.
So in love with their story and this second chance at love.
So in love with their story and this second chance at love.
January 27, 2019
I always feel like I need to start a review of a second chance romance with a disclaimer: I greatly dislike that trope. For the most part, I find them repetitive and boring. I am happy to say, however, that this novella was not repetitive or boring.
Collin Hunt and Erienne Stone were childhood sweethearts kept apart by their social status. Erienne accepts a position as governess to Collin’s niece and nephew at the same time Collin is forced to take a holiday from work. They soon learn the past doesn’t always stay in the past as they begin spending time together.
As I said, I usually find these stories to be repetitive, but the shorter length of a novella helped keep this from happening. I didn’t have to read the same “what if” thoughts over and over like I would’ve in a full length second chance romance. And I enjoyed the flashback to Collin and Erienne’s past explaining why they parted ways.
I really liked both Collin and Erienne, and felt they made a good couple. A lot of the novella was from Collin’s POV, and I loved that. He was a good guy and I wish we had gotten more of him than a novella. I regret to say I didn’t read Derek and Lucy’s story, but I liked them so much here that I will probably go back and do so.
My only real issue with this novella was the fact that I couldn’t really see why Collin and Erienne couldn’t be together this time. It seemed like they parted ways again a second time because reasons and because it was expected.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2021
Erienne Stone has been working as a governess for the past 14 years, but now that the children under her care have grown up she has come to London seeking a new position. She never expects her agency to send her for an interview at the Duke of Claringdon's home. She never expected to see him again after his younger brother, Collin, whom she'd been madly in love with, abandoned her more than a decade prior. But the salary being offered is enough to pay for her brother's much needed surgery, so after much convincing from Lucy, the Duchess, she accepts the governess position and hopes not to have to see Collin.
General Collin Hunt, valued spy and senior official at the Home Office, is being ordered to take a holiday, so he opts to rest and relax at the country estate of his brother, Derek, the Duke of Claringdon. But when the only woman he's ever loved arrives as governess to his young niece and nephew, his world is turned on its ear. Before the elevation of his family from their poor status during childhood to their wealthy, titled, military hero status now, Collin was in love with Erienne, but her gave her up thinking he was doing what was best for her. After all, she was the daughter of a baron and he was just a poor boy from the wrong side of town.
Then the two are thrown together by Collin's sister-in-law, Lucy, but the meddlesome matchmaker's endeavors may not be enough to convince either to risk their heart again.
This was a great little second chance romance. Of course it's short (it's a novella!) but these two had chemistry as soon as they met again, just as if they'd never been separated. I think if they'd had a longer book, Collin would've had more time to mess things up again. They'd already waited so long to have a chance to be together, they didn't need to wait any longer.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
General Collin Hunt, valued spy and senior official at the Home Office, is being ordered to take a holiday, so he opts to rest and relax at the country estate of his brother, Derek, the Duke of Claringdon. But when the only woman he's ever loved arrives as governess to his young niece and nephew, his world is turned on its ear. Before the elevation of his family from their poor status during childhood to their wealthy, titled, military hero status now, Collin was in love with Erienne, but her gave her up thinking he was doing what was best for her. After all, she was the daughter of a baron and he was just a poor boy from the wrong side of town.
Then the two are thrown together by Collin's sister-in-law, Lucy, but the meddlesome matchmaker's endeavors may not be enough to convince either to risk their heart again.
This was a great little second chance romance. Of course it's short (it's a novella!) but these two had chemistry as soon as they met again, just as if they'd never been separated. I think if they'd had a longer book, Collin would've had more time to mess things up again. They'd already waited so long to have a chance to be together, they didn't need to wait any longer.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
April 4, 2019
**3.5 Stars**
This was the second book by Valerie Bowman I picked up. I was excited to see how her fun and effervescent characters would translate to a novella. For the most part, I enjoyed this cute little second chance love story about childhood sweethearts who meet again years later.
While the pacing in this novella is quick (by necessity) I immediately connected with the characters. Ms. Bowman’s historical world is fun and irreverent and full of kind people. I love it. I think the flashback scenes were exceptionally well done.
I do think there were a few superfluous scenes that could have been replaced by more present-day face time between the hero and heroine. They didn’t really hash out any of the problems in their relationship or subsequent separation.
That said, this story was cute, it was quick, and it was enjoyable. I highly recommend Valerie Bowman’s writing. The novella length was just a little restrictive to add any depth to this particular plot.
**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**
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This was the second book by Valerie Bowman I picked up. I was excited to see how her fun and effervescent characters would translate to a novella. For the most part, I enjoyed this cute little second chance love story about childhood sweethearts who meet again years later.
While the pacing in this novella is quick (by necessity) I immediately connected with the characters. Ms. Bowman’s historical world is fun and irreverent and full of kind people. I love it. I think the flashback scenes were exceptionally well done.
I do think there were a few superfluous scenes that could have been replaced by more present-day face time between the hero and heroine. They didn’t really hash out any of the problems in their relationship or subsequent separation.
That said, this story was cute, it was quick, and it was enjoyable. I highly recommend Valerie Bowman’s writing. The novella length was just a little restrictive to add any depth to this particular plot.
**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**
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January 23, 2019
I wasn't crazy about this book. I did try to remind myself of the era and take that into considerations. So we meet Collin who was in love with Erienne but for some reason since his father was a drunk they kept saying or thinking that he was not good enough for her? What that was your dad not you! but anyhoo it is what it is. So he goes to the military and she becomes a governess? Yeah didn't get but again it happens, so she is working for his sister in law who has too much time on her hands besides taking care of her children which she should have done instead of being a busybody, again sorry for rant. So as I was saying Erienne is working for sister in law and they meet again, but they are wishy washy and she doesn't admit her feelings or realize them til an almost death experience and then its like of my god, yeah no..And then he in a dramatic fashion waits to go after her when she is in an interview, why then? you had other more appropriate times? But whatever..again it is so so..
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
February 8, 2019
Review published on my blog: https://romancingromances.blogspot.co...
3.5*
I should have known better –why do I keep doing this to myself? I love Valerie Bowman’s books, and I know what novellas are, and yet I keep reading them.
Novellas/short stories don’t work for me. The beginning is always great and then everything is done in a jiffy. And it works for some people, it just doesn’t for me.
If you like novellas, this is a good one. It’s a sweet story, a reunited lovers trope. It has characters that we already know and love from previous books in the series.
The writing, as always, is entertaining and funny, romantic and pleasant to follow.
This is a typical case of “it’s not the book, it’s me”. So, go for it, if novellas are your thing!
3.5*
I should have known better –why do I keep doing this to myself? I love Valerie Bowman’s books, and I know what novellas are, and yet I keep reading them.
Novellas/short stories don’t work for me. The beginning is always great and then everything is done in a jiffy. And it works for some people, it just doesn’t for me.
If you like novellas, this is a good one. It’s a sweet story, a reunited lovers trope. It has characters that we already know and love from previous books in the series.
The writing, as always, is entertaining and funny, romantic and pleasant to follow.
This is a typical case of “it’s not the book, it’s me”. So, go for it, if novellas are your thing!
Read
November 22, 2018Reunited lovers are my catnip and Lucy plays matchmaker in this one.
February 8, 2019
If you’re looking for a quick and sweet read, this book is for you.
I’m not always found of second chance romance but I liked how the author managed to rekindle the lovers.
I do loved Erienne more than Collin, she was the one who stayed true to her sentiments while he let his uncertainties been misguided by others and never tried to understand and accept Erienne’s love for him has nothing to do with wealth and position.
It was a cute story with some flashbacks to help the reader see from where Collin and Erienne come from and why they are here at this stage of their life.
The meddling duchess of Claringdon is a funny and very driven woman never taking no as an answer and following her own path.
This was not an angsty read, despite those years apart, their shared feelings never left them, I would just have loved they get a real discussion and sort out the true of why they were told this or that.
As for the declaration scene, it was sweet but felt awkward as it was set in a stranger house.
I’m not always found of second chance romance but I liked how the author managed to rekindle the lovers.
I do loved Erienne more than Collin, she was the one who stayed true to her sentiments while he let his uncertainties been misguided by others and never tried to understand and accept Erienne’s love for him has nothing to do with wealth and position.
It was a cute story with some flashbacks to help the reader see from where Collin and Erienne come from and why they are here at this stage of their life.
The meddling duchess of Claringdon is a funny and very driven woman never taking no as an answer and following her own path.
This was not an angsty read, despite those years apart, their shared feelings never left them, I would just have loved they get a real discussion and sort out the true of why they were told this or that.
As for the declaration scene, it was sweet but felt awkward as it was set in a stranger house.
February 10, 2019
4.5 Stars!
Mr Hunt, I Presume was an absolutely delightful read featuring an amazing second chance at love romance and a group of fantastic characters.
General Collin Hunt dedicated his life in service of the Crown and has become a bit of a workaholic as a result. When he's forced to take time off, Collin heads to his brother's country estate to spend time with his family. After abandoning the life her family set out for her, Erienne Stone started over as a governess. Upon taking a new position, Erienne had no clue how soon she would be faced with the man who left her over ten years ago or how she would be forced to confront the old feelings that resurface as a result.
Erienne was a wonderful character and I admired how she was willing to start anew in order to avoid marrying someone she didn't love. Her determination not to settle was fantastic and I loved that she was able to forge her own path. But despite all she was able to accomplish, Erienne struggles to recognize those accomplishments which was something I was happy to see Lucy help her with.
After giving up Erienne, Collin dedicated himself tenfold to his work which left him with little in his personal life. Collin doesn't consider himself worthy of a happy life believing he's unsuited to it which leads him to throw himself into his work even more. I was happy to see him overcome his self-doubts and accept that there was more for him in life than his work.
Erienne and Collin's relationship perfectly fulfills the second chance at love trope and I loved everything about their reintroduction to each other's lives. The scene where Lucy tells Erienne and Derek tells Collin about each other's arrival was fantastically done and I loved the similarity of Erienne and Collin's reactions. Erienne and Collin's physical relationship develops fairly quickly but I felt it was wonderfully done and it made sense given their history. The scenes are quite steamy and I loved how much was packed into this little novella.
Overall I loved Mr Hunt, I Presume and can't wait for more books in the series to come out. I highly recommend this novella if you're a fan of the series or are just looking for a quick, enjoyable historical romance to read.
Mr Hunt, I Presume was an absolutely delightful read featuring an amazing second chance at love romance and a group of fantastic characters.
General Collin Hunt dedicated his life in service of the Crown and has become a bit of a workaholic as a result. When he's forced to take time off, Collin heads to his brother's country estate to spend time with his family. After abandoning the life her family set out for her, Erienne Stone started over as a governess. Upon taking a new position, Erienne had no clue how soon she would be faced with the man who left her over ten years ago or how she would be forced to confront the old feelings that resurface as a result.
Erienne was a wonderful character and I admired how she was willing to start anew in order to avoid marrying someone she didn't love. Her determination not to settle was fantastic and I loved that she was able to forge her own path. But despite all she was able to accomplish, Erienne struggles to recognize those accomplishments which was something I was happy to see Lucy help her with.
After giving up Erienne, Collin dedicated himself tenfold to his work which left him with little in his personal life. Collin doesn't consider himself worthy of a happy life believing he's unsuited to it which leads him to throw himself into his work even more. I was happy to see him overcome his self-doubts and accept that there was more for him in life than his work.
Erienne and Collin's relationship perfectly fulfills the second chance at love trope and I loved everything about their reintroduction to each other's lives. The scene where Lucy tells Erienne and Derek tells Collin about each other's arrival was fantastically done and I loved the similarity of Erienne and Collin's reactions. Erienne and Collin's physical relationship develops fairly quickly but I felt it was wonderfully done and it made sense given their history. The scenes are quite steamy and I loved how much was packed into this little novella.
Overall I loved Mr Hunt, I Presume and can't wait for more books in the series to come out. I highly recommend this novella if you're a fan of the series or are just looking for a quick, enjoyable historical romance to read.
February 8, 2019
I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
FINAL DECISION: This was an enjoyable little story where two people who were always meant to be together get a second chance at love. The length of the story means that the story isn't as developed as I would want, but I found it a quick and amusing read.
THE STORY: General Collin Hunt is forced to take a holiday so he goes to visit his brother, the Duke of Claringdon. What he doesn't expect is that his sister-in-law, a notorious and successful matchmaker, has targeted him. She has hired a new governess who happens to be the woman Collin once (and perhaps still) loves. Erienne Stone didn't expect to be reunited with the man who abandoned her a decade before but one meddling duchess is determined to give these two a second chance.
OPINION: I enjoyed this little story. As a novella, the story is compressed and the characters are not as fleshed out as one would expect from a full length novel. Despite this, I enjoyed this story which contained a great amount of humor brought by Lucy who is a determined matchmaker. Readers will have to accept that much of the story is compressed. Erienne and Collin are in love when we meet them although they have been apart for over a decade. Despite this, however, I enjoyed the chance to see these two who want so desperately to be together manage to find ways to stumble apart. There is a definite sweetness to this story even as it has some over the top dramatic moments. Some might be annoyed by the drama, but I found it consistent with the humor of the series in general and this story in particular. Unfortunately, the length of the story means that much of the emotional drama between the characters is resolved too quickly, but this is a quick read that made me laugh in places and gave me the chance to see familiar characters from the Playful Brides series again.
WORTH MENTIONING: This story is almost more for fans of Lucy and Derek than those wanting a new story.
CONNECTED BOOKS: MR. HUNT, I PRESUME is book 10.5 in the Playful Brides series. This novella can be read as a standalone although Derek and Lucy from THE UNEXPECTED DUCHESS play significant roles in this story.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
FINAL DECISION: This was an enjoyable little story where two people who were always meant to be together get a second chance at love. The length of the story means that the story isn't as developed as I would want, but I found it a quick and amusing read.
THE STORY: General Collin Hunt is forced to take a holiday so he goes to visit his brother, the Duke of Claringdon. What he doesn't expect is that his sister-in-law, a notorious and successful matchmaker, has targeted him. She has hired a new governess who happens to be the woman Collin once (and perhaps still) loves. Erienne Stone didn't expect to be reunited with the man who abandoned her a decade before but one meddling duchess is determined to give these two a second chance.
OPINION: I enjoyed this little story. As a novella, the story is compressed and the characters are not as fleshed out as one would expect from a full length novel. Despite this, I enjoyed this story which contained a great amount of humor brought by Lucy who is a determined matchmaker. Readers will have to accept that much of the story is compressed. Erienne and Collin are in love when we meet them although they have been apart for over a decade. Despite this, however, I enjoyed the chance to see these two who want so desperately to be together manage to find ways to stumble apart. There is a definite sweetness to this story even as it has some over the top dramatic moments. Some might be annoyed by the drama, but I found it consistent with the humor of the series in general and this story in particular. Unfortunately, the length of the story means that much of the emotional drama between the characters is resolved too quickly, but this is a quick read that made me laugh in places and gave me the chance to see familiar characters from the Playful Brides series again.
WORTH MENTIONING: This story is almost more for fans of Lucy and Derek than those wanting a new story.
CONNECTED BOOKS: MR. HUNT, I PRESUME is book 10.5 in the Playful Brides series. This novella can be read as a standalone although Derek and Lucy from THE UNEXPECTED DUCHESS play significant roles in this story.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
April 17, 2019
I'm a little disappointed that everything happened so fast. At one point, I even thought the author did more telling than showing.
January 18, 2019
I received Mr. Hunt, I Presume written by Valerie Bowman from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This is a novella that is part of her Playful Brides series. I first read Bowman's books via NetGalley and enjoyed them greatly. This was no exception.
Collin Hunt is ordered to take a holiday by his boss from Home Office. Overworked and stress, he heads to his brother's home in the country only to run into the one women he ever loved, Erienne Stone.
Erienne Stone's heart was broken when Collin chose his work over her. So when she runs into him at her new employer's home, she isn't sure what to do. With a matchmaker of a Duchess in charge however, Collin and Erienne are forced to face one another and conquer their hurt feelings finally. But can the past be conquered or will there be heartache and pain?
Delightfully written novella that is just light enough and deep enough for a short story. Bowman doesn't get hung up on all the particles that can bog down a short story. I have greatly enjoyed all of Valerie Bowman's stories! #MrHuntIPresume #NetGalley
Collin Hunt is ordered to take a holiday by his boss from Home Office. Overworked and stress, he heads to his brother's home in the country only to run into the one women he ever loved, Erienne Stone.
Erienne Stone's heart was broken when Collin chose his work over her. So when she runs into him at her new employer's home, she isn't sure what to do. With a matchmaker of a Duchess in charge however, Collin and Erienne are forced to face one another and conquer their hurt feelings finally. But can the past be conquered or will there be heartache and pain?
Delightfully written novella that is just light enough and deep enough for a short story. Bowman doesn't get hung up on all the particles that can bog down a short story. I have greatly enjoyed all of Valerie Bowman's stories! #MrHuntIPresume #NetGalley
January 26, 2019
4.5 stars
14 years ago Erienne Stone and Collin Hunt were in love, but in an effort to be noble, Collin pushed her away. When he later regrets his action and tries to reconcile, he learns that she is married and he is too late. He is heartbroken and buries himself in work to forget.
Erienne has worked as a governess for the last 14 years, but now that her charges no longer need her, she is seeking new employment. Lucy Hunt, the Duchess of Claringdon is looking for a new governess and when Derek lets slip one of the applicants, Erienne Stone might be someone from Collin's past, nothing will stop her from meeting this woman.
Erienne knows she is a fool to go anywhere near the Hunt Family, but she can't resist. When Lucy offers her an outrageous salary, one that would enable her to help her family pay for her brother's medical bills, she can't say no. She knows seeing Collin again might be a possibility, but Lucy assures her it wouldn't be anytime soon. She accepts the position, for the money of course, but secretly hopes to learn about Collin, the only man she ever loved.
Collin is now a general in the army and has an important position at the Home Office. He works constantly and his commanding officer insists that he take a holiday. With no choice in the matter, he decides to visit with his brother Derek and his family. He arrives and soon learns that Erienne is working for them. He wonders what happened to her husband and tells Derek that this will not be a problem.
Erienne is not as sure, but attends dinner at Lucy's insistence. He is even more handsome than she remembers! He asks her odd questions and soon she is just overwhelmed and flees. Later while walking in the garden, they meet again. He apologizes for hurting her and kisses her. It is clear that the passion between them never died, but can they overcome the hurt and put the past behind them? Or are there some wounds that even love can't heal?
I thought this was a well written, fast paced novella with enough backstory to establish a believable love between Erienne and Collin. The story is entertaining and satisfying, with amusing moments (provided mostly by Lucy and Derek), lies, betrayal, steamy love scenes and a very overdue HEA. If I had any complaint, it would be the ending seemed a little rushed, but it is a novella... I am happy to recommend this book, it is part of the Playful Brides series, but it can easily be read as a stand alone title with no problem.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
14 years ago Erienne Stone and Collin Hunt were in love, but in an effort to be noble, Collin pushed her away. When he later regrets his action and tries to reconcile, he learns that she is married and he is too late. He is heartbroken and buries himself in work to forget.
Erienne has worked as a governess for the last 14 years, but now that her charges no longer need her, she is seeking new employment. Lucy Hunt, the Duchess of Claringdon is looking for a new governess and when Derek lets slip one of the applicants, Erienne Stone might be someone from Collin's past, nothing will stop her from meeting this woman.
Erienne knows she is a fool to go anywhere near the Hunt Family, but she can't resist. When Lucy offers her an outrageous salary, one that would enable her to help her family pay for her brother's medical bills, she can't say no. She knows seeing Collin again might be a possibility, but Lucy assures her it wouldn't be anytime soon. She accepts the position, for the money of course, but secretly hopes to learn about Collin, the only man she ever loved.
Collin is now a general in the army and has an important position at the Home Office. He works constantly and his commanding officer insists that he take a holiday. With no choice in the matter, he decides to visit with his brother Derek and his family. He arrives and soon learns that Erienne is working for them. He wonders what happened to her husband and tells Derek that this will not be a problem.
Erienne is not as sure, but attends dinner at Lucy's insistence. He is even more handsome than she remembers! He asks her odd questions and soon she is just overwhelmed and flees. Later while walking in the garden, they meet again. He apologizes for hurting her and kisses her. It is clear that the passion between them never died, but can they overcome the hurt and put the past behind them? Or are there some wounds that even love can't heal?
I thought this was a well written, fast paced novella with enough backstory to establish a believable love between Erienne and Collin. The story is entertaining and satisfying, with amusing moments (provided mostly by Lucy and Derek), lies, betrayal, steamy love scenes and a very overdue HEA. If I had any complaint, it would be the ending seemed a little rushed, but it is a novella... I am happy to recommend this book, it is part of the Playful Brides series, but it can easily be read as a stand alone title with no problem.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
February 12, 2019
I do like a good second-chance romance, and Mr. Hunt, I Presume fits the bill nicely if you’re looking for a quick, light read. Erienne and Collin were childhood sweethearts, but as a young soldier and the daughter of a baron, there was a class mismatch and her father refused to let them marry. Strong-willed and determined even when Collin gracefully left the field at her father’s bidding, Erienne refused all other suitors and took a position as a governess, which was a little-bit eyebrow raising considering the laws in Regency England at the time would have made it very easy for her father to haul her home if he’d wished to.
However, I liked Erienne enough, and she was determined enough that I could believe she could have carried her point if her father was weak-willed enough to let her get away with it.
Collin and Erienne meet again fourteen years later through the machinations of Lucy, Duchess of Claringdon, who’s an absolute little madam but such a likeable one you could never call her a spoiled brat and really mean it. Lucy just loves matchmaking and has set her sights on her husband’s brother, Collin, as in need of a wife. Though the workaholic general with the War Office has resisted her attempts thus far, a serendipitous circumstance brings her Erienne in need of a new governess position, and Lucy just can’t resist.
This is only a short novella so there’s not really a great deal of angst, or not that doesn’t get resolved quickly, at any rate. Collin and Erienne were charming together and Lucy as an irresistible force of nature/fairy godmother is a laugh a minute. A delightful novella to while away a few hours, my only quibble is that we really didn’t get enough insight into Collin’s character. Four stars.
Disclaimer; I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
However, I liked Erienne enough, and she was determined enough that I could believe she could have carried her point if her father was weak-willed enough to let her get away with it.
Collin and Erienne meet again fourteen years later through the machinations of Lucy, Duchess of Claringdon, who’s an absolute little madam but such a likeable one you could never call her a spoiled brat and really mean it. Lucy just loves matchmaking and has set her sights on her husband’s brother, Collin, as in need of a wife. Though the workaholic general with the War Office has resisted her attempts thus far, a serendipitous circumstance brings her Erienne in need of a new governess position, and Lucy just can’t resist.
This is only a short novella so there’s not really a great deal of angst, or not that doesn’t get resolved quickly, at any rate. Collin and Erienne were charming together and Lucy as an irresistible force of nature/fairy godmother is a laugh a minute. A delightful novella to while away a few hours, my only quibble is that we really didn’t get enough insight into Collin’s character. Four stars.
Disclaimer; I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
March 13, 2019
Erienne Stone never imagined taking a governess position with the Duke and Duchess of Claringdon would change her life. The man who broke her heart when she was but eighteen is the brother to the Duke, Collin Hunt, and he's arrived on a much needed vacation. She panics when she discovers he's staying in the same house as her. She pleads to the Duchess to not intervene but Lucy doesn't listen. Erienne's feelings for Collin flood her heart. Why did he leave me? What must I do?
Collin is a general and overworks himself. His boss orders him to a two-week holiday. Collin agrees and decides to go visit his brother and sister-in-law. When he arrives, he's greeted with the only woman he's ever loved, Erienne. Misunderstands ensue and Collin is left with one choice: bare his aching heart to Erienne in the hopes she'll forgive him or go back to a lonely life devoid of emotion.
Wow, what a wonderful second-chance Regency romance! I've never read anything by Valerie Bowman before this one but I have just 1-clicked her entire Playful Brides series. Yes, it's that good.
Wonderfully woven with engaging characters, plenty of misunderstandings and a matchmaker intent on bringing two brokenhearted people together in the name of love. Emotional in only the best possible way, this is a must-read!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Collin is a general and overworks himself. His boss orders him to a two-week holiday. Collin agrees and decides to go visit his brother and sister-in-law. When he arrives, he's greeted with the only woman he's ever loved, Erienne. Misunderstands ensue and Collin is left with one choice: bare his aching heart to Erienne in the hopes she'll forgive him or go back to a lonely life devoid of emotion.
Wow, what a wonderful second-chance Regency romance! I've never read anything by Valerie Bowman before this one but I have just 1-clicked her entire Playful Brides series. Yes, it's that good.
Wonderfully woven with engaging characters, plenty of misunderstandings and a matchmaker intent on bringing two brokenhearted people together in the name of love. Emotional in only the best possible way, this is a must-read!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5+ stars
February 9, 2019
Mr. Hunt I Presume:
A Playfull Brides Story
by Valerie Bowman
Collin Hunt has never forgotten the woman that got away, the only one that he’s loved- Erienne Stone. That was a lifetime ago she’s more than likely married to a titled gentleman with a passel of kids. Forced to take a much needed holiday he sets off to his brothers estates and comes face to face with his past! Maybe this is his second chance, he’d be a fool to let it slip away!
Erienne Stone had pledged her heart to Collin Hunt, he promised to make her his wife but instead he abandoned her. She’s taken a position as governess for the Duke of Claringdon’s young children and is shocked to see that the duke is non other than Derek Collin’s older brother. With a little matchmaking from Lucy the duchese who believes in second chances, Collin and Erienne are thrown together. But of course Collin has to grovel a bit before Erienne forgives him for not trying hard enough for their love.
This was a heartwarming fast paced sexy read. I loved the tension and chemistry between them. So glad they got their happy ending!
I recieved a complimentary copy from the author, via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion,
A Playfull Brides Story
by Valerie Bowman
Collin Hunt has never forgotten the woman that got away, the only one that he’s loved- Erienne Stone. That was a lifetime ago she’s more than likely married to a titled gentleman with a passel of kids. Forced to take a much needed holiday he sets off to his brothers estates and comes face to face with his past! Maybe this is his second chance, he’d be a fool to let it slip away!
Erienne Stone had pledged her heart to Collin Hunt, he promised to make her his wife but instead he abandoned her. She’s taken a position as governess for the Duke of Claringdon’s young children and is shocked to see that the duke is non other than Derek Collin’s older brother. With a little matchmaking from Lucy the duchese who believes in second chances, Collin and Erienne are thrown together. But of course Collin has to grovel a bit before Erienne forgives him for not trying hard enough for their love.
This was a heartwarming fast paced sexy read. I loved the tension and chemistry between them. So glad they got their happy ending!
I recieved a complimentary copy from the author, via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion,
February 19, 2019
How wonderful! This is the perfect story of second chances. While it takes 14 years for them to get their HEA, it was time Collin needed to come into his own. There was a lot he had to overcome, but he did it in spectacular form. They also had to find a way through the maze her parents created through their expectations for Erienne and what she could do for them.
Thank goodness for Lucy, the Duchess of Claringdon and her matchmaking ways. She brings Collin and Erienne into close proximity and sparks start to fly from the banked embers in their hearts. I adored Lucy and her husband and their roles, they added a lightness and humor to the story.
Ms. Bowman breathes depth and spirit into her characters. While this is a novella, it feels like a novel, there were no holes or details left unattended. I am grateful that more time was NOT spent on Erienne’s parents, I feel I would have been hard pressed to find any real way to show them in a favorable light.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank goodness for Lucy, the Duchess of Claringdon and her matchmaking ways. She brings Collin and Erienne into close proximity and sparks start to fly from the banked embers in their hearts. I adored Lucy and her husband and their roles, they added a lightness and humor to the story.
Ms. Bowman breathes depth and spirit into her characters. While this is a novella, it feels like a novel, there were no holes or details left unattended. I am grateful that more time was NOT spent on Erienne’s parents, I feel I would have been hard pressed to find any real way to show them in a favorable light.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 1, 2019
❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
An enjoyable read , that held my attention, just felt it was lacking slightly in some places .
The characters are interesting and fit wonderfully in the story ,
And it ticks along great in most places . Now and again it seemed to loose a little steam and became slightly flat , but in all it’s a good book and fans who read this author frequently will love every minute.
Thankyou to the author and publisher at Netgally for allowing me to read and review , this is a voluntary review and all thoughts are my own x
💋💋
An enjoyable read , that held my attention, just felt it was lacking slightly in some places .
The characters are interesting and fit wonderfully in the story ,
And it ticks along great in most places . Now and again it seemed to loose a little steam and became slightly flat , but in all it’s a good book and fans who read this author frequently will love every minute.
Thankyou to the author and publisher at Netgally for allowing me to read and review , this is a voluntary review and all thoughts are my own x
February 10, 2019
2.5
felt super rushed
felt super rushed
July 11, 2019
Cheesy; being a novella, the romance has no time to develop so Bowman decides to make them fall in love 14 years ago and still be in love today, despite them not seeing each other for 14 years.
The best part is the cute update on Lucy and Derek.
The best part is the cute update on Lucy and Derek.
March 9, 2019
An enjoyable short story. A super series.
3.5☆ (I always round up).
3.5☆ (I always round up).
January 30, 2019
You can't stop a matchmaker from matchmaking, and this is exactly what happens when Lucy, Duchess of Claringdon was looking for a governess. Upon seeing the name of Erienne Stone, Lucy's husband, the duke, lets slip out that he and his brothers had known a girl by that name in Brighton. Now, was she the reason why Derek's brother Collin had never married? And wasn't it a very fortunate coincidence - and it truly was! - that General Collin Hunt had to take a holiday, and chose his brother's country estate to rest.
While part of the Playful Brides series, MR. HUNT, I PRESUME stands perfectly on its own. Valerie Bowman supplies all the necessary background details, as well as the story behind Erienne and Collin's young love and subsequent separation, which was lovely and touching. I was suitably impressed with Ms. Bowman's ability to make this novella as richly textured as a full-length novel. The descriptions of the surroundings sparkle, the prose is fresh and graceful, the characters are fully fleshed-out - Lucy is a veritable force of nature! - and the story progresses at a brisk pace. I was also pleasantly surprised that the lead characters are somewhat older: Collin is 35 and Erienne 32.
The story was marvellous until the first intimate scene, and then the sex per se. Apart from some rather tense and somewhat impersonal exchanges in the company of Derek and/or Lucy, Erienne and Collin just never talked. They never had a real conversation, they never reconnected, they barely mentioned the past, and I never felt the passion. There was a gaping hole of fourteen years that was never filled. I felt regret and sadness at what might have been, what could have been, but not the overwhelming chemistry that would have made the physical intimacy unvoidable and believable. Often, you do feel it, even when a considerable period of time is magically erased, because of that pull between the characters; furtive glances, brushing fingers, but unfortunately there was no sexual tension, no sparks here. Fourteen years apart is a long time, people change, evolve; did they still feel the same? There were no visible signs, and for me, I never felt that the romance had been rekindled.
I give 3 1/2 stars
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While part of the Playful Brides series, MR. HUNT, I PRESUME stands perfectly on its own. Valerie Bowman supplies all the necessary background details, as well as the story behind Erienne and Collin's young love and subsequent separation, which was lovely and touching. I was suitably impressed with Ms. Bowman's ability to make this novella as richly textured as a full-length novel. The descriptions of the surroundings sparkle, the prose is fresh and graceful, the characters are fully fleshed-out - Lucy is a veritable force of nature! - and the story progresses at a brisk pace. I was also pleasantly surprised that the lead characters are somewhat older: Collin is 35 and Erienne 32.
The story was marvellous until the first intimate scene, and then the sex per se. Apart from some rather tense and somewhat impersonal exchanges in the company of Derek and/or Lucy, Erienne and Collin just never talked. They never had a real conversation, they never reconnected, they barely mentioned the past, and I never felt the passion. There was a gaping hole of fourteen years that was never filled. I felt regret and sadness at what might have been, what could have been, but not the overwhelming chemistry that would have made the physical intimacy unvoidable and believable. Often, you do feel it, even when a considerable period of time is magically erased, because of that pull between the characters; furtive glances, brushing fingers, but unfortunately there was no sexual tension, no sparks here. Fourteen years apart is a long time, people change, evolve; did they still feel the same? There were no visible signs, and for me, I never felt that the romance had been rekindled.
I give 3 1/2 stars
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 18, 2019
She glanced over at Collin again. She'd been trying to eye him surreptitiously when she thought he wasn't looking, but he kept catching her. It hurt to look at him, but she couldn't stop herself.
3.5 stars
I started this novella with so much hope and optimism but ultimately was left disappointed. And annoyed. And frustrated that it took 50% of the novella for the hero and heroine to reunite and for us to learn what happened that drove them apart fourteen years ago. The beginning half was a constant stream of "I loved Collin with all my heart but will not think of him because he broke my heart" and "Erienne is the only woman I have ever loved but will not think of her because she broke my heart" and after a while I was over it. I think Collin (and Erienne's mother) are responsible for the majority of the heartache and misunderstandings that kept these two separated, and I therefore had little sympathy for him. If he'd just told Erienne what her mother had said to him SOONER, she wouldn't have run off without knowing the truth.
Oh well. Overall, I'm disappointed and not as enthralled by this one as I was with Kiss Me at Christmas, but ultimately enjoyed it and would recommend it in between other reads. I will continue to read more by this author.
*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley*
February 8, 2019
You never know when the past will awaken again and there might be a second chance at love. Collin Hunt had done what he thought was right at the time and walked away from Erienne 14 years ago. When he realized he made a mistake, but it appears he was too late. So he goes into the service for his country and all these years later, he finally takes some time off and goes to visit his brother Derek, his wife Lucy and their family.
But it seems fate is having a merry time as he finds Erienne working as a governess for them! What he doesn't know and she does not realize is there was matchmaking in play to bring these two together by Lucy. She had been working at one job for the past fourteen years and when desperately needing a new position, Lucy gave her an amazing salary!
As they see each other again, they find the old feelings are still there. But so much has gone on in between. Can she ever forgive him for leaving her in the past and can he now feel the same about her?
A fast paced story that hits all of the stops needed in a good romance. Tension, surprises, some humor and emotions that keep you engaged! I enjoyed this story and I know you will too!
But it seems fate is having a merry time as he finds Erienne working as a governess for them! What he doesn't know and she does not realize is there was matchmaking in play to bring these two together by Lucy. She had been working at one job for the past fourteen years and when desperately needing a new position, Lucy gave her an amazing salary!
As they see each other again, they find the old feelings are still there. But so much has gone on in between. Can she ever forgive him for leaving her in the past and can he now feel the same about her?
A fast paced story that hits all of the stops needed in a good romance. Tension, surprises, some humor and emotions that keep you engaged! I enjoyed this story and I know you will too!
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