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The Merry Misfits of Bath #1
The Bookseller and the Earl
Miss Addie Mallory is finished with the husband hunt. After six London Seasons as a wallflower, she convinces her parents that she should be allowed to use her dowry to buy a bookstore in Bath where she can live her life the way she wants.
Lord Grayson, Earl of Berkshire, has never gotten over his deceased wife’s betrayal with his own brother. He plans to make his life all about his son, Michael, who is deaf. When Grayson’s sister-in-law serves him with court papers declaring Michael incompetent with the intention of having her own son named as Grayson’s rightful heir, he turns to Addie, a dyslexic bookstore owner, for help.
Addie takes a personal interest in helping the boy. However, as time passes, Grayson and Addie’s joint venture to keep Michael from being declared incompetent leads to feelings and desires neither one of them expected.
Or necessarily wanted.
Lord Grayson, Earl of Berkshire, has never gotten over his deceased wife’s betrayal with his own brother. He plans to make his life all about his son, Michael, who is deaf. When Grayson’s sister-in-law serves him with court papers declaring Michael incompetent with the intention of having her own son named as Grayson’s rightful heir, he turns to Addie, a dyslexic bookstore owner, for help.
Addie takes a personal interest in helping the boy. However, as time passes, Grayson and Addie’s joint venture to keep Michael from being declared incompetent leads to feelings and desires neither one of them expected.
Or necessarily wanted.
177 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2019
615 people are currently reading
823 people want to read
About the author
Callie Hutton
135 books1,441 followershttp://calliehutton.com/newsletter/ (receive a free book for signing up and be up to date on new releases and sales)
Hi Romance Fans,
My historical romances are full of heat, humor, and quirky characters. I’ve always loved history, which was my college major. Things of the past fascinate me. Not those boring history classes in high school, but the history of people. How they lived their lives, what they ate, what they wore, the challenges they faced, what they worried about.
I have recently delved into Historical Cozy Mysteries. My very first one, For the Love of the Baron, a Historical Romantic Suspense novella, spurred me to try a full length, non-romance focused cozy mystery. A Study in Murder released last year from Crooked Lane Publishing, and the reviews have been excellent. The second book, The Sign of Death, released this year and the next book, The Mystery of Albert E. Finch will release in January of 2022.
I've also been busy keeping up with my Regency/Victorian romances. Check out my latest series, The Rose Room Rogues. Four brothers who own a gambling club and find themselves caught in the net of love.
Watch for my new Highlander series, The Sutherlands of Dornoch. The first book in that series, To Deceive a Highlander, will release March 30th.
Take a look around my website and check out some of the books I write, and their lovely covers. www.calliehutton.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
January 27, 2020
After 7 unsuccessful seasons Addie Mallory persuades her parents that she should be allowed to use her dowry to buy a bookstore in Bath where she can live her life the way she wants. Her word blindness (dyslexia) may prevent her devouring books as she would like to, but that doesn't tarnish the joy she has being surrounded by books.
Lord Grayson, Earl of Berkshire, has never gotten over his deceased wife’s betrayal with his own brother, and plans to never marry. Instead he is focused on his young son - Michael, his heir who also happens to be deaf. When Grayson’s sister-in-law serves him with court papers declaring Michael incompetent with the intention of having her own son named as Grayson’s rightful heir, he turns to Addie for help.
Overall this was a sweet little HR. An interesting premise, but honestly I wanted something with a little more bite. Don't see myself re-reading this.
Lord Grayson, Earl of Berkshire, has never gotten over his deceased wife’s betrayal with his own brother, and plans to never marry. Instead he is focused on his young son - Michael, his heir who also happens to be deaf. When Grayson’s sister-in-law serves him with court papers declaring Michael incompetent with the intention of having her own son named as Grayson’s rightful heir, he turns to Addie for help.
Overall this was a sweet little HR. An interesting premise, but honestly I wanted something with a little more bite. Don't see myself re-reading this.
October 22, 2019
The Bookseller and the Earl
The Merry Misfits of Bath Series #1
Callie Hutton
https://www.facebook.com/calliehutton...
Release date 10/22/2019
Blurb
Miss Addie Mallory is finished with the husband hunt. After six London Seasons as a wallflower, she convinces her parents that she should be allowed to use her dowry to buy a bookstore in Bath where she can live her life the way she wants.
Lord Grayson, Earl of Berkshire, has never gotten over his deceased wife’s betrayal with his own brother. He plans to make his life all about his son, Michael, who is deaf. When Grayson’s sister-in-law serves him with court papers declaring Michael incompetent with the intention of having her own son named as Grayson’s rightful heir, he turns to Addie, a dyslexic bookstore owner, for help.
Addie takes a personal interest in helping the boy. However, as time passes, Grayson and Addie’s joint venture to keep Michael from being declared incompetent leads to feelings and desires neither one of them expected.
Or necessarily wanted.
My review :
When a disabused Earl meets a wallflower turned bookseller, can he let the past go to love again ...
If you are looking for a sweet read, you are at the right place.
Mrs Callie Hutton with this first in a series introduce a new trio of heroines set in the late Victorian period.
I loved that the action was later than the usual regency time, the addition of modern elements even if women are still fighting for their right to decide for themselves.
Addie does not fit the society mold with her too curvy body, she has been passed by for years on the marriage mart as not attractive and a known kluntz.
Her dyslexia has been a hindrance all her life, making her feel inept and clumsy. Why she decides to choose her one path far away for the rigid London’s society.
So when an attractive Earl forges a friendship with her, she does not dare dream for more than he is ready to offer.
Grayson swore to himself he would never again fall in love, his failed marriage left him jaded for any other woman. And now only his son means everything to him.
But slowly an unconventional Miss with a heart bigger than herself opens her arms and life to his deaf son, accepting him for whom he is, a little boy full of energy and love.
When he is attracted to her, he refuses to acknowledge to himself there is more than chemistry between then. He hides behind the conventions’ walls, a simple biological pull and a nice friendship is far from summarizing his relationship with Addie.
This is a lovely read with no true vilain, only a bitter woman, a sweet woman ready to go back to her old life to help for a time a friend and his cute son, a man in need of cleaning the lenses that are blinding him from seeing how wonderful is the woman right in front of him.
4.5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, I preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
The Merry Misfits of Bath Series #1
Callie Hutton
https://www.facebook.com/calliehutton...
Release date 10/22/2019
Blurb
Miss Addie Mallory is finished with the husband hunt. After six London Seasons as a wallflower, she convinces her parents that she should be allowed to use her dowry to buy a bookstore in Bath where she can live her life the way she wants.
Lord Grayson, Earl of Berkshire, has never gotten over his deceased wife’s betrayal with his own brother. He plans to make his life all about his son, Michael, who is deaf. When Grayson’s sister-in-law serves him with court papers declaring Michael incompetent with the intention of having her own son named as Grayson’s rightful heir, he turns to Addie, a dyslexic bookstore owner, for help.
Addie takes a personal interest in helping the boy. However, as time passes, Grayson and Addie’s joint venture to keep Michael from being declared incompetent leads to feelings and desires neither one of them expected.
Or necessarily wanted.
My review :
When a disabused Earl meets a wallflower turned bookseller, can he let the past go to love again ...
If you are looking for a sweet read, you are at the right place.
Mrs Callie Hutton with this first in a series introduce a new trio of heroines set in the late Victorian period.
I loved that the action was later than the usual regency time, the addition of modern elements even if women are still fighting for their right to decide for themselves.
Addie does not fit the society mold with her too curvy body, she has been passed by for years on the marriage mart as not attractive and a known kluntz.
Her dyslexia has been a hindrance all her life, making her feel inept and clumsy. Why she decides to choose her one path far away for the rigid London’s society.
So when an attractive Earl forges a friendship with her, she does not dare dream for more than he is ready to offer.
Grayson swore to himself he would never again fall in love, his failed marriage left him jaded for any other woman. And now only his son means everything to him.
But slowly an unconventional Miss with a heart bigger than herself opens her arms and life to his deaf son, accepting him for whom he is, a little boy full of energy and love.
When he is attracted to her, he refuses to acknowledge to himself there is more than chemistry between then. He hides behind the conventions’ walls, a simple biological pull and a nice friendship is far from summarizing his relationship with Addie.
This is a lovely read with no true vilain, only a bitter woman, a sweet woman ready to go back to her old life to help for a time a friend and his cute son, a man in need of cleaning the lenses that are blinding him from seeing how wonderful is the woman right in front of him.
4.5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, I preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
January 20, 2020
Daunted by six seasons on the London marriage mart, Miss Addie Mallory is desperate to leave London behind and accomplish her dream of independence and owning her own bookshop. After some convincing, her parents agree to set up a house and shop for her in Bath to get.
After a disastrous marriage left him betrayed and a widower, Lord Grayson has no intention of opening his heart up to another woman again. He is content to live removed from the bustle of London and devoting his life to raising his son and heir, Michael.
Michael is deaf and has no means of communicating with those around him. Seeking material to learn sign language, Grayson visits Addie's bookstore. Teaming together to find the materials he needs, both will discover a connection that neither was looking for but cannot deny.
___________________________
The Bookseller and the Gentleman is the first book in Callie Hutton's The Merry Misfits of Bath series(such a whimsical name). It is also the first book that I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it, far more than I expected to going into it. The premise of it was not the most believeable I have read, but it was fun and well written. Therefore the less likely plot points faded into the backgroung for me as I enjoyed the story.
Just such a sweet book overall. Honestly I adored all the characters. Addie's group of friends were so great and I really loved Grayson, despite the gruff introduction between them.
It was interesting to me to read a take on how differently dyslexia and deafness were perceived during this time. I actually really liked that our main character had dyslexia. I have read many a book with a bookish main character, but it is not often that you read a book where the main character struggles to read comfortably yet still has such a love for it.
A really great start to a new series, I will be continuing with The Merry Misfits of Bath series and looking for other books by this author. I recommend this book to others who enjoy historical romance.
This is a clean romance. Intimacy is eluded to, but only details the moments leading up to intimacy and then the scene fades to black, so to say.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
After a disastrous marriage left him betrayed and a widower, Lord Grayson has no intention of opening his heart up to another woman again. He is content to live removed from the bustle of London and devoting his life to raising his son and heir, Michael.
Michael is deaf and has no means of communicating with those around him. Seeking material to learn sign language, Grayson visits Addie's bookstore. Teaming together to find the materials he needs, both will discover a connection that neither was looking for but cannot deny.
___________________________
The Bookseller and the Gentleman is the first book in Callie Hutton's The Merry Misfits of Bath series(such a whimsical name). It is also the first book that I have read by this author and I really enjoyed it, far more than I expected to going into it. The premise of it was not the most believeable I have read, but it was fun and well written. Therefore the less likely plot points faded into the backgroung for me as I enjoyed the story.
Just such a sweet book overall. Honestly I adored all the characters. Addie's group of friends were so great and I really loved Grayson, despite the gruff introduction between them.
It was interesting to me to read a take on how differently dyslexia and deafness were perceived during this time. I actually really liked that our main character had dyslexia. I have read many a book with a bookish main character, but it is not often that you read a book where the main character struggles to read comfortably yet still has such a love for it.
A really great start to a new series, I will be continuing with The Merry Misfits of Bath series and looking for other books by this author. I recommend this book to others who enjoy historical romance.
This is a clean romance. Intimacy is eluded to, but only details the moments leading up to intimacy and then the scene fades to black, so to say.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
September 4, 2021
Mostly 1886 in Bath, England. This story was 'close
but no banana.'
Addie had 6 unsuccessful London seasons. And word
blindness (dyslexia). She convinced her parents (dad
was 3rd son of an Earl) to allow her to use her dowry
to become a Bath bookseller.
Grayson, a widowed Earl, had a 4 year old deaf son
Michael, who many assumed an imbecile. He sought
a sign-language book in Addie's shop. And later a
sign language tutor for his son.
I liked this couple. But certain elements made me
less a fan as the book progressed.
1) Addie had a pd companion/ chaperon in Bath who
never chaperoned her.
2) H+ h had a handsy 1st kiss.
3) SIL of the H took H to court to prove his son was not
competent to be Gray's heir! What an absurd plot! How to
prove the competency of a 4 yr old deaf boy? Could he
recognize shapes? numbers? colors? letters? This would
never happen outside of fiction-land.
On the bright side---
I learned dyslexia, besides the person seeing misplaced
letters on a page, can involve a poor sense of direction.
IE Confusing left/ right, up/down, forward/ backward.
but no banana.'
Addie had 6 unsuccessful London seasons. And word
blindness (dyslexia). She convinced her parents (dad
was 3rd son of an Earl) to allow her to use her dowry
to become a Bath bookseller.
Grayson, a widowed Earl, had a 4 year old deaf son
Michael, who many assumed an imbecile. He sought
a sign-language book in Addie's shop. And later a
sign language tutor for his son.
I liked this couple. But certain elements made me
less a fan as the book progressed.
1) Addie had a pd companion/ chaperon in Bath who
never chaperoned her.
2) H+ h had a handsy 1st kiss.
3) SIL of the H took H to court to prove his son was not
competent to be Gray's heir! What an absurd plot! How to
prove the competency of a 4 yr old deaf boy? Could he
recognize shapes? numbers? colors? letters? This would
never happen outside of fiction-land.
On the bright side---
I learned dyslexia, besides the person seeing misplaced
letters on a page, can involve a poor sense of direction.
IE Confusing left/ right, up/down, forward/ backward.
October 17, 2019
This is a delightful story about two people who thought love & marriage was not in their future. Addie, having had a few mishaps in her many seasons decides to take charge of her life & move to Bath to open a bookshop. There she meets 2 ladies Lottie & Pamela, they all become fast friends. Grayson desperate to help his son Michael, who is deaf, learn to communicate comes to Addies’s shop one day. This begins a friendship that shows them both their hearts are not as closed as they believe. As expected the road to love is a bit bumpy and rocky. I thoroughly enjoyed this first in Callie’s new series about the 3 friends living in Bath. I highly recommend this book, I’m sure after this you will want to read Callie’s other great books.
November 18, 2021
2.5 stars.
I found the medical conditions that the heroine and the hero's son had very interesting. Funnily, the most moving part of this book was the author's introduction about dyslexia. The story itself, however, was kind of just meh. The sister-in law was a caricature, and the heroine was pretty silly to never ask the hero any questions.
Safety
I found the medical conditions that the heroine and the hero's son had very interesting. Funnily, the most moving part of this book was the author's introduction about dyslexia. The story itself, however, was kind of just meh. The sister-in law was a caricature, and the heroine was pretty silly to never ask the hero any questions.
Safety
March 31, 2020
Callie Hutton The Bookseller and the Earl (The Merry Misfits of Bath Book 1).
This historical romance was just what I needed to clear out the cobweb and stress and bring a smile and laughter back to me! This is a new author to me and I’m an instant fan! Well written storyline with great character development that made me fall in love with the characters and their witty and sometimes sarcastic dialogue. This is a great read that will leave you with a lighter heart and a smile! I recommend it to all historical romance lovers!
Happy Reading♥️
Content: Adult due to mentions of male body part, but there are no open door romance scenes except steamy kissing. 🔥🔥
This historical romance was just what I needed to clear out the cobweb and stress and bring a smile and laughter back to me! This is a new author to me and I’m an instant fan! Well written storyline with great character development that made me fall in love with the characters and their witty and sometimes sarcastic dialogue. This is a great read that will leave you with a lighter heart and a smile! I recommend it to all historical romance lovers!
Happy Reading♥️
Content: Adult due to mentions of male body part, but there are no open door romance scenes except steamy kissing. 🔥🔥
April 4, 2023
This book was a low 3 but the end made me bring it down to 2.5
This was an easy enough read, pleasant most of the time but a few frustrations built up along the way which grieved me.
Grayson wasn’t a character I particularly liked. He often compared Addie to his late wife which wasn’t fun, it often felt as though he only saw her as a sexual object, and he practically used her for his own means without even letting her in on it. No thank you.
Addie was nice enough but she really needed a stronger backbone. She wanted independence, got it, and then threw it away at the sight of Grayson. I was appalled. They have this whole argument about how he wants her to sell her bookshop now that they’re wed, and she’s rightfully against it. Of course she is, that was the reason she left London for Bath. But then in the epilogue she’s pregnant and happily married and suddenly thinks “hmm, I guess I don’t love my life’s work as much as I thought I did and now that it’s my choice, not his, I guess I don’t want this bookstore after all” HUH?! This was the sole reason for me marking the rating down. It was truly gobsmacking.
Anyways…this book was just fine for the most part, it certainly could have been better. Not something I’d recommend however.
This was an easy enough read, pleasant most of the time but a few frustrations built up along the way which grieved me.
Grayson wasn’t a character I particularly liked. He often compared Addie to his late wife which wasn’t fun, it often felt as though he only saw her as a sexual object, and he practically used her for his own means without even letting her in on it. No thank you.
Addie was nice enough but she really needed a stronger backbone. She wanted independence, got it, and then threw it away at the sight of Grayson. I was appalled. They have this whole argument about how he wants her to sell her bookshop now that they’re wed, and she’s rightfully against it. Of course she is, that was the reason she left London for Bath. But then in the epilogue she’s pregnant and happily married and suddenly thinks “hmm, I guess I don’t love my life’s work as much as I thought I did and now that it’s my choice, not his, I guess I don’t want this bookstore after all” HUH?! This was the sole reason for me marking the rating down. It was truly gobsmacking.
Anyways…this book was just fine for the most part, it certainly could have been better. Not something I’d recommend however.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2024
After 6 London Seasons and no husband to show for it Addie has had enough. She decides that the best thing for her is to use her dowry to buy a bookstore in Bath where she will be relocating to. Her mother is naturally beside herself over that news. Her father decides to support her dream instead of forcing her to keep trying to snag a man. Fast forward to months later and Addie has made a success of her store and has made some new friends and she’s found happiness and contentment in her new independent life. Everything is perfect until Grayson, the Earl of Berkshire comes into her store looking for a book.
Grayson, a widowed single father, is in search of a book to teach him sign language. His four year old son is deaf and he speaks a way to help his son communicate. Until recently nobody was aware of his son’s condition with him being so young and all but after a few trips to the doctors the diagnosis is in. Sign language being a fairly new thing at the time Addie doesn’t have any books on the subject. But as someone suffering from dyslexia she understands how difficult things are for the boy. Because of her inability to read like others teachers once thought her unintelligent but after her parents hired her a good tutor who recognized her “word blindness” things got better for her. She may not be able to read as easily as others but she still loves books and is managing her own business and thriving in life. So naturally she wants to help this boy and the father who clearly loves him.
Helping Grayson with Michael, who takes an instant liking to her, leads them both back to London. Where they are planning to meet with experts in sign language that can teach them and Michael’s tutor. Michael takes to signing right away and to her surprise so does Addie. And Addie’s parents take to Grayson right away. Despite her assuring them that they are just friends and nothing more they keep dropping none too subtle hints. Especially her mother, who I find quite hilarious.
As this is a romance we all know where this is going. Yet their are of course obstacles on their way to happily ever after. Grayson’s widowed sister-in-law is seeking yo have Michael declares legally incompetent so that her own son can be made Grayson’s heir. No matter that the boy is only 4 so it’s all rather ridiculous but as he can’t hear he’s never learned to speak so the grunting sounds he makes leads her to assume that he is simple minded. If that wasn’t enough of an issue there is also the matter of Grayson’s late wife and the scandalous circumstances around her death. After her Grayson swore never to marry again and never to love. However a compromising situation with Addie, that her mother no doubt wished for, leaves them headed down the aisle.
But is love in the cards for them? Or is he making another marriage mistake? Can a relationship survive when the only person they admit to loving is Michael? And what will Addie do now that she’s no longer an independent woman? Marriage in those dats after all means that her property now belongs to her husband.
I really liked this story it was cute and fairly uncomplicated. I liked Addie and Grayson and of course Michael. I found her mother delightful even though she was rather annoying to her daughter. I was ever so curious to learn exactly what happened in Grayson’s marriage that went so wrong... it was indeed scandalous. Though I must say considering that the bookstore was so important to her it’s weird to me that Addie didn’t think to bring it up prior to the marriage. Sure things progressed quickly and they had the court hearing to think of but really? She only brings it up after the gong back from their short honeymoon? At least in the end he did see reason about it and let her choose what to do, which I appreciated.
As with the majority of the books I’ve read so far this year I’ve never read this author before... however as I liked this book so much I immediately traded it for the next in the series.
Grayson, a widowed single father, is in search of a book to teach him sign language. His four year old son is deaf and he speaks a way to help his son communicate. Until recently nobody was aware of his son’s condition with him being so young and all but after a few trips to the doctors the diagnosis is in. Sign language being a fairly new thing at the time Addie doesn’t have any books on the subject. But as someone suffering from dyslexia she understands how difficult things are for the boy. Because of her inability to read like others teachers once thought her unintelligent but after her parents hired her a good tutor who recognized her “word blindness” things got better for her. She may not be able to read as easily as others but she still loves books and is managing her own business and thriving in life. So naturally she wants to help this boy and the father who clearly loves him.
Helping Grayson with Michael, who takes an instant liking to her, leads them both back to London. Where they are planning to meet with experts in sign language that can teach them and Michael’s tutor. Michael takes to signing right away and to her surprise so does Addie. And Addie’s parents take to Grayson right away. Despite her assuring them that they are just friends and nothing more they keep dropping none too subtle hints. Especially her mother, who I find quite hilarious.
As this is a romance we all know where this is going. Yet their are of course obstacles on their way to happily ever after. Grayson’s widowed sister-in-law is seeking yo have Michael declares legally incompetent so that her own son can be made Grayson’s heir. No matter that the boy is only 4 so it’s all rather ridiculous but as he can’t hear he’s never learned to speak so the grunting sounds he makes leads her to assume that he is simple minded. If that wasn’t enough of an issue there is also the matter of Grayson’s late wife and the scandalous circumstances around her death. After her Grayson swore never to marry again and never to love. However a compromising situation with Addie, that her mother no doubt wished for, leaves them headed down the aisle.
But is love in the cards for them? Or is he making another marriage mistake? Can a relationship survive when the only person they admit to loving is Michael? And what will Addie do now that she’s no longer an independent woman? Marriage in those dats after all means that her property now belongs to her husband.
I really liked this story it was cute and fairly uncomplicated. I liked Addie and Grayson and of course Michael. I found her mother delightful even though she was rather annoying to her daughter. I was ever so curious to learn exactly what happened in Grayson’s marriage that went so wrong... it was indeed scandalous. Though I must say considering that the bookstore was so important to her it’s weird to me that Addie didn’t think to bring it up prior to the marriage. Sure things progressed quickly and they had the court hearing to think of but really? She only brings it up after the gong back from their short honeymoon? At least in the end he did see reason about it and let her choose what to do, which I appreciated.
As with the majority of the books I’ve read so far this year I’ve never read this author before... however as I liked this book so much I immediately traded it for the next in the series.
March 23, 2021
Muy chata. Sin misterio. Casi sin conflicto y cuando surge, se arregla enseguida. Demasiada expectativa.
Poco diálogo.
Poco diálogo.
November 12, 2024
3,75 stars.
May 5, 2022
I don't even think this would fit into the category of what I would call a romance. I was expecting a sweet story about two people with different disabilities forming a bond alongside some romance and social justice.
One of the main problems (court/inheritance issue) was barely focused on. It was just something that was breezed over at the end; no angst or turmoil over the situation. It was only mentioned in passing every now and again, I guess to remind us that it still existed as a problem.
This was lust, not love. And they admitted that for the most part but I still could not believe in it even after they declared that their feelings had changed. Especially with respect to the hero's feelings towards the heroine. The reason for my disbelief could easily be explained by this line:"There was no doubt in his mind that she would make a delightful bed partner and mother to his son". And similar things were said for the whole time, even after the whole realisation. It shows that all this was purely self-serving.
I would have liked to see more bonding between the son and both mcs. His character felt like more of an after-thought.
One of the main problems (court/inheritance issue) was barely focused on. It was just something that was breezed over at the end; no angst or turmoil over the situation. It was only mentioned in passing every now and again, I guess to remind us that it still existed as a problem.
This was lust, not love. And they admitted that for the most part but I still could not believe in it even after they declared that their feelings had changed. Especially with respect to the hero's feelings towards the heroine. The reason for my disbelief could easily be explained by this line:"There was no doubt in his mind that she would make a delightful bed partner and mother to his son". And similar things were said for the whole time, even after the whole realisation. It shows that all this was purely self-serving.
I would have liked to see more bonding between the son and both mcs. His character felt like more of an after-thought.
October 18, 2019
The first book on the Merry Misfits of Bath.
Wonderful introduction into the lives of at least three women from all different walks of life.
The first book is the story of Addie and Grayson, unfortunately if you are just looking for a HEA this is not for you, this book is a great read written by someone who can tell a story.
It if filled with a person suffering from dyslexia and another born deaf to say this is something of a first in historical book would be an understatement but Ms Hutton tore at the heartstrings with this story.
Addie who feels there is something really wrong with her as she seems to have more mishaps then others decides she has had enough of society and convinces her parents to buy her a book shop in Bath. Our story takes on so many more levels after this is achieved. The meeting of Lord Grayson Berkshire, and his delightful son.
While the secondary characters are wonderful, it’s the story of Lord Grayson son Michael, who tends to tear the heartstrings, a real feel good story of how Abbie takes to sign language with Grayson taking to Addie.
Beautiful heartwarming story, taking on dyslexia and deafness in the 19 century, which in those times did not appreciate the person. This story does, well done.
Stand alone
Highly recommend this story.
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
Wonderful introduction into the lives of at least three women from all different walks of life.
The first book is the story of Addie and Grayson, unfortunately if you are just looking for a HEA this is not for you, this book is a great read written by someone who can tell a story.
It if filled with a person suffering from dyslexia and another born deaf to say this is something of a first in historical book would be an understatement but Ms Hutton tore at the heartstrings with this story.
Addie who feels there is something really wrong with her as she seems to have more mishaps then others decides she has had enough of society and convinces her parents to buy her a book shop in Bath. Our story takes on so many more levels after this is achieved. The meeting of Lord Grayson Berkshire, and his delightful son.
While the secondary characters are wonderful, it’s the story of Lord Grayson son Michael, who tends to tear the heartstrings, a real feel good story of how Abbie takes to sign language with Grayson taking to Addie.
Beautiful heartwarming story, taking on dyslexia and deafness in the 19 century, which in those times did not appreciate the person. This story does, well done.
Stand alone
Highly recommend this story.
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
July 3, 2021
3.5 stars
Mini Review:
I enjoyed the story overall, but the romance between Grayson and Addie just didn’t do it for me. Don’t get me wrong they had their moments like the ballroom scene, but there were just things missing between them. Like there wasn’t a lot of emotional intimacy building moments. What bothered me was that even though Grayson said he appreciated her uniqueness and quirks yet at the same time he acted like he didn’t know her and wanted her to fit society role of what a wife should be. It was weird. There wasn’t quite that connection between them. I more like the relationship between Addie and Michael instead of Addie and Grayson. I did like this had disability representation with Michael’s deafness and Addie’s dyslexia. I wish she opened up more to Grayson about that so he could understand the hurts and trauma that she faced when she was younger. There could have been alot more intimate moments between them. There were just alot of missed opportunities to show they had this great epic love between them.
Mini Review:
I enjoyed the story overall, but the romance between Grayson and Addie just didn’t do it for me. Don’t get me wrong they had their moments like the ballroom scene, but there were just things missing between them. Like there wasn’t a lot of emotional intimacy building moments. What bothered me was that even though Grayson said he appreciated her uniqueness and quirks yet at the same time he acted like he didn’t know her and wanted her to fit society role of what a wife should be. It was weird. There wasn’t quite that connection between them. I more like the relationship between Addie and Michael instead of Addie and Grayson. I did like this had disability representation with Michael’s deafness and Addie’s dyslexia. I wish she opened up more to Grayson about that so he could understand the hurts and trauma that she faced when she was younger. There could have been alot more intimate moments between them. There were just alot of missed opportunities to show they had this great epic love between them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2023
Unnecessary sexual content! This book had the potential to be a sweet historical romance. This book was free through a promotion on a Christian author’s newsletter so I expected it to be clean. I have permanently deleted it from all of my devices and will not read any more books by this author.
June 16, 2025
This was such a delight, I can't believe I waited so long to read my copy!! Lady tires of the marriage mart and uses her dowry to buy a bookshop? Uhhh, yes please! Man determined to protect his son and help his son live his best life? Heck yeah!! All in all, this was lovely!!
October 27, 2019
Review to follow
July 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this book even though there were a few things that bugged me. I liked the premise of the heroine's side of the story even though it would have never happened back then... but hey, this is fiction after all! There is mention early on of the heroine having a chaperone although we never see or hear from her... like, ever. And while this story is supposed to be a romance, I was hoping for more. There was lust and attraction, and a very physical (too much so) first kiss and all of that could have been made to be much more romantic. A missed opportunity in my opinion.
I liked the story of the hero's deaf son and I loved how Addie jumped right in to help Grayson. But again, asking her to travel with him to help find a tutor for his son, no ... wouldn't have happened and wouldn't have been appropriate. If you suspend belief, it's endearing but not plausible.
So what are we left with. The big angst in this story was the Grayson's sister-in-law taking him to court to have Michael deemed incompetent so her son could instead become heir presumptive. Good premise but the judge was very quick to side with Grayson and the court battle was over. That was way too easy and made the ending all teddy bears and roses. This would have been the time for a plot twist, but again, the author missed the boat. Also I loved when Addie's friends show up to the wedding. But then my next thought was... who is watching the bookstore if not the two friends you entrusted it to?
So yes, I still enjoyed it overall and I might check out the next in the series. This was a freebie to try the author and my interest is piqued. Heated kisses and lusty moments lead to closed door activities. I rate steam a 1.5 of 5.
I liked the story of the hero's deaf son and I loved how Addie jumped right in to help Grayson. But again, asking her to travel with him to help find a tutor for his son, no ... wouldn't have happened and wouldn't have been appropriate. If you suspend belief, it's endearing but not plausible.
So what are we left with. The big angst in this story was the Grayson's sister-in-law taking him to court to have Michael deemed incompetent so her son could instead become heir presumptive. Good premise but the judge was very quick to side with Grayson and the court battle was over. That was way too easy and made the ending all teddy bears and roses. This would have been the time for a plot twist, but again, the author missed the boat. Also I loved when Addie's friends show up to the wedding. But then my next thought was... who is watching the bookstore if not the two friends you entrusted it to?
So yes, I still enjoyed it overall and I might check out the next in the series. This was a freebie to try the author and my interest is piqued. Heated kisses and lusty moments lead to closed door activities. I rate steam a 1.5 of 5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2022
Dead and or Dyslexia are smart peopke
Miss Addie Mallory is dyslexic. She is smart, kind, caring, and shy. Having self doubts she has convinced her parents to let her use her dowry to buy a books for in Bath.
Lord Grayson Berkshire is disillusioned because on his heartless selfish deceased wife. Not planning on getting married again, he just wAnts to raise his deaf son to be a wonderful, caring person.
Walking into Eddie's bookshop is the last place
he thought to find someone who understands what he needs or is going through. Yet Addie does just that and more. Learning of her disability only makes him like her more. When his son Michael likes her immediately, Grayson knows he can only expect one outcome.
Will Addie help Grayson? Does old dreams read their head again? How does the court proceedings come into play?
Join in as Addie makes a life for herself in Bath. With not and hard work her dream comes true. As you are invited to tea and a good book, you will find a diversion in the handsome Grayson which will leave you all aquiver.
As you traverse from Bath to London enjoy the scenery and wild characters that make up family and friends. It will seems as your family is growing just as Addie and Grayson's are.
Miss Addie Mallory is dyslexic. She is smart, kind, caring, and shy. Having self doubts she has convinced her parents to let her use her dowry to buy a books for in Bath.
Lord Grayson Berkshire is disillusioned because on his heartless selfish deceased wife. Not planning on getting married again, he just wAnts to raise his deaf son to be a wonderful, caring person.
Walking into Eddie's bookshop is the last place
he thought to find someone who understands what he needs or is going through. Yet Addie does just that and more. Learning of her disability only makes him like her more. When his son Michael likes her immediately, Grayson knows he can only expect one outcome.
Will Addie help Grayson? Does old dreams read their head again? How does the court proceedings come into play?
Join in as Addie makes a life for herself in Bath. With not and hard work her dream comes true. As you are invited to tea and a good book, you will find a diversion in the handsome Grayson which will leave you all aquiver.
As you traverse from Bath to London enjoy the scenery and wild characters that make up family and friends. It will seems as your family is growing just as Addie and Grayson's are.
August 14, 2021
Book One of the Merry Misfits of Bath
Addie Mallory is a young lady who decides that she can’t do yet another year on the marriage mart and begs her parents to let her use her dowry to buy a bookstore. She loves books, even though she has dyslexia and has difficulty reading them. She meets the Lord Grayson when he comes to her bookstore to find a book on sign language for his deaf son. From there, things move very quickly for the couple, even though they both have inner struggles about letting someone into their heart. They work together on a common goal (showing the court that the earl’s son is a fit heir), and they grow to love each other. Other than the dyslexia and sign language, there was nothing really memorable about this romance. The writing was ok, but the moments between the h and H did not flow very well and did not have the feels in my opinion. There are so many books on my TBR list, I will probably not continue with this series.
Addie Mallory is a young lady who decides that she can’t do yet another year on the marriage mart and begs her parents to let her use her dowry to buy a bookstore. She loves books, even though she has dyslexia and has difficulty reading them. She meets the Lord Grayson when he comes to her bookstore to find a book on sign language for his deaf son. From there, things move very quickly for the couple, even though they both have inner struggles about letting someone into their heart. They work together on a common goal (showing the court that the earl’s son is a fit heir), and they grow to love each other. Other than the dyslexia and sign language, there was nothing really memorable about this romance. The writing was ok, but the moments between the h and H did not flow very well and did not have the feels in my opinion. There are so many books on my TBR list, I will probably not continue with this series.
March 30, 2022
What a lovely surprise! 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗦𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗟 by Callie Hutton was a delightful romance read.
Addie has had enough. One disastrous season after another, she has decided to forge her own way. With her family’s blessing, she takes her dowry and buts a bookstore. I loved this aspect of the story. Her love of books is inspiring especially since she suffers from dyslexia.
Grayson is raising his don on his own. Michael is deaf and Grayson will do anything to communicate with his son and show polite society that there is absolutely nothing wrong with him.
Grayson and Addie meet in her store and there is an instant attraction. Working together to help Michael, brings their growing feelings to the surface. I enjoyed watching them fall for each other and was delighted with their happily ever after.
I’m giving 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗦𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗟 the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
Addie has had enough. One disastrous season after another, she has decided to forge her own way. With her family’s blessing, she takes her dowry and buts a bookstore. I loved this aspect of the story. Her love of books is inspiring especially since she suffers from dyslexia.
Grayson is raising his don on his own. Michael is deaf and Grayson will do anything to communicate with his son and show polite society that there is absolutely nothing wrong with him.
Grayson and Addie meet in her store and there is an instant attraction. Working together to help Michael, brings their growing feelings to the surface. I enjoyed watching them fall for each other and was delighted with their happily ever after.
I’m giving 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞𝗦𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗟 the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
April 4, 2022
The best aspect of this otherwise typical Regency Romance is the plot line involving the deaf 4-year-old son of Lord Berkshire and the child’s instinctive response to the dyslexic bookseller, Miss Adeline Mallory, who knows how it feels to be on the outside looking in on a world where others see/hear a different drummer. Love blossoms within the hearts of father (eventually) and son (immediately).
July 26, 2022
Such a great story. Addie and Grayson were a beautiful couple. I loved how he accepted her for who she was. It’s nice how it was explained with Michael being deaf and learning sign language. Showing readers life isn’t perfect. With Addie being dyslexic as well was also a good storyline. I absolutely loved the characters and storyline so much. I couldn’t stand her mother but we all have our crosses to bear 😂😂😂. Now to the 2nd book with Lottie. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜
June 19, 2022
Not what I expected not as a clean romance as I would have liked. And I did like the MC but I just wasn’t invested in the couples story. The most interesting this was that she and Earl Grayson were trying to learn sign language because the earl’s son from his late wife is deaf. They spent more time saying they weren’t in love then actually being in love.
April 18, 2021
Una hermosa historia de amor, que lindos...
December 18, 2021
Loved the story.. loved the characters.
Having a son with challenges , I related to the book . Thank you for portraying someone who is not "perfect".
Having a son with challenges , I related to the book . Thank you for portraying someone who is not "perfect".
December 6, 2021
Great book
I read this book straight through, I like reading stories where e everyone is not perfect. I loved learning when and where sign language started.
I read this book straight through, I like reading stories where e everyone is not perfect. I loved learning when and where sign language started.
July 7, 2023
A sweet read.
A well written charming story. An independent lady and a caring father try to bridge their differences, family, and society for love.
A well written charming story. An independent lady and a caring father try to bridge their differences, family, and society for love.
November 19, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Well-written and engaging. I also liked that the heroine had a little junk in the trunk. I could relate!
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