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Sisters By Marriage #1
Not So Sweet Maria
LOVE UNDER MISTAKEN IDENTITY.
The ton calls her Sweet Maria and, even in her fourth Season, eligibles continue to offer her marriage. They do not know Lady Maria despises the hypocritical ways of Polite Society and is trying to sail away to America!
Though the granddaughter of a duke, Lady Maria is a Child of Scandal because her mother was an American commoner. She blames the duke and the duchess for her parents’ death. Had they not disowned them, they would not have died of a virulent fever in America, leaving her an orphan at the age of five.
She has not forgotten the coldness she had met with as a child, and how there were those who examined her features for tainted blood, and disparaged her mother to her face.
She agrees to an arranged match to ward off her persistent suitors, treating the engagement as a sham one to be ended at her convenience.
Then, most unexpectedly, she finds love with a commoner. Only he isn’t a commoner but the Earl of Daventon.
Gareth, Earl of Daventon is no stranger to Scandal. Rumour has it that his father had banished his mother for adulterous behavior. He remembers his mother as a sweet, gentle woman and knows the late earl yearned until his last breath to have her back.
Love is a quagmire and I shall not be caught in it, he decides. But love finds him. The object of his ardour is a mysterious young woman who dresses like a shop girl and behaves like a lady.
Lord Daventon remedies the situation by accepting an arranged match, his betrothed being Lady Maria whom he hasn’t met.
All of which leads to a delightful tangle of affairs.
The ton calls her Sweet Maria and, even in her fourth Season, eligibles continue to offer her marriage. They do not know Lady Maria despises the hypocritical ways of Polite Society and is trying to sail away to America!
Though the granddaughter of a duke, Lady Maria is a Child of Scandal because her mother was an American commoner. She blames the duke and the duchess for her parents’ death. Had they not disowned them, they would not have died of a virulent fever in America, leaving her an orphan at the age of five.
She has not forgotten the coldness she had met with as a child, and how there were those who examined her features for tainted blood, and disparaged her mother to her face.
She agrees to an arranged match to ward off her persistent suitors, treating the engagement as a sham one to be ended at her convenience.
Then, most unexpectedly, she finds love with a commoner. Only he isn’t a commoner but the Earl of Daventon.
Gareth, Earl of Daventon is no stranger to Scandal. Rumour has it that his father had banished his mother for adulterous behavior. He remembers his mother as a sweet, gentle woman and knows the late earl yearned until his last breath to have her back.
Love is a quagmire and I shall not be caught in it, he decides. But love finds him. The object of his ardour is a mysterious young woman who dresses like a shop girl and behaves like a lady.
Lord Daventon remedies the situation by accepting an arranged match, his betrothed being Lady Maria whom he hasn’t met.
All of which leads to a delightful tangle of affairs.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2017
598 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Spencer
48 books23 followersJessica Spencer is the author of two sweet Regency romance series; Sisters by Marriage and Season of Love.
The other books linked to this profile have been erroneously credited and are the works of a different author with the same name.
The other books linked to this profile have been erroneously credited and are the works of a different author with the same name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
August 29, 2021
This story started in 1793 (when the heroine was a
6YO) & most of the action took place in 1814.
Gareth was an earl & Lady Maria, an impulsive, grand-
daughter of a duchess, each with a family scandal. He
didn't correct Maria when she thought him an attorney
& ditto when Maria dressed as a shop girl. This couple
spent more time apart than together, w/ family obliga-
tions, and misconceptions.
In the 1st chapter the heroine was depicted as 18 years
old & in her 4th season (usually the 1st season started
at age 17 or 18). In chapter 3 she was nearly 21 with no
passage of time: a miracle! Editing needed to be more
precise: Maria designing bonnets/ owning the shop (not
with her pedigree) & establishing that in future, Maria's
son would become the Duke. Huh and huh? Back to the
drawing board?
6YO) & most of the action took place in 1814.
Gareth was an earl & Lady Maria, an impulsive, grand-
daughter of a duchess, each with a family scandal. He
didn't correct Maria when she thought him an attorney
& ditto when Maria dressed as a shop girl. This couple
spent more time apart than together, w/ family obliga-
tions, and misconceptions.
In the 1st chapter the heroine was depicted as 18 years
old & in her 4th season (usually the 1st season started
at age 17 or 18). In chapter 3 she was nearly 21 with no
passage of time: a miracle! Editing needed to be more
precise: Maria designing bonnets/ owning the shop (not
with her pedigree) & establishing that in future, Maria's
son would become the Duke. Huh and huh? Back to the
drawing board?
March 20, 2017
I was given a free copy for my honest opinion. There were so many good points to enjoy about this book and I love a sweet romance with fun twists and trials to overcome. ...but there were also so many editing flaws that would cause my flow in the story to halt so often that it began to annoy.... Such as: "the only other person into the secret.",
"her delivered Lady Goodall a stinging set down.", and
"he would had accepted it as the gospel truth." Then there is the fact that a couple of unsavory characters never get their due, she stops striving for her dream without expressing to the reader why, and it just ends. Maybe three stars is more fair, but I really wouldn't want to discourage this writer from trying as she has great potential and may only need a better editor and to write a few more pages.
"her delivered Lady Goodall a stinging set down.", and
"he would had accepted it as the gospel truth." Then there is the fact that a couple of unsavory characters never get their due, she stops striving for her dream without expressing to the reader why, and it just ends. Maybe three stars is more fair, but I really wouldn't want to discourage this writer from trying as she has great potential and may only need a better editor and to write a few more pages.
March 26, 2017
I was given an ARC by the author and I am glad that I read it. For me a good book is one that will not make you stop reading it; I had read books till 4 AM because they are that good. So in that light, this book is something that will pick your interest but not enough to skip your sleep.
As for the story, it is about Maria whom the polite ton thinks as perfect embodiment of lady like virtue but who on the inside hates all of them because they are constantly judging her for her American mother. Her relationship with her step-grandmother is frosty though she (the grandmother) tries to break the ice. She designs bonnets on the side without anyone knowing and saving up to buy back her parent's plantation. The hero is also a Mr. Goody two shoes who believes, (like most regency heroes) that love is not needed in a marriage because his parents had a very disastrous marriage. So both agree to an arranged marriage without even seeing each other. But they meet under assumed name and identity and fall in love. Their meeting in actual identity keeps getting interrupted one way or another but ultimately, everything ends happily ever after.
So my issues with the story; first thing, the villains are there just for plot's sake they don't feel organic to the story. The character of Hardwick I found to be totally unnecessary. The second thing is that, characters start talking about their past and the narration is in first person and suddenly, it goes to third person. It is as if you are watching a show where a dialogue leads to a flashback scene. Also, I found it to be little hard to believe that Lady Maria who is so intelligent, cunning and observant, cannot see that the man she knows as Gareth and the duke she is getting married to (whose first name she knows is Gareth) is same person! Oh and the reason for the problems of the hero's parent also felt very forced anti-climatic.
In conclusion, I will be overlooking these things (and go for suspension of disbelief) and reading the next book by the author because she had interesting scenes and the characters were relatable. So best of luck to your next book.
As for the story, it is about Maria whom the polite ton thinks as perfect embodiment of lady like virtue but who on the inside hates all of them because they are constantly judging her for her American mother. Her relationship with her step-grandmother is frosty though she (the grandmother) tries to break the ice. She designs bonnets on the side without anyone knowing and saving up to buy back her parent's plantation. The hero is also a Mr. Goody two shoes who believes, (like most regency heroes) that love is not needed in a marriage because his parents had a very disastrous marriage. So both agree to an arranged marriage without even seeing each other. But they meet under assumed name and identity and fall in love. Their meeting in actual identity keeps getting interrupted one way or another but ultimately, everything ends happily ever after.
So my issues with the story; first thing, the villains are there just for plot's sake they don't feel organic to the story. The character of Hardwick I found to be totally unnecessary. The second thing is that, characters start talking about their past and the narration is in first person and suddenly, it goes to third person. It is as if you are watching a show where a dialogue leads to a flashback scene. Also, I found it to be little hard to believe that Lady Maria who is so intelligent, cunning and observant, cannot see that the man she knows as Gareth and the duke she is getting married to (whose first name she knows is Gareth) is same person! Oh and the reason for the problems of the hero's parent also felt very forced anti-climatic.
In conclusion, I will be overlooking these things (and go for suspension of disbelief) and reading the next book by the author because she had interesting scenes and the characters were relatable. So best of luck to your next book.
May 8, 2017
★★★½
Not So Sweet Maria has a slightly unusual plot where the heroine has a keen interest not only in bonnets, but in the making of them. The death of her parents forced young Maria to sail across from America to England where she finds herself in the distant and dispassionate care of her grandmother, a duchess.
Forced to live among the haute ton, Maria dons the persona of a sweet, young heiress all the while yearning to be back at her old home in America. Outwardly, she is all proper and charming but she hates everything related to the bluebloods. Maria also starts to feel attracted to a handsome man she believes to be a commoner. But there are more revelations yet to come. Will she be able to escape her stifling situation? Or will she crumble in front of her duties, expectations and perhaps love?
This is a fairly construed debut work. The writing felt slightly stilted in the beginning but eventually smoothens into a good-flowing story. My complaint is with two of the minor characters, that of Nat who seemed over-eager and entirely unnecessary to the story in my opinion and that of the over-emotional, vacuous Lady Barrington who even overlooking her whacked out pregnancy hormones seemed too high strung. Also, I think a whole lot of importance is given to bonnets and the demand for them in the market.
"Gowns followed the dictates
of fashion but bonnets, bonnets created personalities."
Other incongruencies include how her father(John) sailed from America to England in 10 days: "The first thing he did on receiving his father’s summons [him being in America then] was to marry the woman of his choice. Ten days later he presented his father[who was in England] with the fait accompli."
Along with mixing his title, once calling him the late earl then a marquess. Even if a marquees could hold both the titles, he's addressed by his main that is the superior title.
My thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange of an honest review.
Not So Sweet Maria has a slightly unusual plot where the heroine has a keen interest not only in bonnets, but in the making of them. The death of her parents forced young Maria to sail across from America to England where she finds herself in the distant and dispassionate care of her grandmother, a duchess.
Forced to live among the haute ton, Maria dons the persona of a sweet, young heiress all the while yearning to be back at her old home in America. Outwardly, she is all proper and charming but she hates everything related to the bluebloods. Maria also starts to feel attracted to a handsome man she believes to be a commoner. But there are more revelations yet to come. Will she be able to escape her stifling situation? Or will she crumble in front of her duties, expectations and perhaps love?
This is a fairly construed debut work. The writing felt slightly stilted in the beginning but eventually smoothens into a good-flowing story. My complaint is with two of the minor characters, that of Nat who seemed over-eager and entirely unnecessary to the story in my opinion and that of the over-emotional, vacuous Lady Barrington who even overlooking her whacked out pregnancy hormones seemed too high strung. Also, I think a whole lot of importance is given to bonnets and the demand for them in the market.
"Gowns followed the dictates
of fashion but bonnets, bonnets created personalities."
Other incongruencies include how her father(John) sailed from America to England in 10 days: "The first thing he did on receiving his father’s summons [him being in America then] was to marry the woman of his choice. Ten days later he presented his father[who was in England] with the fait accompli."
Along with mixing his title, once calling him the late earl then a marquess. Even if a marquees could hold both the titles, he's addressed by his main that is the superior title.
My thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange of an honest review.
May 26, 2017
Light-hearted, hilariously funny with a happy ever after to curl your toes
This is a story where Maria’s memories at age five and her perception of reality, cause heartache, not just for her, but her grandmother, a rather cold fish of a woman. She is the one to change the most in this delightful, sweet and hilariously funny situation.
Lovely Maria, once known as Mary, knows how to play the rules of politeness in the ton, With a quick-wit, and spirited, she finds a way to circumvent the rules. She is quite talented in designing hats using the balance of geometry to set off even the most plain-known woman’s face. Her plans are to make enough money to purchase her old homestead in Virginia, returning there, where she lived with her parents before they died.
She has opened a shop under her trusted old maid’s name, Gwen Matthews. Very cleverly, she sits behind a one-way mirror, as women come in to purchase a hat. She’ll design one specific for that woman’s coloring and shape of head. Her hats are selling extremely well, particularly since the sweet Maria, is seen about town sporting many of these bonnets. Everyone wants to emulate her.
In the meantime, because of her sweet demeanor and perfect poise, she is accosted (strong word, but nevertheless true) many times a week to make a man the happiest of men – marriage, to be exact. Her grandmother has decided for her, because Maria pays no mind to these men who are very appropriate for her. She will marry the Earl of Daventon. He hasn’t been one of those demanding her hand. He decides to marry her sight unseen—after all, she is from a good family, with a good personality. The idea of love doesn’t enter his head. He treats it much like a business. He leaves it in the good hands of his aunt.
Maria’s reaction is rather bland, too, about the impending marriage. Her plans are to escape back to America. She’s just trying to figure out how to break the engagement. Her ideas of marriage change when she spies a man in the lawyer’s office just a couple of doors down from her shop. Earl of Daventon sees her, as well. (Yes, Lord Daventon!) They are both wearing clothes suitable for this part of the city, rather common in nature. Maria always goes out dressed as a shop girl, wearing fringe for bangs, and scuffed shoes, etc.
When first they meet, Maria gives a false name and so does the Earl. After all, he doesn’t want to scare the girl away. It all gets rather funny, each keeping their real identity from the other. Their hearts are soon given to each other, but both must follow convention and marry someone who doesn't believe in love.
The story is light-hearted, yet feelings of indecision make the hero and heroine a bit miserable. I found it a lark, since I knew what would happen. If you enjoy a fun read, without your own emotional entanglement with plenty of levity, this clean Regency will surely do the trick.
The author provided an advanced copy to read in exchange for a fair review.
This is a story where Maria’s memories at age five and her perception of reality, cause heartache, not just for her, but her grandmother, a rather cold fish of a woman. She is the one to change the most in this delightful, sweet and hilariously funny situation.
Lovely Maria, once known as Mary, knows how to play the rules of politeness in the ton, With a quick-wit, and spirited, she finds a way to circumvent the rules. She is quite talented in designing hats using the balance of geometry to set off even the most plain-known woman’s face. Her plans are to make enough money to purchase her old homestead in Virginia, returning there, where she lived with her parents before they died.
She has opened a shop under her trusted old maid’s name, Gwen Matthews. Very cleverly, she sits behind a one-way mirror, as women come in to purchase a hat. She’ll design one specific for that woman’s coloring and shape of head. Her hats are selling extremely well, particularly since the sweet Maria, is seen about town sporting many of these bonnets. Everyone wants to emulate her.
In the meantime, because of her sweet demeanor and perfect poise, she is accosted (strong word, but nevertheless true) many times a week to make a man the happiest of men – marriage, to be exact. Her grandmother has decided for her, because Maria pays no mind to these men who are very appropriate for her. She will marry the Earl of Daventon. He hasn’t been one of those demanding her hand. He decides to marry her sight unseen—after all, she is from a good family, with a good personality. The idea of love doesn’t enter his head. He treats it much like a business. He leaves it in the good hands of his aunt.
Maria’s reaction is rather bland, too, about the impending marriage. Her plans are to escape back to America. She’s just trying to figure out how to break the engagement. Her ideas of marriage change when she spies a man in the lawyer’s office just a couple of doors down from her shop. Earl of Daventon sees her, as well. (Yes, Lord Daventon!) They are both wearing clothes suitable for this part of the city, rather common in nature. Maria always goes out dressed as a shop girl, wearing fringe for bangs, and scuffed shoes, etc.
When first they meet, Maria gives a false name and so does the Earl. After all, he doesn’t want to scare the girl away. It all gets rather funny, each keeping their real identity from the other. Their hearts are soon given to each other, but both must follow convention and marry someone who doesn't believe in love.
The story is light-hearted, yet feelings of indecision make the hero and heroine a bit miserable. I found it a lark, since I knew what would happen. If you enjoy a fun read, without your own emotional entanglement with plenty of levity, this clean Regency will surely do the trick.
The author provided an advanced copy to read in exchange for a fair review.
July 6, 2017
Clean Regency Romance: Not So Sweet Maria (Sisters By Marriage Book 1) by Jessica Spencer
Lady Maria has gotten a bad hand from the start. Her parents die and leave her an orphan and others do take care of her but it's not a warm welcome.
Later in life she finally agrees to marry so others will stop asking her. love all the mysteries surrounding her and her inheritance.
Others also are not so truthful either and you wonder how they will spend the rest of their days, never knowing each other's real names.
Lots of action, mysteries and struggles to survive the scams. Enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next in the series.
Love the design work and what's incorporated into them and how.
Received this review copy from the author via Goodreads and this is my honest opinion.
Lady Maria has gotten a bad hand from the start. Her parents die and leave her an orphan and others do take care of her but it's not a warm welcome.
Later in life she finally agrees to marry so others will stop asking her. love all the mysteries surrounding her and her inheritance.
Others also are not so truthful either and you wonder how they will spend the rest of their days, never knowing each other's real names.
Lots of action, mysteries and struggles to survive the scams. Enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next in the series.
Love the design work and what's incorporated into them and how.
Received this review copy from the author via Goodreads and this is my honest opinion.
July 21, 2017
"She had only one dream. She would go to America, buy back the plantation, and try to run it. If she failed, she would go to France and make bonnets. She wanted to earn her own money. She was six months short of being twenty-one and in her fourth season. If the "ton" did not know about the proposals she received, they would have pitied her, or mocked her for not snagging a husband.
After the death of her parents, Mary is sent back to England. Only 6 years old, she is now in the care of her grandmother, a duchess. Now, she will be renamed Lady Maria. What will life have in store for this child? The year is 1793.
As Lady Maria grew, she became known as "Sweet Maria." Her suitors were many, both rich and in pursuit of marriage. Although her background was slightly riddled with gossip. Her father had married an American woman of all things. Scandalous to those around her. Still she was sought after by many men, continually turning them away.
A independent and unique woman of her time. The story is flowing with descriptive words and places. Her man, if there will be one, will be her choosing, not one who has been chosen for her.
Maria has plans for her life. One that includes going back to America to regain ownership of her late parents property. Will she make it? Will she find a suitable husband? Will she be the center of yet more scandal? I don't think she cares if she is. I enjoyed the suspense caused by Maria's desire to protect herself.
This is so far out of my typical crime, detective genre. Every once in awhile I make friends with authors, (G.R. is an example, though I prefer not to mention them all outright), that intrigue me. It's a wonderful change of pace for me. This story is proof of that foray into the unknown for me. I don't believe I've ever read what is considered a "Regency Romance."
Life is meant to learn new things, both small and big. I've found a way to do that through reading. Being open to different genres broadens your view of the world. Reading this story is a wonderful example of that view. A world you know nothing about. Open the door, or in this case, the book, and take a peak inside another world.
Thank you Jessica Spencer.
After the death of her parents, Mary is sent back to England. Only 6 years old, she is now in the care of her grandmother, a duchess. Now, she will be renamed Lady Maria. What will life have in store for this child? The year is 1793.
As Lady Maria grew, she became known as "Sweet Maria." Her suitors were many, both rich and in pursuit of marriage. Although her background was slightly riddled with gossip. Her father had married an American woman of all things. Scandalous to those around her. Still she was sought after by many men, continually turning them away.
A independent and unique woman of her time. The story is flowing with descriptive words and places. Her man, if there will be one, will be her choosing, not one who has been chosen for her.
Maria has plans for her life. One that includes going back to America to regain ownership of her late parents property. Will she make it? Will she find a suitable husband? Will she be the center of yet more scandal? I don't think she cares if she is. I enjoyed the suspense caused by Maria's desire to protect herself.
This is so far out of my typical crime, detective genre. Every once in awhile I make friends with authors, (G.R. is an example, though I prefer not to mention them all outright), that intrigue me. It's a wonderful change of pace for me. This story is proof of that foray into the unknown for me. I don't believe I've ever read what is considered a "Regency Romance."
Life is meant to learn new things, both small and big. I've found a way to do that through reading. Being open to different genres broadens your view of the world. Reading this story is a wonderful example of that view. A world you know nothing about. Open the door, or in this case, the book, and take a peak inside another world.
Thank you Jessica Spencer.
August 4, 2019
The plot didn't make any sense at all. Even in those times with arranged marriages the groom-to-be would honor his intended fiancé by proposing in person.
My irritation with the novel started when Maria leaves her bonnet shop in the afternoon and changes into a ballgown so her grandmother can be deceived. Well, why would she wear a ballgown at that time, balls didn't start until 9 or 10pm.
Other scenes and plotlines felt farfetches as well. This book is in need of a good editor in regard to grammar and spelling.
Not my cup of tea.
My irritation with the novel started when Maria leaves her bonnet shop in the afternoon and changes into a ballgown so her grandmother can be deceived. Well, why would she wear a ballgown at that time, balls didn't start until 9 or 10pm.
Other scenes and plotlines felt farfetches as well. This book is in need of a good editor in regard to grammar and spelling.
Not my cup of tea.
March 28, 2017
This is the story about Maria (aka Milady), who is the granddaughter of a duke and Gareth, the Earl of Daventon (aka Gareth Evenson). Each comes from a high society family that has been tainted by scandal. Maria longs to move to America and buy back her deceased parents' plantation. Gareth remembers growing up without his mother, who was banished to their country home, so he doesn't plan to marry for love. Maria wants independence and secretly runs a shop in town that makes bonnets. She saves that money which she plans to use to finance her trip back to America. It's because of the bonnet shop that she meets Gareth.
Because Maria pretends to be a commoner when visiting the bonnet shop Gareth doesn't know she's Lady Maria. When she meets Gareth in an attorney's office she assumes he's a commoner so of course problems arise because neither feels they can tell the other who they truly are.
The story takes place right around the time, the Season begins. There are quite a few minor characters in the story and other subplots including ones involving Maria's grandmother and Gareth's mother and sister.
I enjoyed reading the story. This is a clean sweet romance with just a few kisses.
I received a copy of the book for my review but it did not influence my opinion. About mid-way through my reading the book I received an updated copy of from the author that included some fixes to the editing.
Because Maria pretends to be a commoner when visiting the bonnet shop Gareth doesn't know she's Lady Maria. When she meets Gareth in an attorney's office she assumes he's a commoner so of course problems arise because neither feels they can tell the other who they truly are.
The story takes place right around the time, the Season begins. There are quite a few minor characters in the story and other subplots including ones involving Maria's grandmother and Gareth's mother and sister.
I enjoyed reading the story. This is a clean sweet romance with just a few kisses.
I received a copy of the book for my review but it did not influence my opinion. About mid-way through my reading the book I received an updated copy of from the author that included some fixes to the editing.
April 14, 2017
A delightful read all the way through! As advertised this is a clean book no bad words etc. Sweet Maria may be sweet but she is also very strong willed and is not conventional at all. Now this of course in the Regency Ton era is not good and could be scandalous but also for the sake of the book amusing as well. I have always read lots of regency novels but this is my first regency that I have read in a long time and I am glad that I went back to this genre. I love the interactions between Maria aka Milady and The Earl who Maria thinks is a commoner and there you have it mistaken identity, love and the hint of a scandal id the Ton finds out about Lady Maria and her other identity. There were a few sub plots in this book that were briefly touched upon that I found interesting. I think that Gwen was one of my favorite characters , Maria's childhood nurse/nanny and believe it or not I thought that the Duchess was an interesting character and maybe not as cold as she seems. I enjoyed reading this book, it had all of the romance and sparring between the two main characters that I always like in a romance book.This review was originally posted on Cindy's Book Binge
February 3, 2022
I got this free thanks to BookBub and I'm so glad I did. I had no patience with this book.
The trope was not exactly hate-to-love, not really "You've Got Mail"... Unique, but not the execution I was expecting.
The plot just felt like it ran away at times: repetitive monologue-ing/soap box about British nobles being twats, a devious subplot that didn't feel fully developed, and imbalanced melodramatics -all put together by choppy narration courtesy of too many characters giving their POV. To clarify: "choppy narration" refers to 1) the matter-of-fact statements (they did this, she stayed there for a minute, he was sad, etc) that make up the bulk of the book and 2) character POVs popping up randomly mid-chapter. Really not a pretty picture. This annoyed me to the point where I started skipping.
I chose to read this because the plot has serious potential and -with at least 2 more editing runs- it could actually be a fantastic read. (Just maybe make sure slavery is addressed cuz it's set in the time period where this is a HUGE deal. AND Marie/Mary is supposed to be highly educated in politics -which isn't mentioned past geometry in the beginning)
The trope was not exactly hate-to-love, not really "You've Got Mail"... Unique, but not the execution I was expecting.
The plot just felt like it ran away at times: repetitive monologue-ing/soap box about British nobles being twats, a devious subplot that didn't feel fully developed, and imbalanced melodramatics -all put together by choppy narration courtesy of too many characters giving their POV. To clarify: "choppy narration" refers to 1) the matter-of-fact statements (they did this, she stayed there for a minute, he was sad, etc) that make up the bulk of the book and 2) character POVs popping up randomly mid-chapter. Really not a pretty picture. This annoyed me to the point where I started skipping.
I chose to read this because the plot has serious potential and -with at least 2 more editing runs- it could actually be a fantastic read. (Just maybe make sure slavery is addressed cuz it's set in the time period where this is a HUGE deal. AND Marie/Mary is supposed to be highly educated in politics -which isn't mentioned past geometry in the beginning)
April 13, 2017
Classic Regency Romance!
LOVE UNDER MISTAKEN IDENTITY is the name of the game. True to its word, this novel is filled with classic regency tropes such as the "ton" and the society frolics of the times. I love this era. There was beauty between these pages. Easy to follow and enjoy!!
This maze of intrigue sweeps you up in a love story between Maria and the Earl of Daventon. I loved Maria's gift of designing bonnets too! This was something unusual and gave her a sense as an independent woman, which was uncommon, especially as a lady of polite society. Loved the characters--how they were flawed, yet relatable. I didn't enjoy withholding the truth aspect, but I know that was an intricate part of the story. I know it was fundamental to the plot, but there were times where I wanted to say, "Just tell the truth, please!"
All in all, I recommend this romance. I would like to thank Ms. Spencer for giving me an ARC. It was a pleasure to read.
LOVE UNDER MISTAKEN IDENTITY is the name of the game. True to its word, this novel is filled with classic regency tropes such as the "ton" and the society frolics of the times. I love this era. There was beauty between these pages. Easy to follow and enjoy!!
This maze of intrigue sweeps you up in a love story between Maria and the Earl of Daventon. I loved Maria's gift of designing bonnets too! This was something unusual and gave her a sense as an independent woman, which was uncommon, especially as a lady of polite society. Loved the characters--how they were flawed, yet relatable. I didn't enjoy withholding the truth aspect, but I know that was an intricate part of the story. I know it was fundamental to the plot, but there were times where I wanted to say, "Just tell the truth, please!"
All in all, I recommend this romance. I would like to thank Ms. Spencer for giving me an ARC. It was a pleasure to read.
April 18, 2017
I love a strong female lead--this one might be too headstrong! Maria is thought to be the perfect example of what a young lady ought to be-sweet, kind, proper, inclusive, modest, etc. No one but her companion knows that she is really a spirited young woman who wants nothing more than to thumb her nose to the ton.
The hero is a gentleman who is working on repairing the family reputation. He isn't willing to step outside the line because of what society might think of him--or more importantly his younger sister. He is willing to sacrifice his happiness for his family.
There were some formatting errors that made it difficult to read a few passages, but that is expected when reading an ARC. I am sure they will be fixed before the final edition.
The characters were likeable and there was enough conflict to keep the story flowing.
The hero is a gentleman who is working on repairing the family reputation. He isn't willing to step outside the line because of what society might think of him--or more importantly his younger sister. He is willing to sacrifice his happiness for his family.
There were some formatting errors that made it difficult to read a few passages, but that is expected when reading an ARC. I am sure they will be fixed before the final edition.
The characters were likeable and there was enough conflict to keep the story flowing.
April 9, 2017
An enjoyable, readable, sweet and clean Regency romance (as billed). Lord Daventon is sufficiently swoon-worthy, and while Sweet Lady Maria is a little too perfectly perfect, she does have enough flaws and character development to keep her likeable. I also enjoyed the secondary characters (especially Gwen!), and really hope the next in the series is about Laura!
The settings are lovely and I *loved* the clothing descriptions - simply gorgeous. I will admit to using the definition look up feature on my Kindle a couple of times, as I don't read many Regency-set books, but nothing took away from my enjoyment of the book. Recommended.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The settings are lovely and I *loved* the clothing descriptions - simply gorgeous. I will admit to using the definition look up feature on my Kindle a couple of times, as I don't read many Regency-set books, but nothing took away from my enjoyment of the book. Recommended.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I wanted to know what happened next. I really look forward to reading more by this author. The story had some unexpected twists and i enjoyed the story very much.
There were some issues that need to be worked out, like letting the reader know when it changes point of view, when it is skipping time, etc. I also felt like the Stubbs and Hardwick characters could have been used more. They kind of just disappeared instead of being utilized to the fullest as villains. There were a few other questions that weren't quite satisfactorily explained, like why the countess insulted Maria's mother, but defended her to someone else, and why she expected Maria to all of a sudden love her after all those years of being so distant.
Despite these issues, this was a book that I wanted to keep reading and I was willing to put up with the problems because I really just plain enjoyed it.
There were some issues that need to be worked out, like letting the reader know when it changes point of view, when it is skipping time, etc. I also felt like the Stubbs and Hardwick characters could have been used more. They kind of just disappeared instead of being utilized to the fullest as villains. There were a few other questions that weren't quite satisfactorily explained, like why the countess insulted Maria's mother, but defended her to someone else, and why she expected Maria to all of a sudden love her after all those years of being so distant.
Despite these issues, this was a book that I wanted to keep reading and I was willing to put up with the problems because I really just plain enjoyed it.
did-not-finish
April 11, 2022... I haven't been bored by a story in a while.
The novel started out snappy enough: a young orphaned girl, trying to find her feet and takes every opportunity to make her way back to America, where she once lived before losing both parents to illness. The story likewise included the hero who was in turn a paragon of virtue (i.e., doesn't sleep around!), trying to figure his way around a scandal caused by his parents (which was yet undisclosed when I stopped reading).
While the language was perfectly well-suited to the times, I found it incredibly unbelievable that a young woman was able to so easily acquire a shop front, create bonnets for all and sundry, and was able to hold funds...
But my main discontent was that the story was going nowhere. The characters were established, the many different (and even unnecessary) POVs were given, the mistaken identities of the characters are in place but as yet not disclosed...... it got boring and repetitive fast IMO.
The novel started out snappy enough: a young orphaned girl, trying to find her feet and takes every opportunity to make her way back to America, where she once lived before losing both parents to illness. The story likewise included the hero who was in turn a paragon of virtue (i.e., doesn't sleep around!), trying to figure his way around a scandal caused by his parents (which was yet undisclosed when I stopped reading).
While the language was perfectly well-suited to the times, I found it incredibly unbelievable that a young woman was able to so easily acquire a shop front, create bonnets for all and sundry, and was able to hold funds...
But my main discontent was that the story was going nowhere. The characters were established, the many different (and even unnecessary) POVs were given, the mistaken identities of the characters are in place but as yet not disclosed...... it got boring and repetitive fast IMO.
January 25, 2018
Let's be real.
The cover, and the title, of this book are the worst. So much cheese.
I only acquired it because it was free on Amazon, and I was in a regency mood. I didn't even know if I would ever read it, but then I looked at the reviews on here and it actually seemed promising.
I'm delighted to say I really enjoyed it. The writing is witty and reminds me of Georgette Heyer. It has some really entertaining characters, with dry humor sprinkled in.
I'll probably read the next one, despite its similar title...
The cover, and the title, of this book are the worst. So much cheese.
I only acquired it because it was free on Amazon, and I was in a regency mood. I didn't even know if I would ever read it, but then I looked at the reviews on here and it actually seemed promising.
I'm delighted to say I really enjoyed it. The writing is witty and reminds me of Georgette Heyer. It has some really entertaining characters, with dry humor sprinkled in.
I'll probably read the next one, despite its similar title...
April 15, 2017
I thought this story had a good story line. I really liked it. I have read other regency books and the only part that this book had that I did not enjoy, was I felt like it had too many regency words and phrases (too many words I had to look up and I had to stop reading too many times to re-read parts that I didn't understand by the way it was written or had to re-read after I found out what the word meant) I feel like people who are really into the regency time period will love this story and I did still enjoy reading it to find out what happened with Maria and Gareth. I was given an ARC of this book to read and was not compensated for my review in any way. These thoughts are my honest opinions of this book.
March 28, 2017
Overall, an enjoyable clean Regency that will strike a chord with younger, newer genre readers.
For my full review: http://www.regrom.com/2017/03/28/jess...
For my full review: http://www.regrom.com/2017/03/28/jess...
November 8, 2017
A clean sweet romance. Thank you for allowing me to read it for giving a review.
January 22, 2020
I thought I'd found a good regency romance in the first chapter with an interesting premise and a strong heroine. Sadly, it went down hill quickly. If Georgette Heyer was her ideal, she needs to revisit her work as this was sadly lacking. This author tried to use regency terms but missed the mark adding current phrases that were out of date. The writing was choppy with the POV changing in odd ways and places. The dialogue was messy and boring and often confusing as to who said what. Spelling errors made things worse. The misspellings of one of the main characters three different ways on the same page about did me in. The plot was poorly executed, stumbling around with main characters acting strangely, ex, Love at first sight for two people who didn't plan on falling in love or marrying was way too contrived. Too many secondary characters given roles that weren't necessary and which only cluttered the plot. Unnecessary description on everything they wore; thank goodness she didn't detail what they ate! I forced myself to finish it and still wonder why I bothered.
September 25, 2019
I rarely do not finish a book. I love regency romances and the elegant verbiage used. The book reminded me of the old "who's on first?" . Just silly. When I read, "...a bunch of invitations..." , I put the book down. The conversation was so inconsistent with the era that it just irritated me to continue. Several people have commented on the editing. I couldn't agree more. My dislike of this went so.much further. I couldn't even enjoy the characters and the entire book was just unbelievable. So often I get lost In The characters and the storyline. In this book, I couldn't bring myself to care about either
June 12, 2017
I liked the idea behind this story of a "rich girl" who didn't behave like a rich girl (wanted to be independent and ran her own hat shop) but the misunderstandings between her and the leading man went on a bit too long so I got to the point where I felt annoyed rather than just eager for them to get together. The secondary characters were well-developed and added to the story. The romance was clean and can be read comfortably by everyone.
Thanks to the author, whom I do not know personally, for an advance copy to review.
Thanks to the author, whom I do not know personally, for an advance copy to review.
June 12, 2017
Wonderful story with a few scandals a little mystery, love and friendship. I can't wait to read more by this author!
I received a copy and chose to review it.
I received a copy and chose to review it.
October 19, 2018
Originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspo...
Clean historical romance is a genre that is lacking at the present. I am a huge fan of Erin Knightley because of her books which are so sweet and romantic, but spare me the more embarrassing-to-read intimate scenes. So when I saw the opportunity to read and review Not So Sweet Maria (which is advertised as a clean regency romance), I jumped on it immediately.
Lady Maria is the granddaughter of a duke, but her existence is full of scandal. Her father traveled to America and married a commoner there. Upon her parent's deaths, she is shipped to England to be raised by her grandparents. She feels disdain for everyone within the aristocracy, including her grandmother because of the way they speak about her parents. She grows to become the perfect lady among the ton, and she is greatly admired by it. All the while she harbors this inner animosity and plots to head back to America instead of becoming an aristocratic wife.
Lord Daventon comes from a history of scandal as well. His family's scandal also affected the way he looks at marriage. He believes love is the worst thing for a marriage, because of how it tore his family apart. So though he sees and falls in love with a shop girl he randomly encounters on the street, he sets himself up with a marriage of convenience to Lady Maria... without ever even meeting her! Little does he know, Maria is in disguise as the shop girl.
I was sad to be a little disappointed in this clean regency romance. I know a writer can create true love without intimate scenes, however I never really felt anything between Daventon and Maria. Maria acted like a dramatic teenager almost the entire time, unless they were at a formal ton event. Then she would be all that is proper, and it was commented upon endlessly. The drama may be inferred from an overuse of exclamation points in the writing however.There were a lot of actions made by the characters that didn't seem to make a whole lot of sense, and trouble stirred up from some random places. It didn't lead up to the right conflicts appropriately.
Jessica Spencer has potential to create something wonderful with the small sub-genre of romance. I believe this is her first book, so I am curious to see how she may improve. Perhaps this particular story line just wasn't my cup of tea, and her style will be better suited for other stories. I am willing to try again, and hope to see growth.
**ARC provided by Author**
http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspo...
Clean historical romance is a genre that is lacking at the present. I am a huge fan of Erin Knightley because of her books which are so sweet and romantic, but spare me the more embarrassing-to-read intimate scenes. So when I saw the opportunity to read and review Not So Sweet Maria (which is advertised as a clean regency romance), I jumped on it immediately.
Lady Maria is the granddaughter of a duke, but her existence is full of scandal. Her father traveled to America and married a commoner there. Upon her parent's deaths, she is shipped to England to be raised by her grandparents. She feels disdain for everyone within the aristocracy, including her grandmother because of the way they speak about her parents. She grows to become the perfect lady among the ton, and she is greatly admired by it. All the while she harbors this inner animosity and plots to head back to America instead of becoming an aristocratic wife.
Lord Daventon comes from a history of scandal as well. His family's scandal also affected the way he looks at marriage. He believes love is the worst thing for a marriage, because of how it tore his family apart. So though he sees and falls in love with a shop girl he randomly encounters on the street, he sets himself up with a marriage of convenience to Lady Maria... without ever even meeting her! Little does he know, Maria is in disguise as the shop girl.
I was sad to be a little disappointed in this clean regency romance. I know a writer can create true love without intimate scenes, however I never really felt anything between Daventon and Maria. Maria acted like a dramatic teenager almost the entire time, unless they were at a formal ton event. Then she would be all that is proper, and it was commented upon endlessly. The drama may be inferred from an overuse of exclamation points in the writing however.There were a lot of actions made by the characters that didn't seem to make a whole lot of sense, and trouble stirred up from some random places. It didn't lead up to the right conflicts appropriately.
Jessica Spencer has potential to create something wonderful with the small sub-genre of romance. I believe this is her first book, so I am curious to see how she may improve. Perhaps this particular story line just wasn't my cup of tea, and her style will be better suited for other stories. I am willing to try again, and hope to see growth.
**ARC provided by Author**
May 22, 2018
The idea of a newly orphaned child all the way from colonial America torn from all things familiar except for her nurse, embarking on a sea voyage to England then delivered to a strange grand ducal residence and confronted by a cold and indifferent step~grandmother Duchess is simply appalling. Such a child should been loved and coddled without reservations (as the Duchess had loved Maria's father). Children her age have simple and straightforward needs plus she is not going anywhere unlike her father who married an American and left England disinherited for his 'mesalliance.' There should not have been any barrier for grandmother and grand daughter to come together in their shared bereavement. Tragically, such is not the case, and both have wasted ten barren years of indifference and misunderstanding, for which I blame the Duchess. She is after all the adult here. As it was, Maria had learned to hide her true self and to cling to her dream of reclaiming her family's plantation in America to go back to, thus making her an easy prey to an imposter and unscrupulous swindler. Maria also had to go through an engagement to a man she has not seen and blackmail via threats of ruined reputation in exchange for marriage to her blackmailer before everything is resolved
August 17, 2017
This is a cute read but nothing that really grabs you. A clean read with really nice characters that is fun. The book moves a little slow with two people who meet giving different names falling for each other. Neither wants to marry but are focused into it without meeting the one they are suppose to marry. What a shocker it was when they found out they were to marry each other.
I have an issue with the repeating of things we already know and each character already knows. The story of Mary’s begging was very interesting as well as her grandmother’s story of how she came to love a little boy. I like how Mary took charge of her life making her own money. I do have an issue with so many men falling at Mary’s feet having to be drug away. The ton is unforgivable I just do not seeing a man doing this where others can see him. These men did not marry for love or feeling they got that somewhere else. They married for money and pretty much ignored their wives.
It was cute, clean and a fun read with a nice plot and fun characters. It wasn’t a book I couldn’t put down but one I did enjoy.
I have an issue with the repeating of things we already know and each character already knows. The story of Mary’s begging was very interesting as well as her grandmother’s story of how she came to love a little boy. I like how Mary took charge of her life making her own money. I do have an issue with so many men falling at Mary’s feet having to be drug away. The ton is unforgivable I just do not seeing a man doing this where others can see him. These men did not marry for love or feeling they got that somewhere else. They married for money and pretty much ignored their wives.
It was cute, clean and a fun read with a nice plot and fun characters. It wasn’t a book I couldn’t put down but one I did enjoy.
August 1, 2017
I was super intrigued by the description of the book. I love a good clean regency novel. However, I'm going to say that the cover was a huge turn off for me. He looks like he is going to bite her or something, and it just isn't something that I would grab off the shelf and be curious about. I would look at it and say, "Ew", and put it back on the shelf.
While I did enjoy the storyline, I was really bugged by the switching of first person to third person (maybe I'm wrong on which is which, but it switched tenses, and that really bothered me).
I didn't really fall in love with any of the characters so it ended up just being a story I finished because I had the time. Maria, while I liked that she was willing to work and save for a goal, wasn't super nice. I never saw the qualities in her that the rest of the Ton seemed to see. Gareth was OK. Which was part of the problem. He was just OK, nothing great, nothing awful, just eh.
But it was clean, and in my book it gets stars just for that.
*I received an eCopy in exchange for an honest review.
While I did enjoy the storyline, I was really bugged by the switching of first person to third person (maybe I'm wrong on which is which, but it switched tenses, and that really bothered me).
I didn't really fall in love with any of the characters so it ended up just being a story I finished because I had the time. Maria, while I liked that she was willing to work and save for a goal, wasn't super nice. I never saw the qualities in her that the rest of the Ton seemed to see. Gareth was OK. Which was part of the problem. He was just OK, nothing great, nothing awful, just eh.
But it was clean, and in my book it gets stars just for that.
*I received an eCopy in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2018
3.5 stars
What I liked: the storyline truly had premised, and up to a certain point, I'd say it delivered. But then, .
What I didn't like: I believe it is truly admirable that the author decided to play the "multiple characters POV" card, but it didn't get to pull it off and, rather, the reader ends up confused as to how did we jump from one head to the other. One just ends up a bit used to the fact that one needs to keep an open mind since we can be next in the maid's, butler's or valet's mind without warning (the only "warning" would be simply that one can find oneself in the minds of other characters simply because they are making an appearance in the same scene as the Hero, heroine, or other more important characters).
What I liked: the storyline truly had premised, and up to a certain point, I'd say it delivered. But then, .
What I didn't like: I believe it is truly admirable that the author decided to play the "multiple characters POV" card, but it didn't get to pull it off and, rather, the reader ends up confused as to how did we jump from one head to the other. One just ends up a bit used to the fact that one needs to keep an open mind since we can be next in the maid's, butler's or valet's mind without warning (the only "warning" would be simply that one can find oneself in the minds of other characters simply because they are making an appearance in the same scene as the Hero, heroine, or other more important characters).
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