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Winn's Fall
After her mother’s death, Miss Zoe Chase returns to England to find an ideal husband.
Practical considerations include:
Must be responsible. Must have adequate connections. All teeth would be a plus.A secret part of Zoe yearns for love, but she can’t afford to let her heart decide. With the help of an old friend, Zoe should have the business done, post haste.
If not for Winn...
No plan included a devilishly handsome earl cursed to die.
A family curse left Lord Winthrop Burton fatherless at age five. Now condemned to die by age thirty, Winn is determined to do it on his own terms.
Practical considerations include:
No marriage. No children. No falling in love.Winn will leave no one behind to mourn him.
If not for Miss Zoe Chase...
When plans fight passion, everything falls.
As desire flares, both careen towards the curse’s end. Because the accidents that once plagued Winn are now happening to Zoe.
To save Zoe, Winn must push her away. Except Zoe has fallen in love with him.
And love does not yield to practical considerations.
Can Winn discover the truth of his curse before it ends them both?
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Published January 29, 2020
337 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Clair Brett
16 books80 followersFur baby wrangler and historical romance author of 7 published novels, Clair Brett lives in NH with her hard-working husband of 23 years. Her office staff during the day consists of Cinta, a black cat and the matriarch of the fur babies, Mojo, a yellow kitten who spends his day holding Clair down in her seat to get her word count in, a boxer/beagle mix puppy named Willow, who sleeps next to her chair to make it hard to do an Oreo run without doing a pee run as well, Sanibel, a lab mix, who is the HR dept. keeping moral up, and sometimes her “grand dog”, Bailey, an 80 pound shepherd mix who is always up for a good time. When not writing, she tries to keep tabs on her newly minted adult daughters who are working on figuring it all out.
A former middle and high school English teacher, Clair has had a lifetime love affair with reading. Once she read Pride and Prejudice as an extra read in high school, she was hooked. Clair began pursuit of publication when she was a new mother in need of a hobby. Her oldest daughter graduated high school in 2017, so you do the math. Clair is a firm believer that a reader finds a piece of who they are or learns something about the world with every book they read. She wants her readers to be empowered and to have a refreshed belief in the goodness of people and the power of love after reading her work.
Visit Clair on the web at: www.clairbrett.com or hangout with her on Facebook: @authorclairbrett or Twitter at: @clairbrett.
A former middle and high school English teacher, Clair has had a lifetime love affair with reading. Once she read Pride and Prejudice as an extra read in high school, she was hooked. Clair began pursuit of publication when she was a new mother in need of a hobby. Her oldest daughter graduated high school in 2017, so you do the math. Clair is a firm believer that a reader finds a piece of who they are or learns something about the world with every book they read. She wants her readers to be empowered and to have a refreshed belief in the goodness of people and the power of love after reading her work.
Visit Clair on the web at: www.clairbrett.com or hangout with her on Facebook: @authorclairbrett or Twitter at: @clairbrett.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 8, 2020
I honestly had a really hard time deciding how to rate this novel.
I really loved the story and the characters. There was plenty of suspense and intrigue, a good sense of humour, a good amount of steam, and it was easy to relate to the characters and get invested in whether or not things worked out for them. I was really absorbed in the story and rushed right through reading it because I was eager to see what was going to happen.
Buuuuut.
I really felt like the editing in this book was subpar at best. I try not to be an ass about these things because sometimes errors slip through, but it was honestly pretty overwhelming at times. There were parts where it was hard to tell who was present and who was speaking, parts where the entirely wrong word was use and I had to reread sentences to decipher the meaning, and many full on typing errors. It was really frustrating because I felt like I was reading a first or second draft at times rather than a finished product, and not only was it distracting, but I also felt like I had to spend extra time figuring out what was meant, which definitely pulled me out of the story.
I really liked the story though, and it was just what I needed right now. I had such a great time with the story and characters that I can't fault it too much. I just really wish the editing had felt complete. I'm giving this three stars out of five because it really filled a need for me and the story and characters were true delights. It would probably be a full star higher or more if it weren't for the intrusiveness of the errors. I'd still recommend it for anyone who enjoys historical romance, provided that these kinds of errors don't typically bother you.
I really loved the story and the characters. There was plenty of suspense and intrigue, a good sense of humour, a good amount of steam, and it was easy to relate to the characters and get invested in whether or not things worked out for them. I was really absorbed in the story and rushed right through reading it because I was eager to see what was going to happen.
Buuuuut.
I really felt like the editing in this book was subpar at best. I try not to be an ass about these things because sometimes errors slip through, but it was honestly pretty overwhelming at times. There were parts where it was hard to tell who was present and who was speaking, parts where the entirely wrong word was use and I had to reread sentences to decipher the meaning, and many full on typing errors. It was really frustrating because I felt like I was reading a first or second draft at times rather than a finished product, and not only was it distracting, but I also felt like I had to spend extra time figuring out what was meant, which definitely pulled me out of the story.
I really liked the story though, and it was just what I needed right now. I had such a great time with the story and characters that I can't fault it too much. I just really wish the editing had felt complete. I'm giving this three stars out of five because it really filled a need for me and the story and characters were true delights. It would probably be a full star higher or more if it weren't for the intrusiveness of the errors. I'd still recommend it for anyone who enjoys historical romance, provided that these kinds of errors don't typically bother you.
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March 29, 2020
This was a well written Regency romance and I really enjoyed reading Winn and Zoe's story. Both characters are wonderful and were portrayed with such depth and great personalities. They were charming and relatable characters. The connection they had and their chemistry was undeniable. Both characters were also very family oriented, which I really liked. The storyline was engaging, full of danger, intrigue, and of course romance. There was plenty of drama and suspense to keep me turning the pages till the end. This was a great read and I highly recommend for fans of Regency who like a little suspense and drama in their stories!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 28, 2020
This is an OK historical romance, with a mostly likable couple, but I did have a few issues with it. It gets 3 stars from me.
First the whole plot line of Winn thinking he was cursed was a bit silly. He was supposed to be an intelligent man, and was apparently a good earl -- so why did he never suspect that someone had been trying to kill off all the men in his family? That many unusual deaths in one family should have made everyone suspect foul play, but no one did? I just didn't buy it.
I also didn't really buy that Winn and Zoe were in love. They didn't spend much time together, and much of that time was with many other people around. Then, all of a sudden, they are in love? Once again, I didn't buy it. It was nice when they found their HEA and solved his problem, though.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
First the whole plot line of Winn thinking he was cursed was a bit silly. He was supposed to be an intelligent man, and was apparently a good earl -- so why did he never suspect that someone had been trying to kill off all the men in his family? That many unusual deaths in one family should have made everyone suspect foul play, but no one did? I just didn't buy it.
I also didn't really buy that Winn and Zoe were in love. They didn't spend much time together, and much of that time was with many other people around. Then, all of a sudden, they are in love? Once again, I didn't buy it. It was nice when they found their HEA and solved his problem, though.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
February 25, 2020
Winn almost 30 is not taking life seriously, the family curse took his father and grandfather from life when they were 30. Everyday he finds a way to test fate. But is it really a curse but a need to exact revenge.
Zoe is best friends with Winn’s little sister Cyn, since they were young, 20 some years prior. After losing her mom, Zoe is sent back to England to find a love match but she never thought her match is in the one man that has proclaimed he’s never ever marrying so he won’t leave behind a young widow and a child. Does Zoe get under Winns layers to warm his body and heart with her fierceness?? Or will Winn believe in his bad luck and meet his maker soon???
Zoe is best friends with Winn’s little sister Cyn, since they were young, 20 some years prior. After losing her mom, Zoe is sent back to England to find a love match but she never thought her match is in the one man that has proclaimed he’s never ever marrying so he won’t leave behind a young widow and a child. Does Zoe get under Winns layers to warm his body and heart with her fierceness?? Or will Winn believe in his bad luck and meet his maker soon???
October 20, 2020
Well written and kept my attention. Good plot twist.
March 6, 2020
I loved dare devil Winn.
Winn figures he is going to die anyway because of the family curse so he seems to go out of his way to do things that are dangerous. His sister’s friend Zoe is returning to England and he figures he is going to be roped into accompanying them around town. Winn remembers Zoe as a young girl not very attractive he is in for a surprise. There is also the undercurrent of mystery about the curse is it real or is it something else? This mystery romance was a fun read I loved dare devil Winn and right up to the end this gentleman is full of surprises. Zoe was great too, in fact, the cast of characters were splendid. I enjoyed every minute I spent with this I was rather sad when it ended. This is a book I gladly recommend hope you pick it up. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Winn figures he is going to die anyway because of the family curse so he seems to go out of his way to do things that are dangerous. His sister’s friend Zoe is returning to England and he figures he is going to be roped into accompanying them around town. Winn remembers Zoe as a young girl not very attractive he is in for a surprise. There is also the undercurrent of mystery about the curse is it real or is it something else? This mystery romance was a fun read I loved dare devil Winn and right up to the end this gentleman is full of surprises. Zoe was great too, in fact, the cast of characters were splendid. I enjoyed every minute I spent with this I was rather sad when it ended. This is a book I gladly recommend hope you pick it up. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
October 9, 2020
I really liked that this turned into a mystery. However, the errors were multiple enough that I found it annoying. Lady Sattafinna (odd spelling) is called Victoria the first 3 times she is mentioned. Is Ssrrafinna her courtesan name? Also Seller says, "Not sure she whets my pallet enough." Since a pallet is a bed why did Winn not punch him? Could the author have meant palate? The hunting cabin Winn restored as his own private place is also called the old manor, yet the size is very small even for an old building on an Earl's estate. Some scenes lost continuity -- talking inside then outside, the door is in the back then on the side, shawl is on or not. If the author gets a chance to revise this book or has later publication with better editing, I would like to read them.
March 12, 2020
Zoe lives with her widowed father who is a diplomat in another country so when she her father wants her to find a husband he send her to her best friend Cyn to stay for her first season. Winn is Cyn's older brother who takes risks almost daily because he thinks the men is his family are cursed because they all die young. As Winn and Zoe get to know one another again they have a attraction that they can not deny even when he is to help her find a husband. When it is discovered that his family does not have a curse but someone with revenge it changes how he sees his future. Loved this sweet suspenseful romance.
March 11, 2020
A Common Elements Romance Project story which is well written and held my interest throughout. This is Lord, Winthrop (Winn) Burton, and Miss Zoe Chase a friends to lovers Regency story. There is suspense, drama, danger, a villain, and romance. I enjoyed reading this story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 12, 2020
A mystery and family.
You know what I liked best?
That both Zoe and Winn were close to their families and were very family oriented. Even with the curse hanging over Winn (so he seeks out danger or it seems to find him).
Is it a curse?
Enjoyed.
4.5
You know what I liked best?
That both Zoe and Winn were close to their families and were very family oriented. Even with the curse hanging over Winn (so he seeks out danger or it seems to find him).
Is it a curse?
Enjoyed.
4.5
November 22, 2020
Clair Brett is a new to me author who I think tells a very engaging tale with interesting characters and a quirky premise that I hadn't heard before.
There were a few modern turns of phrase and American terms used which detracted from the story a little for me, but on the whole I very much enjoyed it.
Zoe is the only daughter of Lord Chase, a foreign diplomat serving England in Italy for many years. When her mother passes away her father sends her back to England to be presented and find a husband. She is invited to stay at the home of her late mother's friend and her children, whom Zoe had visited with for a year when she was a child.
Winthrop (Winn) the Earl of Burton believes he is cursed like his father and grandfather to die before he turns thirty years of age. He wants to go out on his own terms, and so lives a daredevil life always galvanting off on crazy larks, supported (begrudgingly) by his best friend.
When Zoe returns to his house after an absence of many years they renew their acquaintance and he realises his childhood feelings of friendship and protectiveness have grown and developed into something more.
Unfortunately, as he believes he's likely to die at any moment Winn doesn't feel he has much to offer her. Zoe adores Winn, but can see he isn't going to offer marriage and so is trying to determine what other suitable marriage prospects she may have.
A little bit of conflict and some mystery surrounding Winn's near death experiences kept me reading to see how everything was resolved.
This story contains descriptive love scenes.
There were a few modern turns of phrase and American terms used which detracted from the story a little for me, but on the whole I very much enjoyed it.
Zoe is the only daughter of Lord Chase, a foreign diplomat serving England in Italy for many years. When her mother passes away her father sends her back to England to be presented and find a husband. She is invited to stay at the home of her late mother's friend and her children, whom Zoe had visited with for a year when she was a child.
Winthrop (Winn) the Earl of Burton believes he is cursed like his father and grandfather to die before he turns thirty years of age. He wants to go out on his own terms, and so lives a daredevil life always galvanting off on crazy larks, supported (begrudgingly) by his best friend.
When Zoe returns to his house after an absence of many years they renew their acquaintance and he realises his childhood feelings of friendship and protectiveness have grown and developed into something more.
Unfortunately, as he believes he's likely to die at any moment Winn doesn't feel he has much to offer her. Zoe adores Winn, but can see he isn't going to offer marriage and so is trying to determine what other suitable marriage prospects she may have.
A little bit of conflict and some mystery surrounding Winn's near death experiences kept me reading to see how everything was resolved.
This story contains descriptive love scenes.
September 12, 2020
3.5 STARS
Yes, is there some editing issues, yes. But, not enough to make me wonder what was being said. It's free, and I did enjoy most of the story. The secondary character's also added to the story. We don't discover the connection of the h's father to the Duke's daughter. I did find it hard that the Duke's daughter was still allowed into the party - no spoiler's. I did like her character though.
There is a nasty villain, whose reasons are really ridiculous. I liked the spunk and forthright behavior of the h. She knew what she wanted and didn't hesitate. The H's reasons to solve the curse in his own way, wasn't the smartest thing. When I tell you, you will have to suspend belief on a lot, this is one of many. But, I rated it wasn't bad, romance built slowly which I loved and the character's falling for each other seemed plausible.
There is passionate lovemaking, outside of marriage, heat level 4 out of 5 and described I think twice. A couple more times with some action.
No cheating, no cliffhanger for our couple, we are treated to an epilogue 7 months in the future but I would have liked it a few months longer to find out something. We do get HEA but it was not smooth, romance and spice. (ljb)
Yes, is there some editing issues, yes. But, not enough to make me wonder what was being said. It's free, and I did enjoy most of the story. The secondary character's also added to the story. We don't discover the connection of the h's father to the Duke's daughter. I did find it hard that the Duke's daughter was still allowed into the party - no spoiler's. I did like her character though.
There is a nasty villain, whose reasons are really ridiculous. I liked the spunk and forthright behavior of the h. She knew what she wanted and didn't hesitate. The H's reasons to solve the curse in his own way, wasn't the smartest thing. When I tell you, you will have to suspend belief on a lot, this is one of many. But, I rated it wasn't bad, romance built slowly which I loved and the character's falling for each other seemed plausible.
There is passionate lovemaking, outside of marriage, heat level 4 out of 5 and described I think twice. A couple more times with some action.
No cheating, no cliffhanger for our couple, we are treated to an epilogue 7 months in the future but I would have liked it a few months longer to find out something. We do get HEA but it was not smooth, romance and spice. (ljb)
October 4, 2020
I made it through 2 chapters somehow. Where to begin? Consider just this one stupidity: "there was a loud bang that rang out, and tiny bits and pieces of the balloon material floated to the ground landing on what used to be the basket but was now a pile of wood shards."
Why "shards"? Ms. Brett needs to crack open a dictionary. More importantly, why would the balloon explode? How could it? It was a hot-air balloon, not the Hindenburg filled with hydrogen. Those who wish to enjoy that delightful passage in situ can do so at Location 315.
Oh yes, then there's Winn, who believes the males in his line are cursed to die young, so he risks his neck is a series of daredevil adventures. Just what every young woman is looking for in a mate. So if Zoe's so smart, why is she attracted to this moron?
Why "shards"? Ms. Brett needs to crack open a dictionary. More importantly, why would the balloon explode? How could it? It was a hot-air balloon, not the Hindenburg filled with hydrogen. Those who wish to enjoy that delightful passage in situ can do so at Location 315.
Oh yes, then there's Winn, who believes the males in his line are cursed to die young, so he risks his neck is a series of daredevil adventures. Just what every young woman is looking for in a mate. So if Zoe's so smart, why is she attracted to this moron?
October 16, 2020
I thought this was an ok read. The writing style was ok and the characters were likeable enough. My main issue is with the relatively narrow scope of the story. The focus on Zoe is all about her finding a husband. We don't really get to see that she has any other passions or ambitions in life. And because that's all she had going for her I thought the story dragged on and I got sick of her pining after Winn. Speaking of Winn - he was ok but also not that interesting outside of the 'curse' business. I didn't really believe the chemistry between the main characters. I thought the friendships in the story were better represented.
October 9, 2021
A Romantic Mystery!
It was lovely revisiting with some old friends from previous stories of the Improper Wives for Proper Lords series. Additionally we have a mystery to be solved and a glorious love story between Zoe and Winn.
I was thoroughly entertained by the antics of Wynn in his efforts to tempt fate but when the truth of the mysterious deaths of the males in his family were revealed I was very surprised. Would not have guessed the why!
This is an entertaining stand alone story and I have enjoyed reading it.
I was gifted a copy of this story and my voluntary review is recorded above.
It was lovely revisiting with some old friends from previous stories of the Improper Wives for Proper Lords series. Additionally we have a mystery to be solved and a glorious love story between Zoe and Winn.
I was thoroughly entertained by the antics of Wynn in his efforts to tempt fate but when the truth of the mysterious deaths of the males in his family were revealed I was very surprised. Would not have guessed the why!
This is an entertaining stand alone story and I have enjoyed reading it.
I was gifted a copy of this story and my voluntary review is recorded above.
March 11, 2020
Winn's Fall is part of the multi-author Common Elements Romance Project and is an enjoyable Regency romance.
I really enjoyed reading this Regency romance. Winn and Zoe are terrific characters, likable and relatable. The storyline is well written and charming, with a curse, danger, suspense, and a chance for romance for a young man who didn't think he would reach the age of thirty.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I really enjoyed reading this Regency romance. Winn and Zoe are terrific characters, likable and relatable. The storyline is well written and charming, with a curse, danger, suspense, and a chance for romance for a young man who didn't think he would reach the age of thirty.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
September 7, 2020
Nice read
This book has a combination of action and mystery mixed with a bit of humor amongst the characters. Once the mystery is solved and the emotions clarified, we end up with a happy ever after romance.
This book has a combination of action and mystery mixed with a bit of humor amongst the characters. Once the mystery is solved and the emotions clarified, we end up with a happy ever after romance.
September 12, 2020
Intensely exciting
What a whirlwind, you'll travel from one intense drama to the next. You have to cheer the hero as his struggles with his curse and come to terms with love. Don't miss this excitement.
What a whirlwind, you'll travel from one intense drama to the next. You have to cheer the hero as his struggles with his curse and come to terms with love. Don't miss this excitement.
September 15, 2020
A typical regency romance. Some aspects mentioned but never resolved like the secret that something was amiss between Zoe’s father and her mother and the fact that lady Seraphinna knew about it. It was enjoyable, but nothing special.
January 23, 2021
As mentioned by a couple other reviewers, the editing was just terrible. I can overlook a few typos and grammar errors, but the number of errors made it difficult to immerse myself in the story. The plot and characters were entertaining enough, but I was barely able to finish this one.
January 25, 2022
What an absolutely adorable read! From the sizzling romance to the intrigue surrounding a curse plaguing a family, I absolutely loved it!
Though this I received a free ARC of this book from the author, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Though this I received a free ARC of this book from the author, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 12, 2020
A steamy Regency romance with a bit of suspense and mystery thrown in.
November 1, 2020
Regency romance and intrigue
A bit of a twist in the romance genre by including a curse, a thirst for revenge and a romance threatened by both.
A bit of a twist in the romance genre by including a curse, a thirst for revenge and a romance threatened by both.
January 10, 2021
Wonderful read
What an enjoyable read. I kick myself for not getting to know this author better at the FLWNE event 2019. I will be scrolling for my next novel to read fir sure!
What an enjoyable read. I kick myself for not getting to know this author better at the FLWNE event 2019. I will be scrolling for my next novel to read fir sure!
March 25, 2021
This is a pleasant romance mystery around the Edwardian time in England.
November 6, 2023
Love the adventure, the mistaken thought of a curse, the long friendship and so much more. Hope to read more.
February 25, 2021
2.5/5. I really liked the beginning of this book! The main love interests were very cute together and the mystery element was fun and interesting. Then right about the halfway point of the book everything started to drag. Winn was being so stupid and no one was listening to Zoe and what she wanted. Also I hate when the dude immediately thinks he needs a special license after banging the girl and blames it on being the right thing to do rather than love. Like I get babies out of wedlock are a problem but they always get the dad involved and it makes me cringe every time. Also he is usually thinking this immediately after they have sex and it always ruins the moment for me. So this plus all the typos really brought it down for me.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews