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Love and Other Perils
Take one scientific swain, one dashing lieutenant, one no-nonsense librarian, one adventurous young lady, one very large tomcat, and two mischievous kittens…and what do you have? Two recipes for disaster! Or perhaps for love…
Kisses and Catnip by Grace Burrowes
Max Haddonfield is a man of science, devoted to logic and rational observation. That he also finds homes in libraries for stray cats is merely a sensible exercise in controlling the mouse population...or something.
Antonia Mainwaring is practical to a fault and all but on the shelf. When a certain soft-spoken library patron talks her into allowing a large male feline to bide on the premises, somebody starts purring—and it's not the cat!
Lieutenant Mayhew’s Catastrophes by Emily Larkin
When Lieutenant Mayhew boards the stagecoach bound for Southampton he anticipates an uneventful journey. True, he’s carrying kittens, but it’s only eighty miles. What could possibly go wrong?
He’s not expecting to meet the enchanting Miss Willemina Culpepper. Nor is he expecting the kittens to be quite so good at vanishing. Mayhew has faced many challenges in his career as a soldier. Traveling from London to Southampton should not be a challenge. Except that it is.
Kisses and Catnip by Grace Burrowes
Max Haddonfield is a man of science, devoted to logic and rational observation. That he also finds homes in libraries for stray cats is merely a sensible exercise in controlling the mouse population...or something.
Antonia Mainwaring is practical to a fault and all but on the shelf. When a certain soft-spoken library patron talks her into allowing a large male feline to bide on the premises, somebody starts purring—and it's not the cat!
Lieutenant Mayhew’s Catastrophes by Emily Larkin
When Lieutenant Mayhew boards the stagecoach bound for Southampton he anticipates an uneventful journey. True, he’s carrying kittens, but it’s only eighty miles. What could possibly go wrong?
He’s not expecting to meet the enchanting Miss Willemina Culpepper. Nor is he expecting the kittens to be quite so good at vanishing. Mayhew has faced many challenges in his career as a soldier. Traveling from London to Southampton should not be a challenge. Except that it is.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2019
296 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Emily Larkin
33 books370 followersEmily Larkin is the USA Today bestselling author of the Baleful Godmother historical romance series, a series that readers are calling “sexy, unusual and vastly entertaining,” and "ridiculously wonderful."
When not reading or writing, Emily can be found hiking—preferably somewhere off the beaten track. She loves to travel, and has lived in Sweden, backpacked in Europe and North America, and traveled overland in the Middle East, China, and North Africa. Her varied career includes stints as a field assistant in Antarctica and a waitress on the Isle of Skye.
Emily writes fantasy novels as Emily Gee, and historical romance novels as Emily Larkin. She has been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America RITA award, as well as the National Readers Choice, Booksellers Best, Australian Romantic Book of the Year, Sir Julius Vogel, and Koru awards. Her websites are www.emilylarkin.com and www.emilygee.com.
** Join Emily’s Readers’ Group to get an email whenever she has a new release or discounts a book—plus get some FREE ebooks as well!**
When not reading or writing, Emily can be found hiking—preferably somewhere off the beaten track. She loves to travel, and has lived in Sweden, backpacked in Europe and North America, and traveled overland in the Middle East, China, and North Africa. Her varied career includes stints as a field assistant in Antarctica and a waitress on the Isle of Skye.
Emily writes fantasy novels as Emily Gee, and historical romance novels as Emily Larkin. She has been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America RITA award, as well as the National Readers Choice, Booksellers Best, Australian Romantic Book of the Year, Sir Julius Vogel, and Koru awards. Her websites are www.emilylarkin.com and www.emilygee.com.
** Join Emily’s Readers’ Group to get an email whenever she has a new release or discounts a book—plus get some FREE ebooks as well!**
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
January 14, 2020
Well if you're a cat fan, the organizing theme of our furry friends makes this read an obvious winner.
Add two of my favorite authors and it's a no brainer. I enjoyed both stories, both very different and both charming, with a humorous bent.
Add two of my favorite authors and it's a no brainer. I enjoyed both stories, both very different and both charming, with a humorous bent.
November 6, 2019
1st short story with a military H, travelling to see his family and meets the h on the coach. She's lovely, full of light and laughter and in 1 amazing day, they realise if they can survive this trip they can survive anything, and they fall in love. Sweet love story. The 2nd novella had a smart and very nice h, just about on the shelf and the H liked her very much. Unfortunately he wasn't as smart as he thought, and listened to evil OM, and made decisions based on nasty lies. I liked her a lot, him not so much, he judged her and while he stepped up at the end, he's not favourite Haddonfield. She was great, he was barely adequate.
September 7, 2020
Especially delightful for those that love cat friends since its the theme for this novella.
The shorts also accomplished their goal; while I know Burrowes, this first taste of Emily Larkin really sold me on her writing. I’m going to check out her work for sure.
The shorts also accomplished their goal; while I know Burrowes, this first taste of Emily Larkin really sold me on her writing. I’m going to check out her work for sure.
October 5, 2019
Two well written short stories that are Purr- fect for whiling away a couple of hours
Kisses and Catnip, by Grace Burrowes
Max Haddonfield has always enjoyed science & experimenting. Antonia Mainwaring is practical to a fault and all but on the shelf. When a certain soft-spoken library patron talks her into allowing a large male feline to bide on the premises, somebody starts purring--and it's not the cat!
A well written charming read, I loved both Max & Antonia who both wanted more from life than the daily rounds in society.
Lieutenant Mayhew’s Catastrophes, by Emily Larkin
When Lieutenant William Mayhew boards the stagecoach bound for Southampton he anticipates an uneventful journey. True, he’s carrying two kittens, but it’s only eighty miles. He’s not expecting to meet the enchanting Miss Willemina Culpepper. Nor is he expecting the kittens to be quite so good at vanishing.
A lovely short story. We met William in Lady Isabella's Ogre & this novella tells of his journey to take the kittens to his twin nephew & niece. Missing kittens, missed stagecoach, rain, mud & fords made the journey very eventful but also gave Will & Willie time to get to know each other. I read it in a sitting & thoroughly enjoyed it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Kisses and Catnip, by Grace Burrowes
Max Haddonfield has always enjoyed science & experimenting. Antonia Mainwaring is practical to a fault and all but on the shelf. When a certain soft-spoken library patron talks her into allowing a large male feline to bide on the premises, somebody starts purring--and it's not the cat!
A well written charming read, I loved both Max & Antonia who both wanted more from life than the daily rounds in society.
Lieutenant Mayhew’s Catastrophes, by Emily Larkin
When Lieutenant William Mayhew boards the stagecoach bound for Southampton he anticipates an uneventful journey. True, he’s carrying two kittens, but it’s only eighty miles. He’s not expecting to meet the enchanting Miss Willemina Culpepper. Nor is he expecting the kittens to be quite so good at vanishing.
A lovely short story. We met William in Lady Isabella's Ogre & this novella tells of his journey to take the kittens to his twin nephew & niece. Missing kittens, missed stagecoach, rain, mud & fords made the journey very eventful but also gave Will & Willie time to get to know each other. I read it in a sitting & thoroughly enjoyed it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
July 23, 2020
A lovely two-author anthology and a super quick read.
Emily Larkins was a little far fetched, but refreshingly different. I had to go with it and it was nonetheless enjoyable.
In hindsight, I think I would have preferred getting to know Max and Antonia (second story by Grace Burrowes) in a longer book. I think Antonia needed to get her spunk back and give Peter a hard wallop and a good kick to his man parts.l and he story would have needed a little more time to develop to get the kind of satisfaction I envision. Ah well, it was still good.
Emily Larkins was a little far fetched, but refreshingly different. I had to go with it and it was nonetheless enjoyable.
In hindsight, I think I would have preferred getting to know Max and Antonia (second story by Grace Burrowes) in a longer book. I think Antonia needed to get her spunk back and give Peter a hard wallop and a good kick to his man parts.l and he story would have needed a little more time to develop to get the kind of satisfaction I envision. Ah well, it was still good.
November 1, 2019
First time reading anything by Emily Larkin and it was one of the most charming stories I've read, not least because of kittens!!! Here's to hoping the rest of her repertoire is equally delightful. Grace Burrowes gives an excellent showing as always.
July 19, 2020
Rating only for the Grace Burrowes - I could never ever imagine reading a Grace Burrowes I didn't like. Her novellas have always amazed me by how much is packed into the story. This one was so meh there are no words.
July 3, 2020
Two cute and relatively clean novellas, featuring my favorite animal...THE CAT.
Lieutenant Mayhew’s Catastrophes, by Emily Larkin
I love the interactions between the H/h, even though I found the heroine Willemina (Willie) to be almost too perfect in her reactions to all of the disasters that befell she and Mayhew. A Regency miss would have fallen apart at some point, but Willie saw everything as a grand adventure...even when she was on her ass sitting in mud.
Mayhew almost had me from the start, when he got into the stagecoach with a basket of kittens. Needless to say, the two little critters inadvertently caused the H/h to miss the coach after a stop, and from then on, the adventure begins.
Kisses and Catnip, by Grace Burrowes
Burrowes is one of my fave Regency authors, and this little gem was rather clean for her. Still, it was a cute story featuring a well-to-do spinster - Antonia - who worked in a library, and a scientist - Max - who was the youngest son of an earl (or was it a baron? I forget). What I really liked about these two characters was the fact that they actually communicated, and with the exception of one assumption (on Max's part), they both spoke plainly with their opinions, likes, etc.
This came in handy
I loved how Max and his little hustler sidekick Dagger rescued cats and found homes for them. And of course, by the end of the story, they kept a few (I think there were three), which added to the two that were in the library, to make for one happy couple, an orphan taken under Max's wing, and some happy-assed, well-fed cats.
3.5 stars.
Lieutenant Mayhew’s Catastrophes, by Emily Larkin
I love the interactions between the H/h, even though I found the heroine Willemina (Willie) to be almost too perfect in her reactions to all of the disasters that befell she and Mayhew. A Regency miss would have fallen apart at some point, but Willie saw everything as a grand adventure...even when she was on her ass sitting in mud.
Mayhew almost had me from the start, when he got into the stagecoach with a basket of kittens. Needless to say, the two little critters inadvertently caused the H/h to miss the coach after a stop, and from then on, the adventure begins.
Kisses and Catnip, by Grace Burrowes
Burrowes is one of my fave Regency authors, and this little gem was rather clean for her. Still, it was a cute story featuring a well-to-do spinster - Antonia - who worked in a library, and a scientist - Max - who was the youngest son of an earl (or was it a baron? I forget). What I really liked about these two characters was the fact that they actually communicated, and with the exception of one assumption (on Max's part), they both spoke plainly with their opinions, likes, etc.
This came in handy
I loved how Max and his little hustler sidekick Dagger rescued cats and found homes for them. And of course, by the end of the story, they kept a few (I think there were three), which added to the two that were in the library, to make for one happy couple, an orphan taken under Max's wing, and some happy-assed, well-fed cats.
3.5 stars.
October 7, 2019
4.5 stars, as reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-ZS
Lieutenant Mayhew’s Catastrophe by Emily Larkin
4.5, warm
Lieutenant William Mayhew is a soldier on leave, traveling by stage to visit his niece and nephew, with a gift of two kittens in a basket for them. He can’t help but notice the lovely young lady, who gives him a polite smile, but shows no inclination to flirt. Willemina Culpepper is the daughter of an officer, now deceased, and knows better than to encourage any stranger. Yet, she can’t help but assist with the adorable kittens at each stage stop. It soon becomes clear that William is, indeed, a gentleman as well as an officer, and Willie soon becomes comfortable around him.
Willie passionately enjoyed following her father around the world, first as an officer, then as a diplomat. Now that he’s gone, she’s about to accept a post as companion to a diplomat’s children. She doesn’t need to earn her living, but she wants to travel. When the kittens cause William and Willie (how cute are those names?) to miss the departing stage, William vows to get her to her post on time.
What ensues is a series of calamities and misadventures which delays William and Willie time and time again from catching up to the stage, but allows them to spend an inordinate amount of time together. Willie, used to the sometimes harsh life of following a soldier, only laughs as fate seems to have a plan for them. This good natured and like natured couple finds romance in a very short time, and they are both sad to part.
I’d have to call LIEUTENANT MAYHEW’S CATASTROPHE a feel good romp with delightful characters I couldn’t help but love. This short story was a joy to read and left me with a big smile.
Catnip and Kisses by Grace Burrowes
4.5, warm
Lady Antonia Mainwaring is an independent lady, currently volunteering at a lending library. She has no need to work, as she has her own fortune, but she longs to feel useful. Her second cousin, Peter, is pressuring her to marry him, and Antonia is unsure what to do. Though there’s no love between them, this may be her only opportunity to marry and possibly have children.
Max Haddonfield, a chemist and scientist, also fosters cats, until he can place them in environments where they’ll be safe and fed – places like libraries. Max convinces Antonia to accept Lucifer, assuring her that he’ll keep the mice away from the precious books.
Max and Antonia become close, and soon become intimate, with both hoping for something genuine and permanent. A series of misunderstandings and mistaken perceptions seems to have quashed any hopes this couple has of a future together. Or, maybe not…..
Max and Antonia both are somewhat misfit as they’re from titled families, yet have taken a different path. Max is brother to an earl, yet uses his income to fund his experiments, while generally staying away from society. He also has a soft heart, with a penchant for orphans and homeless cats. This lonely couple finds their way to each other in the warmly romantic CATNIP AND KISSES, and I delighted in their journey.
Lieutenant Mayhew’s Catastrophe by Emily Larkin
4.5, warm
Lieutenant William Mayhew is a soldier on leave, traveling by stage to visit his niece and nephew, with a gift of two kittens in a basket for them. He can’t help but notice the lovely young lady, who gives him a polite smile, but shows no inclination to flirt. Willemina Culpepper is the daughter of an officer, now deceased, and knows better than to encourage any stranger. Yet, she can’t help but assist with the adorable kittens at each stage stop. It soon becomes clear that William is, indeed, a gentleman as well as an officer, and Willie soon becomes comfortable around him.
Willie passionately enjoyed following her father around the world, first as an officer, then as a diplomat. Now that he’s gone, she’s about to accept a post as companion to a diplomat’s children. She doesn’t need to earn her living, but she wants to travel. When the kittens cause William and Willie (how cute are those names?) to miss the departing stage, William vows to get her to her post on time.
What ensues is a series of calamities and misadventures which delays William and Willie time and time again from catching up to the stage, but allows them to spend an inordinate amount of time together. Willie, used to the sometimes harsh life of following a soldier, only laughs as fate seems to have a plan for them. This good natured and like natured couple finds romance in a very short time, and they are both sad to part.
I’d have to call LIEUTENANT MAYHEW’S CATASTROPHE a feel good romp with delightful characters I couldn’t help but love. This short story was a joy to read and left me with a big smile.
Catnip and Kisses by Grace Burrowes
4.5, warm
Lady Antonia Mainwaring is an independent lady, currently volunteering at a lending library. She has no need to work, as she has her own fortune, but she longs to feel useful. Her second cousin, Peter, is pressuring her to marry him, and Antonia is unsure what to do. Though there’s no love between them, this may be her only opportunity to marry and possibly have children.
Max Haddonfield, a chemist and scientist, also fosters cats, until he can place them in environments where they’ll be safe and fed – places like libraries. Max convinces Antonia to accept Lucifer, assuring her that he’ll keep the mice away from the precious books.
Max and Antonia become close, and soon become intimate, with both hoping for something genuine and permanent. A series of misunderstandings and mistaken perceptions seems to have quashed any hopes this couple has of a future together. Or, maybe not…..
Max and Antonia both are somewhat misfit as they’re from titled families, yet have taken a different path. Max is brother to an earl, yet uses his income to fund his experiments, while generally staying away from society. He also has a soft heart, with a penchant for orphans and homeless cats. This lonely couple finds their way to each other in the warmly romantic CATNIP AND KISSES, and I delighted in their journey.
October 5, 2019
As a sucker for cats and kittens my response when I was asked if would care to receive a no-obligation ARC was 'Bring It On'!! The two stories have two things in common - really well observed descriptions of the antics of cats and kittens, and good dialogue.
Lieutenant Mayhew's Catastrophe is a classic road romance, you just know from the beginning of the stagecoach journey that something is going to happen to do with the kittens that is going to throw Will and Willemina together. The various disasters are well observed and hugely entertaining and a couple of them are unexpected too. As ever with Emily Larkin, the hero and heroine are both completely individual original characters, not obviously based on any classic Austen or Georgette Heyer as far too many writers of this genre are guilty of. Although the story follows up a secondary character from Lady Isabella's Ogre, it is completely satisfactory as a stand alone. There is one minor reference to another character from one of her other books that I spotted, but it makes absolutely no difference to the story.
Catnip and Kisses is a standard misunderstanding plot. It trundles along well enough, but didn't engage me in the same way as the first story. I found the events on the library sofa in Chapter Four rather gratuitous and frankly out of character, almost as if the author had had instructions to insert a steamy sex scene about two thirds of the way through. There were loads of secondary characters that clearly had their own stories, and reading the author's notes it was confirmed that indeed this novella is very much part of a series. I'm afraid I wasn't inspired to put any of them on my wish list.
However Ms Larkin's story is more than good enough to earn the five stars, and Ms Burrowes is still considerably better than most of the output in this genre!
Lieutenant Mayhew's Catastrophe is a classic road romance, you just know from the beginning of the stagecoach journey that something is going to happen to do with the kittens that is going to throw Will and Willemina together. The various disasters are well observed and hugely entertaining and a couple of them are unexpected too. As ever with Emily Larkin, the hero and heroine are both completely individual original characters, not obviously based on any classic Austen or Georgette Heyer as far too many writers of this genre are guilty of. Although the story follows up a secondary character from Lady Isabella's Ogre, it is completely satisfactory as a stand alone. There is one minor reference to another character from one of her other books that I spotted, but it makes absolutely no difference to the story.
Catnip and Kisses is a standard misunderstanding plot. It trundles along well enough, but didn't engage me in the same way as the first story. I found the events on the library sofa in Chapter Four rather gratuitous and frankly out of character, almost as if the author had had instructions to insert a steamy sex scene about two thirds of the way through. There were loads of secondary characters that clearly had their own stories, and reading the author's notes it was confirmed that indeed this novella is very much part of a series. I'm afraid I wasn't inspired to put any of them on my wish list.
However Ms Larkin's story is more than good enough to earn the five stars, and Ms Burrowes is still considerably better than most of the output in this genre!
October 5, 2019
I really liked (=4*) these two delightful short stories with precocious cats included in each. I found the main characters of both stories interesting. There is good dialog without interminable thoughts of the characters to distract. The depictions of the cats' (mis)behavior is very good. Warning for those seeking squeaky "clean" reading: both include a (mild) sex scene. I read an advance copy; the thoughts expressed are my own.
Emily Larkin's Lieutenant Mayhew’s Catastrophes describes a road trip in which numerous things go wrong, but mastered by our undaunted H and h, Lt. Mayhew and Miss Culpepper. The trials help prove to these two strangers the other's strength of character - and how suited they are to each other. Overall light-hearted, yet with some sobering reminiscing by both characters.
Grace Burrowes' Kisses and Catnip takes place mostly in a London lending library. Max is an interesting character; youngest son of an earl, he avoids society, has taken in a young orphan boy as his assistant and finds homes for stray cats. Miss Antonia finds herself in a bit of a crossroads in her life; her 2nd cousin is pressuring her to marry him, but how does she definitively put him off?
Emily Larkin's Lieutenant Mayhew’s Catastrophes describes a road trip in which numerous things go wrong, but mastered by our undaunted H and h, Lt. Mayhew and Miss Culpepper. The trials help prove to these two strangers the other's strength of character - and how suited they are to each other. Overall light-hearted, yet with some sobering reminiscing by both characters.
Grace Burrowes' Kisses and Catnip takes place mostly in a London lending library. Max is an interesting character; youngest son of an earl, he avoids society, has taken in a young orphan boy as his assistant and finds homes for stray cats. Miss Antonia finds herself in a bit of a crossroads in her life; her 2nd cousin is pressuring her to marry him, but how does she definitively put him off?
October 2, 2019
Two novellas ... with cats. Each is around 30,000 words long.
Lt. Mayhew's Cat-astrophe: A straight-forward romance story which takes only a couple of days between "boy meets girl" and "do you want to marry me". In that light, it's not surprising that the story lacks a real villain and the normal tribulations of a growing relationship. On the other hand, all the characters-especially including the cats-are well worked out and believable, and the mishaps that bring the protagonists together are funny. 4.5 Stars
Kisses and Cat-nips: A romance story, where cats serve only as McGuffins. This story is a fun read but features a big number of unnecessary and mostly uninteresting minor characters. Two young members of the British nobility meet, but don't think it necessary to introduce each other properly. I also noticed the usage of some terms (e.g. "data") which don't really fit into a regency setting. There is also a sudden sex scene that I would not have expected at that point in the story. 3.5 Stars
I received a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lt. Mayhew's Cat-astrophe: A straight-forward romance story which takes only a couple of days between "boy meets girl" and "do you want to marry me". In that light, it's not surprising that the story lacks a real villain and the normal tribulations of a growing relationship. On the other hand, all the characters-especially including the cats-are well worked out and believable, and the mishaps that bring the protagonists together are funny. 4.5 Stars
Kisses and Cat-nips: A romance story, where cats serve only as McGuffins. This story is a fun read but features a big number of unnecessary and mostly uninteresting minor characters. Two young members of the British nobility meet, but don't think it necessary to introduce each other properly. I also noticed the usage of some terms (e.g. "data") which don't really fit into a regency setting. There is also a sudden sex scene that I would not have expected at that point in the story. 3.5 Stars
I received a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2019
Purrrr-fectly delightful !!
Emily Larkin and Grace Burrowes bring us smart, independent heroins and the handsome men who love them for it... a heady combination that dishes up well-seasoned romance with great chemistry, fun banter, and tender intimacy.
One tale set for a couple who come to know each other via a series of outdoor ‘perils’ or adventures, and the other a tale of two thinkers who discover their match in each other outside the world of balls and dinners in a library. Add some cute feline friends and this duet offers a cosy relaxing romantic sojourn.
Having read all of Larkin’s novels and most of Burrowes’, I was excited to see two of my favourite authors in one book, and will be looking forward to their next publications.
I pre-ordered this book when it became available, and having been offered the privilege of reading an advanced copy, I can whole-heartedly recommend “Love and Other Perils”.
Emily Larkin and Grace Burrowes bring us smart, independent heroins and the handsome men who love them for it... a heady combination that dishes up well-seasoned romance with great chemistry, fun banter, and tender intimacy.
One tale set for a couple who come to know each other via a series of outdoor ‘perils’ or adventures, and the other a tale of two thinkers who discover their match in each other outside the world of balls and dinners in a library. Add some cute feline friends and this duet offers a cosy relaxing romantic sojourn.
Having read all of Larkin’s novels and most of Burrowes’, I was excited to see two of my favourite authors in one book, and will be looking forward to their next publications.
I pre-ordered this book when it became available, and having been offered the privilege of reading an advanced copy, I can whole-heartedly recommend “Love and Other Perils”.
October 12, 2019
Sweet kittens and sweet love.
Two of my favorite writers have joined together for this regency delight. Lieutenant Mayhew's Catastrophe by Emily Larkin brings Willemina Culpepper on a coach from London to Southampton then making a stop to pick up additional passengers one with a basket that makes noises. William Mayhew has a secret can it and a mystery bring two people together? I love their adventures this was such a fun story.
Kisses and Catnip by Grace Burrowes is a really quick read and Lucifer, Beelzebub, and Lancelot plus Hannibal and Edward are the main characters (cats) of our story. Okay, Antonia and Max have roles too, of course, there is Jessica, Dagger, Nagel, Lord Hamblin, and the Barclay sisters but the cats, they are the stars of this story. What is a romance without cat well it is just sad I say just sad!
Fun stories by two talented authors I highly recommend you should check it out. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Two of my favorite writers have joined together for this regency delight. Lieutenant Mayhew's Catastrophe by Emily Larkin brings Willemina Culpepper on a coach from London to Southampton then making a stop to pick up additional passengers one with a basket that makes noises. William Mayhew has a secret can it and a mystery bring two people together? I love their adventures this was such a fun story.
Kisses and Catnip by Grace Burrowes is a really quick read and Lucifer, Beelzebub, and Lancelot plus Hannibal and Edward are the main characters (cats) of our story. Okay, Antonia and Max have roles too, of course, there is Jessica, Dagger, Nagel, Lord Hamblin, and the Barclay sisters but the cats, they are the stars of this story. What is a romance without cat well it is just sad I say just sad!
Fun stories by two talented authors I highly recommend you should check it out. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
July 10, 2022
Two delightful novellas from the Regency order. Lt. Mayhew’s Catastrophe is a secondary character in Emily Larkin’s series. The novella is so delightful! I truly smiled all through it and it made me feel so happy! It’s a book that will truly lift your spirits.
Grace Burrowes is a new author for me. I thoroughly enjoyed her story, Catnip and Kisses. It has characters who are intriguing. I’ll be looking for her other books in the series.
Two totally delightful books!
Grace Burrowes is a new author for me. I thoroughly enjoyed her story, Catnip and Kisses. It has characters who are intriguing. I’ll be looking for her other books in the series.
Two totally delightful books!
October 24, 2019
4 stars for the Burrowes' story, 3 stars for Larkin's.
I wish so badly that Ms. Burrowes' novella had been a full length book. I have waited forever for Max (Adolphus) Haddenfield, the mysterious, science-minded brother, to get his own book. I really think Max and Antonia could have been my favorite couple from this writer. I need more about the science library, and the cats, and the orphaned kids! So much potential here and I hate that we didn't get to see it fully realized.
I wish so badly that Ms. Burrowes' novella had been a full length book. I have waited forever for Max (Adolphus) Haddenfield, the mysterious, science-minded brother, to get his own book. I really think Max and Antonia could have been my favorite couple from this writer. I need more about the science library, and the cats, and the orphaned kids! So much potential here and I hate that we didn't get to see it fully realized.
June 23, 2020
This review is for Grace Burrowes' contribution: A Regency roadtrip with kittens. Pure indulgent sweetness! (Also, this box set is 99 cents today, a good excuse to splurge!)
And Emily Larkin's: A new-to-me author who is going on my must-read list! I think her novella was even better than Burrowes', full of stray cats, a librarian, and a scientist.
And Emily Larkin's: A new-to-me author who is going on my must-read list! I think her novella was even better than Burrowes', full of stray cats, a librarian, and a scientist.
June 22, 2020
It had cats, that's all it really needed. However it also had heroines with self-confidence and a wonderful sense of humour and heroes with the common sense to recognize a good thing when they saw it. Very fun.
June 27, 2020
This is a nice pair of sweet Regency romance novellas, one by Emily Larkin and the other by Grace Burrowes. Both novellas are sweet, with likable couples, but they do contain love scenes (not very explicit, though). This set of novellas gets 4 stars from me, which is unusual, since I usually don't think novellas have enough character development.
Lieutenant Mayhew's Catastrophes, by Emily Larkin: This is such a sweet romance. The couple is perfect for each other, and they are both so very likable. She is sweet and very easygoing in the face of all the little catastrophes they face, and he is a kind, protective gentleman. They are good together, and I loved their story.
Kisses and Catnip, by Grace Burrowes: This is also a sweet story, but the couple had a few problems to overcome before they could be together. Someone lies to him about her, which leads him to think poorly of her -- so he ignores her for a while, which hurts her deeply. They also have to deal with the machinations of someone who wants to marry her for her inheritance -- but it is sweet when they do find their HEA. This story is a little heavier than the first one, simply because of the problems they face, but I still enjoyed it.
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.
Lieutenant Mayhew's Catastrophes, by Emily Larkin: This is such a sweet romance. The couple is perfect for each other, and they are both so very likable. She is sweet and very easygoing in the face of all the little catastrophes they face, and he is a kind, protective gentleman. They are good together, and I loved their story.
Kisses and Catnip, by Grace Burrowes: This is also a sweet story, but the couple had a few problems to overcome before they could be together. Someone lies to him about her, which leads him to think poorly of her -- so he ignores her for a while, which hurts her deeply. They also have to deal with the machinations of someone who wants to marry her for her inheritance -- but it is sweet when they do find their HEA. This story is a little heavier than the first one, simply because of the problems they face, but I still enjoyed it.
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.
August 3, 2020
Two cat-astic romances!!
The first was definitely my favourite; I just adored Willie and Mayhew (Will). Their tale was a sweet, tender, witty romance full of endearing moments that made me smile, laugh out loud and sigh with pleasure! A tale born from happenstance and misadventure, two adorably oppositely natured kittens, a cycle of mishaps and mini 'Kitten-astropes', one charismatic, fun loving gentleman lieutenant and one easy going, up for adventure, miss who likes nothing more that experiencing everything life has to throw at her, head on with a smile on her face and a laugh in her heart - no matter the discomfort or hardship.
A well crafted read that flows fluidly, entertains fabulously vibrant and colourful characters, is dazzlingly heartening and oozed so much warmth and good natured fun that I didn't want it to end!!
I equally liked the premise of the second tale; Burrowes set the scene well and sucked me in effortlessly. The character's were well established, both Antonia and Max are intelligent yet misunderstood people who ultimately just want to be loved for who they are inspite of their passions whether that lies in books or science. In addition, the sub characters, especially Dagger, added weight, levity and humour.
Resulting in an overall enjoyable read where Antonia and Max are easy to like as people and are relatable as their connection blossoms from craving to love. It's just a shame the story seems to end a little too quickly and abruptly for me but well-worth the read nevertheless as it really has the power to make you smile, laugh and empathise!!
A duo of unlinked tales that I would highly recommend for their sense of fun and mesmerising characters alone!!
The first was definitely my favourite; I just adored Willie and Mayhew (Will). Their tale was a sweet, tender, witty romance full of endearing moments that made me smile, laugh out loud and sigh with pleasure! A tale born from happenstance and misadventure, two adorably oppositely natured kittens, a cycle of mishaps and mini 'Kitten-astropes', one charismatic, fun loving gentleman lieutenant and one easy going, up for adventure, miss who likes nothing more that experiencing everything life has to throw at her, head on with a smile on her face and a laugh in her heart - no matter the discomfort or hardship.
A well crafted read that flows fluidly, entertains fabulously vibrant and colourful characters, is dazzlingly heartening and oozed so much warmth and good natured fun that I didn't want it to end!!
I equally liked the premise of the second tale; Burrowes set the scene well and sucked me in effortlessly. The character's were well established, both Antonia and Max are intelligent yet misunderstood people who ultimately just want to be loved for who they are inspite of their passions whether that lies in books or science. In addition, the sub characters, especially Dagger, added weight, levity and humour.
Resulting in an overall enjoyable read where Antonia and Max are easy to like as people and are relatable as their connection blossoms from craving to love. It's just a shame the story seems to end a little too quickly and abruptly for me but well-worth the read nevertheless as it really has the power to make you smile, laugh and empathise!!
A duo of unlinked tales that I would highly recommend for their sense of fun and mesmerising characters alone!!
June 12, 2022
I found this book discounted on Amazon via Bookbub; this is my honest review. Average 4 stars
The difference between the two books is extreme. One was ultra funny all the way, albeit over-the-top in unlucky situations, while the other was missing a lot of passion in multiple ways and was boring.
1. Lieutenant Mayhew’s Catastrophes 5 stars. Sweet story between Lt. Mayhew and Miss Culpepper, both loving the army life, both lovers of cats and whatever mayhem that entails. Loved it to the end.
2. Kisses and Catnip 3 stars. That Lady Antonia didn't have the chance to knee Peter where it costs most is the worst decision the author made, huge missed opportunity; it would have ended this story with a bang. I would like to add that that "deity" didn't ask for us to celebrate in that weather. That "deity" was actually born in the spring and didn't ask to commemorate its birth. Also, when Max told Dagger "you barely eat enough to keep a bird alive", know that birds usually eat 10x their weight.
The difference between the two books is extreme. One was ultra funny all the way, albeit over-the-top in unlucky situations, while the other was missing a lot of passion in multiple ways and was boring.
1. Lieutenant Mayhew’s Catastrophes 5 stars. Sweet story between Lt. Mayhew and Miss Culpepper, both loving the army life, both lovers of cats and whatever mayhem that entails. Loved it to the end.
2. Kisses and Catnip 3 stars. That Lady Antonia didn't have the chance to knee Peter where it costs most is the worst decision the author made, huge missed opportunity; it would have ended this story with a bang. I would like to add that that "deity" didn't ask for us to celebrate in that weather. That "deity" was actually born in the spring and didn't ask to commemorate its birth. Also, when Max told Dagger "you barely eat enough to keep a bird alive", know that birds usually eat 10x their weight.
July 6, 2020
Catnip and Kisses by Grace Burrowes - an enjoyable read. Read on 30th June/1st July
Max Haddonfield is a man of science, devoted to logic and rational observation. That he also finds homes in libraries for stray cats is merely a sensible exercise in controlling the mouse population...or something.
Antonia Mainwaring is practical to a fault and all but on the shelf. When a certain soft-spoken library patron talks her into allowing a large male feline to bide on the premises, somebody starts purring—and it's not the cat!
2nd Novella in this duet. Read on 6th July 2020
Lieutenant Mayhew’s Catastrophes by Emily Larkin
When Lieutenant Mayhew boards the stagecoach bound for Southampton he anticipates an uneventful journey. True, he’s carrying kittens, but it’s only eighty miles. What could possibly go wrong?
He’s not expecting to meet the enchanting Miss Willemina Culpepper. Nor is he expecting the kittens to be quite so good at vanishing. Mayhew has faced many challenges in his career as a soldier. Traveling from London to Southampton should not be a challenge. Except that it is.
Max Haddonfield is a man of science, devoted to logic and rational observation. That he also finds homes in libraries for stray cats is merely a sensible exercise in controlling the mouse population...or something.
Antonia Mainwaring is practical to a fault and all but on the shelf. When a certain soft-spoken library patron talks her into allowing a large male feline to bide on the premises, somebody starts purring—and it's not the cat!
2nd Novella in this duet. Read on 6th July 2020
Lieutenant Mayhew’s Catastrophes by Emily Larkin
When Lieutenant Mayhew boards the stagecoach bound for Southampton he anticipates an uneventful journey. True, he’s carrying kittens, but it’s only eighty miles. What could possibly go wrong?
He’s not expecting to meet the enchanting Miss Willemina Culpepper. Nor is he expecting the kittens to be quite so good at vanishing. Mayhew has faced many challenges in his career as a soldier. Traveling from London to Southampton should not be a challenge. Except that it is.
June 1, 2020
This book got me hooked with the title and reading the premises, I said, yeah, fun stories with kittens and cats, and indeed the stories are well written and they are good, however (maybe I was not aware of the type of regency genre these authors write about) regency romance is clean: drawing room rather than bedroom. I was caught completely unawares of the explicit sex scenes. Well written, credit for that but still it caught me off guard. I have read Regency and Victorian era books for years and have never came across what I read in this book, hence my two stars. Now, for fan of these type of regency I guess is fantastic.
June 24, 2020
Two lovely novellas
Emily Larkin manages to squeeze a entire courtship into a couple of days Trip on the Stage, when a returning Soldier with a basket of kittens meets a happy Lady traveling to a new job. Numerous mishaps occur and they both "soldier on" until they arrive at their destination. Both are so good natured, this is a pleasure to read. Kittens are useful agents for the Fates.
The second story by Grace Burrowes is also delightful and fits in with her Haddonfield Novels, and tells us about Max the youngest son and Lady Antonia.
Emily Larkin manages to squeeze a entire courtship into a couple of days Trip on the Stage, when a returning Soldier with a basket of kittens meets a happy Lady traveling to a new job. Numerous mishaps occur and they both "soldier on" until they arrive at their destination. Both are so good natured, this is a pleasure to read. Kittens are useful agents for the Fates.
The second story by Grace Burrowes is also delightful and fits in with her Haddonfield Novels, and tells us about Max the youngest son and Lady Antonia.
June 24, 2020
What do a Liberian and a Scientist and a solider and the daughter have in common. They each have the main role in a novella in this book. The solider and the daughter have a very messy adventure. The Liberian and the Scientist find they have a lot in common. It just takes a few pages to see that each belongs with the other. Fun stories and easy reading. Something we all need in this troubled time.
June 22, 2020
Two delightful short romances
How wonderful to have two great Regency Romance authors in one volume! Grace Burrowes and Emily Larkin make my heart sing with happiness and love. In each romance, the heroine is unconventional by the standards of the time and the love they find is unexpected. For a feel good reading experience you can't do better.
How wonderful to have two great Regency Romance authors in one volume! Grace Burrowes and Emily Larkin make my heart sing with happiness and love. In each romance, the heroine is unconventional by the standards of the time and the love they find is unexpected. For a feel good reading experience you can't do better.
July 22, 2020
Lovely
Two lovely novellas deftly paced and original. The first involves a stage trip, some errant kittens, and two people who come together to save them. The second also involves a cat and his place in a library thus bringing together the donor and the librarian.
Two lovely novellas deftly paced and original. The first involves a stage trip, some errant kittens, and two people who come together to save them. The second also involves a cat and his place in a library thus bringing together the donor and the librarian.
August 27, 2020
- Lieutenant mayhew’s catasthrophes by Emily Larkin: 2 stars. Too saccharine and “nice”. It was dull.
- Kisses and Catnips by Grace Burrowes: This worked for me, weirdly. 4 stars.
Average rating: 3 stars
- Kisses and Catnips by Grace Burrowes: This worked for me, weirdly. 4 stars.
Average rating: 3 stars
November 5, 2021
I was only going to read a few pages but then I needed to know what happened. Emily Larkin's story is sweet and fun. Grace Burrowes' story has the youngest Haddonfield brother meet his love in a lending library and they are charming.
February 25, 2020
I loved that there were kitties in the stories!
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