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Women of Worth #3
Love at the House Party
Eleanor Wheeler married into misery. Now widowed, marrying again is the only way to save her sister and herself from their brother's drunken temper. Mr. Bancroft offers her such an escape if she can gain his mother's approval at the family's house party.
Eleanor quickly discovers that obtaining Mrs. Bancroft's blessing is near impossible. A matter only complicated further when she stumbles across a fellow guest in the middle of the night. Despite fear of scandal, Eleanor cannot resist the Marquess' easy manner, which appeals to her heart in a way Mr. Bancroft never could.
However, losing Mr. Bancroft would be disastrous to her sister's future. As her past begins to catch up with her, Eleanor desperately holds the Marquess at arm's length in an attempt to preserve her plans. As the house party draws to a close, she must choose between a safe bet or following her heart.
A clean and wholesome Regency romance, Love at the House Party is the third book in the Women of Worth series. It can be read apart from the series or enjoyed in proper order.
Book One: Love in the Bargain
Book Two: Love for the Spinster
Book Three: Love at the House Party
Book Four: Love in the Wager Coming Sept, 2019
240 pages, ebook
First published July 6, 2019
816 people are currently reading
634 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
August 27, 2019
Not my favorite of the series. I have really liked all the others. They are all good stories, and slow moving romances. Like a Jane Austen novel:} This one was good. Eleanor is strong with deep insecurities her character was a bit inconsistent and I wished she didn't have so much in the way of getting her happiness. The book was mostly about her and what she needed to do to get her family out of trouble. It was all written from her POV and in this case it made it drag a bit. I wish I had know more of what Lord Stalsburry was thinking. They didn't have a lot of interaction together and I so wished there had been more. I didn't understand a lot of why he did some of the things he did. Over all a sweet proper regency read.
May 10, 2020
Sweet Regency
A sweet Regency romance with all the right feels. A rumpled hero and an impoverished heroine. House party and several proposals. Main characters you are sure to love.
A sweet Regency romance with all the right feels. A rumpled hero and an impoverished heroine. House party and several proposals. Main characters you are sure to love.
August 12, 2020
I'm left a little underwhelmed and it might be because I did not like the narrator's pacing and inflection. I've read other books by Kasey and have not felt quite this way at the end.
Eleanor is desperate to make a match but it doesn't come across that way throughout. She seems determined, however. I did not feel very connected to Eleanor. I would have liked to see more of the hero's perspective.
Eleanor is desperate to make a match but it doesn't come across that way throughout. She seems determined, however. I did not feel very connected to Eleanor. I would have liked to see more of the hero's perspective.
December 14, 2020
Romance would have benefited from dual character viewpoint
While the lady in this tale is a very real and enjoyable character, I felt like I was missing important insight into the male lead and therefore their relationship with only her interpretation of things to go by. Their relationship didn't seem to realistically progress from friendship to romance and his character came across rather flat. I read Stockton's "Love in the Ballroom" first and the split viewpoints created an excellent story. I wish that had been the case with this story as it had so much potential.
While the lady in this tale is a very real and enjoyable character, I felt like I was missing important insight into the male lead and therefore their relationship with only her interpretation of things to go by. Their relationship didn't seem to realistically progress from friendship to romance and his character came across rather flat. I read Stockton's "Love in the Ballroom" first and the split viewpoints created an excellent story. I wish that had been the case with this story as it had so much potential.
February 11, 2023
This wasn't bad. It kept my interest. I didn't agree with some of the actions of the heroine, but all in all it was a nice refreshing story with no sex, just one kiss at the end.
September 21, 2022
Cute, clean regency read.
July 18, 2019
Mrs. Eleanor Wheeler had worked hard to get some dresses made and to make over some older dresses, they were for a house party she had been invited to. She had hoped that she would be engaged to Mr. Bancroft so that she could leave her brother's house and take her sister Charlotte with her. On the way to the house party her carriage broke down would you and she was rescued by Lord Stallsbury and Mr. Andrew Peterson and taken to Bancroft Manor. It was raining horribly and Eleanor lost her shoes in the mud. When they arrived the only thing they had with them was what Eleanor and Emma her maid were wearing and was sopping wet. Mrs. Haley Mr. Bancroft's sister said she would have a bath prepared for Eleanor and bring her something to wear. Mrs. Haley was about 4 inches shorter than Eleanor and Emma took a piece of cream-colored fabric to make it long enough and she put on a pair of slippers which were too small and pinched her toes. After breakfast she returned her room to get her bonnet and discovered a package she unwrapped it were a pair of shoes that were just a little too big she changed her shoes and went to participate in an archery contest. She was the first one to shoot and didn't even make it to the target the last one to shoot was Lord Stallsbury and he shot shorter than she had so that she could take the next shot which she shot the wooden easel that the target rested on. Then it started to rain again as they ran for the house she discovered that her trunk was finally there so she changed clothes. That night after she went to bed she decided she wanted something to read so she went down to what she thought was the library and found Lord Stallsbury seated there and they got to talking. This happened several times before she found out that it was Mr. Bancroft's study but she continued to go speak with Lord Stallsbury. She discovered that Lord Stallsbury father had demanded that he get married that season her he was going to cut him completely off and kick him out of the house. So they made a bet on which one would become engaged first Eleanor or him. To find out what happens, who wins the bet read the book. It's a very good book...
July 1, 2019
Rating: 4.5 stars
I will not summarize this story because that information is already given in the description of this book and I do not want to give more of the plot away.
What I liked:
• The author caught my attention right from the beginning and drew me into the story's inner workings.
• Lord Stallsbury and Eleanor were very likeable characters and thoroughly developed.
• Eleanor was at the house party to secure a marriage with Mr. Bancroft. So who will Eleanor choose to give her heart to? Lord Stallsbury or Mr. Bancroft?
• Eleanor's and Lord Stallsbury romance developed slowly and was believable. It grew out of their interactions at the Bancroft house party as they tried to navigate the matchmaking scene.
• The supporting cast of characters added dimension to the story. They were very well fleshed out and they played active roles in this book.
• The pacing of this story was good. Not too fast nor too slow. There was a smooth, coherent flow to this book.
• There was a lot of social action in this story. Some of the action was predictable and some not.
• There was drama and twists and turns to the plot.
• The description of locations and emotions were well done and easy to visualize and to feel. I felt a part of the scenes.
• The story was well edited
• This was a clean read and I appreciate that. I believe it is harder to write a good, clean story than it is to write one full of swearing and sex.
If you like Regency romance, you will enjoy this one.
I was given a free copy of this book. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own.
I will not summarize this story because that information is already given in the description of this book and I do not want to give more of the plot away.
What I liked:
• The author caught my attention right from the beginning and drew me into the story's inner workings.
• Lord Stallsbury and Eleanor were very likeable characters and thoroughly developed.
• Eleanor was at the house party to secure a marriage with Mr. Bancroft. So who will Eleanor choose to give her heart to? Lord Stallsbury or Mr. Bancroft?
• Eleanor's and Lord Stallsbury romance developed slowly and was believable. It grew out of their interactions at the Bancroft house party as they tried to navigate the matchmaking scene.
• The supporting cast of characters added dimension to the story. They were very well fleshed out and they played active roles in this book.
• The pacing of this story was good. Not too fast nor too slow. There was a smooth, coherent flow to this book.
• There was a lot of social action in this story. Some of the action was predictable and some not.
• There was drama and twists and turns to the plot.
• The description of locations and emotions were well done and easy to visualize and to feel. I felt a part of the scenes.
• The story was well edited
• This was a clean read and I appreciate that. I believe it is harder to write a good, clean story than it is to write one full of swearing and sex.
If you like Regency romance, you will enjoy this one.
I was given a free copy of this book. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own.
August 6, 2019
This is romantic, entertaining and sweet. Lord Stallsbury is charming, flirty and cheeky. Mrs. Wheeler is determined, impulsive and insecure. After coming out of mourning for her husband, Mrs. Wheeler is determined to get herself and her sister out of their brother's home. She is contacted by a gentleman, who courted her years earlier, but never got further because of the deaths of her parents. She figures that Mr. Bancroft is her best chance at a decent marriage, which means her sister would be able to make a good match, so she agrees to go to the house party he invited her to. Lord Stallsbury is there to check out a guest that he is considering for marriage. One night very late, Mrs. Wheeler goes to the library to find a book to read, but ends up in Mr. Bancroft's study, which was already occupied by Lord Stallsbury. They end up talking for a while before she goes back to her room. The next night they repeat it, then every night. There's a bet made, unexpected guests, an engagement and other twists that keep the story interesting. I really liked Lord Stallsbury, but he's too laid back and oblivious. This is the 3rd book in the series, but you can read it as a standalone without missing anything.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
October 1, 2019
This was a a quick and fun little read. I always find the concept of house parties as interesting, and this one didn’t disappoint!
January 23, 2022
I’m really frustrated because this author gets so close to making me really enjoy her books, but she just isn’t quite there. This one had some fun possibilities, but the romantic tension couldn’t quite get there. The two main characters are drawn to each other and meet in the study to basically chat each night without all the prying eyes. During this time they grow very close and start to fall in love. But the thing is- I feel like she really shares very little with him. He tries, and he shares quite a bit with her, but she is much more tight-lipped. It really kind of bugs me because I think the author missed some really good chances to truly deepen their friendship/relationship in what feels more like an authentic way. Plus, their increased relationship with each other could have showed up a little more during the daylight hours of the house party. And not only does the main character not divulge very much about her life to her male-interest, we (the readers) don’t learn a very in depth picture of her life either. We know that her first marriage was miserable and that her husband had a temper…don’t just say it, show us with a memory or a flashback from the past. I really wished she had confided more in this man she supposedly was falling in love with. And for the love of all that’s good and holy, please add some more romantic tension- a smidgen of physical contact before the ending credits, please. To be honest, I prefer books that are written to be able to see multiple main characters’ points of view. ( whatever the heck that’s called) I really like to see what the man of the story is thinking too. It makes it much more interesting to me.
Okay, I know this is all over the place, but I’m not an author, so…
Also, this author just sometimes isn’t very clear and puts confusing things in her stories. For example, mr. b (the one she originally was coming to possibly get engaged to) would randomly get very angry, but the author would rarely make it clear who upset him or why. She was trying to show that Mr. B had a temper like Mrs. Wheeler’s first husband, but then why not actually create a scenario that really shows it rather than just saying, “ I looked over and Mr. B was yelling and very angry, so I got upset and left…”
And why would she be willing to marry Mr. B who she didn’t care for and had some red flags from, but then say no to Lord A. who she was really good friends with and had feelings for? And why couldn’t she just explain to Lord A. Why she said no when he asked rather than running off? So many communication issues in this book. Annoyed.
Okay, I know this is all over the place, but I’m not an author, so…
Also, this author just sometimes isn’t very clear and puts confusing things in her stories. For example, mr. b (the one she originally was coming to possibly get engaged to) would randomly get very angry, but the author would rarely make it clear who upset him or why. She was trying to show that Mr. B had a temper like Mrs. Wheeler’s first husband, but then why not actually create a scenario that really shows it rather than just saying, “ I looked over and Mr. B was yelling and very angry, so I got upset and left…”
And why would she be willing to marry Mr. B who she didn’t care for and had some red flags from, but then say no to Lord A. who she was really good friends with and had feelings for? And why couldn’t she just explain to Lord A. Why she said no when he asked rather than running off? So many communication issues in this book. Annoyed.
September 4, 2022
Eleanor Wheeler and her sister, Lottie, are facing dire financial straits. What can a young woman do, but try and secure a marriage that will take care of them. Former suitor, Mr. Bancroft, seems like the answer as she is invited to his house party. But, not everyone is happy to see her and Mr. Bancroft's scheming mother is set on seeing her disgraced and ruin any chance of marrying her son. The rakish Lord Tarquin Stallsbury becomes an unlikely ally and someone who Eleanor should take a chance on.
I enjoyed the nasty Mrs. Bancroft because sometimes you just need someone in the story that you can say,"Boo! Hiss!" when they enter the room. I also liked Lord Stallsbury and his disregard for other people's opinions and prejudices.
Even though this is book three in the Women of Worth series, you can read this as a standalone. I have enjoyed the other two books in the series and look forward to reading the next book.
I enjoyed the nasty Mrs. Bancroft because sometimes you just need someone in the story that you can say,"Boo! Hiss!" when they enter the room. I also liked Lord Stallsbury and his disregard for other people's opinions and prejudices.
Even though this is book three in the Women of Worth series, you can read this as a standalone. I have enjoyed the other two books in the series and look forward to reading the next book.
April 17, 2020
Love at the House Party, A Regency Romance (Women of Worth, Book 3) by Kasey Stockton is true this genre format. Eleanor Wheeler, a widow, with a younger sister finds herself in economic dire straits. To get herself out of it she decides to attend a house party to find a husband. Lord Tarquin Stallsbury a second son expectantly finds himself the heir apparent and subsequently in need of a wealthy wife in also in attendance at the house party. Will these two get together? Will there be obstacles thrown into their path?
I thought it was clever that Ms. Stockton chose to tell this story in the first-person point of view. It allowed the reader to get to really understand all the characters. Her use of descriptive language created vivid scenes along with the rich dialog that contribute to building tension in the rising action with the twists and turns of this character-driven lot. I enjoyed Ms. Stockton’s style of writing and am looking forward to reading other books in this series.
I thought it was clever that Ms. Stockton chose to tell this story in the first-person point of view. It allowed the reader to get to really understand all the characters. Her use of descriptive language created vivid scenes along with the rich dialog that contribute to building tension in the rising action with the twists and turns of this character-driven lot. I enjoyed Ms. Stockton’s style of writing and am looking forward to reading other books in this series.
January 17, 2022
Eleanor and ??
I have read other books by this author, but this one fell very flat. It is an interesting enough story, but to call it a romance is a big stretch. It is all told from Eleanor's perspective. This made for a dry story. If we could have read how Tarquin's feelings developed and grew then it would have been a more believable romance. But there were too many other details about other things happening in Eleanor's life. The ending was abrupt and not believable. The epilogue was not really an epilogue to this story. Eleanor and Tarquin were not even mentioned! It is a teaser for the next book in the series.
I have read other books by this author, but this one fell very flat. It is an interesting enough story, but to call it a romance is a big stretch. It is all told from Eleanor's perspective. This made for a dry story. If we could have read how Tarquin's feelings developed and grew then it would have been a more believable romance. But there were too many other details about other things happening in Eleanor's life. The ending was abrupt and not believable. The epilogue was not really an epilogue to this story. Eleanor and Tarquin were not even mentioned! It is a teaser for the next book in the series.
March 28, 2020
Why are how was this book ever published
I've read a lot of books that were bad but this is the worst The story was ridiculous the characters were ridiculous and the outcome was preposterous I would not recommend this book unless you wanna read bored to death I only finished it because I couldn't believe it was so bad that it wouldn't not get better however it never got better It was boring what was written from 1 person's perspective that is just to silly. I have given it to stars because it wouldn't take my review without it again pitiful
I've read a lot of books that were bad but this is the worst The story was ridiculous the characters were ridiculous and the outcome was preposterous I would not recommend this book unless you wanna read bored to death I only finished it because I couldn't believe it was so bad that it wouldn't not get better however it never got better It was boring what was written from 1 person's perspective that is just to silly. I have given it to stars because it wouldn't take my review without it again pitiful
April 26, 2020
This is the first novel I’ve read by this author. Originally I had a hard time getting into the story because of how similar it was to other stories I’d read lately. While not wholly original, the story was really well written. The characters were engaging and had good dimension. I felt connected enough to the story to know I was missing some subtleties as far as side characters went and found myself looking for other books the author has written. Happilly, this is book 3 in the series, looks like I just upped my growing tbr pile.
October 30, 2020
Heartwarming
I LOVE how these books come together. The stories are perfectly interwoven without getting sick of the same characters. I read the first three books separately but it makes me want to reread them one right after another. Also, many romance novels/movies are somewhat predictable (which I enjoy). In most, you pretty much know who is going to end up together but I loved the plot twists that I did not see coming in this book. Finally, it's just a sweet, clean, feel good story which the world needs infinitely more of. Highly recommend!
I LOVE how these books come together. The stories are perfectly interwoven without getting sick of the same characters. I read the first three books separately but it makes me want to reread them one right after another. Also, many romance novels/movies are somewhat predictable (which I enjoy). In most, you pretty much know who is going to end up together but I loved the plot twists that I did not see coming in this book. Finally, it's just a sweet, clean, feel good story which the world needs infinitely more of. Highly recommend!
March 20, 2023
Really rounded up because it did hold my interest. But I had so many niggles. The character development was lacking. The heroine mostly ran off when she didn't like what her intended was doing...where did she think she was going to run to after the wedding? The ending just ....ended. But the biggest issue was the epilogue. It was a teaser for the next book. I expected a glimpse into Eleanor and Tarquin's married life and got a passage that made no sense. I won't be continuing with thus series.
April 2, 2023
almost 5 stars
It was a great story. Loved the hero the most. The heroine was good too but got weird near the end after an issue occurred. What mystified me was how she suddenly avoided the hero after the issue, when they had formed a true friendship. And of course his not saying he loved her when proposing. Seriously, how many times does that have to occur before all authors just give it up. Always the say. Dragged out the ending and left some loose ends. I really enjoyed the book up to 75%. Then it dragged. Still enjoyable.
It was a great story. Loved the hero the most. The heroine was good too but got weird near the end after an issue occurred. What mystified me was how she suddenly avoided the hero after the issue, when they had formed a true friendship. And of course his not saying he loved her when proposing. Seriously, how many times does that have to occur before all authors just give it up. Always the say. Dragged out the ending and left some loose ends. I really enjoyed the book up to 75%. Then it dragged. Still enjoyable.
February 6, 2024
Nice enough
I enjoyed this story. It was clean. The author realistically portrayed the effects of alcoholism. The only one who is likeable in the Bancroft clan, imo, is the sister. The story ends, quite nicely, at the end of the last chapter. The epilogue is actually the prologue, or should be, for the next book i really dislike that move and a number of authors these days insist on doing it. This author doesn't always do it, but this is not the 1st time I've encountered this in her books. But she writes well so there is that.
I enjoyed this story. It was clean. The author realistically portrayed the effects of alcoholism. The only one who is likeable in the Bancroft clan, imo, is the sister. The story ends, quite nicely, at the end of the last chapter. The epilogue is actually the prologue, or should be, for the next book i really dislike that move and a number of authors these days insist on doing it. This author doesn't always do it, but this is not the 1st time I've encountered this in her books. But she writes well so there is that.
April 9, 2020
A change is needed
Mrs Wheeler was left to tend to her sister. Brother was a drunk and made them live as poor can get. Mrs Wheeler decided a house party was just what she needed to go to. Until that dreadful day after all her talks with Lord Stallsbury. Miss Thornton blabber at dinner party about the secret meetings. She left but her life was changing for the better after her brother died and she found a man who loves her.
Mrs Wheeler was left to tend to her sister. Brother was a drunk and made them live as poor can get. Mrs Wheeler decided a house party was just what she needed to go to. Until that dreadful day after all her talks with Lord Stallsbury. Miss Thornton blabber at dinner party about the secret meetings. She left but her life was changing for the better after her brother died and she found a man who loves her.
July 5, 2020
Enjoyable light reading
An enjoyable read marred only by the numerous small spelling errors implying the book is intended solely for consumption within the USA rather than the rest of the world. A pity because the storyline is enjoyable though the characters are slightly two dimensional and thus a mite difficult to feel sympathy for. This made for a pleasant afternoons read and would make a good book to take travelling.
An enjoyable read marred only by the numerous small spelling errors implying the book is intended solely for consumption within the USA rather than the rest of the world. A pity because the storyline is enjoyable though the characters are slightly two dimensional and thus a mite difficult to feel sympathy for. This made for a pleasant afternoons read and would make a good book to take travelling.
June 5, 2023
Another fantastic read in this series. I instantly loved Eleanor and Tarquin after their first meeting. He is such a kind man and so sweet. Their conversations in the study had the perfect mix of charm, banter, and intimate connection that built their slow romance into something beautiful and continually built the tension. I love the dynamics that come from a Regency house party, and this story was no exception. Can't wait to read the next one!
March 7, 2025
This book was a delight to read. Eleanor was a great heroine and I rooted for her from the start. She was genuine and wise for her years and I so desperately didn't want to see her heart broken. The romance was a good slowburn, with a natural friendship developing first that made me smile. I also loved the side characters - they were fun and real and added so much to the story. This whole book was lots of fun, and as always, Kasey Stockton knocked it out of the park!
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March 28, 2020Honestly loved this book, I loved that she was a mature and cautious women. Once I started this book I could not put it down and now that I finished I am content. Do read this book if you love historical romance and this book is truly something that can help you forget reality for just a little bit of time.
August 29, 2020
There's not too much character depth in this first person POV story, but we do get to see the relationship between the main character and her supposed intended, and the growth of her friendship with the other guests.
She's got interesting things happening around her. I loved the H speech at the end that brings about their HEA... yeah, he bumbled his first attempt, but makes up for it later.
She's got interesting things happening around her. I loved the H speech at the end that brings about their HEA... yeah, he bumbled his first attempt, but makes up for it later.
October 26, 2020
Love can start as quickly as a chance meeting in the poring rain, where someone loses a boot.
Love grows through thoughtful gestures, like gifts (perhaps new boots?) and conversation.
Love can easily be lost because of pride and misunderstanding.
Yet, love endures, and if we are lucky and brave enough, can be had for the simple cost of three little words.
Love grows through thoughtful gestures, like gifts (perhaps new boots?) and conversation.
Love can easily be lost because of pride and misunderstanding.
Yet, love endures, and if we are lucky and brave enough, can be had for the simple cost of three little words.
March 5, 2023
The heroine wanted to secure a proposal before the end of the house party, yet she continued to meet with another man alone every night to converse with him? Yes, it was just to talk, but she knew the risk to her reputation if they were ever discovered. It wasn't believable that she'd take so monumental a risk.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2023
clean wholesome romance
I enjoy this book within the series that links characters from previous books and gives them their own tale.
This book is full of hope, disappointment and new insights and goals.
There is plenty of twists and turns and how expectations are not always as they seem.
I look forward to the next in the series.
I enjoy this book within the series that links characters from previous books and gives them their own tale.
This book is full of hope, disappointment and new insights and goals.
There is plenty of twists and turns and how expectations are not always as they seem.
I look forward to the next in the series.
February 28, 2024
It’s a sweet story. I’m not sure how else to describe it. The characters are likable and they experience challenges, but something is missing and I can’t put my finger on it. Perhaps it is the magnetism some authors communicate about their main characters? Sometimes the main characters are drawn to each other in a way that is just breathtaking and this one misses that key part of a romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews