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Marstone #2
A Suitable Match
England, 1782
Lady Isabella has been kept on a tight rein by Lord Marstone, her overbearing father. She's excited when he packs her off to London to make an advantageous match, confident her brother will preserve her from an unsuitable alliance. But when her brother is called away on vital business, he asks Nick Carterton to stand in for him.
Nick, a scholar who relishes the quiet life, has avoided marriage for years but is finally giving in to his father’s request that he seek out a bride. Looking out for a young miss new to society is the last thing he'd choose to do.
Will Nick’s attempts to help merely reinforce Isabella’s resentment at having her life arranged for her? Can Nick keep the headstrong Isabella out of trouble, put off unsuitable suitors, and still find himself a wife?
Book 2 in The Marstone Series, A Suitable Match can be read as a standalone story, or to follow Sauce for the Gander.
Lady Isabella has been kept on a tight rein by Lord Marstone, her overbearing father. She's excited when he packs her off to London to make an advantageous match, confident her brother will preserve her from an unsuitable alliance. But when her brother is called away on vital business, he asks Nick Carterton to stand in for him.
Nick, a scholar who relishes the quiet life, has avoided marriage for years but is finally giving in to his father’s request that he seek out a bride. Looking out for a young miss new to society is the last thing he'd choose to do.
Will Nick’s attempts to help merely reinforce Isabella’s resentment at having her life arranged for her? Can Nick keep the headstrong Isabella out of trouble, put off unsuitable suitors, and still find himself a wife?
Book 2 in The Marstone Series, A Suitable Match can be read as a standalone story, or to follow Sauce for the Gander.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2020
336 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Davis
20 books123 followersI was born in England, near the Welsh border, and lived in several places while I was growing up, including a spell in Singapore and in Malta. Malta was where I got hooked on historical romances - my parents rented a furnished house, and the owners had left most of their books there, including a whole set of Georgette Heyer novels.
Loving Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, I longed to write similar novels myself. I toyed with the idea several times over the years, but real life intervened and I've had several careers, including as a non-fiction author under another name. That wasn’t quite the writing career I had in mind…
So here I am, finally publishing my stories. I hope you enjoy them!
Loving Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, I longed to write similar novels myself. I toyed with the idea several times over the years, but real life intervened and I've had several careers, including as a non-fiction author under another name. That wasn’t quite the writing career I had in mind…
So here I am, finally publishing my stories. I hope you enjoy them!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 19, 2020
Absolutely beautiful. A well-researched story with really engaging characters and a plot devoid of the usual inane tropes that plague Regency romances.
Too many Regency romances have a 'thin' feel to them, as if the authors are simply churning out the same characters with different names, the same tropes in different settings, with no sense of care.
This is very different. It has a depth to it that is rare in current historical romances and at no point in the novel did I pause to wonder "Is that right?"
Lovely, lovely writing. My only niggle is that the cover doesn't do the writing justice.
Too many Regency romances have a 'thin' feel to them, as if the authors are simply churning out the same characters with different names, the same tropes in different settings, with no sense of care.
This is very different. It has a depth to it that is rare in current historical romances and at no point in the novel did I pause to wonder "Is that right?"
Lovely, lovely writing. My only niggle is that the cover doesn't do the writing justice.
July 25, 2020
I enjoyed this story. It was a bit slow at times, and I also thought that the MCs could've been developed a little more, but overall I liked it. There was no information given on the hero's past, but his thoughts were very honourable, and since there was no mention of mistresses or former paramours, I'd like to think that he didn't have any. ;)
I liked the historical aspect of this story; the details on Gibraltar and the conflict between England and Spain were interesting. I also liked the . The author did a good job at making him realistic, and I couldn't help but empathize with his internal struggles. I'm looking forward to what this author has in store for us in the next book of the series.
I liked the historical aspect of this story; the details on Gibraltar and the conflict between England and Spain were interesting. I also liked the . The author did a good job at making him realistic, and I couldn't help but empathize with his internal struggles. I'm looking forward to what this author has in store for us in the next book of the series.
May 4, 2020
This was as an entertaining story that I read in a day. Isabella ( Bella ) had lived a solitary life after her siblings married, due to her obnoxious father’s wishes. He thought little of anyone but what suited him, politically and social standing. Bella has little idea of what happens in the world outside their manor house. Nicholas ( Nick ) son of a baron, is looking for a wife but although Bella is very pretty, she is too impulsive for him. When Bella comes to London, to find a husband (at her father’s wishes) this impetuous behaviour leads her into dangerous situations. Bella is a very thoughtful and caring person and thinks of others who are less privileged. Nick is of a similar mind and does what he can to help other. Quite a lot happens in this story, spies and blackmail, unwanted suitors, life threatening situations and a romance that just gradually happened.
I enjoyed this story very much.
I enjoyed this story very much.
July 10, 2020
Jayne Davis is an interesting writer. Every book she writes is different, and I love that sense of not knowing what I’m going to get when I fire up the Kindle. Her debut, The Mrs MacKinnons, was sharply original and darkly funny. Sauce For The Gander was a more conventional romance with a strong helping of boy’s own adventure. An Embroidered Spoon had the unusual setting (for a Regency) of Wales, coupled with an uncompromising view of the stifling life of a young woman in the era. And here we are with another switch, a straight-down-the-line tale of the kind that Georgette Heyer fans love - fancy gowns, balls, rides in the park, matchmaking and all the paraphernalia of the London season, with a spying sub-plot. It’s all great fun, and if I slightly miss the out-there originality of The Mrs MacKinnons, this is still better than 99% of Regencies on the market these days.
Here’s the plot: Lady Isabella Stanlake is the youngest daughter of the Earl of Marstone. Her sisters and her brother are all married, so now it’s her turn, and her overbearing father isn’t about to give her any freedom to choose for herself. She’ll marry someone he thinks suitable, and there’s an end to it. Her aunt is bribed to bring her out and make sure she toes the line. Fortunately, Bella is a smart and enterprising young lady, and manages to make the most of her season while avoiding the most hideous of the potential husbands on offer.
Her brother would help her find someone to her liking, as he did for her older sisters, but he’s called away on secret business and so he asks his friend, Nick Carterton, to keep an eye on Bella and help her out if she gets into trouble. Nick is dutifully looking for a wife, so he’s doing the season too, and it’s no problem to look after Bella, especially as she turns out to be far more interesting than the terribly dull and worthy young ladies he’s picked out as possible brides. Nick didn’t light any fires for me, but he’s a steady and honourable young man, and if that sounds ever so slightly dull, it also makes him a more realistic hero than most found in modern Regencies.
Alongside the main story were a number of side plots involving spying, blackmail and a man in disguise, plus an intriguing glimpse of the unpleasanter side of Regency life, involving a seamstress who loses her job. Kind-hearted Isabella sweeps in to rescue her, in the process discovering just how difficult life can be for those at the bottom of society. This sort of story teeters on the edge of imposing modern sensibilities on the world of two hundred years ago, but Davis manages to make Isabella’s benevolence believable. Bella’s extremely sheltered upbringing, bordering on imprisonment, means that she has an unsullied if naive approach to the sophisticated world she now finds herself in, and her intelligent if slightly wayward personality inevitably leads her into such situations.
The story chugs along very pleasantly until the final stretch, when all sorts of mayhem breaks out and things get quite dramatic. Bella’s efforts to escape her fate were ingenious (I love a resourceful heroine), but I greatly appreciated that the villains are not exactly stupid either. Kudos to the author for avoiding the trap of making things too easy for the heroine. And then there’s a delightfully twisty ending, that took me very much by surprise. Nicely done. A very well-written traditional Regency, and a good four stars.
Here’s the plot: Lady Isabella Stanlake is the youngest daughter of the Earl of Marstone. Her sisters and her brother are all married, so now it’s her turn, and her overbearing father isn’t about to give her any freedom to choose for herself. She’ll marry someone he thinks suitable, and there’s an end to it. Her aunt is bribed to bring her out and make sure she toes the line. Fortunately, Bella is a smart and enterprising young lady, and manages to make the most of her season while avoiding the most hideous of the potential husbands on offer.
Her brother would help her find someone to her liking, as he did for her older sisters, but he’s called away on secret business and so he asks his friend, Nick Carterton, to keep an eye on Bella and help her out if she gets into trouble. Nick is dutifully looking for a wife, so he’s doing the season too, and it’s no problem to look after Bella, especially as she turns out to be far more interesting than the terribly dull and worthy young ladies he’s picked out as possible brides. Nick didn’t light any fires for me, but he’s a steady and honourable young man, and if that sounds ever so slightly dull, it also makes him a more realistic hero than most found in modern Regencies.
Alongside the main story were a number of side plots involving spying, blackmail and a man in disguise, plus an intriguing glimpse of the unpleasanter side of Regency life, involving a seamstress who loses her job. Kind-hearted Isabella sweeps in to rescue her, in the process discovering just how difficult life can be for those at the bottom of society. This sort of story teeters on the edge of imposing modern sensibilities on the world of two hundred years ago, but Davis manages to make Isabella’s benevolence believable. Bella’s extremely sheltered upbringing, bordering on imprisonment, means that she has an unsullied if naive approach to the sophisticated world she now finds herself in, and her intelligent if slightly wayward personality inevitably leads her into such situations.
The story chugs along very pleasantly until the final stretch, when all sorts of mayhem breaks out and things get quite dramatic. Bella’s efforts to escape her fate were ingenious (I love a resourceful heroine), but I greatly appreciated that the villains are not exactly stupid either. Kudos to the author for avoiding the trap of making things too easy for the heroine. And then there’s a delightfully twisty ending, that took me very much by surprise. Nicely done. A very well-written traditional Regency, and a good four stars.
May 5, 2020
I quite enjoyed it. Davis paints good characters who chafe against their time but still inhabit it in a believable way. She presents the society in more depth than other authors of the same period, with significant research and issues which are often glossed over or ignored altogether. I appreciate happy endings, but I also like that Davis shows the complexities required to get there and that many compromises have to be made in the process. I also appreciate that Davis' works are clean and not smutty. I will keep reading the series and whatever else she writes.
November 15, 2020
Endearing characters, simple but beautiful writing style and interesting plot. This was the second book from this author and she has definitely become one of my favorite authors.
March 6, 2021
This is the second book in The Marstone series. I liked the first one much better. I think the romance was better developed in that book.
As in the first book, the Earl of Marstone is still as controlling as ever. He is ready to marry off his youngest offspring, Lady Isabella. She's right out of the schoolroom and has been kept secluded most of her life. So she's a little green as she heads to London with a somewhat mercenary aunt as a chaperone. Her brother Will, knowing how dear old dad is, asks his friend Nick to keep tabs on her and see that she makes a good match. Nick is very conscientious in this duty. He is steady, and she is a bit impetuous.
I liked both of these characters just think the romance was lacking. The H&h are in friendship-mode for most of the book then BLAM they are in love. They meet a handful of times, mostly at various entertainments, where they sometimes do not even spend much time together. AND on some of these occasions one or both are considering courting and/or was attracted to OTHER people. Over half way into the book (three fourths in) they start to finally have feeling for each other. There's also a misunderstanding between them for most of the book. Nick thinks Bella might be in love with someone else. And Bella thinks Nick is courting someone else and not interested in her romantically. (Ugh.) It isn't really a slow burn. More of an all-of-a-sudden.
Negatives: For some reason, the book is told from the POVs of three people: Nick, Isabella and Luis (a potential suitor and possible spy). I think Luis' POV should not have been included. I realize it was added to support the spying plot. If this had been handled another way, the 'time' could have been better used to further develop the romance between our principals. There's also some typos and other stuff that did not make a lot of sense.
Positives: (1) Will, from the first book, makes a few appearances. We're also updated on Connie and the twins. (2) This is a clean novel. The H&h have almost no physical contact but a kiss and somewhat passionate embrace towards the end.
As in the first book, the Earl of Marstone is still as controlling as ever. He is ready to marry off his youngest offspring, Lady Isabella. She's right out of the schoolroom and has been kept secluded most of her life. So she's a little green as she heads to London with a somewhat mercenary aunt as a chaperone. Her brother Will, knowing how dear old dad is, asks his friend Nick to keep tabs on her and see that she makes a good match. Nick is very conscientious in this duty. He is steady, and she is a bit impetuous.
I liked both of these characters just think the romance was lacking. The H&h are in friendship-mode for most of the book then BLAM they are in love. They meet a handful of times, mostly at various entertainments, where they sometimes do not even spend much time together. AND on some of these occasions one or both are considering courting and/or was attracted to OTHER people. Over half way into the book (three fourths in) they start to finally have feeling for each other. There's also a misunderstanding between them for most of the book. Nick thinks Bella might be in love with someone else. And Bella thinks Nick is courting someone else and not interested in her romantically. (Ugh.) It isn't really a slow burn. More of an all-of-a-sudden.
Negatives: For some reason, the book is told from the POVs of three people: Nick, Isabella and Luis (a potential suitor and possible spy). I think Luis' POV should not have been included. I realize it was added to support the spying plot. If this had been handled another way, the 'time' could have been better used to further develop the romance between our principals. There's also some typos and other stuff that did not make a lot of sense.
Positives: (1) Will, from the first book, makes a few appearances. We're also updated on Connie and the twins. (2) This is a clean novel. The H&h have almost no physical contact but a kiss and somewhat passionate embrace towards the end.
June 26, 2025
Jayne Davis's A Suitable Match is another one of her master classes in writing historical romance novels. The history is there just where it is needed, and the authenticity adds to the story without overwhelming it. I was a bit disappointed we saw so little of Will, but Nick is a good substitute, as we learn quickly. The honour and loyalty of these two friends are something we can only wish for. I love the way Ms. Davis handles Isabella. We see a bit of her spunk two years before her story begins in the prologue. However, by the time she reaches London, Marstone has completely beaten down his youngest daughter. She has been locked away in the country and kept away from her two sisters and her brother Will, along with everyone else. If you've read A Question of Duty and Sauce for the Gander, you've already figured out this man is a controlling... dare I say the word in a review. Ms. Davis' depiction of the most heartless man alive is putting it mildly. The one thing he hates more than anything is to be questioned or defied. Isabella is sent to London with her aunt, Marstone's sister, because he wants to be rid of her as quickly as possible and wants her married off to the first titled gentleman who offers for her....PERIOD! You wonder why he can't do it himself? Well, he has such a horrid reputation that no one wants to marry into the family. So, Isabella catches a break when her aunt is responsible for her for a few weeks before her father arrives. His sister dislikes her brother as much as anyone, so Isabella is decked out in fashion and is learning a few things about herself and life outside the confines of her estate. She learns the hard way in many cases, and it's a good thing Nick takes his promise seriously and has backup to help, because Bella's newfound freedom does get her into some tight spots. Archer, you may remember Archer from Sauce for the Gander, has been given orders to help Nick in any way he can. Then there is Lancaster, a groom, and Molly, her maid, who have been helping her send and receive letters to and from her siblings clandestinely and also assist her in getting out of some of her scrapes in London. This is a page-turner with twists and turns and a couple of surprises.
February 24, 2021
Oh, I do like a delightful Regency Romance, especially when the weather outside is frightful – and Covid restrictions keep me indoors anyway, so the company of enjoyable characters is extra appreciated.
After her sisters were married, Isabella (Bella) is left on her own; she has very little idea of the world outside her own home. Her father expects everything to go as he wishes, and thinks only of himself, his social standing and his own political views – no one else is important. (I kept thinking of a certain person who lived in a White House until January 2021 for this character!) Nicholas is looking for a wife, but he has in mind the sort of woman he wants – Bella is not among them. But when she arrives in London (sent by her father in order to marry) everyone’s plans turn topsy-turvy – because of Bella landing in various situations of danger.
Possibly, Isabella could be irritating to some readers (I did feel I wanted to give her a good talking to at times!) but then, this is the stuff of Regency Romance. Perhaps, also the cast are somewhat stereotypical of the genre – the obnoxious father, the reluctant young hero, the impetuous heroine – but again, this is what is expected and wanted by readers (and I include myself) otherwise these books would not be ‘Regency Romances’ would they?
However, to be different from the ‘typical’ there is a lot going on in this novel! Apart from romance, we have blackmail, spies, alarming situations and action a-plenty, which, all-in-all make this an entertaining and enjoyable read.
(Part of the Marstone series - but a stand-alone novel)
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
After her sisters were married, Isabella (Bella) is left on her own; she has very little idea of the world outside her own home. Her father expects everything to go as he wishes, and thinks only of himself, his social standing and his own political views – no one else is important. (I kept thinking of a certain person who lived in a White House until January 2021 for this character!) Nicholas is looking for a wife, but he has in mind the sort of woman he wants – Bella is not among them. But when she arrives in London (sent by her father in order to marry) everyone’s plans turn topsy-turvy – because of Bella landing in various situations of danger.
Possibly, Isabella could be irritating to some readers (I did feel I wanted to give her a good talking to at times!) but then, this is the stuff of Regency Romance. Perhaps, also the cast are somewhat stereotypical of the genre – the obnoxious father, the reluctant young hero, the impetuous heroine – but again, this is what is expected and wanted by readers (and I include myself) otherwise these books would not be ‘Regency Romances’ would they?
However, to be different from the ‘typical’ there is a lot going on in this novel! Apart from romance, we have blackmail, spies, alarming situations and action a-plenty, which, all-in-all make this an entertaining and enjoyable read.
(Part of the Marstone series - but a stand-alone novel)
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
May 5, 2020
It had to be you.
Lady Isabella is kept on a short leash by her overbearing, stringent father, Lord Marstone. She is ecstatic when her father decides to send Isabella to England to her brother to find an advantageous
marriage. Once in England she meets longtime bachelor Nick Carteton scholar. Nick loves his single life and has no intention of looking for a bride. He agrees to take the place for Lady Isabella’s brother as a guardian when he is sent away for business reasons. Nick escorts Lady Isbella to a ball where she meets a mysterious Spaniard named Luis de Garcia. She is smitten with him as he is with her. What Isabella doesn't know is he is a fugitive Spanish Lord Luis De sousa de Gama who escaped his country after an uprising. I loved this book. It was a fun, adventure romance. I especially liked the slow-burn between Nick and Isabella. They were friends first getting to know each other before they became romantic. It was really a joy reading as they slowly fell in love through their adventures. It was more realistic. I also liked the whole espionage aspect of the story.it wasn't just a sweet little cookie-cutter romance. It was political. I didn't expect it. Lol. I'd like to thank the author for providing me with a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. I'd bought her books from Anazon.com already and will definitely read more in the future. She is my favorite romance write. Lol.
Lady Isabella is kept on a short leash by her overbearing, stringent father, Lord Marstone. She is ecstatic when her father decides to send Isabella to England to her brother to find an advantageous
marriage. Once in England she meets longtime bachelor Nick Carteton scholar. Nick loves his single life and has no intention of looking for a bride. He agrees to take the place for Lady Isabella’s brother as a guardian when he is sent away for business reasons. Nick escorts Lady Isbella to a ball where she meets a mysterious Spaniard named Luis de Garcia. She is smitten with him as he is with her. What Isabella doesn't know is he is a fugitive Spanish Lord Luis De sousa de Gama who escaped his country after an uprising. I loved this book. It was a fun, adventure romance. I especially liked the slow-burn between Nick and Isabella. They were friends first getting to know each other before they became romantic. It was really a joy reading as they slowly fell in love through their adventures. It was more realistic. I also liked the whole espionage aspect of the story.it wasn't just a sweet little cookie-cutter romance. It was political. I didn't expect it. Lol. I'd like to thank the author for providing me with a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. I'd bought her books from Anazon.com already and will definitely read more in the future. She is my favorite romance write. Lol.
December 15, 2022
This Georgian romance was my second novel by Jayne Davis, having read SAUCE FOR THE GANDER earlier this month. I thought she did an excellent job with the character development of both the main characters as well as the supporting cast. Too, Marstone was an excellent villain. I think what I liked best it’s just how refreshing it was to have a character like Isabella who was a bit sheltered ascwell as anatomically short and not this perfect beauty. Like Connie and Will,bit was definitely not installment.
I learned about British art of the 18th century as well as a result of reading this fiction. I enjoyed perusing online the works of Opie.
I’m really impressed with this author and will be sure to read other books by her.
I learned about British art of the 18th century as well as a result of reading this fiction. I enjoyed perusing online the works of Opie.
I’m really impressed with this author and will be sure to read other books by her.
March 28, 2023
Clean Georgian Romance - nary a kiss
Almost like siblings to lovers with a big helping of spying (Britain, Spain, France) and a despotic father.
Jayne Davis writes really well and the deep and wide ranging research she's done comes through her stories. She writes of strong undercurrents of feelings and passion that are restrained by the mores and manners of that era - something many historical romance writers struggle with. In Nick we have a truly honourable gentleman. And for Bella this is a coming of age story- she's not the ugly duckling to swan but a young woman who accepts who she is and makes the most of it. She may not have conversation but she's full of curiosity and kindness and courage. A character I quite delighted in - Lord Carterton.
Almost like siblings to lovers with a big helping of spying (Britain, Spain, France) and a despotic father.
Jayne Davis writes really well and the deep and wide ranging research she's done comes through her stories. She writes of strong undercurrents of feelings and passion that are restrained by the mores and manners of that era - something many historical romance writers struggle with. In Nick we have a truly honourable gentleman. And for Bella this is a coming of age story- she's not the ugly duckling to swan but a young woman who accepts who she is and makes the most of it. She may not have conversation but she's full of curiosity and kindness and courage. A character I quite delighted in - Lord Carterton.
July 6, 2020
Another Enjoyable Read
Another enjoyable and well written story by Jayne Davis. I am pleased Lady Isobella had her own story as she was by far the feistiest Marstone sister and poor Nick Carteton didn't know what had not him when he met her. Bella along with her sister's had been kept virtual prisoners at their father's estate all their lives, had little experience of life and so when she was allowed to go to London she tended to get herself into scrapes which Nick had to get her out of and in doing so he came to know her very well, and his whole idea of the female he thought he wished to marry was completely changed in the end.
Lord Marstone the obnoxious man that he was almost spilled
Another enjoyable and well written story by Jayne Davis. I am pleased Lady Isobella had her own story as she was by far the feistiest Marstone sister and poor Nick Carteton didn't know what had not him when he met her. Bella along with her sister's had been kept virtual prisoners at their father's estate all their lives, had little experience of life and so when she was allowed to go to London she tended to get herself into scrapes which Nick had to get her out of and in doing so he came to know her very well, and his whole idea of the female he thought he wished to marry was completely changed in the end.
Lord Marstone the obnoxious man that he was almost spilled
July 31, 2021
Isabella Stanlake... youngest motherless and clueless (kept and educated at home) daughter of the obnoxious and dictatorial Charles, 8th Earl of Marstone... was about to make her debut under the auspices of her 'gambler and beholden to his brother's largesse' aunt, Lady Aurelia Cerley... and this time, apparently without the active support and guidance of her beloved eldest brother, Will who was on a mission outside of England. And so, Will made arrangements with his friend and ally, Nick Carterton for the latter to make sure that Bella would not make unsuitable alliances. Nick and Bella first met two years ago when Nick was Bella's older sister Lizzie's selected groom... obviously said alliance did not come to pass in A Winning Trick. Per this book's timeline, Nick had his hands full keeping his naive and clueless charge out of trouble while on her crusades and rescue escapades... and through all these, both gained some insights on each other's characters as Love slowly crept in as they both and separately learned about Life's Reality in Bella's case and the joy of having a compatible companion wife and lover in Bella for Nick. A most satisfactory romantic adventure.
September 27, 2020
Not as good as the previous couple books I've read by this author. The characters, instead of being 3-dimensional, seemed more like cardboard cutouts, and the plot was faintly boring - all about a tyrannical aristocratic father and the daughter who wants to marry by her own choice. She doesn't love anyone; she just wants to have a decent guy as a husband, not another tyrant like her father. No big themes in this story. No interesting people. Not a whiff of a love story, even though the author tries to make it into one closer to the end. Even the writing was mediocre.
Overall: so-so.
Overall: so-so.
September 6, 2021
The story continues
Little Bella, Will's youngest sister from Book 1 is all grown up. Well sort of, she is pretty short. But Bella like her big brother she does not want her father to dictate who she should marry. But what's a girl to do in 18th century England, especially with an overbearing despot like her father? And therein lies this interesting tale. I found it an enjoyable read.
Little Bella, Will's youngest sister from Book 1 is all grown up. Well sort of, she is pretty short. But Bella like her big brother she does not want her father to dictate who she should marry. But what's a girl to do in 18th century England, especially with an overbearing despot like her father? And therein lies this interesting tale. I found it an enjoyable read.
October 9, 2021
A rather disappointing. The author wasted too much time on the spy element of the plot and not nearly enough on the growing romance of the two main characters. As far as I’m concerned a substantial part of the writing around the spy could have been cut, and more about Bella & Nick inserted. As a reader I was left feeling very unsatisfied at the end, not knowing nearly enough about the pair, and certainly wondering about the missing element - their romance!
A decent read but….🤷🏻♀️
A decent read but….🤷🏻♀️
October 16, 2022
A Suitable Match
Great characters, especially enjoyed getting acquainted with Bella u& Nick as they became acquainted; this reader chose them for each other long before try dif. Great storyline; A bit of intrigue always gives out the vibe of great mystery. This reader especially appreciates the great storytelling skills of Author Ms Davis; she is a masters of word & composition of same. Great Story. Great Read. Enjoy.
Great characters, especially enjoyed getting acquainted with Bella u& Nick as they became acquainted; this reader chose them for each other long before try dif. Great storyline; A bit of intrigue always gives out the vibe of great mystery. This reader especially appreciates the great storytelling skills of Author Ms Davis; she is a masters of word & composition of same. Great Story. Great Read. Enjoy.
May 7, 2020
I really really liked this book. The characters are so relatable and they seem to fit the time period. I loved Bella’s innocence and reactions of the other characters. I especially love the history given at the end. I’m looking forward to more work from Davis.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2021
Really 31/2 stars
Skipped some of the story. It was moving slowly. The last third was good but the part about spying is not of interest to me at all. It did not feed the main story, was more of a distraction. I liked other books by Ms. Davis more than this one. Will now read the next in the series.
Skipped some of the story. It was moving slowly. The last third was good but the part about spying is not of interest to me at all. It did not feed the main story, was more of a distraction. I liked other books by Ms. Davis more than this one. Will now read the next in the series.
October 1, 2021
Worth it!
I can't believe I took so long deciding to read this series! Each book has been a delight! The storyline is gripping and the characters are so likeable. The period details and descriptions are top notch and of course there is woven throughout, that iconic subtle humor that is present in only the best of this genre!
I can't believe I took so long deciding to read this series! Each book has been a delight! The storyline is gripping and the characters are so likeable. The period details and descriptions are top notch and of course there is woven throughout, that iconic subtle humor that is present in only the best of this genre!
June 7, 2024
This is not really a romance. There was really no romance till the very last of the book when all the sudden the two people decided, Hey we actually like each other! I liked the characters and the story. I just keep wishing for some chemistry but there was none.
This is a proper romance with a barley kiss at the end.
This is a proper romance with a barley kiss at the end.
January 26, 2025
Another enjoyable read by Jayne Davis
If you like to read a regency Romance with abandoned, like I do, and not have to worry about any heavy spice, add this one to your reading list.
I also love a book where I can tell that there is research included in the story. So historical tidbits that add to the authenticity.
If you like to read a regency Romance with abandoned, like I do, and not have to worry about any heavy spice, add this one to your reading list.
I also love a book where I can tell that there is research included in the story. So historical tidbits that add to the authenticity.
June 20, 2022
In and romance
This story had the same domineering Marstone patriarch father but this time he is dying. Still trying to control his family and his daughter Isabelle. None of his manipulation works and in the end Isabelle finds her hea with Nick
This story had the same domineering Marstone patriarch father but this time he is dying. Still trying to control his family and his daughter Isabelle. None of his manipulation works and in the end Isabelle finds her hea with Nick
June 23, 2020
Lovely story with characters I could really connect to. Took a little while to warm up to them, but worth it once I did.
July 15, 2020
Another enjoyable read and the plot a good one.
As someone who grew up loving Georgette Heyer, it is a shame though that there are no witty encounters.
As someone who grew up loving Georgette Heyer, it is a shame though that there are no witty encounters.
September 5, 2020
Historical romance
A fun and interesting read. An entertaining way to learn about the customs and mores of the period without it being a lecture.
A fun and interesting read. An entertaining way to learn about the customs and mores of the period without it being a lecture.
October 16, 2020
Really a 2.5. Just wasn’t as good as the other ones I have read by this author. On to the next one.
November 18, 2020
2.5 stars, really.
January 26, 2021
A Suitable Match by Jayne Davis has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Award
www.chillwithabook.com
www.chillwithabook.com
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