What do you think?
Rate this book
Ladies of Devon #2
The Lady of Larkspur Vale
She wants to forget she ever knew him; he just wants her.
Mabel Sheffield is too tall, or so she believes. It one of the reasons she has given up on finding a husband and instead embraces her role as a spinster, dedicating her days to managing her grandmother's estate and her seven-year-old sister. But when Liam MacKenzie shows up at her house to stay for the summer, she's unsure if she can keep her resolve. The problem: he's the other reason she's a spinster.
Book two in the Ladies of Devon series, The Lady of Larkspur Vale is a childhood friends-to-lovers and second chance romance story. It is a clean Regency romance that continues telling the story of the four women who make up a literary society in Devon and form a lasting friendship.
Mabel Sheffield is too tall, or so she believes. It one of the reasons she has given up on finding a husband and instead embraces her role as a spinster, dedicating her days to managing her grandmother's estate and her seven-year-old sister. But when Liam MacKenzie shows up at her house to stay for the summer, she's unsure if she can keep her resolve. The problem: he's the other reason she's a spinster.
Book two in the Ladies of Devon series, The Lady of Larkspur Vale is a childhood friends-to-lovers and second chance romance story. It is a clean Regency romance that continues telling the story of the four women who make up a literary society in Devon and form a lasting friendship.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2020
1232 people are currently reading
865 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
August 16, 2020
I so enjoyed this sweet book. So well written. I have been frustrated with regency books lately. They have bored me. This was so well done. Loved the idea and the characters! I enjoyed the first book so much! I could not remember who wrote it so I couldn't find the second. I follow Stockton on Amazon and when her book showed up on KU I got it and was so happy this was the sequel. Can't wait to read the black widow story next!
June 24, 2021
Ah, sometimes there's really nothing better than a good regency romance. 😌 I enjoyed this so much! It was the perfect regency getaway romance that had just a slight touch of relationship tension and that curious feeling of trying to find out how they would exactly get together! I liked the two MCs and their romance, they were honestly so loveable and cute, and the romance was so light and sweet! The novel didn't feel super lengthy or draggy, but just nice and so easy to light through!
There was literally nothing to dislike, but I'll admit I was slightly disappointed with the ending, particularly with how Mabel so quickly accepted Mac's proposal... I secretly wanted her to be a little more stubborn because of her previous skeptical doubts regarding Mac since she believed him to be still the same man who broke her heart six years ago. 😶 I wanted some thoughts or tension on Mable's part to make it a bit more progressive. Buuut, that's the minor-est thing ever, and I loved every single second while reading this so adorable story! Kasey Stockton is definitely a go-to regency author for me!
There was literally nothing to dislike, but I'll admit I was slightly disappointed with the ending, particularly with how Mabel so quickly accepted Mac's proposal... I secretly wanted her to be a little more stubborn because of her previous skeptical doubts regarding Mac since she believed him to be still the same man who broke her heart six years ago. 😶 I wanted some thoughts or tension on Mable's part to make it a bit more progressive. Buuut, that's the minor-est thing ever, and I loved every single second while reading this so adorable story! Kasey Stockton is definitely a go-to regency author for me!
September 19, 2024
100% approved…
I think I will declare Mac to be my new book boyfriend. He sounds just the way I like a man …tall, dark, handsome. I can’t wait to get started on book three.
I think I will declare Mac to be my new book boyfriend. He sounds just the way I like a man …tall, dark, handsome. I can’t wait to get started on book three.
June 24, 2023
i literally never write reviews for books on here, but it’s past midnight right now and so my voice of reason is gone. will i regret this in the morning? probably. but right now i’m upset because i stayed up to read this book and it was so unsatisfactory.
i’ve read the other books in the series and they were all mid as well but this one was especially bad to me.
the mc, mabel, had given her heart to liam mackinley years ago before he went off to war and he told her that nothing could happen between them and that she was too tall. i thought it was annoying when the characters were mentioned to be so short every other paragraph. now this girl is constantly bringing up how tall she is, bemoaning how she sees eye to eye with most every men and how she just lumbers around like a giant because she towers over everyone. literally nobody thought that. like, i get insecurities about height and everything but GIRL. but it all works out in the end because her love interest is *spoiler* tall.
ok moving on to love interest. liam mackinley. he goes by mac. and sorry to anyone named mac out there, i don’t like that name at all. i feel like there’s some past character trauma from a book character named mac that i didn’t like, but it’s not coming to me now. but anyways yeah i don’t like the name mac. plus that name didn’t fit him at all. mac was a fine character. nothing stood out about him really. he was boring. and not even in a hot boring way. his paragraphs alternated between bemoaning his financial position and bemoaning the fact that he blew it with mabel all those years ago.
ok and speaking of blowing it with her, one thing that really irked me is how quickly she was able to let it go. forgiveness is great, all right. but she yelled at him once about it and he didn’t even apologize for how he treated her and then boom. they were besties and in love with each other. not at one point did he grovel at her feet, begging for her forgiveness because he was mean to her after leading her on. she is a better person than me tbh because i would’ve just avoided him. well, that’s why she’s married and i’ve never been in a relationship. anyways. moving on.
he tries to mislead her at first, saying his name is mac instead of liam, because she didn’t recognize him when she first bumped into him in a dark hallway. literally how stupid did he think she was?? people don’t change that much. the lying to her in hopes she didn’t recognize him lasted about a chapter i think? maybe two?? and when it was revealed that she knew, there wasn’t a super satisfying fight scene where she just let him have it because he broke her heart. nope. they just talked like normal people who didn’t have a depressing past relationship.
in conclusion, these characters were so one dimensional. every one of them was a copy and paste of each other from book to book. i genuinely wouldn’t be able to pick out which character or scene was in which book. i had to go back and look up the mc’s first name when i first started writing this review, even tho i literally just finished the book 10 minutes ago, it was that forgettable. i always love a good regency romance and it’s so hard for me to find one i don’t like, no matter how cringe it is, and yet somehow this one succeeded. anyways, if anyone i know in real life sees this, i’m sorry. i’m ashamed of myself as well. 😔 don’t read this book. if you want a really good regency romance, read blackmoore, edenbrooke, and lakeshire park. those are the best.
i’ve read the other books in the series and they were all mid as well but this one was especially bad to me.
the mc, mabel, had given her heart to liam mackinley years ago before he went off to war and he told her that nothing could happen between them and that she was too tall. i thought it was annoying when the characters were mentioned to be so short every other paragraph. now this girl is constantly bringing up how tall she is, bemoaning how she sees eye to eye with most every men and how she just lumbers around like a giant because she towers over everyone. literally nobody thought that. like, i get insecurities about height and everything but GIRL. but it all works out in the end because her love interest is *spoiler* tall.
ok moving on to love interest. liam mackinley. he goes by mac. and sorry to anyone named mac out there, i don’t like that name at all. i feel like there’s some past character trauma from a book character named mac that i didn’t like, but it’s not coming to me now. but anyways yeah i don’t like the name mac. plus that name didn’t fit him at all. mac was a fine character. nothing stood out about him really. he was boring. and not even in a hot boring way. his paragraphs alternated between bemoaning his financial position and bemoaning the fact that he blew it with mabel all those years ago.
ok and speaking of blowing it with her, one thing that really irked me is how quickly she was able to let it go. forgiveness is great, all right. but she yelled at him once about it and he didn’t even apologize for how he treated her and then boom. they were besties and in love with each other. not at one point did he grovel at her feet, begging for her forgiveness because he was mean to her after leading her on. she is a better person than me tbh because i would’ve just avoided him. well, that’s why she’s married and i’ve never been in a relationship. anyways. moving on.
he tries to mislead her at first, saying his name is mac instead of liam, because she didn’t recognize him when she first bumped into him in a dark hallway. literally how stupid did he think she was?? people don’t change that much. the lying to her in hopes she didn’t recognize him lasted about a chapter i think? maybe two?? and when it was revealed that she knew, there wasn’t a super satisfying fight scene where she just let him have it because he broke her heart. nope. they just talked like normal people who didn’t have a depressing past relationship.
in conclusion, these characters were so one dimensional. every one of them was a copy and paste of each other from book to book. i genuinely wouldn’t be able to pick out which character or scene was in which book. i had to go back and look up the mc’s first name when i first started writing this review, even tho i literally just finished the book 10 minutes ago, it was that forgettable. i always love a good regency romance and it’s so hard for me to find one i don’t like, no matter how cringe it is, and yet somehow this one succeeded. anyways, if anyone i know in real life sees this, i’m sorry. i’m ashamed of myself as well. 😔 don’t read this book. if you want a really good regency romance, read blackmoore, edenbrooke, and lakeshire park. those are the best.
September 16, 2023
Mabel Sheffield is too tall, and it is one of the reasons she believes she will not marry, in fact, it is the reason she has conceded to raising her eight-year-old sister, Pippa, and take care of her aging Grandmother; she intends to live the rest of her life as a spinster.
The other reason she is a spinster is Liam MacKenzie (Mac). Earlier, she admitted her attraction to him, but he doesn't share it, and she doesn't know if her heart can handle being around him when he doesn't hold the same regard towards her.
I really enjoyed The Lady of Larkspur. Mabel is a strong woman, she is single-handedly raising her endearing younger sister, Pippa, and assisting her grandmother.
I listened to this through the author's YouTube channel.
The other reason she is a spinster is Liam MacKenzie (Mac). Earlier, she admitted her attraction to him, but he doesn't share it, and she doesn't know if her heart can handle being around him when he doesn't hold the same regard towards her.
I really enjoyed The Lady of Larkspur. Mabel is a strong woman, she is single-handedly raising her endearing younger sister, Pippa, and assisting her grandmother.
I listened to this through the author's YouTube channel.
August 24, 2023
2.5 stars
You know when you have a meal that looks good and even tastes ok at first, but then you notice that there is just a little too much salt in it? Then every bite after that just tastes saltier and saltier until by then end you just want it to be over and you are wondering why anyone thought this was an acceptable amount of salt to put in a dish?
That was this book.
The characters are fairly flat, nothing exciting happens…and there is LOT of angst. The first book was sweet and at least had a bit of mystery. This second installment started off with the basics for a fun cozy story and then just simmered there forever. Instead of attempted murder we get a disagreeable house party that wouldn’t end.
And my goodness was I reading about grown adults or teenagers? Why all the angst?!😅
Gran is hilarious and I wanted more scenes with her. The main character is relatable in many ways, but also sadly allows people to walk all over her. She has a lot of insecurities about how she looks and that plot point only resolves because *spoiler* her love interest is bigger than her. Boooo. What a missed opportunity.
There are two more books in this series and I may still finish them but I need a little break for now.
You know when you have a meal that looks good and even tastes ok at first, but then you notice that there is just a little too much salt in it? Then every bite after that just tastes saltier and saltier until by then end you just want it to be over and you are wondering why anyone thought this was an acceptable amount of salt to put in a dish?
That was this book.
The characters are fairly flat, nothing exciting happens…and there is LOT of angst. The first book was sweet and at least had a bit of mystery. This second installment started off with the basics for a fun cozy story and then just simmered there forever. Instead of attempted murder we get a disagreeable house party that wouldn’t end.
And my goodness was I reading about grown adults or teenagers? Why all the angst?!😅
Gran is hilarious and I wanted more scenes with her. The main character is relatable in many ways, but also sadly allows people to walk all over her. She has a lot of insecurities about how she looks and that plot point only resolves because *spoiler* her love interest is bigger than her. Boooo. What a missed opportunity.
There are two more books in this series and I may still finish them but I need a little break for now.
April 24, 2024
The Lady of Larkspur Vale is my first book by Kasey Stockton, but it won't be my last. I have not read the first in the series, but I did not feel like I missed anything by starting with the second book.
I was surprised to enjoy this book as much as I did. I liked Mabel when she wasn't down on herself for being too tall. Her care for others, including her Gram and younger sister, makes her an enduring character. I was rooting for her and Mack from the beginning and hoping for their happily ever after.
Read for:
-literary society
-second chance romance
-childhood friends to more
-precocious Pippa
-sweet story
-unconventional family
-house party
I look forward to reading more about Charles (Mabel's cousin) and Amelia (one of Mabel's BFFs).
I was surprised to enjoy this book as much as I did. I liked Mabel when she wasn't down on herself for being too tall. Her care for others, including her Gram and younger sister, makes her an enduring character. I was rooting for her and Mack from the beginning and hoping for their happily ever after.
Read for:
-literary society
-second chance romance
-childhood friends to more
-precocious Pippa
-sweet story
-unconventional family
-house party
I look forward to reading more about Charles (Mabel's cousin) and Amelia (one of Mabel's BFFs).
August 6, 2023
Very small spoilers about earlier chapters:
_________________________________________
This whole thing is a mess, the plot is all over the place, all the characters are scheming smth and I hated everyone except the grandma and the little kid (which says a lot). No one in this story cares to think about anyone but themselves or tells our fl anything of their plans even when it DIRECTLY concerns her.
Her father is bad, his friend is garbage, her cousin is garbage, his guests are garbage and don't even get me started on her love intrest. I don't know how we just let go of him insulting her in the past and causing her to have self esteem issues and never marry so fast but apparently it doesnt matter cause he's hot and TALL now :D
Also what was that whole humming tunes to the fish bit ? Actually what was the purpose for that whole "act like I'm someone else" plot line when it pretty much didn't lead to anything ? it felt like it was supposed to build up to smth but then there was absolutely no reason for it ?? was it to make fun of him ? for revenge ? to tease him ? to mislead him ? to keep him thinking she doesn't know him for like half the story ? no, it wasn't for anything interesting apparently.
We spend the whole story worrying about the ml getting his prize money so he'd rescue his father from prison only for a STUPID solution to happen that can't be called anything but plot convenience and that's after the ml got his money!!
I don't know what everyone is raving about but I know who I'm not going to read from again.
_________________________________________
This whole thing is a mess, the plot is all over the place, all the characters are scheming smth and I hated everyone except the grandma and the little kid (which says a lot). No one in this story cares to think about anyone but themselves or tells our fl anything of their plans even when it DIRECTLY concerns her.
Her father is bad, his friend is garbage, her cousin is garbage, his guests are garbage and don't even get me started on her love intrest. I don't know how we just let go of him insulting her in the past and causing her to have self esteem issues and never marry so fast but apparently it doesnt matter cause he's hot and TALL now :D
Also what was that whole humming tunes to the fish bit ? Actually what was the purpose for that whole "act like I'm someone else" plot line when it pretty much didn't lead to anything ? it felt like it was supposed to build up to smth but then there was absolutely no reason for it ?? was it to make fun of him ? for revenge ? to tease him ? to mislead him ? to keep him thinking she doesn't know him for like half the story ? no, it wasn't for anything interesting apparently.
We spend the whole story worrying about the ml getting his prize money so he'd rescue his father from prison only for a STUPID solution to happen that can't be called anything but plot convenience and that's after the ml got his money!!
I don't know what everyone is raving about but I know who I'm not going to read from again.
July 30, 2020
What a charming second chance regency romance! I can easily sympathize with Mabel's reaction to having a childhood friend who had spurned her when they were teenagers show back up in her life...and stay at her house for an indefinite amount of time. I loved the chemistry and fun dialogue between the two of them! Mac was so sweet and attentive - what a swoon worthy hero!
I really loved the dual point of view - makes the romance so much more real when you can see the story from both perspectives. Mac's backstory was interesting and added layers to the story. I enjoyed the role of the secondary characters, both those who added levity and fun and those who were shallow or not all they seemed to be.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series and hope we get Charlie's and Amelia's story soon!
I received an advance copy from the author but it in no way affected my review.
I really loved the dual point of view - makes the romance so much more real when you can see the story from both perspectives. Mac's backstory was interesting and added layers to the story. I enjoyed the role of the secondary characters, both those who added levity and fun and those who were shallow or not all they seemed to be.
I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series and hope we get Charlie's and Amelia's story soon!
I received an advance copy from the author but it in no way affected my review.
February 25, 2021
Book 2 is great
This is a great series! I loved Mac and Mabel. They are both strong and smart characters throughout. I am so excited for the next one. I’m dying to learn more about Amelia. She has been so hard to read!
This is a great series! I loved Mac and Mabel. They are both strong and smart characters throughout. I am so excited for the next one. I’m dying to learn more about Amelia. She has been so hard to read!
October 17, 2021
I think I enjoyed this one even more than the first, but they're both great reads. It sucked me in, and I ended up skipping all the things I was supposed to do so I could keep reading.
March 22, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ for that exceptionally cute ending! 😍 I don’t even care that a couple details were maybe too convenient because there was a lot of love here. I loved Mac and Mable’s chemistry, that the moments of miscommunication were resolved pretty quickly (refreshing), the English countryside setting, and the endearing family members.
Book 1: DNF (dunno, just couldn’t get into it)
Book 2: 4.5 ⭐️
Book 3: up next
Book 4: 5 ⭐️!!! (Where I started because I heard it was so good)
Can’t wait for books 3 & 5
Content: kisses only
Book 1: DNF (dunno, just couldn’t get into it)
Book 2: 4.5 ⭐️
Book 3: up next
Book 4: 5 ⭐️!!! (Where I started because I heard it was so good)
Can’t wait for books 3 & 5
Content: kisses only
September 4, 2020
Wrong Words and Loose Ends
I wanted to like this book, as I thought the premise was a good one. But the author had several wrong words and awkward turns of phrases, enough that it detracted from my enjoyment of the story. One of the wrong words that shot my eyebrows up to my hairline—as a romance author might say—was using “condescension” instead of “consternation”: “Pippa shook her head, a tiny hand rising to her forehead in condescension.” It certainly made me wonder for a few seconds what the author was actually trying to say in that sentence! I also thought there were several loose ends that were not tied up properly at the end of the story. I don't know if the author is holding the answers to these for future books in the series, but I'm certainly curious about a few elements that should have been wrapped up. I like the heroine, as she is much put-upon by relatives and not appreciated at all. Her little sister, Pippa, is a real firecracker, and seriously, I think the adults needed to rein her in instead of just being amused by her antics when she was not in the room. I wasn't particularly wild about the father or cousin, either, because they are somewhat thoughtless and clueless, and are the ones who don't appreciate the heroine but put many expectations on her. All in all, I did not enjoy this book.
I wanted to like this book, as I thought the premise was a good one. But the author had several wrong words and awkward turns of phrases, enough that it detracted from my enjoyment of the story. One of the wrong words that shot my eyebrows up to my hairline—as a romance author might say—was using “condescension” instead of “consternation”: “Pippa shook her head, a tiny hand rising to her forehead in condescension.” It certainly made me wonder for a few seconds what the author was actually trying to say in that sentence! I also thought there were several loose ends that were not tied up properly at the end of the story. I don't know if the author is holding the answers to these for future books in the series, but I'm certainly curious about a few elements that should have been wrapped up. I like the heroine, as she is much put-upon by relatives and not appreciated at all. Her little sister, Pippa, is a real firecracker, and seriously, I think the adults needed to rein her in instead of just being amused by her antics when she was not in the room. I wasn't particularly wild about the father or cousin, either, because they are somewhat thoughtless and clueless, and are the ones who don't appreciate the heroine but put many expectations on her. All in all, I did not enjoy this book.
January 21, 2021
The Lady of Larkspur Vale ..Book 2
I was very disappointed in this book..it has a wonderful beginning especially introduction a delightful child and a crusty grandma...from there the story goes down hill to the point where I couldn't wait for it to end...boring! Boring!
I was very disappointed in this book..it has a wonderful beginning especially introduction a delightful child and a crusty grandma...from there the story goes down hill to the point where I couldn't wait for it to end...boring! Boring!
January 13, 2022
Likable characters, a likable story, a pleasant read altogether, in spite of how many times the heroine reminded herself to guard her heart against the hero…and it was many, many times too many.
March 7, 2021
This second book of the Ladies of Devon Series is my third experience with Kasey Stockton’s work. I read the third book of the series first followed by the opening novel of the series. The books of this series are closely related with the protagonist of one story being the main supporting characters in the other two books I have read previously. It is probably best to read all four books in sequence. Having read book three previously, it was interesting to know that Charles and Amelia are to become the protagonists in book three. Consequently, I knew that Charles suffered from unrequited love for Amelia for years. It was kind of nice to know that in advance that in the next book his dreams will come true.
The storyline is interesting and entertaining and conforms to my criteria for a clean regency romance. All characters are believable and human, including those who have significant flaws. I was pleased to not discover any distracting editorial deficiencies. This series tells the tales of four very close friends as they each find the loves of their lives. I have thoroughly enjoyed the stories of Giulia (Book 1), Mable (Book 2), and Amelia (Book 3). I now look forward to Hattie’s story as I read the Book 4 of the series.
The storyline is interesting and entertaining and conforms to my criteria for a clean regency romance. All characters are believable and human, including those who have significant flaws. I was pleased to not discover any distracting editorial deficiencies. This series tells the tales of four very close friends as they each find the loves of their lives. I have thoroughly enjoyed the stories of Giulia (Book 1), Mable (Book 2), and Amelia (Book 3). I now look forward to Hattie’s story as I read the Book 4 of the series.
June 12, 2021
Where have Kasey Stockton's books been all my life? The Lady of Larkspur Vale was such a great read. I loved it. This is one of those books I just didn't want to put down.
I loved Mabel and Mac. Although Mabel had her insecurities, she had so many strengths as well. She was a capable hostess and adapted to change quickly. Mabel and Mac were so well fitted; they were perfect for each other. I loved how confident Mac was and how well he complimented Mabel's quiet strength. Mac's realization of his love for Mabel deserves all the heart eyes. I loved that he didn't give up trying to win Mabel over.
I am so excited to read the rest of the books in this series! If you haven't read it yet, what are you even waiting for?!
I loved Mabel and Mac. Although Mabel had her insecurities, she had so many strengths as well. She was a capable hostess and adapted to change quickly. Mabel and Mac were so well fitted; they were perfect for each other. I loved how confident Mac was and how well he complimented Mabel's quiet strength. Mac's realization of his love for Mabel deserves all the heart eyes. I loved that he didn't give up trying to win Mabel over.
I am so excited to read the rest of the books in this series! If you haven't read it yet, what are you even waiting for?!
April 7, 2024
2 stars
I forced my way through this waiting for something to happen. The epilogue was 3 1/2 stars but the story itself was a lot of nothing. So many people and none I liked. I know they were setting up for the others in the series but still too many annoying characters who did not make the story better. The H/h spent most of the time in their heads all about self doubt, there was no joy in the story itself of them together except in the epilogue. All those characters did not make the story more interesting, just tedious; trim the precocious sister, the tiresome, debutants, the dandy, the gruff dad, the hard of hearing grandmother and so on and so on
I forced my way through this waiting for something to happen. The epilogue was 3 1/2 stars but the story itself was a lot of nothing. So many people and none I liked. I know they were setting up for the others in the series but still too many annoying characters who did not make the story better. The H/h spent most of the time in their heads all about self doubt, there was no joy in the story itself of them together except in the epilogue. All those characters did not make the story more interesting, just tedious; trim the precocious sister, the tiresome, debutants, the dandy, the gruff dad, the hard of hearing grandmother and so on and so on
October 30, 2021
Oh sweet Mabel. This was a really cute story. It felt like somewhat of a reversal of Persuasion. There is something about love that has grown since childhood, that just feels so delightful. Mabel was such a strong character for having put up with all of the guests at her house. I would have been a complete and utter jerk to those people at my house.
And it was such a fulfilling ending! Really loving this series!
And it was such a fulfilling ending! Really loving this series!
August 4, 2020
This is such an awesome series and I just loved everything about this one. First of all what a pretty name for the h - they call her Mabel but her name is really Amabel. There is nothing that drags in this story and from the first page I was drawn into what was happening on the pages. Mabel Sheffield has taken care of her grandmother and sister and the family home for many years. She is very good at doing all of the things the lady of the house would do but unfortunately this is her grandmother's home and will eventually go to her cousin Charles.
Mabel's father who is a naval Captain has decided he wants to build cottages for some of the navy men returning from the sea with families and no jobs. He plans to use the estates fields to plant crop, having the men work the fields. Unfortunately, he didn't let Mabel know one of the men coming home with him to help build those cottages was the one who broke her heart over six years ago.
Liam MacKenzie grew up with Charles and Mabel. He knows he has some things that he must make right with Mabel and apologize for the way he treated her declaration of love six years ago. Finding Mabel even more beautiful than she was when he last saw her- he realizes his feeling have grown for her- Can he get her to give him a second chance if only at friendship to start?
There is so much more in this story but I don't want to give any of the details away. I am so looking forward to the next story in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
Mabel's father who is a naval Captain has decided he wants to build cottages for some of the navy men returning from the sea with families and no jobs. He plans to use the estates fields to plant crop, having the men work the fields. Unfortunately, he didn't let Mabel know one of the men coming home with him to help build those cottages was the one who broke her heart over six years ago.
Liam MacKenzie grew up with Charles and Mabel. He knows he has some things that he must make right with Mabel and apologize for the way he treated her declaration of love six years ago. Finding Mabel even more beautiful than she was when he last saw her- he realizes his feeling have grown for her- Can he get her to give him a second chance if only at friendship to start?
There is so much more in this story but I don't want to give any of the details away. I am so looking forward to the next story in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
December 11, 2021
This particular book was enjoyable, but there was also a lack of communication in this book. But it’s not as bad as the other books in this series and the characters acknowledged the void in their communication so I still feel comfortable giving this book a four star. This book was an enjoyable read with a well rounded plot, developed characters, realistic side characters and interesting twists. Don’t think I’ll be rereading anytime soon, but it was a decent book.
April 10, 2021
A lovely clean romance
I stayed up way too late to finish this good book. It's well done. And I love that they finally get together. Of course I could have enjoyed a little more time there. But the story has to end eventually. And it does beautifully.
I stayed up way too late to finish this good book. It's well done. And I love that they finally get together. Of course I could have enjoyed a little more time there. But the story has to end eventually. And it does beautifully.
March 16, 2023
I needed this sweet read 💕
June 23, 2025
Sweet Series
I have just found this author and I like the sweet, gentle pace of the Ladies of Devon series. The friendship of the ladies is enviable and Gram is a hoot!
I have just found this author and I like the sweet, gentle pace of the Ladies of Devon series. The friendship of the ladies is enviable and Gram is a hoot!
July 27, 2020
This was a great addition to the Devon series. I enjoyed getting to know Mabel better. She is a complex character, but with so much love to give. I'm amazed how well she handles everything thrown at her. I really liked Mac. There were a few times I wanted him to speak up more, but even with his mistakes he loved Mabel and tried hard to show it. I loved the chemistry between them, but also the friendship. They are good together.
August 11, 2020
Mae is too tall to attract most men and the one time she opened up her heart to someone about her true feelings, he shut her down and broke her heart. Now, years later, he has returned and she is determined to treat him with indifference; if only her heart would listen to her head.
Liam McKenzie or "Mac" has finished his service in the Navy and has returned "home". Unfortunately, his home is no more since his dad is in debtor's prison and his home lays empty. Mac loves Mae but he realizes he didn't handle her declaration of feelings very well and now he needs to prove his sincerity to her. However, he may be too late since her father has returned and "offered" another to marry her. They have agreed that she can take a little time to get to know her suitor to see if they really suite but Mac is determined that she will be his and he hers. Has too much time passed to make that happen?
I have ready many of this author's previous books and have enjoyed them immensely. She has a knack with telling a romantic story that is true to the regency era and engaging her readers to come along with the story and feel as if they are immersed and could be attending the house party as a guest, as well. This story is a clean regency romance with plenty of romantic interludes. I loved Mac's character, too. He is a dedicated, loyal man who is a hard worker and loyal to his mother and father, even though he is angry with his father for his degradation.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Liam McKenzie or "Mac" has finished his service in the Navy and has returned "home". Unfortunately, his home is no more since his dad is in debtor's prison and his home lays empty. Mac loves Mae but he realizes he didn't handle her declaration of feelings very well and now he needs to prove his sincerity to her. However, he may be too late since her father has returned and "offered" another to marry her. They have agreed that she can take a little time to get to know her suitor to see if they really suite but Mac is determined that she will be his and he hers. Has too much time passed to make that happen?
I have ready many of this author's previous books and have enjoyed them immensely. She has a knack with telling a romantic story that is true to the regency era and engaging her readers to come along with the story and feel as if they are immersed and could be attending the house party as a guest, as well. This story is a clean regency romance with plenty of romantic interludes. I loved Mac's character, too. He is a dedicated, loyal man who is a hard worker and loyal to his mother and father, even though he is angry with his father for his degradation.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
July 24, 2020
A fabulous new addition to the Ladies of Devon series, this book may be one of my favorite yet by author Kasey Stockton! I loved the dual perspectives of both Mabel and Mac and the way it allowed me as a reader to understand more deeply the emotions and thoughts behind each characters' actions. The funny way they are reintroduced to one another and the growth of their relationship throughout the story was really interesting and captured my attention. I was super curious how the different conflicts that arose would all play out. I also really enjoyed the little sister Pippa and the joy that she added to the story. Even Gram and her quirks made for such funny one-liners throughout the book that kept me laughing and smiling. The romantic tension between Mac and Mabel was enough to keep me flipping the pages excited for that moment they would finally kiss.
The content is clean, witty, and the characters very well-developed. I am already super anxious to read the next book and I won't lie; I hope it involves Charles getting his own happily ever after. I did hope for more information in regards to what occurred between Mr. Wright and the Captain, but I’m holding out there may be more information in the next book.
I received an advance reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The content is clean, witty, and the characters very well-developed. I am already super anxious to read the next book and I won't lie; I hope it involves Charles getting his own happily ever after. I did hope for more information in regards to what occurred between Mr. Wright and the Captain, but I’m holding out there may be more information in the next book.
I received an advance reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 5, 2021
Simply OK
I didn't find this second book in the series as much fun as the first. The hero and heroine weren't as interesting and neither was the premise. Mabel is raising her sister and looking after their grandmother after the death of their mother. The father is a naval captain and gone from home for long periods of time. Mabel's cousin is the heir, and he comes to the house with a group of friends without giving her notice. Unfortunately, one of the friends is a man Mabel lost her heart to many years ago. The fellow had rejected her feelings.
Mac has matured over the years and regrets what happened between him and Mabel. He wants to apologize to her. When he sees her again, he finds he wants more than that. But he has family and financial problems that must be settled before he can offer for her.
Adding to the problems, the captain returns home. He brings with him a man he hopes Mabel will marry.
The little sister was annoying, and I would have enjoyed the story more without the character.
I didn't find this second book in the series as much fun as the first. The hero and heroine weren't as interesting and neither was the premise. Mabel is raising her sister and looking after their grandmother after the death of their mother. The father is a naval captain and gone from home for long periods of time. Mabel's cousin is the heir, and he comes to the house with a group of friends without giving her notice. Unfortunately, one of the friends is a man Mabel lost her heart to many years ago. The fellow had rejected her feelings.
Mac has matured over the years and regrets what happened between him and Mabel. He wants to apologize to her. When he sees her again, he finds he wants more than that. But he has family and financial problems that must be settled before he can offer for her.
Adding to the problems, the captain returns home. He brings with him a man he hopes Mabel will marry.
The little sister was annoying, and I would have enjoyed the story more without the character.
April 27, 2023
I was good with the story at the beginning. Then it became a bit repetitive and dragged on for a while. Liked Gram, didn’t care for Pippa. Mabel kept calling Mac a flirt, but his personality didn’t come across that way at all. I didn’t get why she kept pushing him away over that. The ending of this one (just like Book 1) was very underwhelming when it came to consequences for the villain of the story. Why did her father have to pay off Mr Wright?? That didn’t have anything to do with anything. And the older sister just left Charles why?? And even the ending for the good guy left me wanting more. This smuggler dude just paid off the father’s debts and everything was fine??
I wish Mabel had been more forthcoming with information with Guilia. She would have given better advice than Amelia. Romance stories are supposed to be cute and swoony, and there just wasn’t any of that here. One scene at the end, suddenly there’s a baby coming, and that’s it.
I wish Mabel had been more forthcoming with information with Guilia. She would have given better advice than Amelia. Romance stories are supposed to be cute and swoony, and there just wasn’t any of that here. One scene at the end, suddenly there’s a baby coming, and that’s it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews