Always the Bluestocking

Never the Bride #6

by Emily E.K. Murdoch

Always the bluestocking and never the bride—not that any woman should have to choose…

Miss Mariah Wynn was adopted and has spent her life attempting to prove herself worthy. Intelligent and witty, it's nonetheless not a good idea to let a gentleman know you actually have brains. After all, no one marries the bluestocking, even if she is beautiful and but twenty one.

One man who laughs in the face of bluestockings is Patrick O'Leary, Viscount Donal. He knows the woman's place, and that is most certainly in the home.

Until, that is, he sees Mariah attending a lecture at his alma mater. A woman—at university. He's determined she won’t get an education. She's ready to face down any ignorant man, title or no. A battle of intellect storms while a battle of desire fights under the surface.

Will Mariah and Patrick have enough focus to argue while every bone in their bodies wants to make love?

This full length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency Romance, Regency, Womens Rights

195 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2020

About the author

Emily E.K. Murdoch is also known as Emily Murdoch.

Emily Murdoch is a medieval historian and writer. Throughout her career so far she has examined a codex and transcribed medieval sermons at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, designed part of an exhibition for the Yorkshire Museum, worked as a researcher for a BBC documentary presented by Ian Hislop, and worked at Polesden Lacey with the National Trust. She has a degree in History and English, and a Masters in Medieval Studies, both from the University of York. Emily is currently working on a new four part Regency novella series, two of which are now published.

You can follow her on twitter and instagram @emilyekmurdoch, find her on facebook at www.facebook.com/theemilyekmurdoch, and read her blog at www.emilyekmurdoch.com

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like strong headset female character when they know what they want and they don’t give up until they get it. Mariah want’s to go to a University but women are not allowed to go but that’s not going to stop her... I don’t want to spoil anything, It was a good read I highly recommended Always A Blue Stocking.

Happy Reading
Lisa

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Murdoch masterfully depicts the challenges facing intelligent women in the 1800’s seeking an education!

Read full review in the 2020 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

This is an awesome series, one I just can’t get enough of.

I Love the characters and their wonderful relationships, the way they interact with each other is so good , chemistry is off the charts.

The whole storyline is excellent, and the world created by the author is full of intrigue and passion.
I’m so looking forward to reading more , seems I’ve not had my fill of them yet.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[ChasingLeslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Mariah Wynn is adopted and a complete bluestocking, both of which make her feel different from everyone else. She's dedicated to learning and fighting for women to have rights to attend college just like men. Patrick O'Leary, Viscount Donal, finds Mariah befuddling but intriguing. As an Irish lord raised without a mother, he's also grown up feeling different. Patrick has to decide whether he's willing to support Mariah or stand beside everyone else claiming she's simply asking for too much.

This is the sixth book in the Never The Bride series and can be read as a stand alone. This is a book that makes the reader feel. I really loved how fiesty, passionate, and true to herself Mariah was...and yet she was still quite vulnerable and needing of acceptance. At times I loved the budding relationship with the main characters, and at other times I wasn't sure I wanted them to have a HEA ending because Patrick just wasn't going far enough for Mariah! The story was a very interesting glimpse into a time when women had so little and men said they needed no more.

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #AlwaystheBluestocking #NevertheBrideBook6 #NetGalley

[Leena Aluru · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5🌟

This book is our heroine 's all the way. I've not come across someone so doggedly determined to achieve something that she subjects herself to a constant and continual humiliation. Mariah Wynn is an adopted daughter of a Viscount who is a confirmed bluestocking. She wants in at Oxford and is vociferous regarding the availability of a university education for women. She has been portrayed as an intelligent women greedy for knowledge. She is pretty much an outcast in her society and indications of a rift between her and her brother, the current Viscount is generousy strewn about. Her brother has married her best friend who was a confirmed wall flower prior to her wedding.

The hero Patrick O'Leary or Viscount Donal is in Oxford for is 10 yrs reunion. He is the privileged guy to receive an education he doesn't value and probably didn't care whether he had received it or not. He's a pleasant chap confused with liking Mariah but unable to accept her dogged claim to an equal education. This constant dichotomy that he faces has been dealt beautifully. I also liked how the author didn't make this book about the hero.

But, I was disappointed on a couple of points
1. I didn't like it that , when she's given a chance to speak in a public forum she downplays her bluestocking image. This is a complete contrast - throughout the book we get the impression she's proud to be a bluestocking.

2. The brother /sister relationship is incomplete. Even her best friend/sister in law's changed relationship with her is untouched even though it's indicated.

3. The epilogue was the biggest disappointment. I would have expected it to include how she uses her education in her daily life- maybe start a school for younģ girls etc. A few years into er married life - not the farcial wedding day. That was a complete let down.

However, I would still recommend this book to Historical romance fiction lovers.

Recommend:👍👍

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Mariah Wynn is a true bluestocking.  She has no interest in getting married.  The idea of getting a proper education at Oxford university is what fires her up.  She spends her time just trying to gain entrance to those hallowed halls.  Unfortunately no women are permitted so she meets with ridicule. 

Patrick O'Leary, Viscount Donal is back at Oxford for a reunion. As an Irish Lord he didn't really fit in the University but he made some good friends and connections. He knows women don't belong in a place like that.  

This is an entertaining historical romance where you will want to smack the hero several times.  Our brave and very determined heroine knows what it's like to be unwanted, she's lived with it all her life.  Our hero just can't keep his foot out of his mouth,  poor guy.  

We modern-day women have the likes of this heroine to thank for the education we have available today.  

Really good fun. 

[BJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story flowed well and the quality of the writing was good, but I didn't like the plot. The h is determined to storm the bastions of education, so women can learn. Sadly she shows little common sense, she's a great reader, but no idea how to state her case without getting frustrated and crying. The H is a really an anti-hero, seduces herm does one good thing, then lets her down again. It could have been good but the h acted like a silly girl and he was a jerk.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mariah is a bluestocking who loves to read (who doesn't!). She is fierce and stands up for herself, and she wants to go to college. Obviously, she cannot - as females were not allowed. Lord Patrick Donal is from Ireland, and he is interested in Mariah.
A good enjoyable read. 4☆

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always the Bluestocking
Never the Bride Series #6
Emily E.K. Murdoch
https://www.facebook.com/theemilyekmu...
Release date 09/10/2020
Publisher Dragonblade Publishing

Blurb

Always the bluestocking and never the bride - not that any woman should have to choose…

Miss Mariah Wynn was adopted and has spent her life attempting to prove herself worthy. Intelligent and witty, it's nonetheless not a good idea to let a gentleman know you actually have brains. After all, no one marries the bluestocking, even if she is beautiful and but twenty one.

One man who laughs in the face of bluestockings is Patrick O'Leary, Viscount Donal. He knows the woman's place, and that is most certainly in the home.

Until, that is, he sees Mariah attending a lecture at his alma mater. A woman - at university. He's determined she won’t get an education. She's ready to face down any ignorant man, title or no. A battle of intellect storms while a battle of desire fights under the surface.

Will Mariah and Patrick have enough focus to argue while every bone in their bodies wants to make love?

This full length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order.

My review

Will he see past her need for knowledge and his view of women ...

Mariah is not an easy lady to like, she can be quite dismissive and she is not one to back down when challenged. But her battle is also a legitimate one.
I was unsure about Patrick, I liked his flaws and his charming personality. Behind closed doors he is able to do great things for Mariah but once in public, he wrongs her but staying silent, never really standing up for her.
When they meet, Patrick has a very narrowed view of a woman’s intellect. He, like his peers, is unable to understand women are not all fragile ornaments, that their brain is not only entranced by the prospect of purchasing their next gown. And while she proves him again and again she is not whimpering miss but someone with a will of steel and a hunger for knowledge, he has difficulties to see past her charms and the attraction he feels for her. Even when he knows she is so much more her appearance and that her bluestocking side is only one of her persona trait. But will he be able to accept her in whole and support her, be the shoulder she might need in dire time.

This new installment is first a feminist talk but also one about the right for everyone to be allowed education.
5 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Dragonblade Publishing, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Always the Bluestocking follows the final heroine in this series, Miss Mariah Wynn, renowned bluestocking, and adopted sister of Viscount Wynn, our hero from the previous book. She fully believes in education for all, and being a woman should not bar her from university. Known amongst the ton for her bookish ways, she retreats to Oxford, where she tries, again and again, to make her way into lectures, colleges, and even into the Bodleian Library. No matter how many times she is hauled out and denied, she won't stop, and she thinks she's found a somewhat ally in Patrick O'Leary, Viscount Donal. Patrick has returned to Oxford from his Irish estate for his reunion celebrations, and is normally very against bluestockings, but something about Mariah intrigues him. Maybe it was seeing her rip into a rude gentlemen at her brother's wedding, or her sheer determination, but he needs to get closer to her, and soon finds himself agreeing with her goals. Has Mariah found someone who she could imagine being with, and perhaps even finally thinking marriage is for her?

I think that this one was my favourite out of the three in the series I have read. I loved Mariah when we met her in Always the Wallflower, as Letitia's best friend, and when I realised the 6th book would be her story, I was overjoyed. I loved learning more about her, and seeing her power and desire for education - not just for herself, but for all women who want it. She was in a privileges position as the sister of a Viscount, so used that to get a voice, even though it was difficult. The only thing I could've asked for was a little more of the backstory of her and Edward's relationship, as it had been alluded to in both this book and the last one, but that was still missing by the ending. Patrick was a lovely hero, flawed and not perfect, but with Mariah they worked together so well. Sometimes they rubbed each other up the wrong way, and bounced off each other, but their combined strengths were perfect, and they were definitely made for each other. Maybe we could've seen some more from other characters in this story, but all in all, I really enjoyed it!

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mariah Wynn finds it beyond her comprehension that men can have the right to study academic subjects, but women have to be content with watercolors and embroidery. She has intelligence and longs to be allowed to pursue the subjects that attract her, but the men of society do not believe she has that right, even to the extent of bodily mishandling her to get their way. Patrick, Viscount Donal, finds her reactions amusing, but that is before he realises just how passionate she is about her studies. Mariah can be very persuasive, provided she is given a platform, but condescending males have a predetermined opinion on the subject. It is only when Patrick fails to defend Mariah and realises how he has disappointed her, that he understands how much he has lost. This novel brings to the fore the battles women had to go through to earn the right to be heard. Patrick is so very different from Mariah, but her campaigning eventually hits its mark and he does everything he can to smooth the way for her. This well written Regency romance has highs and lows, but eventually, love wins the day and even though Mariah does not win the war, she does win the battle for Patrick's heart. I received a copy of this standalone romance as a gift through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[P.J.Masonsbcglobal.Net · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember oncewomen couldnt attend college or vote?

Being able to vote, own property and receive an education, are assumed to be rights today, in America. But in the long history of the world, this is just the blink of an eye. Men have ruled over
women, at their whim, whether a good man or a bad man or mostly an imperfect blend of the two.

It took great passion and suffering to gain these rights, for woman of passion. The majority of men, had to agree to have those rights made law. Still, even in America, today, women are considered a protected category, not an equal, under law. The ERA amendment to the constitution, has not been ratified by several states, although the majority have done so. The rights we have could be reduced or taken away, if we don't continue to treasure and guard them. Pay attention, because without the ERA, the laws can be changed by an act in a Congress or Senate to reverse many of gains of the past. Already the attempts to suppress votes of citizens have begun by reversing voting protections, intimidation and increasing obstacles to poor, old, uneducated, non-white races, and
all minority citizens, in fact. Remember, when free and open voting is under attack, America's foundations and the protection of freedom is under attack! Please study your local and national candidates and exercise your power, your right to vote!

"All that is neccesary for the triumph of evil, is for good men* to do nothing."

Edward Burke

* likewise for "good women" to do nothing!

[Rainelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the plot of the story. I enjoyed reading and becoming familiar with the characters. I think that Mariah was written as a handful. Clearly her character went toe to toe with the male characters. That was a good fit for this book. The book reads as a slow burn for me. I can’t quite put my finger on what it is about the book that’s drawing me into the book. I believe the writer has excellent talent. She definitely shows promise in her work. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.

[Sophie (slovenianbookworm) · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I first read the blurb I fell in love with the book. I love how historical books present education and smart women and feminists and anything related to those three topics. I couldn’t wait to start the book.

Unfortunately, my enthusiasm slowly diminished. I thought the book will be about exchanging wits, maybe even Mariah dressing as a man just to get an education. But after one encounter they liked each other immediately. Patrick didn’t like the idea at first but it was insta love between them and then he wasn’t as opposed to the idea of her attending lessons as he first was.

I am disappointed that I didn’t like the book as much as I wanted to. I really thought there would be more heat between them. I liked Mariah and her passion for getting women in Universities, however I didn’t like how easy it all felt. I also felt like some things weren’t explained thoroughly.

Her brother, for example, is a lord but Mariah is not living with him but is actually renting a house. I understand she’s adopted but since they are family I don’t exactly understand why he didn’t offer to live with him and his wife? It’s mentioned she’s adopted. However, one time it is said they like each other but in the other it said they were not on good terms sometimes. Was it because she was adopted? What was the matter with her and his brother? They tolerate eachother and sometimes I had this family vibes between them, other times it’s like they were strangers. I wish author would explain the situation more.

And what kind of hero leaves the heroine after some men harassed her just to return to his party?????

Like I said I like Mariah and what she was doing for women but I also think that at times she was mean. Maybe not on purpose but some words were really hurtful and I hated her for that.

Changing my 2.5 stars review to 2.

⭐⭐
Rating: 2 out of 5.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Full post: https://slovenianbookworm.wordpress.c...

[Helena#bookdreamer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.
This historical romance missed the mark for me. Mariah is a bluestock determined to be educated at a university but her gender prevents her from enrolling. She meets Patrick who is intrigued by her desire to learn but thwarts her every attempt to further her education. I’m not a big fan of male characters that do not support their character of interest in their pursuits especially when his viewpoints are bluntly sexist. He does eventually change his ways but I’m not convinced he is truly in love with Mariah for who she really is. This author focuses too much on the heroine being a bluestock . We get it, it doesn’t have to be repeated a hundred times.

[Judith Miguel · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first thought about this book, is that I liked it a lot more than the last one, and I've read all the books in this series.
Miss Mariah Wynn has spent her life attempting to prove herself worthy. She is an intelligent bluestocking who fights for women right for education.
Patrick O'Leary, Viscount Donal, is our Irish hero. He studied at Oxford University and is in the city for a reunion when he sees Mariah attending a lecture at his University. For him, is unthinkable that women could get an education. But Mariah is going to teach him a lesson about willpower, strength and courage.
I like Mariah, she is witty and forthright. Patrick, not too much. He can't stop thinking about Mariah and following her everywhere trying to seduced her, but at the same time he is convinced that marriage is not for him.
There's a lot of kissing and funny dialogs. I got a bit tired of the word bluestocking, it was used way too much. Sometimes they got on my nerves because they were too stubborn for my taste.
I think that if you have read the previous books of this series you are going to enjoy this one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kiley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Always the Bluestocking, Book 6 of the Never the Bride series, was about Miss Mariah Wynn, adopted sister of Lord Edward Wynn, the Viscount of Stulsemere (or Viscount Wynn, depending on where you get the information), and Lord Patrick O’Leary, Viscount Donal.
Mariah was a 21-year-old bluestocking who longed to find a gentleman who understood that not all women were empty-headed lame-brains; that there were some women who wanted more than just a husband, home, and children, who wanted an education that took them even further and complemented their home life.
Patrick, an Irishman who had attended Oxford, was every bit an old-school male. He believed women should stay home, have babies, and not worry about getting an education...that women had neither the constitution nor the intellect for higher learning. When he met Mariah, first at her brother's wedding and then again at a lecture at Oxford, where she was promptly thrown out, he whole-heartedly supported her removal. The more he got to know her, though, the more he began to realize that just maybe he was wrong in his thoughts.
When Patrick realized he was developing feelings for Mariah, he believed the only way to rid himself of said feelings was to bed her...and then return to Ireland. He didn't want to care for her, as he believed to do so would be to put her in the same position as his mother, who died giving birth to him. To his way of thinking, it was wrong to cause a woman to suffer so much for another person as to give her very life for another by bringing them into existence. He thought "all he needed was to satisfy that physical craving, and any emotions that had developed would disappear".
I can't say I enjoyed this book...at all. In fact, it took me longer to read than the last five books combined, it was that boring and, to be honest, irritating. It took me two full days to reach chapter 13 when, on any other day and with any other book, I would have already consumed the contents of two or three other books. I just could not get interested in it. It was like being stuck in the marshlands of Scotland and trying to wade to the edge to save myself...it just didn't work.
The fact that Patrick didn't fully support Mariah in her beliefs, that he refused to defend her in the face of adversity, proved that he was not worthy to be the Hero of any book. He was a shallow, worthless man bent on only the pleasures of the flesh and nothing more. He had very little backbone, no maturity, and decidedly no integrity to be worthy of the position of the main male character. When they were alone, he had no issue with supporting her but put him on display in public and he caved like the coward he was. He was more concerned with preserving his family name than with standing up for what was right.
Mariah, though she was an awesome Heroine and champion for her cause, was a little too brash and naive even with all her intelligence. Certainly, she was a bright young woman with the desire to better herself and make the world better for other women, but she was also blind to the fact that, though she wanted men to aid her in her cause, they also had their hands tied due to the laws of the land. While she wanted those laws changed, she never took into consideration that they would not change as fast as she demanded...or expected. While I applaud her resilience and desire to stand up for women's rights, it would have been nice if the author had portrayed her in a more realistic light in that she should have had a bit more understanding of what it would mean to the men who supported her to do so publicly. Both main characters acted selfishly in one way or the other and both nearly missed out on what they were blind to because of it.
There was more drama and angst in this book than was necessary, very little humor, and only a touch of chemistry and passion between the two main characters. Most of the book was devoted to Mariah's cause, almost as if it was the author's own cause that she had to tout and display as a romance novel. Anger, regret, and despair were among the negative emotions written into the storyline. Hardly any positive emotions flowed through the pages of this short novel, and it was devoid of anything that might bring enjoyment to the reader. It was a sad excuse for a romance novel and did not merit even a two-star rating.

[Tarra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always the Bluestocking is book six in the Never the Bride series, but can be read as a stand alone.

This is Mariah and Patrick's book, but it's really Mariah's story. Both are headstrong and stubborn characters. Mariah is a bluestocking (obviously) and she wants to change the world. She wants to fight for her right and women's rights to sit in at lectures at Oxford, in the hope of someday being granted permission for women to get a full Oxford education. She just doesn't know quite how to get her message heard. The book explored the plight of women at this time and the way Mariah was treated, and how she handled herself, made for an interesting story.

I like that this book took us out of the ballroom and the ton in favor of the Oxford setting. I had trouble at times connecting with Mariah. Sometimes she was very shy, other times she came across as quite abrasive with little care for other's feelings.

Patrick is the epitome of beta hero. He makes mistakes (which I love, because I love a flawed hero). He gets tongue tied. He doesn't say the right things. He felt very real to me. In the end, he stood up to support Mariah and made her cause his cause, Mariah was able to educate Patrick for the better. His grand gestures were actually really sweet. But I never felt we actually knew him, didn't go into his history or backstory much, and what was touched on was promising but never was expanded upon.

I felt like there was something missing in the relationship between Mariah and her "adopted" brother, the hero from the prior book. I felt there was something big or horrific that had happened between them to cause such strain, but nothing ever came of this, so that was a bit of a disappointment.

There are a couple steamy scenes in the rain, which I loved!! There was one sex scene about halfway through, in a fabulous location - no spoilers! I wish there was another intimate scene after love had been declared between Mariah and Patrick. I like to finish my books with a big, ummm, well, climax.

The book intertwines real life astronomers Caroline and William Herschel, which was a nice touch that had me googling more about these science pioneers.

This is the third book I've read in this series, and I really enjoy Emily E.K. Murdoch voice in the historical romance world. There's something easy about her books, like meeting with dear friends. I hope the next book is about Priscilla and her friend (the engaged) duke.

3.5 stars rounded up

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are freely given.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always the Bluestocking by Emily EK Murdoch is another in the Never the Bride series and possibly the best. When someone finally sees past the outward cover of the multi-chapter book that is Mariah Wynn, he believes that a simple tumble will cure his longing, but even when he is offered that, he discovers he wants more. Patrick O'Leary, Viscount Donal was an Irishman, through and through. He was not looking for a wife, but she kept popping up. Moreover, she made him work for it, or at least he felt he must. She was changing him, opening him to thoughts he had never had as well as some he had regularly. It was different with her. He found he didn't like it when he discovered that her academic mentor had her earmarked for marriage to his son. Interesting, because she saw no need to marry . . . until her convinced her.

Mariah is a fascinating character. She is totally her own person. She wants and education and she also wants it for other women. She is willing to fight and to embarrass herself. Patrick is willing to learn and change, a characteristic not always found in a man in this sort of romance. The plot, although thin on the surface, is riddled with scenarios, which endear both characters to the reader and make for a make-believe ending. It is a lovely story, one of the best of the series. An historical romance reader will love it. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free ARC of Always the Bluestocking by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #alwaysthebluestocking

[Debra Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Patrick O'Leary, Viscount Donal, has traveled to Oxford for the ten-year anniversary of his graduation. He intends to meet with friends, attend lectures and enjoy himself. When Mariah Wynn is caught inside a lecture hall, he's shocked because women are not allowed on campus or even the opportunity to gain an education. He's curious about this no-nonsense bluestocking, but the more he learns about her, the more he wants to know. Mariah is sick to death of being told she cannot get a gentlemen's education. It's just not done they say. Women belong in the home with children. She fights with every fiber of her being to gain entrance all the while thinking Patrick is supporting her only to find out when she needs him to step up, he fails her.

The plot of the book was good, but I found Mariah very off-putting at times. I understand her passion for an education, but too many times throughout the book, it seems her tunnel vision is to the detriment of anyone else's feelings. I almost stopped reading this book a number of times, but was curious to see if Mariah would mellow and if Patrick would step up to support her.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mariah Wynn and Patrick O’Leary first meet at her brother’s wedding. The next time Patrick sees her, she is being forcibly ousted from a lecture hall at Oxford. He recognizes her, and follows her outside. They talk, and form a sort of friendship. Soon the friendship becomes attraction. The question is can the attraction become more?

I like Mariah and Patrick. They have much in common, the main thing is that they know what is like to feel like an outcast, to not belong. Patrick learns a lot about Mariah and other women who are brilliant and yearn for an opportunity to obtain the same education as the gentlemen in their lives get. He doesn’t agree with them, but begins to understand how they feel. Mariah is a crusader for the right of women to attend university and receive the same level of education as a gentleman. As their relationships grows, what she needs and expects from Patrick is support. He drops the ball on that one a couple of times. I love the way he redeems himself. A compelling storyline and some very interesting characters make this one an enjoyable read. You will like the story of the Irish Viscount and the Bluestocking Bridesmaid.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

[Penelope · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was objectively a good and thoughtful book with actual bluestockings fighting for their rights. it was a g version since there was never any violence from the sexist men or any planning put into protests around being able to attend university or the library. and after some of those big moments where she's been kicked out by porters and is being mocked by men he just leaves her to walk away alone with no fear of retribution.

i just didnt fully connect with the story or the characters. patrick stayed an ass for 85% of book which is realistic that he wouldnt lose his shit ideals right away but it did make the arguments feel repetitive. and i liked that the privilege of whats her name was addressed but then nothing else was done with it? she had an easy go with everything and was a bit of a cool girl instead of just knowing that she wants different for herself than what is expected. and i wanted more scenes with bro and sis in law. whytf was he so mean to her? just cuz she adopted? and then her good friend marries him knowing their history? that was the more interesting topic to follow.

3.5 stars rounded down.

[Jeanie Womack · Rating 5 out of 5]

She'd never truly considered marriage!

Mariah has had only one goal during her life,; learning, not only for herself, but for every woman! During a time when men's educations were limited to the rich, a woman's need for knowledge wasn't even considered to be reasonable! The general thought was that women, unlike men, did not have the capacity for deep thought and learning.
Patrick has returned to Oxford for a reunion of sorts that has taken on a life of its own, having had numerous activities and speeches added to its original agenda, making what had seemed a brief visit into an extended one. When he meets Mariah, he finds himself out of his depth. She has made a spectacle of herself by attempting to attend a lecture by an eminent scientist. Though she was quiet and respectful, disturbing no one, she finds herself being dragged from her seat and thrown out of the university lecture hall.
What a way to meet! A tantalizingly good book with many unexpected twists and an unusual road to romance. I highly recommend it!

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story with all the characters within. The main character were Miss Mariah Wynn and Patrick O'Leary Viscount Donal.

Miss Mariah Wynn was adopted had has spent her life attempting to prove herself worthy. She is smart and witty. Most gentleman don't talk to her because she tell them what she thinks.  After talking to a guy that want to dance but really doesn't at her brother's wedding she see another guy watching her and smiling. She is interested in this guy and would like to meet him.

Patrick O'Leary Viscount Donal is attending a friend of a friend's wedding party. While there he see a woman that is telling a guy off. He find out she is the sister of the man that is have the party. But he doesn't talk to her there but later when he see her again. But this time she is trying to see the lecture that he at. The lecture is only for men.

This was a fun story to read. It had action and drama throughout. It had a few giggles within.

I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinions.

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can Mariah the Bluestocking teach Patrick the Oxford graduate a few lessons?

Every time we have seen Mariah in the previous books she is not far from a book.

Patrick first sees her at a wedding party where she gives another guest a severe dressing down for his behaviour.

He is fascinated by her but finds her desire for a university education preposterous - it is just not the done thing!

His behaviour towards her for most of the book is awful.

Even when Mariah arranges for him to meet renowned scientists William Herschel and his sister, Patrick finds it hard to accept Mariah’s intelligence is at the very least equal to (if not greater than) his own.

It takes a long time for him to accept this and for the two of them to find their way to their own happiness.

I am looking forward to the rest of this series as we are gradually introduced to more characters who will be featuring in future stories.

[Candace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mariah & Patrick. This takes place at Oxford. He came back for his 10 yr reunion and she is fighting to have women admitted to the lectures. She sneaks in but is forcibly removed. He follows (he first saw her at her brothers wedding) her out of the lecture hall and is intrigued by her wittiness despite being a chauvinist and believing women inferior and should not be admitted. He keeps running into her at various places (getting thrown out of the library, dinner party) and can’t get over his feelings so he decides to exorcise her from his system by sleeping with her. Which he does! When given a chance to stand up in the fight with her he completely bails. Wrap this up however you want but he acts really douchey towards her. Kind of kills the vibes for their relationship. Doesn’t seem genuine. I guess not all heroes are stellar.

[Rona Nimmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always the Bluestocking by Emily E K Murdoch

This is the story of Miss Mariah Wynn the Bluestocking in question a society miss. A highly intelligent woman who only wants to be able to receive the same education as men and be able to go to university. At her brothers wedding she meets Lord Donal after a gentleman has tried to make a fool of her for being a said Bluestocking as no one wants to be involved with a lady of that persuasion.

A very well written book about Mariah just trying to be accepted into Oxford university . How she is heckled bulled snd made a fool of an her relationship of Patrick Lord Donal who in his way tried to help her.

A bit slow to warm up but after the first few chapters you follow a very emotional journey in numerous ways.

[Tripip · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I loved the premise of the book, I was unfortunately disappointed with the reading. I love stories of feisty and intelligent women making an impression on their man with said intelligence. While smart and possessing a love for learning, I felt that Mariah bordered on shrewish with her (what seemed to me) snide comments to Patrick. And I would have thought Patrick would have displayed more empathy since he also was a misfit. While I understand the difficulties for women to access education during this time (in fact it is still so in many countries today), I felt the author emphasized this information so much that I was feeling bludgeoned by the mid point of this story. This was a miss for me.

I received an ARC from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.

[Rekha O'Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in the series and my favourite one so far. Mariah is a bluestocking - outspoken and abrasive at times - but she knows what she wants, which is an education for women. Patrick, Lord Donal, has no intention of changing his mind about having women attending Oxford - he is violently opposed. That doesn't mean that he doesn't find Mariah attractive, compelling and hard to forget. Mariah wants Patrick's love but equally she wants his support. In providing it Patrick will have to put his reputation at risk. Caroline Herschel has a cameo in this book, which is very entertaining and the emphasis of the love story is on mutual respect and true partnership which sounds unsexy but really isn't.
I liked it.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rarely do I find smart and headstrong women being written as anything other than shrewish, odd to the point of overkill, and just plain hard to read.

Murdoch has managed to write a very relatable heroine. She is extremely smart and completely willing to stand up for what she wants and to work hard for it. You have to appreciate her fight for women to be granted access to an education.

The relationship between the hero and the heroine was sweet. I appreciated how they grew to understand each other.

I may have gotten a bit teary-eyed at the end. There was one part I didn't care for and it took away from an important moment rather than adding to it - this part was necessary but could have taken place after the big moment. :)