What do you think?
Rate this book
Once Upon a Bride #3
Rules for an Unmarried Lady
Witty and well-read, best friends Henrietta, Harriet, and Hero know that real love is rarely as simple as a fairy tale. But with the right partner, it can be sweeter—and even more satisfying...
A single woman of means generally does not choose the company of seven rambunctious children over the haut ton. Yet since the tragic loss of her sister and brother-in-law, the Honorable Harriet Mayfield has found purpose and pleasure in caring for her orphaned nieces and nephews. If her unorthodox views about how to raise the newly minted Earl of Sedwick and his siblings put her at odds with their strict grandmother, well, so be it. The children's uncle, Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes, however, is a far more complicated—and charismatic—problem...
Accustomed to having his slightest word obeyed, Quint hardly knows what to make of the bewitching bluestocking who has taken on the role of guardian in his absence. Quint's mother wants Harriet gone, the sooner the better. She has the perfect bride in mind for him—someone not at all like kindhearted, loyal Harriet. But if he and Harriet can only withstand meddling and misunderstandings, their unconventional attraction might yet come to a delightfully happy ending...
A single woman of means generally does not choose the company of seven rambunctious children over the haut ton. Yet since the tragic loss of her sister and brother-in-law, the Honorable Harriet Mayfield has found purpose and pleasure in caring for her orphaned nieces and nephews. If her unorthodox views about how to raise the newly minted Earl of Sedwick and his siblings put her at odds with their strict grandmother, well, so be it. The children's uncle, Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes, however, is a far more complicated—and charismatic—problem...
Accustomed to having his slightest word obeyed, Quint hardly knows what to make of the bewitching bluestocking who has taken on the role of guardian in his absence. Quint's mother wants Harriet gone, the sooner the better. She has the perfect bride in mind for him—someone not at all like kindhearted, loyal Harriet. But if he and Harriet can only withstand meddling and misunderstandings, their unconventional attraction might yet come to a delightfully happy ending...
229 pages, Paperback
First published December 29, 2020
3 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Wilma Counts
19 books38 followersBefore moving to Nevada in 1994, Wilma Counts taught high school English and social studies in Germany to dependents of American forces stationed there. She loved the kids, but hated meaningless paperwork. She especially enjoyed her work with Advance Placement English, Model United Nations, and student exchanges with a Russian school.
Wilma grew up in Oregon, a product of the Leave It To Beaver era. She holds degrees in education and international relations. Having traveled widely, she is keenly interested in politics and international relations. She freely admits to being a C-SPAN junkie.
A member of the Romance Writers of America, she has written two Regency novels and a novella for Zebra. Willed to Wed is slated for publication in September, '99, and My Lady Governess in February, '00. Her current projects include another Regency and a novel set in the American West. She contributes a regular column on grammar and usage to the local RWA newsletter. Besides her interest in travel and writing, Wilma is an avid reader and she loves to cook, garden, and gamble—not necessarily in that order.
Wilma grew up in Oregon, a product of the Leave It To Beaver era. She holds degrees in education and international relations. Having traveled widely, she is keenly interested in politics and international relations. She freely admits to being a C-SPAN junkie.
A member of the Romance Writers of America, she has written two Regency novels and a novella for Zebra. Willed to Wed is slated for publication in September, '99, and My Lady Governess in February, '00. Her current projects include another Regency and a novel set in the American West. She contributes a regular column on grammar and usage to the local RWA newsletter. Besides her interest in travel and writing, Wilma is an avid reader and she loves to cook, garden, and gamble—not necessarily in that order.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 26, 2021
Well, this was just absolutely lovely. I think I've found a new auto buy historical romance writer.
This books is definitely less melodramatic than some historical romance, not that there isn't a time and place for that too. I think, however, the tone and pacing work specifically well here given the circumstances at the opening of the novel. Both love interests have taken up their duties as aunt/godmother and uncle/legal guardian of their respective siblings seven children after both parents die in a tragic accident. This book focusses on loss, family and finding ways to support one another and communicate which I thought was done incredibly well.
The romance was lovely, with a few rocky moments but far fewer unnatural/forced misunderstandings than some romance stories. Both characters are also incredibly endearing and I could spend much more time with them together than I was able to in this book.
The text, particularly toward the beginning, was sometimes prone to large fact dumps but at the same time I LOVED the level of historical/political detail included so I'm willing to accept the former for the latter.
All in all just a really warm and absorbing story.
Merged review:
Well, this was just absolutely lovely. I think I've found a new auto buy historical romance writer.
This books is definitely less melodramatic than some historical romance, not that there isn't a time and place for that too. I think, however, the tone and pacing work specifically well here given the circumstances at the opening of the novel. Both love interests have taken up their duties as aunt/godmother and uncle/legal guardian of their respective siblings seven children after both parents die in a tragic accident. This book focusses on loss, family and finding ways to support one another and communicate which I thought was done incredibly well.
The romance was lovely, with a few rocky moments but far fewer unnatural/forced misunderstandings than some romance stories. Both characters are also incredibly endearing and I could spend much more time with them together than I was able to in this book.
The text, particularly toward the beginning, was sometimes prone to large fact dumps but at the same time I LOVED the level of historical/political detail included so I'm willing to accept the former for the latter.
All in all just a really warm and absorbing story.
This books is definitely less melodramatic than some historical romance, not that there isn't a time and place for that too. I think, however, the tone and pacing work specifically well here given the circumstances at the opening of the novel. Both love interests have taken up their duties as aunt/godmother and uncle/legal guardian of their respective siblings seven children after both parents die in a tragic accident. This book focusses on loss, family and finding ways to support one another and communicate which I thought was done incredibly well.
The romance was lovely, with a few rocky moments but far fewer unnatural/forced misunderstandings than some romance stories. Both characters are also incredibly endearing and I could spend much more time with them together than I was able to in this book.
The text, particularly toward the beginning, was sometimes prone to large fact dumps but at the same time I LOVED the level of historical/political detail included so I'm willing to accept the former for the latter.
All in all just a really warm and absorbing story.
Merged review:
Well, this was just absolutely lovely. I think I've found a new auto buy historical romance writer.
This books is definitely less melodramatic than some historical romance, not that there isn't a time and place for that too. I think, however, the tone and pacing work specifically well here given the circumstances at the opening of the novel. Both love interests have taken up their duties as aunt/godmother and uncle/legal guardian of their respective siblings seven children after both parents die in a tragic accident. This book focusses on loss, family and finding ways to support one another and communicate which I thought was done incredibly well.
The romance was lovely, with a few rocky moments but far fewer unnatural/forced misunderstandings than some romance stories. Both characters are also incredibly endearing and I could spend much more time with them together than I was able to in this book.
The text, particularly toward the beginning, was sometimes prone to large fact dumps but at the same time I LOVED the level of historical/political detail included so I'm willing to accept the former for the latter.
All in all just a really warm and absorbing story.
October 29, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an e-galley of this novel.
I selected this book to read because the description made it sound like a relaxing change from my usual genres. I can tell you it was a relaxing change and I did enjoy it but it wasn't an overwhelming success. The Honorable Harriet Mayfield is a bluestocking who can do no wrong. She's absolutely excellent at taking care of her seven nieces and nephews left orphaned when their mother (Harriet's sister) and father died in a carriage accident. At least as much care as she needs to take in a household with fifty servants. The 12 year old seventh Earl of Sedwick needs someone to help him and the other children adjust to the loss of their parents and his elevation to the title. Harriet sweeps in and fixes everything in the nursery just by being her levelheaded self. What a girl. When Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes is sufficiently recovered from wounds he received in France while helping to wrap up the fight against Napoleon Bonaparte he heads back to England and Sedwick Hall to take over the guardianship of his brother's seven children and the running of the estate until young Phillip becomes an adult.
This story was much more a family drama than an historical romance for me. Harriet was so clever in her handling of all seven of the children that she and Quint only disagreed on one point; he was willing for all other aspects of the children's care to be done according to what Harriet suggested so there was very little disagreement between them. Even a financial move made by Harriet anonymously was viewed as wonderous in its originality and daring. Harriet never seemed to suffer any consequences for her very modern ideas, for this time period, regarding a whole range of social problems so there was also no tension between Harriet and Quint on this front. As far as I can tell Harriet never considered the consequences of her decisions concerning her relationship with Quint so everything just went along without any problems or upheavals. When chicken pox shows up in the story I had no doubt that Harriet could travel back to Sedwick Hall and save the day.
Maybe I should have known how miserable Harriet was in London just by the author telling me she was miserable. Unfortunately for me that isn't the way it worked out. I didn't feel any suspense about how each situation would be resolved and I certainly didn't seem to be reading a romance with any level of conflict or excitement. Harriet was a very modern woman in her thoughts and her actions, so much so that I didn't feel I was reading a story taking place in another time period. Harriet, I'm sorry to say, was just too good to be true.
I selected this book to read because the description made it sound like a relaxing change from my usual genres. I can tell you it was a relaxing change and I did enjoy it but it wasn't an overwhelming success. The Honorable Harriet Mayfield is a bluestocking who can do no wrong. She's absolutely excellent at taking care of her seven nieces and nephews left orphaned when their mother (Harriet's sister) and father died in a carriage accident. At least as much care as she needs to take in a household with fifty servants. The 12 year old seventh Earl of Sedwick needs someone to help him and the other children adjust to the loss of their parents and his elevation to the title. Harriet sweeps in and fixes everything in the nursery just by being her levelheaded self. What a girl. When Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes is sufficiently recovered from wounds he received in France while helping to wrap up the fight against Napoleon Bonaparte he heads back to England and Sedwick Hall to take over the guardianship of his brother's seven children and the running of the estate until young Phillip becomes an adult.
This story was much more a family drama than an historical romance for me. Harriet was so clever in her handling of all seven of the children that she and Quint only disagreed on one point; he was willing for all other aspects of the children's care to be done according to what Harriet suggested so there was very little disagreement between them. Even a financial move made by Harriet anonymously was viewed as wonderous in its originality and daring. Harriet never seemed to suffer any consequences for her very modern ideas, for this time period, regarding a whole range of social problems so there was also no tension between Harriet and Quint on this front. As far as I can tell Harriet never considered the consequences of her decisions concerning her relationship with Quint so everything just went along without any problems or upheavals. When chicken pox shows up in the story I had no doubt that Harriet could travel back to Sedwick Hall and save the day.
Maybe I should have known how miserable Harriet was in London just by the author telling me she was miserable. Unfortunately for me that isn't the way it worked out. I didn't feel any suspense about how each situation would be resolved and I certainly didn't seem to be reading a romance with any level of conflict or excitement. Harriet was a very modern woman in her thoughts and her actions, so much so that I didn't feel I was reading a story taking place in another time period. Harriet, I'm sorry to say, was just too good to be true.
January 3, 2021
Returning from war to take up the guardianship of his orphaned nieces and nephews, Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes expects life to be simpler away from the battlefield. He does not expect to butt heads with the children themselves, resisting his plans for orderly sending the older ones off to school, aided and abetted by their maternal aunt Harriet Mayfield.
At 27, Harriet is firmly on the shelf and seems quite happy about it. Independently wealthy, she’s quite prepared to devote herself to raising her dead sister’s children. Except it seems quite clear their guardian doesn’t want her there…
There were some really weird contradictions in this book which kept giving me a kind of whiplash. The Dowager Countess insisting strict mourning should be observed, so the children must not go to London… and then going out visiting and shopping, and receiving guests. The virgin heroine sleeping with the hero without even a conversation about whether they were courting or not… and the fact that he seduced her and then kept on coming back to her bed without making his intentions clear was extremely un-heroic behaviour. Upon bedding her the first time and realising she was a virgin, his first response should have been to propose, and the fact that it didn’t even seem to occur to him definitely had me not liking him very much.
Perhaps the best parts about this story were the children, particularly the oldest two, Philip and Maria. Teenage side characters aren’t particularly common in historical romance - too old to be plot moppets, maybe - and the exploration of this pair was really intriguing. Their relationships with Harriet were lovely, their grief over their parents tangible and sensitively handled in the story.
What I didn’t get was what Harriet would see in Quint. He was rigid, convinced of his own rectitude, careless of her reputation and had to be forced to change his mind about sending the older children to school by one of them getting into a serious accident, DESPITE being given multiple emotional pleas PLUS good and logical reasons for not doing so. He basically dismissed the opinions or desires of anyone who was not him. He had to be pushed into doing the bare minimum of the right thing, and to me, this really does not make a good hero. I didn’t like his ‘well this is how everyone does it’ attitude towards the mill workers either.
At the end of the day, I’m divided on this one; there are some really good bits and some parts I didn’t like at all. Some excellent period attention to detail (conditions in the mills) and some things which didn’t add up (the dowager countess breathing mourning customs despite apparently being a real stickler). I’ll give it three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
At 27, Harriet is firmly on the shelf and seems quite happy about it. Independently wealthy, she’s quite prepared to devote herself to raising her dead sister’s children. Except it seems quite clear their guardian doesn’t want her there…
There were some really weird contradictions in this book which kept giving me a kind of whiplash. The Dowager Countess insisting strict mourning should be observed, so the children must not go to London… and then going out visiting and shopping, and receiving guests. The virgin heroine sleeping with the hero without even a conversation about whether they were courting or not… and the fact that he seduced her and then kept on coming back to her bed without making his intentions clear was extremely un-heroic behaviour. Upon bedding her the first time and realising she was a virgin, his first response should have been to propose, and the fact that it didn’t even seem to occur to him definitely had me not liking him very much.
Perhaps the best parts about this story were the children, particularly the oldest two, Philip and Maria. Teenage side characters aren’t particularly common in historical romance - too old to be plot moppets, maybe - and the exploration of this pair was really intriguing. Their relationships with Harriet were lovely, their grief over their parents tangible and sensitively handled in the story.
What I didn’t get was what Harriet would see in Quint. He was rigid, convinced of his own rectitude, careless of her reputation and had to be forced to change his mind about sending the older children to school by one of them getting into a serious accident, DESPITE being given multiple emotional pleas PLUS good and logical reasons for not doing so. He basically dismissed the opinions or desires of anyone who was not him. He had to be pushed into doing the bare minimum of the right thing, and to me, this really does not make a good hero. I didn’t like his ‘well this is how everyone does it’ attitude towards the mill workers either.
At the end of the day, I’m divided on this one; there are some really good bits and some parts I didn’t like at all. Some excellent period attention to detail (conditions in the mills) and some things which didn’t add up (the dowager countess breathing mourning customs despite apparently being a real stickler). I’ll give it three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
December 23, 2020
Rules for an Unmarried Lady
Once Upon a Bride Series #3
Wilma Counts
www.wilmacounts.com
Release date 12/29/2020
Publisher Kensington Lyrical Press
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Witty and well-read, best friends Henrietta, Harriet, and Hero know that real love is rarely as simple as a fairy tale. But with the right partner, it can be sweeter—and even more satisfying. . .
A single woman of means generally does not choose the company of seven rambunctious children over the haut ton. Yet since the tragic loss of her sister and brother-in-law, the Honorable Harriet Mayfield has found purpose and pleasure in caring for her orphaned nieces and nephews. If her unorthodox views about how to raise the newly minted Earl of Sedwick and his siblings put her at odds with their strict grandmother, well, so be it. The children’s uncle, Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes, however, is a far more complicated—and charismatic—problem . . .
Accustomed to having his slightest word obeyed, Quint hardly knows what to make of the bewitching bluestocking who has taken on the role of guardian in his absence. Quint’s mother wants Harriet gone, the sooner the better. She has the perfect bride in mind for him—someone not at all like kindhearted, loyal Harriet. But if he and Harriet can only withstand meddling and misunderstandings, their unconventional attraction might yet come to a delightfully happy ending . . .
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they let others keep them apart ...
One more new author to add to my endless list of writers to follow.
I did not know what to expect with this book but it was definitely a good read. There is no real villains, few tensions and plenty of sweet children to like. And while it is marked as a romance, it was more a family drama saddled with a romantic entanglements.
But for this time period, it was a read I much appreciated. Light, kindhearted, cheerful.
Harriet is an amazing heroine, a kind of amazon as she defeats every challenge puts on her path. She is a bluestocking and a spinster, and besides a writer using words as weapons to make the wealthy listen to the plight of the weakest. She too manages her late sister’s brood effectively. And upon her upcoming new wealth, she in addition rescues her nephew from certain Ruin.
Nothing seems to put her off, a modern woman in a time period where womankind were only seen as property or broodmare.
Quinton or Quint newly appointed guardian of his brother’s children, upon his return from the battlefield must learn to navigate different waters than he is used to. And while he has preconceived ideas of what is necessary, he is also open minded to listen to any suggestion if they have merit and are rational.
Thus for the well-being of the young Earl and his siblings, they will have to work together even if their view diverges at some points.
They in the process fall in love and while some meddlesome people do not see them together as good omen, they will have to sort out by themselves what they really expect from themselves.
4.5 stars for this lighthearted read.
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 : onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Kensington, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Once Upon a Bride Series #3
Wilma Counts
www.wilmacounts.com
Release date 12/29/2020
Publisher Kensington Lyrical Press
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Witty and well-read, best friends Henrietta, Harriet, and Hero know that real love is rarely as simple as a fairy tale. But with the right partner, it can be sweeter—and even more satisfying. . .
A single woman of means generally does not choose the company of seven rambunctious children over the haut ton. Yet since the tragic loss of her sister and brother-in-law, the Honorable Harriet Mayfield has found purpose and pleasure in caring for her orphaned nieces and nephews. If her unorthodox views about how to raise the newly minted Earl of Sedwick and his siblings put her at odds with their strict grandmother, well, so be it. The children’s uncle, Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes, however, is a far more complicated—and charismatic—problem . . .
Accustomed to having his slightest word obeyed, Quint hardly knows what to make of the bewitching bluestocking who has taken on the role of guardian in his absence. Quint’s mother wants Harriet gone, the sooner the better. She has the perfect bride in mind for him—someone not at all like kindhearted, loyal Harriet. But if he and Harriet can only withstand meddling and misunderstandings, their unconventional attraction might yet come to a delightfully happy ending . . .
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they let others keep them apart ...
One more new author to add to my endless list of writers to follow.
I did not know what to expect with this book but it was definitely a good read. There is no real villains, few tensions and plenty of sweet children to like. And while it is marked as a romance, it was more a family drama saddled with a romantic entanglements.
But for this time period, it was a read I much appreciated. Light, kindhearted, cheerful.
Harriet is an amazing heroine, a kind of amazon as she defeats every challenge puts on her path. She is a bluestocking and a spinster, and besides a writer using words as weapons to make the wealthy listen to the plight of the weakest. She too manages her late sister’s brood effectively. And upon her upcoming new wealth, she in addition rescues her nephew from certain Ruin.
Nothing seems to put her off, a modern woman in a time period where womankind were only seen as property or broodmare.
Quinton or Quint newly appointed guardian of his brother’s children, upon his return from the battlefield must learn to navigate different waters than he is used to. And while he has preconceived ideas of what is necessary, he is also open minded to listen to any suggestion if they have merit and are rational.
Thus for the well-being of the young Earl and his siblings, they will have to work together even if their view diverges at some points.
They in the process fall in love and while some meddlesome people do not see them together as good omen, they will have to sort out by themselves what they really expect from themselves.
4.5 stars for this lighthearted read.
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 : onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Kensington, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
October 28, 2020
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Rules for an Unmarried Lady is the third book book in the series, following Harriet Mayfield as she is coping with the loss of her sister and brother-in-law, and staying strong for their seven children, the eldest son, Philip, who has become the new Earl of Sedwick, and is wholly in over his head. With the Dowager Countess trying to control everything that is happening, all Harriet can do is wait for the new guardian, the children's uncle Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes, to return home. But, as soon as he does, they but heads over every decision - should the children be sent off to school, is it right for them to visit maternal family in London while still in mourning, etc. Harriet only wants the best for the children, but Quinton doesn't just aggravate her, he also keeps her up at night, and she may just be falling.
I found this a really quick and enjoyable read. The two main characters seemed to be just right for the time period, and really worked well together as a couple. Yeah, there were some moments where all I wanted to do was shake my head and sigh, and some of the angst could've been dealt with with just a little bit of communication, but it wasn't anything unexpected. I adored the children, from the eldest Maria, down to the little ones in the nursery. Philip's growth from grieving twelve year old, to a prospering Earl to be, under his aunt and uncle's care, was exceptional. The main thing I disliked was the dowager countess, who was a complete hag, but I can see why that was in the story in order to move along the action, in a way. It may be the third book in a series, and I've only read this one, but I didn't feel like I missed anything from not reading the previous novels. All in all, a decent book.
Rules for an Unmarried Lady is the third book book in the series, following Harriet Mayfield as she is coping with the loss of her sister and brother-in-law, and staying strong for their seven children, the eldest son, Philip, who has become the new Earl of Sedwick, and is wholly in over his head. With the Dowager Countess trying to control everything that is happening, all Harriet can do is wait for the new guardian, the children's uncle Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes, to return home. But, as soon as he does, they but heads over every decision - should the children be sent off to school, is it right for them to visit maternal family in London while still in mourning, etc. Harriet only wants the best for the children, but Quinton doesn't just aggravate her, he also keeps her up at night, and she may just be falling.
I found this a really quick and enjoyable read. The two main characters seemed to be just right for the time period, and really worked well together as a couple. Yeah, there were some moments where all I wanted to do was shake my head and sigh, and some of the angst could've been dealt with with just a little bit of communication, but it wasn't anything unexpected. I adored the children, from the eldest Maria, down to the little ones in the nursery. Philip's growth from grieving twelve year old, to a prospering Earl to be, under his aunt and uncle's care, was exceptional. The main thing I disliked was the dowager countess, who was a complete hag, but I can see why that was in the story in order to move along the action, in a way. It may be the third book in a series, and I've only read this one, but I didn't feel like I missed anything from not reading the previous novels. All in all, a decent book.
September 16, 2020
A decent story, though not entirely as plausible for the timeline with a rich, spinster aunt so readily giving up her virginity with no hope at marriage. I never felt that Harriet even loved Quint or that he loved her.
I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2020
Rules for an Unmarried Lady is the third book in the Once Upon a Bride series by Wilma Counts. Though the series revolves around bluestocking best friends Henrietta, Harriet and Hero, the stories totally stand alone. Though not a particularly exciting or steamy read, it was a pleasant way to spend a few quiet hours during the hectic holiday season.
Harriet Mayfield lost her beloved sister and brother-in-law in a tragic accident. Though she has a considerable fortune, she finds happiness in caring for her seven (!) orphaned nieces and nephews . One of the children is the new Earl of Sedwick, and his strict and self-centered grandmother does not like the unconventional way Harriet deals with the young earl and the rest of his siblings. But then Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes, the kids’ uncle, comes home from the war with the intent of raising the children himself. His mother wants Harriet gone, but Harriet and Quint are drawn to each other. However, will the secret Harriet hides from Quint keep the two part, along with his meddling mother?
This was a fun and entertaining story. Harriet was a wonderful aunt and wanted to raise the children in a way that her sister would have wanted. Quint’s mother had totally different ideas of child rearing, but Harriet stood firm in her defense of the kids. Quint was a battle-hardened officer and didn’t quite know what he was in for when he met his new charges...and their enchanting guardian. Though I liked both main characters, their romance felt a little flat to me. I could see the attraction but didn’t feel any passion at all. However, their interaction with their nieces and nephew was totally enchanting! I especially liked young Phillip, the new earl who was trying to deal with both losing his parents and becoming an earl. It was a sweet story for a break from the holidays.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Harriet Mayfield lost her beloved sister and brother-in-law in a tragic accident. Though she has a considerable fortune, she finds happiness in caring for her seven (!) orphaned nieces and nephews . One of the children is the new Earl of Sedwick, and his strict and self-centered grandmother does not like the unconventional way Harriet deals with the young earl and the rest of his siblings. But then Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes, the kids’ uncle, comes home from the war with the intent of raising the children himself. His mother wants Harriet gone, but Harriet and Quint are drawn to each other. However, will the secret Harriet hides from Quint keep the two part, along with his meddling mother?
This was a fun and entertaining story. Harriet was a wonderful aunt and wanted to raise the children in a way that her sister would have wanted. Quint’s mother had totally different ideas of child rearing, but Harriet stood firm in her defense of the kids. Quint was a battle-hardened officer and didn’t quite know what he was in for when he met his new charges...and their enchanting guardian. Though I liked both main characters, their romance felt a little flat to me. I could see the attraction but didn’t feel any passion at all. However, their interaction with their nieces and nephew was totally enchanting! I especially liked young Phillip, the new earl who was trying to deal with both losing his parents and becoming an earl. It was a sweet story for a break from the holidays.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
December 25, 2020
Harriet Mayfield is devastated when her sister Anne & husband Win are killed in an accident but she rallies to care for their seven children. If her unorthodox views about how to raise Phillip, the newly minted young Earl of Sedwick and his siblings put her at odds with their strict grandmother, well, so be it. The children’s uncle & guardian, Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes, however, is a far more complicated and charismatic problem. Accustomed to having his slightest word obeyed, Quint hardly knows what to make of the bewitching bluestocking who has taken on the role of guardian in his absence. Quint’s mother wants Harriet gone, the sooner the better.
This is the third book in the series & is very easily read as a stand alone. I liked both Harriet & Quint & whilst their attraction was apparent from the start it didn’t sizzle for me. I really enjoyed their verbal banter & how they both bolstered Phillip’s confidence. I thoroughly disliked the Dowager Countess. I found the book to be an enjoyable entertaining read that held my interest all the way through. My only quibble was that I felt the ending was rushed
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the third book in the series & is very easily read as a stand alone. I liked both Harriet & Quint & whilst their attraction was apparent from the start it didn’t sizzle for me. I really enjoyed their verbal banter & how they both bolstered Phillip’s confidence. I thoroughly disliked the Dowager Countess. I found the book to be an enjoyable entertaining read that held my interest all the way through. My only quibble was that I felt the ending was rushed
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
February 22, 2024
I started out liking this book until about the middle of the book. I did not feel that the main characters had any attraction between them.
And I absolutely did not like the main male character by the end I almost hated him.
I hated that he basically treated Harriet like a lite skirt.
And the thing she did in the beginning for her nephew before Quint came back, when Quint found out I don't believe he should have reacted the way that he did.
And the very ending pissed me off big time!
They are apart for months because Quint is an ass and then all of a sudden, he shows up does not apologize and he has a marriage license to marry her right away and of course all is forgiven, and they marry!!!!! WTF
And I absolutely did not like the main male character by the end I almost hated him.
I hated that he basically treated Harriet like a lite skirt.
And the thing she did in the beginning for her nephew before Quint came back, when Quint found out I don't believe he should have reacted the way that he did.
And the very ending pissed me off big time!
They are apart for months because Quint is an ass and then all of a sudden, he shows up does not apologize and he has a marriage license to marry her right away and of course all is forgiven, and they marry!!!!! WTF
December 30, 2020
Witty and well-read, best friends Henrietta, Harriet, and Hero know that real love is rarely as simple as a fairy tale. But with the right partner, it can be sweeter—and even more satisfying. . .
A single woman of means generally does not choose the company of seven rambunctious children over the haut ton. Yet since the tragic loss of her sister and brother-in-law, the Honorable Harriet Mayfield has found purpose and pleasure in caring for her orphaned nieces and nephews. If her unorthodox views about how to raise the newly minted Earl of Sedwick and his siblings put her at odds with their strict grandmother, well, so be it. The children's uncle, Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes, however, is a far more complicated—and charismatic—problem . . .
Accustomed to having his slightest word obeyed, Quint hardly knows what to make of the bewitching bluestocking who has taken on the role of guardian in his absence. Quint's mother wants Harriet gone, the sooner the better. She has the perfect bride in mind for him—someone not at all like kindhearted, loyal Harriet. But if he and Harriet can only withstand meddling and misunderstandings, their unconventional attraction might yet come to a delightfully happy ending . . .
Even though I wanted to I did not love this book.
It was well written story but lacked the normal misunderstandings and the dislike of each other that most historical romance are known for.
I also feel that the revelation that they loved each other was a bit boring and even when Quint went to London to declare his love, it all came down to him saying “you know I love you.”
The ending also felt a bit rushed.
Because the book was so well written I would definitely read another book by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
A single woman of means generally does not choose the company of seven rambunctious children over the haut ton. Yet since the tragic loss of her sister and brother-in-law, the Honorable Harriet Mayfield has found purpose and pleasure in caring for her orphaned nieces and nephews. If her unorthodox views about how to raise the newly minted Earl of Sedwick and his siblings put her at odds with their strict grandmother, well, so be it. The children's uncle, Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes, however, is a far more complicated—and charismatic—problem . . .
Accustomed to having his slightest word obeyed, Quint hardly knows what to make of the bewitching bluestocking who has taken on the role of guardian in his absence. Quint's mother wants Harriet gone, the sooner the better. She has the perfect bride in mind for him—someone not at all like kindhearted, loyal Harriet. But if he and Harriet can only withstand meddling and misunderstandings, their unconventional attraction might yet come to a delightfully happy ending . . .
Even though I wanted to I did not love this book.
It was well written story but lacked the normal misunderstandings and the dislike of each other that most historical romance are known for.
I also feel that the revelation that they loved each other was a bit boring and even when Quint went to London to declare his love, it all came down to him saying “you know I love you.”
The ending also felt a bit rushed.
Because the book was so well written I would definitely read another book by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
December 15, 2020
Honorable Harriet Mayfield lived in two places, her grandparents and her sisters. Anne and Harriet's parents died when they were about eleven and ten respectively, it almost devastated them. Their grandparents understood the pain and tried to guide them through it. When her sister and brother-in-law were killed in a carriage accident about three months ago. She had been with the seven children of her sister. She remembered how it was for them and she wanted nothing but to help ease them through it. She loved every one of those amazing small people and each had their own special gift.
Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes was a soldier, but when his brother died, he had to come home and take care of them. It had to wait a bit until he was healed enough to travel. He had been fighting Bonaparte. He really didn't know much about them. But he was determined to do the best he could. For the most part, he and Harriet agreed on almost everything pertaining to the children. His mother did not. She wanted things her way, no matter what she had to do. Harriet was not her favorite person and was beneath her. She made a lot of problems for the family.
I very much enjoyed this book, her efforts to protect her nieces and nephews, and especially the new earl was a daunting job.
The storyline was different and it was fun to read. It was nice, the things they did with the children. Picnics, riding, and to help Phillip start learning his responsibilities for the title. They were sweet children. The characters were romantic, kind, witty, and well educated.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes was a soldier, but when his brother died, he had to come home and take care of them. It had to wait a bit until he was healed enough to travel. He had been fighting Bonaparte. He really didn't know much about them. But he was determined to do the best he could. For the most part, he and Harriet agreed on almost everything pertaining to the children. His mother did not. She wanted things her way, no matter what she had to do. Harriet was not her favorite person and was beneath her. She made a lot of problems for the family.
I very much enjoyed this book, her efforts to protect her nieces and nephews, and especially the new earl was a daunting job.
The storyline was different and it was fun to read. It was nice, the things they did with the children. Picnics, riding, and to help Phillip start learning his responsibilities for the title. They were sweet children. The characters were romantic, kind, witty, and well educated.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
January 8, 2021
This was my first book by Wilma Counts and I really enjoyed the over arching story, I've seen this in movies before, but I haven't seen it in book form yet, so I was excited to read through.
Harriet and Quint are two separate people living two separate lives at the start of this book. Then they learn that their respective siblings have died in a carriage accident. This leaves seven, yes seven, children orphaned. Both make the effort to care for them but they both come from different avenues.
Harriet who grew up orphaned with her sister, knows these children and wants to raise them happy and whole, in a not so 'ton' appropriate version of childhood. This vexes the grandmother(Quint's mother) to no end. She'd like nothing better than to kick Harriet out on her ear so she can raise the children how she feels is appropriate. Harriet and the grandmother go at it a lot due to this reason.
Quint, who has been at war, has been largely absent from the family and his brother, but has returned home to do well by his brother's children, including the young heir, Earl of Sedwick. Part of that includes his schooling in particular.
Over the course of this book you see some fun family bonding, a little bickering and some sexual tension. Overall a good read, however, I don't feel the romance started until well past the middle of the book which was disappointing based on how it was represented. There was also a lot of attention to detail of the era, which was interesting, but perhaps a little heavy handed for me.
I'd read Wilma Counts again, but only to see if things picked up a little different in the next one.
My opinions are my own and freely given.
Harriet and Quint are two separate people living two separate lives at the start of this book. Then they learn that their respective siblings have died in a carriage accident. This leaves seven, yes seven, children orphaned. Both make the effort to care for them but they both come from different avenues.
Harriet who grew up orphaned with her sister, knows these children and wants to raise them happy and whole, in a not so 'ton' appropriate version of childhood. This vexes the grandmother(Quint's mother) to no end. She'd like nothing better than to kick Harriet out on her ear so she can raise the children how she feels is appropriate. Harriet and the grandmother go at it a lot due to this reason.
Quint, who has been at war, has been largely absent from the family and his brother, but has returned home to do well by his brother's children, including the young heir, Earl of Sedwick. Part of that includes his schooling in particular.
Over the course of this book you see some fun family bonding, a little bickering and some sexual tension. Overall a good read, however, I don't feel the romance started until well past the middle of the book which was disappointing based on how it was represented. There was also a lot of attention to detail of the era, which was interesting, but perhaps a little heavy handed for me.
I'd read Wilma Counts again, but only to see if things picked up a little different in the next one.
My opinions are my own and freely given.
December 13, 2020
Rules for an Unmarried Lady by Wilma Counts is the third book in the Once Upon a Bride Series. This is the first book in the series I have read and now wish to read the others. I found the story interesting and the characters fun. I loved all the children and how they were such key characters in the story.
Honorable Harriet Mayfield after the death of her sister and brother-in-law has moved into their home to help care for her 7 nieces and nephews. She is determined to help them through the grief and be ready for their future. She is determined to raise the children in the same loving way.
Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes is named the guardian of his seven nieces and nephews. His brother’s and sister-in-law’s death left him in charge. His mother has moved back into the home to take over the care.
Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes and Honorable Harriet Mayfield have strong opinions and determination to help these children, despite the dowager, Quint’s mother. What neither Uncle Quint and Aunt Harry expect are that they are meant for each other. Instead we have a series of events that work to separate them.
I enjoyed this book. Rules for an Unmarried Lady by Wilma Counts was a good read and will be enjoyed by many.
Honorable Harriet Mayfield after the death of her sister and brother-in-law has moved into their home to help care for her 7 nieces and nephews. She is determined to help them through the grief and be ready for their future. She is determined to raise the children in the same loving way.
Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes is named the guardian of his seven nieces and nephews. His brother’s and sister-in-law’s death left him in charge. His mother has moved back into the home to take over the care.
Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes and Honorable Harriet Mayfield have strong opinions and determination to help these children, despite the dowager, Quint’s mother. What neither Uncle Quint and Aunt Harry expect are that they are meant for each other. Instead we have a series of events that work to separate them.
I enjoyed this book. Rules for an Unmarried Lady by Wilma Counts was a good read and will be enjoyed by many.
December 27, 2020
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Rules for an Unmarried Lady is a perfectly serviceable, fine historical romance, one I selected due to remembering the author from having read a book and a half (I did DNF one of her books for a weird plot including the heroine spending a large part of the book married to someone who was not the hero), and wanting to see what she was writing these days. And it was fine, but not much to write home about and a bit implausible at times.
Quint (I love how I read two books back to back with heroes with this name) and Henrietta aren’t that interesting. Henrietta is a bit more so of the two, being forward thinking, but the romance did little to entice me.
I did like the interactions with the children, which saved the story somewhat, but it was a bit slow and staid, which is saying a lot because I don’t think based on the page counts listed in various places that it’s that long.
I don’t think this is a completely objectionable book, it just felt a bit too mild and slow for me. I think it could work for someone newer to historical romances, or someone looking for a more gentle read (while also keeping in mind there are some explicit bits).
Rules for an Unmarried Lady is a perfectly serviceable, fine historical romance, one I selected due to remembering the author from having read a book and a half (I did DNF one of her books for a weird plot including the heroine spending a large part of the book married to someone who was not the hero), and wanting to see what she was writing these days. And it was fine, but not much to write home about and a bit implausible at times.
Quint (I love how I read two books back to back with heroes with this name) and Henrietta aren’t that interesting. Henrietta is a bit more so of the two, being forward thinking, but the romance did little to entice me.
I did like the interactions with the children, which saved the story somewhat, but it was a bit slow and staid, which is saying a lot because I don’t think based on the page counts listed in various places that it’s that long.
I don’t think this is a completely objectionable book, it just felt a bit too mild and slow for me. I think it could work for someone newer to historical romances, or someone looking for a more gentle read (while also keeping in mind there are some explicit bits).
January 2, 2021
Harriet Mayfield is a smart and unconventional blue stocking who finds great pleasure in raising her seven nieces and nephews after her sister and brother in law die tragically.
Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes is the children's uncle (on their father's side) and has been appointed their legal guardian.
Both Quint and Harriet task themselves with helping the children in particular twelve year old Phillip, who is the new Earl of Sedwick, navigate his new responsibilites, while grieving and still being a child.
I found the story to be decent, but the pacing was just incredibly slow (for a relatively short book). The children saved the tale and I loved the interactions with the kids. The romance was incredibly light. Almost fifty percent into the book and Harriet and Quint still hadn't been alone. I learned a lot about landownership and responsibilty, but I think some of this should have been parred down to focus more on the couple.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy. Thoughts and opinions are my own and given freely.
Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes is the children's uncle (on their father's side) and has been appointed their legal guardian.
Both Quint and Harriet task themselves with helping the children in particular twelve year old Phillip, who is the new Earl of Sedwick, navigate his new responsibilites, while grieving and still being a child.
I found the story to be decent, but the pacing was just incredibly slow (for a relatively short book). The children saved the tale and I loved the interactions with the kids. The romance was incredibly light. Almost fifty percent into the book and Harriet and Quint still hadn't been alone. I learned a lot about landownership and responsibilty, but I think some of this should have been parred down to focus more on the couple.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy. Thoughts and opinions are my own and given freely.
January 1, 2024
I enjoyed this story with all the characters within. The main characters were Harriet Mayfield and Quinton Burnes.
Harriet Mayfield is a twenty- seven years old woman that has not married yet. While visiting her sister home word about a accident happened is told. Her sister and her husband were visiting a school when something happened and killed both of them. Now she is taking care of the children that her sister had. While waiting on their uncle to return. The children grandmother moves back to so that she can help.
Quinton Burnes is a Colonel in the military. He has been wounded. While trying to heal he gets a letter telling him that his brother was killed in an accident. He must get better so that he can return to England. Because his brother's children and the estate need him.
This was a fun story to read. It had action, adventure and drama throughout. It had a few giggles within. It was sad at the first part. There a bit of a mystery to.
I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
Harriet Mayfield is a twenty- seven years old woman that has not married yet. While visiting her sister home word about a accident happened is told. Her sister and her husband were visiting a school when something happened and killed both of them. Now she is taking care of the children that her sister had. While waiting on their uncle to return. The children grandmother moves back to so that she can help.
Quinton Burnes is a Colonel in the military. He has been wounded. While trying to heal he gets a letter telling him that his brother was killed in an accident. He must get better so that he can return to England. Because his brother's children and the estate need him.
This was a fun story to read. It had action, adventure and drama throughout. It had a few giggles within. It was sad at the first part. There a bit of a mystery to.
I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinions.
April 29, 2022
This was a traditional regency about Harriet Mayfield and Lord Quinton who have to jointly look after the 7 orphaned children of the Earl of Sedwick. Harriet has lost her sister Anne and Quinton has lost his brother the Earl. They come together to look after the children and after a few misunderstandings and hiccups manage to fall in love with each other. Harriet is considered a spinster hence on the shelf while Quinton is being pressurized by his mother the Dowager to get married. I found it funny that Quinton and Harriet first have an affair and he doesn’t propose right away once he finds out that she’s a virgin (which is the normal trope in a trad regency). The characters were well written and the loss for the children and management of the estates was well described.
January 5, 2021
This is a well-written, well-researched, interesting novel about family life in Regency England. The pace is slow, and the romance plot nonexistent for the first half of the book. For that reason, I would characterize this as historical fiction rather than historical romance. The subplot (which is really more of the main plot) regarding the orphaned children is heart-wrenching, and some of the portrayal of the lives of the working class was disturbing. The book is intellectually engaging and worth reading, but I wasn't swept away by the emotion of falling in love.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received.
January 31, 2021
Thanks for netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review.
.
That was really disappointing...
I started that book with really high expectations, it had a strong female, a supposedly nice lead gentleman, but my hopes for a nice romance read were a little bit shattered.
The story was so dull, boring and really posh, it felt like the story was told from the pov of quint's mother!!
They didn't start to catch feelings for each other until the last third part of the book, at the first parts it was just kind of them returning the balance to their nephews and nieces.
Overall, didn't like it.
.
That was really disappointing...
I started that book with really high expectations, it had a strong female, a supposedly nice lead gentleman, but my hopes for a nice romance read were a little bit shattered.
The story was so dull, boring and really posh, it felt like the story was told from the pov of quint's mother!!
They didn't start to catch feelings for each other until the last third part of the book, at the first parts it was just kind of them returning the balance to their nephews and nieces.
Overall, didn't like it.
January 14, 2021
Rules for an Unmarried Lady was entertaining enough, however, it didn't completely feel as a historical romance. This story and some of the characters were just too modern for the time period, also the romance itself was a bit lacking. My favourite part of this book was the children and scenes involving them.
July 29, 2021
This story was ok. I felt there was to much mundane stuff going on and not enough romance. The romance seemed to be secondary to a lot of plot points that went nowhere. I never felt the love connection between Harriet and Quint.
September 13, 2020
The author did an excellent historical research for this novel.
The characters were realistic and likable.
I received a free digital Advanced Copy in exchange for a honest review.
The characters were realistic and likable.
I received a free digital Advanced Copy in exchange for a honest review.
February 9, 2023
The actual plot line wasn't terrible, but as a romance, it left everything to be desired. There wasn't even any lust in there.
October 25, 2020
This is one more in the trend of giving Regency-era women the character and ambitions of modern women. However, what makes this romance more enjoyable is that the heroine, Harriet, has basically given up any dreams of getting married in order to care for her numerous orphaned nieces and nephews. She (and her deceased sister) are thoroughly modern mothers in how they approach care for children, especially for Harriet who must help the children deal with the sorrow of suddenly losing their parents. Their father’s brother, is an army colonel, Lord Quinton Burnes, who leaves the military after being injured in the Peninsular war. He has very fixed idea of what is befitting noble children and is backed up by his snobbish and thoroughly unlikeable mother.
What I liked about the story was the depiction of the oldest nephew who is scared at suddenly being thrust into the role of earl as the age of 14 years old. His uncle arranges to introduce him to his duties and there are some interesting scenes as they meet with tenants and visit an early Industrial Revolution textile mill that the family owns. I like to see an author who has done some research to depict what she is portraying. And I enjoyed reading about the sensitivity which both Harriet and Quint use in helping their mutual nephew.
There’s one plot element that just seemed to be thrown in without much thought. It turns out that Harriet is one of the richest women in England. However, we’re never told what this wealth is based on. Harriet is supposed to be a secret essayist writing essays about the treatment of the poor. Yet she shows no curiosity about the people who are presumably the foundation of her inherited wealth. Are they tenant farmers about whom she should care as much as she does for her nephew’s tenants? Are they workers in factories and does she care about how they’re treated? She’s just rich...I guess that makes a convenient plot point so she can help out her nephew, but it just didn’t fit with the way she was portrayed.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley;
What I liked about the story was the depiction of the oldest nephew who is scared at suddenly being thrust into the role of earl as the age of 14 years old. His uncle arranges to introduce him to his duties and there are some interesting scenes as they meet with tenants and visit an early Industrial Revolution textile mill that the family owns. I like to see an author who has done some research to depict what she is portraying. And I enjoyed reading about the sensitivity which both Harriet and Quint use in helping their mutual nephew.
There’s one plot element that just seemed to be thrown in without much thought. It turns out that Harriet is one of the richest women in England. However, we’re never told what this wealth is based on. Harriet is supposed to be a secret essayist writing essays about the treatment of the poor. Yet she shows no curiosity about the people who are presumably the foundation of her inherited wealth. Are they tenant farmers about whom she should care as much as she does for her nephew’s tenants? Are they workers in factories and does she care about how they’re treated? She’s just rich...I guess that makes a convenient plot point so she can help out her nephew, but it just didn’t fit with the way she was portrayed.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley;
September 29, 2020
I must say that I truly enjoyed this book. 5 stars. It reminded me so much of the Regency stories of Diana Campbell that I read as a teenager. *Sigh! She will always be my favorite author. Anyway, this story starts out as the hero is recovering from a battle wound and his mother is sending him updates on his wards, who are his brother's children. His brother and his sister-in-law had recently passed away and his mother was complaining about the heroine, the children's maternal aunt, was not doing as his mother wanted. In other words, the aunt was there for the children and his mother had moved back in for the power of running the estate left to the children. What a miserly grandmother! She didn't care about the children at all. The aunt is a 27 year old spinster who write political articles about how the government always turns it's back on the ones who work the most and need the most. The hero states that he will be home when he is healed and will take care of it. The hero hasn't met the heroine because even though his brother has been married for over 15 years, he was always away when the heroine was visiting or vice versa. This was a 5 star read from start to finish. This book is definitely for the keeper shelf. This author knows what she is doing. She creates engaging characters, life-like scenes and a smooth reading story. There are no convenient plot twists or trite, stale scripts. This is truly an amazing story. I give this book 5 stars for meeting all of my requirements in a Regency romance. But there is a sensual scene for those of you who prefer sweet stories. You can just skip it and the story will read just fine. 5 stars. Read this book. I heartily recommend reading it!
December 15, 2020
When Harriett Mayfield loses her sister and brother in law in an accident, she steps into the caretaker’s role for her seven orphaned nieces and nephews. But from the beginning, there is conflict because Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes is the children’s legal guardian and he is opposed to Harriett’s decisions for the children’s welfare. The story conflict ebbs and flows, but the rivalries are the bulwark of the plot.
The first half reads like a visitor’s guide to 1800 London. Descriptions of Vauxhall Gardens feel too stuffy and overdone. “The main show of the evening was, of course, the spectacular reenactment of the Battle of Vitoria, which involved much shooting of cannon and exploding bombs in the arena as well as incredible displays of horsemanship, swordsmanship, and other feats of derring-do.” The description goes on for too long, in my opinion, and I began questioning the plot importance of the trip to London in the first place. Too much research and not enough relationship development between the main characters. Harriet and Quinton don’t meet until chapter four. The second half of the book attempts to build a romantic relationship between them. I felt disappointed that there was very little romantic tension. However, I liked the villain. The Dowager is a formidable foe and brings just enough angst to the character to be a villain that you love to hate. Overall, not my teacup, but readers who like lots of description and history will enjoy this book.
The first half reads like a visitor’s guide to 1800 London. Descriptions of Vauxhall Gardens feel too stuffy and overdone. “The main show of the evening was, of course, the spectacular reenactment of the Battle of Vitoria, which involved much shooting of cannon and exploding bombs in the arena as well as incredible displays of horsemanship, swordsmanship, and other feats of derring-do.” The description goes on for too long, in my opinion, and I began questioning the plot importance of the trip to London in the first place. Too much research and not enough relationship development between the main characters. Harriet and Quinton don’t meet until chapter four. The second half of the book attempts to build a romantic relationship between them. I felt disappointed that there was very little romantic tension. However, I liked the villain. The Dowager is a formidable foe and brings just enough angst to the character to be a villain that you love to hate. Overall, not my teacup, but readers who like lots of description and history will enjoy this book.
December 27, 2020
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Rules for an Unmarried Lady is a perfectly serviceable, fine historical romance, one I selected due to remembering the author from having read a book and a half (I did DNF one of her books for a weird plot including the heroine spending a large part of the book married to someone who was not the hero), and wanting to see what she was writing these days. And it was fine, but not much to write home about and a bit implausible at times.
Quint (I love how I read two books back to back with heroes with this name) and Henrietta aren’t that interesting. Henrietta is a bit more so of the two, being forward thinking, but the romance did little to entice me.
I did like the interactions with the children, which saved the story somewhat, but it was a bit slow and staid, which is saying a lot because I don’t think based on the page counts listed in various places that it’s that long.
I don’t think this is a completely objectionable book, it just felt a bit too mild and slow for me. I think it could work for someone newer to historical romances, or someone looking for a more gentle read (while also keeping in mind there are some explicit bits).
Rules for an Unmarried Lady is a perfectly serviceable, fine historical romance, one I selected due to remembering the author from having read a book and a half (I did DNF one of her books for a weird plot including the heroine spending a large part of the book married to someone who was not the hero), and wanting to see what she was writing these days. And it was fine, but not much to write home about and a bit implausible at times.
Quint (I love how I read two books back to back with heroes with this name) and Henrietta aren’t that interesting. Henrietta is a bit more so of the two, being forward thinking, but the romance did little to entice me.
I did like the interactions with the children, which saved the story somewhat, but it was a bit slow and staid, which is saying a lot because I don’t think based on the page counts listed in various places that it’s that long.
I don’t think this is a completely objectionable book, it just felt a bit too mild and slow for me. I think it could work for someone newer to historical romances, or someone looking for a more gentle read (while also keeping in mind there are some explicit bits).
December 17, 2020
Taking on seven children would be daunting for anyone, but Harriet Mayfield has known her nieces & nephews and she is ready to battle anyone who won’t treat them well. Harriets sister and brother-in-law were not like the normal “haut ton” they were participants in their childrens upbringing. Harriet had the same views and opinions and was currently at loggerheads with the grandmother until the Uncle arrived who was to be the guardian over the young Earl of Sedwick.
Harriet and Lord Quint may have started off on the wrong foot and have differences on the issues of schooling, but there was a sexual tension that could not be denied! There were many individuals within the house who did not want to see that liaison to go any further to include the childrens grandmother who is also Quints mother. She is adamant about Harriet being expelled from her household!
The situation within the house is a firecracker waiting to explode and the Author, Wilma Counts takes us on a path of choices that develop her characters and the flow of the book is interesting to keep you reading.
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.
Harriet and Lord Quint may have started off on the wrong foot and have differences on the issues of schooling, but there was a sexual tension that could not be denied! There were many individuals within the house who did not want to see that liaison to go any further to include the childrens grandmother who is also Quints mother. She is adamant about Harriet being expelled from her household!
The situation within the house is a firecracker waiting to explode and the Author, Wilma Counts takes us on a path of choices that develop her characters and the flow of the book is interesting to keep you reading.
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.
November 9, 2020
While I enjoyed this story, I found the wording somewhat cumbersome. Maybe because I had been reading modern romances before this, but the book took effort to read. I enjoyed reading about Henrietta’s modern views, the interactions with Quint and the children but I did find Henrietta and Quint’s relationship lacking in romantic angst. While their public interactions were very decorous, their intimate moments were surprisingly heated which seemed out of character.
I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
Merged review:
While I enjoyed this story, I found the wording somewhat cumbersome. Maybe because I had been reading modern romances before this, but the book took effort to read. I enjoyed reading about Henrietta’s modern views, the interactions with Quint and the children but I did find Henrietta and Quint’s relationship lacking in romantic angst. While their public interactions were very decorous, their intimate moments were surprisingly heated which seemed out of character.
I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
Merged review:
While I enjoyed this story, I found the wording somewhat cumbersome. Maybe because I had been reading modern romances before this, but the book took effort to read. I enjoyed reading about Henrietta’s modern views, the interactions with Quint and the children but I did find Henrietta and Quint’s relationship lacking in romantic angst. While their public interactions were very decorous, their intimate moments were surprisingly heated which seemed out of character.
October 27, 2020
Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes was notified of his older brother’s death while in an army hospital recovering from battle wounds. He not only now held the title, he was also now responsible for 7 young children. He finally was released to go home counting on the help of his mother.
Harriet Mayfield spent a lot of time with her sister and her family, adoring the children and immediately involved herself in their care, to the frustration of their grandmother, who wanted to run the show.
Quinton comes home to the battle of wills and must figure out who telling the truth and who’s lying...and what is in the best interest of the children.
A sweet historical with a bit of humor, a little mystery a touch of angst and family interaction, good and bad.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC gratis and offer my review in the same vein. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Harriet Mayfield spent a lot of time with her sister and her family, adoring the children and immediately involved herself in their care, to the frustration of their grandmother, who wanted to run the show.
Quinton comes home to the battle of wills and must figure out who telling the truth and who’s lying...and what is in the best interest of the children.
A sweet historical with a bit of humor, a little mystery a touch of angst and family interaction, good and bad.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC gratis and offer my review in the same vein. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews