What do you think?
Rate this book
A Romance of Rank #1
Manor for Sale, Baron Included
She has everything Lord Farnsworth wants, including his manor.
Lord Farnsworth would rather rot in debtor’s prison than sell the one place that feels like home to him—his mother’s manor. That is, until he meets the woman who wants to buy it. Sally Duncan is beautiful, intelligent, and as rich as a baron—a rich baron, not a cash-strapped one like Lord Farnsworth. She’s the solution to every one of his financial problems and is bewitching to boot. All he needs to do is sell her his beloved manor and then charm her to the altar, and the manor will be his again. Simple, right?
But nothing is simple when Sally starts tearing apart his ancestral home and renovating it in a way no one would consider tasteful. She is wreaking havoc on everything, but he cannot give up on owning his mother’s estate again, nor can he imagine anyone but Sally as his wife.
And so he sticks with his plan.
What a horrible mistake.
Lord Farnsworth would rather rot in debtor’s prison than sell the one place that feels like home to him—his mother’s manor. That is, until he meets the woman who wants to buy it. Sally Duncan is beautiful, intelligent, and as rich as a baron—a rich baron, not a cash-strapped one like Lord Farnsworth. She’s the solution to every one of his financial problems and is bewitching to boot. All he needs to do is sell her his beloved manor and then charm her to the altar, and the manor will be his again. Simple, right?
But nothing is simple when Sally starts tearing apart his ancestral home and renovating it in a way no one would consider tasteful. She is wreaking havoc on everything, but he cannot give up on owning his mother’s estate again, nor can he imagine anyone but Sally as his wife.
And so he sticks with his plan.
What a horrible mistake.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2021
553 people are currently reading
3312 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 658 reviews
March 8, 2021
Although classified on Amazon as "Christian Historical Fiction," this book is a "clean" and sweet romance but doesn't have religious overtones. I mention this because if I had seen the word "Christian" in the classification, I might not have ordered it. I have nothing against anything Christian per se, but I like separation of church and state in both politics and romance novels.
Instead, this is a very cute and sweet romance. Low on angst but with some feels, no sex, and there is good chemistry and romantic warmth between H and h, plus it's fun to read. The writing and plot lack sophistication but the story flows well.
I also enjoy the absence of dukes here. The hero is a baron, lowest in the peerage totem pole, and the heroine is a rich cit, granddaughter of the late founder of a successful textile company which she has recently sold to be able to devote her time to being with her younger sister, a young woman who has mobility problems related to being born with club feet.
The baron hero is rich in properties but has no cash flow. What little income there is from the properties does not cover outflow of monies in their upkeep. Hence the sale of his one unentailed property for cash to keep everything afloat. But it's the only property he has an emotional attachment to, so he keeps for himself most of the surrounding land and the hunting lodge (and half of the pond there and ownership of any dogs on the property). The pond and the dogs, BTW, make for some good fun in the read.
Well, the baron doesn't really want someone else to own the only property he was happy at. So the solution is obviously to move into the hunting lodge, ingratiate himself to the heroine, make her fall in love with him, marry her, and, voila, he is owner again.
So sit back and relax and see how that works out for him.
Instead, this is a very cute and sweet romance. Low on angst but with some feels, no sex, and there is good chemistry and romantic warmth between H and h, plus it's fun to read. The writing and plot lack sophistication but the story flows well.
I also enjoy the absence of dukes here. The hero is a baron, lowest in the peerage totem pole, and the heroine is a rich cit, granddaughter of the late founder of a successful textile company which she has recently sold to be able to devote her time to being with her younger sister, a young woman who has mobility problems related to being born with club feet.
The baron hero is rich in properties but has no cash flow. What little income there is from the properties does not cover outflow of monies in their upkeep. Hence the sale of his one unentailed property for cash to keep everything afloat. But it's the only property he has an emotional attachment to, so he keeps for himself most of the surrounding land and the hunting lodge (and half of the pond there and ownership of any dogs on the property). The pond and the dogs, BTW, make for some good fun in the read.
Well, the baron doesn't really want someone else to own the only property he was happy at. So the solution is obviously to move into the hunting lodge, ingratiate himself to the heroine, make her fall in love with him, marry her, and, voila, he is owner again.
So sit back and relax and see how that works out for him.
August 30, 2023
✨ It’s giving Jen Turano vibes but regency (sign me up) ✨
[Clean/No Christian Faith Content.]
After having to put his cherished family home up for sale, John meets Sally who plans to buy that estate and instantly is interested in her and starts to plan that if he marries this beautiful and smart lady, he’ll be happy and live in his beloved home. And here’s the thing, I can type that little bitty peek into this story and you might think he has nefarious intentions, but no. He fell so hard for her so fast and this dream of them getting married and happy living together. There was so tricking or “you played me” third-act break-up because of it. Um, huh? That’s possible with this trope? I didn’t realize that. Thank you? Yes, please?
I wouldn’t say I had low expectations when I started reading, I literally had no expectations about this book. Having never read this author before or really know much about the book besides the back cover, but oh my goodness this was so much fun.
I’m enjoyed it a lot. He’s a nutball but heads over heels interested in her and knows she’s his future wife because he’s already imagined them married and happily living on the estate, so he’s planning and flirting but gets distracted by her and ends up forgetting his plans to get close to her. She has great delight at ruffling his feathers and I loved that. I was literally cackling at some of their banter and scenes.
I’ve read a lot of couples, a lot of romance books, but this is going to be a couple that I will say with every fiber of my being will be able to handle whatever life throws at them. Not because they walked through crazy things in this book (it was pretty calm actually), but because of their connection. It was just so sweet and just so well done. I laughed, giggled, gasped, and even teared up once.
I will add that there was a couple kiss scenes that were a bit too much in my opinion, but they were sweet, just a little much and made me blush, hahaha. Bumped the rating down because of those parts, but I can see why someone would give the whole book five stars because it was so ridiculously fun and adorable. The pacing was perfect and it never felt like it was rushed or too short. I would love liked to learn a little more in the final chapter about what happened, but I’m not bothered by it. I’ll definitely be reading the next book in this series very soon after that teasing Epilogue! (Edit to add: the next book isn't about Victoria??? What?? Author? That wasn't a nice tease when her book isn't out yet 😭)
Top 3 Scenes:
1.) The vase (dying laughing)
2.) Epligoue (😭🥰)
3.) Ballroom scene towards the end (I love a good ballroom scene and I could see TikTok-like edits in my brain as I read it)
Quotes/Banter:
coming soon
Main Content:
No Christian Faith content; A mention of John rathering to "go to the devil" than tell someone something.
Regency language such as "blasted", "what the devil", "give a fig", and "demmed". Mentions of curses (said but not written out); A couple mentions of gambling & clubs (John used to but gave it up when finances were tight).
At one point, a friend tries to get John drunk because he's sad but it doesn't work; Mentions of fights & fighting; Mentions of a surgery for someone with clubfeet that didn't go well.
There's quote a bit of kissing towards the end, I wouldn't put it as detailed but it's a lot of sweet kissing and embracing (semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Noticing, Shivers/Zings, etc. (also wanting to touch and embrace, all up to semi-detailed); Johnathan goes swimming (in his shirtsleeves) and Sally is embarrassed by it but tries not to notice his chest (up to semi-detailed); Johnathan is pretty much heads over heels for Sally and images them being close (he flirts quite a bit with her as he's already calling her his future wife); When boxing, Sally lets down her hair on purpose to distract John (he's a flustered mess by it) & he takes off his coat as revenge; Sally "ogles" John in a shirt that doesn't fit him well (teasing, his words); Mentions of her figure & his chest; Mentions of some men only wanting sons (and treating daughters as less than).
[Clean/No Christian Faith Content.]
After having to put his cherished family home up for sale, John meets Sally who plans to buy that estate and instantly is interested in her and starts to plan that if he marries this beautiful and smart lady, he’ll be happy and live in his beloved home. And here’s the thing, I can type that little bitty peek into this story and you might think he has nefarious intentions, but no. He fell so hard for her so fast and this dream of them getting married and happy living together. There was so tricking or “you played me” third-act break-up because of it. Um, huh? That’s possible with this trope? I didn’t realize that. Thank you? Yes, please?
I wouldn’t say I had low expectations when I started reading, I literally had no expectations about this book. Having never read this author before or really know much about the book besides the back cover, but oh my goodness this was so much fun.
I’m enjoyed it a lot. He’s a nutball but heads over heels interested in her and knows she’s his future wife because he’s already imagined them married and happily living on the estate, so he’s planning and flirting but gets distracted by her and ends up forgetting his plans to get close to her. She has great delight at ruffling his feathers and I loved that. I was literally cackling at some of their banter and scenes.
I’ve read a lot of couples, a lot of romance books, but this is going to be a couple that I will say with every fiber of my being will be able to handle whatever life throws at them. Not because they walked through crazy things in this book (it was pretty calm actually), but because of their connection. It was just so sweet and just so well done. I laughed, giggled, gasped, and even teared up once.
I will add that there was a couple kiss scenes that were a bit too much in my opinion, but they were sweet, just a little much and made me blush, hahaha. Bumped the rating down because of those parts, but I can see why someone would give the whole book five stars because it was so ridiculously fun and adorable. The pacing was perfect and it never felt like it was rushed or too short. I would love liked to learn a little more in the final chapter about what happened, but I’m not bothered by it. I’ll definitely be reading the next book in this series very soon after that teasing Epilogue! (Edit to add: the next book isn't about Victoria??? What?? Author? That wasn't a nice tease when her book isn't out yet 😭)
Top 3 Scenes:
1.) The vase (dying laughing)
2.) Epligoue (😭🥰)
3.) Ballroom scene towards the end (I love a good ballroom scene and I could see TikTok-like edits in my brain as I read it)
Quotes/Banter:
coming soon
Main Content:
No Christian Faith content; A mention of John rathering to "go to the devil" than tell someone something.
Regency language such as "blasted", "what the devil", "give a fig", and "demmed". Mentions of curses (said but not written out); A couple mentions of gambling & clubs (John used to but gave it up when finances were tight).
At one point, a friend tries to get John drunk because he's sad but it doesn't work; Mentions of fights & fighting; Mentions of a surgery for someone with clubfeet that didn't go well.
There's quote a bit of kissing towards the end, I wouldn't put it as detailed but it's a lot of sweet kissing and embracing (semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Noticing, Shivers/Zings, etc. (also wanting to touch and embrace, all up to semi-detailed); Johnathan goes swimming (in his shirtsleeves) and Sally is embarrassed by it but tries not to notice his chest (up to semi-detailed); Johnathan is pretty much heads over heels for Sally and images them being close (he flirts quite a bit with her as he's already calling her his future wife); When boxing, Sally lets down her hair on purpose to distract John (he's a flustered mess by it) & he takes off his coat as revenge; Sally "ogles" John in a shirt that doesn't fit him well (teasing, his words); Mentions of her figure & his chest; Mentions of some men only wanting sons (and treating daughters as less than).
June 19, 2021
Second time I enjoyed this book by listening to it. It was just as much or more fun. I adored the narrator. She was so fun in how she brought this story to life. I loved how she became the characters and the emotions she conveyed through her voice. Fabulous! This book is wonderful if you are a listener or reader. And if you haven’t taken a chance on this book yet, what are you waiting for? Just do it. You’ll thank me. I promise!!!
*********************
What an utterly delightful and beyond charming book. I was giggling from the beginning to the end. I love when I become so immersed in a book and with the characters that I feel as if I am right there with them.
Sally and John were so fun to watch as their relationship evolved. The scene where they meet. Oh. My. Heavens! I honestly laughed out loud so hard. John's solicitor Oliver's deadpan reactions and explanations. I couldn't stop. I want more of Oliver's story. The handful of scenes he was in were not enough. Please Esther Hatch, tell me that you're going to write Oliver's story. I'm still picturing him sitting in his chair with a look of nonchalance on his face and telling Sally about his pugilist friend. And the pugilist puffing out his chest. Hahaha! Y'all, I'm giggling so much right now and my family is giving me looks, wondering what is going on. This is going on my favorite bookshelf of 2021!!!
Back to Sally and John. The humor doesn't end with Oliver. These two were hysterical! Esther Hatch, you are a genius in writing humor in a way that doesn't feel forced. I would love to sit down and have a conversation with you because I have a feeling that it would be full of great one liners and laughter.
There are SOOOO many scenes I want to tell you about from this book. But I won't go into detail because I don't want to spoil anything. I want you to enjoy it and become immersed in it yourself. I read this all in one sitting. I started it as I was going to bed and I didn't stop until I had finished the last page. It was very worth it. Not only is the humor enthralling and captivating, but the development and revealing of these two characters' backstories. Wow. I just loved learning more about them. I loved even more watching them slowly come to realizations about each other. They didn't learn from being told necessarily but about observing and watching each other in different situations. Sometimes unknowing that the other was watching them. So well done!
Both Sally and John have their reasons behind wanting the manor. And I loved them for their reasons. Aside from Sally and John, there are several other wonderful characters whom I came to anticipate being in the scenes of the book. I'm not going to say anything more than that, because, well, spoilers. Just know that the characters, the story, the humor, the friendships, the love story and so much more about this book are all absolutely delightful and will have you not wanting to set this book down. Definitely a book I highly recommend and can't wait to tell all my friends about. And be warned...I don't recommend accepting any gifts from Sally and John. ;-)
Content: Clean.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
*********************
What an utterly delightful and beyond charming book. I was giggling from the beginning to the end. I love when I become so immersed in a book and with the characters that I feel as if I am right there with them.
Sally and John were so fun to watch as their relationship evolved. The scene where they meet. Oh. My. Heavens! I honestly laughed out loud so hard. John's solicitor Oliver's deadpan reactions and explanations. I couldn't stop. I want more of Oliver's story. The handful of scenes he was in were not enough. Please Esther Hatch, tell me that you're going to write Oliver's story. I'm still picturing him sitting in his chair with a look of nonchalance on his face and telling Sally about his pugilist friend. And the pugilist puffing out his chest. Hahaha! Y'all, I'm giggling so much right now and my family is giving me looks, wondering what is going on. This is going on my favorite bookshelf of 2021!!!
Back to Sally and John. The humor doesn't end with Oliver. These two were hysterical! Esther Hatch, you are a genius in writing humor in a way that doesn't feel forced. I would love to sit down and have a conversation with you because I have a feeling that it would be full of great one liners and laughter.
There are SOOOO many scenes I want to tell you about from this book. But I won't go into detail because I don't want to spoil anything. I want you to enjoy it and become immersed in it yourself. I read this all in one sitting. I started it as I was going to bed and I didn't stop until I had finished the last page. It was very worth it. Not only is the humor enthralling and captivating, but the development and revealing of these two characters' backstories. Wow. I just loved learning more about them. I loved even more watching them slowly come to realizations about each other. They didn't learn from being told necessarily but about observing and watching each other in different situations. Sometimes unknowing that the other was watching them. So well done!
Both Sally and John have their reasons behind wanting the manor. And I loved them for their reasons. Aside from Sally and John, there are several other wonderful characters whom I came to anticipate being in the scenes of the book. I'm not going to say anything more than that, because, well, spoilers. Just know that the characters, the story, the humor, the friendships, the love story and so much more about this book are all absolutely delightful and will have you not wanting to set this book down. Definitely a book I highly recommend and can't wait to tell all my friends about. And be warned...I don't recommend accepting any gifts from Sally and John. ;-)
Content: Clean.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
July 21, 2025
This was a pleasant and laughable at times too of a read. The lack of communication I suppose I will call it was noticeable but there wouldn't have been a sweet story otherwise of course :)
April 1, 2021
I advise all authors in the Victorian/regency romance genre to delay their book releases this year to 2022. At least, if they want a shot at winning a swoony awards or to be the favorite book of the year. Esther Hatch has secured the spot for 2021 with Manor For Sale, Baron Included. Not to give away any spoilers, but chapter 22 deserves a swoony award all on its own. Can it be possible that my heart can be crushed and lifted at the same time??
John has officially become the dreamy baron that I didn’t realize I needed in my library of heroes; he is barrel chested, sensible, humorous, and absolutely everything you would want in a man from the 1800s.
Then there is Sally, she is vivacious and determined. A business woman who gets what she wants and knows the right buttons to push... at least on a waistcoat ;) Sometimes I struggle with stories because their plots are excellent and then the characters fall flat, that’s not the case with this book. I would say Esther has an excellent way of creating characters that are believable and someone I would want to spend my time with, which of course is why I do spend my time reading about them. I’m only hopeful that book 2 is about Queen Victoria and her success at love. And maybe add some extra boxing, because “...boxing...should be a prescribed method of courting”
I would suggest this book to anyone who enjoys a little humor and romance in their life. I couldn’t stop smiling and laughing throughout the whole story. My friends, no doubt, will be receiving a copy for their birthdays this year, they are so lucky that I’m their friend and have excellent taste in books. Don’t wait for this book to become available through your library, put it in your cart now.
John has officially become the dreamy baron that I didn’t realize I needed in my library of heroes; he is barrel chested, sensible, humorous, and absolutely everything you would want in a man from the 1800s.
Then there is Sally, she is vivacious and determined. A business woman who gets what she wants and knows the right buttons to push... at least on a waistcoat ;) Sometimes I struggle with stories because their plots are excellent and then the characters fall flat, that’s not the case with this book. I would say Esther has an excellent way of creating characters that are believable and someone I would want to spend my time with, which of course is why I do spend my time reading about them. I’m only hopeful that book 2 is about Queen Victoria and her success at love. And maybe add some extra boxing, because “...boxing...should be a prescribed method of courting”
I would suggest this book to anyone who enjoys a little humor and romance in their life. I couldn’t stop smiling and laughing throughout the whole story. My friends, no doubt, will be receiving a copy for their birthdays this year, they are so lucky that I’m their friend and have excellent taste in books. Don’t wait for this book to become available through your library, put it in your cart now.
April 25, 2022
This book is a mixed bag. Some parts were funny and fun, others dragged a bit. There was a lot of talk about boxing, and I did just skim those pages. I would enjoy trying another book by this author. I thought Sally was written a bit too modern for the 1800's.
March 3, 2021
After seeing all the rave reviews pouring in for this one, I had to give it a try! I thought this was a delightful Victorian RomCom!
The synopsis really sums up the story nicely, so I won't repeat it. I liked the overall story, writing and characters. Lots of lighthearted moments, some swoony moments and ones that will touch your heart. I liked Sally, John, Victoria and the supporting cast. I thought it was well-written, had a nice flow to it so it was easy to stay up late reading to see what would happen next. I loved when Sally would do/say things that got John all riled up. I look forward to more in the series.
Content Rated PG
Romance: Kissing
Language: None
Violence: None
The synopsis really sums up the story nicely, so I won't repeat it. I liked the overall story, writing and characters. Lots of lighthearted moments, some swoony moments and ones that will touch your heart. I liked Sally, John, Victoria and the supporting cast. I thought it was well-written, had a nice flow to it so it was easy to stay up late reading to see what would happen next. I loved when Sally would do/say things that got John all riled up. I look forward to more in the series.
Content Rated PG
Romance: Kissing
Language: None
Violence: None
April 13, 2021
Welp, I think my review of this book can basically be summed up as: 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍etc!
But as far as actual words: Esther Hatch has been a must-read author for me since her debut book...and this one only reinforced why. I looooove a story that can legit make me laugh out loud while also making me swoon while also tugging on my emotions. Manor for Sale, Baron Included is truly everything I love about historical romance and I can pretty much guarantee I'll re-read it more than once. Absolutely loved and highly recommend it!
But as far as actual words: Esther Hatch has been a must-read author for me since her debut book...and this one only reinforced why. I looooove a story that can legit make me laugh out loud while also making me swoon while also tugging on my emotions. Manor for Sale, Baron Included is truly everything I love about historical romance and I can pretty much guarantee I'll re-read it more than once. Absolutely loved and highly recommend it!
February 22, 2021
This whole series has been so much fun! This was soooo good! Hatch can seriously make me laugh, and sigh. I love her quirky, deep fun characters! This book keep me up reading late, I had to know how it ended! John was a great leading man, so unsure yet sure of himself. I loved that he thought so highly of her and wanted her from the first moments! I loved Sally and Victoria!! Sally was such a good mix of headstrong, impulsive and a bit wounded. I love that these two imperfect people found each other. This one gave me all the feels:} Great romantic tension! Oh gosh this had some fun scenes. This is one I will reread it was just good all the way threw.
This is a proper romance with some awesome kisses! No religion 14 and up:}
This is a proper romance with some awesome kisses! No religion 14 and up:}
February 27, 2021
This book! It is a series of miscommunication and awkward moments. Esther Hatch has written this story with whit and clever imagination. I did not want to put it down, I wanted to see what John or Sally had up their sleeve next.
If you are looking for a book that is entertaining with fantastic banter, this is one you want to pick up!
If you are looking for a book that is entertaining with fantastic banter, this is one you want to pick up!
June 12, 2021
UPDATE on 2nd reading: The audiobook is AMAZING!! The narrator is fantastic and I laughed just as much the second time as I did when I orignially read it a few months ago.
Oh. My. Word. This book is laugh out loud funny, yet it has a lot of heart, it has wonderful characters, and swoony, yet clean, kissing scenes. All the things we've come to expect from an Esther Hatch romance.
Jonathan's solicitor was a horrible human being. He was also one of his best friends, so he couldn't exactly tell him that. What a beginning to a story. Jonathan has to sell Greenwood Manor, to help keep his other estates afloat. He doesn't want to sell it so he comes up with a plan that he will only sell it to Miss Duncan, he'll stay at his hunting lodge across the lake from Greenwood Manor, court Miss Duncan, then marry her so he can continue to own Greenwood Manor. This is one of the best ideas I have had since I became baron.
Sally Duncan isn't like any other woman Jonathan has met. She couldn't care less about marrying a man with a title and becoming a baroness. What she does care about is her younger sister, and making sure she's taken care of. That's why she's purchased Greenwood Manor-it's in the country and perfect for Victoria and herself.
This was such a fun book--Sally took great pleasure in irking Jonathan so he would want to stop visiting Greenwood Manor but nothing seemed to work. The scene with the wallpaper books and plans to renovate the library had me dying. And Jonathan's "housewarming gift" was too much. My reading buddy Julie and I were texting emojis and gifs to each other as we read and I had tears in my eyes from laughter.
It takes awhile because Jonathan has built up walls to protect himself, but we find out in bits and pieces why he didn't want to sell Greenwood Manor, and why he'll settle for a marriage of convenience. I loved the scenes with him, Victoria, and the old gardner. His best friend and solicitor Oliver is a funny character and I just know there's got to be a story there waiting to be told. I can't wait to read more of this series.
I received a complimentary copy but also bought an ebook for my personal library. All thoughts I've expressed in this review are my own.
Oh. My. Word. This book is laugh out loud funny, yet it has a lot of heart, it has wonderful characters, and swoony, yet clean, kissing scenes. All the things we've come to expect from an Esther Hatch romance.
Jonathan's solicitor was a horrible human being. He was also one of his best friends, so he couldn't exactly tell him that. What a beginning to a story. Jonathan has to sell Greenwood Manor, to help keep his other estates afloat. He doesn't want to sell it so he comes up with a plan that he will only sell it to Miss Duncan, he'll stay at his hunting lodge across the lake from Greenwood Manor, court Miss Duncan, then marry her so he can continue to own Greenwood Manor. This is one of the best ideas I have had since I became baron.
Sally Duncan isn't like any other woman Jonathan has met. She couldn't care less about marrying a man with a title and becoming a baroness. What she does care about is her younger sister, and making sure she's taken care of. That's why she's purchased Greenwood Manor-it's in the country and perfect for Victoria and herself.
This was such a fun book--Sally took great pleasure in irking Jonathan so he would want to stop visiting Greenwood Manor but nothing seemed to work. The scene with the wallpaper books and plans to renovate the library had me dying. And Jonathan's "housewarming gift" was too much. My reading buddy Julie and I were texting emojis and gifs to each other as we read and I had tears in my eyes from laughter.
It takes awhile because Jonathan has built up walls to protect himself, but we find out in bits and pieces why he didn't want to sell Greenwood Manor, and why he'll settle for a marriage of convenience. I loved the scenes with him, Victoria, and the old gardner. His best friend and solicitor Oliver is a funny character and I just know there's got to be a story there waiting to be told. I can't wait to read more of this series.
I received a complimentary copy but also bought an ebook for my personal library. All thoughts I've expressed in this review are my own.
August 21, 2025
ahhhh.
Oh my goodness.
I smiled a lot.
I laughed a lot.
I even shed a couple tears
(only b/c of tenderness of a guy about his late Mom - This was definitely a "me" thing but it was precious. Precious)!
It wasn't a perfect book. I didn't even care about the main female character. I didn't really like her, to be honest.
But the MMC..... he was a man's man but with such a heart ~ charming and hilarious.
This one gets 5 stars because of the way it made me feel while I read it. And each time I had to stop, I couldn't wait to get back to it.
Desperately wanted to get back to it.
Side note: I read the ebook and listened to the audiobook here and there. On the audiobook, the voice of our Main Female Character's Sister (loved her) sounds just like Beth March in the 1949 Little Women movie (the only Little Women movie worth watching). 🙈
✨📚☕💙☕📚✨More in-depth reviews on my Youtube Wrap Up videos.
Oh my goodness.
I smiled a lot.
I laughed a lot.
I even shed a couple tears
(only b/c of tenderness of a guy about his late Mom - This was definitely a "me" thing but it was precious. Precious)!
It wasn't a perfect book. I didn't even care about the main female character. I didn't really like her, to be honest.
But the MMC..... he was a man's man but with such a heart ~ charming and hilarious.
This one gets 5 stars because of the way it made me feel while I read it. And each time I had to stop, I couldn't wait to get back to it.
Desperately wanted to get back to it.
Side note: I read the ebook and listened to the audiobook here and there. On the audiobook, the voice of our Main Female Character's Sister (loved her) sounds just like Beth March in the 1949 Little Women movie (the only Little Women movie worth watching). 🙈
✨📚☕💙☕📚✨More in-depth reviews on my Youtube Wrap Up videos.
October 13, 2021
This book kept me up until 3 AM.
One of my favorite ever books is A Proper Scandal, by Esther Hatch. It's a Victorian romance with as many swoon-worthy moments as laugh-out-loud scenes. She always astounds me with her ability to write humor and romance paired so beautifully together. And then she takes me by surprise, every book, when she delivers a gut-wrenching scene that makes me cry and wonder who on earth she'll get the characters together again.
Her new Victorian Romance delivers the same witty banter and humorous scenes as those that came before, and I am absolutely thrilled that I snagged an advance copy to read. Because, y'know, I'm Esther's friend now and I get perks!!!
One of the most unlooked for perks of being friends with other authors is that sometimes they do something truly amazing. Like name a heroine Sally.
I have always loved my name. But as a Sally born in the eighties, I never met anyone my age with my name. Instead, I often heard people say, "Oh, my great-aunt is named that!"
Then I got into reading romances. Historical Westerns. Regency novels. Victorian. And you know who had the name SALLY?! Maiden aunts and maids.
In Esther's beautiful romance, Sally Duncan is the heroine. (I may have teared up more than once due to that fact alone.) But I would love this book even if her name was anything else. This story has heart, laughter, a dark moment, swoony scenes, and a hero you dearly want to root for.
Manor For Sale, Baron Included, is about a woman who wants a house and not the man who sold it to her, while he wants the home back, and is thrilled at the idea of getting it by wooing the woman who bought it. Of course, along the way, they fall in love.
I was up until 3 AM trying to get to the end to see how Esther made it all work out. I won't spoil it for you - but I slept quite well after I finished reading.
One of my favorite ever books is A Proper Scandal, by Esther Hatch. It's a Victorian romance with as many swoon-worthy moments as laugh-out-loud scenes. She always astounds me with her ability to write humor and romance paired so beautifully together. And then she takes me by surprise, every book, when she delivers a gut-wrenching scene that makes me cry and wonder who on earth she'll get the characters together again.
Her new Victorian Romance delivers the same witty banter and humorous scenes as those that came before, and I am absolutely thrilled that I snagged an advance copy to read. Because, y'know, I'm Esther's friend now and I get perks!!!
One of the most unlooked for perks of being friends with other authors is that sometimes they do something truly amazing. Like name a heroine Sally.
I have always loved my name. But as a Sally born in the eighties, I never met anyone my age with my name. Instead, I often heard people say, "Oh, my great-aunt is named that!"
Then I got into reading romances. Historical Westerns. Regency novels. Victorian. And you know who had the name SALLY?! Maiden aunts and maids.
In Esther's beautiful romance, Sally Duncan is the heroine. (I may have teared up more than once due to that fact alone.) But I would love this book even if her name was anything else. This story has heart, laughter, a dark moment, swoony scenes, and a hero you dearly want to root for.
Manor For Sale, Baron Included, is about a woman who wants a house and not the man who sold it to her, while he wants the home back, and is thrilled at the idea of getting it by wooing the woman who bought it. Of course, along the way, they fall in love.
I was up until 3 AM trying to get to the end to see how Esther made it all work out. I won't spoil it for you - but I slept quite well after I finished reading.
March 20, 2021
Delightful! I just adore books by this author. She has the absolute best sense of humor. There were times when I was giggling hysterically. 🤣
March 10, 2025
This was a really cute read! I really liked that the MFC was the one with a business and money and the MMC was a poor dude with a title. She had the power and he had to chase her. I’m here for that.
Sally has sold her grandfather’s company in order to buy a manor for her and her sister to live in. The manor has been in Lord Farnsworth’s mother’s family for generations. But he can no longer afford to keep it and keep his entitled lands running. So he sells it to Sally with the hope he can court her and gain back the manor by marrying her.
Little does he know that Sally doesn’t plan to sale her new manor…ever!
Sally has sold her grandfather’s company in order to buy a manor for her and her sister to live in. The manor has been in Lord Farnsworth’s mother’s family for generations. But he can no longer afford to keep it and keep his entitled lands running. So he sells it to Sally with the hope he can court her and gain back the manor by marrying her.
Little does he know that Sally doesn’t plan to sale her new manor…ever!
July 12, 2021
Victorian romance. The Oxford educated hero (later a baron)
would have preferred to be a gardener.
Jonathan, a baron, needed money, so he sold his manor
house in Dorset, but he retained the hunting lodge and
tenant farms, close to the manor house. Sally inherited
her grandfather's textile company and she ran it for 3
years. She bought said manor house, with a portion of
the proceeds of selling the textile co. To help her sister
Victoria who'd had previous unsuccessful club foot
surgery, to have more exposure to nature.
Jon became reacquainted with Ashton, the elderly manor
gardener, who was like a father to him. Jon decided to
court Sally, wed her, then have the manor house again.
Jon acted the pest at times, but he made Victoria laugh.
Soon Jon fell for Sally. Jon was an odd duck. The author
referred many times to his chest size (why?). Jon was
not as tall or good-looking as some men. But he was
built like a boxer. To heck with his appearance, he
displayed odd behavior ie he gifted Sally with squirrel
meat. Really? Jon knew how to flatter a lady, but did
he try to understand her?
Sally assumed a peerage member was a spendthrift &
appreciated heirs but shunned daughters. Jon gained
some sense as the story progressed. Something was
missing to make this story complete.
would have preferred to be a gardener.
Jonathan, a baron, needed money, so he sold his manor
house in Dorset, but he retained the hunting lodge and
tenant farms, close to the manor house. Sally inherited
her grandfather's textile company and she ran it for 3
years. She bought said manor house, with a portion of
the proceeds of selling the textile co. To help her sister
Victoria who'd had previous unsuccessful club foot
surgery, to have more exposure to nature.
Jon became reacquainted with Ashton, the elderly manor
gardener, who was like a father to him. Jon decided to
court Sally, wed her, then have the manor house again.
Jon acted the pest at times, but he made Victoria laugh.
Soon Jon fell for Sally. Jon was an odd duck. The author
referred many times to his chest size (why?). Jon was
not as tall or good-looking as some men. But he was
built like a boxer. To heck with his appearance, he
displayed odd behavior ie he gifted Sally with squirrel
meat. Really? Jon knew how to flatter a lady, but did
he try to understand her?
Sally assumed a peerage member was a spendthrift &
appreciated heirs but shunned daughters. Jon gained
some sense as the story progressed. Something was
missing to make this story complete.
March 21, 2021
What a little joy of a book. I was laughing out loud in the first 5 percent of it.
Jonathan is sweet, young in spirit and in age and terribly in debt. Sally is a savvy business lady. He sells her his house thinking in a month he will make her marry him. He is only 22 and feels young for marriage.
“He tipped his head to one side as if he was examining a bolt of fabric. “On you, any material would shine like a gaslamp.” She held in a laugh. She’d heard her fair share of flattery, but what? Who wants fabric that shines like a gaslamp? What if it were a nightgown? She would get no sleep.”
Sally is the opposite of him. Busy, serious minded lady not from nobility but a line of well-made millionaires. I get the strong Capricorn vibe from her.
Story continues on with its charming, sweet tone yet it deals with the complicated matter of money in a pretty interesting way. It's something we don't see in romance often. Usually we see characters either have money or not. But they don't but discuss their future when it comes to money. This was an interesting twist in the book.
4 stars because something was missing here, maybe it was the chemistry.
Jonathan is sweet, young in spirit and in age and terribly in debt. Sally is a savvy business lady. He sells her his house thinking in a month he will make her marry him. He is only 22 and feels young for marriage.
“He tipped his head to one side as if he was examining a bolt of fabric. “On you, any material would shine like a gaslamp.” She held in a laugh. She’d heard her fair share of flattery, but what? Who wants fabric that shines like a gaslamp? What if it were a nightgown? She would get no sleep.”
Sally is the opposite of him. Busy, serious minded lady not from nobility but a line of well-made millionaires. I get the strong Capricorn vibe from her.
Story continues on with its charming, sweet tone yet it deals with the complicated matter of money in a pretty interesting way. It's something we don't see in romance often. Usually we see characters either have money or not. But they don't but discuss their future when it comes to money. This was an interesting twist in the book.
4 stars because something was missing here, maybe it was the chemistry.
October 23, 2021
A good clean read with plenty of laughs. Exactly what I needed. It blends the lightness of a rom-com with the rich setting of a historical romance. Couldn't put it down.
September 1, 2022
I loved the chemistry between Sally and Jonathan. Such a fun and warm read!
July 9, 2024
SO. CUTE. 🥰
The banter. The sisterly bonds. The boxing. I never knew I needed a Victorian rom-com in my life, but this was seriously the cutest thing!
The banter. The sisterly bonds. The boxing. I never knew I needed a Victorian rom-com in my life, but this was seriously the cutest thing!
February 24, 2022
This was so much fun! An utter delight. I don't think I've smiled this much while reading a book in a long time. The humor was pitch-perfect for me and I really enjoyed our main characters. In some ways, I wanted more breadth of characters and scenes -- so much is just between our hero and heroine -- yet the scenes were so entertaining and I also appreciated that we didn't get bogged down with less-interesting side-characters or meandering tangents like some of the Regency type books do, so I really couldn't fault it. One of my pet peeves with Regency romances written by modern authors is that the heroines are too modern and it just doesn't seem to "fit" with the era. Somehow, I wasn’t annoyed here. I felt that Miss Duncan was a wonderfully intelligent, forward-thinking woman who still felt very much of her era — though, definitely, the premise of her grandfather wanting her to take over the family textile business is far-fetched for the era (the book does make clear that it is unusual and presented her with challenges trying to be taken seriously by men in the business.)
The boxing chapters were a bit surprising, though I learned that this was actually acceptable in Regency era* -- though, of course, our hero and heroine push the boundaries just a little bit -- there is a scene in which the heroine takes her hair down (gasp!) to distract her opponent ;-) Note that this is all a completely kisses-only romance, but Hatch does a wonderful job with the swoon-factor. As for our hero, my only complaint is that Lord Farnsworth seemed older than his age at the beginning of the book, but as his more vulnerable side came to the front in later chapters, it made sense he was still in his early 20s. Some readers were not a fan of his behavior early in the book (namely, that he decides he is going to marry Miss Duncan so that he can continue to reside in the beloved manor house which she recently purchased from him) and I could certainly see where some might find it off-putting... but, personally, I just found it all vastly entertaining. Again, if we don't impose modern sensibilities, as an attractive young baron, the man had every right to believe he was an immensely appealing choice as a suitor, so his self-assurance at snagging Miss Duncan wasn't that out-of-place, and in a world where true love was rarely a prerequisite for marriage, he figured he could do worse than Miss Duncan, who is at least quite attractive and rather intriguing. In a way, I admired him for finding a clever way to play the hand he is dealt. Of course, his smugness works as a foil for Miss Duncan's wit and mischievousness -- she is not fooled by him for an instant -- he makes plenty of blunders and she always has the upper hand.
Yet, the progression of their love story is actually very sweet and I found myself rooting for them both. The secondary characters do add to the story, though they do not feature prominently. The old groundskeeper allows us to see the softer side of Lord Farsnworth -- the baron is really just a young man who still misses his late mother terribly and wishes he could have held onto the manor house where she lived (estranged from his father) and where he spent his happiest times in boyhood. And Miss Duncan's desire to give her invalid sister a home in which she will have opportunity to flourish and be independent (including wheelchair accessible garden areas) rather than simply be shut away in a room their mother's house in London, is touching and admirable. I appreciate that the overarching tone of the story is humorous, but the characters have depth. This is my first book by Esther Hatch and I look forward to reading more.
“It was easy to romanticize a man when he wasn’t around to prove her wrong.” ;-)
*"Understandably, proper women were not supposed to attend boxing matches. However, some came in disguise and others less concerned with their reputations came openly. In addition, some women took boxing lessons in the privacy of their own homes. The practice was thought to provide an excellent exercise for young ladies, keeping them nimble and healthy. Apparently practicing was considered better than actually viewing the sport." -- http://www.reginascott.com/box.htm
The boxing chapters were a bit surprising, though I learned that this was actually acceptable in Regency era* -- though, of course, our hero and heroine push the boundaries just a little bit -- there is a scene in which the heroine takes her hair down (gasp!) to distract her opponent ;-) Note that this is all a completely kisses-only romance, but Hatch does a wonderful job with the swoon-factor. As for our hero, my only complaint is that Lord Farnsworth seemed older than his age at the beginning of the book, but as his more vulnerable side came to the front in later chapters, it made sense he was still in his early 20s. Some readers were not a fan of his behavior early in the book (namely, that he decides he is going to marry Miss Duncan so that he can continue to reside in the beloved manor house which she recently purchased from him) and I could certainly see where some might find it off-putting... but, personally, I just found it all vastly entertaining. Again, if we don't impose modern sensibilities, as an attractive young baron, the man had every right to believe he was an immensely appealing choice as a suitor, so his self-assurance at snagging Miss Duncan wasn't that out-of-place, and in a world where true love was rarely a prerequisite for marriage, he figured he could do worse than Miss Duncan, who is at least quite attractive and rather intriguing. In a way, I admired him for finding a clever way to play the hand he is dealt. Of course, his smugness works as a foil for Miss Duncan's wit and mischievousness -- she is not fooled by him for an instant -- he makes plenty of blunders and she always has the upper hand.
Yet, the progression of their love story is actually very sweet and I found myself rooting for them both. The secondary characters do add to the story, though they do not feature prominently. The old groundskeeper allows us to see the softer side of Lord Farsnworth -- the baron is really just a young man who still misses his late mother terribly and wishes he could have held onto the manor house where she lived (estranged from his father) and where he spent his happiest times in boyhood. And Miss Duncan's desire to give her invalid sister a home in which she will have opportunity to flourish and be independent (including wheelchair accessible garden areas) rather than simply be shut away in a room their mother's house in London, is touching and admirable. I appreciate that the overarching tone of the story is humorous, but the characters have depth. This is my first book by Esther Hatch and I look forward to reading more.
“It was easy to romanticize a man when he wasn’t around to prove her wrong.” ;-)
*"Understandably, proper women were not supposed to attend boxing matches. However, some came in disguise and others less concerned with their reputations came openly. In addition, some women took boxing lessons in the privacy of their own homes. The practice was thought to provide an excellent exercise for young ladies, keeping them nimble and healthy. Apparently practicing was considered better than actually viewing the sport." -- http://www.reginascott.com/box.htm
June 21, 2021
When you pick up a book, what's something you need to have in it for you to love it?
I need to feel chemistry. It can be a couple's relationship or it can be between me and the book. That's probably vague but it's all I have in the word department to describe that feeling.
Something that can get me is a reminder of a moment I've loved before. Some of my friends will know this already, but one of my favorite scenes in 1995 P&P is when Mr. Darcy removes his cravat and coat and takes a dive into his lake and Elizabeth's obvious fluster reaction afterwards made my little preteen heart think that's what chemistry is. Don't even get me started on the fist clenching.
So when Esther takes me back to a lake in the country, of course I'm all aflutter about my Darcy all over again.
I absolutely adored "Queen" Victoria. She's my favorite character. I loved how much her presence and actions affected the MC's. She brings so much out of both Sally and John that I needed. It doesn't hurt at all that his attempts at flattery and hers for provocation made me smirk and smile.
I read the physical copy and listened to the audiobook. The narrator, Noah Wall, was perfectly suited to Esther's writing style and Sally's POV. I greatly appreciated and enjoyed her dramatization.
Thank you to the author for the copy. All thoughts are my own.
I need to feel chemistry. It can be a couple's relationship or it can be between me and the book. That's probably vague but it's all I have in the word department to describe that feeling.
Something that can get me is a reminder of a moment I've loved before. Some of my friends will know this already, but one of my favorite scenes in 1995 P&P is when Mr. Darcy removes his cravat and coat and takes a dive into his lake and Elizabeth's obvious fluster reaction afterwards made my little preteen heart think that's what chemistry is. Don't even get me started on the fist clenching.
So when Esther takes me back to a lake in the country, of course I'm all aflutter about my Darcy all over again.
I absolutely adored "Queen" Victoria. She's my favorite character. I loved how much her presence and actions affected the MC's. She brings so much out of both Sally and John that I needed. It doesn't hurt at all that his attempts at flattery and hers for provocation made me smirk and smile.
I read the physical copy and listened to the audiobook. The narrator, Noah Wall, was perfectly suited to Esther's writing style and Sally's POV. I greatly appreciated and enjoyed her dramatization.
Thank you to the author for the copy. All thoughts are my own.
March 20, 2021
Just when you think Esther can’t impress you anymore than she already has, she goes and releases something like this and I couldn’t have loved it more.
This Victorian Era romance is the perfect blend of humor, friendship and sweet heartfelt moments. I was captured from the first few pages and flew through this in a day.
Jonathan is a Baron has financial issues that can only be remedied by selling the home that means the most to him to...a woman. And not just any woman....Sally, an intellectual business woman, has plans of her own and won’t let a Baron stand in her way or capture her attentions. Comical (somewhat) forced proximity brings them together and really lets this story flourish in many wonderful ways.
The two romantic interests have a great time trying to get under each others skin. Sally is an excellent example of a strong independent woman during this time and while the hero is a bit clueless at first, he definitely warms up to you and proves himself worthy of love and affection.
And I blame it fully on pregnancy hormones but I did tear up during one particularly lovely and thoughtful scene.
Thank you Esther for letting me read this early. If this is your first of hers or you’ve been a long time fan, I know you’ll fall in love with her characters once more.
This Victorian Era romance is the perfect blend of humor, friendship and sweet heartfelt moments. I was captured from the first few pages and flew through this in a day.
Jonathan is a Baron has financial issues that can only be remedied by selling the home that means the most to him to...a woman. And not just any woman....Sally, an intellectual business woman, has plans of her own and won’t let a Baron stand in her way or capture her attentions. Comical (somewhat) forced proximity brings them together and really lets this story flourish in many wonderful ways.
The two romantic interests have a great time trying to get under each others skin. Sally is an excellent example of a strong independent woman during this time and while the hero is a bit clueless at first, he definitely warms up to you and proves himself worthy of love and affection.
And I blame it fully on pregnancy hormones but I did tear up during one particularly lovely and thoughtful scene.
Thank you Esther for letting me read this early. If this is your first of hers or you’ve been a long time fan, I know you’ll fall in love with her characters once more.
April 10, 2021
3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 stars
December 14, 2025
This was a super quick, super sweet read!
Lord Farnsworth (John) is struggling financially and is advised to sell his mother’s manor to make enough money to stay afloat. He’ll be allowed to keep the grounds, the hunting cabin, and share the pond. He doesn’t want to sell, but when he meets the beautiful Sally Duncan, he comes up with another plan: sell the manor, propose to her, and get it back once she marries him. Simple enough, he just has to win her over.
But Sally, fresh from a broken engagement, knows the ways of titled men and isn’t interested in someone focused on possessions and producing heirs. What starts as John trying to charm her turns into playful banter and fun, and what he doesn’t expect is to truly fall for her. He ends up wanting to marry Sally for more than the manor. When she learns his original motivations, though, their time together is cut short. But what if what they shared was real? He thought he only wanted the manor, but he truly wanted her. She thought she only enjoyed teasing and annoying him, but he was the one who made her smile. Still, he’s titled, expected to produce heirs, and his finances make him a risk she’s not sure she can take. Can they find a way past their pride and circumstances?
These two! He definitely falls first, and harder, and doesn’t see it coming, which I loved. She also doesn’t notice her feelings growing or how much joy his antics bring to her days. John is a far more amazing man than anyone realizes, and that’s what makes this story so sweet.
I rated this 4.5 stars rounded up to a 5!
Lord Farnsworth (John) is struggling financially and is advised to sell his mother’s manor to make enough money to stay afloat. He’ll be allowed to keep the grounds, the hunting cabin, and share the pond. He doesn’t want to sell, but when he meets the beautiful Sally Duncan, he comes up with another plan: sell the manor, propose to her, and get it back once she marries him. Simple enough, he just has to win her over.
But Sally, fresh from a broken engagement, knows the ways of titled men and isn’t interested in someone focused on possessions and producing heirs. What starts as John trying to charm her turns into playful banter and fun, and what he doesn’t expect is to truly fall for her. He ends up wanting to marry Sally for more than the manor. When she learns his original motivations, though, their time together is cut short. But what if what they shared was real? He thought he only wanted the manor, but he truly wanted her. She thought she only enjoyed teasing and annoying him, but he was the one who made her smile. Still, he’s titled, expected to produce heirs, and his finances make him a risk she’s not sure she can take. Can they find a way past their pride and circumstances?
These two! He definitely falls first, and harder, and doesn’t see it coming, which I loved. She also doesn’t notice her feelings growing or how much joy his antics bring to her days. John is a far more amazing man than anyone realizes, and that’s what makes this story so sweet.
I rated this 4.5 stars rounded up to a 5!
June 9, 2025
What a fun book! I found Jonathan and Sally so fun to read and to read about the funny gifts that they would each other! But also I was intrigued to find that those gifts were given so they would not forget each other, and the love that they had for each other. I had to laugh at them and their stubbornness that finally cooled down eventually. This book is seriously so funny, and I recommend it to all who want a good laugh!
September 26, 2024
So freaking stubborn…
Dang, that woman is stubborn. Sally sure is a tough cookie to crack. I knew there was an HEA coming, but Esther Hatch makes the reader wait. And a squirrel? Really?
Dang, that woman is stubborn. Sally sure is a tough cookie to crack. I knew there was an HEA coming, but Esther Hatch makes the reader wait. And a squirrel? Really?
November 3, 2021
Well, I knew from the start that I couldn't expect historical accuracy from this one and I was perfectly willing to overlook such trivialities in favour of a good story. So let's turn a blind eye to the female lead being a young single woman who acts like the head of the family and does things that were highly unlikely for women in that period of time (like owning a company and negotiating business transactions). If the rest of the story had turned out to be entertaing and at least halfway plausible, I wouldn't have dared to complain.
But then there were things like boxing lessons for ladies.
B-but... boxing ladies, you ask? Indeed, says the author. Many females take those lessons - though they are forbidden to actually fight.
I'm sorry but I can't even imagine this, it's just too far fetched for me. I mean, why not riding lessons? That would have been much more appropriate.
Oh well, let's just accept it as a means of spending some time in close proximity for our hero and heroine.
And let us also not think too long about the fact that there are two young unmarried females living alone in a manor, without an older relative or even a ladies' companion. Scandalous. But they are in trade, so I guess they needn't care about their reputations... *shrugs*
Ok, so we might withdraw the 'plausible', but at least the story had its entertaining moments.
The scene with that hideous vase actually made me laugh out loud. Ah, love makes fools of us all...
Though I initially thought the hero a rather calculating, presumtuous and disagreeable fellow (and not a very competent baron to say the least), he somehow managed to grow on me.
I liked the way he accidentally bonded with the young sister of his chosen target, this time obviously without a hidden agenda.
In the further course I found him no longer disagreeable but more amusing- the kind of amusing that is mixed with pity and an occasional eye-roll. Like one would feel watching one's kid being ridiculously happy with his ill-fitting halloween costume (I never said I was good with metaphors, but you get the gist).
Sadly I did't feel the chemistry between our leads and neither could I sympathise with them. The sad family backstories felt forced and did not evoke any compassion in my heart.
For the most part of the book I didn't care about a possible HEA, I did not feel compelled to read on but rather muddled my way through.
But then there was this goodbye scene.
After this little highlight the story dwindles down again into boringness.
The ending is very sweet, I'll give you that. But though I had quite a bit of fun writing this review, the story itself wasn't very memorable.
But then there were things like boxing lessons for ladies.
B-but... boxing ladies, you ask? Indeed, says the author. Many females take those lessons - though they are forbidden to actually fight.
I'm sorry but I can't even imagine this, it's just too far fetched for me. I mean, why not riding lessons? That would have been much more appropriate.
Oh well, let's just accept it as a means of spending some time in close proximity for our hero and heroine.
And let us also not think too long about the fact that there are two young unmarried females living alone in a manor, without an older relative or even a ladies' companion. Scandalous. But they are in trade, so I guess they needn't care about their reputations... *shrugs*
Ok, so we might withdraw the 'plausible', but at least the story had its entertaining moments.
The scene with that hideous vase actually made me laugh out loud. Ah, love makes fools of us all...
Though I initially thought the hero a rather calculating, presumtuous and disagreeable fellow (and not a very competent baron to say the least), he somehow managed to grow on me.
I liked the way he accidentally bonded with the young sister of his chosen target, this time obviously without a hidden agenda.
In the further course I found him no longer disagreeable but more amusing- the kind of amusing that is mixed with pity and an occasional eye-roll. Like one would feel watching one's kid being ridiculously happy with his ill-fitting halloween costume (I never said I was good with metaphors, but you get the gist).
Sadly I did't feel the chemistry between our leads and neither could I sympathise with them. The sad family backstories felt forced and did not evoke any compassion in my heart.
For the most part of the book I didn't care about a possible HEA, I did not feel compelled to read on but rather muddled my way through.
But then there was this goodbye scene.
After this little highlight the story dwindles down again into boringness.
The ending is very sweet, I'll give you that. But though I had quite a bit of fun writing this review, the story itself wasn't very memorable.
February 25, 2021
Release date: February 25, 2021
I didn't realize that I had a check list of requirements of what I wanted in a clean historical romance until I read this book. Or maybe I should call it the Check List of Fantastical Requirements.
Do you know the ending scene from Austenland (the movie, though the book is amazing!) where Jane says to Henry Nobley, "No, you see, people don't do this. This is my fantasy." And he quickly replies, "Have you ever considered you might have it all backwards? Jane, you are my fantasy." Like gasp! These lines are how I would summarize this book. A great, blissful, broad chest fantasy! *Swoon* There were too many parts where I laughed obnoxiously and in return I got the Stare from my husband. (But he only does it lovingly since he is the first person to suggest I get a new book. I know he adores my book obsession.)
I should tell you that the characters were brilliant. The chemistry was adorable and real. I loved how Sally made sacrifices but also had standards. She also has a large amount of composure in the pond scene where I would have been weak in the knees. Sally's sister is just as strong but in a different way. Victoria may seem timid to the world but her strength was bright through the pages.
Now our hero, Lord Farnsworth and all his masculine glory, is best described by Esther. So I hope you will pre-order this delightful, fun, read-in-a-day story.
💖Review of an ARC (opinions are my own)
I didn't realize that I had a check list of requirements of what I wanted in a clean historical romance until I read this book. Or maybe I should call it the Check List of Fantastical Requirements.
Do you know the ending scene from Austenland (the movie, though the book is amazing!) where Jane says to Henry Nobley, "No, you see, people don't do this. This is my fantasy." And he quickly replies, "Have you ever considered you might have it all backwards? Jane, you are my fantasy." Like gasp! These lines are how I would summarize this book. A great, blissful, broad chest fantasy! *Swoon* There were too many parts where I laughed obnoxiously and in return I got the Stare from my husband. (But he only does it lovingly since he is the first person to suggest I get a new book. I know he adores my book obsession.)
I should tell you that the characters were brilliant. The chemistry was adorable and real. I loved how Sally made sacrifices but also had standards. She also has a large amount of composure in the pond scene where I would have been weak in the knees. Sally's sister is just as strong but in a different way. Victoria may seem timid to the world but her strength was bright through the pages.
Now our hero, Lord Farnsworth and all his masculine glory, is best described by Esther. So I hope you will pre-order this delightful, fun, read-in-a-day story.
💖Review of an ARC (opinions are my own)
November 24, 2021
This was such a fun story to read! The mannerisms, the banter, the humor- they were all subtle enough to avoid silliness, and beautifully balanced with character development. I loved the unique aspects that brought even more interest and humor- the squirrel, Sally's sister, Lord Farnsworth's hobby, and the significance of the winter garden. Sally is independent and so clever, and she can see right through John... except when he really falls for her. I loved how she kept him on his toes, and her vibrant personality made him quickly realize how much he needed her as a partner, something he didn't even know he wanted. Even with his flaws, I admired John's sincerity and smiled at his bafflement when tradition flew out the window as Sally and her sister help his perspective shift. So much to love about this book! The romance between these two stubborn characters is not as easy one but highly entertaining!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 658 reviews