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The Enchantresses #5
The Heir and The Enchantress
Some love matches begin with marriage.
Hazel Trethow is infatuated with a notorious rake despite her father’s plans to betroth her to the heir of a wealthy barony. Her scheming to find a love match for her dearest friend and herself turns into a scandal that could ruin them both.
Harold Hobbs returns home from business in India with a plan to save his family from ruin. He does not anticipate his father’s plot to wed him to Miss Trethow. When he meets his intended, sparks fly.
This is the love story of Hazel and Harold as they find love in the most unlikely of places.
Hazel Trethow is infatuated with a notorious rake despite her father’s plans to betroth her to the heir of a wealthy barony. Her scheming to find a love match for her dearest friend and herself turns into a scandal that could ruin them both.
Harold Hobbs returns home from business in India with a plan to save his family from ruin. He does not anticipate his father’s plot to wed him to Miss Trethow. When he meets his intended, sparks fly.
This is the love story of Hazel and Harold as they find love in the most unlikely of places.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2021
14 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Paullett Golden
16 books160 followersCelebrated for her complex characters, realistic conflicts, and sensual portrayal of love, Paullett Golden writes historical romance for intellectuals. Her novels, set primarily in Georgian England, challenge the genre's norm by starring characters loved for their imperfections and idiosyncrasies. The writing aims for historical immersion into the social mores and nuances of Georgian England. Her plots explore human psyche, mental and physical trauma, and personal convictions. Her stories show love overcoming adversity. Whatever our self-doubts, love will out.
Paullett Golden completed her post-doctoral work at King’s College London, studying Classic British Literature. Her Ph.D. is in Composition and Rhetoric, her M.A. in British Literature from the Enlightenment to the Victorian era, her B.A. in English. Her specializations include creative writing and professional writing. She has served as a University Professor for nearly three decades and is a seasoned keynote speaker, commencement speaker, conference presenter, workshop facilitator, and writing retreat facilitator.
As an ovarian cancer survivor, she makes each day count, enjoying an active lifestyle of Spartan racing, powerlifting, hiking, antique car restoration, drag racing, butterfly gardening, competitive shooting, and gaming. Her greatest writing inspirations, and the reasons she chose to write in the clean historical romance genre, are Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë.
Paullett Golden completed her post-doctoral work at King’s College London, studying Classic British Literature. Her Ph.D. is in Composition and Rhetoric, her M.A. in British Literature from the Enlightenment to the Victorian era, her B.A. in English. Her specializations include creative writing and professional writing. She has served as a University Professor for nearly three decades and is a seasoned keynote speaker, commencement speaker, conference presenter, workshop facilitator, and writing retreat facilitator.
As an ovarian cancer survivor, she makes each day count, enjoying an active lifestyle of Spartan racing, powerlifting, hiking, antique car restoration, drag racing, butterfly gardening, competitive shooting, and gaming. Her greatest writing inspirations, and the reasons she chose to write in the clean historical romance genre, are Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
November 14, 2021
Wonderful, quick read
I greatly enjoyed this lighthearted tale. The characters are very well written and I found myself invested in their story and their conflicts. I feel like certain parts could have been better described, but overall the writing was wonderfully done with lovely descriptions and language.
This was a quick read for me and a very welcome change from some of the darker tales I have been reading lately. I loved this insight into Hazel and Harold’s world and I look forward to reading more from this author.
For this and more reviews, visit my blog at:
https://bookshelfadventures.home.blog/
I greatly enjoyed this lighthearted tale. The characters are very well written and I found myself invested in their story and their conflicts. I feel like certain parts could have been better described, but overall the writing was wonderfully done with lovely descriptions and language.
This was a quick read for me and a very welcome change from some of the darker tales I have been reading lately. I loved this insight into Hazel and Harold’s world and I look forward to reading more from this author.
For this and more reviews, visit my blog at:
https://bookshelfadventures.home.blog/
March 6, 2021
Series: The Enchantresses #5
Publication Date: 3/13/21
Number of Pages: 264
I absolutely adored Hazel Trethow and Harold Hobbs. Both were placed in untenable positions, yet made the best of those situations by looking forward rather than bemoaning what had happened to them. Sadly, both were victims of family greed and were used, unfeelingly, as pawns to garner more wealth for their families. The book is, as always, very well-written, nicely-plotted, and delivered at a smooth and even pace. This author always creates wonderfully inviting characters and stories and I have enjoyed everything she’s written.
Harold Hobbs is the son of a very wealthy baron. Well, his father pretends they have enormous wealth anyway. What they really have is a father who takes more and more chances with wild investments in pursuit of enormous wealth. What they really are is totally insolvent and the creditors will be at their door at any minute. Harold can see all of the things his father is doing wrong – and has some good ideas about how to fix them. However, his father is totally fixated on his own schemes and dismisses Harold’s suggestions. There really isn’t anything Harold can do since he hasn’t even reached his majority yet and has absolutely no control and no leverage over his father. Even when Harold learns his father is defrauding a lifelong friend of his fortune, he has no control. All he can do is clench his teeth and accept it. Even when his father tells him he plans to cancel Harold’s lifelong betrothal, he feels he has no options. Harold had really been looking forward to courting the young lady now that he is back from three long years in India.
Hazel Trethow is the apple of her father’s eye – he totally dotes on her. While her father is enamored of her lifelong betrothal to his best friend’s son, Hazel wants a love match. She’s been watching and pursuing one man in particular, but he’s ignoring her. She wonders what her betrothed is like, but she’s sure he is a toad – and he looks like one when she first meets him. In a room of popinjays who are perfectly turned out in fine clothes and powdered hair, he shows up – not so well turned out. Yet, there is something about him.
When a very unfortunate situation, which neither of them has any control over, forces them into a marriage of convenience, they both want to make the best of it. After all, marriage is a lifelong commitment. It was fun to watch them build their relationship slowly and steadily. They both wanted love, but would the machinations of their fathers allow them to have what they want? When the betrayals are revealed, can their fledgling romance survive? You’ll just have to read the book to see!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, but I did have a hard time equating the knowledge and maturity levels of these two characters with their ages. Harold isn’t even twenty-one, and yet he has already spent three years in India because of a business investment for his father. Sometime before he was seventeen and sent to India, he managed to learn all about estate management from their steward. Another thing I had a hard time with was the casual manner in which homosexuality was treated. In that time, homosexuality was a hanging offense and nobody would have been so open with it.
These characters are lovely and their romance is lovely and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them. It was fun that the marriage happened early-on in the story and the relationship was built afterward. I absolutely loved a couple of the secondary characters – Nana – Harold’s grandmother was wonderful as was Patrick, Harold’s best friend. I would have wished for more ‘punishment’ for the villains (all of them), but at least there was a bit. Being the bloodthirsty reader I am, I would have been happy with the vilest of them being thrown from his horse – over a cliff – into the ocean – onto the rocks below. However, he’ll still have to live with his scars and that will have to be enough.
I can definitely recommend the book and I hope you will read and enjoy the book as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 3/13/21
Number of Pages: 264
I absolutely adored Hazel Trethow and Harold Hobbs. Both were placed in untenable positions, yet made the best of those situations by looking forward rather than bemoaning what had happened to them. Sadly, both were victims of family greed and were used, unfeelingly, as pawns to garner more wealth for their families. The book is, as always, very well-written, nicely-plotted, and delivered at a smooth and even pace. This author always creates wonderfully inviting characters and stories and I have enjoyed everything she’s written.
Harold Hobbs is the son of a very wealthy baron. Well, his father pretends they have enormous wealth anyway. What they really have is a father who takes more and more chances with wild investments in pursuit of enormous wealth. What they really are is totally insolvent and the creditors will be at their door at any minute. Harold can see all of the things his father is doing wrong – and has some good ideas about how to fix them. However, his father is totally fixated on his own schemes and dismisses Harold’s suggestions. There really isn’t anything Harold can do since he hasn’t even reached his majority yet and has absolutely no control and no leverage over his father. Even when Harold learns his father is defrauding a lifelong friend of his fortune, he has no control. All he can do is clench his teeth and accept it. Even when his father tells him he plans to cancel Harold’s lifelong betrothal, he feels he has no options. Harold had really been looking forward to courting the young lady now that he is back from three long years in India.
Hazel Trethow is the apple of her father’s eye – he totally dotes on her. While her father is enamored of her lifelong betrothal to his best friend’s son, Hazel wants a love match. She’s been watching and pursuing one man in particular, but he’s ignoring her. She wonders what her betrothed is like, but she’s sure he is a toad – and he looks like one when she first meets him. In a room of popinjays who are perfectly turned out in fine clothes and powdered hair, he shows up – not so well turned out. Yet, there is something about him.
When a very unfortunate situation, which neither of them has any control over, forces them into a marriage of convenience, they both want to make the best of it. After all, marriage is a lifelong commitment. It was fun to watch them build their relationship slowly and steadily. They both wanted love, but would the machinations of their fathers allow them to have what they want? When the betrayals are revealed, can their fledgling romance survive? You’ll just have to read the book to see!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, but I did have a hard time equating the knowledge and maturity levels of these two characters with their ages. Harold isn’t even twenty-one, and yet he has already spent three years in India because of a business investment for his father. Sometime before he was seventeen and sent to India, he managed to learn all about estate management from their steward. Another thing I had a hard time with was the casual manner in which homosexuality was treated. In that time, homosexuality was a hanging offense and nobody would have been so open with it.
These characters are lovely and their romance is lovely and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them. It was fun that the marriage happened early-on in the story and the relationship was built afterward. I absolutely loved a couple of the secondary characters – Nana – Harold’s grandmother was wonderful as was Patrick, Harold’s best friend. I would have wished for more ‘punishment’ for the villains (all of them), but at least there was a bit. Being the bloodthirsty reader I am, I would have been happy with the vilest of them being thrown from his horse – over a cliff – into the ocean – onto the rocks below. However, he’ll still have to live with his scars and that will have to be enough.
I can definitely recommend the book and I hope you will read and enjoy the book as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 18, 2021
'Some love matches begin with marriage.
Hazel Trethow is infatuated with a notorious rake despite her father’s plans to betroth her to the heir of a wealthy barony. Her scheming to find a love match for her dearest friend and herself turns into a scandal that could ruin them both.
Harold Hobbs returns home from business in India with a plan to save his family from ruin. He does not anticipate his father’s plot to wed him to Miss Trethow. When he meets his intended, sparks fly.
This is the love story of Hazel and Harold as they find love in the most unlikely of places.'
___________________________________
The Heir and the Enchantress is the fifth book in The Enchantresss series by Paulett Golden and is a historical romance that can serve as a stand-alone. This is the third book in the series that I have read and the storylines do not build or cross over at all so there no worry about reading them out of order.
I have enjoyed the other books by this author that I have read previously and that remains true for this book as well. There's nothing new or groundbreaking about the plot of this book, it's like many other you've read before. But the lovely main characters more than make up for that and give it a unique feel.
I'll admit I didn't much care for Hazel at the start of the book. She's flighty, a bit arrogant, and most certainly naive. But I had to keep reminding myself that she was very young, only 17 and had been, up until that point in her life, spoilt and sheltered by her father. When I reminded myself of that I was abe to reserve judgement and, once beginning her new life surrounded by her new family began to grow up a little and get a bit more of a personality and I found her to be much more likable of a character. Harold was a great character, but suffered from a bit of cowardess. I understand his hands were a bit tied and his father closed off to reasoning, but an earlier confrontation with him or coming clean with Hazel was a bit overdue.
I really appreciated that the inevitable misunderstanding that fed the conflict between the two main characters was not drawn out. It played out in a qiuckly and believable fashion that worked well. Hazel and Harold undergo some awkwardness at the start, but learn to grow together in a very sweet way and become a great team.
Overall the plot was well-paced and I enjoyed Harold and Hazel's story. I also adored the supporting characters of Nana and Patrick. Nana was hands down my favorite chacacter, she was fun and loved to shock those around her. In my opinion, she was the star of the show. I would read more by this author and from this series.
_____
I would like to thank BookSirens and Paulett Golden for sharing an eARC of The Heir and the Enchantress with me. This is my honest review.
Hazel Trethow is infatuated with a notorious rake despite her father’s plans to betroth her to the heir of a wealthy barony. Her scheming to find a love match for her dearest friend and herself turns into a scandal that could ruin them both.
Harold Hobbs returns home from business in India with a plan to save his family from ruin. He does not anticipate his father’s plot to wed him to Miss Trethow. When he meets his intended, sparks fly.
This is the love story of Hazel and Harold as they find love in the most unlikely of places.'
___________________________________
The Heir and the Enchantress is the fifth book in The Enchantresss series by Paulett Golden and is a historical romance that can serve as a stand-alone. This is the third book in the series that I have read and the storylines do not build or cross over at all so there no worry about reading them out of order.
I have enjoyed the other books by this author that I have read previously and that remains true for this book as well. There's nothing new or groundbreaking about the plot of this book, it's like many other you've read before. But the lovely main characters more than make up for that and give it a unique feel.
I'll admit I didn't much care for Hazel at the start of the book. She's flighty, a bit arrogant, and most certainly naive. But I had to keep reminding myself that she was very young, only 17 and had been, up until that point in her life, spoilt and sheltered by her father. When I reminded myself of that I was abe to reserve judgement and, once beginning her new life surrounded by her new family began to grow up a little and get a bit more of a personality and I found her to be much more likable of a character. Harold was a great character, but suffered from a bit of cowardess. I understand his hands were a bit tied and his father closed off to reasoning, but an earlier confrontation with him or coming clean with Hazel was a bit overdue.
I really appreciated that the inevitable misunderstanding that fed the conflict between the two main characters was not drawn out. It played out in a qiuckly and believable fashion that worked well. Hazel and Harold undergo some awkwardness at the start, but learn to grow together in a very sweet way and become a great team.
Overall the plot was well-paced and I enjoyed Harold and Hazel's story. I also adored the supporting characters of Nana and Patrick. Nana was hands down my favorite chacacter, she was fun and loved to shock those around her. In my opinion, she was the star of the show. I would read more by this author and from this series.
_____
I would like to thank BookSirens and Paulett Golden for sharing an eARC of The Heir and the Enchantress with me. This is my honest review.
March 30, 2021
This is a solid historical romance featuring a couple who have been betrothed for most of their lives. When they meet as young adults (18 and 20), they are reconsidering the match - Harold's father wants him to marry an heiress, while Hazel is rebelling against the fact that she won't have a love match. When Hazel is compromised by another man, Harold steps in to marry her and save her reputation.
This was an engaging young couple, but the book suffered from too much conflict. Harold thinks Hazel is in love with another man; Hazel's BFF (who was actually the one ruined before Hazel took the fall) shows up towards the middle to add a little drama; and all along, both of their fathers have been using their marriage as a way to make money. There's also a dotty old grandmother who serves to show Hazel and Harold's compassion and similarities to each other. We would have preferred one compelling conflict rather than the three or four we received.
If you're looking for a Georgian romance with panniers and powdered hair but without any sexual harassment (always a plus in our book), this fits the bill!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
This was an engaging young couple, but the book suffered from too much conflict. Harold thinks Hazel is in love with another man; Hazel's BFF (who was actually the one ruined before Hazel took the fall) shows up towards the middle to add a little drama; and all along, both of their fathers have been using their marriage as a way to make money. There's also a dotty old grandmother who serves to show Hazel and Harold's compassion and similarities to each other. We would have preferred one compelling conflict rather than the three or four we received.
If you're looking for a Georgian romance with panniers and powdered hair but without any sexual harassment (always a plus in our book), this fits the bill!
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
April 17, 2021
I want you to know that I ABSOLUTELY loved this. It was a historical romance at its finest! PG is one of my favorite authors. She writes wonderful stories. You need to read this book. If you love Mary Balogh then you’ll love this. I highly recommend it. A terrific read. A story that was entertaining, deeply moving and read well. It checked all the boxes off the list of a great read. I’m totally in love with Harold. He’s everything honorable and swoon worthy.
I loved:
• The chemistry and romance
• The wooing events
• Almost every interaction between H and H
• Nana and her spirit
• HEA
Thanks to BookSirens and Netgalley.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved:
• The chemistry and romance
• The wooing events
• Almost every interaction between H and H
• Nana and her spirit
• HEA
Thanks to BookSirens and Netgalley.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 9, 2022
If I had to sum The Heir and The Enchantress up in one word I would use: lackluster. It pains me to say this because historical romance is one of my favorite genres but this book was just so monotonous, tedious and really fell flat for me. There were different plots all over the place which for me didn't bring anything extra to the story except major confusion.
The characters weren't any better than the boring plots. Hazel Trethow was very childish, which can be attributed to her being only 17 years old but still I couldn't help but dislike her very much. Harold Hobbs wasn't my kinda hero either. The only positive thing I can say about him that unlike other historical romances he wasn't a rake, which I guess could be refreshing if he hadn't been so dull.
I wish I had better things to say about this book but I really couldn't find anything enjoyable. The story just didn't happen to be my cup of tea, sadly enough.
The characters weren't any better than the boring plots. Hazel Trethow was very childish, which can be attributed to her being only 17 years old but still I couldn't help but dislike her very much. Harold Hobbs wasn't my kinda hero either. The only positive thing I can say about him that unlike other historical romances he wasn't a rake, which I guess could be refreshing if he hadn't been so dull.
I wish I had better things to say about this book but I really couldn't find anything enjoyable. The story just didn't happen to be my cup of tea, sadly enough.
March 18, 2021
I've read quite a few of Paullett Golden's books and each time I do so I am struck by the lovely writing and historical aspect of her novels. I enjoy the way she builds up her characters, and the plots are entertaining (albeit a bit cliche). However, this novel was a bit risque for me at points, but that is simply a personal issue and has nothing to do with Golden's writing ability. This has not been my favorite novel out of her "The Enchantresses" series, but if one enjoys swoon-worthy romance and regency-style novels then I'd suggest you check it out. There may be some trigger warnings in this novel, though, so proceed cautiously. As usual, congratulations to Ms. Golden for her lovely writing style and enjoyable characters.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and team over at BookSirens for allowing me to review a free ARC. This has not impacted my review at all, and I leave it here voluntarily.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and team over at BookSirens for allowing me to review a free ARC. This has not impacted my review at all, and I leave it here voluntarily.
March 26, 2021
First Comes Marriage👰, Then Comes 💘Love
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Five Shining Golden Stars!
ADULT Georgian Romance 💕and an Arranged Marriage👰.
England 1754.
This is How young, naive wannabe matchmaker, Hazel,💃 gets involved in a girlfriend's illicit romance at a House party and ends up ruined💔 by association.
Her childhood friend , Harold, 🐺🍆⛲💪offers to marry her, even though they haven't seen each other for years. Not a way to start a marriage👰!
Harold's father, a baron, is broke and chasing a big scheme involving the opium trade🚬 and some wealthy, titled investors. What he is doing isn't quite honest and Harold🐺🍆⛲💪 is also against it because it's a big gamble. They could lose everything and be ruined!
Harold 🐺🍆⛲💪wants to help the tenants bring their fallow land back to fruition, instead. Make money the tried and true old fashioned and honest way!
Dad's scheme wins out, but will they lose everything? Who's name is on all the legal papers?
ARC Provided by Book📚 Sirens💃
I also got this ebook with KU.
This is a wonderful, fully developed novel that happens to also be an ADULT Romance. The characters are fully fleshed out and realistic. Recommended!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Five Shining Golden Stars!
ADULT Georgian Romance 💕and an Arranged Marriage👰.
England 1754.
This is How young, naive wannabe matchmaker, Hazel,💃 gets involved in a girlfriend's illicit romance at a House party and ends up ruined💔 by association.
Her childhood friend , Harold, 🐺🍆⛲💪offers to marry her, even though they haven't seen each other for years. Not a way to start a marriage👰!
Harold's father, a baron, is broke and chasing a big scheme involving the opium trade🚬 and some wealthy, titled investors. What he is doing isn't quite honest and Harold🐺🍆⛲💪 is also against it because it's a big gamble. They could lose everything and be ruined!
Harold 🐺🍆⛲💪wants to help the tenants bring their fallow land back to fruition, instead. Make money the tried and true old fashioned and honest way!
Dad's scheme wins out, but will they lose everything? Who's name is on all the legal papers?
ARC Provided by Book📚 Sirens💃
I also got this ebook with KU.
This is a wonderful, fully developed novel that happens to also be an ADULT Romance. The characters are fully fleshed out and realistic. Recommended!
April 9, 2021
This is a very fun little romp through society, including people of color and other sexual preferences without turning a hair. Bad guys get a little comeuppance, feelings are hurt, actions are misconstrued, but through it all there is love between family, friends and lovers.
June 2, 2021
I absolutely loved the storyline with Hazel and Arnold. I enjoyed reading this book and I couldn’t put it down. I’m glad that Hazel choose love over status in this book. I felt sorry for Arnold’s family. I enjoyed reading this book and it was a great book.
March 13, 2021
I’ve been in love with Hazel since The Earl and the Enchantress and I was so excited to finally delve into her story. Its important to note that this is more of a prologue to the Enchantresses as it details Hazel’s marriage to Harold, Walter’s father. Hazel is a bright eyed, young, and very naïve 17 year old dreaming of love-matches and enticing a kiss from the beau she has set her mind on.
I ADORE Walter so it doesn’t surprise me that I love Harold. His special blend of rigid responsibility and gooey cinnamon-y, inner-romantic was just… *chef’s kiss*. Add in a secret hobby? I love it. He hasn’t reached his majority, I believe he is 20, so he is stuck in this impossible position of having to obey his father’s greedy financial machinations that are ruining the estate. I found myself so incredibly stressed by that story device as I am fiercely protective of Hazel and the threat of not having a HEA (even though logically I knew it had to happen) had me baring my teeth.
Harold and Hazel are tooth-achingly sweet together once they settled in and understood each other more. I loved how palpable and relatable the early times were. Those early days in a relationship where you are completely smitten and desperate to spend every minute with each other.
I am a greedy reader and wish we had seen more of the small moments that led to both falling head over heels in love. After all, they were essentially strangers when they married! In particular, I would have loved to see Hazel meeting tenants and seeing her try on the typical responsibilities that Nana was attempting to teach her. Even with that complaint, the romance felt authentic even as a whirlwind.
I have spent the last 2.5 years waiting for this book and I am so pleased that Golden gave Hazel her time to shine. She is such a fantastic character and she absolutely deserved this sweet, swoon-worthy romance. This was completely different from how I expected Golden to approach this particular HEA but I am so pleased with the end result! This is the one book I can say out of the story stands-alone but I do recommend continuing on with the rest of the series as well!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I ADORE Walter so it doesn’t surprise me that I love Harold. His special blend of rigid responsibility and gooey cinnamon-y, inner-romantic was just… *chef’s kiss*. Add in a secret hobby? I love it. He hasn’t reached his majority, I believe he is 20, so he is stuck in this impossible position of having to obey his father’s greedy financial machinations that are ruining the estate. I found myself so incredibly stressed by that story device as I am fiercely protective of Hazel and the threat of not having a HEA (even though logically I knew it had to happen) had me baring my teeth.
Harold and Hazel are tooth-achingly sweet together once they settled in and understood each other more. I loved how palpable and relatable the early times were. Those early days in a relationship where you are completely smitten and desperate to spend every minute with each other.
I am a greedy reader and wish we had seen more of the small moments that led to both falling head over heels in love. After all, they were essentially strangers when they married! In particular, I would have loved to see Hazel meeting tenants and seeing her try on the typical responsibilities that Nana was attempting to teach her. Even with that complaint, the romance felt authentic even as a whirlwind.
I have spent the last 2.5 years waiting for this book and I am so pleased that Golden gave Hazel her time to shine. She is such a fantastic character and she absolutely deserved this sweet, swoon-worthy romance. This was completely different from how I expected Golden to approach this particular HEA but I am so pleased with the end result! This is the one book I can say out of the story stands-alone but I do recommend continuing on with the rest of the series as well!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 14, 2021
Fantastic characters more than compensate for the tired plot
Much thanks to the author, who provided me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Spoilers!
I admit, I wasn’t as excited for Aunt Hazel’s story as I’d been for the others, mostly because I had a hard time imagining her as anything other than Aunt Hazel. But to my surprise, when I dove into this novel I didn’t see Aunt Hazel, middle-aged widow and chaperone; I saw Hazel Trethow, a fresh-faced and bright-eyed seventeen-year-old looking for love, and I adored her.
It’s a simple and overused plot on both fronts: hero needs money to prevent ruin, marries heroine for financial help; despite her innocence, heroine gets caught in a compromising position and is forced to wed to salvage her reputation. But Golden breathes new life into those tired tropes with her friendly, straightforward style, enthusiasm for the telling, and deft handling of the characters. I’m hard-pressed to find faults.
Harold was described as a serious child, and I can imagine it, because he was pretty serious adult—but in a charming, endearing way. Not dour, not aloof, just quiet, steady, patient, and observant. When he’d smile or laugh, it felt like being rewarded. Hazel was kind almost to a fault, allowing her own reputation to be ruined rather than her friend’s; the generosity she showed Agnes knew no bounds. Hazel also had an admirable way of taking shock and stress in stride; sure, she worried and cried her share of tears, but she remained strong and faced consequences that often weren’t hers to face.
Hazel and Harold were both wonderfully mature, not resorting to petty offenses to manufacture drama. I love that he gave her the benefit of the doubt, and I love that she didn’t resent him for marrying her. I love that he showed utmost respect for her as an intelligent individual, and I love that she befriended a lonely old dowager, in whom I saw a glimmer of the future Aunt Hazel.
Patrick was equally as mature and amazing, but Agnes . . . I didn’t really care for Agnes. First, I don’t feel she ever showed true appreciation for Hazel’s sacrifice and generosity—though, to be fair, she did. I realize I’m contradicting myself; Agnes expressed due gratitude and guilt, but I always got the vibe from her that it was half-hearted or even false, that she wasn’t truly sorry for causing Hazel trouble and relieved that she wouldn’t have to answer for her bad choices herself. Always got subtle self-centered vibes. Second, relative, I was dismayed when she and Patrick wed. I understood their reasons, which were sound, but I felt terrible that Patrick was saddling himself with Ucky Agnes. I thought he deserved better. And third, there was the fact that she fell for Driffield to begin with. Yeah, I was generally not impressed with Agnes.
As for the antagonists, Driffield was the traditionally evil villain, which was fine. Harold’s father, though, only seemed evil, greedy and proud until the very end. I very much disliked him and was prepared to hate his stubborn ass—until we saw him with the gun. Until he wept and asked Harold not to leave. Oh, my heart. It’s hard to tell if he wanted Harold to remain simply because he loved his son, or if he wanted the comfort of Harold’s solid, steady presence. Perhaps both. The former is in question because apparently he wasn’t exactly a doting father.
Pace was steady if not fast. What else . . . Oh, what was with Melissa and Chauncey? I got the feeling that I was supposed to be familiar with them, as if they’d had their story in a different book, but I don’t believe they’ve appeared anywhere else. So that was a little weird.
Overall, this was another great book from Golden, and while I’m not sure I’d call it my favorite, I can safely say it’s toward the top of the list. The characters were wonderful, the writing was skilled, and the tale was enjoyed.
Much thanks to the author, who provided me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Spoilers!
I admit, I wasn’t as excited for Aunt Hazel’s story as I’d been for the others, mostly because I had a hard time imagining her as anything other than Aunt Hazel. But to my surprise, when I dove into this novel I didn’t see Aunt Hazel, middle-aged widow and chaperone; I saw Hazel Trethow, a fresh-faced and bright-eyed seventeen-year-old looking for love, and I adored her.
It’s a simple and overused plot on both fronts: hero needs money to prevent ruin, marries heroine for financial help; despite her innocence, heroine gets caught in a compromising position and is forced to wed to salvage her reputation. But Golden breathes new life into those tired tropes with her friendly, straightforward style, enthusiasm for the telling, and deft handling of the characters. I’m hard-pressed to find faults.
Harold was described as a serious child, and I can imagine it, because he was pretty serious adult—but in a charming, endearing way. Not dour, not aloof, just quiet, steady, patient, and observant. When he’d smile or laugh, it felt like being rewarded. Hazel was kind almost to a fault, allowing her own reputation to be ruined rather than her friend’s; the generosity she showed Agnes knew no bounds. Hazel also had an admirable way of taking shock and stress in stride; sure, she worried and cried her share of tears, but she remained strong and faced consequences that often weren’t hers to face.
Hazel and Harold were both wonderfully mature, not resorting to petty offenses to manufacture drama. I love that he gave her the benefit of the doubt, and I love that she didn’t resent him for marrying her. I love that he showed utmost respect for her as an intelligent individual, and I love that she befriended a lonely old dowager, in whom I saw a glimmer of the future Aunt Hazel.
Patrick was equally as mature and amazing, but Agnes . . . I didn’t really care for Agnes. First, I don’t feel she ever showed true appreciation for Hazel’s sacrifice and generosity—though, to be fair, she did. I realize I’m contradicting myself; Agnes expressed due gratitude and guilt, but I always got the vibe from her that it was half-hearted or even false, that she wasn’t truly sorry for causing Hazel trouble and relieved that she wouldn’t have to answer for her bad choices herself. Always got subtle self-centered vibes. Second, relative, I was dismayed when she and Patrick wed. I understood their reasons, which were sound, but I felt terrible that Patrick was saddling himself with Ucky Agnes. I thought he deserved better. And third, there was the fact that she fell for Driffield to begin with. Yeah, I was generally not impressed with Agnes.
As for the antagonists, Driffield was the traditionally evil villain, which was fine. Harold’s father, though, only seemed evil, greedy and proud until the very end. I very much disliked him and was prepared to hate his stubborn ass—until we saw him with the gun. Until he wept and asked Harold not to leave. Oh, my heart. It’s hard to tell if he wanted Harold to remain simply because he loved his son, or if he wanted the comfort of Harold’s solid, steady presence. Perhaps both. The former is in question because apparently he wasn’t exactly a doting father.
Pace was steady if not fast. What else . . . Oh, what was with Melissa and Chauncey? I got the feeling that I was supposed to be familiar with them, as if they’d had their story in a different book, but I don’t believe they’ve appeared anywhere else. So that was a little weird.
Overall, this was another great book from Golden, and while I’m not sure I’d call it my favorite, I can safely say it’s toward the top of the list. The characters were wonderful, the writing was skilled, and the tale was enjoyed.
April 24, 2021
In a bid to help her friend find love, Hazel compromises herself instead. Forced into a marriage of convenience, Hazel is not at all unhappy with the outcome, if only her groom didn't despise her. I found this novel a little confusing at first as there were so many characters involved, but as it picked up the pace, the plot came into focus, and in spite of their Machiavellian fathers' tactics, I enjoyed the romance that developed between Hazel and Harold. They are both hurt by the tactics employed, but ultimately they become the ones to steer the course for the future. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
March 25, 2021
What a great love story!
The Heir and the Enchantress really is a wonderful book. I enjoyed the story
and the characters as well. It also has a nice cover!
It was written very good, clear and it read fluently. I liked the way the author
worked out the plot and the characters.
It was a lovely, laid back reading which I like a lot. I recommend this amazing
book to all who enjoy reading historical love stories. I give this with lot of
pleasure a 5 * rating.
I received a free copy via Booktasters and the author. Thank you very much!
The Heir and the Enchantress really is a wonderful book. I enjoyed the story
and the characters as well. It also has a nice cover!
It was written very good, clear and it read fluently. I liked the way the author
worked out the plot and the characters.
It was a lovely, laid back reading which I like a lot. I recommend this amazing
book to all who enjoy reading historical love stories. I give this with lot of
pleasure a 5 * rating.
I received a free copy via Booktasters and the author. Thank you very much!
April 11, 2021
Ms. Golden's writing is flawless and her style is distinctive.
I loved the rich detail in the story as well as the witty and romatic repartee, the hero and heroine indulge in.
Harold Hobbs is my new book boyfriend - an amazing character and Hazel was the icing on the cake - charming , delightful and passionate.
Please grab this book - It is TOTALLY worth it !
Romance Level : 4/5
Steamy Level: Detailed foreplay and lovemaking and no coarse language used.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the rich detail in the story as well as the witty and romatic repartee, the hero and heroine indulge in.
Harold Hobbs is my new book boyfriend - an amazing character and Hazel was the icing on the cake - charming , delightful and passionate.
Please grab this book - It is TOTALLY worth it !
Romance Level : 4/5
Steamy Level: Detailed foreplay and lovemaking and no coarse language used.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2021
The Heir and The Enchantress. The writer of this book caught my attention with a unique plot to this romance novel. I enjoyed the entertainment and the action that the story gave me. I would have like to see that the two leading characters Hazel and Harold shared that entertainment together, earlier in the book. I believe that maybe the writer wanted the two main characters to tell their story separately, but then come together at the end of the book.
The book read a nice pace. The dialogue between the characters was casual, but stayed focused to the topic at hand. I appreciate it when the writer doesn’t go off topic. There are some wordings that I felt were a little to broad, that had me trying to follow the meaning with the story. This had me slightly detached from the enjoyment of the book.
I enjoyed the different personalities of all the characters. I was able to imagine them perfectly, by their descriptions in the story. The romance between Harold and Hazel was sweet and charming. I would like for the leading lady/ love interest to be a bit more older than seven-teen though, perhaps over twenty plus. Reading love scenes with that age range is a little difficult. The detail descriptions of the scenes provided me with a wonderful imagination of a cute love story.
The book read a nice pace. The dialogue between the characters was casual, but stayed focused to the topic at hand. I appreciate it when the writer doesn’t go off topic. There are some wordings that I felt were a little to broad, that had me trying to follow the meaning with the story. This had me slightly detached from the enjoyment of the book.
I enjoyed the different personalities of all the characters. I was able to imagine them perfectly, by their descriptions in the story. The romance between Harold and Hazel was sweet and charming. I would like for the leading lady/ love interest to be a bit more older than seven-teen though, perhaps over twenty plus. Reading love scenes with that age range is a little difficult. The detail descriptions of the scenes provided me with a wonderful imagination of a cute love story.
March 19, 2021
I love Paullett Golden :D, and it made may entire week to get this ARC from BookSirens. Now let's do this:
Somehow the author always manages something really peculiar in the best way: a historical novel that is very unique while still familiar - it feels very light, while showing deep scenes... The writing can sometimes be very poetic and the people... Ah the people are the best.
Let me state here just a tinyyy bit of a thing: this took a little while to really start - the heroine (Hazel) and hero (Harold) really only seem to meet and start talking after the 20% mark - it wasn't bad, and I liked the opportunity to explore secondary characters more, like the heroine's friend Agnes and the hero's problematic relationship with his father. But the romantic dinamic felt so good (and cute) that for me it was a shame they took so long to find each other.
Now to the main characters: here's where she nailed it, I mean NAILED it :D. Hazel and Harold are... young. And it feels like it... Our heroine just turned 17, and our hero is barely 20. Often times youger characters are either shown as immature and stupid or exceptionally mature and experienced for their age, but here Harold and Hazel were just young people: they had difficulty assimilating some parts of love life, how to stand up to their parents (and discover they were only people), and it felt real. Their reactions made sense. Both of them were well grounded characters with defined personalities, but they were also young. It does not mean they are stupid, it does not mean they are smart despite their age, but that the author made it mean something in the way the narrative works... Beautiful... Absolutely beautiful.
Many thanks to the author, booksirens and all the others involved in granting me this copy, have the best day! Your work made me really happy and I leave this review because I want to.
Somehow the author always manages something really peculiar in the best way: a historical novel that is very unique while still familiar - it feels very light, while showing deep scenes... The writing can sometimes be very poetic and the people... Ah the people are the best.
Let me state here just a tinyyy bit of a thing: this took a little while to really start - the heroine (Hazel) and hero (Harold) really only seem to meet and start talking after the 20% mark - it wasn't bad, and I liked the opportunity to explore secondary characters more, like the heroine's friend Agnes and the hero's problematic relationship with his father. But the romantic dinamic felt so good (and cute) that for me it was a shame they took so long to find each other.
Now to the main characters: here's where she nailed it, I mean NAILED it :D. Hazel and Harold are... young. And it feels like it... Our heroine just turned 17, and our hero is barely 20. Often times youger characters are either shown as immature and stupid or exceptionally mature and experienced for their age, but here Harold and Hazel were just young people: they had difficulty assimilating some parts of love life, how to stand up to their parents (and discover they were only people), and it felt real. Their reactions made sense. Both of them were well grounded characters with defined personalities, but they were also young. It does not mean they are stupid, it does not mean they are smart despite their age, but that the author made it mean something in the way the narrative works... Beautiful... Absolutely beautiful.
Many thanks to the author, booksirens and all the others involved in granting me this copy, have the best day! Your work made me really happy and I leave this review because I want to.
May 9, 2021
A very enjoyable read with realistic characters. I like that marriage took place early in the book and that it didn't end right after as in many books of this genre. Both Hazel and Harold are strong and likable characters. I just wanted to keep reading. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
April 19, 2021
The Heir And The Enchantress is an historical romance. It is book five of the Enchantress series but could easily be read as a stand alone especially as it can be seen as a prequel to the series.
This is the story of Hazel and Harold, two young people whose fathers drew up a friendly marriage agreement for them when they were children. Now with Harold aged twenty and Hazel seventeen, they haven’t seen each other for years.
Rather than taking a meandering route towards getting wed, they find themselves thrown into an abruptly arranged marriage to save Hazel’s reputation. Almost strangers, they must get to know each other. However, lingering in the background is a dark cloud of deceit which has the potential to ruin any happiness they might find together.
I have read all of the books in this series and it was a pleasure to finally read Hazel’s story. She plays a part in the other books and has always been a strong likeable character, so I was pleased to read her early years.
This is the story of Hazel and Harold, two young people whose fathers drew up a friendly marriage agreement for them when they were children. Now with Harold aged twenty and Hazel seventeen, they haven’t seen each other for years.
Rather than taking a meandering route towards getting wed, they find themselves thrown into an abruptly arranged marriage to save Hazel’s reputation. Almost strangers, they must get to know each other. However, lingering in the background is a dark cloud of deceit which has the potential to ruin any happiness they might find together.
I have read all of the books in this series and it was a pleasure to finally read Hazel’s story. She plays a part in the other books and has always been a strong likeable character, so I was pleased to read her early years.
March 17, 2021
4.5 stars, as reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-1sI
Harold Hobbs is heir to Baron Collingwood, and a very dutiful son, even to the point of leaving his home at the tender age of seventeen to travel to India, where he spent three years accomplishing his father’s business. Now that he is home, Harold is looking forward to beginning the courtship of the young lady he's been expected to marry. To Harold’s horror, his father is a changed man, one who’s planning a wild scheme to earn a fortune, by fair means or foul. The baron needs to woo investors, and he forces Harold to be part of his plot. When Harold rebels, and tries to institute a sensible plan to turn the family fortunes around, his father is having none of it. Since Harold is still shy of reaching his majority, he is still under his father’s thumb.
Hazel Trethow is determined to marry for love, despite her father’s wish that she marry the son of his lifelong friend, Baron Collingwood. She’s excited to attend a house party at the baron’s home, though, as she looks forward to meeting some gentlemen, perhaps one who may be her future husband. When Hazel attempts to assist her good friend in secretly meeting a man, she has the bad luck of being the one caught in a compromising situation. When the cad refuses to marry her, leaving her to face ruin, the baron forces Harold to step up and offer marriage. The baron is not being kind, as his son in marriage comes at a substantial financial cost to Hazel’s father.
A hasty marriage takes place during the house party, and two virtual strangers are now tied together forever. Both Hazel and Harold are unsure about the other, yet are very mature for their young years, and are determined to make the best of the situation. THE HEIR AND THE ENCHANTRESS takes us from the newlywed’s initial awkwardness to flirtation to liking to friendship to attraction, and finally to love. The road getting there is not smooth, as outside situations strain the new tenuous happiness. Harold is a stellar young man, his only fault being too obedient a son. I loved watching him finally maturing even further and taking a stand. Both fathers of the newlyweds are awful people, especially Harold’s. Along the way to happy ever after, we meet a couple of delightful secondary characters, Harold’s grandmother, Nana, and his best friend, Patrick, who add some delightful moments. THE HEIR AND THE ENCHANTRESS is truly an enjoyable read, with the lead characters a couple to love and root for. The romance and passion unfolds beautifully, and is some of Paullett Golden’s finest writing.
Harold Hobbs is heir to Baron Collingwood, and a very dutiful son, even to the point of leaving his home at the tender age of seventeen to travel to India, where he spent three years accomplishing his father’s business. Now that he is home, Harold is looking forward to beginning the courtship of the young lady he's been expected to marry. To Harold’s horror, his father is a changed man, one who’s planning a wild scheme to earn a fortune, by fair means or foul. The baron needs to woo investors, and he forces Harold to be part of his plot. When Harold rebels, and tries to institute a sensible plan to turn the family fortunes around, his father is having none of it. Since Harold is still shy of reaching his majority, he is still under his father’s thumb.
Hazel Trethow is determined to marry for love, despite her father’s wish that she marry the son of his lifelong friend, Baron Collingwood. She’s excited to attend a house party at the baron’s home, though, as she looks forward to meeting some gentlemen, perhaps one who may be her future husband. When Hazel attempts to assist her good friend in secretly meeting a man, she has the bad luck of being the one caught in a compromising situation. When the cad refuses to marry her, leaving her to face ruin, the baron forces Harold to step up and offer marriage. The baron is not being kind, as his son in marriage comes at a substantial financial cost to Hazel’s father.
A hasty marriage takes place during the house party, and two virtual strangers are now tied together forever. Both Hazel and Harold are unsure about the other, yet are very mature for their young years, and are determined to make the best of the situation. THE HEIR AND THE ENCHANTRESS takes us from the newlywed’s initial awkwardness to flirtation to liking to friendship to attraction, and finally to love. The road getting there is not smooth, as outside situations strain the new tenuous happiness. Harold is a stellar young man, his only fault being too obedient a son. I loved watching him finally maturing even further and taking a stand. Both fathers of the newlyweds are awful people, especially Harold’s. Along the way to happy ever after, we meet a couple of delightful secondary characters, Harold’s grandmother, Nana, and his best friend, Patrick, who add some delightful moments. THE HEIR AND THE ENCHANTRESS is truly an enjoyable read, with the lead characters a couple to love and root for. The romance and passion unfolds beautifully, and is some of Paullett Golden’s finest writing.
April 1, 2021
The fifth installment to her ongoing ‘Enchantresses’ series, Paulett Golden’s
‘The Heir and The Enchantress’ offers readers a vivid glimpse of the enduring power of romance, showing that love has the ability to sprout in the most unlikely of places—even arranged marriages.
Set in England during the mid-eighteenth century, this time around, the story centers on a manipulative father’s plan to arrange a marriage between his son (Harold Hobbs) and the daughter (Hazel Trethow) of one of his closest friends. Obviously, neither Hazel nor Harold are thrilled with the idea, but both, for a myriad of reasons, feel compelled to give the contrived proposal a shot. What follows is a clever, multi-layered plot pitting these young lovers and their unexpected attraction against the shrouded motivations of their fathers.
I’ll freely admit that I had some preconceived notions going into this novel. After all, historical romance is one of those genres where it rarely pays to deviate from expectations. But color me pleasantly surprised. While the whole ‘arranged-marriage premise might seem a bit trite, Golden’s narrative is anything but. The author skillfully places her pair of nuanced protagonists into an almost comically ‘no-win’ situation, throwing a myriad of highly believable obstacles in their path, and then allows her characters the freedom to defeat the odds and, along the way, fall in love.
As for the requisite ‘love’ scenes, Golden writes with a restrained touch, time and time again setting the scene while leaving more than enough to the imagination. It’s the rarely-found balance of sensual and steamy that really sets this novel apart from the fray, elevating ‘The Heir and The Enchantress’ to more than just another romance novel. Additionally, while Golden’s latest book is a thematic successor to the previous entries in this series, ‘The Heir and The Enchantress’ is very much a standalone novel, so potential readers should feel free to dive right in.
Side-stepping genre-tropes while maintaining an air of romantic magic throughout, Paulett Golden’s
‘The Heir and The Enchantress’ is a pitch-perfect slice of historical romance that is sure to appeal to romance fans across the board—highly recommended.
‘The Heir and The Enchantress’ offers readers a vivid glimpse of the enduring power of romance, showing that love has the ability to sprout in the most unlikely of places—even arranged marriages.
Set in England during the mid-eighteenth century, this time around, the story centers on a manipulative father’s plan to arrange a marriage between his son (Harold Hobbs) and the daughter (Hazel Trethow) of one of his closest friends. Obviously, neither Hazel nor Harold are thrilled with the idea, but both, for a myriad of reasons, feel compelled to give the contrived proposal a shot. What follows is a clever, multi-layered plot pitting these young lovers and their unexpected attraction against the shrouded motivations of their fathers.
I’ll freely admit that I had some preconceived notions going into this novel. After all, historical romance is one of those genres where it rarely pays to deviate from expectations. But color me pleasantly surprised. While the whole ‘arranged-marriage premise might seem a bit trite, Golden’s narrative is anything but. The author skillfully places her pair of nuanced protagonists into an almost comically ‘no-win’ situation, throwing a myriad of highly believable obstacles in their path, and then allows her characters the freedom to defeat the odds and, along the way, fall in love.
As for the requisite ‘love’ scenes, Golden writes with a restrained touch, time and time again setting the scene while leaving more than enough to the imagination. It’s the rarely-found balance of sensual and steamy that really sets this novel apart from the fray, elevating ‘The Heir and The Enchantress’ to more than just another romance novel. Additionally, while Golden’s latest book is a thematic successor to the previous entries in this series, ‘The Heir and The Enchantress’ is very much a standalone novel, so potential readers should feel free to dive right in.
Side-stepping genre-tropes while maintaining an air of romantic magic throughout, Paulett Golden’s
‘The Heir and The Enchantress’ is a pitch-perfect slice of historical romance that is sure to appeal to romance fans across the board—highly recommended.
March 27, 2021
3.5 stars
A flighty gentlewoman in search of romance & a baron’s heir recently returned from business in India are drawn to each other in spite of their preconceived disdain for one another. Smoothly written, with risky business schemes at stake, this is a fun romance with enough emotional depth to keep it engaging.
[What I liked:]
•As much as I like regency settings, it’s really nice to see historical romances from other eras, & I enjoyed this Georgian period novel. The descriptions of fashion & places were spot on.
•I like the writing style. Not too heavy on description, attentive to emotions amid the action, & decent dialogue.
•Harold is a stand up guy, a pretty sympathetic character, & someone who I respect. The descriptions of his artist’s perspective were pretty cool.
•Oh god! I love Nana! She’s so sexy & smart & funny :))
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•Harold’s big dilemma is being forced to go along with a bad plan cooked up by his father. He feels guilt about what he considers his father attempting to take advantage of his friends; so why not just privately warn them it was a bad deal?
•I know Hazel is young & naïve, but she’s quite shallow & flighty early on. I didn’t see much depth in her to respect at first.
•It’s unrealistic how casually Patrick & Harold tell others about Patrick being gay, considering how dangerous that would be for him if gossip spread. And also that everyone seems to just accept it without a second thought. I get why Harold trusted Hazel with it, but really, Patrick telling Agnes, who he’s barely met?
•Ugh. There is a bit of a “big misunderstanding” at the end that was unnecessary imo. Overreacting & refusal to talk, you know the drill. Fortunately it happened near enough the end not to overshadow most of the book, and wasn’t too dragged out.
CW: minimal physical violence (in a rapier duel)
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
A flighty gentlewoman in search of romance & a baron’s heir recently returned from business in India are drawn to each other in spite of their preconceived disdain for one another. Smoothly written, with risky business schemes at stake, this is a fun romance with enough emotional depth to keep it engaging.
[What I liked:]
•As much as I like regency settings, it’s really nice to see historical romances from other eras, & I enjoyed this Georgian period novel. The descriptions of fashion & places were spot on.
•I like the writing style. Not too heavy on description, attentive to emotions amid the action, & decent dialogue.
•Harold is a stand up guy, a pretty sympathetic character, & someone who I respect. The descriptions of his artist’s perspective were pretty cool.
•Oh god! I love Nana! She’s so sexy & smart & funny :))
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•Harold’s big dilemma is being forced to go along with a bad plan cooked up by his father. He feels guilt about what he considers his father attempting to take advantage of his friends; so why not just privately warn them it was a bad deal?
•I know Hazel is young & naïve, but she’s quite shallow & flighty early on. I didn’t see much depth in her to respect at first.
•It’s unrealistic how casually Patrick & Harold tell others about Patrick being gay, considering how dangerous that would be for him if gossip spread. And also that everyone seems to just accept it without a second thought. I get why Harold trusted Hazel with it, but really, Patrick telling Agnes, who he’s barely met?
•Ugh. There is a bit of a “big misunderstanding” at the end that was unnecessary imo. Overreacting & refusal to talk, you know the drill. Fortunately it happened near enough the end not to overshadow most of the book, and wasn’t too dragged out.
CW: minimal physical violence (in a rapier duel)
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
May 1, 2021
I tore through The Heir & The Enchantress. I enjoyed Paullett Golden’s writing so much that I read all of her books back to back until there was nothing left for me to devour. I greatly enjoyed all of the books in the Enchantress series, but this fifth installment is one of my favorites.
The Heir & The Enchantress is a prequel story telling the love story of Hazel Trethow and Harold Hobbs. Enchantress series readers know Hazel as Walter Hobbs’ mother and Lizbeth Trethow’s beloved Aunt from earlier Enchantress novels. I absolutely adore Hazel and Harold individually and together they are even more wonderful.
I enjoyed that Hazel and Harold were very good people who typically made sound choices. The plot of The Heir & The Enchantress was one of my favorites from the series because it opened the usual romance trope of “will they or won’t they get together.” Scandal and obligation brings the two together early on and their love grows after their arranged marriage takes place.
My only minor criticism of the other Enchantress novels was that they all seemed a little long and padded with superfluous and drawn out internal thoughts from the characters, but I found these moments from the minds of Hazel and Harold to hold my interest more; perhaps because I found each character to be so interesting and lacking in self pity or worry. Hazel and Harold are strong and enjoyable characters who find that together they can overcome the challenges posed by greedy and selfish acts of their fathers.
I look forward to the next story Golden offers readers and highly recommend all of her books!
* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley!
The Heir & The Enchantress is a prequel story telling the love story of Hazel Trethow and Harold Hobbs. Enchantress series readers know Hazel as Walter Hobbs’ mother and Lizbeth Trethow’s beloved Aunt from earlier Enchantress novels. I absolutely adore Hazel and Harold individually and together they are even more wonderful.
I enjoyed that Hazel and Harold were very good people who typically made sound choices. The plot of The Heir & The Enchantress was one of my favorites from the series because it opened the usual romance trope of “will they or won’t they get together.” Scandal and obligation brings the two together early on and their love grows after their arranged marriage takes place.
My only minor criticism of the other Enchantress novels was that they all seemed a little long and padded with superfluous and drawn out internal thoughts from the characters, but I found these moments from the minds of Hazel and Harold to hold my interest more; perhaps because I found each character to be so interesting and lacking in self pity or worry. Hazel and Harold are strong and enjoyable characters who find that together they can overcome the challenges posed by greedy and selfish acts of their fathers.
I look forward to the next story Golden offers readers and highly recommend all of her books!
* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley!
March 24, 2021
I was offered an advance copy to review, and I'd never even heard of this author before, so I probably wouldn't have requested one, but it seemed like it might not be too bad, so I took a gamble and accepted. I was hoping it would at least be tolerable, but it ended up being a joy to read! Right off I was pleased that the setup was a bit different from any historical romances I've read previously, (and I've read many!), and then bit by bit I just got sucked into the story and didn't want to put it down. The main characters are both likable people. They're slightly timid compared to a lot of characters who've been around the block a few times, but they're like 18 & 20, so I didn't hold it against them. It felt like they weren't always quite certain how things were, or what they should do about it, but they were trying their best. And it was endearing and relatable. I'm not always against 'insta-love' but sometimes it skips over a lot of the romance of falling in love, so I enjoyed the step by step process in this one. They're thrown together, but then they slowly learn who the other really is, and how to trust, and ask for what they want, and they begin to admire the other more deeply. I smiled a lot at how cute they were. I felt like I had a good grasp on the supporting characters. I kept them straight pretty easily and felt like they were mostly individuals rather than 'best friend #1, Vilain #3' sort of thing. And the story resolved in a satisfying way. I would definitely read more from this author.
November 7, 2021
I'm absolutely in love with this beautiful book. It's my favorite from this spectacular author and I can't say it enough. I loved, loved, loved this! Hazel and Harold are my favorite couple! They are romantic and thoughtful and their love story is just the sweetest. This pulled upon my heartstrings and made me sigh. With breathtaking dialogue and stunning scene descriptions this is absolutely unputdownable. Witnessing these two beautiful souls fall for each other kept me smiling.
Hazel matures so very much from that very first introduction. The woman she becomes is admirable and she's immeasurably likable. She lives to matchmake and has a heart created from gold. I loved seeing her emboldened and pursuing her own happiness. Connecting with Harold was just so swoony.
Harold is the perfect book husband. He's thoughtful and kind and willing to toss everything aside to make his wife the center of his world, when his world and worth is tested. If that doesn't mark a man of being worthy of high esteem, I don't know what else a reader could want. He is... everything!!
I've read every book written by Paullett Golden and for me, this surpassed each one. I've loved each of her books as I've cried and rejoiced over them. But this one is just deliciously delightful and so beautifully memorable. Want a historical romance to swoon over, to absolutely devour and to utterly praise? Pick this one up! You'll fall in love as well. This love story is just unforgettable!
Hazel matures so very much from that very first introduction. The woman she becomes is admirable and she's immeasurably likable. She lives to matchmake and has a heart created from gold. I loved seeing her emboldened and pursuing her own happiness. Connecting with Harold was just so swoony.
Harold is the perfect book husband. He's thoughtful and kind and willing to toss everything aside to make his wife the center of his world, when his world and worth is tested. If that doesn't mark a man of being worthy of high esteem, I don't know what else a reader could want. He is... everything!!
I've read every book written by Paullett Golden and for me, this surpassed each one. I've loved each of her books as I've cried and rejoiced over them. But this one is just deliciously delightful and so beautifully memorable. Want a historical romance to swoon over, to absolutely devour and to utterly praise? Pick this one up! You'll fall in love as well. This love story is just unforgettable!
March 31, 2021
5 stars
I haven't read this author before but I shall look out for more work. A delightful story set in Georgian times. Harold has just returned from India, where he has been checking on one of his father's ivestments. Harold knows his father, Eugene, is sailing close to the wind financially, yet his father continues to entertain. They live in Devon and close to Cornwall. Harold has been promised to Eugene's childhood friends daughter, Hazel. Harold is not that bothered and in fact thinks he might have to marry money to improve the family fortunes. Eugene has one more scheme planned and so invites Hazel and her father, friends and other local people to a house party. Harold has a close friend Phillip and Hazel's friend who is in trouble is Agnes. Bear in mind Hazel is 17 and Harold is 20 so very historically correct in when marraiges would have been undetaken. There are betrayals, miunderstandings, passionate schemes and a delightful grandmother. It's realistic and builds well.
I heartily recommend this story. It's book 5 in a series but I think any link is due to Hazel's family name.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I haven't read this author before but I shall look out for more work. A delightful story set in Georgian times. Harold has just returned from India, where he has been checking on one of his father's ivestments. Harold knows his father, Eugene, is sailing close to the wind financially, yet his father continues to entertain. They live in Devon and close to Cornwall. Harold has been promised to Eugene's childhood friends daughter, Hazel. Harold is not that bothered and in fact thinks he might have to marry money to improve the family fortunes. Eugene has one more scheme planned and so invites Hazel and her father, friends and other local people to a house party. Harold has a close friend Phillip and Hazel's friend who is in trouble is Agnes. Bear in mind Hazel is 17 and Harold is 20 so very historically correct in when marraiges would have been undetaken. There are betrayals, miunderstandings, passionate schemes and a delightful grandmother. It's realistic and builds well.
I heartily recommend this story. It's book 5 in a series but I think any link is due to Hazel's family name.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 4, 2021
Hazel Trethow dreams of marrying for love, but when she's caught in a compromising position at a hunting party, both her father and the host's father arrange for a speedy marriage to baron's son Harold Hobbs to avoid scandal. Harold has only recently returned from India and had planned on playing a call on Ms. Trethow, his betrothed since childhood, but being forced to marry without getting to know Ms. Trethow isn't want he envisions for his marriage. Despite that, Harold is determined to make the most of the situation and plans to court his wife. Can Harold and Hazel learn to do more than just tolerate each other?
I've read all the books in this series and I loved Harold and Hazel. Harold was so honorable and didn't hesitate to marry Hazel, but it's his attempts to woo his wife for a deeper connection and possibly love that appealed to me. This is a slow burn romance with the intended results. Harold also had to grow up fast to stop his greedy father from bankrupting the barony and I liked how he went about that. There was another good twist in the book with the secondary characters that added to the storyline. Ms. Golden is a talented writer who teases out details about the characters that keep you turning the pages until the end. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
I've read all the books in this series and I loved Harold and Hazel. Harold was so honorable and didn't hesitate to marry Hazel, but it's his attempts to woo his wife for a deeper connection and possibly love that appealed to me. This is a slow burn romance with the intended results. Harold also had to grow up fast to stop his greedy father from bankrupting the barony and I liked how he went about that. There was another good twist in the book with the secondary characters that added to the storyline. Ms. Golden is a talented writer who teases out details about the characters that keep you turning the pages until the end. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
April 19, 2021
What is there not to love about Paullett Golden's characters? Relatable, realistic, with flaws and beautiful virtues, fighting the adversities of life with their own brain and skills. I loved that. I loved The Heir and the Enchantress. Hazel and Harold (both names starting with "Ha", as if they were both laughing!) are the co-protagonists of this story set in the 1700s. Because Hazel is involved into a scandal, they are forced into a combined marriage by their fathers, that however doesn't turn them into miserable people, but gives them a chance to fall in love. In fact, it's true love that sparkles, slowly and burning, between these two young people. As well as physical attraction and passion. But between trying to help friends and family in trouble, there is a lot the couple has to face before they can truly enjoy their life together.
There is hardly something to hate about these two characters, who are essentially good-hearted people and very open minded for their historical time.
The writing? It reads so smoothly I didn't take too long to read the whole book -- and I'm a slow reader! Paullett Golden is wonderful at her craft and can easily glue you to the worlds she creates.
I'm likely to read more from this author.
There is hardly something to hate about these two characters, who are essentially good-hearted people and very open minded for their historical time.
The writing? It reads so smoothly I didn't take too long to read the whole book -- and I'm a slow reader! Paullett Golden is wonderful at her craft and can easily glue you to the worlds she creates.
I'm likely to read more from this author.
April 23, 2021
Hazel Trethow, daughter of Cuthbert P. Trethow, only seventeen years old, longs for her first kiss. She meets Harold Hobbs, son of Eugene Hobbs, Baron Collingwood, at a hunting party. He has just returned from India on business.
Hazel really had her heart set on Lord Brooks. He
turns out to be rude and ignored Hazel. She is not impressed by Harold's composed appearance at dinner, but she finds herself starring at him. They grew up together when they were young.
A scandal takes place at this hunting party, which Hazel is falsely accused. Her father and Harold's father make arrangements for both of them to marry the next day. This will be a cover up for the scandalous wagging tongues of the ton.
Hazel realizes she is falling in love with Harold. She can't understand how she missed all those redeeming qualities he has. Harold's father, Lord Collingwood is distraught from a bad business deal gone wrong, and gambling debts.
An enchanting and delightful read, in the series The Enchantresses, book 5. The author knows how to captivate her audience with a cast of authentic characters. Layered with flaws, complexity, and emotionally driven to keep the reader constantly riveted.
I received this book for free. I volunteered to review it and this is my honest review.
Hazel really had her heart set on Lord Brooks. He
turns out to be rude and ignored Hazel. She is not impressed by Harold's composed appearance at dinner, but she finds herself starring at him. They grew up together when they were young.
A scandal takes place at this hunting party, which Hazel is falsely accused. Her father and Harold's father make arrangements for both of them to marry the next day. This will be a cover up for the scandalous wagging tongues of the ton.
Hazel realizes she is falling in love with Harold. She can't understand how she missed all those redeeming qualities he has. Harold's father, Lord Collingwood is distraught from a bad business deal gone wrong, and gambling debts.
An enchanting and delightful read, in the series The Enchantresses, book 5. The author knows how to captivate her audience with a cast of authentic characters. Layered with flaws, complexity, and emotionally driven to keep the reader constantly riveted.
I received this book for free. I volunteered to review it and this is my honest review.
March 22, 2021
This is the first of this series I've read so this can be easily read and enjoyed as a stand-alone. After reading A Dash of Romance, Paullett Golden was on my list of authors to follow. Here the reader is taken a bit further back in time - to a time of panniers, powdered hair and wigs. The fashion descriptions are not overdone. Small touches added here and there by the author made me grin, e.g. at one point the otherwise not so fashion conscious Harold checks to make sure his hair is presentable, then remembers she prefers less rigidity and he is happily proved he was more than right.
Hazel and Harold are not thrilled with the match arranged by their fathers years ago. Harold is willing to give it a try, while less mature Hazel has soon-to-be-dashed hopes for a different match. Both are quite young, but are due to experience a painful lesson about their respective fathers. I enjoyed watching Hazel transform into a pragmatic young woman; she can even see where she has been unfair to Harold, growing up in the process.
This was a very enjoyable and satisfying trip back to another time.
I read a free copy I received via BookSirens; my review is given voluntarily.
Hazel and Harold are not thrilled with the match arranged by their fathers years ago. Harold is willing to give it a try, while less mature Hazel has soon-to-be-dashed hopes for a different match. Both are quite young, but are due to experience a painful lesson about their respective fathers. I enjoyed watching Hazel transform into a pragmatic young woman; she can even see where she has been unfair to Harold, growing up in the process.
This was a very enjoyable and satisfying trip back to another time.
I read a free copy I received via BookSirens; my review is given voluntarily.
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