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Lords in Disguise #4
Save a Horse, Ride a Viscount
His best laid plans…
Ewan Fairchild, Viscount Clayton, has been busy ticking off the boxes for a bright future. Become a rising star in Parliament? Check. Find a lady he intends to marry? Check. Make his stables the envy of every man in London? Check, thanks to the prize Arabian thoroughbred he’s just won at auction. Clayton’s on his way to having it all and won’t change course for anyone—not even the beautiful young woman next door.
…are about to go awry
Lady Theodora Ballard didn’t mind missing a Season of dinner parties, balls, and soirees to care for her ailing mother, but when Thea’s father sold her horse out from under her, she thought her heart would break. Now the roguishly handsome viscount at the neighboring estate has her horse—and she’ll stop at nothing to get him back. Unfortunately, a horse spying mission goes south, leaving Thea with a broken leg and Clayton with an alluring houseguest who upends his orderly world. The sparks between them are undeniable, but secrets and scandal abound. It’s going to take more than a little love to save them…
Ewan Fairchild, Viscount Clayton, has been busy ticking off the boxes for a bright future. Become a rising star in Parliament? Check. Find a lady he intends to marry? Check. Make his stables the envy of every man in London? Check, thanks to the prize Arabian thoroughbred he’s just won at auction. Clayton’s on his way to having it all and won’t change course for anyone—not even the beautiful young woman next door.
…are about to go awry
Lady Theodora Ballard didn’t mind missing a Season of dinner parties, balls, and soirees to care for her ailing mother, but when Thea’s father sold her horse out from under her, she thought her heart would break. Now the roguishly handsome viscount at the neighboring estate has her horse—and she’ll stop at nothing to get him back. Unfortunately, a horse spying mission goes south, leaving Thea with a broken leg and Clayton with an alluring houseguest who upends his orderly world. The sparks between them are undeniable, but secrets and scandal abound. It’s going to take more than a little love to save them…
258 pages, Paperback
First published March 26, 2021
176 people are currently reading
1101 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Bowman
57 books1,574 followersValerie Bowman is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance.
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and sign-up for her newsletter at: https://valeriebowmanbooks.com/newsle...
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valer...
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and sign-up for her newsletter at: https://valeriebowmanbooks.com/newsle...
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valer...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
January 7, 2023
I’m not above being petty enough to deduct a star for CHEKHOV DISTINCTLY NOT RIDING THE VISCOUNT. THAT SCENE WAS FADE TO BLACK ACASCUSE ME BITCH????
There was only one sex scene when this is the most CLEAR title ????? The rest of the books had multiple 😭
There was only one sex scene when this is the most CLEAR title ????? The rest of the books had multiple 😭
March 31, 2021
Loved getting Thea & Ewan’s backstory.
Super intrigued by Philip’s story now.
Super intrigued by Philip’s story now.
May 15, 2021
Even though this book is the 4th book in the series, it is actually a prequel to the first three books in this series and, in my opinion, the better one of the three. It would have been even better if the "ride a viscount" part of the title wasn't a fade to black scene in the book. *shrugs* Oh, well.
The forced proximity the hero and heroine (Ewan and Thea) finds themselves in reminded me of Pride and Prejudice, when Jane Bennett got sick from the rain and had to stay at Netherfield Park. In this case, Thea breaks her leg when Ewan unintentionally frightened her in his stable when she was sneaking in through the window to visist her former horse. Unlike Jane, Thea insisted on leaving to save her reputation, but the doctor's orders were for her to stay put for two weeks. The H/h disliked each other before this encounter but they gradually became friends during her convalescent.
It was an easy read. However, I did have two quibbles and that was that the dialogue was a bit too contemporary for a historical romance. Secondly, I don't know why but I get annoyed when the hero or heroine insists the other call them by their Christian (first) names.
This book also introduces readers to Phillip, one of Ewan's friends, who I don't think was mentioned in the first three books. He's a soldier turned duke because his brother died. However, Ewan, Phillip, and Beau (spy hero from book 3) believe that
The forced proximity the hero and heroine (Ewan and Thea) finds themselves in reminded me of Pride and Prejudice, when Jane Bennett got sick from the rain and had to stay at Netherfield Park. In this case, Thea breaks her leg when Ewan unintentionally frightened her in his stable when she was sneaking in through the window to visist her former horse. Unlike Jane, Thea insisted on leaving to save her reputation, but the doctor's orders were for her to stay put for two weeks. The H/h disliked each other before this encounter but they gradually became friends during her convalescent.
It was an easy read. However, I did have two quibbles and that was that the dialogue was a bit too contemporary for a historical romance. Secondly, I don't know why but I get annoyed when the hero or heroine insists the other call them by their Christian (first) names.
This book also introduces readers to Phillip, one of Ewan's friends, who I don't think was mentioned in the first three books. He's a soldier turned duke because his brother died. However, Ewan, Phillip, and Beau (spy hero from book 3) believe that
March 28, 2021
Love Valerie Bowman. I have read a ton of her books and just love them.
This was a cute story, great characters and a fun read.
Can't wait for the next one...
This was a cute story, great characters and a fun read.
Can't wait for the next one...
January 29, 2022
You would think that a book with this title would have more than one sex scene.
March 30, 2021
I love this title...I should...I’m the “cheeky reader” who suggested it😀. Thanks Valerie for the dedication!
I always enjoy reading Bowman’s books. They live up to her motto, “Racy Regency Romps.”
Beautiful covers in this series too.
I always enjoy reading Bowman’s books. They live up to her motto, “Racy Regency Romps.”
Beautiful covers in this series too.
May 21, 2021
Enjoyed reading this. To start with I thought that Thea was going to be a brat. I'm glad she wasn't. This story didn't tally with the previous books, which I thought odd at first. An entertaining story with an ending that is probably setting the scene for #5.
5☆
5☆
February 9, 2023
The narrator has a habit of adding a sibilant “th” sound onto the end of every word that ends with a T or D. It was so distracting that I almost quit the book early on and was never entirely able to tune it out. I enjoyed the story and characters more than the narration, although there is nothing groundbreaking here. A plus for me: the hero does not fall into the tired man whore trope that’s been done to death. There is a secondary character whose serious trauma was resolved extraordinarily easily. The end seemed to wrap up too quickly, and I wanted to see more justice for the folks manipulating the main characters behind the scenes. Don’t let the suggestive title mislead you—this is not a high heat book. There is only one sex scene and it does not contain the act alluded to in the title.
March 15, 2023
She redeemed herself a little, but she was a brat.
December 20, 2021
3.5 stars. I had to switch from audio to reading physically bc unfortunately the narrator changed and that narrator is someone I cannot listen to, just unbearable.
This was my least favourite so far, probably bc I don't care much about horses - also, I really get annoyed with prequels as sequels - if I'd known this I would have read it first.
Top marks for the title though.
This was my least favourite so far, probably bc I don't care much about horses - also, I really get annoyed with prequels as sequels - if I'd known this I would have read it first.
Top marks for the title though.
August 28, 2022
This was an enjoyable read. I especially liked that the hero wasn’t a manwhore. The heroine was a little obnoxious at times. The most annoying part of the book was when she refuses to marry the hero after it comes out she’s been staying at his home, stuck there due to an injury. Her refusal to marry him even tho she would be ruined was silly and childish. That was really the only aggravating part for me, tho. And I did like that when she made impulsive, poor decisions or was bitchy, she admitted she was wrong and apologized. My biggest complaint with the story was that it had no babies and the epilogue was only a few months past their wedding. The ending was rather abrupt for me, although it leads into the next book in the series. This is a standalone, but it’s a series with interconnected characters from previous books.
Altogether, though, it was a fun read that flowed smoothly and kept my interest, with chemistry between the MCs.
Safe-ish. Hero’s past isn’t mentioned except to say he’s not one to keep mistresses. He doesn’t come off as a manwhore, but it’s not explicitly stated as to how long he’s been celibate. He was on the verge of becoming engaged to a woman due to political influence with her father. She’s never on-page and hero has no emotional or physical intimacy with her. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero. No real ow/om drama, no sharing with others, no cheating or abuse of any kind. HEA but no babies and epilogue was only a couple months out.
Altogether, though, it was a fun read that flowed smoothly and kept my interest, with chemistry between the MCs.
Safe-ish. Hero’s past isn’t mentioned except to say he’s not one to keep mistresses. He doesn’t come off as a manwhore, but it’s not explicitly stated as to how long he’s been celibate. He was on the verge of becoming engaged to a woman due to political influence with her father. She’s never on-page and hero has no emotional or physical intimacy with her. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero. No real ow/om drama, no sharing with others, no cheating or abuse of any kind. HEA but no babies and epilogue was only a couple months out.
March 29, 2021
An enjoyable book in which misunderstanding is the main theme, without generating too much drama.
Libro piacevole, in cui il fraintendimento fa da padrone, pur senza generare troppo dramma.
Libro piacevole, in cui il fraintendimento fa da padrone, pur senza generare troppo dramma.
April 8, 2023
3.5 stars
Rating got dinged half a star for the non ending
Rating got dinged half a star for the non ending
July 3, 2023
**Trigger Warnings Below**
Heroine: Theodora Ballard, 22. Nickname: Thea. Daughter of the Earl of Blackstone.
Hero: Ewan Fairchild, 28. Viscount Clayton
Date: 1813
How they meet: Four years prior, Thea’s father sold her favorite horse while she was caring for her mother on her deathbed. The horse has come up for auction, but Thea’s brother fails to get the winning bid. Ewan, a distant neighbor, now owns the horse. After a letter writing campaign by Thea fails to convince Ewan to sell, she goes to his house unannounced.
What happens: The conversation between Ewan and Thea doesn’t go well. Not only will he not sell, but thinking her spoiled, he refuses to let her even see the horse. Thea comes up with a plan to dress as a stable boy and sneak into the stables at night to see her beloved horse. She is able to climb in through a window to gain entry. She successfully finds the horse, but does not go unnoticed on the nights she visits. Ewan learns someone has been breaking in and, thinking it just might be Thea, decides to keep watch himself. When he catches her climbing in, he startles her and she falls, breaking her leg.
Trigger Warnings:
Verdict: This romance was hinted at in the first three books of the series, so it was nice to go back in time to get their story. It is a very cute story about two stubborn, guarded people. I thought the chemistry between the hero and heroine was good, starting out as enemies, then working towards friendship, and finally love. There were a few times in the earlier parts of the story when I was a little frustrated with how brusque they were with each other. I only wish the book went on a bit longer to show more of their adjustment to married life. I also wish Thea would have told off her father for what he did to her mother. While this is the 4th book in the series, it is chronologically first and makes a good standalone.
Steam-level: steamy (mostly in one long scene) and explicit
Rating: 4 stars
Heroine: Theodora Ballard, 22. Nickname: Thea. Daughter of the Earl of Blackstone.
Hero: Ewan Fairchild, 28. Viscount Clayton
Date: 1813
How they meet: Four years prior, Thea’s father sold her favorite horse while she was caring for her mother on her deathbed. The horse has come up for auction, but Thea’s brother fails to get the winning bid. Ewan, a distant neighbor, now owns the horse. After a letter writing campaign by Thea fails to convince Ewan to sell, she goes to his house unannounced.
What happens: The conversation between Ewan and Thea doesn’t go well. Not only will he not sell, but thinking her spoiled, he refuses to let her even see the horse. Thea comes up with a plan to dress as a stable boy and sneak into the stables at night to see her beloved horse. She is able to climb in through a window to gain entry. She successfully finds the horse, but does not go unnoticed on the nights she visits. Ewan learns someone has been breaking in and, thinking it just might be Thea, decides to keep watch himself. When he catches her climbing in, he startles her and she falls, breaking her leg.
Trigger Warnings:
Verdict: This romance was hinted at in the first three books of the series, so it was nice to go back in time to get their story. It is a very cute story about two stubborn, guarded people. I thought the chemistry between the hero and heroine was good, starting out as enemies, then working towards friendship, and finally love. There were a few times in the earlier parts of the story when I was a little frustrated with how brusque they were with each other. I only wish the book went on a bit longer to show more of their adjustment to married life. I also wish Thea would have told off her father for what he did to her mother. While this is the 4th book in the series, it is chronologically first and makes a good standalone.
Steam-level: steamy (mostly in one long scene) and explicit
Rating: 4 stars
March 28, 2021
The plot is a bit silly but I got to love this book for the title alone. This is the story of Clayton and Thea who were already happily married in the first three books of the footman series. Nobody is disguised as a footman now but there are as many as two secret houseguests.
Philip's story is next I hope.
Philip's story is next I hope.
July 1, 2021
A Karen of the First Water
What can go wrong when a stubborn girl meets a conventional scientist? Clearly everything. The heroine has lost her prized horse at an auction to our hero. She writes him trying to get the horseback and he kindly says no. She goes to the hero's house uninvited and asks again and the answer is still no. She then trespasses on his property not one but three times to see the horse and breaks her leg in the process. The heroine is forced to recover at the hero's home. At this point of the story, the heroine has proven herself to be a Karen of the first water. She hears the word no and she has a full hissy-fit. A 22-year-old blaming curiosity for her behavior?? In her itty bitty mind privacy doesn't matter and she is owed an explanation for everything. She truly couldn't mind her own business. Meanwhile, she starts worrying about a potential scandal that could happen if anyone knew she was there but wasn't worried when she was trespassing. She was a walking contradiction like all of us are. As our hero and heroine start spending more and more time together we get to see the heroine as more than a Grade A Asshat. She is very kind-hearted. Our hero tells her a secret and she is beyond kind and caring about it. Gossip hits the newspapers about their situation. She overhears the hero say he had a fiance. She demands to be taken back home immediately by her Father. So this is where the author made the hero say something completely out of character. He's a scientist, intentional with his words, defends bills in parliament, and he is a 28 yr old full-grown man. Surely, a man like this would not call a girl he's never met, doesn't have feelings for nor asked for her hand in marriage, his fiance. Our heroine was under lots of anguish for a poor word choice by the hero. This is the only issue I had with our hero. Other than that he was a true gentleman throughout the whole story. Both of them became miserable without each other. They finally reconnected and got married. They had a bit of miscommunication that got cleared up by a friend who nicely put a bow around everything. I'm glad that the heroine recognized that she almost missed out on love due to her stubbornness.
What can go wrong when a stubborn girl meets a conventional scientist? Clearly everything. The heroine has lost her prized horse at an auction to our hero. She writes him trying to get the horseback and he kindly says no. She goes to the hero's house uninvited and asks again and the answer is still no. She then trespasses on his property not one but three times to see the horse and breaks her leg in the process. The heroine is forced to recover at the hero's home. At this point of the story, the heroine has proven herself to be a Karen of the first water. She hears the word no and she has a full hissy-fit. A 22-year-old blaming curiosity for her behavior?? In her itty bitty mind privacy doesn't matter and she is owed an explanation for everything. She truly couldn't mind her own business. Meanwhile, she starts worrying about a potential scandal that could happen if anyone knew she was there but wasn't worried when she was trespassing. She was a walking contradiction like all of us are. As our hero and heroine start spending more and more time together we get to see the heroine as more than a Grade A Asshat. She is very kind-hearted. Our hero tells her a secret and she is beyond kind and caring about it. Gossip hits the newspapers about their situation. She overhears the hero say he had a fiance. She demands to be taken back home immediately by her Father. So this is where the author made the hero say something completely out of character. He's a scientist, intentional with his words, defends bills in parliament, and he is a 28 yr old full-grown man. Surely, a man like this would not call a girl he's never met, doesn't have feelings for nor asked for her hand in marriage, his fiance. Our heroine was under lots of anguish for a poor word choice by the hero. This is the only issue I had with our hero. Other than that he was a true gentleman throughout the whole story. Both of them became miserable without each other. They finally reconnected and got married. They had a bit of miscommunication that got cleared up by a friend who nicely put a bow around everything. I'm glad that the heroine recognized that she almost missed out on love due to her stubbornness.
June 20, 2022
The best so far
This is the best book in the series so far.
His best laid plans…
Ewan Fairchild, Viscount Clayton, has been busy ticking off the boxes for a bright future. Become a rising star in Parliament? Check. Find a lady he intends to marry? Check. Make his stables the envy of every man in London? Check, thanks to the prize Arabian thoroughbred he’s just won at auction. Clayton’s on his way to having it all and won’t change course for anyone—not even the beautiful young woman next door.
…are about to go awry
Thea never thought a broken leg would lead to love.
Lady Theodora Ballard didn’t mind missing a Season of dinner parties, balls, and soirees to care for her ailing mother, but when Thea’s father sold her horse out from under her, she thought her heart would break. Now the roguishly handsome viscount at the neighboring estate has her horse—and she’ll stop at nothing to get him back. Unfortunately, a horse spying mission goes south, leaving Thea with a broken leg and Clayton with an alluring houseguest who upends his orderly world. The sparks between them are undeniable, but secrets and scandal abound. It’s going to take more than a little love to save them.
I own a copy of this book.
This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
This is the best book in the series so far.
His best laid plans…
Ewan Fairchild, Viscount Clayton, has been busy ticking off the boxes for a bright future. Become a rising star in Parliament? Check. Find a lady he intends to marry? Check. Make his stables the envy of every man in London? Check, thanks to the prize Arabian thoroughbred he’s just won at auction. Clayton’s on his way to having it all and won’t change course for anyone—not even the beautiful young woman next door.
…are about to go awry
Thea never thought a broken leg would lead to love.
Lady Theodora Ballard didn’t mind missing a Season of dinner parties, balls, and soirees to care for her ailing mother, but when Thea’s father sold her horse out from under her, she thought her heart would break. Now the roguishly handsome viscount at the neighboring estate has her horse—and she’ll stop at nothing to get him back. Unfortunately, a horse spying mission goes south, leaving Thea with a broken leg and Clayton with an alluring houseguest who upends his orderly world. The sparks between them are undeniable, but secrets and scandal abound. It’s going to take more than a little love to save them.
I own a copy of this book.
This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
February 25, 2023
Cute story. Nothing fabulous but a good read. However, the narration of the audiobook was abysmal. The reader added odd h sounds to the end of some words, mostly those ending in t or d. It was terribly distracting.
And I hate the title.
And I hate the title.
April 5, 2021
Slow burn romance very sweet. One of My favorite authors ❤️
July 11, 2021
Theodora (Thea) loves a horse. She raised him when he was a foal. Her late mother bred him. He was Thea’s best friend when her mother was ill and near death.
Her father sold the horse without her knowledge. Now years later, when she thought there was a possibility she could get the horse back, she finds that is not to happen.
First she writes letters to Ewan, Viscount Clayton, asking to buy the horse. The answer is no. So, Thea goes to Ewan’s home. The answer is still no. So, like any other abnormal young woman, she dresses as a boy and breaks into the stable to visit the horse. On the third night, she is caught, and falls and breaks her leg.
The doctor says she must stay at Ewan’s home at least 4 to 6 weeks while her leg heals. She cannot be moved.
Ewan is a terrific man. He is considerate and kind and intelligent. He is a scientist in his spare time. He wants to become a power in Parliament in order to make improvements for the country. I liked him immediately.
It was much harder for me to like Thea. She acted like a spoiled rotten brat. At one point Ewan says that he believes she has never been told :”no”. It felt as though she were so very self-involved that no one else mattered. No one’s feelings ever seemed to come into her line of sight.
Eventually, she became more likable for me, but it was difficult until the writing showed her true colors..
Ms Bowman is a wonderful author. This series (the Footmen)has been filled with terrific stories of couples who find one another against the odds. She writes with humor and obvious love for her characters.
This book is well written. Thea and Ewan are very strong characters. Both are basically good hearted people who want what is best for friends and family. There are strong secondary characters who add a great deal to this book.
It works as a stand alone But I recommend, that if you want the full sense of fun and romance, read the earlier books in the series. You miss a lot of smiles if you don’t.
Her father sold the horse without her knowledge. Now years later, when she thought there was a possibility she could get the horse back, she finds that is not to happen.
First she writes letters to Ewan, Viscount Clayton, asking to buy the horse. The answer is no. So, Thea goes to Ewan’s home. The answer is still no. So, like any other abnormal young woman, she dresses as a boy and breaks into the stable to visit the horse. On the third night, she is caught, and falls and breaks her leg.
The doctor says she must stay at Ewan’s home at least 4 to 6 weeks while her leg heals. She cannot be moved.
Ewan is a terrific man. He is considerate and kind and intelligent. He is a scientist in his spare time. He wants to become a power in Parliament in order to make improvements for the country. I liked him immediately.
It was much harder for me to like Thea. She acted like a spoiled rotten brat. At one point Ewan says that he believes she has never been told :”no”. It felt as though she were so very self-involved that no one else mattered. No one’s feelings ever seemed to come into her line of sight.
Eventually, she became more likable for me, but it was difficult until the writing showed her true colors..
Ms Bowman is a wonderful author. This series (the Footmen)has been filled with terrific stories of couples who find one another against the odds. She writes with humor and obvious love for her characters.
This book is well written. Thea and Ewan are very strong characters. Both are basically good hearted people who want what is best for friends and family. There are strong secondary characters who add a great deal to this book.
It works as a stand alone But I recommend, that if you want the full sense of fun and romance, read the earlier books in the series. You miss a lot of smiles if you don’t.
July 14, 2023
Rating: 4.50/5.00 —> ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Believe me, I did NOT expect to rate this book above 4 stars; it’s not because I believed I wouldn’t like it, it was because I usually end up loving the first book the most in a series, disliking the other books. Which is why I am surprised I’m giving this book a higher rating than the 1st book (The Footman and I) itself!
I cant deny it though; Ewan and Thea were too adorable to not rate this high! I loved the motivation behind their own actions especially in the beginning, to why they both didn’t like each other; to Thea, he was the man keeping her from the horse that she felt would bring her mother’s presence back to her, and to Ewan, she was a rude woman who he wouldn’t take no for an answer.
Due to the tropes of ✨forced proximity✨ they fell in love, and it was adorable! The only reason I’m not rating this a 5 star is because of the switch up with Thea’s father at the end; she spent her entire life hating him since he basically cheated on her mom & then admits that “Perhaps he wasn’t so bad after all” because he tried to set her and Ewan up????
Anyways, loved the book! Definitely recommend
Tropes: • forced proximity
• he fell 1st and fell harder
• historical romance
• [not really enemies but people who disliked each other] to friends to lovers
Spoilers!
• HEA✔️
• Cheating: ❌
OM —> ❌
OW —> ❌ [well; Ewan had a lady he wanted to get engaged to but not because he loved her, because of politics but he was never in love with her & they weren’t offical (barely even met: he only wanted to marry her cuz of her family reputation) and we never even see her]
Believe me, I did NOT expect to rate this book above 4 stars; it’s not because I believed I wouldn’t like it, it was because I usually end up loving the first book the most in a series, disliking the other books. Which is why I am surprised I’m giving this book a higher rating than the 1st book (The Footman and I) itself!
I cant deny it though; Ewan and Thea were too adorable to not rate this high! I loved the motivation behind their own actions especially in the beginning, to why they both didn’t like each other; to Thea, he was the man keeping her from the horse that she felt would bring her mother’s presence back to her, and to Ewan, she was a rude woman who he wouldn’t take no for an answer.
Due to the tropes of ✨forced proximity✨ they fell in love, and it was adorable! The only reason I’m not rating this a 5 star is because of the switch up with Thea’s father at the end; she spent her entire life hating him since he basically cheated on her mom & then admits that “Perhaps he wasn’t so bad after all” because he tried to set her and Ewan up????
Anyways, loved the book! Definitely recommend
Tropes: • forced proximity
• he fell 1st and fell harder
• historical romance
• [not really enemies but people who disliked each other] to friends to lovers
Spoilers!
• HEA✔️
• Cheating: ❌
OM —> ❌
OW —> ❌ [well; Ewan had a lady he wanted to get engaged to but not because he loved her, because of politics but he was never in love with her & they weren’t offical (barely even met: he only wanted to marry her cuz of her family reputation) and we never even see her]
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2024
Empecé este libro porque había leído los anteriores de la serie pero no tenía muchas expectativas sobre él. Debo reconocer que me ha gustado bastante y sorprendido con alguna parte de la historia.
Theo no puede olvidar a Alabaster, el caballo árabe al que crio cuando era un potro y que su padre vendió sin avisarla cuando su madre estaba enferma. Ahora, su hermano acude a una subasta para comprarlo. Lo que Theo no podía imaginarse era la cantidad tan desorbitada que ha pagado su vecino, el vizconde Clayton para conseguir ese caballo.
El primer encuentro entre Theo y Clayton no tiene desperdicio. Y el vizconde, decidido a darle una lección a esa joven altiva, se niega a vendérselo de nuevo.
Theo no dudará en colarse en su establo en medio de la noche para ver a su adorado caballo. El problema viene cuando una sola visita no es suficiente.
La joven es sorprendida por el dueño de la casa y, debido al accidente, debe quedarse en casa de Clayton unas semanas.
La relación entre Theo y Clayton se transformará a la fuera. Ella no es la niña consentida que él pensaba. Y Clayton no es el hombre déspota y altanero que ella tenía en mente. Además que Ewan guarda un secreto que Theo está deseosa de descubrir. Clayton es un buen amigo y capaz de cualquier cosa para proteger y ayudar a Phillip, amigo de la infancia y con secuelas terribles tras la guerra en la península.
Debo reconocer que esta historia me ha gustado mucho, más que las tres anteriores, en realidad. Theo y Clayton no son lo que parecen y los personajes están muy bien construidos.
Deseando estoy de leer la historia de Phillip.
Theo no puede olvidar a Alabaster, el caballo árabe al que crio cuando era un potro y que su padre vendió sin avisarla cuando su madre estaba enferma. Ahora, su hermano acude a una subasta para comprarlo. Lo que Theo no podía imaginarse era la cantidad tan desorbitada que ha pagado su vecino, el vizconde Clayton para conseguir ese caballo.
El primer encuentro entre Theo y Clayton no tiene desperdicio. Y el vizconde, decidido a darle una lección a esa joven altiva, se niega a vendérselo de nuevo.
Theo no dudará en colarse en su establo en medio de la noche para ver a su adorado caballo. El problema viene cuando una sola visita no es suficiente.
La joven es sorprendida por el dueño de la casa y, debido al accidente, debe quedarse en casa de Clayton unas semanas.
La relación entre Theo y Clayton se transformará a la fuera. Ella no es la niña consentida que él pensaba. Y Clayton no es el hombre déspota y altanero que ella tenía en mente. Además que Ewan guarda un secreto que Theo está deseosa de descubrir. Clayton es un buen amigo y capaz de cualquier cosa para proteger y ayudar a Phillip, amigo de la infancia y con secuelas terribles tras la guerra en la península.
Debo reconocer que esta historia me ha gustado mucho, más que las tres anteriores, en realidad. Theo y Clayton no son lo que parecen y los personajes están muy bien construidos.
Deseando estoy de leer la historia de Phillip.
April 29, 2022
I loved reading the fourth book in Valerie Bowman’s The Footman’s Club series. Although I haven’t read the first three books, I didn’t have any problems following the story line. The enemies-to-lovers trope is one I do enjoy. I plan to go back and read the other books since I found this one to be such a delight! I hope you read and enjoy the book as much as I did.
Thea came across as a stubborn, spoiled brat who doesn’t understand the word ‘no’. And it gets her in serious trouble. However, when her back story was revealed, I started to understand her motivation and like her. Ewan was a true gentleman from the start with his own reasons for wanting to keep Alabaster. How can you not love Ewan? The banter between Thea and Ewan was terrific! Their’s was a slow-burn but definitely worth reading! The secondary characters all add depth to this well-written story. I loved Maggie, Thea’s maid and best friend.
Thank you to Valerie Bowman and Goodreads for the book. I voluntarily read the book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thea came across as a stubborn, spoiled brat who doesn’t understand the word ‘no’. And it gets her in serious trouble. However, when her back story was revealed, I started to understand her motivation and like her. Ewan was a true gentleman from the start with his own reasons for wanting to keep Alabaster. How can you not love Ewan? The banter between Thea and Ewan was terrific! Their’s was a slow-burn but definitely worth reading! The secondary characters all add depth to this well-written story. I loved Maggie, Thea’s maid and best friend.
Thank you to Valerie Bowman and Goodreads for the book. I voluntarily read the book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 23, 2023
I started reading this for the hilarious title, and I have found myself a diamond in the rough!
I adore Valerie Bowman's writing style. I see the influence of my favorite authors in her work, especially how she characterized the heroine.
Thea is my favorite kind of heroine, she knows herself and is very strong willed. Of course, our hero sees her as being a terrible spoiled brat, but through the forced proximity he learns he was entirely wrong (I do love when the hero realizes what an ass he has been). I adored her relationship with her horse, she will risk bodily harm and dress as a man just to see Alabaster. Oh! The part about her mother nearly broke my heart.
Ewan is one of those orderly fellows. He probably spends too much time at his desk to go courting, he has already decided he will marry someone as a simple business alliance. Thea comes crashing into Ewan's life and all his plans seem obsolete.
This really was a lovely read.
P.S.- I was surprised that there was only one love scene... the title certainly made some implications of what I would find between the covers.
I adore Valerie Bowman's writing style. I see the influence of my favorite authors in her work, especially how she characterized the heroine.
Thea is my favorite kind of heroine, she knows herself and is very strong willed. Of course, our hero sees her as being a terrible spoiled brat, but through the forced proximity he learns he was entirely wrong (I do love when the hero realizes what an ass he has been). I adored her relationship with her horse, she will risk bodily harm and dress as a man just to see Alabaster. Oh! The part about her mother nearly broke my heart.
Ewan is one of those orderly fellows. He probably spends too much time at his desk to go courting, he has already decided he will marry someone as a simple business alliance. Thea comes crashing into Ewan's life and all his plans seem obsolete.
This really was a lovely read.
P.S.- I was surprised that there was only one love scene... the title certainly made some implications of what I would find between the covers.
May 11, 2025
It's good, but not anything particularly innovative.
First, it should be noted that this book takes place before the first three books in the series. I don't know why they are out of order, but that's important to know.
Second, I listened to the audio book version read by Mary Sarah, and it was annoying. She does better than I could, but her voice is very breathy and slow. It's odd because it sounds more appropriate for an intimate scene, not a whole book. I was not a fan.
I like the premise of the FMC breaking her leg while sneaking onto the MMCs' property, but the main conflicts in the book are miscommunication and a lack of communication. She will not tell him her reasons. He will not tell her his, they both think the other is unreasonable. They are unkind to each other because of their assumptions. It's well written but a pretty common plot device among romance novels. I was disappointed the author wasn't more creative.
I am looking forward to some of the sub characters stories, though. Philips' story so far is interesting.
First, it should be noted that this book takes place before the first three books in the series. I don't know why they are out of order, but that's important to know.
Second, I listened to the audio book version read by Mary Sarah, and it was annoying. She does better than I could, but her voice is very breathy and slow. It's odd because it sounds more appropriate for an intimate scene, not a whole book. I was not a fan.
I like the premise of the FMC breaking her leg while sneaking onto the MMCs' property, but the main conflicts in the book are miscommunication and a lack of communication. She will not tell him her reasons. He will not tell her his, they both think the other is unreasonable. They are unkind to each other because of their assumptions. It's well written but a pretty common plot device among romance novels. I was disappointed the author wasn't more creative.
I am looking forward to some of the sub characters stories, though. Philips' story so far is interesting.
October 17, 2021
Thea was headstrong for sure, so headstrong she ended up with a broken leg, could not be moved and had to stay with a Viscount *wink wink* Just to see the horse her father sold long ago.
As for Ewan, oh man, you could have stayed out of so much trouble of you had just let her see that horse!
They have to spend some time together, and they talk, and fancy each other. But there has to be some drama, though to be fair, if she had just asked him one question then there had been no drama. So he had to do some chasing, good for you Sir.
There is also a sidestory with his friend who he tries to help, and I do hope that friend gets the next book.
All in all, a fast, sweet story. And a titles that will always give me a chuckle.
The narration was good after a for me bumpy road, as she did not have a lot of voices for the characters. But she made it a fast fun read
As for Ewan, oh man, you could have stayed out of so much trouble of you had just let her see that horse!
They have to spend some time together, and they talk, and fancy each other. But there has to be some drama, though to be fair, if she had just asked him one question then there had been no drama. So he had to do some chasing, good for you Sir.
There is also a sidestory with his friend who he tries to help, and I do hope that friend gets the next book.
All in all, a fast, sweet story. And a titles that will always give me a chuckle.
The narration was good after a for me bumpy road, as she did not have a lot of voices for the characters. But she made it a fast fun read
June 16, 2024
4/5
How dare you give me such an excellent title and not give me a scene where the Viscount is, in fact, ridden. How dare you make me excited for the scene and not even write it in the book? I was certain the title was something the Viscount told his love interest! I'm so disappointed now!
Yes, this is why it's not a 5 star book. I'm not above being petty enough to take a star off for that.
I'm glad we finally had more of Clayton and Theodora. And Bell was there too! Ahhh now I binge read the previous books, but was the fact that Phillips brother was killed, something to do with the Bidasoa traitor? I don't remember Philip being ever mentioned in the previous books (that took place a year later), but maybe there was a mention about the Duke? Not sure. I'm so curious now! I hope Phillip will get how own book though!
How dare you give me such an excellent title and not give me a scene where the Viscount is, in fact, ridden. How dare you make me excited for the scene and not even write it in the book? I was certain the title was something the Viscount told his love interest! I'm so disappointed now!
Yes, this is why it's not a 5 star book. I'm not above being petty enough to take a star off for that.
I'm glad we finally had more of Clayton and Theodora. And Bell was there too! Ahhh now I binge read the previous books, but was the fact that Phillips brother was killed, something to do with the Bidasoa traitor? I don't remember Philip being ever mentioned in the previous books (that took place a year later), but maybe there was a mention about the Duke? Not sure. I'm so curious now! I hope Phillip will get how own book though!
July 13, 2022
Mostly listened to the audiobook at first I didn’t like the narrators voice but it grew on me and became hypnotic! Though this narrators voice is very different from that of the first three which is a bit clashing.
I enjoyed this story - Thea at first seems spoiled but there is actually a lot of depth to her character. Ewan is an all around good guy and I liked his sense of honor.
This wasn’t the most fast paced story but the banter and conversation was great and I found myself very engaged.
This series has a theme of the hero’s being unsure of themselves about going after the girl and they need “a talk” from one of the friends. I guess this is realistic but I wish the men had a bit more gusto on their own.
I enjoyed this story - Thea at first seems spoiled but there is actually a lot of depth to her character. Ewan is an all around good guy and I liked his sense of honor.
This wasn’t the most fast paced story but the banter and conversation was great and I found myself very engaged.
This series has a theme of the hero’s being unsure of themselves about going after the girl and they need “a talk” from one of the friends. I guess this is realistic but I wish the men had a bit more gusto on their own.
August 20, 2024
3.5⭐
2🌶️ 1 decently described scene
Impetuous FMC is mad her brother failed to buy back her horse. Finds out a nearby neighbor bought horse. Writes him, demanding to buy horse. When that fails, she sneaks over to visit. 3rd visit, she's startled by MMC, falls out of windowsill, breaks leg.
"Must" stay at his estate to recuperate, per doctor and her dad. But she's "hiding" so as not to compromise her reputation.
She finds out there is another secret guest. Friend of MMC, recovered from physical war injuries, now silent x 6 months, no cause. The horse was his until he was presumed dead, horse shipped back home.
They bond over horse, he comes back to himself.
She recovers. They both mope after she goes home, HEA.
2🌶️ 1 decently described scene
Impetuous FMC is mad her brother failed to buy back her horse. Finds out a nearby neighbor bought horse. Writes him, demanding to buy horse. When that fails, she sneaks over to visit. 3rd visit, she's startled by MMC, falls out of windowsill, breaks leg.
"Must" stay at his estate to recuperate, per doctor and her dad. But she's "hiding" so as not to compromise her reputation.
She finds out there is another secret guest. Friend of MMC, recovered from physical war injuries, now silent x 6 months, no cause. The horse was his until he was presumed dead, horse shipped back home.
They bond over horse, he comes back to himself.
She recovers. They both mope after she goes home, HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2024
From the Amazon review: After she breaks her leg trespassing, a stubborn wallflower is forced to stay at a prickly earl's country house.
"Intriguing [and] engaging."—Publishers Weekly
"Too delightful to miss!"—Lisa Kleypas
"Sparkling…witty…engaging." —RT Book Reviews
It had its moments of 'wit' and 'sparkle' and the characters were mildly engaging but I felt like I'd walked in in the middle of a play and had no idea who some of Ewan's friends are, though it sounds like we should have already been introduced. The ending, too, feels like there's another book coming that will clear up a mystery we've only just been introduced to. Left this aboard the Viking Jupiter in their book Exchange for whoever wants to read it.
"Intriguing [and] engaging."—Publishers Weekly
"Too delightful to miss!"—Lisa Kleypas
"Sparkling…witty…engaging." —RT Book Reviews
It had its moments of 'wit' and 'sparkle' and the characters were mildly engaging but I felt like I'd walked in in the middle of a play and had no idea who some of Ewan's friends are, though it sounds like we should have already been introduced. The ending, too, feels like there's another book coming that will clear up a mystery we've only just been introduced to. Left this aboard the Viking Jupiter in their book Exchange for whoever wants to read it.
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