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The Talk of the Beau Monde #3
How Not to Chaperon a Lady
His childhood nemesis…
…is the woman he can’t resist!
Chaperoning Charity Brookes while she’s on a singing tour should be easy for Griffith Philpot—he’s spent his whole life sparring with her over her flighty ways! But as he discovers that she’s much more than the impetuous girl he thought he knew, a passion ignites between them… Sharing a steamy kiss leaves him torn—he’s supposed to be responsible for guarding her virtue!
From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
The Talk of the Beau Monde
Book 1: The Viscount's Unconventional Lady
Book 2: The Marquess Next Door
Book 3: How Not to Chaperon a Lady
…is the woman he can’t resist!
Chaperoning Charity Brookes while she’s on a singing tour should be easy for Griffith Philpot—he’s spent his whole life sparring with her over her flighty ways! But as he discovers that she’s much more than the impetuous girl he thought he knew, a passion ignites between them… Sharing a steamy kiss leaves him torn—he’s supposed to be responsible for guarding her virtue!
From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
The Talk of the Beau Monde
Book 1: The Viscount's Unconventional Lady
Book 2: The Marquess Next Door
Book 3: How Not to Chaperon a Lady
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2021
66 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Virginia Heath
136 books1,193 followersWhen Virginia Heath was a little girl it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Twenty books and two Romantic Novel of the Year Award nominations later, and it still takes her forever to fall asleep.
Her new Regency Romcom for St Martin's Press ~ Never Fall For Your Fiancée ~ is on sale November 9, 2021
If you want to find out more check out virginiaheathromance.com or follow her on Facebook @VirginiaHeathAuthor
Her new Regency Romcom for St Martin's Press ~ Never Fall For Your Fiancée ~ is on sale November 9, 2021
If you want to find out more check out virginiaheathromance.com or follow her on Facebook @VirginiaHeathAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 12, 2021
Charity Brookes, an opera singer, embarks on a tour of the north with her close friend Dorothy - but this means going with Dorothy's brother Griff as well, and the two have always loathed each other since childhood. However, as they see more of each other, their feelings begin to change.
This was a short charming read about a pair of well-matched leads. I liked how the characters got on and that they both understood and supported each other's interests. The conflict also made sense to me, stemming primarily from Griff's insecurity and jealously. There were moments of both humor and emotion, and both had strong impacts.
I did think that some of the transitions between chapters were jerky, and the shifts in mood at these times could make it hard to follow. Overall, however, I enjoyed my read and I would check out more books by this author.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This was a short charming read about a pair of well-matched leads. I liked how the characters got on and that they both understood and supported each other's interests. The conflict also made sense to me, stemming primarily from Griff's insecurity and jealously. There were moments of both humor and emotion, and both had strong impacts.
I did think that some of the transitions between chapters were jerky, and the shifts in mood at these times could make it hard to follow. Overall, however, I enjoyed my read and I would check out more books by this author.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
September 24, 2021
3.5 stars, rounded up.
After years of singing in her opera star mother’s shadow, Charity Brooks is finally getting her due. After a successful run on Drury Lane, Charity agrees to a tour to perform in Northern England and invites her dearest friend Dorothy to join her, but when no family members are available to chaperone, her parents agree to have the son of their long-time family friend’s son and Dorothy’s older brother Griffith Philpot to accompany them as he has business to attend up north, much to Charity’s dismay. Griff, who has been in love with Charity for years, but sure she would never return his affection and therefore avoids her whenever possible.
Likewise, Charity has long harbored a tendre for Griff, but he has always seemed to disapprove of her, leading her to rename him, Gruff Griff, the Fun Spoiler. She is sure he will ruin their trip, not to mention hamper her plans to attend a house party of Lord Denby, the man she is hoping to marry. But much to her surprise, Griff is helpful and considerate during the trip, until the final leg of the journey, when things are said that change everything. And explanations that lead to a night of passion and more hurt feelings. HEA doesn’t seem like a possibility for these two, even though they both love the other…
This book is the final installment of the trilogy and in my opinion the hardest sell of the three from the author to the reader. It is well written and very emotional, but it does stretch the limits of credibility that an opera singer, who is no stranger to gossip and scandal is accepted by the ton and has hopes of marrying the heir to a duke. However, to her credit, Ms. Heath does a very convincing job of showing the reader the fine line Charity walks and that not everyone considers her a “lady”. The book is filled with misunderstandings, erroneous assumptions, a lot of emotion, a shotgun wedding, warm love scenes, and finally a HEA that didn’t seem possible. This is the third and final book in the series, but it could be read as a standalone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
After years of singing in her opera star mother’s shadow, Charity Brooks is finally getting her due. After a successful run on Drury Lane, Charity agrees to a tour to perform in Northern England and invites her dearest friend Dorothy to join her, but when no family members are available to chaperone, her parents agree to have the son of their long-time family friend’s son and Dorothy’s older brother Griffith Philpot to accompany them as he has business to attend up north, much to Charity’s dismay. Griff, who has been in love with Charity for years, but sure she would never return his affection and therefore avoids her whenever possible.
Likewise, Charity has long harbored a tendre for Griff, but he has always seemed to disapprove of her, leading her to rename him, Gruff Griff, the Fun Spoiler. She is sure he will ruin their trip, not to mention hamper her plans to attend a house party of Lord Denby, the man she is hoping to marry. But much to her surprise, Griff is helpful and considerate during the trip, until the final leg of the journey, when things are said that change everything. And explanations that lead to a night of passion and more hurt feelings. HEA doesn’t seem like a possibility for these two, even though they both love the other…
This book is the final installment of the trilogy and in my opinion the hardest sell of the three from the author to the reader. It is well written and very emotional, but it does stretch the limits of credibility that an opera singer, who is no stranger to gossip and scandal is accepted by the ton and has hopes of marrying the heir to a duke. However, to her credit, Ms. Heath does a very convincing job of showing the reader the fine line Charity walks and that not everyone considers her a “lady”. The book is filled with misunderstandings, erroneous assumptions, a lot of emotion, a shotgun wedding, warm love scenes, and finally a HEA that didn’t seem possible. This is the third and final book in the series, but it could be read as a standalone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
September 30, 2021
How Not To Chaperon A Lady is the third and last book in The Talk of the Beau Monde trilogy.
We finally come to know Charity Brookes better. In the previous books she was depicted as the wildest and the most stubborn among the Brookes sisters, but in this one we can also see her commendable work ethic and her kind soul.
Charity finally got the success she deserves as an opera singer and she is requested for a tour in the North. What started as the opportunity to go for a big unchaperoned adventure with her best friend Dorothy, soon became travelling with Dorothy's brother, the insufferable and boring Griffith.
Charity and Griffith have had a rocky relationship for years, but maybe what they think it is a mutual dislike hides some deeper feelings, they are not ready to accept.
I've really enjoyed to follow Charity and Griffith in this journey. It was beautiful to see them grow and slowly let each other see their true self, baring their souls at the very end.
I was caught up in story since the first chapter, the main characters banters and their self analysis keep the rithm flowly and lively.
I've just finished this novel and I already want to read a new book from Virginia Heath, because I can't get enough of her writing.
I recommend it if you like historical romance with a hint of a scandal.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
September 28, 2021
How Not to Chaperone a Lady is an enemies-to-lovers historical romance that follows Charity Brookes, a popular opera singer, and Griffith Philpot, an inventor and businessman. Charity and Griffith’s families have been friends for almost twenty years, and the pair grew up together. Now adults, Griffith accompanies Charity and Griffith’s sister on a singing tour. Traveling in close quarters, the pair fluctuates between enemies and friends, and one night of passion could lead to the biggest mistake of their lives or the best thing that ever happened to them. But first, they must face and admit their feelings. Can the Gruff Griff the Fun Spoiler and the Most Beautiful and Sought-After Woman in the World find their happily-ever-after?
Charity and Griffith have a complicated romance. They have loved each other in secret for a long time, but both resist their feelings because of the close ties between their families and the animosity that always seems to exist between them. Both don’t know how to deal with their feelings, and they treat each other badly as a way of keeping each other at a distance. Though he secretly loves her, Griffith often speaks disparagingly to her. Charity does the same and, like Griffith, has been fighting her feelings for years. Fear of rejection, of not being good enough, and of crossing a line drawn by their families keep them apart.
There were times when I was so frustrated by this couple and wished that they would just be honest with each other. It would have saved them so much time and heartache. Griffith is so closed off emotionally, that he can’t admit how undone he is by Charity. As much as he wants her, he doesn’t want to want her, which is a big problem. However, sometimes it’s the things you want the least that you need the most. They are hurtful toward each other at times, which I didn’t love. Even though it is an enemies-to-lovers romance, they say things to each other that are hard to forgive and forget. I think some of their issues stem from the fact that they are so different, and they don’t always understand each other.
Charity is fun and flirty and very social. Griffith is serious and studious and introverted. However, the more time they spend together, and the more they get to know and understand each other, the closer they become. They see past the superficial and really take an honest look at each other, and they like what they see. This creates an even deeper and more complex connection between the two.
There are also so many swoon-worthy moments between Griffith and Charity that I loved. For example, Griffith goes to see Charity perform over 40 times unbeknownst to her, and he takes care of her at her most vulnerable moments. Charity, in turn, becomes Griffith’s biggest advocate, and her praise of his inventiveness gains him support and business. I love their heart-warming and amicable moments and the small ways in which they show their love for each other.
This is an enjoyable read for lovers of enemies-to-lovers or bully historical romances, and though it’s not the first in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Thanks so much to Rachel’s Random Resources and Virginia Heath for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Charity and Griffith have a complicated romance. They have loved each other in secret for a long time, but both resist their feelings because of the close ties between their families and the animosity that always seems to exist between them. Both don’t know how to deal with their feelings, and they treat each other badly as a way of keeping each other at a distance. Though he secretly loves her, Griffith often speaks disparagingly to her. Charity does the same and, like Griffith, has been fighting her feelings for years. Fear of rejection, of not being good enough, and of crossing a line drawn by their families keep them apart.
There were times when I was so frustrated by this couple and wished that they would just be honest with each other. It would have saved them so much time and heartache. Griffith is so closed off emotionally, that he can’t admit how undone he is by Charity. As much as he wants her, he doesn’t want to want her, which is a big problem. However, sometimes it’s the things you want the least that you need the most. They are hurtful toward each other at times, which I didn’t love. Even though it is an enemies-to-lovers romance, they say things to each other that are hard to forgive and forget. I think some of their issues stem from the fact that they are so different, and they don’t always understand each other.
Charity is fun and flirty and very social. Griffith is serious and studious and introverted. However, the more time they spend together, and the more they get to know and understand each other, the closer they become. They see past the superficial and really take an honest look at each other, and they like what they see. This creates an even deeper and more complex connection between the two.
There are also so many swoon-worthy moments between Griffith and Charity that I loved. For example, Griffith goes to see Charity perform over 40 times unbeknownst to her, and he takes care of her at her most vulnerable moments. Charity, in turn, becomes Griffith’s biggest advocate, and her praise of his inventiveness gains him support and business. I love their heart-warming and amicable moments and the small ways in which they show their love for each other.
This is an enjoyable read for lovers of enemies-to-lovers or bully historical romances, and though it’s not the first in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Thanks so much to Rachel’s Random Resources and Virginia Heath for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
September 22, 2021
Barbara’s rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars
Series: Talk of the Beau Monde #3
Publication Date: 9/28/21
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 288
The Talk of the Beau Monde series features the three daughters of the famous portraitist Augustus Brookes and his premier soprano wife, Roberta. The first book, The Viscount's Unconventional Lady, featured Faith who is as gifted an artist as her father; the second book, The Marquess Next Door: A sexy, funny Regency romance, features Hope who is a talented author; and this last book in the series features Charity who is even more gifted than her famous mother. The first two books in the series were outstanding, but I wasn’t quite so enthralled with this one. I liked it, but I didn’t love it. I found it a bit draggy with much too much angst and constant introspection. I just couldn’t really get invested in the characters because emotionally, they seemed to remain at the same age as they were when they met as children. Like most children of opposite genders who ‘like’ each other, they had no idea how to express that, so they spent their time antagonizing each other – and that continued into adulthood.
The Brookes family and the Philpot family have been friends – as close as family – for many, many years. The children have been raised to think of each other as brother and sisters. Griffith (Griff) has been just fine with that as far as Faith and Hope were concerned, but he was never able to think of Charity as a sister. He’d always wanted her; cared about her. He also thought she was a spoiled, reckless, hedonistic scandal who had kissed many more gentlemen than she should have – he was also sure she’d done more than just kiss those men. Griff is quiet, academic, introverted, proper – and Charity is a whirlwind – wild, free, and uninhibited. That sounds like a recipe for an explosion of stupendous proportions.
When Charity is booked to perform at several theaters in the north and invites Dottie – her best friend and Griff’s sister – to accompany her, Griff insists on chaperoning them because Charity isn’t a good influence on Dottie. Along the road, Charity acts like a complete twit by constantly trying to thwart Griff’s travel plans for them. There isn’t a good reason, she just wants to thwart him. When he finally calls for a three-day respite on the road – because Charity has worn herself out – she agrees. So, you start to think, well – maybe we’ll get some progress. It even seems as if that is the case – but then the petulant children show up again and we are back to where we were. I had honestly decided that I thought the two of them really needed to find someone else for themselves. If they had done less internal dialogue and more external conversation, they would have been much better off.
I always enjoy this author’s work – and I enjoyed this one – I just didn’t love it as much as I normally do. So, do I recommend it? Yes, I do. Just know that it isn’t the best book of the series, but if you’ve read the other books, you’ll definitely want to read this one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Talk of the Beau Monde #3
Publication Date: 9/28/21
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 288
The Talk of the Beau Monde series features the three daughters of the famous portraitist Augustus Brookes and his premier soprano wife, Roberta. The first book, The Viscount's Unconventional Lady, featured Faith who is as gifted an artist as her father; the second book, The Marquess Next Door: A sexy, funny Regency romance, features Hope who is a talented author; and this last book in the series features Charity who is even more gifted than her famous mother. The first two books in the series were outstanding, but I wasn’t quite so enthralled with this one. I liked it, but I didn’t love it. I found it a bit draggy with much too much angst and constant introspection. I just couldn’t really get invested in the characters because emotionally, they seemed to remain at the same age as they were when they met as children. Like most children of opposite genders who ‘like’ each other, they had no idea how to express that, so they spent their time antagonizing each other – and that continued into adulthood.
The Brookes family and the Philpot family have been friends – as close as family – for many, many years. The children have been raised to think of each other as brother and sisters. Griffith (Griff) has been just fine with that as far as Faith and Hope were concerned, but he was never able to think of Charity as a sister. He’d always wanted her; cared about her. He also thought she was a spoiled, reckless, hedonistic scandal who had kissed many more gentlemen than she should have – he was also sure she’d done more than just kiss those men. Griff is quiet, academic, introverted, proper – and Charity is a whirlwind – wild, free, and uninhibited. That sounds like a recipe for an explosion of stupendous proportions.
When Charity is booked to perform at several theaters in the north and invites Dottie – her best friend and Griff’s sister – to accompany her, Griff insists on chaperoning them because Charity isn’t a good influence on Dottie. Along the road, Charity acts like a complete twit by constantly trying to thwart Griff’s travel plans for them. There isn’t a good reason, she just wants to thwart him. When he finally calls for a three-day respite on the road – because Charity has worn herself out – she agrees. So, you start to think, well – maybe we’ll get some progress. It even seems as if that is the case – but then the petulant children show up again and we are back to where we were. I had honestly decided that I thought the two of them really needed to find someone else for themselves. If they had done less internal dialogue and more external conversation, they would have been much better off.
I always enjoy this author’s work – and I enjoyed this one – I just didn’t love it as much as I normally do. So, do I recommend it? Yes, I do. Just know that it isn’t the best book of the series, but if you’ve read the other books, you’ll definitely want to read this one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 1, 2024
Trečioji ir paskutinė dalis apie išskirtines seseris. Šį kartą įsipina tema apie ilgą, rodos, neatsakytą, įsimylėjimą. Ir užtektinai nesusipratimų, nutylėjimų, kivirčų, aistros. Malonus skaitinys atsipalaidavimui.
September 29, 2021
Two childhood friends fight their growing romantic feelings for each other.
Charity was a star! She came from a very artistic family and had just hit stardom singing at the opera house.
Griff is the son of Charity’s parent’s best friends and was raised to treat her as a sibling.
When they grew up and their feelings for each other changed, they got tangled in fear, pride, and prejudice.
I love Charity’s high spirits and how she was ready to tackle the world by storm. Griffith, on the other hand, was more of a calm and constant kind of guy.
They were an adorable couple who had to fight hard to be able to open up and leave their preconceptions behind.
There was plenty of fun banter, a little angst, a spoonful of spice, and lots of romance.
Another lovely book in the series!
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author for an honest review.
*For more reviews, book art, and book-related articles, please visit https://lureviewsbooks.com *
Charity was a star! She came from a very artistic family and had just hit stardom singing at the opera house.
Griff is the son of Charity’s parent’s best friends and was raised to treat her as a sibling.
When they grew up and their feelings for each other changed, they got tangled in fear, pride, and prejudice.
I love Charity’s high spirits and how she was ready to tackle the world by storm. Griffith, on the other hand, was more of a calm and constant kind of guy.
They were an adorable couple who had to fight hard to be able to open up and leave their preconceptions behind.
There was plenty of fun banter, a little angst, a spoonful of spice, and lots of romance.
Another lovely book in the series!
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author for an honest review.
*For more reviews, book art, and book-related articles, please visit https://lureviewsbooks.com *
September 25, 2021
How Not to Chaperon a Lady is the third book in the Talk of the Beau Monde trilogy, a series of historical romances.
Charity Brookes is an opera singer who is following in the footsteps of her very succesful mother. Charity’s rise to stardom offers her a tour of some Northern theatres and she has asked her best friend, Dottie, to travel with her.
Charity’s reputation for mischief and spontinaity worries Dottie’s brother Griffin and he insists on chaperoning the ladies. This sparks yet another argument between Charity and Gruff Griff, as she calls him. They have sparred for almost seventeen years of family friendship and it looks like it will be a very long and tedious trip for them both.
I am not going to give away the rest of the story, except to say that these two characters must have fought with the author as well as each other all the way to the end of the book; what a delightful but troublesome pair. I was engrossed with the tale and loved every moment of the conflict, which made for a very satisfying ending.
Charity Brookes is an opera singer who is following in the footsteps of her very succesful mother. Charity’s rise to stardom offers her a tour of some Northern theatres and she has asked her best friend, Dottie, to travel with her.
Charity’s reputation for mischief and spontinaity worries Dottie’s brother Griffin and he insists on chaperoning the ladies. This sparks yet another argument between Charity and Gruff Griff, as she calls him. They have sparred for almost seventeen years of family friendship and it looks like it will be a very long and tedious trip for them both.
I am not going to give away the rest of the story, except to say that these two characters must have fought with the author as well as each other all the way to the end of the book; what a delightful but troublesome pair. I was engrossed with the tale and loved every moment of the conflict, which made for a very satisfying ending.
September 23, 2021
Virginia Heath returns to the Brookes family with the story of the youngest sister, Charity. Charity is talented like her two older sisters; her talent is singing, like their mother. She is impulsive and a little rebellious, seeking her own way in the world. No one suspects that Charity harbors a secret tendre for Griffin Philpot, the brother of her best friend. They had been raised like brother and sister, making it hard for Griffin to show that he cares for Charity as well. Instead of showing their feelings of attraction, the two are often at loggerheads. When Charity goes on tour, with Griffin chaperoning, they are thrown together, bringing their smoldering attraction to a head.
How Not to Chaperon a Lady is a strong enemies-to-lovers story. This is not my favorite trope since there are often many misunderstandings and conflict. However, the best parts of the book were when Griff and Charity took tenuous steps toward each other, first on the road trip, then early in their marriage. Their interactions were sweet and realistic, showing Heath's writing at its best.
How Not to Chaperon a Lady is a strong enemies-to-lovers story. This is not my favorite trope since there are often many misunderstandings and conflict. However, the best parts of the book were when Griff and Charity took tenuous steps toward each other, first on the road trip, then early in their marriage. Their interactions were sweet and realistic, showing Heath's writing at its best.
September 16, 2021
Charity Brookes' career as an opera singer has taken off & she's going on a singing tour, her best friend Dorothy is travelling with as is Dorothy’s brother Griffith Philpot who will chaperon the pair. He’s spent his whole life sparring with Charity over her flighty ways! But as he discovers that she’s much more than the impetuous girl he thought he knew & sparks fly
The third talented Brookes sister has her story. Whilst I loved the verbal banter between Griff & Charity it took me some time to grow to like the pair, I think it was because I hadn’t warmed to Charity in the earlier books. However the more I read the more I liked the pair. Poor Griff constantly put his foot in it by saying the wrong thing & he found it difficult to keep his jealousy under control. Enemies to lovers is my favourite trope & I did love how their relationship grew & changed. An entertaining, engaging finale
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The third talented Brookes sister has her story. Whilst I loved the verbal banter between Griff & Charity it took me some time to grow to like the pair, I think it was because I hadn’t warmed to Charity in the earlier books. However the more I read the more I liked the pair. Poor Griff constantly put his foot in it by saying the wrong thing & he found it difficult to keep his jealousy under control. Enemies to lovers is my favourite trope & I did love how their relationship grew & changed. An entertaining, engaging finale
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
September 19, 2021
Terrific book. The Philpot and Brookes families have been friends for many years. While Charity's best friend is Griff's sister, Dorothy, she and Griff have never gotten along. Griff believes that Charity is flighty, spoiled, and selfish, while Charity thinks Griff is a humorless prig. But underneath the antagonism simmer feelings that neither wants to admit. Charity's singing career takes off, leading to a month-long tour in the north. Charity plans to take her BFF with her and enjoy some adventures away from London. Then Griff announces his intention to chaperon the trip, ostensibly to protect Dorothy from Charity's bad influence. Charity is understandably furious to have Gruff Griff the Fun-Stealer tagging along.
Griff is a practical man, an engineer by trade and by avocation. Charity drives him nuts with her flirting, stubbornness, and sometimes reckless behavior. There's something about her that gets under his skin, and even moving away for four years didn't get her out of his system. Finding out about her trip sends him scrambling to find a reason to go along.
The trip starts rough as Charity schemes to do everything she can to make Griff regret coming along. She comes across as something of a brat, pouting because she didn't get her way. Griff isn't much better; his smugness at thwarting her is not an attractive attribute. Meanwhile, poor Dorothy is caught in the middle. I enjoyed that first day, as Charity put a crimp in Griff's plans by forcing a stop at a different inn. It's there that Griff begins to get an inkling of the real Charity Brookes when she puts on an impromptu performance for some soldiers.
Forced together as they are, both Griff and Charity soon discover that their impressions of each other are not entirely accurate. While Griff is secretly a huge fan of Charity's singing, he never understood how much work went into it. I loved seeing his growing respect for her and how that respect opened his eyes to other feelings. I also enjoyed seeing Charity begin to see past Griff's gruff exterior. His passion for his work fascinates her. His rescue of her during a panic attack opens her eyes to the more sensitive man he keeps well hidden. I loved seeing his protectiveness come out when he saw the toll the tour takes on her.
But as their unexpected feelings for each other grow, so too do their insecurities. Charity knows what his opinion of her is because he's complained about her often enough. Even if she has feelings for him, they can go nowhere. At the same time, Griff knows he's falling for Charity, but with all of the fancy suitors she has, why would she be interested in a plain old Mister? But just as things start to look promising between them, Griff's jealousy (spurred by his insecurity) erupts in a burst of anger and accusation. I ached for Charity because she didn't deserve any of it. When she confronts him about it later, both of them fling hurtful words at each other. Their passionate anger turns to passion of another kind. Unfortunately, the next day Griff's reaction manifests in some boneheaded statements rather than telling her how he feels. Charity naturally wants something more that matches her feelings. So she runs for home, leaving Griff behind wondering what to do.
I ached for Charity, who buried her hurt in her work to exclude all else. When he returns to London, Griff's reaction shows that he still cares but has no idea what to do about it. That is until Charity discovers that she isn't just rundown from overwork, and they find themselves married. Neither knows how the other feels and because of it must find a way to live together. I liked Griff's determination to make their marriage work. In a hilarious scene with his two brothers-in-law, Griff comes up with a plan to win his wife's heart. He really won my heart with his sweet care of Charity when she was so sick, and I loved how that chipped away at the wall around her heart. But when her past runs up against his insecurities, Griff again allows his fears to explode in anger. I cried for Charity and her devastation at his words and cheered for the support she received from her family. Fortunately, Griff had learned his lesson and realized what a monumental idiot he was. He did a stellar job of groveling, with witnesses, in an emotional plea for forgiveness. I loved that Charity was woman enough to admit her own mistakes in a memorable final scene.
#netgalley
Griff is a practical man, an engineer by trade and by avocation. Charity drives him nuts with her flirting, stubbornness, and sometimes reckless behavior. There's something about her that gets under his skin, and even moving away for four years didn't get her out of his system. Finding out about her trip sends him scrambling to find a reason to go along.
The trip starts rough as Charity schemes to do everything she can to make Griff regret coming along. She comes across as something of a brat, pouting because she didn't get her way. Griff isn't much better; his smugness at thwarting her is not an attractive attribute. Meanwhile, poor Dorothy is caught in the middle. I enjoyed that first day, as Charity put a crimp in Griff's plans by forcing a stop at a different inn. It's there that Griff begins to get an inkling of the real Charity Brookes when she puts on an impromptu performance for some soldiers.
Forced together as they are, both Griff and Charity soon discover that their impressions of each other are not entirely accurate. While Griff is secretly a huge fan of Charity's singing, he never understood how much work went into it. I loved seeing his growing respect for her and how that respect opened his eyes to other feelings. I also enjoyed seeing Charity begin to see past Griff's gruff exterior. His passion for his work fascinates her. His rescue of her during a panic attack opens her eyes to the more sensitive man he keeps well hidden. I loved seeing his protectiveness come out when he saw the toll the tour takes on her.
But as their unexpected feelings for each other grow, so too do their insecurities. Charity knows what his opinion of her is because he's complained about her often enough. Even if she has feelings for him, they can go nowhere. At the same time, Griff knows he's falling for Charity, but with all of the fancy suitors she has, why would she be interested in a plain old Mister? But just as things start to look promising between them, Griff's jealousy (spurred by his insecurity) erupts in a burst of anger and accusation. I ached for Charity because she didn't deserve any of it. When she confronts him about it later, both of them fling hurtful words at each other. Their passionate anger turns to passion of another kind. Unfortunately, the next day Griff's reaction manifests in some boneheaded statements rather than telling her how he feels. Charity naturally wants something more that matches her feelings. So she runs for home, leaving Griff behind wondering what to do.
I ached for Charity, who buried her hurt in her work to exclude all else. When he returns to London, Griff's reaction shows that he still cares but has no idea what to do about it. That is until Charity discovers that she isn't just rundown from overwork, and they find themselves married. Neither knows how the other feels and because of it must find a way to live together. I liked Griff's determination to make their marriage work. In a hilarious scene with his two brothers-in-law, Griff comes up with a plan to win his wife's heart. He really won my heart with his sweet care of Charity when she was so sick, and I loved how that chipped away at the wall around her heart. But when her past runs up against his insecurities, Griff again allows his fears to explode in anger. I cried for Charity and her devastation at his words and cheered for the support she received from her family. Fortunately, Griff had learned his lesson and realized what a monumental idiot he was. He did a stellar job of groveling, with witnesses, in an emotional plea for forgiveness. I loved that Charity was woman enough to admit her own mistakes in a memorable final scene.
#netgalley
September 28, 2021
What would happen if you were forced into proximity with the very man you hate yet deep down want to rip his clothes off in a very unladylike way?
Well, just that! 😉
You bicker, you joust, you head-but, you pout and whine and he sits there looking wonderfully brooding and utterly ravishing, you can’t do much more than a good old romp and allow the pent up lust and frustration to let fly. And that is exactly what happens when childhood friends/enemies Charity and Griff are forces together on a trip that will end up changing their lives and giving them both a nice healthy glow by the end.
The last book in The Beau Monde series finishes with this fun, sparkling, romantic and alluring love story, which will not only make you sigh and swoon over the delectable hero but will also having you blush at the sizzling chemistry and have you laughing at the brilliantly witty dialogue between the couple.
In the previous books of the series, we have seen Charity as the wild-child, a little stubborn, wilful, a little selfish and to be perfectly honest I didn’t warm to her as I did the other two. But, alas Virginia Heath has shown us that first glimpses can be deceptive because I found Charity to be all of those things that I have just mentioned but there is a hidden lovely and quite sensitive young woman who I think is a little pushed aside for her sisters, just when Charity thinks this is her time to shine something crops up.
How Not to Chaperone a Lady is an unusual mix of two tropes; Friends to Lovers and Enemies to Lovers, now as much as I love a Enemies to Lovers romance, friends to lovers have always been pretty low down on my favourite tropes list, so I was sceptical as to how these two tropes would work together and despite a little hit and miss with whether they were friends or not (I saw them more as acquaintances, someone you know but don’t actually like but have to tolerate them – come one we all have those people in our lives, I have many nearly all extended family LOL!) anyway, I never saw them as ‘friends’ per se, but where it lacks in the friends to lovers department it makes up for ten-forth in the other trope; enemies to lovers – or should that be; bickerers to lovers?
Is that even a word, bickerer or have I just pulled another made-up word out of my head?
How Not to Chaperone a Lady is a perfect title for this book, Charity isn’t your stereotypical debutante, she is willful and headstrong, she knows her mind and after doing more- less what she is supposed to do, she has landed a huge tour which will have her tread the boards – her every dream has come true, she has big plans for this tour for herself and her best friend Dorothy – which means she has plans to be young free and single.
But, alas Dotty’s big brother comes stomping in putting the cat amongst the pigeon’s and claims that Charity is trouble and will not be leading his precious little sister astray and so he ends up joining the tour as a chaperone.
Oh, bugger, there’s goes the fun and now we must deal with the snide remark and lustful glances. Griff and Charity are fabulous, both have misconceptions about the other (which to be honest, is pretty understandable that is until you get to know both) they have grown up together, they’ve sparred the entire time, bickering and sharing jibes. If a saying was ever made for a couple then; opposites attract is perfect for Griff and Charity.
I love how different in personality they are; Charity is bold and bright, she has a sparkle that lights up a room, she is a little pocket rocket the moment you light the fuse she goes whirring away into the moonlight.
Whereas Griff is the calming influence in the storm, the strong sturdy column which keeps the roof above your head, the epitome of chivalry and the brilliant broodiness about him, which I found far more seductive – that gruffness makes me all weak at the knees!! Yet despite their differences, they just work together.
The journey to happily ever after moves along at a great pace which means you very quickly settle into the story and before you know it hours have disappeared away and you are halfway through.
As always with Virginia Heath’s books, I love her passion and sense of humour which comes through the story in the quick and fiery dialogue and sizzling chemistry.
Well, just that! 😉
You bicker, you joust, you head-but, you pout and whine and he sits there looking wonderfully brooding and utterly ravishing, you can’t do much more than a good old romp and allow the pent up lust and frustration to let fly. And that is exactly what happens when childhood friends/enemies Charity and Griff are forces together on a trip that will end up changing their lives and giving them both a nice healthy glow by the end.
The last book in The Beau Monde series finishes with this fun, sparkling, romantic and alluring love story, which will not only make you sigh and swoon over the delectable hero but will also having you blush at the sizzling chemistry and have you laughing at the brilliantly witty dialogue between the couple.
In the previous books of the series, we have seen Charity as the wild-child, a little stubborn, wilful, a little selfish and to be perfectly honest I didn’t warm to her as I did the other two. But, alas Virginia Heath has shown us that first glimpses can be deceptive because I found Charity to be all of those things that I have just mentioned but there is a hidden lovely and quite sensitive young woman who I think is a little pushed aside for her sisters, just when Charity thinks this is her time to shine something crops up.
How Not to Chaperone a Lady is an unusual mix of two tropes; Friends to Lovers and Enemies to Lovers, now as much as I love a Enemies to Lovers romance, friends to lovers have always been pretty low down on my favourite tropes list, so I was sceptical as to how these two tropes would work together and despite a little hit and miss with whether they were friends or not (I saw them more as acquaintances, someone you know but don’t actually like but have to tolerate them – come one we all have those people in our lives, I have many nearly all extended family LOL!) anyway, I never saw them as ‘friends’ per se, but where it lacks in the friends to lovers department it makes up for ten-forth in the other trope; enemies to lovers – or should that be; bickerers to lovers?
Is that even a word, bickerer or have I just pulled another made-up word out of my head?
How Not to Chaperone a Lady is a perfect title for this book, Charity isn’t your stereotypical debutante, she is willful and headstrong, she knows her mind and after doing more- less what she is supposed to do, she has landed a huge tour which will have her tread the boards – her every dream has come true, she has big plans for this tour for herself and her best friend Dorothy – which means she has plans to be young free and single.
But, alas Dotty’s big brother comes stomping in putting the cat amongst the pigeon’s and claims that Charity is trouble and will not be leading his precious little sister astray and so he ends up joining the tour as a chaperone.
Oh, bugger, there’s goes the fun and now we must deal with the snide remark and lustful glances. Griff and Charity are fabulous, both have misconceptions about the other (which to be honest, is pretty understandable that is until you get to know both) they have grown up together, they’ve sparred the entire time, bickering and sharing jibes. If a saying was ever made for a couple then; opposites attract is perfect for Griff and Charity.
I love how different in personality they are; Charity is bold and bright, she has a sparkle that lights up a room, she is a little pocket rocket the moment you light the fuse she goes whirring away into the moonlight.
Whereas Griff is the calming influence in the storm, the strong sturdy column which keeps the roof above your head, the epitome of chivalry and the brilliant broodiness about him, which I found far more seductive – that gruffness makes me all weak at the knees!! Yet despite their differences, they just work together.
The journey to happily ever after moves along at a great pace which means you very quickly settle into the story and before you know it hours have disappeared away and you are halfway through.
As always with Virginia Heath’s books, I love her passion and sense of humour which comes through the story in the quick and fiery dialogue and sizzling chemistry.
October 3, 2021
Charity is a kind soul with a flirtatious nature that she uses to her advantage...but not exactly how that might sound. Yes, she enjoys the attention, and no, she's never short on male suitors, but she wants more than all that. She wants what her sisters have with their husbands. She wants all the bells and whistles love can bring, but it's been illusive to say the least. Could it be despite her heavy handed attempt at swaying a particular Lord her way, he cap was already set without her actually knowing? Could it be that the one man that would definitely protest too much in spite of it all, actually likes her...or more? Could her happily-ever-after that started with less pomp and A LOT of circumstance be the unusual ticket that eventually gets her and Griff exactly where they need to be? You'll have to read it to find out, but suffice it to say that the story takes some unexpected twists that really take it out of BOTH their hearts, but in the end, the music they make together is THAT much sweeter for having gone through it.
All in all, a grand read from a wonderful author with characters you'll love and a story you won't soon forget. If you're a Historical Romance or Fiction fan, this is definitely an AUTHOR YOU NEED TO KNOW!
**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
All in all, a grand read from a wonderful author with characters you'll love and a story you won't soon forget. If you're a Historical Romance or Fiction fan, this is definitely an AUTHOR YOU NEED TO KNOW!
**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
August 29, 2021
“How not to chaperon a lady” by Virginia Heath is a book that had me both laughing and crying by turns. It was a fitting end to the trilogy about the Brookes sisters and the men they love.
I didn't expect it to be. In the first two books, we saw Charity Brookes in passing and she didn't impress me much. She came across, in these books, as selfish, shallow, and the sort of person I could never warm to. She made me think of Amy in Little Women by Louisa May Allcott: beautiful to look at, and in need of a short, sharp shock to bring her down a peg or two.
My opinion of her seems to have been shared by Griff, her hero. Although, to be fair, he is also not perfect. On first meeting, he seems joyless and prudish to the point of priggishness, so that I began to think, “oh, come on! Give the poor girl a break.”
Of course, both characters are far more than the first impressions they give, and the personalities we see on those first encounters are, in both cases, masks hiding the real people beneath; protective armour for the parts of them that are too vulnerable to show.
Virginia Heath is a writer of enormous talent, and she definitely brings the two of them out of their shells, inch by tantalising inch, until the Selfish Madam and the Humourless Prig are left behind like a snake’s discarded skin. I grew to like them both, to care for them, to love and want the very best for them.
As always in Virginia Heath's work, there are some very funny moments, including one scene between the heroes of all three books which had me giggling for several minutes after I’d finished reading it. But there are also moments of great tension when I was on tenterhooks, reading faster to find out what happens. And there were some scenes that made me very tearful, too.
All in all, a great couple of evenings’ entertainment and thoroughly recommended.
I didn't expect it to be. In the first two books, we saw Charity Brookes in passing and she didn't impress me much. She came across, in these books, as selfish, shallow, and the sort of person I could never warm to. She made me think of Amy in Little Women by Louisa May Allcott: beautiful to look at, and in need of a short, sharp shock to bring her down a peg or two.
My opinion of her seems to have been shared by Griff, her hero. Although, to be fair, he is also not perfect. On first meeting, he seems joyless and prudish to the point of priggishness, so that I began to think, “oh, come on! Give the poor girl a break.”
Of course, both characters are far more than the first impressions they give, and the personalities we see on those first encounters are, in both cases, masks hiding the real people beneath; protective armour for the parts of them that are too vulnerable to show.
Virginia Heath is a writer of enormous talent, and she definitely brings the two of them out of their shells, inch by tantalising inch, until the Selfish Madam and the Humourless Prig are left behind like a snake’s discarded skin. I grew to like them both, to care for them, to love and want the very best for them.
As always in Virginia Heath's work, there are some very funny moments, including one scene between the heroes of all three books which had me giggling for several minutes after I’d finished reading it. But there are also moments of great tension when I was on tenterhooks, reading faster to find out what happens. And there were some scenes that made me very tearful, too.
All in all, a great couple of evenings’ entertainment and thoroughly recommended.
August 24, 2021
Charity Brookes and Griff Philpot have been in love with each other since they were kids…they just don’t realize it! Charity thinks “Gruff Griff” is an old curmudgeon who’s determined to spoil all her fun, while Griff sees Charity as self-absorbed, spoiled, and superficial.
When Charity goes on a singing tour, Griff tags along as chaperone, insisting he’ll keep her and her sister, Dorothy, out of trouble. During their time together, Griff and Charity realize they were wrong about each other and one night together leads to unforeseen complications.
This is one of those stories you hope will never end because it’s just that good! I didn’t think I could like two characters better than Hope and Luke from the previous book in the series, but I really do. An engaging, fun read. Virginia never disappoints.
When Charity goes on a singing tour, Griff tags along as chaperone, insisting he’ll keep her and her sister, Dorothy, out of trouble. During their time together, Griff and Charity realize they were wrong about each other and one night together leads to unforeseen complications.
This is one of those stories you hope will never end because it’s just that good! I didn’t think I could like two characters better than Hope and Luke from the previous book in the series, but I really do. An engaging, fun read. Virginia never disappoints.
August 25, 2021
This is a friends to lovers, an enemies to lovers, an opposites attract, and who knows how many tropes, brilliantly put together in one story. Charity Brookes' and Griffith Philpot's families have been friends all their lives. Charity was a hoyden as a child and Griff was serious and tried to keep everyone to the rules. Charity is a brilliant soprano and Griffith is an engineer working on steam operated machinery. And yet, despite all odds, these two have loved each other all along. Another amazing story from one of my favourite auto-buy authors.
March 12, 2024
I loved that the characters had a lot of dialogue. The number of interesting conversations were entertaining and telling of one’s thoughts. I would have liked Charlottes age to be older than twenty three. A role of this significance is more for a mature age of twenty four or older. Charlotte and Griffs relationship was fun to say the least. I don’t if it was for the friend’s benefit or themselves. The romance was very sweet. The fun and excitement of the beginning of romance played a magnificent part in the book. I enjoyed the immensely.
Read
March 13, 2025Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Sagas, Regency Romance
Miniseries
The Talk of the Beau Monde (Book #3)
reissue
Miniseries
The Talk of the Beau Monde (Book #3)
reissue
October 16, 2021
This is the third book in the Talk of the Beau Monde series, although it could easily be read as a standalone, although if you read it as a standalone, you’re going to want to read the other two books! The other two books are The Viscount’s Unconventional Lady, and The Marquess Next Door.
Charity Brookes, with her sisters Faith and Hope grew up alongside family friends Griffith Philpot and his sister Dorothy. Charity and Dorothy were the two youngest siblings, and even though Charity and Griff liked one another from an early age, they both railed against that connection, and this really falls into the enemies to lovers trope. Griff sees Charity as a flighty and disruptive influence on his sister, so when his sister decides to join opera singer Charity on her music tour, he insists on being their chaperon.
I loved the fact that Charity called Griff ‘Gruff Griff the fun spoiler’, and I loved the way in which sparks flew pretty much every time they were together. It takes them an inordinately long time before either of them have the courage to find out that in reality they are both on the same page, but as with all HEAs there are always a few mountains to climb for them to get there.
Charity and Griff’s story was the perfect conclusion to the series, and it was such an enjoyable read. If you love regency romance, then you really do need to read this book!
Charity Brookes, with her sisters Faith and Hope grew up alongside family friends Griffith Philpot and his sister Dorothy. Charity and Dorothy were the two youngest siblings, and even though Charity and Griff liked one another from an early age, they both railed against that connection, and this really falls into the enemies to lovers trope. Griff sees Charity as a flighty and disruptive influence on his sister, so when his sister decides to join opera singer Charity on her music tour, he insists on being their chaperon.
I loved the fact that Charity called Griff ‘Gruff Griff the fun spoiler’, and I loved the way in which sparks flew pretty much every time they were together. It takes them an inordinately long time before either of them have the courage to find out that in reality they are both on the same page, but as with all HEAs there are always a few mountains to climb for them to get there.
Charity and Griff’s story was the perfect conclusion to the series, and it was such an enjoyable read. If you love regency romance, then you really do need to read this book!
September 16, 2021
🎼 How Not to Chaperon a Lady 🎼
A sexy, funny Regency romance
The Talk of the Beau Monde Book 3
✒️ Virginia Heath
https://www.facebook.com/virginiaheat... Release Date 09/28/2021
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09166Y6WY/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
His childhood nemesis…
…is the woman he can’t resist!
Chaperoning Charity Brookes while she’s on a singing tour should be easy for Griffith Philpot—he’s spent his whole life sparring with her over her flighty ways! But as he discovers that she’s much more than the impetuous girl he thought he knew, a passion ignites between them… Sharing a steamy kiss leaves him torn—he’s supposed to be responsible for guarding her virtue!
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they be able to find a common ground …
For the last in this series, the author offers us a combining of tropes, childhood friends, best friend’s sibling, opposite attract, enemies to lovers, etc…
On a much different tone too from the previous books, Oh my, how angsty this read was. They take one step forward then two back. Throwing hurtful words at the other’s face, so scarred by their feelings they have hidden them their whole life and are unable to express them without lashing out.
Griff dabbed Gruff Griff by his sister’s friend, has always had a tumultuous relationship with Charity, always bickering and teasing, never really going along until his attraction for her scarred him to run away. Their differences of characters convincing him he will never be her choice of a suitor.
Charity is wild and a risk taker, yet she never risked her heart so persuaded her long time nemesis sees her as inconsequential and flighty. Making herself a pest to attract his attention but making a muddle of it. So she flirts, a lot, with other men, determined to prove she can do better.
Even their closed promiscuity which at a time made them rethink their vision of the other. He might be serious but not as dull, he is just driven by his line of work. And she not only the fickle flirting thing he thought but a hardworking dedicated to her art Miss too. Alas it is a peace of a short duration as both too scarred to reveal their feelings, lash out, hurling ugly things at the other’s head.
Both are as much guilty, Griff for his inability to see past his jealousy, the rumors and his fear of not being enough. Charity for replying in return in the same vein, giving concern to believe the gossips, and never understanding how her own words might have left trace.
Yet when there are consequences to pay, they will have to face the music and try to find a way to act in a more mature way. Still, they struggle to find a common ground. Preferring to guard their feelings encased behind high wall than risking their heart even with the promise of a happy outcome.
In all, I am not a raver for angsty tales, I like a good enemies to lovers tale but they hold on their horse for too long, hurtful and awkward, never really going past their initial view of the other. For two decades they goaded one another, so how it moves to something else when their relationship spiraled down to such a destructive union.
Charity is at the same time too much and not enough, selfish and lacking maturity, self-centered and taunting him at every turn childishly, rubbing in his face her flirting attitude while Griff keeps bottling everything, never letting anything transpire to then flogging his pain with damaging words.
3.5 stars rounded up.
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTkrS7MDe...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
A sexy, funny Regency romance
The Talk of the Beau Monde Book 3
✒️ Virginia Heath
https://www.facebook.com/virginiaheat... Release Date 09/28/2021
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09166Y6WY/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
His childhood nemesis…
…is the woman he can’t resist!
Chaperoning Charity Brookes while she’s on a singing tour should be easy for Griffith Philpot—he’s spent his whole life sparring with her over her flighty ways! But as he discovers that she’s much more than the impetuous girl he thought he knew, a passion ignites between them… Sharing a steamy kiss leaves him torn—he’s supposed to be responsible for guarding her virtue!
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they be able to find a common ground …
For the last in this series, the author offers us a combining of tropes, childhood friends, best friend’s sibling, opposite attract, enemies to lovers, etc…
On a much different tone too from the previous books, Oh my, how angsty this read was. They take one step forward then two back. Throwing hurtful words at the other’s face, so scarred by their feelings they have hidden them their whole life and are unable to express them without lashing out.
Griff dabbed Gruff Griff by his sister’s friend, has always had a tumultuous relationship with Charity, always bickering and teasing, never really going along until his attraction for her scarred him to run away. Their differences of characters convincing him he will never be her choice of a suitor.
Charity is wild and a risk taker, yet she never risked her heart so persuaded her long time nemesis sees her as inconsequential and flighty. Making herself a pest to attract his attention but making a muddle of it. So she flirts, a lot, with other men, determined to prove she can do better.
Even their closed promiscuity which at a time made them rethink their vision of the other. He might be serious but not as dull, he is just driven by his line of work. And she not only the fickle flirting thing he thought but a hardworking dedicated to her art Miss too. Alas it is a peace of a short duration as both too scarred to reveal their feelings, lash out, hurling ugly things at the other’s head.
Both are as much guilty, Griff for his inability to see past his jealousy, the rumors and his fear of not being enough. Charity for replying in return in the same vein, giving concern to believe the gossips, and never understanding how her own words might have left trace.
Yet when there are consequences to pay, they will have to face the music and try to find a way to act in a more mature way. Still, they struggle to find a common ground. Preferring to guard their feelings encased behind high wall than risking their heart even with the promise of a happy outcome.
In all, I am not a raver for angsty tales, I like a good enemies to lovers tale but they hold on their horse for too long, hurtful and awkward, never really going past their initial view of the other. For two decades they goaded one another, so how it moves to something else when their relationship spiraled down to such a destructive union.
Charity is at the same time too much and not enough, selfish and lacking maturity, self-centered and taunting him at every turn childishly, rubbing in his face her flirting attitude while Griff keeps bottling everything, never letting anything transpire to then flogging his pain with damaging words.
3.5 stars rounded up.
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTkrS7MDe...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
August 25, 2021
I’m always a sucker for childhood friends-to-lovers in historical romance, and Virginia Heath’s new book has a lot of fun with the trope! This is the third book in the Talk of the Beau Monde series, which follows talented sisters Faith, Hope and Charity Brookes, but you don’t need to have read the previous books to start here. I’ve read and loved book two, The Marquess Next Door, but I’ve yet to track down Faith’s book. The previous couples do pop up, so series readers will enjoy that, but they appear in a way that totally makes sense in this story for such a close-knit family. In fact, both Charity and Griff’s families play a large role, and as someone who loves seeing well-done family relationships in romance, this was a treat.
I had a lot of fun with the dynamic between Charity and Griff! I loved his viewpoint, as he seems like a genuinely good guy, and I enjoyed him being torn between filling the big brother role he was being forced into, and wanting to protect Charity for entirely different reasons. His exasperation is so well-portrayed. I was less enamoured with Charity, who is rather selfish and naive for a lot of the book – she felt a lot younger than 22. However, it all makes sense in the context of her history, and it’s easy to see how she’s been babied by her family and feels like Griff treats her the same way, so I don’t blame her for kicking against his supervision! I really enjoyed both of them having to constantly readjust their perceptions of the other’s behaviour in the past – I don’t usually love the old chestnut that ‘he’s only mean to you because he likes you’, which forms a big part of things clicking for Charity, but it is a nice way to bring the enemies-to-lovers and friends-to-lovers tropes together into the same book. Their bickering looks a lot like flirting, and they’ve both suppressed their feelings so long that when things finally bubble over between them, it’s a scene that is sweet, funny, furious, and passionate at the same time.
The dialogue can sometimes be clunky, which surprised me after the flowing banter of the previous book; there’s a fine line to walk between having characters being open about their feelings, and having them outright state their motivations as if they’ve just come out of an intense therapy session. At several points I felt both Charity and Griff leant a little too far to the latter side, explaining things about exactly why they feel a particular way that should have been left to the reader to infer. That being said, it does mean that there’s a sense of honesty between them that should please anyone who’s not a fan of the common romance issues of miscommunication, and it lets the two of them work through their issues with a surprising amount of compassion for each other. The overall pacing of this is fairly unusual – it’s almost two stories in one, with the second half having a marriage of convenience plot that could have been its own book – but it doesn’t feel overly long, and I raced through it.
This isn’t my favourite of the series, but it’s still a lovely read, and it’ll be perfect for those who like their Regency romance light and fun. It’s absolutely stuffed full of tropes and has a fabulous time with them. Four out of five cats!
I had a lot of fun with the dynamic between Charity and Griff! I loved his viewpoint, as he seems like a genuinely good guy, and I enjoyed him being torn between filling the big brother role he was being forced into, and wanting to protect Charity for entirely different reasons. His exasperation is so well-portrayed. I was less enamoured with Charity, who is rather selfish and naive for a lot of the book – she felt a lot younger than 22. However, it all makes sense in the context of her history, and it’s easy to see how she’s been babied by her family and feels like Griff treats her the same way, so I don’t blame her for kicking against his supervision! I really enjoyed both of them having to constantly readjust their perceptions of the other’s behaviour in the past – I don’t usually love the old chestnut that ‘he’s only mean to you because he likes you’, which forms a big part of things clicking for Charity, but it is a nice way to bring the enemies-to-lovers and friends-to-lovers tropes together into the same book. Their bickering looks a lot like flirting, and they’ve both suppressed their feelings so long that when things finally bubble over between them, it’s a scene that is sweet, funny, furious, and passionate at the same time.
The dialogue can sometimes be clunky, which surprised me after the flowing banter of the previous book; there’s a fine line to walk between having characters being open about their feelings, and having them outright state their motivations as if they’ve just come out of an intense therapy session. At several points I felt both Charity and Griff leant a little too far to the latter side, explaining things about exactly why they feel a particular way that should have been left to the reader to infer. That being said, it does mean that there’s a sense of honesty between them that should please anyone who’s not a fan of the common romance issues of miscommunication, and it lets the two of them work through their issues with a surprising amount of compassion for each other. The overall pacing of this is fairly unusual – it’s almost two stories in one, with the second half having a marriage of convenience plot that could have been its own book – but it doesn’t feel overly long, and I raced through it.
This isn’t my favourite of the series, but it’s still a lovely read, and it’ll be perfect for those who like their Regency romance light and fun. It’s absolutely stuffed full of tropes and has a fabulous time with them. Four out of five cats!
September 14, 2021
What an absolutely glorious historical romance! Ms Heath’s stories keep on getting better and better. This is the final book in the Talk of the Beau Monde trilogy and concerns the youngest Brooks sister, Charity. If you have not read the first two books, The Viscount’s Unconventional Lady and The Marquess Next Door, I urge you to read them first. They are both wonderful stories but also set the scene for this novel.
I think that Ms Heath’s greatest skills lie in her creation of warm, relatable and three dimensional characters and her beautifully constructed plots in which the protagonists lead each other in a merry dance to a wholly satisfying conclusion. I always finish a Virginia Heath novel feeling uplifted, joyful and with a huge smile on my face.
This was exactly the case with How not to Chaperon a Lady. At first, I wasn’t altogether sure I would love Charity as she seemed a little too effervescent and full of herself in the first two stories. However, I needn’t have worried. In this story, we quickly see how hard she works, how committed she is to her career and to bringing pleasure to others. She is charming, kind and puts people at their ease, Yes, she has a sharp tongue, can be stubborn and a little reckless but her self awareness and innate honesty mitigate these flaws and help us see that her less than lovable characteristics are a reaction to the effect Griff has on her.
As for Griff, what a gorgeous character. I loved how his surface gruffness and occasional (catastrophic) eruptions into anger are fuelled by his deep and overwhelming love for Charity. However, I really fell in love with him for his practical, yet tender care of her when she is ill. How did she not realise that these were the actions of a man deeply in love? Despite the fact that he goes to heroic lengths to mask his true feelings we are given delicious insights into the real Griff and he just makes me melt.
It is hard to say much about the plot without giving away spoilers but this is an interesting mash up of the frenemies to lovers and marriage of convenience tropes. I thought the obstacles to their happy ever after were believable because the author made them so and the way the story played out was consistent with the basic premise, explained in the first few pages that they were brought up like brother and sister even though that was not how either of them secretly felt.
As always with romances, it is how the protagonists reach their happy ever after that is the most important part of the story. I loved how their enforced proximity of the trip to the North gave them opportunities to get to know each other properly and to really communicate. It felt like a dance with one step forward and two back, a turn this way and then it’s counterpoint. I thoroughly enjoyed their torturous and somewhat tortured journey to a happy conclusion.
Thank you to the author for a free copy of How not to Chaperon a Lady in return for an honest review. I have read the story twice and I am still smiling at this lovely romance.
I think that Ms Heath’s greatest skills lie in her creation of warm, relatable and three dimensional characters and her beautifully constructed plots in which the protagonists lead each other in a merry dance to a wholly satisfying conclusion. I always finish a Virginia Heath novel feeling uplifted, joyful and with a huge smile on my face.
This was exactly the case with How not to Chaperon a Lady. At first, I wasn’t altogether sure I would love Charity as she seemed a little too effervescent and full of herself in the first two stories. However, I needn’t have worried. In this story, we quickly see how hard she works, how committed she is to her career and to bringing pleasure to others. She is charming, kind and puts people at their ease, Yes, she has a sharp tongue, can be stubborn and a little reckless but her self awareness and innate honesty mitigate these flaws and help us see that her less than lovable characteristics are a reaction to the effect Griff has on her.
As for Griff, what a gorgeous character. I loved how his surface gruffness and occasional (catastrophic) eruptions into anger are fuelled by his deep and overwhelming love for Charity. However, I really fell in love with him for his practical, yet tender care of her when she is ill. How did she not realise that these were the actions of a man deeply in love? Despite the fact that he goes to heroic lengths to mask his true feelings we are given delicious insights into the real Griff and he just makes me melt.
It is hard to say much about the plot without giving away spoilers but this is an interesting mash up of the frenemies to lovers and marriage of convenience tropes. I thought the obstacles to their happy ever after were believable because the author made them so and the way the story played out was consistent with the basic premise, explained in the first few pages that they were brought up like brother and sister even though that was not how either of them secretly felt.
As always with romances, it is how the protagonists reach their happy ever after that is the most important part of the story. I loved how their enforced proximity of the trip to the North gave them opportunities to get to know each other properly and to really communicate. It felt like a dance with one step forward and two back, a turn this way and then it’s counterpoint. I thoroughly enjoyed their torturous and somewhat tortured journey to a happy conclusion.
Thank you to the author for a free copy of How not to Chaperon a Lady in return for an honest review. I have read the story twice and I am still smiling at this lovely romance.
May 24, 2022
3 1/2 stars. Disappointing. I've read a lot of Virginia Heath's books in the past, including the first two in this series, but this one didn't give me the "feels" those did. Some of the introspection and dialog is notably long-winded and skippable, especially in the first half. Conversely, some important chapters, scenes, and dialog are choppy, as if the book were heavily edited. The biggest example of this is when h, H, and his sister are traveling to her concert over a period of days and stop at a lodging where H is completely overwhelmed by feelings of jealousy when h's singing draws admirers. Right at the start of the next chapter h has already arrived for her concert, has an attack of nerves, and H comes to her rescue. There is no transition between his irritation and anger toward her and his change of heart into becoming a good friend.
H's hot and cold behavior continues to the point that I wanted to kick him. He's emotionally stunted and reacts to the world more like he's 3 than 30ish. The h is somewhat immature as well, but it's really the H who causes the problems. He prejudges her constantly merely due to his low self-esteem, believing that because he's not titled she'd never be interested in him. This is patently silly because h's entire family is scandalous and and not considered "good ton"; there is no indication she or her family would have rejected him if he had expressed interest and courted her properly. She struggles to win his favor. In fact, she tries to help him professionally in a scene that's cut short by his jealousy and is never referred to again. You can tell that she has an interest in what he does for a living, but he never acknowledges it.
The worst part is the slut-shaming. H assumes that because h has admirers, she's slept with many of them. He's shocked that she's a virgin and tells her so the morning after, in an painfully unromantic conversation that upsets the h, but is never acknowledged later in the book. I found myself wondering how H/h would actually manage to be married for any period of time, because, despite his pretty speech at the end, I wasn't convinced he was over his suspicions and controlling behavior. Nor did he ever give her a chance to explain that she didn't love--and had never loved--the duke she'd once chased.
I was intrigued by the professional singing world aspect of the plot. This was interesting and I wish more time had been spent on it. The main conflict could have arisen out of the time and energy h would have needed to devote to her craft. She has a domineering mom and a music teacher who constantly push her, and even a crafty agent could have been added to the mix (entertainment agents did exist in those days), which would have been a great opportunity for the H to intervene in a constructive way and for their relationship to build. But very little happens plot-wise.
The lack of epilogue after the H's big speech at the end is the final reason I'm giving this book 3 stars and not bumping up. No child birth scene? Really??
Steam level: 3. This is not a "sweet and clean" romance. Sex scenes are tastefully written.
H's hot and cold behavior continues to the point that I wanted to kick him. He's emotionally stunted and reacts to the world more like he's 3 than 30ish. The h is somewhat immature as well, but it's really the H who causes the problems. He prejudges her constantly merely due to his low self-esteem, believing that because he's not titled she'd never be interested in him. This is patently silly because h's entire family is scandalous and and not considered "good ton"; there is no indication she or her family would have rejected him if he had expressed interest and courted her properly. She struggles to win his favor. In fact, she tries to help him professionally in a scene that's cut short by his jealousy and is never referred to again. You can tell that she has an interest in what he does for a living, but he never acknowledges it.
The worst part is the slut-shaming. H assumes that because h has admirers, she's slept with many of them. He's shocked that she's a virgin and tells her so the morning after, in an painfully unromantic conversation that upsets the h, but is never acknowledged later in the book. I found myself wondering how H/h would actually manage to be married for any period of time, because, despite his pretty speech at the end, I wasn't convinced he was over his suspicions and controlling behavior. Nor did he ever give her a chance to explain that she didn't love--and had never loved--the duke she'd once chased.
I was intrigued by the professional singing world aspect of the plot. This was interesting and I wish more time had been spent on it. The main conflict could have arisen out of the time and energy h would have needed to devote to her craft. She has a domineering mom and a music teacher who constantly push her, and even a crafty agent could have been added to the mix (entertainment agents did exist in those days), which would have been a great opportunity for the H to intervene in a constructive way and for their relationship to build. But very little happens plot-wise.
The lack of epilogue after the H's big speech at the end is the final reason I'm giving this book 3 stars and not bumping up. No child birth scene? Really??
Steam level: 3. This is not a "sweet and clean" romance. Sex scenes are tastefully written.
September 27, 2021
For those of you who haven't read a Virginia Heath novel, you are in for a treat. Her characters are feisty, opinionated, and brooding as they fight their feelings for that one irresistible person they are hopelessly in love with. Let's just say that the dull and irritating Griffith Philpot and the outspoken and impetuous Charity Brookes are about to be forced to confront their feelings with an audience no less.
Miss Charity Brookes is a popular sought-after soprano much like her mother. She is going on tour and being accompanied by her best friend Dorothy "Dottie" Philpot. Over Dottie's brother's dead body. He doesn't trust Charity's impulsive and reckless behavior and has appointed himself chaperon. Who better qualified to contain his nemesis and protect his sister in the same bargain?
Sparks fly when Charity and Griff are in the room and it's more than hostility. It's seventeen years of pent-up love and lust that comes to a head one frustrating and volatile night only to result in a hasty marriage and a lot of awkwardness. Can you say stubborn? Both of these two need their heads knocked together, but finally with the help of Charity's sisters and brothers-in-law Charity and Griff are given enlightening insights into each other's feelings. Griff was pretty rough and nasty towards Charity at the beginning as he tried to hide his true feelings from her, but he slowly comes around by carefully analyzing his methods of making her fall in love with him. A particularly endearing quality of Griff's that I enjoyed as well as his brilliant mind to which Charity wholeheartedly and proudly impresses upon a potential buyer for Griff's potential new steam engine invention. Charity's natural charm and love of singing are evident in her impromptu stops to entertain the masses everywhere she goes. Her hardworking work ethic is something Griff respects and supports until it affects her health and well being which he naturally convinces her to take a well-earned break. The buildup to the happy ending is slow but worth the wait.
I am happy to say I have read book 2 in this series and was delighted to see Hope and Luke as well as the whole Brookes family again. The family is essential in this book because...well, they are unexpectedly and hilariously privy to Charity and Griff's revealing indiscretions and full confessions as well as eventual supporters of the two lovebirds. May I add that the drunken escapades of the husbands as noted in the local rag are particularly hysterical and notable?
I highly recommend Ms. Heath's latest historical romance filled with unrequited love and stubborn, lovable characters making the most of an unconventional marriage.
Thank you once again to Ms. Heath for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Miss Charity Brookes is a popular sought-after soprano much like her mother. She is going on tour and being accompanied by her best friend Dorothy "Dottie" Philpot. Over Dottie's brother's dead body. He doesn't trust Charity's impulsive and reckless behavior and has appointed himself chaperon. Who better qualified to contain his nemesis and protect his sister in the same bargain?
Sparks fly when Charity and Griff are in the room and it's more than hostility. It's seventeen years of pent-up love and lust that comes to a head one frustrating and volatile night only to result in a hasty marriage and a lot of awkwardness. Can you say stubborn? Both of these two need their heads knocked together, but finally with the help of Charity's sisters and brothers-in-law Charity and Griff are given enlightening insights into each other's feelings. Griff was pretty rough and nasty towards Charity at the beginning as he tried to hide his true feelings from her, but he slowly comes around by carefully analyzing his methods of making her fall in love with him. A particularly endearing quality of Griff's that I enjoyed as well as his brilliant mind to which Charity wholeheartedly and proudly impresses upon a potential buyer for Griff's potential new steam engine invention. Charity's natural charm and love of singing are evident in her impromptu stops to entertain the masses everywhere she goes. Her hardworking work ethic is something Griff respects and supports until it affects her health and well being which he naturally convinces her to take a well-earned break. The buildup to the happy ending is slow but worth the wait.
I am happy to say I have read book 2 in this series and was delighted to see Hope and Luke as well as the whole Brookes family again. The family is essential in this book because...well, they are unexpectedly and hilariously privy to Charity and Griff's revealing indiscretions and full confessions as well as eventual supporters of the two lovebirds. May I add that the drunken escapades of the husbands as noted in the local rag are particularly hysterical and notable?
I highly recommend Ms. Heath's latest historical romance filled with unrequited love and stubborn, lovable characters making the most of an unconventional marriage.
Thank you once again to Ms. Heath for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
September 12, 2021
There may or may not be spoilers ahead...
How Not To Chaperone a Lady (Harlequin Historical, September 2021) is the third and final installment in Virginia Heath’s Talk of the Beau Monde series about the three artistic Brookes sisters. This book features the youngest sister Charity Brookes and her arch nemesis/family friend, Griffith Philpot.
Miss Charity Brookes is following in her mother’s footsteps as a star in the opera world. She’s an incredibly talented singer and actress, quite beautiful, but she’s also a bit of a diva. I wish I could say otherwise, but I just didn’t like Charity. She was too self-absorbed, too willful, and just not very nice to her friend, Dorothy and though I liked how Charity won't defend herself against Griff's ridiculous assumptions in a scene towards the end, that moment didn’t change my overall opinion of the character.
Mr. Griffith Philpot was a likeable hero. He’s intelligent, an inventor, and a successful businessman. Griff is a big believer in charts and graphs and working out business problems by going back to the beginning. When he used this method to resolve an issue with Charity, it was very authentic, true to his character and made me like him even more. It was so romantic!
There were enjoyable moments here and there, but How Not To Chaperone a Lady is my least favorite book in this series. The heroine was a disappointment; there were too many pages of introspection and exposition that slowed the story’s pace, and the overall story just seemed to drag on too long-at one point I thought the story was near the HEA but then it just kept on going. The “friends to lovers” romance where the two main characters realize their feelings for each other over the course of the book can be an enjoyable, but I tend to stay away from them because I find irritating a situation that could quickly be resolved by an honest conversation between the two friends. Another irritation? Dr. Fauci. Not Charity’s singing coach character, but his name. Hey, I totally respect an author’s character naming prerogative, but using the name of the most prominent individual associated with the present-day pandemic culture-someone who is equally loved and hated these days–just wasn’t cool. It almost ruined the whole book for me because it kicked me right out of the story.
Do I recommend How Not to Chaperone a Lady? Absolutely. As the last book in the series, it deserves to be read to bring things full circle for the Brookes sisters and their family. Virginia Heath deftly weaves into the story historical/background details about opera music and the stage without making the details a “see how much research I did” declaration. She has this sparkling, witty but heartfelt writing style I love, and she continues to be one of my favorite, go-to historical romance authors.
Please note I received How Not to Chaperone a Lady in eBook format from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I share here are mine and mine alone and were in no way influenced by the method in which it was received.
How Not To Chaperone a Lady (Harlequin Historical, September 2021) is the third and final installment in Virginia Heath’s Talk of the Beau Monde series about the three artistic Brookes sisters. This book features the youngest sister Charity Brookes and her arch nemesis/family friend, Griffith Philpot.
Miss Charity Brookes is following in her mother’s footsteps as a star in the opera world. She’s an incredibly talented singer and actress, quite beautiful, but she’s also a bit of a diva. I wish I could say otherwise, but I just didn’t like Charity. She was too self-absorbed, too willful, and just not very nice to her friend, Dorothy and though I liked how Charity won't defend herself against Griff's ridiculous assumptions in a scene towards the end, that moment didn’t change my overall opinion of the character.
Mr. Griffith Philpot was a likeable hero. He’s intelligent, an inventor, and a successful businessman. Griff is a big believer in charts and graphs and working out business problems by going back to the beginning. When he used this method to resolve an issue with Charity, it was very authentic, true to his character and made me like him even more. It was so romantic!
There were enjoyable moments here and there, but How Not To Chaperone a Lady is my least favorite book in this series. The heroine was a disappointment; there were too many pages of introspection and exposition that slowed the story’s pace, and the overall story just seemed to drag on too long-at one point I thought the story was near the HEA but then it just kept on going. The “friends to lovers” romance where the two main characters realize their feelings for each other over the course of the book can be an enjoyable, but I tend to stay away from them because I find irritating a situation that could quickly be resolved by an honest conversation between the two friends. Another irritation? Dr. Fauci. Not Charity’s singing coach character, but his name. Hey, I totally respect an author’s character naming prerogative, but using the name of the most prominent individual associated with the present-day pandemic culture-someone who is equally loved and hated these days–just wasn’t cool. It almost ruined the whole book for me because it kicked me right out of the story.
Do I recommend How Not to Chaperone a Lady? Absolutely. As the last book in the series, it deserves to be read to bring things full circle for the Brookes sisters and their family. Virginia Heath deftly weaves into the story historical/background details about opera music and the stage without making the details a “see how much research I did” declaration. She has this sparkling, witty but heartfelt writing style I love, and she continues to be one of my favorite, go-to historical romance authors.
Please note I received How Not to Chaperone a Lady in eBook format from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I share here are mine and mine alone and were in no way influenced by the method in which it was received.
October 3, 2021
4.5 Stars
Virginia Heath is back with a swoon-worthy historical romance that will melt your heart: How Not to Chaperon a Lady!
Griffith Philpot and Charity Brookes have known each other since childhood – and they’ve been butting heads ever since! Griffith has spent his entire life sparring with Charity. The two of them couldn’t be more different and whenever they are in one another’s company, sparks immediately begin to fly. Charity is impetuous, impulsive and a young woman who always speaks her mind. About to embark on a singing tour, Charity requires a chaperon in order to ensure that propriety is maintained at all times and that her reputation is not tarnished by even the merest hint of scandal. Griffith seems like the ideal candidate for the job, however, it quickly transpires that this singing tour will present him and Charity with a plethora of problems they would never ever have predicted…
As the two of them begin spending more and more time together, Griffith quickly realises that there’s more to Charity than meets the eye. Griffith has spent a lifetime dismissing her as being flighty and capricious, yet the more time he spends in her company, the more he finds himself drawn to her. When the attraction between the two of them proves impossible to resist, Griffith and Charity soon find themselves succumbing to temptation and giving into their feelings for one another.
Griffith was supposed to be guarding her virtue, not falling in love with her! Yet, the thought of spending a lifetime with Charity not by his side as the woman he loves doesn’t even bear thinking about. Will Griffith muster up the courage to tell Charity how he really feels about her? Or will he let the woman who has come to mean everything to him slip through his fingers?
Virginia Heath’s How Not to Chaperon a Lady is a delight from beginning to end. A magical historical romance sprinkled with humour, passion, charm and emotion, How Not to Chaperon a Lady is an enchanting Regency tale with a splendid heroine, a gorgeous hero, witty banter, heart-warming drama and passionate intensity that will keep you glued to the pages of this book.
In How Not to Chaperon a Lady, Virginia Heath has once again penned an irresistible Regency romance that is an absolute joy to lose oneself in.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Virginia Heath is back with a swoon-worthy historical romance that will melt your heart: How Not to Chaperon a Lady!
Griffith Philpot and Charity Brookes have known each other since childhood – and they’ve been butting heads ever since! Griffith has spent his entire life sparring with Charity. The two of them couldn’t be more different and whenever they are in one another’s company, sparks immediately begin to fly. Charity is impetuous, impulsive and a young woman who always speaks her mind. About to embark on a singing tour, Charity requires a chaperon in order to ensure that propriety is maintained at all times and that her reputation is not tarnished by even the merest hint of scandal. Griffith seems like the ideal candidate for the job, however, it quickly transpires that this singing tour will present him and Charity with a plethora of problems they would never ever have predicted…
As the two of them begin spending more and more time together, Griffith quickly realises that there’s more to Charity than meets the eye. Griffith has spent a lifetime dismissing her as being flighty and capricious, yet the more time he spends in her company, the more he finds himself drawn to her. When the attraction between the two of them proves impossible to resist, Griffith and Charity soon find themselves succumbing to temptation and giving into their feelings for one another.
Griffith was supposed to be guarding her virtue, not falling in love with her! Yet, the thought of spending a lifetime with Charity not by his side as the woman he loves doesn’t even bear thinking about. Will Griffith muster up the courage to tell Charity how he really feels about her? Or will he let the woman who has come to mean everything to him slip through his fingers?
Virginia Heath’s How Not to Chaperon a Lady is a delight from beginning to end. A magical historical romance sprinkled with humour, passion, charm and emotion, How Not to Chaperon a Lady is an enchanting Regency tale with a splendid heroine, a gorgeous hero, witty banter, heart-warming drama and passionate intensity that will keep you glued to the pages of this book.
In How Not to Chaperon a Lady, Virginia Heath has once again penned an irresistible Regency romance that is an absolute joy to lose oneself in.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 27, 2021
This was such a fun, quick read! It’s my first Virginia Heath book and I’ll definitely be back for more.
This is an enemies to lovers but they were actually secretly inlove with each other since childhood. Since both thought the other despised them, they were both pretty defensive and tried to hide their feelings by being mean to each other. Then H runs away for 4 years but when he came back he realized his feelings hadn’t faded even a little.
From the first few chapters I felt the angst which I am such a sucker for. The unrequited love tugged at my heartstrings and made me want to scream at our couple to just tell each other how they really felt.
If only their parents taught them how to express their feelings in a healthy manner! But then where would be the fun in reading about that?!
Charity (h) is an opera singer and Griff (H) is an inventor/steam engine engineer/businessman. He is a mere mister and he thinks h doesn’t think him worthy as she has her sights on a duke. In truth she thinks H doesn’t think she is good enough and she is just using the duke to prove to H that she can have anyone even if H doesn’t want her. Ofc H gets so jealous. Aside from the funny name (Griffith Philpot), he was quite the turd in some parts so I was not his biggest fan. Things eventually boil over and they have angry sex and heroine gets pregnant and they were forced to marry. Then more misery but they start learning to communicate and decide that they will try and make things work. There were some additional hiccups but I wish there were instead more pages about them just being happy.
I didn’t mind their misunderstandings and lack of communication because they were in their 20s and that’s what 20-somethings do. They were still finding themselves and reconciling their insecurities. And it’s true, the more you like someone, the more unsure you are if they like you back.
The author does a good job showing character growth towards the end. It was satisfying when our hero finally learned how to express his feelings—and had to do it in a very swoon-worthy/embarrassing way, depending on how you look at it.
There were two sex scenes but not very graphic. They were important plot points and helped move the story along.
Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin for the free ARC!
This is an enemies to lovers but they were actually secretly inlove with each other since childhood. Since both thought the other despised them, they were both pretty defensive and tried to hide their feelings by being mean to each other. Then H runs away for 4 years but when he came back he realized his feelings hadn’t faded even a little.
From the first few chapters I felt the angst which I am such a sucker for. The unrequited love tugged at my heartstrings and made me want to scream at our couple to just tell each other how they really felt.
If only their parents taught them how to express their feelings in a healthy manner! But then where would be the fun in reading about that?!
Charity (h) is an opera singer and Griff (H) is an inventor/steam engine engineer/businessman. He is a mere mister and he thinks h doesn’t think him worthy as she has her sights on a duke. In truth she thinks H doesn’t think she is good enough and she is just using the duke to prove to H that she can have anyone even if H doesn’t want her. Ofc H gets so jealous. Aside from the funny name (Griffith Philpot), he was quite the turd in some parts so I was not his biggest fan. Things eventually boil over and they have angry sex and heroine gets pregnant and they were forced to marry. Then more misery but they start learning to communicate and decide that they will try and make things work. There were some additional hiccups but I wish there were instead more pages about them just being happy.
I didn’t mind their misunderstandings and lack of communication because they were in their 20s and that’s what 20-somethings do. They were still finding themselves and reconciling their insecurities. And it’s true, the more you like someone, the more unsure you are if they like you back.
The author does a good job showing character growth towards the end. It was satisfying when our hero finally learned how to express his feelings—and had to do it in a very swoon-worthy/embarrassing way, depending on how you look at it.
There were two sex scenes but not very graphic. They were important plot points and helped move the story along.
Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin for the free ARC!
September 10, 2021
Finally the last book of The Talk of the Beau Monde is released. I was more than content after having finished reading the story of Charity Brookes!
The last daughter of Brookes family, Charity has very opposite characters to her two sisters. If you haven’t read the prior series of this book, it’s fine because you could read it separately but I would recommend reading them. Charity is very beautiful, charming, rebellious, and is a talented opera singer albeit a flirt yet beneath those characters I found other unexpected personality that I love her even more than her sisters. Charity is assigned to have singing tour and she plans on having little adventure with her best friend, Dorothy however Griffith, a brother of Dorothy’s is so overprotective and is determined to protect his sister by chaperoning them.
Gruff Griff (Griffith) and Charity are childhood friends yet their relation has never been good, it is because Griff has a deep feeling for Charity that he feels so visibly irritated toward himself and her. During their journey, Charity and Griff gradually understand one another. At the last week of the tour, Charity and Griff have a big argument due to his irrational and obsessive jealousy that they eventually end up succumbing to their lust.
Virginia Heath is one of most favorite authors of mine. Her story has always been so hilarious, entertaining and has clever wordplay in spite of the flaw within the flawless characters we assume at first, it successfully completes the story. Gruff Griff is a hero I adore, not only is he handsome, but also he is a genius who loves drawing steam engines and math. Despite the predicament, I love how Gruff Griff determinedly wants to make Charity falls in love with him.
How Not to Chaperon a Lady is a very delightful, page-turning and fulfilling reading from the first page to the end. Virginia Heath has wonderfully completed The Talk of Beau Monde series with Charity and Griffith’s story. The friendship that the heroes from this series forge and the family ties is so heartwarming and entertaining. Thank you, Virginia Heath for this ARC which I highly recommend.
The last daughter of Brookes family, Charity has very opposite characters to her two sisters. If you haven’t read the prior series of this book, it’s fine because you could read it separately but I would recommend reading them. Charity is very beautiful, charming, rebellious, and is a talented opera singer albeit a flirt yet beneath those characters I found other unexpected personality that I love her even more than her sisters. Charity is assigned to have singing tour and she plans on having little adventure with her best friend, Dorothy however Griffith, a brother of Dorothy’s is so overprotective and is determined to protect his sister by chaperoning them.
Gruff Griff (Griffith) and Charity are childhood friends yet their relation has never been good, it is because Griff has a deep feeling for Charity that he feels so visibly irritated toward himself and her. During their journey, Charity and Griff gradually understand one another. At the last week of the tour, Charity and Griff have a big argument due to his irrational and obsessive jealousy that they eventually end up succumbing to their lust.
Virginia Heath is one of most favorite authors of mine. Her story has always been so hilarious, entertaining and has clever wordplay in spite of the flaw within the flawless characters we assume at first, it successfully completes the story. Gruff Griff is a hero I adore, not only is he handsome, but also he is a genius who loves drawing steam engines and math. Despite the predicament, I love how Gruff Griff determinedly wants to make Charity falls in love with him.
How Not to Chaperon a Lady is a very delightful, page-turning and fulfilling reading from the first page to the end. Virginia Heath has wonderfully completed The Talk of Beau Monde series with Charity and Griffith’s story. The friendship that the heroes from this series forge and the family ties is so heartwarming and entertaining. Thank you, Virginia Heath for this ARC which I highly recommend.
September 19, 2021
How Not to Chaperon a Lady
3rd book in "The Talk of the Beau Monde" Series
Rating: 3 stars
Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC given for review. All opinions are my own.
How Not to Chaperon a Lady is Charity's story. Her two older sisters have the previous two books in the series.
Charity follows her mother's footsteps in being an opera singer. She is very talented and has gained much notoriety that has now been given an important leading rode that is now taking her in a month long series of presentations. Griff volunteers to serve as chaperon since his sister, Charity's best friend, will be joining Charity in this tour.
Charity and Griff have known each other since they were children and ever since then they have been butting heads every moment they see each other. They each have developed prejudices against each other and therefore it has caused them to have a very strained relationship.
Why the 3 stars? I really had a difficult time liking Charity and Griff. These prejudices they had towards each other lasted for most of the book. To me they spent most of the book fighting and pushing each others buttons. There was so much angst in their relationship that I didn't really enjoy, because the unhappy moments overshadowed the very few good times they had together. They both are at fault for being very stubborn and trying to prove the other wrong. I did like how, since they knew each other for so long, they were able to reminisce about the adventures they had when they were little.
Do I recommend it? Yes, but please read the previous two books in the series. I enjoyed the first one, but I looooved the second one. This one was just okay since it brought closure to the lives of the Brooke sisters. I just would of liked to see them butt heads less and come to accept their feelings towards each other a little earlier in the book. I would of liked to see Griff's plan for romancing Charity played out more.
3rd book in "The Talk of the Beau Monde" Series
Rating: 3 stars
Thank you to the author/publisher for the ARC given for review. All opinions are my own.
How Not to Chaperon a Lady is Charity's story. Her two older sisters have the previous two books in the series.
Charity follows her mother's footsteps in being an opera singer. She is very talented and has gained much notoriety that has now been given an important leading rode that is now taking her in a month long series of presentations. Griff volunteers to serve as chaperon since his sister, Charity's best friend, will be joining Charity in this tour.
Charity and Griff have known each other since they were children and ever since then they have been butting heads every moment they see each other. They each have developed prejudices against each other and therefore it has caused them to have a very strained relationship.
Why the 3 stars? I really had a difficult time liking Charity and Griff. These prejudices they had towards each other lasted for most of the book. To me they spent most of the book fighting and pushing each others buttons. There was so much angst in their relationship that I didn't really enjoy, because the unhappy moments overshadowed the very few good times they had together. They both are at fault for being very stubborn and trying to prove the other wrong. I did like how, since they knew each other for so long, they were able to reminisce about the adventures they had when they were little.
Do I recommend it? Yes, but please read the previous two books in the series. I enjoyed the first one, but I looooved the second one. This one was just okay since it brought closure to the lives of the Brooke sisters. I just would of liked to see them butt heads less and come to accept their feelings towards each other a little earlier in the book. I would of liked to see Griff's plan for romancing Charity played out more.
September 28, 2021
Funny, steamy, and sometimes too sweet for words, this is the perfect end to the tales of the Brookes sisters. Pretty, flighty Charity gets her time in the spotlight - not that the budding diva has ever left it - and it turns out her life isn't all songs and roses like her sisters assume. It's been fascinating to see how each of them have deeply held insecurities about their talents and Charity is no different. She might be a success at the start of the story (unlike the other two, whose search for recognition is an integral part of their plots) but Charity's story is less about making it and more about how to cope when you do.
And then there's Griff. Deep in denial about his feelings for Charity, I really can't condone the jealousy, but when he steps up to take care of her you can't help but swoon. He's clever and persistent with a Charity-sized blindspot in the middle of his feelings. I like that he's not a member of the aristocracy, and I like that no-one in the Brookes clan cares one bit.
The camaraderie between Piers, Luke, and now Griff was simply delightful, though I do wish we got more sisterly interactions. There was also a confrontation that occurred off-page that I would've loved to read first-hand, but that's a minor gripe about a wonderful conclusion to a great series - and who knows, maybe it'll turn up as a deleted scene!
Best enjoyed in a long flowing gown with a bit of opera in the background, perhaps with a fan to hide your blushes!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources, all opinions are my own.
And then there's Griff. Deep in denial about his feelings for Charity, I really can't condone the jealousy, but when he steps up to take care of her you can't help but swoon. He's clever and persistent with a Charity-sized blindspot in the middle of his feelings. I like that he's not a member of the aristocracy, and I like that no-one in the Brookes clan cares one bit.
The camaraderie between Piers, Luke, and now Griff was simply delightful, though I do wish we got more sisterly interactions. There was also a confrontation that occurred off-page that I would've loved to read first-hand, but that's a minor gripe about a wonderful conclusion to a great series - and who knows, maybe it'll turn up as a deleted scene!
Best enjoyed in a long flowing gown with a bit of opera in the background, perhaps with a fan to hide your blushes!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources, all opinions are my own.
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