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Seasons of Change #7
His Disinclined Bride
Theirs is not a love match. She’ll make sure of it.
Kitty Stokes never imagined she’d be so weak as to sacrifice herself on the altar of family obligations, but when the only alternative to marriage with Lord Hayworth is to play nursemaid to her brother’s children, Kitty reluctantly agrees. On her wedding day, she’s certain she has made a grave error, but it’s too late to back out.
Phineas Hayworth refrained from setting eyes on his new bride before their wedding day—the price he forced himself to pay for being so mercenary as to wed the sister of a wealthy merchant in a bid to save his estate from ruins. Her beauty, therefore, comes as a shock, as does her icy treatment, which he feels he deserves. He swears an oath he will not approach her for an heir unless the invitation comes from her.
As Phineas sets out to put his estate in order and present his new wife to Society, he finds her more enchanting than he could have hoped for, even in a love match. Kitty continues to hold him at arm’s length, although he suspects her feelings for him run just as deep. As Phineas’s love and desire for his wife grows, the oath he swore her begins to suffocate. It soon becomes clear that while he’d once been prepared to settle for a loveless marriage, he will not abide an unrequited love.
His Disinclined Bride is a sweet/clean regency romance, stand-alone novel about arranged marriage, and book seven in the Seasons of Change series. ♥
Kitty Stokes never imagined she’d be so weak as to sacrifice herself on the altar of family obligations, but when the only alternative to marriage with Lord Hayworth is to play nursemaid to her brother’s children, Kitty reluctantly agrees. On her wedding day, she’s certain she has made a grave error, but it’s too late to back out.
Phineas Hayworth refrained from setting eyes on his new bride before their wedding day—the price he forced himself to pay for being so mercenary as to wed the sister of a wealthy merchant in a bid to save his estate from ruins. Her beauty, therefore, comes as a shock, as does her icy treatment, which he feels he deserves. He swears an oath he will not approach her for an heir unless the invitation comes from her.
As Phineas sets out to put his estate in order and present his new wife to Society, he finds her more enchanting than he could have hoped for, even in a love match. Kitty continues to hold him at arm’s length, although he suspects her feelings for him run just as deep. As Phineas’s love and desire for his wife grows, the oath he swore her begins to suffocate. It soon becomes clear that while he’d once been prepared to settle for a loveless marriage, he will not abide an unrequited love.
His Disinclined Bride is a sweet/clean regency romance, stand-alone novel about arranged marriage, and book seven in the Seasons of Change series. ♥
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 6, 2020
624 people are currently reading
784 people want to read
About the author
Jennie Goutet
38 books632 followersJennie Goutet is the best-selling author of eighteen historical romances, including the Clavering Chronicles, Memorable Proposals, and The Bridwells’ Grand Tour series. Her books have received first place in historical romance for the New England Reader’s Choice Awards and have hit the number one spot in Regency Romance on Amazon. They have been featured on BookBub and Hoopla, and are translated into six languages. Jennie is an American-born Anglophile who lives with her French husband and their three children in a small town outside of Paris, but her imagination resides in Georgian England, where her proper historical romances are set. You can learn more about Jennie’s books and sign up for her newsletter on her author website, jenniegoutet.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 302 reviews
January 10, 2021
Review vanished
I wrote a scathingly brilliant review that just vanished. So this will be short. Cute story about the sister of a merchant marrying above her station. He is cold and distant but once he sees his beautiful bride his heart starts to melt. Snobby in-laws and an over amorous horse groom cause bumps in the road but alls well in the end. Phineas does not know the love words she wants to hear and but he tries and gets better with time. The hero is not a Greek God but an average looking male with thinning hair on top. That was different for me and I liked it. There are no love scenes or passion but it is a nice sweet read and perfect for a snowy night.
I wrote a scathingly brilliant review that just vanished. So this will be short. Cute story about the sister of a merchant marrying above her station. He is cold and distant but once he sees his beautiful bride his heart starts to melt. Snobby in-laws and an over amorous horse groom cause bumps in the road but alls well in the end. Phineas does not know the love words she wants to hear and but he tries and gets better with time. The hero is not a Greek God but an average looking male with thinning hair on top. That was different for me and I liked it. There are no love scenes or passion but it is a nice sweet read and perfect for a snowy night.
May 17, 2021
This was one of those download-on-a-whim-and-start-reading-immediately Kindle books, because the title and blurb sounded really good and I had a sudden urge to read a marriage of convenience romance.
I'm giving this a mighty generous 3 stars purely based on enjoyment, because I gobbled it up in a few days and could not put it down. I just HAD to get to the point where they finally admit their looooove for each other and finally spend the night together (the book is all clean though, no worries).
There isn't much plot at all besides the main romance, which is unrealistic at best, but in terms of floofy escapist romance, it was pretty good ;) Phineas was a really sweet hero, Kitty was a charming heroine, and you couldn't help but root for them.
Neither had much depth, and everything is very predictable, but the writing is pretty solid and there was just something about it that was pleasant and easy to read. Coupled with the fact that I was in the right mood for it, and it made for an engrossing read!
However, I'm afraid it's rather easily forgettable, there isn't much substance to it, but if you happen to come across it and want something sweet and quick, I do recommend!
My one main issue with it was that
Thank you Kindle Unlimited Free Trial.
I'm giving this a mighty generous 3 stars purely based on enjoyment, because I gobbled it up in a few days and could not put it down. I just HAD to get to the point where they finally admit their looooove for each other and finally spend the night together (the book is all clean though, no worries).
There isn't much plot at all besides the main romance, which is unrealistic at best, but in terms of floofy escapist romance, it was pretty good ;) Phineas was a really sweet hero, Kitty was a charming heroine, and you couldn't help but root for them.
Neither had much depth, and everything is very predictable, but the writing is pretty solid and there was just something about it that was pleasant and easy to read. Coupled with the fact that I was in the right mood for it, and it made for an engrossing read!
However, I'm afraid it's rather easily forgettable, there isn't much substance to it, but if you happen to come across it and want something sweet and quick, I do recommend!
My one main issue with it was that
Thank you Kindle Unlimited Free Trial.
October 29, 2021
This was a fun marriage of convenience story. Plenty of ups and downs between the characters. But they didn't feel contrived, just the opposite, they felt very appropriate and like what a marriage of convenience struggles would be like.
I really enjoyed these two characters. They have their reasons for the marriage but the real magic happened when they started to become friends. And seeing each other as a person who could be their friend.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrator.
Content: Clean. Some mild innuendos nothing more.
I won a copy of the audiobook in a giveaway but had previously purchased a copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
I really enjoyed these two characters. They have their reasons for the marriage but the real magic happened when they started to become friends. And seeing each other as a person who could be their friend.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrator.
Content: Clean. Some mild innuendos nothing more.
I won a copy of the audiobook in a giveaway but had previously purchased a copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
November 9, 2020
Really enjoyed this one! Had all the good tension and elements of a good arranged marriage story. It amazes me how many marriages started this way. This one had some fun elements that were believable instead of over the top for drama. I read it so quickly wanting to eat up every page. This is sweet and clean but does bring up sex often as that is a main point to the marriage to produce a heir. I thought this was handled well and added a nice edge to the story.
July 9, 2023
A MOC in Regency England. This seemed slow in places.
Had implied closed door intimacy. 2 stars.
Kitty's merchant bro, Erasmus, arranged a MOC for her,
w/o her knowledge or consent, to Phineas, a viscount &
heir to an earl. Several characters made snide or unwel-
come remarks to Kitty or about her. This would have
been more subtle in real life? Or stopped sooner? Phin
finally decided to verbally defend her. The negative
comments: overwhelming at times.
The best aspects: Kitty's half-brother Sam & when Kitty
asserted herself with her MIL.
Had implied closed door intimacy. 2 stars.
Kitty's merchant bro, Erasmus, arranged a MOC for her,
w/o her knowledge or consent, to Phineas, a viscount &
heir to an earl. Several characters made snide or unwel-
come remarks to Kitty or about her. This would have
been more subtle in real life? Or stopped sooner? Phin
finally decided to verbally defend her. The negative
comments: overwhelming at times.
The best aspects: Kitty's half-brother Sam & when Kitty
asserted herself with her MIL.
September 8, 2021
2 stars. This book was very frustrating. The whole of the conflict revolves around the hero and heroine being totally unable to communicate. They have a few moments of randomly insulting comments thrown at one another, and lots of looks of aggravation. Any nice sentiment towards each other stays buried deep as their tongues become suddenly tied in knots. This just wasn't my idea of an enjoyable romance unfortunately.
Safety is fine, it's a clean read, some slight OM/OW drama, but nothing angsty.
Safety is fine, it's a clean read, some slight OM/OW drama, but nothing angsty.
January 13, 2021
Ugh! I couldn't stand it! The couple never consummate the marriage. There is not even kissing, just polite, awkward conversation. Not a romance or much of a story.
October 31, 2020
Kitty’s new life, as wife to a viscount in a strange estate, in a strange village, had not had a promising beginning.
His Disinclined Bride by Jennie Goutet is a stand alone Regency romance in the Season of Change Series. The story begins when Kitty’s brother, a successful businessman, matches her with Phineas Stropford, Lord Hayworth, without telling her for his own gain and Lord Hayworth’s. The story follows Phineas and Kitty’s wedding and new life. We find out how they navigate an array of challenging relatives, neighbors, new friends, servants, and their relationship with each other. It is a delightful marriage of convenience story with a satisfying ending.
Jennie Goutet is a new to me author, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to read her new book His Disinclined Bride. It was everything a Regency romance story should be and more! I enjoyed the characters, the setting, and Kitty and Phineas’ love story. After reading His Disinclined Bride I will now search out Ms. Goutet’s other novels as I am now a fan. I would highly recommend His Disinclined Bride to all who love clean Regency romances.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 11, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook! The narrator was great, and I loved the tension between Kitty and Phineas. The writing is wonderful. I will be reading more from this author.
December 28, 2020
I thought both characters were exceptionally bland and I wasn’t rooting for either of them.
November 1, 2020
I was really excited to be asked to be apart of the tour for this lovely little book. It was perfectly paced from start to finish and I loved every minute.
Kitty feels like she is burden to her family. With her parents dead and her brother a wealthy merchant her options are few and her likelihood to fit in with the tons prejudices are slim.
Phinneas is tired of being held under his fathers magnifying glass and is ready to be his own man. In order to gain his independence he signs up for a marriage of convenience with none other than Kitty...which may come with many added financial benefits.
Each partner in this marriage must put aside their past prejudices in order to find the love and connection they have been longing for their entire lives. Married in contract but not in the “real” sense if you catch my drift....Phinneas must woo his wife and in turn ultimately catch her heart in order to be invited into her bed. Now this premise may seem a bit steamy but rest assured this is a closed door romance that is sweet and tender and really handles this situation quite elegantly.
It was such a fun story and premise that I read it in a matter of two sittings. I fell in love with both of these characters as they navigated romance and connection while dealing with crazy family ties and nuances. I will definitely continue to read more books from this author!
Kitty feels like she is burden to her family. With her parents dead and her brother a wealthy merchant her options are few and her likelihood to fit in with the tons prejudices are slim.
Phinneas is tired of being held under his fathers magnifying glass and is ready to be his own man. In order to gain his independence he signs up for a marriage of convenience with none other than Kitty...which may come with many added financial benefits.
Each partner in this marriage must put aside their past prejudices in order to find the love and connection they have been longing for their entire lives. Married in contract but not in the “real” sense if you catch my drift....Phinneas must woo his wife and in turn ultimately catch her heart in order to be invited into her bed. Now this premise may seem a bit steamy but rest assured this is a closed door romance that is sweet and tender and really handles this situation quite elegantly.
It was such a fun story and premise that I read it in a matter of two sittings. I fell in love with both of these characters as they navigated romance and connection while dealing with crazy family ties and nuances. I will definitely continue to read more books from this author!
January 25, 2021
I listened to the audiobook of this charming marriage of convenience story. Katherine has two choices--marry or be a caregiver of her brother's children. Her brother basically sells her off to Lord Hayworth, who's trying to save his estate with her dowry. These two had quite the journey from marriage of convenience to love.
I really liked both of the main characters although they both made mistakes while getting to know each other at the beginning of the marriage. Katherine let the groom get a little too comfortable with her and Phineas misunderstood some things. Katherine's little brother, Samuel was delightful and I think he helped Phineas and Katherine. I was glad Samuel came to stay with them, as his older brother and his wife didn't treat Samuel as they treated their own children. And it was thanks to Samuel, that Phineas found out how the housekeeper treated Katherine.
Phineas had some dunderhead moments as he seemed completely clueless that he needed to tell Katherine how he felt about her. Thankfully by the end of the book he has overcome his fears and learned to share his feelings.
I really liked both of the main characters although they both made mistakes while getting to know each other at the beginning of the marriage. Katherine let the groom get a little too comfortable with her and Phineas misunderstood some things. Katherine's little brother, Samuel was delightful and I think he helped Phineas and Katherine. I was glad Samuel came to stay with them, as his older brother and his wife didn't treat Samuel as they treated their own children. And it was thanks to Samuel, that Phineas found out how the housekeeper treated Katherine.
Phineas had some dunderhead moments as he seemed completely clueless that he needed to tell Katherine how he felt about her. Thankfully by the end of the book he has overcome his fears and learned to share his feelings.
probado-y-no
April 27, 2021So I am at 11% in the story and I already don´t like this hero. He purchases his bride while despising her mercenary brother (the one who sold her to him, the irony…) and because he didn´t care to see a likeliness of her, he met her at the altar, literally, and then, when she takes three seconds to answer her I do, he gets his knickers on a twist because:
Come on…
Nope, not for me.
"She was silent long enough that Phineas glanced at her, tendrils of alarm creeping up his spine. What if one look at him was enough for her to say no? What if Phineas was made to look a fool in front of his parents and cousin who served as witness? What if he was back to having to obey his father’s beck and call to pull Midlington estate into order?"
Come on…
Nope, not for me.
January 31, 2021
Beyond Boring
This book is dead boring and slow. The two main characters have no personalities and behave toward each other like awkward thirteen-year-olds would instead of grown married people. I know the point of the story is to build up the tension but it's redundant and frustrating. Don't read this book.
This book is dead boring and slow. The two main characters have no personalities and behave toward each other like awkward thirteen-year-olds would instead of grown married people. I know the point of the story is to build up the tension but it's redundant and frustrating. Don't read this book.
October 27, 2020
Oh my goodness! This book is SO incredible! It is romantic, sweet, heartfelt, and simply wonderful! Whenever I picked up "His Disinclined Bride", I was whisked back in time to the Regency Era, and fell in love with this story.
This is the second book I have read by Jennie Goutet, and I can't wait to read so many more as she has quickly become one of my absolute favorite authors! Her writing style is beautiful, elegant, and engaging. Her characters all spring to life right off of the page, and the world of her story comes to life right before the reader's eyes. From the first page to the very last, I was simply drawn in...every moment is so well-thought out and really adds something to the story. I feel like I got to know each and every character, and I also felt like I was right there with them watching the story unfold.
Phineas Hayworth is such a kind, caring, loving, strong, respectful, and intelligent man. He truly cares about those around him, and does everything he can to make Kitty comfortable. Little does he expect that marrying a woman he has never met could possibly turn into something so magical.
Kitty Stokes is such a spunky, witty, kind-hearted, strong, caring, and loving woman. When she is told a marriage to a man she does not know has been arranged for her, she must decide what to do. Never could she have imagined the way things begin to turn.
(Possible Spoilers!)
I found myself rooting for Phineas and Kitty to fall in love from the moment they first set eyes on each other. Though their marriage starts as a "marriage of convenience", they quickly begin to develop feelings for one another. As the reader, this was so clear to me (even before it was clear to the character's themselves), and I found myself on the edge of my seat so hoping they would listen to their hearts! Though there are some difficult moments and misunderstandings, they are able to work through it and watching them fall further and further in love is so beautiful. Many a moment had me swooning, and many had me holding my breath as I could not wait to see if this couple found their happy-ending with each other. You will just have to read it find out!
If you enjoy Regency Romance novels, I highly recommend this book! I had such a difficult time putting it down, and basically read it in one sitting because I could not wait to see how everything worked out.
Thank you so much to the author, Jennie Goutet, for sending me an ARC of this book, I so loved it! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is the second book I have read by Jennie Goutet, and I can't wait to read so many more as she has quickly become one of my absolute favorite authors! Her writing style is beautiful, elegant, and engaging. Her characters all spring to life right off of the page, and the world of her story comes to life right before the reader's eyes. From the first page to the very last, I was simply drawn in...every moment is so well-thought out and really adds something to the story. I feel like I got to know each and every character, and I also felt like I was right there with them watching the story unfold.
Phineas Hayworth is such a kind, caring, loving, strong, respectful, and intelligent man. He truly cares about those around him, and does everything he can to make Kitty comfortable. Little does he expect that marrying a woman he has never met could possibly turn into something so magical.
Kitty Stokes is such a spunky, witty, kind-hearted, strong, caring, and loving woman. When she is told a marriage to a man she does not know has been arranged for her, she must decide what to do. Never could she have imagined the way things begin to turn.
(Possible Spoilers!)
I found myself rooting for Phineas and Kitty to fall in love from the moment they first set eyes on each other. Though their marriage starts as a "marriage of convenience", they quickly begin to develop feelings for one another. As the reader, this was so clear to me (even before it was clear to the character's themselves), and I found myself on the edge of my seat so hoping they would listen to their hearts! Though there are some difficult moments and misunderstandings, they are able to work through it and watching them fall further and further in love is so beautiful. Many a moment had me swooning, and many had me holding my breath as I could not wait to see if this couple found their happy-ending with each other. You will just have to read it find out!
If you enjoy Regency Romance novels, I highly recommend this book! I had such a difficult time putting it down, and basically read it in one sitting because I could not wait to see how everything worked out.
Thank you so much to the author, Jennie Goutet, for sending me an ARC of this book, I so loved it! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
October 29, 2020
I love this series! I look forward to each new book. This story was good but just didn’t have the same feel that grabbed me from previous books. I liked the characters fine, but just didn’t love the story. Just fell kind of flat for me at times.
September 12, 2022
Fun, interesting clean regency read!
Listened to on audiobook thanks to my local library.
Listened to on audiobook thanks to my local library.
March 3, 2025
Un peu gnangnan
September 19, 2021
i can’t 😍
November 16, 2020
I have loved Jennie's books for awhile now! She writes like the writers of old. Her storytelling style and clear research has such an authentic feel to it.
For a sweet regency romance this story was so unique! It was a marriage of convenience that actually centered around the hero trying to woo the heroine into inviting him into the wedding bed. But it was done so delicately (By both Jennie and most of the time by Phineas haha).
Phineas was a very real character. His actions totally made sense for the way he was brought up (which I loved--that the author didn't magically redeem him) but he did drive me crazy sometimes with his jealousy and inability to to say what he was feeling. Even though I understood. Additionally, as much as I enjoyed reading about his love for Kitty, it read pretty superficial for awhile. It didn't necessarily feel that way, because I actually felt that he cared more deeply for her than even he realized, but he seemed to fixate largely on her good looks. Still, his glimpses of humor and teasing were so sweet.
Kitty was wonderful. Her love for her brother, her. insecurity in her new position, her hopes for her marriage--it was all so well done. I loved it.
The side plots were unique as well. I was surprised by the plot with the groom! That isn't something I'd read before in a regency and made an interesting add.
Speaking of side characters--the parents drove me crazy! (Mostly in a good, this author is doing her job kind of way). I do kind of wish the father hadn't given in in the end. It seemed out of character for him, after everything you'd learned. I also would have liked hints as to the reason behind his parents coldness throughout the book. It seemed as if he'd completely forgotten that monumental event until he decided to think about it, rather than just having repressed it.
The ending was absolutely perfect. It was so much simpler than I imagined it would be be and I loved that because it fit the characters. It was cute, somewhat humorous, and left me with a grin on my face. Perfectly well done!!
Overall I really enjoyed this book--Jenny took a fairly difficult topic for a clean romance and did a wonderful job with it. I can't wait for her next one!
For a sweet regency romance this story was so unique! It was a marriage of convenience that actually centered around the hero trying to woo the heroine into inviting him into the wedding bed. But it was done so delicately (By both Jennie and most of the time by Phineas haha).
Phineas was a very real character. His actions totally made sense for the way he was brought up (which I loved--that the author didn't magically redeem him) but he did drive me crazy sometimes with his jealousy and inability to to say what he was feeling. Even though I understood. Additionally, as much as I enjoyed reading about his love for Kitty, it read pretty superficial for awhile. It didn't necessarily feel that way, because I actually felt that he cared more deeply for her than even he realized, but he seemed to fixate largely on her good looks. Still, his glimpses of humor and teasing were so sweet.
Kitty was wonderful. Her love for her brother, her. insecurity in her new position, her hopes for her marriage--it was all so well done. I loved it.
The side plots were unique as well. I was surprised by the plot with the groom! That isn't something I'd read before in a regency and made an interesting add.
Speaking of side characters--the parents drove me crazy! (Mostly in a good, this author is doing her job kind of way). I do kind of wish the father hadn't given in in the end. It seemed out of character for him, after everything you'd learned. I also would have liked hints as to the reason behind his parents coldness throughout the book. It seemed as if he'd completely forgotten that monumental event until he decided to think about it, rather than just having repressed it.
The ending was absolutely perfect. It was so much simpler than I imagined it would be be and I loved that because it fit the characters. It was cute, somewhat humorous, and left me with a grin on my face. Perfectly well done!!
Overall I really enjoyed this book--Jenny took a fairly difficult topic for a clean romance and did a wonderful job with it. I can't wait for her next one!
March 9, 2021
I found this “arranged marriage” tale to be somewhat different than usual. Lord Haywood is in need of funds to make significant improvements to his estate. So, he instructs his Man of Business to find him a bride with a large dowry. His search finds a wealthy businessman who will offer his sister along with a significant dowry in return for the influence Lord Haywood might offer. An arranged marriage is negotiated and agreed to. What makes this unusual is that the first time Lord Haywood sets eyes on Kitty Stokes is when she walks down the aisle at their wedding.
Kitty is an interesting heroine. She lives in the household of her wealthy older brother, Erasmus Stokes along with a younger brother, her sister & brother-in-law, and their children. She loves the younger children, but there is a bit of friction in the household. When she learns that her brother has negotiated her marriage to Lord Haywood, she is not happy but rationalizes that things can’t be much worse than her current situation.
Lord Haywood seems most interested in Kitty’s dowry but is pleasantly surprised with her beauty as she walks down the aisle. However, this is a marriage of convenience, not a love match. The well-written story describes the transition from being strangers to friends to devoted and affectionate marriage partners.
I found the story both interesting and entertaining. The characters are believable and human, and the romantic element is handled with tact and gentility. I found only one factual error that the editors did not catch. Our protagonists were leading their horses down a path. It is snowing. Then Ms. Goutet writes, “Light flakes fell from the gray, cloudless sky.” With over 30 years in a profession where I was required to be a certified weather observer and a certified pilot weather briefer, I can state that it is impossible for snow to fall from a cloudless sky because snow forms inside clouds.
Kitty is an interesting heroine. She lives in the household of her wealthy older brother, Erasmus Stokes along with a younger brother, her sister & brother-in-law, and their children. She loves the younger children, but there is a bit of friction in the household. When she learns that her brother has negotiated her marriage to Lord Haywood, she is not happy but rationalizes that things can’t be much worse than her current situation.
Lord Haywood seems most interested in Kitty’s dowry but is pleasantly surprised with her beauty as she walks down the aisle. However, this is a marriage of convenience, not a love match. The well-written story describes the transition from being strangers to friends to devoted and affectionate marriage partners.
I found the story both interesting and entertaining. The characters are believable and human, and the romantic element is handled with tact and gentility. I found only one factual error that the editors did not catch. Our protagonists were leading their horses down a path. It is snowing. Then Ms. Goutet writes, “Light flakes fell from the gray, cloudless sky.” With over 30 years in a profession where I was required to be a certified weather observer and a certified pilot weather briefer, I can state that it is impossible for snow to fall from a cloudless sky because snow forms inside clouds.
October 22, 2020
This was a great read with engaging characters. Phineas Stropford, Viscount Hayworth had an uneasy relationship with his parents. There was little love and his father liked to control him. Their marriage was not a good example as they rarely spoke to each other. Kitty Stokes was a beautiful heiress but came from trade. I enjoyed the way Phineas and Kitty got to know each other better. In this story there are over bearing relations, the way the aristocracy considered those from trade, and a delightful younger brother called Samuel. I can recommend this very entertaining read.
November 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this book by Jennie Goutet. I have loved the other books in the Seasons of Change series so I am glad this book was just as good. I like that it was an arranged marriage story and I really liked that is was the guy that wanted to make the relationship more. In most arranged marriage stories I have read it is normally the female putting forth most of the effort to make the marriage work so I loved that this was a little different. I also loved that the romance built slowly and that it grew as Phineas showed Kitty that what was important to her was important to him. I liked seeing the character grow in both of these characters.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
March 23, 2021
It's always good to find a newer HR author who writes well and can compare favorably with the traditional HRs.
I enjoyed this slow burn moc.
The way these two quite disparate and reluctant people learn about each other, grow beyond the small pinpricks and hurdles, and build a life together - is done well.
She's a beauty but a brash trader's sister while he's nobleman who's a bit fugly and 'guache' - thinning hair and all.
And she's no willing bride. Whereas the slightly stuffy H believes she should be 'honored by his condescension on marrying beneath him.'.
'He had not bargained on such a prickly wife for a spouse—and he so mild-mannered, himself!'
That's the way things begin - with no commonality in sight but these two manage to find a hea for themselves - and a very satisfactory one at that.
I enjoyed this slow burn moc.
The way these two quite disparate and reluctant people learn about each other, grow beyond the small pinpricks and hurdles, and build a life together - is done well.
She's a beauty but a brash trader's sister while he's nobleman who's a bit fugly and 'guache' - thinning hair and all.
And she's no willing bride. Whereas the slightly stuffy H believes she should be 'honored by his condescension on marrying beneath him.'.
'He had not bargained on such a prickly wife for a spouse—and he so mild-mannered, himself!'
That's the way things begin - with no commonality in sight but these two manage to find a hea for themselves - and a very satisfactory one at that.
August 21, 2021
3.5 stars. The tension in this one was so thick you could cut it with a knife. He marries her, sight unseen, for her excessive dowry, but she's from the merchant class. No one approves the choice, least of all her for having no say in the matter. He sees her fear and vows to not enter her bedchamber without an invitation. She does not issue an invitation. He has to woo his own wife, though he's not very good at it. Just about everything is against them, trying to tear them apart. It's more stressful than I would like a story like this to be, but I really liked the characters.
November 4, 2020
I enjoyed this sweet story about Phineas and Catherine. It wasn’t a live match that brought them together in the beginning. It was an arranged marriage that “Kitty” was given no say in. She was less then pleased that she was essentially forced to marry a man she had never before laid eyes on. But she is pleasantly surprised to find that he is handsome and kind. I liked both characters and there were also some great supporting characters.
November 4, 2022
SAfe
Hero is a doormat, a whilted lettuce... etc.. he started like grumpy macho man, but for afraid of his parents, he didnt fight for his wife in front of his cold parents,,, bah i didnt like him
Heroine: ... she was insecure, she didnt fight for her sexual pleasure...
Clean romance
No kissing, no sex scenes
Pfthghtrhrk
Hero is a doormat, a whilted lettuce... etc.. he started like grumpy macho man, but for afraid of his parents, he didnt fight for his wife in front of his cold parents,,, bah i didnt like him
Heroine: ... she was insecure, she didnt fight for her sexual pleasure...
Clean romance
No kissing, no sex scenes
Pfthghtrhrk
November 5, 2020
I am giving this book 2 stars for being well written but I honestly found it very boring. Phineas was an awful hero, he overlooked such obvious things and he was very annoying. I had to skim the last few chapters because I could not finish it otherwise.
February 24, 2025
Flat, slow, and repetitive. Insipid H/h with the heroine quickly losing the bit of spark she shows early on which doesn’t reappear until late in the book (and even then it’s only a brief appearance that fizzles out again).
February 25, 2021
I skim read most of this, it was ok, just felt like the chemistry was never really there.
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