Kingscastle

by Sophia Holloway

An enchanting romance that fans of Bridgerton will take to their hearts

Captain William Hawksmoor of the Royal Navy never expected to inherit Kingscastle and is none too pleased when he does so. Especially when he learns that he must marry within a year or be forever dealing with trustees.

As the new Marquis of Athelney, the captain takes command of Kingscastle and discovers much to be done to set it in order. He must also contend with his aunt, Lady Willoughby Hawksmoor, who is determined that her daughter will be his wife. When she discovers he is far more interested in Eleanor Burgess, her underpaid and much put-upon companion, Lady Willoughby shows she will stop at nothing to keep them apart.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Regency, Regency Romance

320 pages, Paperback

First published November 18, 2021

About the author

Sophia Holloway describes herself as a ‘wordsmith’. She read Modern History at Oxford, and her factual book on the Royal Marines in the First World War, From Trench and Turret, was published in 2006. Shea takes her pen name from her great grandmother ( hence the photograph portrait). She also writes the Bradecote & Catchpoll mediaeval murder mysteries under the pen name, Sarah Hawkswood. Her third Classic Regency novel, 'Kingscastle' was published in paperback and ebook by Allison & Busby in November 2021, with another due out in spring 2022.

She is a member of the Historical Writers’ Association, the Historical Novel Society, and the Crime Writers' Associationand the Romantic Novelists' Association.

Reviews

[Vintage · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read somewhere that this was for Bridgerton fans. No, it’s not. Other than set in the Regency, it’s nothing like Julia Quinn series. Not saying it’s not good because it is, but Quinn’s writing is lighter, pithier and much more steamy. Writing here is very good, but in a much more historical vein and sans sex scenes.

The H is a naval officer and feels that it’s very unfortunate he inherited anything so frivolous as a title from his same-named, and very ethically challenged cousin. I have to say I loved the book cover as it allows me to picture the hero as a lean hero striding into a new challenge.

He arrives at his new estate with the orders that he has to marry and produce within two years. There he encounters the heroine, some nice fellow side characters, and the Queen of the Show, the evil and manipulative Lady Catherine de Bourgh wannabe. It feels like Sophia Holloway lifted her straight from the pages of Pride and Prejudice. She’s so horrible in every way! I loved it.

Heading into a 4 star as the heroine who is the evil witch’s companion is intelligent, witty and a perfect foil for the practical H. Until she turns so unbelievably stupid. Really, really stupid. I’ve been even a more judgey and critical reviewer than usual since the New Year, and decided to give her the benefit of the doubt as in real life people can get their noses out of joint about misunderstanding and nothing, but enough is enough. The heroine throws herself one pity party after another as life goes on for the rest for the group.

The heroine finally sees the light and there is a happy ever after for everyone which has the cherry on top of having the faux Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s evil plots foiled.

Definitely reading more of Sophia Holloway.

[Merry · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book captured my interest from the first few pages as William Hawksmoor is notified that he is now the Marquis of Athelney. William is a British Navy Captain who lives on half pay now that the war has ended. He also has the exact same name as the previous heir who died after living a debauched life. Their are several side plots where the characters are well written and enjoyable. The heroine is a companion to a self centered woman named Lady Willoughby who has no redeeming qualities. I would have liked to have had more interactions between the main characters as they met only a few times and I think there should have been more romance. I ended up enjoying the side characters more than the main.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

One day a captain in the Royal Navy and content to be married to his career; the next he’s a Marquis in need of a wife. An old-style Regency Romance from a new to me author caught my eye and I didn’t hesitate to grab it up for a light, gently-paced engaging tale.

William Hawksmoor is a good commander and well respected. He’s perfectly happy with his place in the cadet branch of the family. In fact, he delivers a staggering frown to the family lawyer who is in disbelief that Captain Hawksmoor doesn’t want to be Marquis of Athelney after the close deaths of uncle and profligate cousin. Being told he has to be married within two years or forever have the funds left in the hands of the trustees is just more woe. Hawksmoor is a military man and this helps him adjust and make the most of matters including the main estate having fallen into disorganization and disrepair as the old Marquis grew feebler and his calculating, forceful aunt, Lady Willoughby, determined to marry him off to her second daughter, Charlotte. Too bad he has a penchant for Lady Willoughby’s sensible and bright companion, Eleanor Burgess, instead.

Kingscastle has in the blurb that it is for Bridgerton fans. I enjoyed a few of the Bridgerton books and many other Regency authors so I can say with some certainty that this was not much like Bridgerton. I think the comparison will do this book a disfavor when people come looking for more Bridgerton. This one is closer to books in the style of Georgette Heyer or Carla Kelly, rather. In fact, there were a few scenes that were more than nods to some Heyer book moments.

I settled into the storyline right away and enjoyed the set up and introduction to characters and situation. The author has a brilliant grasp of Regency Era and I happily enjoyed descriptions of life, dialogue, and style. It is a book given to gentle scenes and pacing with the exception of Lady Willoughby’s obnoxious over the top moments that were funny to me because she was so extreme. How so ever did this woman not end up the victim of accidental-on purpose hit her with the carriage I do not know? No one liked her and she had no redeeming qualities.

Speaking of characters. Interestingly, the main characters were not easy to know as some of the secondary characters like his naval lieutenant friend who came to help him get things organized at the castle or the local vicar and his sister. There are a few different plot threads going on with romance in the air for several. William and Eleanor are the main players, but their romance is not dominant. They were at the forefront of the story, but not as a developing couple- though yes, they are understood to be a romance pair. They have few scenes together and this is not so great because in the latter half of the book Eleanor seemed to alter in character. She goes from being loaded with common sense and seeing her fellow human creatures rather well to someone who chooses to believe an always conniving, spiteful Lady Willoughby about William. This is especially off-putting because William is fabulous. If he has a fault as a character, it is to have no real faults.
I sound like this book seems loaded with drama, but it is rather low-angst and I appreciated that. I even appreciated that there was plenty going on beyond the main romance as William gets Kingscastle in order and thwarts his aunt’s plans. It seemed a well-balanced book with all that went on though as I indicated before, I could have used a bit more William and Eleanor developing their romance.

So, in summary, Kingscastle was sweet, easy and delightful. I hope the author writes more Regency romances. I would recommend this one for those who enjoy sweet, slow burn historical romance.


I rec'd an eARC through NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.

[HR-ML · Rating 3 out of 5]

Traditional romance: had 2 romance couples & a
possible 3rd couple in future? "Clean" with a few
kisses. 3 stars.

Had mixed feelings. I liked Captain William Hawks-
moor (retired after the Royal Navy x 15 yrs) & lady's
companion/ clergyman's daughter Eleanor. Waspish
relative Lady Willoughby employed her. William was
Lady W's nephew by marriage. Lady W got on my last
nerve w/ her attitudes and insults.

Wm, who didn't suffer fools gladly, learned he was
now a Marquess & the Will naming him as heir had
an unusual provision. He had little experience w/
gently bred ladies. He awarded his former Lt., a
steward job on the property where William resided.

Lady W saw a spark between the MCs & minimized
their chances to interact. It took too long for the
MCs to confess their mutual love. May read this
author again?

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a while since I’ve read an historical romance. And for the most part I enjoyed this one. I have to say it’s not a book I’ll re-read but it made for a pleasant change.

I liked both the main characters Captain William Hawksmoor and Eleanor. But for me the show was stolen by the secondary characters and their romance. Which built nicely and we were with them every step of the way. Whereas the main two spent too much time apart or at odds with each other. Which caused me to start skimming towards the end. My patience was seriously waning by this point.

If I’m being picky and I am.
Lady Willoughby was a little too much at times. With a touch of the cartoon villain about her. And the scene early on with the Marquis in the library with the two women seemed a little cruel and out of character.

I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley and the publisher.

[Andi · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are looking for a clean read, a slow burn romance, and multiple people getting their HEA - this book is it.

We meet our hero, a man who spent years as a naval officer. He becomes inherited with a title and a castle. Problem is, he knows little to none experience at running one or being a man of society. He travels there and he becomes acquainted with his aunt and his cousin who of which she is forcing him to marry (more like already chosen). He instead becomes smitten with his aunt's companion.

I enjoyed this book but I felt like I wasn't wow-ed by it. Something felt missing, but it's not meaning that it's a bad book. My favorite parts of the book are watching the relationship build between the hero and his aunt's companion ; the multiple encounters that he has with his aunt (think the rude aunt from Pride and Prejudice) and her countless set downs by various characters, including the hero.

Maybe I wanted some tension or more set backs when it came to him trying to establish himself. Whatever it was I was missing, it was not enough to give it the full 5 stars it could be. BUT, that is not to say it isn't a bad book. It was a pretty solid book but for me it just felt like it was missing something. For someone else it might just be perfect. I would be willing to read more from this author.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was great! It has a bit of a 'The Quiet Gentleman' (Heyer) feel to it because both novels are about a nobleman coming to his estate after a long time away and having to adjust to the people who are already there and the routines that are already in place. The difference is that Captain William Hawksmoor has been in the Royal Navy for almost two decades when he (very) unexpectedly inherits his title and estate. I love how Holloway brings his naval experience and expertise into his new role on his estate. It comes into play in a big way in the last third of the book. William also gets his naval buddy Harry Bitton to be his new steward, and I love their friendship and Harry's romance.

Eleanor Burgess is the heroine who is working as a companion for William's truly awful aunt, Lady Hawksmoor. I think my two complaints about the book are linked. Lady Hawksmoor is a VERY villainous villain. She's a trifle overdone, I think, though it is fun to hate her. This also means that Eleanor has to suppress her intelligence and engaging manner to avoid being sent away, so there wasn’t as much of Eleanor as I wanted there to be! Her family also sounded so fun, and I wanted more of them too. I enjoyed the romance between William and Eleanor. It's sweet.

This is the second Regency romance I've read recently with a flood. It is an interesting plot device to bring people into close proximity and force them to address their relational issues. In this novel, the flood lets Lady Hawksmoor's daughter come into her own, which I especially enjoyed. The vicar and his sister are standout characters too.

This is a clean read too, which I always appreciate. I will definitely be reading more from this author!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book because the man on the cover is wearing a fine as hell blue coat. I’m a sucker for good tailoring and he’s flapping about in it like a good ‘un. Kingcastle is a delight it’s got everything you want in a regency romance, you very definitely could play regency romance bingo with it.
Reluctant new heir William Hawkswood is just a simple sailor and due to some legal highjinks that were meant to keep his prematurely dead cousin under the thumb he has to get married within the year if he wants to keep his new estate and title. There’s meddling aunts, misunderstandings, multiple acts of heroism, sensible upright females and love at second sight. There’s even full and frank discussions of soft furnishings. I liked this a lot.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Regency romance starts well with Captain William Hawkswood of the Royal Navy, the younger son of a youngest son, finding out he inherited the marquessate of Athelney, but with the (probable) stipulation of marrying and fathering an heir within a year. When he meets Eleanor Burgess, his aunt´s companion, he´s not so sure he wants to marry Charlotte, the daughter Lady Willoughby wants to throw in his way. All is set for a humorous banter with a self-confident heroine, but then the story between the two looses its pace, as they let themselves be influenced by the cruel and domineering aunt. More misunderstandings and near-catastrophes till the end.
I liked the other love story better which is natural and loving with its share of humour. Also appreciated Charlotte´s development, the period setting and the people of the village.
Thanks to Alison & Busby and Netgalley for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[Diana N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the navy to being a Lord and a marriage stipulation.

This book had a bit of a Cinderella story component to it. Evil Mrs. Willoughby basically locking up Miss Burgess and threatening pretty much everyone.

I liked the overall plot and especially liked seeing the humility of the characters in their interactions with the townfolk (minus the evil Aunt). Lord Athelney really proved himself to be a good man throughout.

I think the start and ending of the book was strong, but I felt like the middle dragged on a bit with too many Mrs. Willoughby escapades.

Overall I enjoyed the slow burn romance and cast of characters.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

[Pauline Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read one previous book by this author, The Devil You Know, which I loved apart from one major flaw late on, but the writing was absolutely superb. So it is here, too, and although I had some niggles, they didn’t stop me thoroughly enjoying the book, to the extent that I read it in one sitting.

Here’s the premise: Captain William Hawksmoor is obliged to leave his beloved Royal Navy when both his cousin (of the same name) and his uncle die, leaving him the new Marquis of Athelney. The cousin who had been expected to inherit having been a useless good-for-nothing, the will specified certain conditions, namely, that he should marry and produce an heir within two years. The new Marquis has the same name, so the provisions apply equally to him, and he’s not unwilling. The title, the estate and his obligations he sees as just his duty, and he’s very good at doing his duty. But where will he find a bride? However, when he arrives at his new home, Kingscastle, he meets his aunt, Lady Willoughby Hawksmoor, who is determined that he should marry his cousin, timid and hectored Charlotte, but he finds the much mistreated companion, Eleanor Burgess far more to his liking.

It has to be said that Lady Willoughby Hawksmoor is a real piece of work - think Lady Catherine de Burgh on steroids. She’s so over the top as to be a caricature, but since she is almost the only obstacle to the plain sailing of the romance, I suppose we must give her some latitude. And, to be honest, in an era when women of rank were often both badly educated and accorded great deference, it was inevitable that some would conceive a completely misguided sense of their own importance in the world, and look down on anyone they deemed inferior, their position allowing them to be as rude as they like and get away with it. Neither the daughter, Charlotte, nor the companion, Eleanor, is in any position to gainsay her ladyship in the slightest.

Lord Athelney is a straightforward and pragmatic soul, and so it isn’t very long before he’s proposing to Eleanor, not any romantic sense, but as a way for him to fulfil the terms of the will and for her to escape her difficult circumstances. But he makes it clear that he likes and admires her, and that he thinks they can make a good marriage out of it that will content them both. And she turns him down. Of course she does. Why would she do that? Because she wants him to love her, naturally. It’s not enough for him to like her, she’s holding out for something more. At this point, I want to sit her down and berate her for her utter stupidity. She has nothing at all in her life except a miserable existence as a punching ball for Lady Willoughby, which is likely to see her dismissed without a reference very soon. And then she will have no future at all except that of increasing poverty and a desperate old age. Turning down a marquis is utter madness.

I had the same issue with Georgette Heyer’s Sprig Muslin, where Lady Hester has been in love with the hero for years, and rejects his pragmatic proposal for the same reason - because she’s holding out for love. At least in that case, although she was very much unappreciated by her family, she didn’t have the dire spectre of poverty looming over her. Eleanor has no such excuse.

However, thank heavens for a hero who knows what he wants and is prepared to wait for the heroine to decide what she wants, too. Of course, there are obstacles a-plenty, mainly the ever odious Lady Willoughby, but also a major misunderstanding between hero and heroine. The author has to jump through hoops a little to make this work, but she succeeds pretty well. I’m not at all a fan of the Great Misunderstanding but at least this one felt credible. There are also some melodramatic moments where the hero gets to shine and be… well, heroic. Which is fine. I’m all for heroic heroes, and Lord Athelney is a fine example of the species.

Despite the niggle about Eleanor’s stupid refusal of the first offer, I’m happy to let it go, partly because the book would be a novella if she did the sensible thing, but mainly because there’s so much else to love about this book. The writing is awesome, authentically Austen-esque without ever descending into the impenetrable, there’s some splendid banter between the protagonists, there’s a charming little side romance as a bonus, and the book is funny. I can forgive a book almost any sin if it makes me laugh, and this one did. The scene where Lord Athelney disposes of the two less-than-respectable ladies is utterly brilliant, and I particularly enjoyed the little nautical phrases that kept cropping up with the two naval men. Describing the approach to a proposal as a ‘coming alongside manoeuvre’ is delicious. I’ve only encountered one other book which got this right, although less subtly than Holloway (None So Blind by Sarah Waldock, where one character described a ball as ‘fleet manoeuvres under full sail’).

Altogether, I found this to be a fine read, and I can’t give it less than five stars. Highly recommended for anyone yearning for the authentic Regency experience.

[Grisette · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Lately I will admit that I was in a dour mood and my reading enjoyment has suffered as a result. And reading middling books has not helped. So reading this book felt like a lifesaver of sorts! It all comes down to the excellent writing style and plotting genius of SH. Her pen in this book was very reminiscent of the great Jane Austen, with the bonus of easier modern English. I tremendously enjoyed the wit she infused in her dialogues and her minute study of the different strata of characters. A really excellent homage to Jane Austen!

Special mention to her Lady Willoughby who was the summum of pettiness and evil, beating Lady Catherine de Bourgh flat 😊

As to the romance, it was neatly done (note: it was a clean romance) with its cartload of well-plotted misunderstandings. The character of Eleanor started well but then floundered a bit in self-pity. William fared better even if I wanted more rapid and decisive action in shaking Eleanor up, but they got there in the end. Other side characters got their romances too and for once, reading about side character romances enriched the story instead of detracting from the main couple. I only wished there had been a satisfactory epilogue to flaunt more of their well deserved happiness (and perhaps some payback to the nasty Lady W).

Heartily recommended to Austen fans. I will definitely check other books from this author, inc. those written under her other pen name.


P.S. I love this cover 🥰!

[Bookphenomena (Micky) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I would call this a bit of a slow but building historical romance (clean). I adore the 'striding' cover and would have appreciated more of a stride in the pacing. However, this book had some good characters and a cross-class romance.

Captain William turned Marquis gave me a bit of a Persuasion feel with his naval roots and plan to settle in his new title and land. He was totally fair-handed, lacked any kind of snobbery and loved how he treated the servants and locals alike, that is, like equals. The heroine came in the form of a paid companion who was treated terribly by her mistress.

The connection between William and Eleanor felt a bit stop-start but it was worth hanging in for their hesitations, self-esteem issues and eventual team work.

Overall, this was pacey but worth pursuing.

Thank you to Allison & Busby for the review copy.

Find this review at A Take From Two Cities Blog.

[Fernanda Granzotto · Rating 2 out of 5]

*Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own*

DNF 53%

I could finish this book but I feel like I won't give it more than 2 stars and reading it has been very tiring and boring.
We have a very good concept here, a captain who sees himself as an heir and doesn't know anything about the life of an aristocrat, I thought this part of following him learning and questioning things was really cool.
But the rest of the book was not so good, the writing was tiring and too detailed, really there is so much unnecessary detail, besides being confusing, we change characters without warning and we go from one scene to another without any cuts (but this can be because of my e-copy).
The definitive point for me to abandon this reading was the romance, it was very poorly constructed, the couple Don't even have 3 direct interactions and are already in love.
I thought they have chemistry but lack development.
When I read a period/romantic novel, I read for the romance.
I knew I wouldn't want to continue this reading, mainly because I came to a part where the author brings an unnecessary plot to not leave the couple together.

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweeping love story filled with intrigue and romance. I love the plot of a new pier of the ton has to search for a wife. I liked the characters just as much as I loved the entertainment. I like how the story reads at a swift pace. The excitement and romance was a thrill to read.

[Emmy B.]

DNF

Writing style wasn’t very good. I liked the research, and the fact that the main couple doesn’t lust for one another in the first few pages though, so there’s that.

[Claire S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe I haven't reviewed this book before since I've read it twice (listened to it, actually, and the narrator is excellent). Pauline Ross has done such a great job in describing this book that I'm only going to mention why I loved it so much.

First of all, I've read so many Regency romances that they start blending in with each other and you see the same plots and clichés over and over again. Right from the beginning of the story, I could tell that this was going to be a unique book. I loved the details on how Hawksmoor is dealing with his new title. You get a sense of how honorable he is but also that he's completely lost in this role. Being a Captain, however, means that he takes the bull by its horns and deals with the situation the best he can. I love that he's not your typical hero. He's not tall and handsome, but his personality makes him very attractive. I admire the author for being able to create a character who's masterful without being a prick and without losing his sensitive side. I also loved that Hawksmoor was not a good horseman, being a navy man and all. There's a hilarious scene involving him riding (if it could be called that) that puts a smile on my face just thinking about it. The way he deals with his cousin's leftover misdeeds was also unexpected. I thought it was going to go a certain way in order to create drama, and it's so much better than that.

If there's any fault to be found is that there's not enough Eleanor in the story and, therefore, not enough romance. Eleanor is a great character and I would have loved to see more of her and her relationship with Hawksmoor. In fact, the secondary characters' romance is better developed. The ending, however, makes it up for me. The crisis that arises is perfect for bringing all the characters together and creating a very emotional ending. To be fair, the narrator infused his voice with so much frustration and longing that I'm not sure it would have been as intense if I was reading the book myself.

I'm a harsh critic and don't give 5-star reviews very often, so it's a testament to how much I loved this book (and how often I used the word love). This is not a very typical Regency romance, so I can see that it might not appeal to everyone, but I thought it was glorious in its execution and originality. Even just writing this review makes me want to listen to it again.

[Pgchuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

I thought this was well-written and sweet, although the secondary romance, where the characters actually spent a lot of (page-) time together being kind to one another, was more convincing in the end than the main romance. The protagonists of the blurb were kept apart for much of the novel and spent the last third in the throes of 'a big misunderstanding'. My only other quibble was the scene where the hero is unnecessarily and uncharacteristically rude to the two women hoping to make money out of his (unknown to them) dead cousin. There is a similar scene in Heyer's 'False Colours' which is much kinder.

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 30%.

I gave it an honest try but did not enjoy myself and I honestly don't remember the last time I DNFd a historical romance. This book did nothing for me. It's been labeled a romance but the hero and heroine are hardly on the page together and based on the other reviews of the book this doesn't improve. The side characters, some of whom border on cartoonish, have taken over the plot and all of the drama. I'm sure this will be the perfect book for someone but that person is not me.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this from NetGalley and this is my freely given review.

This is my first time reading a book by this author, Sophia Holloway. The writing is very well done, flowing, and very engaging. This is a clean historical romance about a naval officer, William Hawksmoor, who became the Marquis of Athelney after the death of his cousin, also named William Hawksmoor. Kingscastle is the name of his main estate, and he is on his way there to take up the reins of his his marquisate.

From the start, we see that there is a marked difference between the characters of the current William Hawksmoor, and the recently departed, and likely not very lamented William. It would appear that the deceased Marquis was a man of poor character and more interested in dissipation than productivity. The first hint of this is when Hawksmoor is accosted at his London hotel by an irate husband seeking satisfaction from the Marquis of Athelney for dallying with his wife; not realizing that the man he is looking for is recently deceased. The current Hawksmoor was not close to his cousin and had no idea of the character of the man, but certainly was gaining that knowledge quickly.

Something to note is that the title of Marquis was also recently held by the uncle of the current and last William Hawksmoor; and as that uncle was aware of the deceased Hawksmoor's poor behaviours and selfish self interests, there was a caveat to the will, that the bulk of his fortune be held in trust; for the monies to be released, the Marquis must marry and produce an heir within 2 years. This was with the presumed intent of forcing for recently deceased William Hawksmoor to toe the line and take some responsibility. It was not expected that he would so quickly follow his uncle, dying a week after the uncle. Regardless, the requirements would still apply to the new Marquis.

So William Hawksmoor, the surviving, and current Marquis of Athelney, travels to Kingscastle feeling a bit out of his element after having been in the Navy for half his life, and not really knowing what to expect as he never expected the title, inheritance or duties of being Marquis.

From the beginning, I have to admit I was taken by the writing style and prose of the author; very well written, with a beautiful turn of phrase. The character detailing was nicely done, and the dialogue felt very appropriate for the era, as well as the relationships.

At Kingscastle, William discovers more about his cousin's character, and that the estate had been falling into some neglect as his uncle was getting older and less able to manage, and the head steward was also elderly and losing his vision. His uncle had thought to let the prior William take more responsibility, but on doing so, found that the cousin was taking the monies for investment and management of the estate, but there was no evidence that work was done. Likely the funds were embezzled for the cousins own use and his debts. To help him manage, he asks for a former Navy compatriot, Harry Bitton, to join him to help decipher the ledgers and perhaps train to be the steward, allowing the aged steward to be pensioned off.

He also meets some of his remaining relations, as the mother of his cousin, the Lady Willoughby Hawksmoor, lives in the Dower House, with her youngest daughter Charlotte, and a paid companion, Eleanor Burgess. Lady Willoughby is a cold hearted, ignorant woman with an incredibly elevated sense of her own importance, and resentful of the fact that a mere navy man is now the Marquis. She presumes that he will marry Charlotte to fulfill the needs of the will and he will do as she wants and says, as she knows how to go on so much more than she does. She is a mean, petty, manipulative witch of a woman with absolutely no redeeming features, contemptuous of anyone she feels is below her standing, including relatives, and jealous of anyone who may be perceived of overstepping themselves and challenging her perceived superiority. Even her charities are at another's expense and to raise her own standing. She stomps on everyone in her way, including cowing her own daughter and using Eleanor very poorly.

I will not go into any more detail, other than to say that this is very well layered story, with a couple of love stories, some mistaken identity, some nefarious manipulation, a bit of adventure and some heart stopping life saving. The current Marquis is shown to be a man of discernment and character who is not overwhelmed by his own consequence and importance, but is a man more concerned by the character of those around him. I grew to like him, and several of the secondary characters - just as much as I hated Lady Willoughby. Really - no redeeming characteristic to her whatsoever - not even the love of a stupid wheezing pug, or some sign of humanity, such as weeping for her dead son, or even tippling at the sherry too much. She is just a cold hearted witch; even to her own daughter.

I found this a very charming book to read, and enjoyed the gentle friendships and relationships that developed, while despising the mechanisms of the villainess, the Lady Willoughby Hawksmoor. It had the feeling of a classic, old fashioned Regency romance, rather than an over the top bodice ripper. I also enjoyed the secondary stories, beyond the story of the current Marquis.

An enjoyable 3.5 stars out of 5.

[booksofallkinds · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that I am completely in love with so many books in this genre, and KINGSCASTLE by Sophia Holloway is no exception!

When Captain William Hawksmoor finds himself swapping his independent life of the Royal Navy to become a Marquis, it alters his world in so many ways - the right clothes he must wear, the right places he must frequent, and having staff to cater to his every need. But none of those things shocked him as much as the stipulation in the will that states he must marry to keep his inheritance. With his formidable Aunt who is determined that her quiet daughter must be his bride, William has no doubt that they would make each other miserable, and when he cannot help but be captivated by his Aunt's companion, Eleanor, trouble is on the way.

With a stunning setting, engaging characters, and plenty of charm and wit to capture your imagination, KINGSCASTLE by Sophia Holloway is sure to please historical romance and Regency fans everywhere.
William is quick-witted, sharp, and likeable, and Eleanor is intelligent and feisty which I loved. There are plenty of characters in this story and they really add that something extra to the overall feeling and depth of this romance, and I became connected to their stories too.
​
​I thoroughly enjoyed KINGSCASTLE and I look forward to reading more from Sophia Holloway.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

The younger son of a youngest son, Captain William Hawksmoor of the Royal Navy never expected to inherit a marquisate, and is none too pleased when he does so, especially when he learns that the he is required to marry within a year or be forever dealing with Trustees. As the new Marquis of Athelney, he takes command of Kingscastle, the family seat, and discovers much to be done to set it in order. There is also his aunt, Lady Willoughby Hawksmoor, determined that her timid daughter should be the next marchioness. When she discovers he is far more interested in Eleanor Burgess, her under-paid and much put-upon companion, Lady Willoughby will stop at nothing to keep them apart.
This is the first book I’ve read by the author & I thought it a well written enjoyable book. The characters were well portrayed & had depth, the pace was good & kept my interest all the way through. I did feel that I didn’t get to know William & Eleanor as much as I wanted to & felt they took bit of a back seat, I also felt a little chemistry was missing but they only met on a few occasions. The secondary characters were interesting & in some ways became the lead. I found Lady Willoughby very meddling, but she was supposed to be. There were misunderstandings, manipulations & I enjoyed the roads to HEAs
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captain William Hawksmoor, of his Majesty's Navy, inherits the title of the 5th Marquise of Athelney, Kingscastle and an aunt everyone comes to despise. Once he grabs hold of his duties, he takes his responsibilities in stride and adjusts to the title. Now, if he can only get his aunt's companion, Miss Eleanor Burgess, to say yes to his proposal. His devious aunt has other ideas and pushes her daughter in his path and keeps Eleanor away with lies. The new Lord Athelney finally takes matters into his own hands to fight for the woman he loves. I have to say his aunt, Lady Willoughby Hawksmoor, has to be one of the most hateful characters I have read in a book.
I was not sure I was going to like this book, but the more I read, the more I wanted to finish it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Mardia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I like a romance novel in the style of Heyer as much as anyone, but there has to be something more to the story than simply mimicking a long-dead author. The main couple was intensely aggravating, as about 1/3rd into the book the heroine lost all sense of logic and turned into a sulking, jealous shrew who self-sabotaged and martyred herself at every turn, because it’s what the plot seemingly required, otherwise the happy ending would have come before the 95% mark in the book. Bleh.

[Carilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of how I rate a book is by the speed with which I read it... This one took longer than most, and though a satisfying ending, it was by no means a surprise.
(I found the "wordsmith" nature of the author rather frustrating to look up the definition of a number of infrequently used old English words.)

[Ashley Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It made me feel like I was reading Jane Austen mixed with watching Bridgerton or Downton Abbey. The HEA (for multiple couples) type storyline made me feel good, but I was a little annoyed at how long the main couple spent thinking that they hated each other all because of a grouchy selfish old woman. BUT it was written so well that I overlooked that small annoyance and gave it 4 stars. It had a good plot, more than one couple to root for, and wonderful writing. Plus the cover is just wonderful!

Thank you to NetGalley and Allison & Busby publishing for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book!

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 / 5

[Stacy-ann]

It was a really good book and reminded me of an easier to read Georgette Heyer. A bit more suggestive than I would have liked without being crude, but an overall good story with a healthy amount of misunderstandings.

[Artemiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kingscastle is not your traditional historical romance book, there is no istalust, there are more than one couple and there is no pointless assumption that leads to a rift between lovers, but there is a mad aunt who is willing to do whatever to keep the lover apart.
The beginning of the story is somewhat dry, lifeless even, but wait for it … there will be action, there will be humor and the story will enchant and the ending is quite enjoyable. A really good change to all those traditional historical romance books.

[Mo · Rating 2 out of 5]

'Sophia Holloway describes herself as a 'wordsmith' who is only really happy when writing.'

I beg to differ. This author is no wordsmith.