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The Hoydens of Hyde Park #1
To Have and To Hoyden
From glittering ballroom to stunning castles, join four Hoydens as they turn London and the ton upside down in their pursuit of dreams, passion, and love!
Lady Phoebe is on a mission! She must wed to secure her fortune... A fortune being stolen by her guardian. She's found the perfect laird. Now, she just needs to convince him. And when he agrees, Laird Dunbroch's kisses convince her that passion is in her future. But will passion prevent the pursuit of her dreams?
Conn Sinclair, Laird Dunbroch is in dire needs of funds. His lands have been left in terrible debt by his ne'er do well father! So, when Phoebe Danvers turns up on his doorstep and proposes marriage, he can't refuse. But first, he must extricate her from her guardian, and as they race to the highlands and the fulfillment of her dreams, he discovers that she is more than a plump purse. She may be the answer to his wounded heart... If he can but give it.
Lady Phoebe is on a mission! She must wed to secure her fortune... A fortune being stolen by her guardian. She's found the perfect laird. Now, she just needs to convince him. And when he agrees, Laird Dunbroch's kisses convince her that passion is in her future. But will passion prevent the pursuit of her dreams?
Conn Sinclair, Laird Dunbroch is in dire needs of funds. His lands have been left in terrible debt by his ne'er do well father! So, when Phoebe Danvers turns up on his doorstep and proposes marriage, he can't refuse. But first, he must extricate her from her guardian, and as they race to the highlands and the fulfillment of her dreams, he discovers that she is more than a plump purse. She may be the answer to his wounded heart... If he can but give it.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2021
211 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 19, 2023
Read: 6/19/23
This was a fun, easy read! Nothing more. The conflicts are quickly resolved, and everybody is so happy.
I gave it an extra star bc it had a sweet aspect about it.
This was a fun, easy read! Nothing more. The conflicts are quickly resolved, and everybody is so happy.
I gave it an extra star bc it had a sweet aspect about it.
January 26, 2022
Loved the couple especially the heroine.
KU read
KU read
September 11, 2021
Not much going on - a simple story, but I enjoyed it. 3.5☆
November 28, 2023
To Have and To Hoyden was a great read featuring a marriage of convenience romance between a woman trying to protect her fortune and the laird she convinces to marry her.
Lady Phoebe Danvers must wed to save her fortune from being stolen by her greedy guardian. She's found the perfect man, now she just needs to convince him to marry her. The last thing Conn Sinclair, Laird Dunbroch, expected in the middle of the night was an heiress on his doorstep proposing marriage. Conn desperately needs funds after his father left his estate in terrible debt so he finds himself agreeing to Phoebe's crazy scheme. As the two race to the highlands to marry before Phoebe's guardian catches up to them, the pair find themselves considering if this marriage could become more than just convenience.
The premise of To Have and To Hoyden sounded fun and I was curious to know what led to Phoebe coming up with the scheme to save her fortune. Once we found out what her guardian was trying to do to keep her fortune, I was fully on-board with her plan to marry Conn. I did appreciate that she did extensive research to find a husband including hiring a private investigator to look into what kind of man each candidate was. The journey to Scotland was a lot of fun with just the right amount of tension surrounding whether or not they would be caught. After the two arrive in Scotland, the pacing of the book does become a little off. We spend the first three-quarters of the book at a rapid pace and then the last part of the book was very slow and drama-free. The change of pace did give more time to focus on the pair's relationship, but I was expecting a final push for revenge from Phoebe's guardian that never came.
The marriage of convenience trope is one that I enjoy so I really liked that aspect of Phoebe and Conn's relationship. On the pair's journey to Scotland they spend a lot of time together which allowed them to get to know each other better. I liked how quickly they formed a bond on that journey and it only got better once they finally arrived in Scotland. The two did have a few minor issues that arose from their short courtship but overall they were well suited.
Overall To Have and To Hoyden was a very enjoyable read and I will definitely be picking up the second book in the series, Happily Ever Hoyden, in the future.
Lady Phoebe Danvers must wed to save her fortune from being stolen by her greedy guardian. She's found the perfect man, now she just needs to convince him to marry her. The last thing Conn Sinclair, Laird Dunbroch, expected in the middle of the night was an heiress on his doorstep proposing marriage. Conn desperately needs funds after his father left his estate in terrible debt so he finds himself agreeing to Phoebe's crazy scheme. As the two race to the highlands to marry before Phoebe's guardian catches up to them, the pair find themselves considering if this marriage could become more than just convenience.
The premise of To Have and To Hoyden sounded fun and I was curious to know what led to Phoebe coming up with the scheme to save her fortune. Once we found out what her guardian was trying to do to keep her fortune, I was fully on-board with her plan to marry Conn. I did appreciate that she did extensive research to find a husband including hiring a private investigator to look into what kind of man each candidate was. The journey to Scotland was a lot of fun with just the right amount of tension surrounding whether or not they would be caught. After the two arrive in Scotland, the pacing of the book does become a little off. We spend the first three-quarters of the book at a rapid pace and then the last part of the book was very slow and drama-free. The change of pace did give more time to focus on the pair's relationship, but I was expecting a final push for revenge from Phoebe's guardian that never came.
The marriage of convenience trope is one that I enjoy so I really liked that aspect of Phoebe and Conn's relationship. On the pair's journey to Scotland they spend a lot of time together which allowed them to get to know each other better. I liked how quickly they formed a bond on that journey and it only got better once they finally arrived in Scotland. The two did have a few minor issues that arose from their short courtship but overall they were well suited.
Overall To Have and To Hoyden was a very enjoyable read and I will definitely be picking up the second book in the series, Happily Ever Hoyden, in the future.
December 15, 2021
Lady Pheobe is on a mission! She must wed to secure her fortune... A fortune being stolen by her guardian. She's found the perfect laird. Now, she just needs to convince him. And when he agrees, Laird Dunbroch's kisses convince her that passion is in her future. But will passion prevent the pursuit of her dreams?
Conn Sinclair, Laird Dunbroch is in dire needs of funds. His lands have been left in terrible debt by his ne'er do well father! So, when Pheobe Danvers turns up on his doorstep and proposes marriage, he can't refuse. But first, he must extricate her from her guardian, and as they race to the highlands and the fulfillment of her dreams, he discovers that she is more than a plump purse. She may be the answer to his wounded heart... If he can but give it.
Conn and Pheobe make a wonderful couple. With a startling beginning they come to love each other.
Eva Devon writes an exciting story.
Conn Sinclair, Laird Dunbroch is in dire needs of funds. His lands have been left in terrible debt by his ne'er do well father! So, when Pheobe Danvers turns up on his doorstep and proposes marriage, he can't refuse. But first, he must extricate her from her guardian, and as they race to the highlands and the fulfillment of her dreams, he discovers that she is more than a plump purse. She may be the answer to his wounded heart... If he can but give it.
Conn and Pheobe make a wonderful couple. With a startling beginning they come to love each other.
Eva Devon writes an exciting story.
Read
February 20, 2022DNF
I couldn’t even get past chapter two.
I couldn’t even get past chapter two.
August 27, 2021
Well written with excellent historical details. An engaging back story and romance set in London and Scotland. I enjoyed it! 💘
December 18, 2021
Meant to Be More Than A Troll's👹 Wife👰
ADULT Historical Recency Romance 💕and Scottish Adventure🏰
London
Conn Sinclair, Laird of Dunbroch 🐺🍆⛲💪🔫🔪 is approached in the dead of night by Lady Phoebe💃💋 and given a marriage👰 proposal! Her parents died in Europe some years ago and she has been a ward of her mean and miserly uncle, Lord Pierce, who is pushing her to marry his wastrel son. It's only for the money 💰 and property🏰, though.
Instead, Phoebe 💃💋seeks out Conn🐺🍆⛲💪🔪🔫 with her scandalous proposal of marriage👰 to him, a gallant man she has just met!
Lord Pierce is having none of it and locks her in her room! The Money 💰is more important to him than she is.
This is a Fun, fast paced, and interesting ADULT Romance💕 book with lots of old English slang words and phrases.
ADULT Historical Recency Romance 💕and Scottish Adventure🏰
London
Conn Sinclair, Laird of Dunbroch 🐺🍆⛲💪🔫🔪 is approached in the dead of night by Lady Phoebe💃💋 and given a marriage👰 proposal! Her parents died in Europe some years ago and she has been a ward of her mean and miserly uncle, Lord Pierce, who is pushing her to marry his wastrel son. It's only for the money 💰 and property🏰, though.
Instead, Phoebe 💃💋seeks out Conn🐺🍆⛲💪🔪🔫 with her scandalous proposal of marriage👰 to him, a gallant man she has just met!
Lord Pierce is having none of it and locks her in her room! The Money 💰is more important to him than she is.
This is a Fun, fast paced, and interesting ADULT Romance💕 book with lots of old English slang words and phrases.
July 20, 2021
Great read.
Loved these two characters.
A bit sappy but i love a good sappy story. Just a tad of drama had you wondering a bit but once that was over you know it was going to be good.
can't wait for the next one.
Loved these two characters.
A bit sappy but i love a good sappy story. Just a tad of drama had you wondering a bit but once that was over you know it was going to be good.
can't wait for the next one.
September 7, 2021
I always enjoy this author's well-written books; her main & secondary characters are full of honor, mettle & romance - this book was exactly so.
Phoebe must escape be forced into marrying her guardian's wastrel son whom she cannot stomach. After hiring an investigator to do some inquiring on some men; she has decided to propose marriage to Conn Sinclair, Laird Dunbroch - he needs money & she is an heiress with a large sum when she comes of age or marries & now, she needs to convince Conn that they need each other.
I loved Conn as soon as he answered the door with the earring sparkling in his ear & his Scottish brogue & I just loved him more as the book went on. Conn is handsome, funny & honorable & did not lose his money by wastrel ways but he was left poor when his father died. Phoebe shows up at his home in London in the middle of the night & proposes marriage. She knows all about his castle in Scotland in shambles & his money being gone due to his father's opium addiction.
They discuss the pros & cons, the good & bad but most of all Conn understands the danger she is in with being forced to marry her guardian's son & taking all her inheritance. They head for Scotland to marry but the trip is a dangerous one with villains, bad weather but there is also getting to know each other & finding they are quite attracted to one another. Conn is a very romantic laird, Phoebe is so innocent but learns everything quickly & Simon Dartmouth, Duke of Pengrove (Conn's friend who helps them escape) is dreamy too & I hope we see him in a future book!
Phoebe must escape be forced into marrying her guardian's wastrel son whom she cannot stomach. After hiring an investigator to do some inquiring on some men; she has decided to propose marriage to Conn Sinclair, Laird Dunbroch - he needs money & she is an heiress with a large sum when she comes of age or marries & now, she needs to convince Conn that they need each other.
I loved Conn as soon as he answered the door with the earring sparkling in his ear & his Scottish brogue & I just loved him more as the book went on. Conn is handsome, funny & honorable & did not lose his money by wastrel ways but he was left poor when his father died. Phoebe shows up at his home in London in the middle of the night & proposes marriage. She knows all about his castle in Scotland in shambles & his money being gone due to his father's opium addiction.
They discuss the pros & cons, the good & bad but most of all Conn understands the danger she is in with being forced to marry her guardian's son & taking all her inheritance. They head for Scotland to marry but the trip is a dangerous one with villains, bad weather but there is also getting to know each other & finding they are quite attracted to one another. Conn is a very romantic laird, Phoebe is so innocent but learns everything quickly & Simon Dartmouth, Duke of Pengrove (Conn's friend who helps them escape) is dreamy too & I hope we see him in a future book!
January 2, 2023
Taking charge of one's future!
Phoebe is determined, intelligent, observant, and willing to defy societal rules to secure a future where she has a say. Not one RULED by a man, especially if that man is also odious and mean to animals!
Conn is desperate to save his people and repair years of damage done by his father. He sees himself to be unable to truly love, because he has never been shown love. He will defend those he feels a tie to, but doesn't see that as an act of love.
Together Phoebe and Conn strike an accord. They are dedicated to help each other achieve their goals and dreams. Phoebe is determined to embrace the highlands as her own and be accepted by Conn's people.
I adore the power, strength, intelligence and humor Ms. Devon gives her female characters. I enjoy her humor and the easy banter her characters have. I was hoping for a bit more tension between Phoebe and her repulsive, entitled and oppressive guardian since he was so nasty. I had hoped also for more involvement with Phoebe's trio of friends, but recognize that a castle in the highlands of Scotland are not easy travel distance for unmarried young ladies. I am looking forward to seeing her friends find their freedom from the troubles they are in.
Phoebe is determined, intelligent, observant, and willing to defy societal rules to secure a future where she has a say. Not one RULED by a man, especially if that man is also odious and mean to animals!
Conn is desperate to save his people and repair years of damage done by his father. He sees himself to be unable to truly love, because he has never been shown love. He will defend those he feels a tie to, but doesn't see that as an act of love.
Together Phoebe and Conn strike an accord. They are dedicated to help each other achieve their goals and dreams. Phoebe is determined to embrace the highlands as her own and be accepted by Conn's people.
I adore the power, strength, intelligence and humor Ms. Devon gives her female characters. I enjoy her humor and the easy banter her characters have. I was hoping for a bit more tension between Phoebe and her repulsive, entitled and oppressive guardian since he was so nasty. I had hoped also for more involvement with Phoebe's trio of friends, but recognize that a castle in the highlands of Scotland are not easy travel distance for unmarried young ladies. I am looking forward to seeing her friends find their freedom from the troubles they are in.
August 21, 2021
A fortune in love
Conn is handsome Scottish Highlander determined to make the best of life and his situation as a broke Laird! Conn is living life on his own terms. Scotland is still largely under British rule! He has a huge drafty Scottish castle and because of his fathers opium addition almost no capital to operate with or help his people! He says almost nothing about his mother and it is very clear he has had absolutely No love in his life!
He was very lonely with no siblings yet somehow he is very comfortable in his own skin and has wandered around the world long enough to know how to treat and treasure a woman!
I love how Phoebe rushes in with Conn's complete history along with his financial report! Phoebe knows her uncle has nefarious plans for her and her fortune but Conn is quick thinking and ready for anything! Conn's friend the Duke needs his own story! He and the Duke are armed to the teeth and they take care of the odious cousin of Phones swiftly and deadly if needed!
Nothing more is said of the Duke and Phoebe friends hopefully in future books???
Conn is handsome Scottish Highlander determined to make the best of life and his situation as a broke Laird! Conn is living life on his own terms. Scotland is still largely under British rule! He has a huge drafty Scottish castle and because of his fathers opium addition almost no capital to operate with or help his people! He says almost nothing about his mother and it is very clear he has had absolutely No love in his life!
He was very lonely with no siblings yet somehow he is very comfortable in his own skin and has wandered around the world long enough to know how to treat and treasure a woman!
I love how Phoebe rushes in with Conn's complete history along with his financial report! Phoebe knows her uncle has nefarious plans for her and her fortune but Conn is quick thinking and ready for anything! Conn's friend the Duke needs his own story! He and the Duke are armed to the teeth and they take care of the odious cousin of Phones swiftly and deadly if needed!
Nothing more is said of the Duke and Phoebe friends hopefully in future books???
October 21, 2023
To Have and to Hoyden by Eva Devon is the first book in The Hoydens of Hyde Park series by Eva Devon and is a short novella length historical romance book set in Scottish Highlands.
I was left unsatisfied tbh because the book was moving so fast, I could not get the feel of the romance between the two MCs Phoebe and Conn. It seemed like they were married and expecting a child in the blink of an eye and I did not even realise how and why they even fell in love with one another. I wish this wasn't so rushed and we got a proper romance because the characters were very interesting tbh with Phoebe as a historian and Conn as a Scottish Laird buried in debt.
However, for what its worth, I still found the story to be very sweet and endearing especially the way their friends helped them elope and get married. The last couple of chapters were hilarious documenting the birth of their first child.
The epilogue was sweetest and I loved the happy ending for these two.
3 stars.
I was left unsatisfied tbh because the book was moving so fast, I could not get the feel of the romance between the two MCs Phoebe and Conn. It seemed like they were married and expecting a child in the blink of an eye and I did not even realise how and why they even fell in love with one another. I wish this wasn't so rushed and we got a proper romance because the characters were very interesting tbh with Phoebe as a historian and Conn as a Scottish Laird buried in debt.
However, for what its worth, I still found the story to be very sweet and endearing especially the way their friends helped them elope and get married. The last couple of chapters were hilarious documenting the birth of their first child.
The epilogue was sweetest and I loved the happy ending for these two.
3 stars.
Read
June 1, 2022When you are a ward and a wealthy heiress, you have little control over your life. Phoebe was both and the m.an who was her guardian had great plans for her fortune. She would marry his wastrel son. Then he could control her and her money would be his.
Phoebe had other plans. She had saved her pin money and hired a investigator to find someone who would benefit from her fortune and get her away from her guardian. They would have to marry quickly. Her research turned up a Scot. A laird with a title, lands and debt. From investigation his temperament was compatible to her outgoing and educated personna.
Phoebe had other plans. She had saved her pin money and hired a investigator to find someone who would benefit from her fortune and get her away from her guardian. They would have to marry quickly. Her research turned up a Scot. A laird with a title, lands and debt. From investigation his temperament was compatible to her outgoing and educated personna.
October 27, 2025
After all the historicals I've read over the years, I suppose I should not be surprised at the audacity of male relatives dictating to their female relatives who they should marry, how they should act and think, and all the decisions made because the man knows best.
Phoebe was strong-willed and had a great sense of self-preservation and decided to take matters into her own hands. And just in time, it seems.
Conn was desperate, but only willing to help if certain requirements were amenable to both parties.
A wonderful relationship ensues.
Phoebe was strong-willed and had a great sense of self-preservation and decided to take matters into her own hands. And just in time, it seems.
Conn was desperate, but only willing to help if certain requirements were amenable to both parties.
A wonderful relationship ensues.
April 30, 2022
This story is the first in a series about independent women. Pheobe is the heroine of this one and the book starts off really well. She is an heiress and is trying to escape her oppressive guardian who is demanding that she marry his son so he can control all of her money. She researches potential grooms, and decides to propose to Conn who is a Scottish Laird, but totally without funds. It is a match of convenience since she wants to escape and he needs the money, but they have a lot of respect for one another. I won't give away the story, but after the excitement in the beginning of the book, the plot just dwindles to nothingness in my opinion. Of course there's the ongoing plug that women should be able to be independent and follow their dreams - which is nice but obviously not how women were viewed at that time. Not worth continuing the series.
July 16, 2021
That elopement went ... perfectly
Dynamic characters.
Splendid plot twists.
Color.
All combine to take a standard trope out of the boring hallway and out into the properly romantic starlight...or, at least, to the library.
A little tension. A touch of suspense.
And a fair bit of humor.
It's standard Devon, perfectly served.
Dynamic characters.
Splendid plot twists.
Color.
All combine to take a standard trope out of the boring hallway and out into the properly romantic starlight...or, at least, to the library.
A little tension. A touch of suspense.
And a fair bit of humor.
It's standard Devon, perfectly served.
December 16, 2021
I fell in love with this book. I was captured by the storyline and the characters love for each other. I love how the author included the mythology because I am also a fan of them. Overall, the love they both have for each other is one of the reasons why I loved this book. They're both so understanding and have no dramatic arguments.
March 11, 2022
Why, why, why do authors insist on writing without doing their research?
This book features a Scottish hero who drinks whiskey. Scotch whisky isn't spelt with an e, it's whisky!
The story itself is OK, but the misspelling really got on my nerves (probably because I'm Scottish) and I couldn't really get into it. Hence the low rating.
This book features a Scottish hero who drinks whiskey. Scotch whisky isn't spelt with an e, it's whisky!
The story itself is OK, but the misspelling really got on my nerves (probably because I'm Scottish) and I couldn't really get into it. Hence the low rating.
April 28, 2022
Finding love
Loved Phoebe and Conn’s story. She needed him to say yes!! Conn heard banging, answering his door to a young lady. She asks him to marry her and that she has over a hundred thousand pounds as a dowry. He thinks she mad but agrees. They then must make haste to Greta Green so her uncle won’t marry her to his son. A wonderful story with a great ending.
Loved Phoebe and Conn’s story. She needed him to say yes!! Conn heard banging, answering his door to a young lady. She asks him to marry her and that she has over a hundred thousand pounds as a dowry. He thinks she mad but agrees. They then must make haste to Greta Green so her uncle won’t marry her to his son. A wonderful story with a great ending.
July 23, 2021
A great read
I enjoyed reading about Conn and Phoebe, how they were able to fall in love so soon after how they met. Phoebe visited Conn's house late at night and proposed to him. I'm glad they got their HEA and had so many daughters. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤
I enjoyed reading about Conn and Phoebe, how they were able to fall in love so soon after how they met. Phoebe visited Conn's house late at night and proposed to him. I'm glad they got their HEA and had so many daughters. I highly recommend this book! 👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤
September 10, 2021
Loved the book. Excellent language and grammar skills.
Recommend this book for women who want a book without "gross in your face sex" .
Sex is part of life, but when I read a book I do not want "phorn"
Recommend this book for women who want a book without "gross in your face sex" .
Sex is part of life, but when I read a book I do not want "phorn"
September 10, 2021
Oh to be a Hoyden!
What wonderful characters! Strong, determined, forceful and full of love. Conn, who knew no love, found it in a bold hoyden. Phoebe had the courage to choose her future going forward with an exchange. She finds love as well. This is absolutely delightful!
What wonderful characters! Strong, determined, forceful and full of love. Conn, who knew no love, found it in a bold hoyden. Phoebe had the courage to choose her future going forward with an exchange. She finds love as well. This is absolutely delightful!
November 18, 2021
It was fun but a bit too perfect. The characters are so nice. The villain is taken care of quickly. The little bit of drama is cleared up with little fuss. It’s a shallow light story that has all the right elements but could use some more attention to develop its worth.
December 3, 2021
Conn and Phoebe
A wonderful beginning of this series. I love a hoyden and Phoebe was simply lovely. A misunderstood, bookish sort of female who found her match in a gentleman who understood her.
On to the next book! Highly recommend this and all books by Eva Devon.
A wonderful beginning of this series. I love a hoyden and Phoebe was simply lovely. A misunderstood, bookish sort of female who found her match in a gentleman who understood her.
On to the next book! Highly recommend this and all books by Eva Devon.
December 29, 2021
Finding her way
I love how this headstrong woman took control of her life, did her research to find someone to complement her and had the courage to do something that was forbidden and against society's rjles.
I love how this headstrong woman took control of her life, did her research to find someone to complement her and had the courage to do something that was forbidden and against society's rjles.
December 31, 2021
Interesting story
The story was decent for about half the book. Then it became quite drawn out with time in Scotland and the couple's frequent sex and his ruminating about his father and past life.
The story was decent for about half the book. Then it became quite drawn out with time in Scotland and the couple's frequent sex and his ruminating about his father and past life.
January 10, 2022
It was a cute book but it was just TOO straight forward. Very little opposition in the end. Any conflict was easily overcome. Such interesting characters and so little story to really engage with them. It was was a disappointment when it could have been so much more.
April 9, 2022
to have and to Holden book one
This is a delightful story of 4 Hoydens and the predicament their lives are due to not living lives their family want them to conform to and do what ever is necessary to make their dreams come true ❣️💃🏻👍🏻HEA ending.laugh out loud wit and banter
This is a delightful story of 4 Hoydens and the predicament their lives are due to not living lives their family want them to conform to and do what ever is necessary to make their dreams come true ❣️💃🏻👍🏻HEA ending.laugh out loud wit and banter
April 14, 2022
Phoebe and Conn. This was just OK. It started out so good and I really liked the story line but it all kind of fell apart and became boring. I'm glad it wasn't a long book but if it had been longer maybe the storyline could've been more interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews