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English #3
Plain English
When a no-strings, romantic adventure begins to slip into something more, Pip and Claire are forced to confront the pressures they were both trying to avoid. When Claire Bailey left London to open her own art gallery in the tiny village of Amberwick, she’d hoped to make an honest go at simple living right up until the moment a shockingly attractive aristocrat rocketed o the road and knocked her world n its axis. Pip has learned to play the part of a ne’er-do-well upper charismatic, enigmatic, and a little bit erratic. Luckily, women tend to like that. After leading such a charmed existence, Pip finds that Claire’s complete lack of interest in money or status sparks both curiosity and attraction. Surrendering to both boredom and sheer chemistry, the two agree to an unconventional, no-strings, romantic adventure designed to provide them both a bit of freedom and entertainment. However, once released from the pressure to project perfect images of themselves, the walls they depended on for protection begin to crumble. Worlds blend and identities blur as their whirlwind romance quickly becomes more than they bargained for. Will their almost elemental attraction be enough to overcome the complexities rushing in from all sides? Or will the pressures they’ve both sought to escape force them to forge a new path neither of them had dared to dream of?
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2022
34 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Spangler
33 books861 followersRachel Spangler never set out to be an award winning author. She was just so poor and so easily bored during her college years that she had to come up with creative ways to entertain herself, and her first novel, Learning Curve, was born out of one such attempt. She was sincerely surprised when it was accepted for publication and even more shocked when it won the Golden Crown Literary Award for Debut Author. She also won a Goldie for her second novel, Trails Merge. Since writing is more fun than a real job, and so much cheaper than therapy, Rachel continued to type away, leading to the publication of The Long Way Home and LoveLife. She plans to continue writing as long as anyone anywhere will keep reading.
Rachel, and her partner, Susan, are raising their young son in Western New York. They spend winters skiing and their summers traveling and watching their beloved Cardinals. Regardless of the season, Rachel always makes time for a good romance, whether she's reading it, writing it, or living it.
Rachel can be found online at www.rachelspangler.com or on Facebook.
Rachel, and her partner, Susan, are raising their young son in Western New York. They spend winters skiing and their summers traveling and watching their beloved Cardinals. Regardless of the season, Rachel always makes time for a good romance, whether she's reading it, writing it, or living it.
Rachel can be found online at www.rachelspangler.com or on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 7, 2024
Spangler has created an antihero which you cannot help but find frustratingly charming. Lady Phillipa Anne Marion Farne-Sacksley of Mulgrave is known as Lady Mulgrave which makes her extremely uncomfortable for multiple reasons. She asks everyone to call her Pip.
Claire Bailey has moved from the London city lights to a small coastal village to dedicate herself to full filling her dreams. She now owns a small art gallery and has the freedom to devote time to her painting and sculpture work.
In order to avoid hitting a walled fence, Pip practically lands on Claire’s doorstep a little battered and bruised after having to lay her motorcycle down. This is a fun and unique way of having the two meet especially in the middle of nowhere.
Plain English is a stellar novel capturing the best and the worst of its main characters in a romance with an intellectual depth that had me totally invested in the story and especially Pip. As Pip lives only up to her family’s limited expectations for her, she finds a freedom with Claire to question herself as she has never done before. The evolution of Pip is masterfully written with a deep understanding and empathy of their turmoil. Spangler had me hooked when I wanted to yell at Pip not to leave like that.
The romance is beautifully written with an excruciating long lead up to their first kiss. It was perfect! Claire’s demand for an honest relationship raises the romance to a level of maturity we don’t often see in this genre. Add in the humorous dialogue, a few quirky side characters and Reggie, a baby butch just coming into self awareness and you have a perfect novel.
I received an advance review copy from Bywater Books and Edelweiss . I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Claire Bailey has moved from the London city lights to a small coastal village to dedicate herself to full filling her dreams. She now owns a small art gallery and has the freedom to devote time to her painting and sculpture work.
In order to avoid hitting a walled fence, Pip practically lands on Claire’s doorstep a little battered and bruised after having to lay her motorcycle down. This is a fun and unique way of having the two meet especially in the middle of nowhere.
Plain English is a stellar novel capturing the best and the worst of its main characters in a romance with an intellectual depth that had me totally invested in the story and especially Pip. As Pip lives only up to her family’s limited expectations for her, she finds a freedom with Claire to question herself as she has never done before. The evolution of Pip is masterfully written with a deep understanding and empathy of their turmoil. Spangler had me hooked when I wanted to yell at Pip not to leave like that.
The romance is beautifully written with an excruciating long lead up to their first kiss. It was perfect! Claire’s demand for an honest relationship raises the romance to a level of maturity we don’t often see in this genre. Add in the humorous dialogue, a few quirky side characters and Reggie, a baby butch just coming into self awareness and you have a perfect novel.
I received an advance review copy from Bywater Books and Edelweiss . I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 4, 2022
I always look forward to a new book by Rachel Spangler. I don’t like them all and that’s okay, but when I like them, it’s a lot. This English series has been a wonderful surprise since the beginning and I really enjoyed the first two novels, Full English and Modern English. When I started reading this one, it felt like home, in a way. Again, I didn’t like everything, and I was ready to settle on simply having a good time when I got carried away by something way deeper than I expected. Pretty much like Claire and Pip, who agreed to have fun together while they could and didn’t expect anything more real, so to speak.
On the outside, Pip – known to the world as Lady Phillipa Anne Marion Farne-Sacksley of Mulgrave, Vic’s cousin and a distant cousin to my favourite princess, Sasha (The Princess Affair by Nell Stark) – is a carefree young woman enjoying all her privileges to the max. On the inside, things are a lot more complex. When Pip’s motorcycle crashes in Claire’s grandfather’s field, instalust sparks. After growing up in the United States, Claire moved to London but has recently left the City behind to settle in her grandparents’ village of Amberwick. Pip reminds her too much of all the people who broke her heart and she tries very hard to resist the aristocrat’s charms. They agree on a no-strings adventure that will end when Pip goes back home. Best laid plans and all that, the light and fun fling they hoped for turns into a life-changing romance on both sides, with real feelings and real possibilities.
While Plain English is without a doubt a romance novel, it’s also about a journey, Pip’s journey. It’s a story of gender and fluidity, of finding not necessarily who you are but how to convey who you are. I’m not Pip, at all, but I’ve been (and still am) confronted with some of the questions they encounter. That whole she/they thing you’ll see as part of my profile on most social media platforms. While I’ve come to terms with being referred to as a woman, it doesn’t always fit, not one hundred per cent. I’m not a man, I’m not a boy, I’ve never been a girl either. I’m me, and that me is sometimes a woman and sometimes not. What that me is when not a woman is undefined, and I’m okay with that. Now. Even though this book didn’t wow me as much as the previous two did, Pip will probably stay with me for a long time, for all these reasons.
I loved Claire at first sight and needed a little more time to warm up to Pip and that’s probably because I didn’t get a good sense of who they were at first. Since they didn’t either, going on this journey with them was exciting and painful at times, all the way to the HEA. A journey steeped in gender exploration but that spans more widely to class, cultural differences, baggage, self-worth, identity in the broadest meaning. All this in a pretty package full of clever banter, sexy scenes, and all sorts of emotions. I enjoyed being back in Amberwick and seeing what ever-after means for Brogan and Emma on one hand and Vic and Sophia on the other. I look forward to, maybe, someday, reading Reg’s story.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
On the outside, Pip – known to the world as Lady Phillipa Anne Marion Farne-Sacksley of Mulgrave, Vic’s cousin and a distant cousin to my favourite princess, Sasha (The Princess Affair by Nell Stark) – is a carefree young woman enjoying all her privileges to the max. On the inside, things are a lot more complex. When Pip’s motorcycle crashes in Claire’s grandfather’s field, instalust sparks. After growing up in the United States, Claire moved to London but has recently left the City behind to settle in her grandparents’ village of Amberwick. Pip reminds her too much of all the people who broke her heart and she tries very hard to resist the aristocrat’s charms. They agree on a no-strings adventure that will end when Pip goes back home. Best laid plans and all that, the light and fun fling they hoped for turns into a life-changing romance on both sides, with real feelings and real possibilities.
While Plain English is without a doubt a romance novel, it’s also about a journey, Pip’s journey. It’s a story of gender and fluidity, of finding not necessarily who you are but how to convey who you are. I’m not Pip, at all, but I’ve been (and still am) confronted with some of the questions they encounter. That whole she/they thing you’ll see as part of my profile on most social media platforms. While I’ve come to terms with being referred to as a woman, it doesn’t always fit, not one hundred per cent. I’m not a man, I’m not a boy, I’ve never been a girl either. I’m me, and that me is sometimes a woman and sometimes not. What that me is when not a woman is undefined, and I’m okay with that. Now. Even though this book didn’t wow me as much as the previous two did, Pip will probably stay with me for a long time, for all these reasons.
I loved Claire at first sight and needed a little more time to warm up to Pip and that’s probably because I didn’t get a good sense of who they were at first. Since they didn’t either, going on this journey with them was exciting and painful at times, all the way to the HEA. A journey steeped in gender exploration but that spans more widely to class, cultural differences, baggage, self-worth, identity in the broadest meaning. All this in a pretty package full of clever banter, sexy scenes, and all sorts of emotions. I enjoyed being back in Amberwick and seeing what ever-after means for Brogan and Emma on one hand and Vic and Sophia on the other. I look forward to, maybe, someday, reading Reg’s story.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 17, 2022
5 Stars
“Plain English” by Rachel Spangler is the third book in the ‘English’ series. I should start off by saying that I have not read the two previous books but I believe these can be read as standalone because I wasn’t missing out on anything except the backstory of some of the side characters here.
Claire Bailey is living above her art gallery trying to make a living as an artist when she meets Pip. Pip, otherwise known as Lady Phillipa Farne-Sacksley of Mulgrave, crash lands into the fence around Claire’s property while out on a scenic drive on her motorcycle. (This meet-cute was also probably one of my favorites I’ve read in a while.) The two have an immediate attraction and chemistry but both have reasons for ignoring said attraction and chemistry.
Claire and Pip are opposites in many ways and I really loved how those differences complemented each other when they were together. There’s a lot of fun and flirty dialogue that kept me smiling while reading. Claire is an artist and while I don’t know if she’s a poor artist, she does mention having to eat a lot of noodles for her meals. Pip, on the other hand, is an aristocrat and has a charmed life and money is no object for them.
This is one of those “oh we’re just gonna be together for a short amount of time but oops we developed feelings” and it was amusing to see just how quickly they developed those feelings. They were very firm about not being serious and then got quite serious almost from the very beginning. This also has a fairly slow build on the romance which I loved. Although they’re together for a short amount of time, it’s the quality of time that’s important. They talk and are open and honest and really get to know one another. So, though it’s only been six weeks, it feels like they’ve been together much longer.
I absolutely loved this book! It’s so well-written and I loved both of these characters so much that I was sad when this ended. I also want to mention that Pip comes out as non-binary and it figuring things out in the book. They start out with she/her pronouns and progress to they/them as the story involves. I loved to see their progression and it had my heart from the beginning.
I highly recommend this book and I’m looking forward to going back and reading the two previous books, especially as both of those couples show up here.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
*also my apologies to Rachel Spangler as this was supposed to be posted literal months ago. I'm so sorry!!
“Plain English” by Rachel Spangler is the third book in the ‘English’ series. I should start off by saying that I have not read the two previous books but I believe these can be read as standalone because I wasn’t missing out on anything except the backstory of some of the side characters here.
Claire Bailey is living above her art gallery trying to make a living as an artist when she meets Pip. Pip, otherwise known as Lady Phillipa Farne-Sacksley of Mulgrave, crash lands into the fence around Claire’s property while out on a scenic drive on her motorcycle. (This meet-cute was also probably one of my favorites I’ve read in a while.) The two have an immediate attraction and chemistry but both have reasons for ignoring said attraction and chemistry.
Claire and Pip are opposites in many ways and I really loved how those differences complemented each other when they were together. There’s a lot of fun and flirty dialogue that kept me smiling while reading. Claire is an artist and while I don’t know if she’s a poor artist, she does mention having to eat a lot of noodles for her meals. Pip, on the other hand, is an aristocrat and has a charmed life and money is no object for them.
This is one of those “oh we’re just gonna be together for a short amount of time but oops we developed feelings” and it was amusing to see just how quickly they developed those feelings. They were very firm about not being serious and then got quite serious almost from the very beginning. This also has a fairly slow build on the romance which I loved. Although they’re together for a short amount of time, it’s the quality of time that’s important. They talk and are open and honest and really get to know one another. So, though it’s only been six weeks, it feels like they’ve been together much longer.
I absolutely loved this book! It’s so well-written and I loved both of these characters so much that I was sad when this ended. I also want to mention that Pip comes out as non-binary and it figuring things out in the book. They start out with she/her pronouns and progress to they/them as the story involves. I loved to see their progression and it had my heart from the beginning.
I highly recommend this book and I’m looking forward to going back and reading the two previous books, especially as both of those couples show up here.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
*also my apologies to Rachel Spangler as this was supposed to be posted literal months ago. I'm so sorry!!
February 10, 2022
I’m so very glad I got to read Plain English by Rachel Spangler. I’m lucky enough to have already read Full English and Modern English, the other two books this one is connected to. I was enchanted with the first two novels, and I love this one just as much…maybe even more.
All three books are set in the same general location; a small village called Amberwick near the North Sea in England, and Penchant Castle, situated close to the village. Full English gives us the love story of Emma and Brogan who live in the village. With Modern English, we move to the castle and learn about the romance between Lady Victoria and Sophia. Plain English takes us back to the village and we get to meet Pip (Lady Phillipa Anne Marion Farne-Sacksley of Mulgrave) and Claire Bailey, an artist who has moved to Amberwick to run an art gallery.
I must admit, I was drawn to Pip from the very beginning of this story. By the end of the first couple of chapters, I had fallen in love with this character, and that only grew the more I read. Pip is such a likeable person, but they have quite a few problems to overcome because of their fluid character and their position in society. Claire has her own problems with the aristocracy, and this provides much of the conflict in the story as the two become close.
This is a beautiful character-driven tale with well-drawn characters, a gorgeous setting, and a heart-melting romance. It was also great fun to see some of my favorite characters from the first two novels since many of them are secondary characters in this book.
Plain English, as well as the first two books, have my highest recommendation. While they can be read as standalone novels, you don’t want to miss a single one, so get all three and read them in order.
I received an ARC from Bywater Books for an honest review.
All three books are set in the same general location; a small village called Amberwick near the North Sea in England, and Penchant Castle, situated close to the village. Full English gives us the love story of Emma and Brogan who live in the village. With Modern English, we move to the castle and learn about the romance between Lady Victoria and Sophia. Plain English takes us back to the village and we get to meet Pip (Lady Phillipa Anne Marion Farne-Sacksley of Mulgrave) and Claire Bailey, an artist who has moved to Amberwick to run an art gallery.
I must admit, I was drawn to Pip from the very beginning of this story. By the end of the first couple of chapters, I had fallen in love with this character, and that only grew the more I read. Pip is such a likeable person, but they have quite a few problems to overcome because of their fluid character and their position in society. Claire has her own problems with the aristocracy, and this provides much of the conflict in the story as the two become close.
This is a beautiful character-driven tale with well-drawn characters, a gorgeous setting, and a heart-melting romance. It was also great fun to see some of my favorite characters from the first two novels since many of them are secondary characters in this book.
Plain English, as well as the first two books, have my highest recommendation. While they can be read as standalone novels, you don’t want to miss a single one, so get all three and read them in order.
I received an ARC from Bywater Books for an honest review.
July 1, 2025
I really enjoy Rachel Spangler's writing, and Plain English was no exception. This one’s a slow-burn romance between Claire, a grounded gallery owner, and Pip, an aristocrat in the middle of a personal transformation. At the heart of the story is Pip’s journey—stepping away from the title of Lady Mulgrave and beginning to explore a more authentic identity. With Claire’s support, Pip starts using they/them pronouns and comes to understand that they don’t neatly fit into masculine or feminine boxes.
It’s a tender and thoughtful love story about what it means to love someone through their self-discovery, especially when they’re still learning to love themselves. There’s a beautiful message of acceptance—both of self and from others—that makes this story really resonate.
The supporting cast shines, too. Louisa was a standout, and it was a real treat to see Vic, Sophia, Emma, and Brogan take such prominent roles after getting to know them in previous books in the series.
It’s a tender and thoughtful love story about what it means to love someone through their self-discovery, especially when they’re still learning to love themselves. There’s a beautiful message of acceptance—both of self and from others—that makes this story really resonate.
The supporting cast shines, too. Louisa was a standout, and it was a real treat to see Vic, Sophia, Emma, and Brogan take such prominent roles after getting to know them in previous books in the series.
February 6, 2022
'Plain English' is book three in the 'Full English' series. I loved all of the installments and highly recommend reading from the beginning if you haven't already.
Claire has moved from Amberwick to London so that she can paint and sell her artwork in the building her grandmother left to her. Her morning is interrupted when a motorcycle crashes into her field. And she is not going to fall for the ridiculous, flirtatious charm of the attractive rider.
Later, that same handsome rider, Pip, calls Claire up to thank her and offer to repay her for her kindness. No matter how much Claire tells herself she is not going to repeat mistakes by getting involved with another person who gets whatever they want only to leave her without ceremony, she ends up agreeing to see PIP casually. If she knows the score up front, what can it hurt? Famous last words.
Oh yeah, Pip is actually Lady Mulgrave and her family lives in a castle. Throw into the mix that Pip doesn't feel very lady-like or even knows what pronouns to use, you have a very complex and sensitive situation.
The motorcycle crash in the beginning was one of the better meet-cute scenes I've read. It was super cute and I loved Claire's attitude toward Pip and how she wasn't about to fall for any of that put-on charm.
I don't read a lot of books with non-binary characters. What was interesting about this one was that it involved someone who was going through the uncertainty of things. They hadn't already figured it out and we go on that journey with them.
Usually I am a prude when it comes to sex scenes. But why is there not more strap-on sex in lesbian romance? There was a really hot scene where Claire just needed it and couldn't be bothered to climb a ladder before she got Pip to take her on a table. Authors: More of this, please?
Overall, I liked how Pip and Claire equally struggled to keep their feelings casual. That they each had sounding boards (from characters introduced in earlier installments) to talk about their challenges. It was an uplifting story about being true to yourself and how things steeped in tradition can be changed if for the right reasons.
I recommend this to people who love to read romance, nobility, art, old motorcycles, friends, non-binary, and puffins.
I received and ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Claire has moved from Amberwick to London so that she can paint and sell her artwork in the building her grandmother left to her. Her morning is interrupted when a motorcycle crashes into her field. And she is not going to fall for the ridiculous, flirtatious charm of the attractive rider.
Later, that same handsome rider, Pip, calls Claire up to thank her and offer to repay her for her kindness. No matter how much Claire tells herself she is not going to repeat mistakes by getting involved with another person who gets whatever they want only to leave her without ceremony, she ends up agreeing to see PIP casually. If she knows the score up front, what can it hurt? Famous last words.
Oh yeah, Pip is actually Lady Mulgrave and her family lives in a castle. Throw into the mix that Pip doesn't feel very lady-like or even knows what pronouns to use, you have a very complex and sensitive situation.
The motorcycle crash in the beginning was one of the better meet-cute scenes I've read. It was super cute and I loved Claire's attitude toward Pip and how she wasn't about to fall for any of that put-on charm.
I don't read a lot of books with non-binary characters. What was interesting about this one was that it involved someone who was going through the uncertainty of things. They hadn't already figured it out and we go on that journey with them.
Usually I am a prude when it comes to sex scenes. But why is there not more strap-on sex in lesbian romance? There was a really hot scene where Claire just needed it and couldn't be bothered to climb a ladder before she got Pip to take her on a table. Authors: More of this, please?
Overall, I liked how Pip and Claire equally struggled to keep their feelings casual. That they each had sounding boards (from characters introduced in earlier installments) to talk about their challenges. It was an uplifting story about being true to yourself and how things steeped in tradition can be changed if for the right reasons.
I recommend this to people who love to read romance, nobility, art, old motorcycles, friends, non-binary, and puffins.
I received and ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2022
Lovely romantic story. I loved reading this third book in the series. I felt a real connection to Claire and Pip, the main characters, they are so likeable and real. I hope that there will be a fourth book in these series, maybe with Reg as a main character. I’d like to read about all the lovely people of Amberwick again.
February 5, 2022
I believe you should read books in order, same goes for Rachel Spangler’s English series. This is the third book, while it could be fine a stand-alone, it’s much better if you’ve read the previous books.
While I enjoyed both other books in the series, this book brings something to the table the others don’t. It’s much more layered, the characters complexer, the story is about love, but not just between people, also self love and understanding. Fluidity, running away, finding your place and general struggles of daily life. This book has a complexity that is written in a light and enjoyable way the other books don’t have, at least not to this extent.
One of the main characters might even border on unlikable for some.
I enjoyed how the author wrote about Pip’s self discovery with the help and gentle encouragement of their love interest, Claire, who sets clear boundaries and is patient and emphatic. Something Pip never encountered in their aristocratic life. Claire has a bad track record with love interests who are seemingly all like Pip. But no one really is like the charismatic noble person.
I could have done without the drama, or you know, it could have come sooner. We were all just waiting for the shoe to drop, at least I was. And it just took a little too long. The resolution becomes too short and it’s a bit of a shame. I also hoped to see more of Vic and Sophie in this book. I need to know certain things about them…
I enjoyed this book. Took me a while to get through, which has nothing to do with the writing, as it is excellent, just my mind was/ is elsewhere. Sometimes jobs just get in the way of enjoying a perfectly lovely book.
I hope Rachel Spangler finds another book in their brain about these characters, the lovely Reg might make for a cute main.
*I received and ARC from the author in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
While I enjoyed both other books in the series, this book brings something to the table the others don’t. It’s much more layered, the characters complexer, the story is about love, but not just between people, also self love and understanding. Fluidity, running away, finding your place and general struggles of daily life. This book has a complexity that is written in a light and enjoyable way the other books don’t have, at least not to this extent.
One of the main characters might even border on unlikable for some.
I enjoyed how the author wrote about Pip’s self discovery with the help and gentle encouragement of their love interest, Claire, who sets clear boundaries and is patient and emphatic. Something Pip never encountered in their aristocratic life. Claire has a bad track record with love interests who are seemingly all like Pip. But no one really is like the charismatic noble person.
I could have done without the drama, or you know, it could have come sooner. We were all just waiting for the shoe to drop, at least I was. And it just took a little too long. The resolution becomes too short and it’s a bit of a shame. I also hoped to see more of Vic and Sophie in this book. I need to know certain things about them…
I enjoyed this book. Took me a while to get through, which has nothing to do with the writing, as it is excellent, just my mind was/ is elsewhere. Sometimes jobs just get in the way of enjoying a perfectly lovely book.
I hope Rachel Spangler finds another book in their brain about these characters, the lovely Reg might make for a cute main.
*I received and ARC from the author in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
March 26, 2023
Lovely story which unites all three 'English' books by RS. A really good series - are we having Reggie's tale next? Highly recommended.
April 7, 2022
Absolutely loved this. Spangler outdid herself. Adored Pip and Claire.
The author handled this beautifully from the romance to the identity crisis to the angst. It was well done and I couldn't put it down till I finished. She wrapped it up in a fantastic way and I couldn't be happier with this book. Highly recommend this and the other two books in this series as well.
The author handled this beautifully from the romance to the identity crisis to the angst. It was well done and I couldn't put it down till I finished. She wrapped it up in a fantastic way and I couldn't be happier with this book. Highly recommend this and the other two books in this series as well.
April 6, 2022
Echoing the praise this novel has received. An excellent addition to the diversification of sapphic literature.
March 20, 2022
4/5 stars
This is another great release from Rachel Spangler. I have really enjoyed the companion novels in this series, and it was great to have another piece of the puzzle added. The characters are so loveable, which makes it so enjoyable to revisit them, yet each book is also good enough to stand on its own. Spangler has absolutely mastered writing delectable chemistry between our main characters, with the chemistry between Claire and Pip in this novel being absolutely phenomenal. They had such palpable tension between them, it made it such an enjoyable romance to watch unfold.
I especially enjoyed the way gender and identity were explored in these novels. Pip was navigating their sense of identity and gender presentation, which was handled with such nuance, empathy and care. The sense of unbreakable support shared between Claire and Pip is something that I will remember for a long time, it really made this book for me. While I loved the romance and more fun aspects of the novel, I really respected this turn towards something a bit different but exceedingly important for queer novels more generally. I think it melded perfectly with the other aspects of the book, like the romance and friendships, making this such a heartwarming story on so many levels.
This is another great release from Rachel Spangler. I have really enjoyed the companion novels in this series, and it was great to have another piece of the puzzle added. The characters are so loveable, which makes it so enjoyable to revisit them, yet each book is also good enough to stand on its own. Spangler has absolutely mastered writing delectable chemistry between our main characters, with the chemistry between Claire and Pip in this novel being absolutely phenomenal. They had such palpable tension between them, it made it such an enjoyable romance to watch unfold.
I especially enjoyed the way gender and identity were explored in these novels. Pip was navigating their sense of identity and gender presentation, which was handled with such nuance, empathy and care. The sense of unbreakable support shared between Claire and Pip is something that I will remember for a long time, it really made this book for me. While I loved the romance and more fun aspects of the novel, I really respected this turn towards something a bit different but exceedingly important for queer novels more generally. I think it melded perfectly with the other aspects of the book, like the romance and friendships, making this such a heartwarming story on so many levels.
March 22, 2022
You can't go wrong with a Rachel Spangler book.
February 2, 2022
In “Plain English” Rachel Spangler goes back to the delightful village of Amberwick with two new characters Pip and Claire.
Pip a titled member of nobility, consummate “player” quite literally crashes into the backyard of gallery owner and artist Claire.
Now what you’d expect after such a “drop-in” would be the chase, reformation of said player and the obvious HEA. However, in an interesting detour off of the regular romcom path, Spangler takes us on a journey with Pip exploring their place in the world, from what they do for a living, meeting others’ expectations, performing their duty all the way to gender and what fits.
In Claire, Spangler creates a wonderfully detailed character with their own insecurities of having been “left” so many times in prior relationships, who offers space and comfort to let Pip explore so that they can be their real self. All of that questioning and anguish is really well written and I was totally invested in both characters.
I loved those moments where each one of them delved into the each other’s insecurities and propped them up or helped take down their misconceived barriers / assumptions about themselves. I also appreciated the very clever plays on “choice” and the need to do so, be it in the splitting of pies, choosing both desserts and even choosing both family and who you love.
While I really liked the flow of the book and the unpacking of Pip, the narrative did feel a bit heavy at times. I only wish there were a few more light hearted moments. I also didn’t quite agree with the angst direction the plot takes. It definitely injects quite a bit of excitement and heart wrenching, but also felt like a bit of a departure from what we had seen from the characters’ behavior.
Nonetheless the entire story was really well written and I did enjoy it. 4🌟s
Thank you Edelweiss and Rachel Spangler for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pip a titled member of nobility, consummate “player” quite literally crashes into the backyard of gallery owner and artist Claire.
Now what you’d expect after such a “drop-in” would be the chase, reformation of said player and the obvious HEA. However, in an interesting detour off of the regular romcom path, Spangler takes us on a journey with Pip exploring their place in the world, from what they do for a living, meeting others’ expectations, performing their duty all the way to gender and what fits.
In Claire, Spangler creates a wonderfully detailed character with their own insecurities of having been “left” so many times in prior relationships, who offers space and comfort to let Pip explore so that they can be their real self. All of that questioning and anguish is really well written and I was totally invested in both characters.
I loved those moments where each one of them delved into the each other’s insecurities and propped them up or helped take down their misconceived barriers / assumptions about themselves. I also appreciated the very clever plays on “choice” and the need to do so, be it in the splitting of pies, choosing both desserts and even choosing both family and who you love.
While I really liked the flow of the book and the unpacking of Pip, the narrative did feel a bit heavy at times. I only wish there were a few more light hearted moments. I also didn’t quite agree with the angst direction the plot takes. It definitely injects quite a bit of excitement and heart wrenching, but also felt like a bit of a departure from what we had seen from the characters’ behavior.
Nonetheless the entire story was really well written and I did enjoy it. 4🌟s
Thank you Edelweiss and Rachel Spangler for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 3, 2022
This book is an ode to the both/and concept, and a beautiful take on gender fluidity and place within one’s family. Every queer person would benefit from a friend like Claire, who encourages Pip to be fully themself on their own terms. One thing I was confused about, and maybe I missed the reason, but Claire seems to have a personal vendetta against the upper class. Apart from that, I appreciated the maturity and feistiness of her character. It was a bit of a slow start for me, but the dialogue and heat kept me reading. If English villages, royalty, and identity questioning (whether gender or otherwise) are your cup of tea, then this novel will be right up your alley. This book is part of a series. I haven’t read the other two books, but this one made me curious about them.
Short Summary: Born a noblewoman, Pip struggles with identity on many levels. Instead of facing problems head on, Pip runs….and literally crashes into Claire’s fence. Claire is an artist, recently settled in the little village of Amberwick. She has a history with picking the “wrong” partner, and knows a player when she sees one, or so she thinks. The two set clear rules and good intentions for a bit of fun, but Claire’s demand for honesty brings them closer than either of them could have imagined.
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Short Summary: Born a noblewoman, Pip struggles with identity on many levels. Instead of facing problems head on, Pip runs….and literally crashes into Claire’s fence. Claire is an artist, recently settled in the little village of Amberwick. She has a history with picking the “wrong” partner, and knows a player when she sees one, or so she thinks. The two set clear rules and good intentions for a bit of fun, but Claire’s demand for honesty brings them closer than either of them could have imagined.
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2022
I’ve enjoyed all of Spangler’s books, but Plain English is a cut above everything else they’ve written. When I finished it, I was a little awestruck by its depth. On the surface this appears to be “just an ordinary romance,” but it’s not. There’s a depth to it that’s completely appealing. The themes, along with its gentle tone and tenor, speak to the readers’ heart. It’s written with a sense of maturity, compassion, and insight. Simply put, Plain English is a fantastic read that offers more than its cover advertises.
Spangler has always shown themself to be a talented writer, but they bring everything to the table with this one. Pip and Claire are developed with such patience and care; there is a tenderness shown to these two characters that’s beyond impressive and touching. One can clearly see how much Spangler loves them. They’ve developed them so meticulously, giving them the proper time and space to grow. The end result is a rich, vibrant story that flows effortlessly across the page. Spangler gives readers something that’s more than a tale of romance; it’s a journey of the heart.
The fluidity of queer love is often avoided in novels, but not here in this sweet and layered romance. Spangler elegantly and gracefully incorporates fluidity into the storyline and makes it more compelling and relevant. The way Spangler uses Claire to nudge Pip along to understanding their identity—and essentially themself—can’t be praised enough. In Claire’s efforts to help Pip understand something about themself, she ultimately helps the reader gain a larger view too. The writing is a bit of genius here in that way. An awareness for others is needed in this world, and this gentle, patient approach is spot-on and perfectly played. It’s authentic and honest; readers feel the breathless beauty of it right to their very core.
Final remarks…
Spangler firmly believes in telling stories that reflect the world we all live. Through their writing, Spangler shows a maturity and fearlessness that should absolutely be commended. Because of Spangler’s courageousness as a writer, they make Plain English a remarkable story, and it can’t be recommended enough.
Strengths…
Well-written
Strong character development
Rich story world
Fantastic second characters
Compelling, rich story
Sweet romance
Very entertaining
Spangler has always shown themself to be a talented writer, but they bring everything to the table with this one. Pip and Claire are developed with such patience and care; there is a tenderness shown to these two characters that’s beyond impressive and touching. One can clearly see how much Spangler loves them. They’ve developed them so meticulously, giving them the proper time and space to grow. The end result is a rich, vibrant story that flows effortlessly across the page. Spangler gives readers something that’s more than a tale of romance; it’s a journey of the heart.
The fluidity of queer love is often avoided in novels, but not here in this sweet and layered romance. Spangler elegantly and gracefully incorporates fluidity into the storyline and makes it more compelling and relevant. The way Spangler uses Claire to nudge Pip along to understanding their identity—and essentially themself—can’t be praised enough. In Claire’s efforts to help Pip understand something about themself, she ultimately helps the reader gain a larger view too. The writing is a bit of genius here in that way. An awareness for others is needed in this world, and this gentle, patient approach is spot-on and perfectly played. It’s authentic and honest; readers feel the breathless beauty of it right to their very core.
Final remarks…
Spangler firmly believes in telling stories that reflect the world we all live. Through their writing, Spangler shows a maturity and fearlessness that should absolutely be commended. Because of Spangler’s courageousness as a writer, they make Plain English a remarkable story, and it can’t be recommended enough.
Strengths…
Well-written
Strong character development
Rich story world
Fantastic second characters
Compelling, rich story
Sweet romance
Very entertaining
February 8, 2022
I received this book early in exchange for an honest review:
Having read Full English and Modern English before the third installment to the Full English Series I can say that the other two definitely help give this story a nice complete feel. However, you most definitely don’t need to read to read the others to get that this story is wonderfully romantic and wholesome. Pip and Claire have a wonderful dynamic right from their first interaction and their chemistry jumps right of the page. But more than the characters and the romance Plain English is a story that conveys a deeper message of learning to accept yourself, overcome your past, and be who you truly are even when the world tries to pull you in two. Be true to yourself and never hide that vibrant person behind a mask of what’s expected of you.
This story is beautiful, inspirational, and of course overwhelming romantic. Thank you Rachel Spangler.
Having read Full English and Modern English before the third installment to the Full English Series I can say that the other two definitely help give this story a nice complete feel. However, you most definitely don’t need to read to read the others to get that this story is wonderfully romantic and wholesome. Pip and Claire have a wonderful dynamic right from their first interaction and their chemistry jumps right of the page. But more than the characters and the romance Plain English is a story that conveys a deeper message of learning to accept yourself, overcome your past, and be who you truly are even when the world tries to pull you in two. Be true to yourself and never hide that vibrant person behind a mask of what’s expected of you.
This story is beautiful, inspirational, and of course overwhelming romantic. Thank you Rachel Spangler.
March 5, 2022
I went into this read expecting a very cute romance between nobility and a commoner, set somewhere in rural England. What I got was that, plus an amazing insight into gender identity. I absolutely loved this novel and the way that Spangler played out Pip's story.
The romance between Pip and Claire was ridiculously lovely. When they meet, Claire picks up that Pip is a bit of a ladies lady. She steers clear of them, but Pip spends time chipping away at Claire. Once they fall head first into their romance, it picks up pace and - just quietly - there are some extremely sexy scenes.
Without giving too much away, Spangler has built the most intricate character arc with Pip. I came for the romance but I stayed for Pip's development. It was amazing and one that I'm so grateful to have read.
Many thanks to Rachel Spangler for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
The romance between Pip and Claire was ridiculously lovely. When they meet, Claire picks up that Pip is a bit of a ladies lady. She steers clear of them, but Pip spends time chipping away at Claire. Once they fall head first into their romance, it picks up pace and - just quietly - there are some extremely sexy scenes.
Without giving too much away, Spangler has built the most intricate character arc with Pip. I came for the romance but I stayed for Pip's development. It was amazing and one that I'm so grateful to have read.
Many thanks to Rachel Spangler for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2022
Spangler welcomes us back to Ambewick in this 3rd instalment of the English series with a bang. Lady Phillipa Anne Marion Farne-Sacksley otherwise known as Lady Mulgrave is royal, rich and extremely charming. Also, a player. But not all is what it appears to be. And it’s all starting to unravel when she crashes her motorcycle in front of Claire. It’s a slow burn to the first kiss but what makes this book stand out is Pip’s struggle with her identity that clashes with her family’s expectations and Pip’s own self worth while trying to remain true to their promise to Claire. Claire who doesn’t come without baggage and desperately tries to protect herself by lowering her expectations of Pip, their relationship and even herself. What a beautiful story wrapped around ‘old friends’ in Emma, Brogan, Vic and Sophia and new friends, like Reggie. Amberwick is the new literary lesbian Mecca and we should all move there.
I received an advance review copy from the author. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy from the author. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 1, 2024
This is a delightful series. If you enjoy romance I strongly recommend.
February 6, 2022
Plain English is the third book in Rachel Spangler’s English Series. I enjoyed the first two books, Full English and Modern English, and this one is just as enjoyable. It can be read as a standalone as the two MC’s are new additions to the series. I have never been to an English village, but these books make me feel like I’m there, exploring the beauty of the idyllic village of Amberwick.
Lady Phillipa Anne Marion Farne-Sacksley of Mulgrave or Pip as she prefers to be called, is the cousin of Victoria, from Modern English. Pip is a player who has no problem finding women to spend time with. At first glance, there doesn’t appear to be more to Pip, but there is so much beneath the surface that only come to light after Pip crashes her motorcyle in Claire’s yard.
Claire Bailey moved from the hustle and bustle of London to the village of Amberwick to open an art gallery and live close to her grandparents. She is drawn to Pip the moment she sees those hypnotic blue eyes and rakish good looks. She is determined not to give into Pip’s charm because Pip is exactly her type, and she always has to deal with the inevitable heartbreak when she gets left behind. The pull is too strong for both of them, so they decide to just enjoy each other until Pip leaves town.
Pip’s journey is what makes this book special. Through her relationship with Claire, someone who is unassuming and genuine, she finds the courage to come to terms with the pronouns that fit. When a character evolves into their true self, it’s impossible not to be sucked in and follow willingly as they come to terms with who they are and what that realization means to not only them, but to those around them.
In this third book in the series, we not only get to experience Pip and Claire’s love story, but we get to catch up with Brogan and Emma and Vic and Sophia. I adore both of these couples and what I like most is how Pip, Emma and Vic find people who aren’t with them for money or social status. They actually care about the person behind the public persona. This book is a beautiful journey of two people who find the best parts of themselves when they find each other. I hope we get more books in this series and the next should feature Brogan’s niece Reg. She is a character with the potential to be the strongest in the series. I highly recommend escaping to Amberwick and sharing in Pip and Claire’s journey.
ARC received from Bywater Books via Edelweiss for an honest review.
Lady Phillipa Anne Marion Farne-Sacksley of Mulgrave or Pip as she prefers to be called, is the cousin of Victoria, from Modern English. Pip is a player who has no problem finding women to spend time with. At first glance, there doesn’t appear to be more to Pip, but there is so much beneath the surface that only come to light after Pip crashes her motorcyle in Claire’s yard.
Claire Bailey moved from the hustle and bustle of London to the village of Amberwick to open an art gallery and live close to her grandparents. She is drawn to Pip the moment she sees those hypnotic blue eyes and rakish good looks. She is determined not to give into Pip’s charm because Pip is exactly her type, and she always has to deal with the inevitable heartbreak when she gets left behind. The pull is too strong for both of them, so they decide to just enjoy each other until Pip leaves town.
Pip’s journey is what makes this book special. Through her relationship with Claire, someone who is unassuming and genuine, she finds the courage to come to terms with the pronouns that fit. When a character evolves into their true self, it’s impossible not to be sucked in and follow willingly as they come to terms with who they are and what that realization means to not only them, but to those around them.
In this third book in the series, we not only get to experience Pip and Claire’s love story, but we get to catch up with Brogan and Emma and Vic and Sophia. I adore both of these couples and what I like most is how Pip, Emma and Vic find people who aren’t with them for money or social status. They actually care about the person behind the public persona. This book is a beautiful journey of two people who find the best parts of themselves when they find each other. I hope we get more books in this series and the next should feature Brogan’s niece Reg. She is a character with the potential to be the strongest in the series. I highly recommend escaping to Amberwick and sharing in Pip and Claire’s journey.
ARC received from Bywater Books via Edelweiss for an honest review.
February 6, 2022
I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review. I started this one really excited about visiting Amberwick again. I loved Full English and Modern English so I was looking forward to catching up with going's on in the town and with the community; you do not have to have read book one and two to read this one - although I'd highly recommend it. You get a healthy dose of catch up along with a new, unique, unusual, and truly beautiful story about the relationship between the leads Pip and Claire. Pip is Lady Victoria's (from Modern English) cousin and when we first meet them they give off a bit of a 'love 'em and leave 'em' vibe - not something I'd usually be enamoured by. They have a bit of a devil may care attitude and appear to be living life town to town and bed to bed. We learn however, that there are very deep seated reasons for this behaviour and the person who helps us learn about why Pip is who they are, is Claire, the other lead.
Claire has her own demons and while Pip tries to banish them, she grapples with her own. Along the way, while there is plenty of drama, there's also humour, reasons to smile and a healthy dose of fun!
Claire and Pip have the kind of chemistry that jumps off the page, drags you in, and will hold you all the way through; you try to savour every page, while simultaneously hoping it never ends!
I loved this book and I can't recommend it highly enough!
Claire has her own demons and while Pip tries to banish them, she grapples with her own. Along the way, while there is plenty of drama, there's also humour, reasons to smile and a healthy dose of fun!
Claire and Pip have the kind of chemistry that jumps off the page, drags you in, and will hold you all the way through; you try to savour every page, while simultaneously hoping it never ends!
I loved this book and I can't recommend it highly enough!
June 15, 2022
Awesome book!! Artist/aristocrat modern romance. Set in North England. Sapphic nonbinary character comes out (with support from li).
Third in Spangler's English series but can be read as stand alone.
When Pop crashes their motorbike into Claire's field, neither can anticipate the depth of feeling and breadth of discovery the encounter portends.
Really enjoyed the discussions of nonbinary identity in the confines of the very gender-strict aristocracy; what title DO you give an enby when everyone is Sir Something or Lady Whosit??
Third in Spangler's English series but can be read as stand alone.
When Pop crashes their motorbike into Claire's field, neither can anticipate the depth of feeling and breadth of discovery the encounter portends.
Really enjoyed the discussions of nonbinary identity in the confines of the very gender-strict aristocracy; what title DO you give an enby when everyone is Sir Something or Lady Whosit??
May 12, 2025
3,75⭐
February 26, 2022
Another winner.
Rachel always delivers. I enjoyed the different representations in this book. I must say I don't always quite understand but that's why I read. To live, to learn and to grow.
Rachel always delivers. I enjoyed the different representations in this book. I must say I don't always quite understand but that's why I read. To live, to learn and to grow.
November 22, 2025
A really fun read.
March 9, 2022
****This review was originally published at the Lesbrary (https://lesbrary.com/nat-reviews-plai...)
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Rachel Spangler is probably one of my most read authors of Sapphic romance because they are so darn reliable. I’ve never been disappointed. In my mind, I often refer to Spangler as “the author who writes sports romance,” and yeah, I’m a big sucker for a feel-good sports story. But Spangler’s writing is much more diverse than that label gives them credit for, and their newest book Plain English showcases that range.
I’d already read Full English last year, the first book in the English series, which is set in the small English town of Amberwick. Plain English, the third book, features many of the same characters. (I somehow missed the release of Modern English, the second book – more on that later.) It doesn’t matter much if you read the three English books out of order, but it’s always fun to have that experience of already knowing some of the established cast. That said, from the synopsis I was generally expecting a pretty straightforward continuation but with more royalty, angst and motorcycles.
We’re introduced to a very flawed, sometimes infuriating protagonist Lady Phillipa Anne Marion Farne-Sacksley of Mulgrave. (Titles, titles, titles, announced in my best Robert Baratheon voice.) Lady Mulgrave, whose preferred name is Pip, or also literally any name that isn’t “Lady” Mulgrave, is a bit of a playboy with a Peter Pan complex. Here for a good time, not for a long time. We meet Pip in a way that immediately showcases their gay disaster profile: while sneaking out of a one night stand’s bedroom and wrecking a vintage motorcycle in a field within the span of a couple of hours.
Enter Claire Bailey, a financially struggling artist looking to find her way after trying to keep her head above water in London for the last decade. Claire might be a bit of a mess herself, but she’s well on her way to getting that mess sorted. Learning (mostly) from past romantic mistakes, and moving forward with a new chapter of her life. Claire unexpectedly meets Pip by way of the aforementioned embarrassing motorcycle fiasco, and she immediately catches the aristocrat’s eye. Of course Pip is exactly Claire’s type, a type that embodies some big red flag energy wrapped up in a handsome, irresistible package. Claire knows any kind of relationship will end in disaster, and that Pip has a life and a path already mapped out due to the nature of English custom and aristocracy. And thus the perfectly reasonable idea of embarking on a short term relationship with plenty of boundaries (ha!) and absolutely no complications whatsoever (haha!).
Don’t let the cheeky, playful banter between these two fool you. Claire and Pip are some of the most raw, vulnerable characters I’ve seen on the page in romance recently. The first love scene and the communication between them as they both navigate uncharted waters was perfectly executed. I also appreciated how Claire and Pip’s close friends set aside their personal feelings and frustrations to support someone they care about in their time of need, while acknowledging that Pip still has their own issues to work out. There’s a lot of hurt/comfort happening throughout, so buckle in.
(Spoilers!) Please excuse me while I jump forward to gush a bit about Pip’s character. We see a lot of adult characters in romance processing past trauma, healing, grieving – but we don’t always get to see them in the midst of a full-fledged identity crisis. Especially one involving gender identity. This was an unexpected aspect of the book, and I cannot stress how much I loved it. There were some moments in the book, especially as Pip deals with their conservative, controlling family, that really punched me right in the feels. I want to tell you so much more about it, but it’s best to just experience it for yourself. (End spoilers.)
Back to this book existing as part of a series – one reason I might recommend checking out Full English first is to experience the growth of a particular side character who returns in Plain English. We first meet Reggie in Full English when she’s just a pup, experiencing her adorably awkward and earnest interactions with the adults who recognize something familiar in her, which is explored further in Plain English. It is precious. You will love her.
That said, I also realized while reading the book that I’d missed the second installment in the series, Modern English, and caught up after I started writing this review to make sure I hadn’t missed anything big. If you want more of an introduction to how aristocracy works and all those stodgy English rules, then maybe you’d prefer to read all three in order. Of the three books, Plain English was hands down my favorite, but as a series, they complement each other so well that it would be a shame not to read them all.
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Rachel Spangler is probably one of my most read authors of Sapphic romance because they are so darn reliable. I’ve never been disappointed. In my mind, I often refer to Spangler as “the author who writes sports romance,” and yeah, I’m a big sucker for a feel-good sports story. But Spangler’s writing is much more diverse than that label gives them credit for, and their newest book Plain English showcases that range.
I’d already read Full English last year, the first book in the English series, which is set in the small English town of Amberwick. Plain English, the third book, features many of the same characters. (I somehow missed the release of Modern English, the second book – more on that later.) It doesn’t matter much if you read the three English books out of order, but it’s always fun to have that experience of already knowing some of the established cast. That said, from the synopsis I was generally expecting a pretty straightforward continuation but with more royalty, angst and motorcycles.
We’re introduced to a very flawed, sometimes infuriating protagonist Lady Phillipa Anne Marion Farne-Sacksley of Mulgrave. (Titles, titles, titles, announced in my best Robert Baratheon voice.) Lady Mulgrave, whose preferred name is Pip, or also literally any name that isn’t “Lady” Mulgrave, is a bit of a playboy with a Peter Pan complex. Here for a good time, not for a long time. We meet Pip in a way that immediately showcases their gay disaster profile: while sneaking out of a one night stand’s bedroom and wrecking a vintage motorcycle in a field within the span of a couple of hours.
Enter Claire Bailey, a financially struggling artist looking to find her way after trying to keep her head above water in London for the last decade. Claire might be a bit of a mess herself, but she’s well on her way to getting that mess sorted. Learning (mostly) from past romantic mistakes, and moving forward with a new chapter of her life. Claire unexpectedly meets Pip by way of the aforementioned embarrassing motorcycle fiasco, and she immediately catches the aristocrat’s eye. Of course Pip is exactly Claire’s type, a type that embodies some big red flag energy wrapped up in a handsome, irresistible package. Claire knows any kind of relationship will end in disaster, and that Pip has a life and a path already mapped out due to the nature of English custom and aristocracy. And thus the perfectly reasonable idea of embarking on a short term relationship with plenty of boundaries (ha!) and absolutely no complications whatsoever (haha!).
Don’t let the cheeky, playful banter between these two fool you. Claire and Pip are some of the most raw, vulnerable characters I’ve seen on the page in romance recently. The first love scene and the communication between them as they both navigate uncharted waters was perfectly executed. I also appreciated how Claire and Pip’s close friends set aside their personal feelings and frustrations to support someone they care about in their time of need, while acknowledging that Pip still has their own issues to work out. There’s a lot of hurt/comfort happening throughout, so buckle in.
(Spoilers!) Please excuse me while I jump forward to gush a bit about Pip’s character. We see a lot of adult characters in romance processing past trauma, healing, grieving – but we don’t always get to see them in the midst of a full-fledged identity crisis. Especially one involving gender identity. This was an unexpected aspect of the book, and I cannot stress how much I loved it. There were some moments in the book, especially as Pip deals with their conservative, controlling family, that really punched me right in the feels. I want to tell you so much more about it, but it’s best to just experience it for yourself. (End spoilers.)
Back to this book existing as part of a series – one reason I might recommend checking out Full English first is to experience the growth of a particular side character who returns in Plain English. We first meet Reggie in Full English when she’s just a pup, experiencing her adorably awkward and earnest interactions with the adults who recognize something familiar in her, which is explored further in Plain English. It is precious. You will love her.
That said, I also realized while reading the book that I’d missed the second installment in the series, Modern English, and caught up after I started writing this review to make sure I hadn’t missed anything big. If you want more of an introduction to how aristocracy works and all those stodgy English rules, then maybe you’d prefer to read all three in order. Of the three books, Plain English was hands down my favorite, but as a series, they complement each other so well that it would be a shame not to read them all.
May 26, 2025
I think I found this book on a sale listing, and it took me a while to get around to reading it. I have not read the other books in the series, as I didn't know they existed until I read one of the reviews here. All I can say about this book is that the characters, especially Pip, are nestled away in a cozy corner of my heart.
From the outside, Pip is a quick-witted, extremely charming, over-confident aristocratic lesbian. Pip responds to criticism with humor, to uncomfortable situations with ease, and conquers rejection through perseverance.
At first glance, Claire is the opposite of Pip. She's unsure of her social and professional standing, having no faith in herself or her art when life is rocky, yet she is self-aware enough to build walls to protect herself from experiencing heart-break again.
One would think Claire wouldn't be able to handle someone like Pip and should steer clear, but Claire matches Pip punch for punch and refuses to stay down for the count.
To Pip, Claire is a challenge. Nobody has ever demanded anything from Pip other than luxury and pomp, seeing Pip as a means to a luxurious end. Claire demands the opposite-- refusing to allow any piece of aristocratic privilege to touch their tenuous relationship. Claire's foresight in knowing that if she allowed herself to let go, she'd step off the ledge-- into the chasm-- and fly freely until she hit the bottom. She knows she wouldn't survive the fall, so establishes some ground rules with Pip before she agrees to date. First- be honest that this will end, and be honest throughout. Second- don't try to charm her with money and prestige, because it amplifies her own insecurities about staying above water by maintaining a frugal lifestyle, and also because even though she knows money doesn't determine worth, her actions show that society's worship of monetary wealth have left a dent in her beliefs. Third- give each other an honest, proper goodbye when their time comes to an end-- which it definitely will-- but respect each other enough to be truthful.
In setting the rules, she strips Pip's camouflage, and is the first person to see Pip vulnerable. We learn that Pip really doesn't have it all. Pip merely has perfected wearing a costume, one that works with family and society. Without the disguise, Pip must start searching for their true form, which will be as uncomfortable to watch as an gangly teenager weaving through the crowded hallway the first day of high-school.
For the first time, Pip's given the space and license to try out whatever labels feel right, allowed to freely discard the ones that don't fit, and take the time to see what sticks.
When Pip finally admits to themself that though they hate being addressed with the title "Lady", they certainly aren't a Duke or Earl or any of the other titles given to men. Pip tries out they/them and find the pronouns fits like a favorite pair of jeans. Clair gives Pip the space to grow into their newly discovered self, while Pip also finds out, through helping Claire at her gallery, that they do have the skills to make their own way. Spinning things, twisting the truth, quick wit and charm, all of those combine into an amazing skill-set, used from selling art to making deals. It's something 100% theirs, not attached to their wealth and title at all-- the skills were acquired by being made to fit in a world that never allowed for self-discovery . Pip's been so good at playing their part that their family bought the lie long ago, and now expect nothing more of Pip than for them to continue playing the field and never amounting to anything. But, with Claire's support, Pip is able to show their family the new them, the one that was discounted years ago.
So, what will happen when the two parts of Pip's life start tugging them in different directions? If given the chance to lose their safety net--reliant on titles and familial obligations-- Will Pip chose themself and in doing so, also land their dream woman for good?
I won't tell you what Pip does, because in order to come to a conclusion, one must dissect the equation. Read this story of self-exploration, of finding your worth and making hard decisions-- while falling in love with two characters destined to be together... if they could get out of their own way.
From the outside, Pip is a quick-witted, extremely charming, over-confident aristocratic lesbian. Pip responds to criticism with humor, to uncomfortable situations with ease, and conquers rejection through perseverance.
At first glance, Claire is the opposite of Pip. She's unsure of her social and professional standing, having no faith in herself or her art when life is rocky, yet she is self-aware enough to build walls to protect herself from experiencing heart-break again.
One would think Claire wouldn't be able to handle someone like Pip and should steer clear, but Claire matches Pip punch for punch and refuses to stay down for the count.
To Pip, Claire is a challenge. Nobody has ever demanded anything from Pip other than luxury and pomp, seeing Pip as a means to a luxurious end. Claire demands the opposite-- refusing to allow any piece of aristocratic privilege to touch their tenuous relationship. Claire's foresight in knowing that if she allowed herself to let go, she'd step off the ledge-- into the chasm-- and fly freely until she hit the bottom. She knows she wouldn't survive the fall, so establishes some ground rules with Pip before she agrees to date. First- be honest that this will end, and be honest throughout. Second- don't try to charm her with money and prestige, because it amplifies her own insecurities about staying above water by maintaining a frugal lifestyle, and also because even though she knows money doesn't determine worth, her actions show that society's worship of monetary wealth have left a dent in her beliefs. Third- give each other an honest, proper goodbye when their time comes to an end-- which it definitely will-- but respect each other enough to be truthful.
In setting the rules, she strips Pip's camouflage, and is the first person to see Pip vulnerable. We learn that Pip really doesn't have it all. Pip merely has perfected wearing a costume, one that works with family and society. Without the disguise, Pip must start searching for their true form, which will be as uncomfortable to watch as an gangly teenager weaving through the crowded hallway the first day of high-school.
For the first time, Pip's given the space and license to try out whatever labels feel right, allowed to freely discard the ones that don't fit, and take the time to see what sticks.
When Pip finally admits to themself that though they hate being addressed with the title "Lady", they certainly aren't a Duke or Earl or any of the other titles given to men. Pip tries out they/them and find the pronouns fits like a favorite pair of jeans. Clair gives Pip the space to grow into their newly discovered self, while Pip also finds out, through helping Claire at her gallery, that they do have the skills to make their own way. Spinning things, twisting the truth, quick wit and charm, all of those combine into an amazing skill-set, used from selling art to making deals. It's something 100% theirs, not attached to their wealth and title at all-- the skills were acquired by being made to fit in a world that never allowed for self-discovery . Pip's been so good at playing their part that their family bought the lie long ago, and now expect nothing more of Pip than for them to continue playing the field and never amounting to anything. But, with Claire's support, Pip is able to show their family the new them, the one that was discounted years ago.
So, what will happen when the two parts of Pip's life start tugging them in different directions? If given the chance to lose their safety net--reliant on titles and familial obligations-- Will Pip chose themself and in doing so, also land their dream woman for good?
I won't tell you what Pip does, because in order to come to a conclusion, one must dissect the equation. Read this story of self-exploration, of finding your worth and making hard decisions-- while falling in love with two characters destined to be together... if they could get out of their own way.
February 15, 2022
‘You simply refused to see me as plain or expendable’ – a top notch romance!
New York author Rachel Spangler is the Director of Social Media for Bywater Books and her gifts in that category as demonstrated by the PR materials available with this book vie for her solid stature as a novelist. With near twenty successful books to her credit, having won two Golden Crown Literary Awards, a Goldie, and on and on, Rachel is on top. She also pens the blog ‘Wonder Boi Writes’
As a sequel to her successful novel FULL ENGLISH, which the author described as ‘a sweet and flirty story with romance, good cheer, and a heartwarming happy ever after,' Rachel now adds PLAIN ENGLISH. This is a very traditional and sweet romance. It’s about healing hearts, English gardens, warm scones, and long walks along the coast. And finding that the needle in the haystack of your life turns out to be the woman of your dreams,’ she now continues her take on romance with PLAIN ENGLISH.
The synopsis of the plot follows: ‘When Claire Bailey left London to open her own art gallery in the tiny village of Amberwick, she’d hoped the slower pace and lower cost of living might allow her to focus on her own painting, away from all the drama and distractions that had plagued her in the city. She fully intended to make an honest go at simple living right up until the moment a shockingly attractive aristocrat rocketed off the road and knocked her world off its axis. Pip has learned to play the part of a ne’er-do-well upper elite: charismatic, enigmatic, and a little bit erratic. Luckily, women tend to like those characteristics. After leading such a charmed existence, where even motorcycles wrecks come with the added bonus of meeting beautiful women, Pip finds that Claire’s complete lack of interest in money or status sparks both curiosity and attraction. Surrendering to both boredom and sheer chemistry, the two agree to an unconventional, no-strings, romantic adventure designed to provide them both a bit of freedom and entertainment. However, once released from the pressure to project perfect images of themselves, the walls they depended on for protection begin to crumble. Worlds blend and identities blur as their whirlwind romance quickly becomes more than they bargained for. Will their almost elemental attraction be enough to overcome the complexities rushing in from all sides? Or will the pressures they’ve both sought to escape force them to forge a new path neither of them had dared to dream of?’
Rachel’s writing style is so natural it makes the reader feel the sense of eavesdropping – a polished skill for authors. This is a solid, entertaining, lusty and well-scribed important novel.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
New York author Rachel Spangler is the Director of Social Media for Bywater Books and her gifts in that category as demonstrated by the PR materials available with this book vie for her solid stature as a novelist. With near twenty successful books to her credit, having won two Golden Crown Literary Awards, a Goldie, and on and on, Rachel is on top. She also pens the blog ‘Wonder Boi Writes’
As a sequel to her successful novel FULL ENGLISH, which the author described as ‘a sweet and flirty story with romance, good cheer, and a heartwarming happy ever after,' Rachel now adds PLAIN ENGLISH. This is a very traditional and sweet romance. It’s about healing hearts, English gardens, warm scones, and long walks along the coast. And finding that the needle in the haystack of your life turns out to be the woman of your dreams,’ she now continues her take on romance with PLAIN ENGLISH.
The synopsis of the plot follows: ‘When Claire Bailey left London to open her own art gallery in the tiny village of Amberwick, she’d hoped the slower pace and lower cost of living might allow her to focus on her own painting, away from all the drama and distractions that had plagued her in the city. She fully intended to make an honest go at simple living right up until the moment a shockingly attractive aristocrat rocketed off the road and knocked her world off its axis. Pip has learned to play the part of a ne’er-do-well upper elite: charismatic, enigmatic, and a little bit erratic. Luckily, women tend to like those characteristics. After leading such a charmed existence, where even motorcycles wrecks come with the added bonus of meeting beautiful women, Pip finds that Claire’s complete lack of interest in money or status sparks both curiosity and attraction. Surrendering to both boredom and sheer chemistry, the two agree to an unconventional, no-strings, romantic adventure designed to provide them both a bit of freedom and entertainment. However, once released from the pressure to project perfect images of themselves, the walls they depended on for protection begin to crumble. Worlds blend and identities blur as their whirlwind romance quickly becomes more than they bargained for. Will their almost elemental attraction be enough to overcome the complexities rushing in from all sides? Or will the pressures they’ve both sought to escape force them to forge a new path neither of them had dared to dream of?’
Rachel’s writing style is so natural it makes the reader feel the sense of eavesdropping – a polished skill for authors. This is a solid, entertaining, lusty and well-scribed important novel.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
February 4, 2022
🌺Plain English
🌸Rachel Spangler
🌹New book
💐MC Claire Bailey & Pip
This is story about Pip and Claire Bailey and the lovely little town of Amberwick.
Claire was behind her art gallery, when she witnessed a handsome person crash their motorcycle into the field. Claire was kind enough to let the “charming and suave” Pip use her phone to call her sister to pick them up from the gallery. Pip was gutted as they looked over their classic motorcycle in shambles.
Claire feels and immediate attraction to Pip. Sparks are flying 😉
Although Claire had moved from London to focus on her painting, she can’t help wonder about the person who just “crashed” into her world. Pip, as handsome and cool as they come across, struggles with their upbringing and identity.
Pip likes a challenge, they’re a player. Pip loves that Claire was a challenge. Claire, not wanting to get hurt, definitely plays the challenge part very well. Will a casual fling suit both of their needs?
Will feelings come into play. Would two people who have their own issues and insecurities end up crashing like Pip’s motorcycle, or be a thing of beauty like one of Claire’s landscape paintings?
I enjoyed how Claire helped Pip deal with their feelings, while letting them really explore what their life would be. They could break the chains of where they came from, expectations and really finding themselves. The journey of Pips character, I felt was really beautiful. I felt Claire was the perfect person to experience this Pip.
The slow burn, was intense but worth the wait for that first moment.
Pip transformation throughout the book is simply amazing and the love story is one of beauty and respect. Side note: Reg was a cute addition to the story. It was nice to see all the characters come together.
This book is truly a journey of self awareness and acceptance.
And I thoroughly enjoyed the characters in the story and how Pip came full circle .
The Author Rachel Spangler did a amazing job of giving these two characters a relatable story.
I was given the book by the Author for an honest review.
I highly recommend this book a unique and beautiful love story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌸Rachel Spangler
🌹New book
💐MC Claire Bailey & Pip
This is story about Pip and Claire Bailey and the lovely little town of Amberwick.
Claire was behind her art gallery, when she witnessed a handsome person crash their motorcycle into the field. Claire was kind enough to let the “charming and suave” Pip use her phone to call her sister to pick them up from the gallery. Pip was gutted as they looked over their classic motorcycle in shambles.
Claire feels and immediate attraction to Pip. Sparks are flying 😉
Although Claire had moved from London to focus on her painting, she can’t help wonder about the person who just “crashed” into her world. Pip, as handsome and cool as they come across, struggles with their upbringing and identity.
Pip likes a challenge, they’re a player. Pip loves that Claire was a challenge. Claire, not wanting to get hurt, definitely plays the challenge part very well. Will a casual fling suit both of their needs?
Will feelings come into play. Would two people who have their own issues and insecurities end up crashing like Pip’s motorcycle, or be a thing of beauty like one of Claire’s landscape paintings?
I enjoyed how Claire helped Pip deal with their feelings, while letting them really explore what their life would be. They could break the chains of where they came from, expectations and really finding themselves. The journey of Pips character, I felt was really beautiful. I felt Claire was the perfect person to experience this Pip.
The slow burn, was intense but worth the wait for that first moment.
Pip transformation throughout the book is simply amazing and the love story is one of beauty and respect. Side note: Reg was a cute addition to the story. It was nice to see all the characters come together.
This book is truly a journey of self awareness and acceptance.
And I thoroughly enjoyed the characters in the story and how Pip came full circle .
The Author Rachel Spangler did a amazing job of giving these two characters a relatable story.
I was given the book by the Author for an honest review.
I highly recommend this book a unique and beautiful love story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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