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Sisters of Castle Fortune #3
Katerina and the Reclusive Earl
The London Season! Glittering balls, society, handsome beaus. Every Regency lady’s dream. But not Katerina Fortune’s. And she takes drastic, shocking action to avoid it …
In an inn, on the way to her first London Season, Katerina Fortune hears something that gives her a chance to escape her fate. Acting on impulse, she hires a gig, and presents herself to a reclusive gentleman to offer herself as a bride. For Katerina, the eighth daughter of Castle Fortune (her Yorkshire home) has no intention of letting her father sell her to the highest bidder in town.
The gentleman, who turns out to be the tall and shabby Earl of Covington, naturally refuses her. He does not believe her tale that she too, seeks seclusion and a marriage in name only. However, Katerina has broken her ankle, and so it seems that she must remain with her maid at Covington Park for some weeks to come.
Although in pain, Katerina is truly happy at Covington. She does not see the earl, except at their silent dinners, and he soon realises that she really is not seeking to woo him. Katerina’s happiness is in the same seclusion that he enjoys while doing his academic work, and he realises that she is more than just ‘bookish’ herself. She is, in fact remarkable.
With his brutish, but amusing, servants looking on, this strange pair seem to ignore each other, but are really sharing a connection in a different way than anyone could imagine.
His friend and neighbour Sir Andrew Templeton and his sister (and Covington’s old love) Fiona, come to shake the pair from their isolation, touching the hearts of both.
In an inn, on the way to her first London Season, Katerina Fortune hears something that gives her a chance to escape her fate. Acting on impulse, she hires a gig, and presents herself to a reclusive gentleman to offer herself as a bride. For Katerina, the eighth daughter of Castle Fortune (her Yorkshire home) has no intention of letting her father sell her to the highest bidder in town.
The gentleman, who turns out to be the tall and shabby Earl of Covington, naturally refuses her. He does not believe her tale that she too, seeks seclusion and a marriage in name only. However, Katerina has broken her ankle, and so it seems that she must remain with her maid at Covington Park for some weeks to come.
Although in pain, Katerina is truly happy at Covington. She does not see the earl, except at their silent dinners, and he soon realises that she really is not seeking to woo him. Katerina’s happiness is in the same seclusion that he enjoys while doing his academic work, and he realises that she is more than just ‘bookish’ herself. She is, in fact remarkable.
With his brutish, but amusing, servants looking on, this strange pair seem to ignore each other, but are really sharing a connection in a different way than anyone could imagine.
His friend and neighbour Sir Andrew Templeton and his sister (and Covington’s old love) Fiona, come to shake the pair from their isolation, touching the hearts of both.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2022
135 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Alicia Cameron
40 books118 followersAlicia Cameron is a crime writer with another indulgence - I have always enjoyed the work of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, loving the Regency period and the romance, but especially the wit of the authors.
My interest in crime probably started with the awful kleptomania of my family, stealing these books from each others shelves.
I'm not to be confused with the other Alicia Cameron. My Regency romances have very little raunch and a great deal of silliness.
My interest in crime probably started with the awful kleptomania of my family, stealing these books from each others shelves.
I'm not to be confused with the other Alicia Cameron. My Regency romances have very little raunch and a great deal of silliness.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 20, 2025
What we have here is, Sleeping Beauty and the Beast.
The story felt like an author challenge: produce a 300 page historical romance about two people who dislike communicating… with anyone, including each other.
To make this work Cameron borrowed an old choreographer’s trick. If the stars can’t dance, surround them with professionals who lift and move them around the stage. In this case, the author substituted relatives and quirky servants to interpret the MCs’ facial expressions and discuss what they meant. For extra padding, she threw in a secondary insta-love romance.
That’s not to say it wasn’t cute, low angst and banterific. The second act had too much telling and not showing which lost a star, but the ending had some sweet tidbits.
This story earned a homestead on Candy Land’s back forty.
My thanks to Gloria and her lovely review for bringing the story to my attention. 🙏
The story felt like an author challenge: produce a 300 page historical romance about two people who dislike communicating… with anyone, including each other.
To make this work Cameron borrowed an old choreographer’s trick. If the stars can’t dance, surround them with professionals who lift and move them around the stage. In this case, the author substituted relatives and quirky servants to interpret the MCs’ facial expressions and discuss what they meant. For extra padding, she threw in a secondary insta-love romance.
That’s not to say it wasn’t cute, low angst and banterific. The second act had too much telling and not showing which lost a star, but the ending had some sweet tidbits.
This story earned a homestead on Candy Land’s back forty.
My thanks to Gloria and her lovely review for bringing the story to my attention. 🙏
January 19, 2025
This was frothy and fun and a little fairytale-ish, not what one would expect from a romance featuring at least one, if not two, neurodivergent main characters.
Katerina is nineteen, gorgeous, and Rainman in a green muslin dress. She does not want a season in London. She does not want to be around people. She does not want to make small talk about fashion and the weather. She does not want to attend balls and routs. She most emphatically does not want her father to sell her to the highest bidder as she knows he intends to do. On the way to London, she overhears talk about an old, ailing recluse who refuses to marry and she has a light-bulb moment: she hires a gig, heads to his dilapidated estate, and proposes marriage to him with the promise they never have to see each other. He says no but, since she broke her ankle getting out of the gig in front of his door, he’s forced to keep her anyway.
The earl, Thaddeus, isn’t so very old—he’s 36–he’s gaunt because he refuses to take the time to eat when he’s working, he’s handsome in a wolfish kind of way, but he’s most definitely unkempt because, again, his work. What is this work? The Regency equivalent of particle string theory in theoretical physics or some such. He’s an eccentric brainiac and it doesn’t take long for Thaddeus to discover that behind Katerina’s cool eyes and detached demeanor lies a brain as large as his own.
This is written in an easy, breezy style with some isolated moments of depth. There are lots of appearances by family members from other books in this series, but this is my first book by this author and I had no trouble following the story. While I prefer more emotional bite in my romances, I liked this enough to be willing to read another book by Alicia Cameron.
Katerina is nineteen, gorgeous, and Rainman in a green muslin dress. She does not want a season in London. She does not want to be around people. She does not want to make small talk about fashion and the weather. She does not want to attend balls and routs. She most emphatically does not want her father to sell her to the highest bidder as she knows he intends to do. On the way to London, she overhears talk about an old, ailing recluse who refuses to marry and she has a light-bulb moment: she hires a gig, heads to his dilapidated estate, and proposes marriage to him with the promise they never have to see each other. He says no but, since she broke her ankle getting out of the gig in front of his door, he’s forced to keep her anyway.
The earl, Thaddeus, isn’t so very old—he’s 36–he’s gaunt because he refuses to take the time to eat when he’s working, he’s handsome in a wolfish kind of way, but he’s most definitely unkempt because, again, his work. What is this work? The Regency equivalent of particle string theory in theoretical physics or some such. He’s an eccentric brainiac and it doesn’t take long for Thaddeus to discover that behind Katerina’s cool eyes and detached demeanor lies a brain as large as his own.
This is written in an easy, breezy style with some isolated moments of depth. There are lots of appearances by family members from other books in this series, but this is my first book by this author and I had no trouble following the story. While I prefer more emotional bite in my romances, I liked this enough to be willing to read another book by Alicia Cameron.
February 22, 2022
(4.5 stars) Nerd love - Regency style!
There are a lot of Regency romances with bluestocking heroines, but this one is unique! Covington doesn't want to be bothered by anyone; he just wants to study & research his interests. Katerina is fascinated because that's exactly what she wants for herself, too, just to be left alone to read and learn more about all the fascinating things in the world. But how to get in on such a deal?
It's a different kind of love story, successfully constructed out of little more than a shared love of books & logical analysis - unusual but brilliant! (in both the British & American senses)
Covington's conspiring servants are most entertaining.
When the two finally kissed, whew (fanning self) ... so simple, yet so intense
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
There are a lot of Regency romances with bluestocking heroines, but this one is unique! Covington doesn't want to be bothered by anyone; he just wants to study & research his interests. Katerina is fascinated because that's exactly what she wants for herself, too, just to be left alone to read and learn more about all the fascinating things in the world. But how to get in on such a deal?
It's a different kind of love story, successfully constructed out of little more than a shared love of books & logical analysis - unusual but brilliant! (in both the British & American senses)
Covington's conspiring servants are most entertaining.
When the two finally kissed, whew (fanning self) ... so simple, yet so intense
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
March 6, 2022
Loved this well suited couple. They are both people who focus on learning. As a man, he has the freedom to indulge in his studies and be respected. She's had to fight so much harder for the little she has. He slowly sees her determination and starts to help her. A very different (divergent) couple who learn how to love as they explore the universe, individually and as partners.
March 22, 2022
Kisses-only. The MCs fit together like puzzle pieces in this
unique story. She was 19 & he was 36 but age did not feel
like a factor here. He valued her intellect over her beauty.
Thaddeus, an earl, knew science, mathematics, philosophy
and languages. He had a foundry & did experiments on
metals for poss. future industry applications. He valued his
privacy + his work. Thad in the Army acted as CO for
"the military 4" & they kept each other alive. After the war,
he'd employed these unconventional men for many yrs
on his estate: as the butler, the valet and 2 footman. They
(2 with previous broken noses) intimidated all visitors to
leave. Loved these 4, especially the butler.
Thad was unkempt+ wore soiled clothes. His estate had
weeds etc and looked neglected. This discouraged match-
makers and husband seekers, who assumed he was low
on funds. So focused on his work, he forgot to eat at times.
Katerina, who valued her solitude, heard of this reclusive
man. She + her maid Annie went to visit him. She accidently
broke her ankle leaving her gig. She proposed a MOC to him
and he declined. He decided she could stay to recover, under
conditions that Thad and Kat would avoid each other &
Annie would serve as her shadow.
The MCS seldom saw each other, except at dinner where
each read a book. They used other means of communication.
They slowly learned about each other and slowly fell for
each other. I enjoyed when Thad became jealous a few
times. Kat's sisters Georgette & Jocasta helped Kat under-
stand her new feelings. The only downside involved scenes
of Kat's sire and brother.
unique story. She was 19 & he was 36 but age did not feel
like a factor here. He valued her intellect over her beauty.
Thaddeus, an earl, knew science, mathematics, philosophy
and languages. He had a foundry & did experiments on
metals for poss. future industry applications. He valued his
privacy + his work. Thad in the Army acted as CO for
"the military 4" & they kept each other alive. After the war,
he'd employed these unconventional men for many yrs
on his estate: as the butler, the valet and 2 footman. They
(2 with previous broken noses) intimidated all visitors to
leave. Loved these 4, especially the butler.
Thad was unkempt+ wore soiled clothes. His estate had
weeds etc and looked neglected. This discouraged match-
makers and husband seekers, who assumed he was low
on funds. So focused on his work, he forgot to eat at times.
Katerina, who valued her solitude, heard of this reclusive
man. She + her maid Annie went to visit him. She accidently
broke her ankle leaving her gig. She proposed a MOC to him
and he declined. He decided she could stay to recover, under
conditions that Thad and Kat would avoid each other &
Annie would serve as her shadow.
The MCS seldom saw each other, except at dinner where
each read a book. They used other means of communication.
They slowly learned about each other and slowly fell for
each other. I enjoyed when Thad became jealous a few
times. Kat's sisters Georgette & Jocasta helped Kat under-
stand her new feelings. The only downside involved scenes
of Kat's sire and brother.
February 22, 2022
I have been looking forward to Katerina’s story since first meeting her in “Georgette and the Unrequited Love” and the result is delightful. Like the other Fortune sisters, Katerina lives in her own world, trying to avoid her unpleasant father and brother, and not paying much attention to her sisters either. Katerina’s world is a “bookish” one. She has learned whatever she knows by studying on her own, but she definitely wants more. She is determined to avoid a London season and husband. On her way to London she overhears a conversation about Covington, the reclusive earl, and she decides that she will offer herself as a bride to him and thus avoid her father’s machinations, be able to follow her own wishes, and be ignored by the earl. What could be more perfect? Covington isn’t interested in marriage at all, but when Katerina has an accident he is forced to offer her lodging that he hopes will be temporary. How their relationship develops, and how Covington assists her in her thirst for knowledge makes for an amusing and satisfying story. I enjoyed how Covington gradually realizes that Katerina is brilliant. Their love story is unique and a complete surprise to the rest of her family. I received an ARC from the author but also purchase a copy for my bookshelf.
March 2, 2022
3.5 stars.
This was kind of a weird one and I don't necessarily mean that in a bad way. It was funny, clean, and kind of adorable. However, while I found the MCs entertaining, I couldn't necessarily connect with either of them. I'm not a genius nor can I go for days really without talking to others or missing some kind of human contact. And that lack of connection is what made this 3.5 stars instead of 4 stars. Overall though, I have to say I enjoyed this one. I'm looking forward to the twins' story, though I'm trying hard not to wish a bad ending on the baron and his heir. They are not nice people.
This was kind of a weird one and I don't necessarily mean that in a bad way. It was funny, clean, and kind of adorable. However, while I found the MCs entertaining, I couldn't necessarily connect with either of them. I'm not a genius nor can I go for days really without talking to others or missing some kind of human contact. And that lack of connection is what made this 3.5 stars instead of 4 stars. Overall though, I have to say I enjoyed this one. I'm looking forward to the twins' story, though I'm trying hard not to wish a bad ending on the baron and his heir. They are not nice people.
August 17, 2024
It looks like I’ve found a new favorite author! It’s hard to find new Regency Romance novels that are fresh and fun. This is the second book I’ve read by Cameron and I’m looking forward to reading her catalog.
February 23, 2022
Amusing and more. I very much enjoyed reading this, as Ms Cameron's humor so perfectly matches my taste, a bit on the wry side. This story had me grinning and laughing aloud.
It is an unusual romance, in that the h and H actively avoid each other. Gradually they realize the worth of the other.
The prologue is a bit of a mystery and chock full of characters, which takes some careful reading, as the reader does not yet know where this is going! Later these characters are "revealed". I loved how the ex-military quartet and their interactions are portrayed. The sarcasm, snark and scheming.
There are small side stories which add depth and interest. Katarina realizes her maid Annie is illiterate and how it limits her future. I felt this was nicely done.
I'm a fan of cameo appearances of characters from previous series installments, so I loved how the appearances and interactions of Georgie and Jocasta and their husbands were incorporated.
It is an unusual romance, in that the h and H actively avoid each other. Gradually they realize the worth of the other.
The prologue is a bit of a mystery and chock full of characters, which takes some careful reading, as the reader does not yet know where this is going! Later these characters are "revealed". I loved how the ex-military quartet and their interactions are portrayed. The sarcasm, snark and scheming.
There are small side stories which add depth and interest. Katarina realizes her maid Annie is illiterate and how it limits her future. I felt this was nicely done.
I'm a fan of cameo appearances of characters from previous series installments, so I loved how the appearances and interactions of Georgie and Jocasta and their husbands were incorporated.
February 23, 2022
A new favorite
I never fail to squeal (uncharacteristic of me) when I see a new book by AC pop up on my Kindle. This one. Wow wow wow! My favorite so far in this series. I mean, the military quartet, come on! Wonderfully hilarious. The meeting of the main characters. The intellectual feel of the book. Every detail so good, so perfect, and always with the witty humor so iconic of the regency period.
I never fail to squeal (uncharacteristic of me) when I see a new book by AC pop up on my Kindle. This one. Wow wow wow! My favorite so far in this series. I mean, the military quartet, come on! Wonderfully hilarious. The meeting of the main characters. The intellectual feel of the book. Every detail so good, so perfect, and always with the witty humor so iconic of the regency period.
August 28, 2022
It’s must be difficult to write the love story of two recluses but this one did very well. The development of the romance was believable and enjoyable, even if it was a little rushed at the climax. There was quite a lot of winding up at the end, mostly because this is a late book in a series, and while I didn’t feel it was necessary, it was mostly interesting. The characters of the hero and heroine were a bit inconsistent, but I can see how it would be hard to nail down their thoughts and actions as reclusive intellectuals while keeping them relatable and human. The supporting characters were charming, however, and made up for any irritation I felt. All told, the romance was extremely compelling and I rooted for the h & h throughout.
September 5, 2023
More like 21/2
very difficult read. The hero and heroine were very weird. Didn’t like people, didn’t like to be around or talk to anyone or each other. Almost gave it up a few times. Would not recommend to anyone. I do like the author most of the time but this was just not very interesting.
very difficult read. The hero and heroine were very weird. Didn’t like people, didn’t like to be around or talk to anyone or each other. Almost gave it up a few times. Would not recommend to anyone. I do like the author most of the time but this was just not very interesting.
Read
November 3, 2025For once a self taught bluestocking is our heroine.
February 23, 2022
Another must read Regency Romance from Alicia Cameron!
As always, this author writes with great humour and warmth as we revisit the wonderful cast of characters introduced in the first two books of the series. This time the focus is on the unsociable Katerina, who is revealed to have hitherto unsuspected talents, as she meets her equally unsociable, intellectual soul mate.
It is quite an achievement to make two characters that barely speak to one another fall in love, but Alicia Cameron does not disappoint, and delivers a most unusual and refreshing romance. We also get to see Colonel Bellamy (who had his heart broken by Georgette in the first book), have a second chance to fall in love, with far greater success this time!
Alicia manages to present us with a great variety of characters, ranging from the delightful, such as Georgette, to the thoroughly selfish and contemptible Baron Fortune and his son. It is also refreshing to see servants that are fully realised characters, rather than two dimensional non-entities.
I would recommend this book to all fans of Regency Romance, and I cannot wait to find out how the twins fare when it is their turn, especially the bold Leonora!
As always, this author writes with great humour and warmth as we revisit the wonderful cast of characters introduced in the first two books of the series. This time the focus is on the unsociable Katerina, who is revealed to have hitherto unsuspected talents, as she meets her equally unsociable, intellectual soul mate.
It is quite an achievement to make two characters that barely speak to one another fall in love, but Alicia Cameron does not disappoint, and delivers a most unusual and refreshing romance. We also get to see Colonel Bellamy (who had his heart broken by Georgette in the first book), have a second chance to fall in love, with far greater success this time!
Alicia manages to present us with a great variety of characters, ranging from the delightful, such as Georgette, to the thoroughly selfish and contemptible Baron Fortune and his son. It is also refreshing to see servants that are fully realised characters, rather than two dimensional non-entities.
I would recommend this book to all fans of Regency Romance, and I cannot wait to find out how the twins fare when it is their turn, especially the bold Leonora!
August 9, 2023
DNF. Primarily because they spent no time together or had any meaningful moments of connection idk it was well written and plot is good that's why I read it more than halfway but there has to be something some spark or maybe dialogue or explanation of moments of attraction.
June 11, 2024
2* things move very slowly and there is much unnecessary detail about inconsequential things. I didn’t care for this. The MCs were not very appealing.
February 9, 2023
Another Lovely Read
Katerina one of the younger Fortune sister's from the first book who was not particularly anti-social but preferred her own company, as long as she had a book or was participating in one of her own chosen pastimes she didn't much care what others did. Baron Fortune having 'fired off' 3 of his 'useless' daughter's in quick succession now has Katerina in his sights as saleable goods on the London Marriage Mart, and no amount of begging on her part will change his mind! 'Funds are low for himself and his idle, obnoxious son George, so in his eyes needs must. On the way to London Katerina is inspired to act by a conversation she overheard in an inn and takes matters into her hands, very painfully as it turns out. Katerina and her maid Annie come upon the gentleman, Lord Covington in question in a very run down looking property, and with 'havey cavey' male staff who would do anything for their 'master to ensure his peace of mind and privacy, and so begins this strange but wonderful tale, of a love affair between Katerina and Covington, both totally oblivious to this concept. Again we meet characters from the first 2 books, with Sir Justin becoming more like a beloved aged aunt than a handsome and eligible gentleman (I hope he gets his own lady love!! He deserves it!) Covington's previous love interest appears but is soon snapped up elsewhere. All turns out well in the end and as long as the Baron gets his money and promise of repeated instalments he doesn't care who gets his daughter. I would thoroughly recommend this book and look forward to the next book.
Katerina one of the younger Fortune sister's from the first book who was not particularly anti-social but preferred her own company, as long as she had a book or was participating in one of her own chosen pastimes she didn't much care what others did. Baron Fortune having 'fired off' 3 of his 'useless' daughter's in quick succession now has Katerina in his sights as saleable goods on the London Marriage Mart, and no amount of begging on her part will change his mind! 'Funds are low for himself and his idle, obnoxious son George, so in his eyes needs must. On the way to London Katerina is inspired to act by a conversation she overheard in an inn and takes matters into her hands, very painfully as it turns out. Katerina and her maid Annie come upon the gentleman, Lord Covington in question in a very run down looking property, and with 'havey cavey' male staff who would do anything for their 'master to ensure his peace of mind and privacy, and so begins this strange but wonderful tale, of a love affair between Katerina and Covington, both totally oblivious to this concept. Again we meet characters from the first 2 books, with Sir Justin becoming more like a beloved aged aunt than a handsome and eligible gentleman (I hope he gets his own lady love!! He deserves it!) Covington's previous love interest appears but is soon snapped up elsewhere. All turns out well in the end and as long as the Baron gets his money and promise of repeated instalments he doesn't care who gets his daughter. I would thoroughly recommend this book and look forward to the next book.
June 3, 2025
I didn't hate this book and finished it, but I can't say it was a good romance, or really very romantic at all.
The two MCs seem to be somewhat neurodivergent, but definitely brainiacs/geniuses/something. FMC does not realize this at first, she just knows she's hungry for knowledge of the earth, literally, and how things are, and why they are the way they are, etc. and also any knowledge at all.
She can't stand being around most people. Anyhow, on her way to London for her season, she hears about MMC who is supposedly a recluse who refuses to allow anyone to visit him, abhors social events, etc. so she decides to go see him and see if maybe he'd like a marriage of convenience so they could be a-social together.
Naturally he doesn't want to and in fact assumes she's one of the many other prospective wives who've tried various means to legshackle him.
Unfortunately, she's managed to fall out of the carriage, break her ankle and scrape her face, so she has to remain immobile while said ankle heals.
Anyway, for almost the entirety of the book, they don't speak or interact, although they manage to communicate in a way via books and facial expressions.
So eventually they fall in love somehow. After starting to spend more time in the same room, and once even sitting near each other while studying their books! (this is when the accidental head patting happens which causes them to fall in love)
So... it wasn't terrible and the writing itself was all right, but it just really fell short in the feeling the romance department.
The two MCs seem to be somewhat neurodivergent, but definitely brainiacs/geniuses/something. FMC does not realize this at first, she just knows she's hungry for knowledge of the earth, literally, and how things are, and why they are the way they are, etc. and also any knowledge at all.
She can't stand being around most people. Anyhow, on her way to London for her season, she hears about MMC who is supposedly a recluse who refuses to allow anyone to visit him, abhors social events, etc. so she decides to go see him and see if maybe he'd like a marriage of convenience so they could be a-social together.
Naturally he doesn't want to and in fact assumes she's one of the many other prospective wives who've tried various means to legshackle him.
Unfortunately, she's managed to fall out of the carriage, break her ankle and scrape her face, so she has to remain immobile while said ankle heals.
Anyway, for almost the entirety of the book, they don't speak or interact, although they manage to communicate in a way via books and facial expressions.
So eventually they fall in love somehow. After starting to spend more time in the same room, and once even sitting near each other while studying their books! (this is when the accidental head patting happens which causes them to fall in love)
So... it wasn't terrible and the writing itself was all right, but it just really fell short in the feeling the romance department.
October 13, 2022
Katerina is finally forced by her father the baron of Fortune to head to London for a season. She is a bluestocking with no interest in social life or marriage. She wishes to study and expand her mind. The baron will have no spinster daughter to support. On the way to London, Katerina hears a family complain about a bachelor who refuses to marry and is a total recluse. He only wants to study and read. She takes her maid and makes the snap decision to propose to the reclusive man. Falling from the rented hack, she breaks her ankle. He feels obligated to give her lodgings until she heals. Having no interaction with the foolish young woman seems like the best course. Both seem content until he notices her choice of reading material was unorthodox. He realized she was intelligent and began to probe to determine just how intelligent she was.
March 16, 2022
what a surprise and a delight
Katerina is on her way to London to be married off by her odious father and more odious brother. She overhears a conversation at an inn about a nearby recluse and comes up with a plan. Her plan is upended with a broken ankle and a refusal to her marriage proposal by the recluse who is a shabby, unsociable earl. Over the weeks of her recuperation, the earl and Katerina get to know each other by a very unique method.
I laughed, swooned over their kisses and feel like I have more of an insight to how talented, genius’ minds might work.
This author is new to me and I look forward to reading more of her books.
Katerina is on her way to London to be married off by her odious father and more odious brother. She overhears a conversation at an inn about a nearby recluse and comes up with a plan. Her plan is upended with a broken ankle and a refusal to her marriage proposal by the recluse who is a shabby, unsociable earl. Over the weeks of her recuperation, the earl and Katerina get to know each other by a very unique method.
I laughed, swooned over their kisses and feel like I have more of an insight to how talented, genius’ minds might work.
This author is new to me and I look forward to reading more of her books.
May 8, 2022
This book had such an unusual premise...two extremely introverted, extremely intelligent people who find that they are better together than alone. I'm feeling pretty introverted myself lately, so their success at avoided most contact with people appealed to me. I hadn't read the other books in the Sisters of Castle Fortune series but will go back and read them now. If Katerina and the Reclusive Earl is any indication, they will be very intriguing and romantic, and well-written in the bargain! Well done Ms Cameron!
May 13, 2022
Unusual!
Both the hero and the heroine are what today might be called complete nerds. They also have unusual personalities that might be considered on the autism spectrum. The chances of either forming a satisfactory relationship with another person would be almost infinitesimal. Yet slowly the author takes us along as they gradually realize that they can form a relationship with one another. It is an interesting, cleverly told story. A sweet (i.e., low-heat) Regency romance that satisfies the desire for something different.
Both the hero and the heroine are what today might be called complete nerds. They also have unusual personalities that might be considered on the autism spectrum. The chances of either forming a satisfactory relationship with another person would be almost infinitesimal. Yet slowly the author takes us along as they gradually realize that they can form a relationship with one another. It is an interesting, cleverly told story. A sweet (i.e., low-heat) Regency romance that satisfies the desire for something different.
April 21, 2023
Normally, I don't like books when the main characters don't interact with one another. But for some reason, there was a certain charm and sweetness to this story. I honestly don't think the two main characters talk to each other until you are 70% through the book, yet they are interacting in their own way and it was such a cute story to read. It, of course, contains the same hilarity of the past 2 books of the series but also touches on the estranged lonely people who want to be by themselves yet crave companionship. Another story with a lot of depth while also being extremely funny
February 26, 2022
highly recommended
The broken/sprained ankle trope is employed to good effect in this most unusual romance that is truly a meeting of the minds. I did wonder how a relationship could ever evolve between a couple that barely set eyes on other. Yet evolve it does in the cleverest way, with the protagonists blissfully unaware that it is. Humour, compassion and insight illuminate the work, which is well written and edited. Szuitable for all age groups.
The broken/sprained ankle trope is employed to good effect in this most unusual romance that is truly a meeting of the minds. I did wonder how a relationship could ever evolve between a couple that barely set eyes on other. Yet evolve it does in the cleverest way, with the protagonists blissfully unaware that it is. Humour, compassion and insight illuminate the work, which is well written and edited. Szuitable for all age groups.
March 16, 2022
A Regency romance with a difference - two rational, intelligent but intensely unsociable main characters are flung together, united only in their determination to avoid society and indeed each other. Will their reserve ever melt so each can enjoy the other's charms? And intellect? But of course... As ever, Cameron provides us with an entertaining cast of secondary characters including the irresistible quartet at Covington park. Dialogue is witty and humour abounds - a truly delicious read!
June 9, 2022
This was such an enjoyable book to read!
Although I love Regency romance, I have also read and studied physics and sciences, so this work really was a thrill.
To see Katerina in the light of a brilliant mind, in the likes of Richard Feynman, working out science for herself! Ah, a gorgeous work, with the interplay of two great minds, who just want to get on with their calculations and discoveries and not having to worry about the social niceties. I feel I can relate a little.
Loved it.
Although I love Regency romance, I have also read and studied physics and sciences, so this work really was a thrill.
To see Katerina in the light of a brilliant mind, in the likes of Richard Feynman, working out science for herself! Ah, a gorgeous work, with the interplay of two great minds, who just want to get on with their calculations and discoveries and not having to worry about the social niceties. I feel I can relate a little.
Loved it.
March 4, 2023
I loved this for the heroine and the respectful yet normal way the author has dealt with it. Thaddeus and his military quartet were a nice find. Fiona Templeton was another find - a perceptive, sensitive, humorous and emotionally mature woman. Am so glad Colonel Bellamy got his HEA. It was fun to meet old friends once again and see them mature. Even Baron Fortune turning reflective at the end...
Discovered that the word bootless was used for useless back in the day.
Discovered that the word bootless was used for useless back in the day.
Read
July 13, 2025Dreck
This author was recommended by a fan of Georgette Heyer, who seemed to imply that Cameron was comparable to Heyer. I'm astonished that anyone could think so, but de gustibus non disputandum est.
The writing is execrable - poor vocabulary, continual belaboring of her themes and descriptions: men are so apt to denigrate a woman's ability to think, the MMC's "great work", the "fairy" sister, blah, blah, blah. Just awful!
This author was recommended by a fan of Georgette Heyer, who seemed to imply that Cameron was comparable to Heyer. I'm astonished that anyone could think so, but de gustibus non disputandum est.
The writing is execrable - poor vocabulary, continual belaboring of her themes and descriptions: men are so apt to denigrate a woman's ability to think, the MMC's "great work", the "fairy" sister, blah, blah, blah. Just awful!
March 13, 2022
Enjoyable! Neurodivergent
Very well written. It provides hope for us intellectual, introverted, abrasive personality types. That finding understanding and connection with someone is possible and just as real and fulfilling as for others. We don't need to try to be more feminine or extroverted.
Very well written. It provides hope for us intellectual, introverted, abrasive personality types. That finding understanding and connection with someone is possible and just as real and fulfilling as for others. We don't need to try to be more feminine or extroverted.
April 27, 2022
Lovely read, and different.
What a delightful story! Here we have Katrina, the sister who was very different from her many siblings, disliking being around other people. Determined not to be forced to attend the Season to find a husband, she hatched a sudden plan on how to avoid it, which lead to a very different future than that she had envisaged.
What a delightful story! Here we have Katrina, the sister who was very different from her many siblings, disliking being around other people. Determined not to be forced to attend the Season to find a husband, she hatched a sudden plan on how to avoid it, which lead to a very different future than that she had envisaged.
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