How to Live Happily Ever After

Happy Ever Regency #0.5

by Bree Wolf

In this fairy tale Regency romance by USA Today bestselling and HOLT Medallion winning author, BREE WOLF, an old spinster and a young earl come to realize that love does not follow rules...least of all society's.

Miss Agnes Bottombrook accepted long ago that she would never marry. Not even when she was still young did gentlemen see anything in her that would appeal to them. Now, at nine-and-twenty years of age, all hope is lost and Agnes is on the shelf for good.

Or isn’t she?

Out of nowhere, the rakishly handsome—and young, mind you!—Lord Wentford asks Agnes for a dance, shocking not only Agnes but all of London society, most of all, his own mother. Certain that his intentions are far from honorable, Agnes tries her utmost to rebuff the young lord and reveal him as a scoundrel, only seeking her attention to win a bet or wager of some kind.

Unfortunately, Lord Wentford cannot be rebuffed, no matter how hard Agnes tries, forcing her to contemplate the possibility—remote as it might be—that he might truly…care for her.

Or doesn’t he?

Without her consent, Agnes finds herself swept off her feet by her most unexpected suitor, doubting her own sanity when desires she thought she had long since abandoned resurface. But will she dare believe him?

Would she be a fool to do so…or rather not to do so?


This is the prequel to book 1 in this series, How to Wake a Sleeping Lady. It can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Regency, Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Novella

120 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 4, 2021

About the author

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Excited for my new series? The Flames of Winter Series:

An epic love story that spans across an entire series. Ensure that you have a good cup of tea, something to nibble on and perhaps a box of tissues at hand before you dive into this slow-burn Regency romance full of enchanting moments between Sarah and Keir, the little wisp and the highlander.

Reviews

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 4 out of 5]

The heroine totally made me crazy

I know the premise of this short short novella was him trying to convince her Of his love. By the way I loved, loved, loved (I know three times but it's true) the hero Grant! He was funny, swoony and so totally in love with the h, Nessa, it was wonderful. For those of you who hate Insta-love this book is not for you. But I loved it. He was so determined to show her that he really loved her, and he wouldn't give up. I loved that but she had to be so argumentative, and so doubting that it was hard at first to read. I finally understood it at the end because of his evil Mother. She was horrid! I really loved this novella and I am looking forward to reading the next one in the series. I hope it as good.

Omg I just read the trailer for the next book and I am so upset. The hero married another woman and she is pregnant with his child. Just gross. His wife was presumed dead I know but what a terrible awful premise and my heart is broken. I may skim the book eventually but I am so devastated by the description there is no way I can do that after reading this book it just sucks. Just gross

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bree Wolf writes heartwarming, full of feelz, historical romance and I have yet to come across a book of hers I didn’t enjoy, How to Live Happily Ever After, is no exception. In this story we have a fun pairing between a handsome earl, and an old spinster (twenty-nine years old, gasp!) who together make for an enticingly happily-ever-after. It’s love at first sight for Grant Barrett, Earl of Wentford — when he lays eyes on Miss Agnes Bottombrook he knows she is the one for him, he will stop at nothing to win her over! 😉

I enjoyed watching these two navigate through their courtship. Grant sets out to woo Agnes, she is shocked by his attentions and sure she is the focus of a wager, She decides Grant must be a scoundrel and is determined to avoid his suit. Thankfully Grant is determined and will not abide the thoughts of not having Agnes 😍 Do these two get their HEA?


4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


📚I received a review copy from the publisher and have decided to review. All opinions and thoughts are my own. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. 🦄

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this gentle Regency romance sweet and heartwarming, as Grant, Lord Wentford pursues the proclaimed spinster Miss Agnes Bottombrook. One look at Agnes and he knows with absolute conviction that he has found the woman he wants to marry. Unfortunately, he not only has to get past Agnes's reservations but his mother's machinations as well. As his mother plows forth with her own plans, not caring one bit about the hearts she is shredding in the process, Grant quietly goes about winning his reluctant lady's heart. This gentle romance is well written and tender and comes to a happy conclusion. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[eyes.2c · Rating 3 out of 5]

Across a crowded room!

A persistent suitor and the unbelieving recipient of such pursuit. A twisted romance if you will. Miss Agnes Bottombrook at the ripe old age of twenty-nine firmly believes she’s on the shelf. When Grant Barrett, Earl of Wentford, spies Agnes across the ballroom his heart is irrevocably pierced by Cupid’s arrow. Unfortunately the woman he’s fixed upon is so sceptical about anyone wanting to court her, she believes he’s either pursuing her for a joke or a wager.
I did like Agnes’ father who is most delightfully encouraging. On the other hand, Wentford’s mother is the schemer we all love to dislike.
A charming fluff and bubble story where we’re treated to Agnes’ meanderings and doubts, as we wait in the wings willing Agnes to see the treasure, the HEA she could have, that Wentford would be.
Of course there are reasons why Nessa (as Wentford has charmingly dubbed her) not only is suspicious of Wentford’s attentions, but her belief that to love only leads to suffering. It’s here I really appreciated Mr. Bottombrook. Wentford just has to conquer Agnes’ fears and misgivings—and his mother! Mind you I do appreciate that Wentfords a bit over the top, rushing his fences as it were. But us readers can be in no doubt that we are being robustly pointed down the HEA tunnel. Just look at the title and the series names!

A Dragonblade ARC via NetGalley

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

When cupid's arrow hits it's target, there is nothing that can stand in the way. Or can it? A reluctant spinster?

He saw her across the dance floor and instantly knew that she was the one he would marry. He didn't know who she was but he immediately went over to ask her to dance.

She knew she would never marry. Why would any man marry her? She was old.... But then he danced with her and made some rather insane declarations!

A delightful, lighthearted romance that warms the heart.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy to see the whole back story of how Nessa and Grant came together.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love fairy tale retellings, and this introductory novella was enjoyable. However, I do not want to continue the series as the hero remarries and becomes a bigomist.

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really needed this. It’s light and fluffy and easy to follow with just enough charm to inspire joy. I did not expect this to be as cute as it is but here we are. This was a short but worthwhile read, just the thing you need to bring up your spirits and leave a slump.

Side note: I just read a spoiler ridden review about their full book and I shan’t be reading it. I’m actually really upset that I read that because it put a bit of a damper on this so I shall distract myself and forget I ever saw it.

[Fiatgal · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Love at first sight is always a hard sell. However, as Agnes becomes convinced, the reader too will start to hope it exists and root for these two to take that leap and find true happiness.

Read full review in the 2021 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Agnes Bottombrook accepted long ago that she would never marry. Not even when she was still young did gentlemen see anything in her that would appeal to them. Now, at nine-and-twenty years of age, all hope is lost and Agnes is on the shelf for good. Then out of nowhere, the rakishly handsome and young Lord Wentford asks Agnes who he calls Nessa for a dance, shocking not only Agnes but all of London society, most of all, his own mother. Certain that his intentions are far from honourable, Agnes tries her utmost to rebuff Grant and reveal him as a scoundrel.
A delightful short story, it can easily be read on its own but if you’re new to the series I'd recommend reading before How to Wake a Sleeping Lady. Grant fell in love with Agnes/Nessa at first sight & was determined to marry her & proposed everyday. A fun entertaining read, which had me smiling, I love interfering women & we have two in this book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay, but I wasn't as invested in the story as I had hoped. Still, it was sweet and had a happy ending, sort of? - there's an itty bitty cliffhanger at the end where the author writes, "... where they would live happily ever after. ... or not?" It seems How to Wake a Sleeping Lady comes next in the series, and the two main characters in this story have had some unfortunate turns in their journey to love.

[Anne Peugh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't get in to it

I just didn't enjoy this book because hero declared his love the first minute he saw her. Of course she thought something else was going on. Why did no one simply say, "May we please take some time to actually get to know one another?" Too much too soon!

[Gypsy Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute romance between one very ardent would-be-lover and one very stubborn, anti-social wallflower. I was drawn in by the idea of a spinster wallflower finding love since most of the books on the market are about the debutantes. It was heartwarming to see Grant have to convince Agnes at every step along the way to marry him and to keep up his determination when she was so impossible. I did get irritated with Agnes for constantly putting herself down, convinced he really ought to want a young debutante, and I really got annoyed with how little faith she had in him. She so much as saw him utter another word to a pretty woman and immediately she jumped to him being interested in the other woman and not her. She really was rather over-the-top melodramatic. On the other hand, I agreed with Agnes too in that they really needed more than just a day or two before accepting a marriage proposal. It felt rushed and pushy and there is such a thing as courting (or dating as we call it now) which would have answered the question of if his insta-lust really would last longer than a handful of days and they could have actually gotten to know each other beyond just superficially attracted to outer appearance. The story itself felt long and like not much happened outside of his constantly visiting her and asking her to marry him, though I did love that scene in the kitchen. The story did have some problems with it, period detail-wise. Specifically, their first meeting at a ball. I know it sounds like a natural thing to meet at a ball in a Regency set book. Grant was there to socialize with his cousin and friends. But the question is why was Agnes there? She obviously wasn’t there to find a husband, she wasn’t there as a chaperone, she doesn’t seem to have any friends (except for a married cousin), she didn’t seem to be a friend of the party host, and she wasn’t ton. And going to balls is expensive, it means new dresses for each party usually, which is why families are usually limited on how many Seasons they can afford for a daughter. It was like there were details missing that should have been fleshed out, like what did she do in her spare time? Because it didn’t seem like she did anything besides go to balls. And servants seemed largely absent from the story. There was mention of a butler in one scene and a cook in another, but why didn’t Agnes have a chaperone at the balls, or at the very least a ladies’ maid, and why didn’t Grant have a footman accompanying him?

[sinag · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5 stars!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

There's not much conflict or angst in this book, and I wished there's more external conflict happening in the background to balance out Agnes' warring feelings and thoughts. There's also the annoying repetitive "moss-green eyes" and the hero always saying the heroine's nickname every fucking sentence. I also wished them falling in love with each other happened after a couple of chapters and not in the literal prologue because it takes away the buildup and the excitement on the readers' part when that scene happens. The way Grant knew that he loved Agnes is so unrealistic and it lessens the believability of his feelings and their relationship for me.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love spinster themed novels or novellas and this is one of my favourites. Agnes is a wallflower and presumed spinster at the age of 29 but then Grant, the Earl of Wentford, sees her across a crowded ballroom. For him, it is love at first sight but can he convince not only Agnes but his mother in particular that Agnes is the one for him? This is a charming prequel story with an endearing happily ever after that also leads into the first book in the Happy Ever After Regency series, a follow up story on Agnes and Grant. Anyone who loves short sweet fairy tale romances will be sure to find this, or most any of Bree Wolf’s stories, an endearing and lovely read.

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely delightful read!
This book will have you engaged and smiling, waiting to see what is coming next with in the first few pages. The characters are enjoyable and unexpected. The plot keeps you waiting and wondering what comes next. Agnes is a spinster, firmly on the shelf at twenty-nine with no prospects. She had watched Grant, the Earl of Wentford, for years but knew that she was not someone he would want. When Grant sees her, really sees her, he immediately decides she is the only one for him. However, when he approaches her at a ball, she rebuffs him soundly and he must be very persistent to even get a dance. How can he possibly win her heart and hand when she is convinced that he is only interested in her to win a bet or manipulate her in some way. Mix in two scheming mothers with their own agenda, another couple too shy to approach each other, and a loving father to get a fun often unexpected story to thoroughly enjoy. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read. I liked Grant's steadfastness to marry Agnes, or as Grant liked to call her, Nessa. A nice enjoyable story. 3.5☆

[Katie(babs) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute historical about a pricky heroine and the hero who has instalove or lust for her. If you like that type of plot trope, this book should tickle your fancy.

[Courtney Lyman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun novella that kept me wanting to read more.

[Suze Prescot · Rating 5 out of 5]

A reluctant lady

At 29, Agnes is on the shelf, accepting until Grant, Earl of Wentworth, pursues her.
An unusual romance, and enjoyable because of that. Agnes' reluctance stems from a fear that her beau is making her the object of a wager that will lead to scorn, but there's more than that as well.
Lovely characters and a great story.

[Boadicea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish she had left this at 'happily ever after'. umfortunately after the epilogue there is a chapter of a new book which declares Grant is married to someone called Eugenie. :-(
As it is, this book is a bit silly and repetitive, but I liked Grant, and didn't mind the rest of the people (except for Grant's mother, who is a pantomime villain), and was an easy and quick read. Probably won't bother with the rest of the series though.

[Alice Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spinster Insta!

I was smiling all through this engaging short story - there was never really any doubt of the HEA, it was all about enjoying the wonderful tale heading towards it.

I loved Grant's instantaneous certainty that he had found The One on seeing the more retiring spinster Nessa (and that he gave her that lovely new name instead of Agnes), his steadfastness in convincing her of his feelings, and how he whittled away at her fears. Nessa was a great, practical and pragmatic heroine whose resistance to Grant was largely bound up in lack of self-confidence, and the fact that he was younger than her (Yay! Older heroines for the win!). In addition, it was lovely to see Nessa's father's gentle kindliness and support, and how much he valued her.

In summary, my notes about Grant and Nessa say: 'he saw her, understood her – her strengths and her fears – and he loved her'. Just adorable.

This is an honest review in exchange for an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.

[Dee Lewis]

I like this author, but this book reads like an underdeveloped short story. The idea of love, at first sight is sweet. But Lord Wenntworth's relentless pursuit and declaration that he will never leave her alone felt like he was stalking her. He was relentlessly love-bombing her. It was not sweet and romantic at all.

Agnes is in her late twenties and has no personality or life of her own. She is well-read and intelligent yet does nothing with her time. She has no reason not to marry him because she won’t be sacrificing anything. The author would have done better to make her more than ‘stubborn’. If she had been a grown woman with a real choice to make, the book would have been far more interesting.
I found the writing boring and repetitive.

The silly rom-com scenes, like baking a pie together and then throwing flour at each other, were not very Regency and added nothing to the story.
The final few chapters were the most interesting, and family confrontations should have happened sooner and been developed more.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

OMGoodness! Talk about a young alpha male proposing marriage upon meeting his soul-mate for the first time! Grant is a young earl attending a ball. He glances about and spies the woman that is meant to be his! Agnes Bottombrook is a twenty-nine year old spinster. She is firmly on the shelf as they say. She has noticed the young earl before but he is staring at her. After he approaches her, he dances with her and proposes marriage! Talk about being shocked! Agnes doesn't believe it. She knows that the young earl must be playing with her. He must have been challenged by his friends to led her on.

Grant has his work cut out for him. Not only to get Nessa (his pet name for Agnes) to believe him but his mother firmly has her eyes sight on a duke's daughter for him.

This is a very sweet, clean romance (a few kisses). It would be appropriate for all ages.

[Cait M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prequel to book 1 in this series. A companion to 'How to Wake a Sleeping Lady'.

This is the story of how the H&h of book 1 met, fell in love and eventually married.

The hero is Grant, Lord Wentford. He sees Agnes across a crowded ballroom and it is fate/insta-love. He asks her to dance and pretty much proposes then and there.

Agnes, who Grant calls Nessa is a 29 year old spinster. She's older than Grant and has never been successful on the marriage mart. She is a confident person, but just can't fathom what Grant sees in her that would make this handsome and eligible peer fall instantly in love with her.

The short book covers their courtship, basically Grant asking her multiple (17) times to marry him.

It was cute how he never gave up on what his heart wanted and in the end she fell for him too.

This is a clean romance with no descriptive love scenes.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Live Happily Ever After by Bree Wolf is a charming novella about love at first sight, at least on the part of Grant, the Earl of Wentford. He saw Agnes and he knew. She didn't believe him. She thought it was a wager or a joke. But he kept after her. It took a week and sixteen proposals. On proposal seventeen she accepted. This was a fun, witty story, as unlikely as they come. Nessa (Agnes) is a 29-year-old spinster. Grant is the new earl. His mother has other ideas. It was not deep. It was not dramatic. It was pure entertainment. I loved it!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of How to Live Happily Ever After by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #howtolivehappilyeverafter

[Bridget Love to read Lewis]

Believe in love

Grant looks across a crowded room and literally into Agnes aka Nessa eyes and was struck by Cupid! Nessa believes she's an old spinster and he can't be serious!? Can he? Certainly I would have given up but Grant is more determined and persistent than Nessa! After several proposals and speaking with her father Nessa starts to believe Grant! Nessa almost gave up too soon! There are things in life that requires patient and faith but when a gorgeous Earl looks at you the way Grant does well you just know! Thankful that Nessa doesn't miss her happily ever after because she will need it in her future! Grant believes in love and he certainly made a believer out of me!!

[Bridgett Veltman · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Live Happily Ever After by Bree Wolf is a story about Grant Barrett, Earl of Wentford, who sees Agnes Bottombrook from across the room at a ball and is smitten by her looks. Agnes, a spinster past her prime, is content with the fate that life has given her. Grant has asked her to dance with him. She obliges him for one dance but wonders why her with so many so much younger than her that would be more than to dance with the Earl. As the dance ends, Grant tells Agnes that he intends to win her and marry him. Agnes thinks he must be mad, or it must be a cruel prank, letting Grant know. What will it take to win her heart? Can he do to get her to marry him? Read How to Live Happily Ever After by Bree Wolf now.
Bridgett R Veltman

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 17th proposal was the charm!

Agnes, affectionately remained Nessa by Grant, Lord Wentford, finally accepted his proposal after just a week of getting to know him on a more personal level. Yes, she had noticed him form afar, but being 29 and not quite in the same social sphere, she thought herself beneath his notice.

That is until he laid eyes on her and he immediately knew she was the one for him. He was relentless in his pursuit of Nessa, visiting her daily, getting in her space, and asking for her hand in marriage.

My favorite scene was in the kitchen when they both made a tart. And then ended up have a flour fight! Very touching and I'm glad her mind finally realized what her heart was saying all along.

Now to continue their story in How to Wake a Sleeping Lady!