Timothy Marbry has sworn off love. Once he takes up his position as a physician at the Hope Clinic in the East End of London, he knows he’ll need a wife who’s beyond reproach. But the last thing he wants or needs is passion that clouds the mind and leads to heartbreak.
Priscilla Pratt left London in disgrace after her failed attempt to lure the Duke of Ashton to the altar. Now exiled in the northern countryside, her only marriageable prospect is a dull, judgmental curate. And gone is her hope of finding a man who gazes at her with eyes filled with passion.
Meeting on a country road, the two take shelter in an abandoned cottage during a snowstorm. Sparks fly between them, but Priscilla gives Timothy a false name to avoid judgment. They part ways, each thinking they will never cross paths again.
Reunited in London, Timothy discovers Priscilla’s true identity, and she pleads with him to help her save her reputation and find a suitable husband. With each prospect it becomes clear that the only man he desires to see her with is himself.
Trisha Messmer always had an obsession with reading, starting at the tender age of four (or so her mother told her).Finding some of the things she read lacking-or at least not ending the way she thought they should-she started making up her own stories. They lived within her vivid imagination for a long, long time until one day they broke free and put themselves on a page. Sometimes things really do take on a life of their own.She hopes you enjoy her musings as much as she enjoyed writing them, If they make you laugh, sigh, or even cry, she would love hearing about it. Sign up for her newsletter and receive free exclusive VIP content of supplemental material.
One snowy night in the country away from London, Priscilla and Timothy seek shelter in a cabin together. Strangers become friends and an attraction extends from their time together to when they meet again in London. He refuses to fall in love again. Priscilla longs for love and happiness, but the ton won't let her forget her mistake of almost compromising a duke. Her options are few for a husband. Timothy's choice is to court a lady who is pleasant and comfortable to be with. His jealousy for Priscilla's suitors, reveals more than he realizes. Once again when he refuses love, Priscilla decides to go with the only choice she has. Is a confession of love so bad? Throwing boots must have it's advantages. Heat level 2.
This is book 4 in The Hope Clinic series and I loved it! As I have remarked on the previous book reviews for this series, these are best enjoyed in order because all the characters grow with the series and they all make reappearances. A sticky note cheat sheet of characters comes in handy as well. Additionally, the author offers a series prequel on her website, as well as links to extended epilogues after each book. Be sure to check these out because these give a really nice glimpse into the happily ever afters.
Book 4 focuses on Priscilla Pratt, whose backstory begins in book 1 where her scheming compromises Harry into marriage. We know that Harry and Margaret are married with a family now in book 4 and we find Priscilla living in the country to escape the shame and embarrassment that still hovers over her debacle. While missing the balls, the soirees, and the gowns, Priscilla really only has one prospect for marriage... Mr. Netherborne, the local curate. And though he is reluctantly willing to overlook her history and take her as a bride, Priscilla reluctantly accepts his proposal. It's either that or a lonely, quiet life as a spinster.
But a snowy night stranded with Timothy Marbry, the future Viscount of Saxton, makes her question her betrothal even though she knows they would never see each other again. Or will they?
Salvation from country life arrives in the form of Priscilla's father who invites her back to London to start fresh and try to find a more suitable husband. But when Timothy figures out who Priscilla is, she enlists his help to try to find a husband because Timothy is already courting Lady Honoria...
I really have loved all the books in this series. One of the things I like most is that the stories never stay idle. Things are happening, the story is constantly moving, characters from previous books reappear, and references are made to past incidents. All these books tie together so cohesively and the author is really good at weaving it all together with a subtle humor and a good tug at the heartstrings. And this story has a lot going on too... Scandal, false identity, snowed in together, marriage of convenience, a hero who vows never to love, a gently bred woman holding a chicken aloft victoriously, a flying boot, a rakish cad offering advice, rounds of whist, jealousy, a love triangle, a homecoming, a sprained ankle, one night of passion, growling, disapproving butlers, and bootprints in the snow (all in random order). And this list just scratches he surface.
I'm pleased to hear that book 5 is forthcoming, due out Spring of 2023. This will be Nash's story, and if you have read the other books, you have seen hints of his story arc throughout all the books. So now it's his turn for his happily ever after and I'm so excited!
I highly recommend this series, best enjoyed in order as stated. The series is very well written and honestly, I give this one 4.5 stars rounded up. It was near perfect in my eyes. This is about a 2.5 🔥🔥🔥 on steam and it's a slow burn. The aforementioned night of passion hits at the 80% mark. The author only writes one steamy scene per book - anything else is hinted at or closed door. The scenes are well-written and justified too, and not just tossed in to label the book steamy. This series is the bulk of the author's offerings with her other books being a 3 book contemporary series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved this book. The introduction to Priscilla Pratt is both humorous and poignant. In the introduction to Timothy Marbry, the future Viscount Saxton, it's underscored that he is going to marry for reason, not emotion. Ha! We all know what's going to happen there! We're along for the ride to prove him wrong and save Miss Pratt's reputation with the ton after a scandal, and it's glorious. Trisha Messmer skillfully infuses the story with subtle humor and strong emotion, the hallmarks of her writing.
If you're a fan of Regencies, doctors, and underdogs, don't miss this one!
This is an enjoyable Regency romance, featuring Priscilla Pratt, who was the nemesis of the MC's in the first book in the series, and Timothy Marbry, the brother of the MFC in the previous book. Although this works as a standalone, I would recommend reading the entire series, or at least the first book, to get a better understanding of how Priscilla's reputation in the ton was ruined and why she has a need to atone.
The storyline moves along at a smooth pace and the writing is solid. It took me a while to warm up to Priscilla, but later I appreciated that she was maturing as a person and trying to change for the better. I did like Timothy earlier in the book than later on; he starts off fun and flirty but jealousy makes him a rather constant grouch. I thought there might be a reconciliation scene between Priscilla and the MC's from book one somewhere toward the end, but her only discussion of what happened was when she told Timothy how her mom made her feel manipulated.
Plotwise, most of the focus is on the relationship entanglements between Priscilla, her former fiance, Nash, and Timothy, and also the possible betrothal between Timothy and Honoria. For some reason I wasn't quite ready for the spice between Timothy and Priscilla around the 70% mark. She had been very open with him about her feelings, repeatedly allowing herself to be vulnerable, but he seemed to run hot and cold. There were sparks between them. Yet I was missing quiet scenes where they would have gotten a chance to know each other better sooner, and I found myself wondering what they had in common. You don't really get a sense of Priscilla's interests or goals; she seems resigned to either marrying or being a bored spinster.
On the other hand, I thought the kind, unassuming Honoria and the mysterious, slightly dangerous Nash (introduced in the second book in the series) stole most of the scenes they were in. I'm very interested in seeing if Nash and/or Honoria will get a book of their own.
Characters from the other books do play a role, and other secondary characters provide heart. I liked the relationship Priscilla had with her father and her brother--they genuinely seem to care about her. Her rigid fiance (Netheregions?!) brought some humor to the proceedings.
Overall, this is a slow-burn romance without an overage of angst, and you'll probably enjoy it most if you like love triangles in your Regencies.
Steam level: 2-3.
I read an advanced review copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own.
Saving her reputation will he lose his heart? Timothy Marbry has sworn off love. Once he takes up his position as a physician at the Hope Clinic in the East End of London, he knows he’ll need a wife who’s beyond reproach. But the last thing he wants or needs is passion that clouds the mind and leads to heartbreak.
Priscilla Pratt left London in disgrace. Exiled in the northern countryside, her only marriageable prospect is a dull, judgmental curate. And gone is her hope of finding a man who gazes at her with eyes filled with passion.
Meeting on a country road, the two take shelter in an abandoned cottage during a snowstorm. Sparks fly between them, but Priscilla gives Timothy a false name to avoid judgment. They part ways, each thinking they will never cross paths again.
Reunited in London, Timothy discovers Priscilla’s true identity, and she pleads with him to help her save her reputation and find a suitable husband. With each prospect it becomes clear that the only man he desires to see her with is himself. And that simply will not do.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will his fears of attachment always stand between them …
I love a good redeeming story, and while I only discovered the author with the previous book, Priscilla’s ill advised scheme took place in the first story. But it is in some way briefly summarized, so the reader knows she did something that left her ruined. And now she is paying the price of her deceit, estranged in the countryside with few to no marital prospect. Her time away helped her to understand her faults and the harm she nearly inflicted on a couple in love. And while she was pushed in this path by her mother, she acknowledges not all was her mother’s doing. Why when offered the opportunity of a second chance, she wants to better herself. Timothy has sworn of love, lust and attraction he understands but indefectible affection he refuses to acknowledge. So even if instantly drawn to Priscilla, he sees it only as a simple chemical reaction.
Their first encounter is fun, Priscilla might be shunned by most, it did not extinguished her fire, for all her faults, she is no meek Miss, she has her opinion and stands her ground. Yet when they meet again and discover what she neglected to share by leaving out her real name, how will he react learning who she is. Priscilla finally for all her mishaps and flaws is true to herself, she does not lie to herself nor Timothy, accepting her feelings. While he, friendship he can do but he is instead ready to let her pass him by rather than risk his heart. 4 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scene
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
What a great read! I remember the character Priscilla from the first book of the series. She was spoiled and manipulative. At the beginning of this book, she has had three years in the lonely countryside to contemplate her life. She is still filled with guilt and feels that she is deserving of her fate as a societal outcast. With this mindset, she decides to settle on marriage to a boring future vicar. At least it's better than spinsterhood! One day, lost in a snowstorm, she meets Dr. Timothy Marbry and her life will never be the same. The relationship of Priscilla and Timothy is artfully crafted and woven into some of the storylines from the previous books. That being said, it can function as a standalone. However, I do recommend reading them in order so that you can fully appreciate the series. As a reader, I went through all sorts of emotions. I enjoyed the humorous moments, got misty eyed during the sad parts, and was very pleased when the lead couple finally got together. Priscilla was almost like a Scarlett O'Hara--except we got to see her grow and change--and finally get a much-deserved happy ending. Fans of the series will be very pleased to see the reappearance of Lord Nash. He's still a rake, but he's definitely showing a more compassionate side. I'm looking forward to seeing more of him in the next book. Another favorite of mine was Timothy's arch-nemesis, Copurrnicus the Cat. The menacing feline provided some comic relief during otherwise serious moments. I received a free ARC from StoryOrigin and this is my honest review.
The Hope Clinic has a new Doctor! Timothy has just gotten his degree and is heading to London, but on the way he is caught in a blizzard and is seeking shelter. His horse gets spooked by a stranger struggling in the snow walking towards him and Timothy is thrown off his horse and then the horse falls on him. Priscilla feels guilty that she cause the accident. They both are looking for shelter from the storm and the small cottage is the only place in sight. Not happy with the circumstances especially since she has been trying to redeem her reputation for the last few years. What will her future to be fiancé, the curator say? But when Timothy falls ill, Priscilla has no choice but to take care of him. Months later Priscilla is tire of her exile in the country and asks her father if she could return to London. Hoping that the Ton has forgotten her past mistakes, but the memory of the Ton is long and she is still not welcome. Meeting Timothy again in London she hopes that he might help her find a husband. No matter what Priscilla still believes and hopes for love and passion. Slow burning romance, helps to read the previous books since the characters all make a return. It a story of learning from past mistakes and owning up to them, not giving up on your dreams and just settling. Low on the steam level, which I did like. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story.
This is my first experience reading something by Ms. Messmer, but it won't be my last. Priscilla and Timothy have both lost hope on finding a true love. They meet by chance on a country road and are forced to take shelter together in an abandoned cottage due to a snowstorm. They are immediately drawn to each other and the sparks fly between them. Priscilla had left London in disgrace after her botched attempt at gaining a proposal from a Duke. Not wanting to be judged by Timothy, she gives him a false name, thinking that once they part she will never see him again. But alas, they meet again in London and he learns the truth about her. She begs Timothy's help in finding a suitor and saving her reputation. Though Timothy desires to be with her, he has decided he will not marry for love, but for duty. As he witnesses Priscilla with suitor after suitor, he begins to realize maybe there is love in his future after all. The story is well -written and me interested right from the start. I was completely captivated till the end. The storyline flowed smoothly and the plot twists kept me glued till the end. This was an enjoyable and entertaining story and I am glad to have had the opportunity to read it. I received a complimentary copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This is such a well written story that you will immediately be drawn into it. Timothy Marbry has decided never to love after being hurt in a previous relationship and has decided only to marry when necessary to fill his obligation to his family to produce an heir. Miss Priscilla Pratt had been manipulated by her mother to set the stage so that a Duke would have to marry her or face scandal. But at the last minute, Priscilla had changed her mind about forcing someone to marry her for title and position. The Ton had been very shocked by her behaviour and she and her mother had been forced out of London to live at a country estate for several years. On a fateful, snowy cold night, Priscilla and Timothy encounter one another and what happens after that will change their lives forever. You will enjoy this book as Priscilla and Timothy are joined at times from other characters from other books from The Hope Clinic series. This book will have secrets, laughter, shock and tears. You will not want to put it down until the very last page. And even then, you can't wait for the next book in this series or at least I can't!
Loved this next story in the Hope Clinic Series. Priscilla Pratt returns and we get to see her NOT as a villain but as a person, a woman who put her trust in someone she thought was doing best for her. Well, of course, she did really know her mother was not really putting her best interests forward, but its hard to rebel or admit mothers are not always right. Especially in this case. She is feisty, intelligent and wants to fit in and return to some sense of acceptance. Dr. Marby, steps into her life, well steps is putting it mildly. He has a few issues of his own, especially when it comes to love. I loved their rather misguided steps - 1 step forward, 2 steps back. Big thanks to Lord Nash and Lady Honoria who have their own stories to tell ! Have to love the men and women of Hope Clinic, who love, who help others and provide that family that many of us may never see in our lives. Well written, well loved, these stories make such a great read. Can't wait for the next story.
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2022 This is such an enjoyable read. I love a strong, feisty heroine and Miss Priscilla Pratt is just that. Finding herself disgraced in London, she flees to the Country for four long years. When caught in a snow storm , by chance she meets Dr Timothy Marbry, on his way to London to begin his work at the Clinic. They are undeniably attracted to one another but go their separate ways. Timothy is determined to never love again, but to marry a respectable woman. When Priscilla returns to London they come face to face once more. She falls head over heels but he will not acknowledge any feelings for her , even to himself . I have to admit that this goes on for so long that I was rather frustrated with his behavior, and he nearly causes both of them to forfeit the great love of their lives!
Priscilla Pratt has been sent to the country in disgrace after a scandal with a duke. Her only chance to marry is with a rather distasteful curate. Timothy is returning to London after successfully studying medicine in Scotland. He has sworn off love after a betrayal by the woman he wanted to marry They meet during a snowstorm and seek shelter in an abandoned cottage. Both are convinced that they will never meet again, until… they meet again in London. Will they be able to restore Miss Pratt reputation?
This was an enjoyable read. I liked that Priscilla got a chance to redeem herself, and we see how her attitude changed through the book. Timothy was a likable character, and he had his own reasons for avoiding a “love match”. I loved that other Hope Clinic characters were included in the story, can’t wait to see who is next! Interesting plot, likable characters, and actions that fit the time period. I will definitely continue with this series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an eARC of this book from Story Origin, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Passion and responisbility Timothy and Priscilla both want more from life and since they don´t believe their dreams can come true, the both turn their back on striving for a relationship that combines true partnership and passion. But love finds you in the strangest places and has a tendency to match you with the person you thought the least suitable. I loveed reading about their struggle to admit to their feelings and enjoyed watching them lose the battle in the end. I received this book as a review copy.
What a sweet romance between Priscilla and Timothy! There are interfering parents, great parents and siblings, and lots of self-flagellation. However, the author takes all these tropes and brings us a romance that has to be--these two are not suitable for anyone else after they have connected. I love Trisha's titles to the chapters: Wrangling a Chicken, The Price of Eavesdropping, and The Purloined Reticule. The author makes a point of working in the restrictive nature of the times, the pressure to marry for advantage, the great poverty and the judgemental religiosity.
Anticipation was the only thing that kept me reading this novel and then the desire for closure. The very long middle was void of romance except longing on her part and denial on his. Additionally, the author’s personal viewpoint is written into the narration part of the story, which was distasteful to me personally, since I didn’t agree with it. There was scarcely anything in the hero and heroine on which to build a solid marriage. Not a mature approach to romance, but maybe it’s just not what I’m looking for.
A lovely Regency Romance with a Doctor who met a woman in a Snow Storm where they both sought refugee in an abandoned cottage. After the Storm the woman was rescued and left while he was attending his horse. Thinking of her occasionally bothered the Doctor but as he lived & worked in London he would never meet. Then attending a Ball one evening there she is. Read this book and the extended to find out what happened to the couple.
What more can I say! When you have a book that keeps you coming for more. It was so hard to put down till I was done. I will be on the lookout for more books from Trisha. You know a good book is good when you lack the ability to put it down. Even after reaching the end, you turn the next page expecting the story to continue and never end. This is such a book!!!
Dr. Marby, Timothy, meets Pricilla in a snow storm and she tells him her na e is Emma to avoid him knowing her real name. Later,in London Timothy sees her again innLondon and realizes her connection to the Duke. Despite that bad beginning they remeet in London and Timothy realizes he loves her and eventually all is cleared up and she finds her reach
I will have to agree with the author when in her dedication she said to writers block "d*** it if it didn’t turn out pretty d*** well. So take that and go sit in a corner." I laughed out loud. This book takes in others at Hope Clinic and summarizes what has happened. I am glad she did a story on Priscilla because I had always thought the mother was more at fault than she was. This book was exactly what I thought it should be and ohhh so much more. There is one steamy scene in the book that lasts a few pages. Feel free to skip over that as it is not pertinent to the story. I do wonder if we are going to hear what happens to Nash.... and Fingers.... I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book.
Readers who enjoy a delightfully written love story with well developed characters will be entertained by Timothy and Priscilla's journey to a happy ever after.
Priscilla was the heated mean girl that got her happy ending but had to work for it . I enjoyed it and I hope Fingers makes an appearance in the next book
The heroine in this novel is headstrong and often reacts to a situation without thinking. The book is a fun read. I will look for more books by this author.
This was an enjoyable read. I did like the characters of Priscilla and Timothy and Priscilla did try to redeem herself. Unfortunately, her mother was more to blame and still hadn’t finished her meddling. I did wonder when Timothy was actually going to be true to himself and admit how he felt. There was a reason he was holding himself back. I did like how honest and straightforward Priscilla has become about her own feelings. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Hid from yourself Timothy is in trouble there is a blinding storm and he needs shelter fast! Priscilla just witnessed an unmarried woman give a noble birth and delivery and she is in shock! The family is celebrating and she decides to walk home in the middle of a snow storm which literally came out of nowhere! Survival instinct kicks in and she finds an abandoned shack the owner passed away a couple of weeks ago! She and Timothy arrive at the same time and the sparks fly! They are hilarious couple shoe throwing and all! Timothy does not recognize Priscilla but she immediately knows him and tells him her name is Emma! After her past she has learned the very last thing she wants is to trap a man into marriage! This two can hardly agree on anything until the chicken is caught! You will have to read the book for that laugh out loud moment! They share a kiss each believing they will never see each other again especially since “Emma” is engaged to the curate. A more self righteous prig named Mr. Netherborne! When translated means never to be born! Priscilla has no desire to be a spinster so her options are few between the sheep and the curate! But she has a champion in her father and brother. Hey father loves her and tries to give her options even in increasing her dowry! In her return to London she encounters Timothy at a masquerade and he is courting lovely Honoria! She is a very sweet and wise woman who you will get to know. There are mistakes made and several times Priscilla is in tears trying to gain forgiveness and let the Ton know she’s genuinely a different person! The horrible things said about her are cringeworthy! Timothy has been badly hurt in the past so his reluctance to face his fears garner him several swift kicks in the rear! Priscilla and Lord Nash play a part very well issuing those motivational kicks! But when Priscilla gives up and sets a date for her wedding to the curate all bets are off! Will Timothy get out of his own way to marry a woman that loves him? Read on. **I received an ARC copy for my honest opinion” Bravo well done Trish!!