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The Impossible Balfours #5
What an Heiress Wants
Lady Isobel Balfour desperately needs a make-believe suitor. Luckily, her best friend's brother is charming, eligible, and ready for anything... As long as she doesn't uncover his secrets.
It’s no small task to juggle an illicit career, a troublesome maiden aunt, and a plot for wreaking vengeance on the cad who toyed with her heart. So Isobel has chosen the perfect partner in crime: Mr Lucius Whitby, the elder brother of her dearest friend.
Lucius is exactly the sort of gentleman that girls like Isobel are supposed to fall in love with: wealthy and flirtatious, with a devilish grin and eyes like a storm-tossed sky. In other words, he'll make Isobel’s one-time love weep tears of jealousy. Behold, the perfect revenge!
As for Lucius's own motives for pretending to woo an heiress? He's made it clear Isobel is not to ask. And clearer still that their imaginary romance will not, under any circumstances, become real.
So if his touch makes her tremble - if their secret meetings fill her heart with music - if she aches with longing for one more kiss, that’s a small price to pay for her revenge. Isn’t it?
Because they’re not really in love. Of course they’re not.
True love at a time like this would ruin everything.
It’s no small task to juggle an illicit career, a troublesome maiden aunt, and a plot for wreaking vengeance on the cad who toyed with her heart. So Isobel has chosen the perfect partner in crime: Mr Lucius Whitby, the elder brother of her dearest friend.
Lucius is exactly the sort of gentleman that girls like Isobel are supposed to fall in love with: wealthy and flirtatious, with a devilish grin and eyes like a storm-tossed sky. In other words, he'll make Isobel’s one-time love weep tears of jealousy. Behold, the perfect revenge!
As for Lucius's own motives for pretending to woo an heiress? He's made it clear Isobel is not to ask. And clearer still that their imaginary romance will not, under any circumstances, become real.
So if his touch makes her tremble - if their secret meetings fill her heart with music - if she aches with longing for one more kiss, that’s a small price to pay for her revenge. Isn’t it?
Because they’re not really in love. Of course they’re not.
True love at a time like this would ruin everything.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2022
244 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 5, 2025
This was such a delight! I really love then a writer wants to give the MCs more than a sudden obsession with the other protagonist!^^
Both Lucius and Isobel have hobbies/careers and they're better for it. I absolutely loved Isobel's family and now i want to start with book 1, as i should have done in the first place :))))
I highly recommend this if you want a clean historical romance with lovely family moments!
Both Lucius and Isobel have hobbies/careers and they're better for it. I absolutely loved Isobel's family and now i want to start with book 1, as i should have done in the first place :))))
I highly recommend this if you want a clean historical romance with lovely family moments!
August 26, 2022
This was the perfect wrap up to this wonderful series. It works fine as a stand alone story although you will get so much more out of it by reading the other books and meeting all of the impossible Balfours.
This is the story of the youngest of the Balfour siblings. All of the others have married and Lady Isobel Balfour is a companion for her maiden aunt. As they are about to arrive at a the house of friends for the summer, her aunt finally reveals to her that a man who had broken her heart three years before was also staying for the summer. Lady Isobel has always been the one to stay in the shadows and she is seen as a wallflower but to make her revenge upon the man who had crushed her, she needed a make believe suitor to show her attention. When she sees the older brother of her dear friend Georgiana- she decides Mr Lucius Whitby will be the perfect man. Now she must convince him to play the part - all while both of them are hiding secrets from one another.
Lucius has his own reasons for agreeing to Isobel's schemes as he has just discovered troubling information that will effect himself and his sisters. In making his father believe he is interested in a match with Isobel, who is supposed to be a wealthy heiress, he will give his sister a reprieve from his father's plans for her. Lucius is used to seeing Isobel as a shy young woman but something about her has definitely changed as he has a hard time remembering that he is only playing pretend.
I loved seeing how Isabel heard music in her mind that she was able to put down in beautiful compositions and how Lucius was equally passionate about working in the hothouse creating new strains of flowers and fruits. Their two passions drew them together in a special way.
i also love a story that has an epilogue so that you can see how things turned out for them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the story of the youngest of the Balfour siblings. All of the others have married and Lady Isobel Balfour is a companion for her maiden aunt. As they are about to arrive at a the house of friends for the summer, her aunt finally reveals to her that a man who had broken her heart three years before was also staying for the summer. Lady Isobel has always been the one to stay in the shadows and she is seen as a wallflower but to make her revenge upon the man who had crushed her, she needed a make believe suitor to show her attention. When she sees the older brother of her dear friend Georgiana- she decides Mr Lucius Whitby will be the perfect man. Now she must convince him to play the part - all while both of them are hiding secrets from one another.
Lucius has his own reasons for agreeing to Isobel's schemes as he has just discovered troubling information that will effect himself and his sisters. In making his father believe he is interested in a match with Isobel, who is supposed to be a wealthy heiress, he will give his sister a reprieve from his father's plans for her. Lucius is used to seeing Isobel as a shy young woman but something about her has definitely changed as he has a hard time remembering that he is only playing pretend.
I loved seeing how Isabel heard music in her mind that she was able to put down in beautiful compositions and how Lucius was equally passionate about working in the hothouse creating new strains of flowers and fruits. Their two passions drew them together in a special way.
i also love a story that has an epilogue so that you can see how things turned out for them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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August 29, 2022We finally get to the romance for Isobel Balfour, the final unwed sibling of the Balfour family. While the stony path to all romantic happily ever after's is present here, the route is delightfully different. We are introduced to a hero who is attempting against time to find a way out of the mess his parents have tossed the whole family into. All too soon the entire social world and his three marriageable sisters will know that the Whitby's are bankrupt.
When Lucius Whitby returned from his travels on the Continent he was shattered and angered to discover that his parents had squandered the family fortune and were thousands of pounds in debt--due at the end of summer. His father, Horace Whitby, was sure that marrying his daughters and his eldest son, Lucius, into wealthy families by fair means and foul would get them out of trouble. Lucius, had other plans however.
Isobel Balfour is on her way to the Whitby home for a summer party when her Aunt Ursula lets her know that an "old paramour" of Isobel's had also been invited. The man had hurt and embarrassed her younger self. But, as Ursula reminds her, her brother is now a duke and her sisters have all married into the aristocracy. Things are different.
Thus begins a most unusual fake love affair. It starts as a way for Isabel to destroy the lord who had hurt her and ends in a real love affair. Along the way, Lucius finds his own way into the future.
There has been a history of epilogues in this series and the final volume doesn't fail the reader.
Gemma Blackwood knows how to mix romance and humor in a judicious mixture so the the humor doesn't overwhelm the romance. At the same time, the actors in the story aren't allowed to get too much above themselves.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Lucius Whitby returned from his travels on the Continent he was shattered and angered to discover that his parents had squandered the family fortune and were thousands of pounds in debt--due at the end of summer. His father, Horace Whitby, was sure that marrying his daughters and his eldest son, Lucius, into wealthy families by fair means and foul would get them out of trouble. Lucius, had other plans however.
Isobel Balfour is on her way to the Whitby home for a summer party when her Aunt Ursula lets her know that an "old paramour" of Isobel's had also been invited. The man had hurt and embarrassed her younger self. But, as Ursula reminds her, her brother is now a duke and her sisters have all married into the aristocracy. Things are different.
Thus begins a most unusual fake love affair. It starts as a way for Isabel to destroy the lord who had hurt her and ends in a real love affair. Along the way, Lucius finds his own way into the future.
There has been a history of epilogues in this series and the final volume doesn't fail the reader.
Gemma Blackwood knows how to mix romance and humor in a judicious mixture so the the humor doesn't overwhelm the romance. At the same time, the actors in the story aren't allowed to get too much above themselves.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2022
I received a copy from Booksprout; this is my honest review
-Last but not least of the Balfours, here comes Isobel's story.
-It's been more than 2 years since I last read about the Balfours and I didn't remember Isobel loving music so much. I'm not even sure I've met Lucius either, which is a shame.
-Mrs. Whitby is one rude woman, talking about money and jewelry like no other.
-Mr. Whitby is no better, insulting his own daughters in front of company and that's just the start.
-I was wondering how said daughters became so close with one another. One reason could probably be to protect themselves from parents such as the Whitbys.
-Lucius was quite ready to be a pauper as long as he had a certain music in the background and his tangerines, even if his parents hadn't lost everything.
-Everything is about music; even Lucius is described as a clarinet, strings and piano.
-Clarkson is hilarious even if Lucius didn't think so. He was a bright star all through the story.
-Georgiana will be in such trouble one day! Cassandra will be (figuratively) punched by love but Evie will ever be careful whom will get her heart.
-I'm wondering why Isobel didn't burn the message before Aunt Ursula got to her room; it would have been so easy.
-I've put many question marks beside something Isobel said to Lucius; it just wasn't done or even taught/thought that way in their times; it's so out of place in this story: "If you cannot bear the sight of me in this dress, you must simply learn to control your masculine urges."
-Last but not least of the Balfours, here comes Isobel's story.
-It's been more than 2 years since I last read about the Balfours and I didn't remember Isobel loving music so much. I'm not even sure I've met Lucius either, which is a shame.
-Mrs. Whitby is one rude woman, talking about money and jewelry like no other.
-Mr. Whitby is no better, insulting his own daughters in front of company and that's just the start.
-I was wondering how said daughters became so close with one another. One reason could probably be to protect themselves from parents such as the Whitbys.
-Lucius was quite ready to be a pauper as long as he had a certain music in the background and his tangerines, even if his parents hadn't lost everything.
-Everything is about music; even Lucius is described as a clarinet, strings and piano.
-Clarkson is hilarious even if Lucius didn't think so. He was a bright star all through the story.
-Georgiana will be in such trouble one day! Cassandra will be (figuratively) punched by love but Evie will ever be careful whom will get her heart.
-I'm wondering why Isobel didn't burn the message before Aunt Ursula got to her room; it would have been so easy.
-I've put many question marks beside something Isobel said to Lucius; it just wasn't done or even taught/thought that way in their times; it's so out of place in this story: "If you cannot bear the sight of me in this dress, you must simply learn to control your masculine urges."
August 28, 2022
This is the fifth and final book in the series The Impossible Balfours, and it was just as good as all the other books. You do not have to read the other books, to enjoy this one, but if you did you will like see the Balfours pop up in this book. This is about Isobel who is considered a Walflower, she is the quiet sister. When Isobel is invited to her friend’s house for a summer house party, she is surprised to realize a gentleman who broke her heart is there. She decides she wants to make him jealous and then get her revenge. The perfect person to help her get this gentleman jealous is Lucius, her friends’ brother. Lucius has just found out somethings about his family and he wants to do what he can to protect his sisters. Lucius and Isabella plan brings them together and their love is a nice slow buring coming together. This is a clean book written by a great author.
I received an ARC of this book by Booksprout and am leaving my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this book by Booksprout and am leaving my honest opinion.
May 26, 2025
Although I will always love Anthea and Selina best, this was adorable. I don't normally like the "making the other fellow jealous but actually falling in love" trope, but somehow, with all the other side dramas, Gemma Blackwood made it work.
I was a bit disappointed as to how the Isobel x other guy thing finally turned out (a bit more drama in the backstory would have been nice). I also didn't particularly love that *someone else* (even an awesome someone like Lucius) had to heal Isobel's broken heart...as someone touted as independent, I would have preferred it if she'd healed herself before setting out to "show what the fellow had missed" or something. But then the story would have had a completely different angle. What I did read was still adorable, though, no mistake!
I absolutely love the Whitby sisters as well, though! It'll be fun to see the challenges they go through next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was a bit disappointed as to how the Isobel x other guy thing finally turned out (a bit more drama in the backstory would have been nice). I also didn't particularly love that *someone else* (even an awesome someone like Lucius) had to heal Isobel's broken heart...as someone touted as independent, I would have preferred it if she'd healed herself before setting out to "show what the fellow had missed" or something. But then the story would have had a completely different angle. What I did read was still adorable, though, no mistake!
I absolutely love the Whitby sisters as well, though! It'll be fun to see the challenges they go through next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2022
The delightful Isobel Balfour thinks herself a wallflower since she’d rather compose music than dance. However, her scheme to wreak vengeance on the man who broke her heart three years ago backfires in an entirely unexpected way. Lucius Whitby has just had an unpleasant awakening of his own and agrees to help Isobel in order to protect his heartbroken sister from their scheming father. This sweet and clean romance is so charmingly delightful I could almost hear the harp playing and feel the sunshine as love works its magic! Yes, I’m a little in love with all the “Impossible Balfours.” This is Book 5 in a series I have thoroughly enjoyed! I thank the author for an advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
August 29, 2022
Isobel hopes Lucius will the be the one to help her get revenge against a former suitor. Lucius sees Isobel as a way to hold off his father’s plans for his sisters to save them from financial ruin. But they didn’t anticipate real feelings being engaged. They both have interesting passions, she with her musical compositions and he with horticulture. But he’s not willing to sacrifice Isobel’s happiness to save his father. Lucius should have been upfront with Isobel about his family’s situation once they became closer instead of acting like the careless wealthy son he had been. He does step up and assume the responsibility of dealing with their dicy situation that their father keeps adding to.
August 29, 2022
Lady Isobel Balfour needs a make-believe suitor to get even with the man who broke her heart. She has asked Lucius Whitby to help in making this happen by spending time with her and fake flirting. Lucius has agreed but he has so much on his plate. He is the only one that knows that his father is deep in debt and is trying to get his daughters and son to marry wealthy to save face and his estates. Of course, those they think are wealthy just might not be. They showed that love overshadows wealth. A great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2022
Isobel Balfour is invited to a house party visiting with her friends Evie and Georgiana. She's an heiress with a fortune and a secret. Lucius is the eldest son with younger sisters - one of whom has refused an proposal. Wanting to protect his sister's and have them marry for love he needs a plan!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this engaging, entertaining and unputdownable book! Just loved it! It's a slow burn that builds on family, friendship and music. I loved how Isobel's siblings (including brothers in law) are so protective, caring and loving towards her. There's an epilogue and a very HEA.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this engaging, entertaining and unputdownable book! Just loved it! It's a slow burn that builds on family, friendship and music. I loved how Isobel's siblings (including brothers in law) are so protective, caring and loving towards her. There's an epilogue and a very HEA.
August 28, 2022
his was an enjoyable read, a little slow at times but I did like the characters of Isobel and Lucius. I liked the way music influenced Isobel’s everyday life and the way she inventively sold her compositions. How dreadful though, that she had to do so! Lucius was a responsible man, unlike his parents, and he cared for his siblings. I did wonder how things would work out to enable a happy ending but they did! Although this is the end of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 30, 2022
An agreement takes a surprising and wonderful turn.
Dear reader do not expect a sweet little romance because you are going to get so much more than that in this book. As the story unfolds I became more and more engaged with the characters the hero and heroine were so wonderful. What the hero finally does shows just what kind of man he really was I really enjoyed that part of the book. I found the story very entertaining, well written, and hard to put down I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
Dear reader do not expect a sweet little romance because you are going to get so much more than that in this book. As the story unfolds I became more and more engaged with the characters the hero and heroine were so wonderful. What the hero finally does shows just what kind of man he really was I really enjoyed that part of the book. I found the story very entertaining, well written, and hard to put down I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
March 16, 2025
Don’t miss reading this book!
There is nothing more pleasing than reading a book by a truly skilled author. And this one is a must read. Definitely my favorite book of hers to date. I absolutely love the humor and wit. I laughed so many times, but it was the characters that made this book a true delight. They were so well developed and extremely lovable. The banter and tension between them was off the charts. Do yourself a favor and take some time to enjoy this jewel of a regency romance.
There is nothing more pleasing than reading a book by a truly skilled author. And this one is a must read. Definitely my favorite book of hers to date. I absolutely love the humor and wit. I laughed so many times, but it was the characters that made this book a true delight. They were so well developed and extremely lovable. The banter and tension between them was off the charts. Do yourself a favor and take some time to enjoy this jewel of a regency romance.
August 28, 2022
How nice the saga of the Balfours continues.
Not only does Isobel want to prove to Lord Randall that an attractive man would find her attractive, she wants to hurt him. During the house-party, she gradually becomes better acquainted with Lucius and falls in love, while Randall is forgotten.
The pacing and dialogue are good. No excessive or repetitive thoughts of the characters, which I dread. An enjoyable read.
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Not only does Isobel want to prove to Lord Randall that an attractive man would find her attractive, she wants to hurt him. During the house-party, she gradually becomes better acquainted with Lucius and falls in love, while Randall is forgotten.
The pacing and dialogue are good. No excessive or repetitive thoughts of the characters, which I dread. An enjoyable read.
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 8, 2022
I really enjoyed this well written story. I loved what Isobel loved to do and how Lucius realized what it was. I loved all the intrigue and detailed descriptions throughout. The characters were so lifelike and came off the pages with you wanting the best for them. I loved how the author let you know what was going on in their lives in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 11, 2024
Just okay.
What an Heiress Wants by Gemma Blackwood started off well, and it ended well.
However, it was the in between that slowed to a crawl because of page after page of thoughts and angst filled indecision. The story was simple and the characters all played their parts, but the lack of true communication between the H/h was a bit annoying.
Content 411: This book contains four (d*mn) swear words and passionate kisses.
What an Heiress Wants by Gemma Blackwood started off well, and it ended well.
However, it was the in between that slowed to a crawl because of page after page of thoughts and angst filled indecision. The story was simple and the characters all played their parts, but the lack of true communication between the H/h was a bit annoying.
Content 411: This book contains four (d*mn) swear words and passionate kisses.
July 20, 2024
I would have to give this book 3.5 stars. All the characters are rather likeable, and had you routing for their story, however it is a slow burn as it took the majority of the book for them to come to their senses so to speak. If you’re looking for a nice closed door historical romance that takes a different approach to the story and characters outcome, this one is nice, but it did leave me wishing for some spice in the end.
September 2, 2022
Isobel is the last Balfour unwed. Her past experience with a gentleman had her seeking revenge. A plan with Lucius has desired effect against the man who had hurt her. Lucius kept from Isobel the reason for the party and pressure his family was under. See what each is willing to do to prove their love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2022
This is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone. Can a plot for revenge, and a hope to fix his family’s finances with a faux romance turn into the real thing. It starts out as two friends helping each other, but can it become much more? Enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2022
Enjoyable and different from the rest of the genre as expected. I loved getting a new book from this author and can’t wait to see what she writes next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 3, 2022
Can it be true?!
The author would have you believe that there could have been a young couple, each of noble birth, that might find a path divergent from that expected by the ton?
Enjoy this charming book that is completely endearing!
The author would have you believe that there could have been a young couple, each of noble birth, that might find a path divergent from that expected by the ton?
Enjoy this charming book that is completely endearing!
April 25, 2023
Loved this one best of all The Impossible Balfours!
This book #5 is the best of all! Intrigue, romance, music! The humorous banter between the 2 main characters is superb! Thank you, Gemma!
This book #5 is the best of all! Intrigue, romance, music! The humorous banter between the 2 main characters is superb! Thank you, Gemma!
October 2, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. We're they in love or were they not this is to be decided. Then there's the Aunt what will happen there. This is a book makes for a very interesting read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2022
This is a wonderful story with charm, plenty of banter, laughs and drama. What a fun delightful plot with some twists and turns to keep you interested. Loved the characters. This story is a keeper.
December 8, 2022
Not as good as the others in the series but still enjoyable.
August 13, 2024
I love Ms Blackwoods stories
Great story, great plot, great characters.
I love these stories and the characters in them. I look forward to reading all the books in the series.
Great story, great plot, great characters.
I love these stories and the characters in them. I look forward to reading all the books in the series.
October 14, 2024
Love this couple, the revenge that was planned and how much Isobel grew in her knowledge of self. Loved it!
January 10, 2026
love
A wonderfully written story about love and family. The characters all have a strong, and loving personality to fall in love with. A good read.
A wonderfully written story about love and family. The characters all have a strong, and loving personality to fall in love with. A good read.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews