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The Firstborn
** 2018 RONE Award Nominee **
Can they put aside their differences for the sake of an innocent child?
Sophia has sacrificed everything for her younger sister, Lucy. She has removed them from the only home they ever knew, taken on the care of Lucy's illegitimate son, George, and even assumed the role of a widow and mother in order to erase all hint of scandal from the boy's birth. But rumor continues to follow them like the darkest of clouds, and Sophia must adapt to her new existence as a false widow with no prospects beyond the doors of her small cottage.
Lord Haughton will stop at nothing to prevent the slightest whiff of disgrace from tainting his family's name. When he learns of his younger brother's latest indiscretion-one that leaves a bastard child in his wake-Haughton rushes across the country to offer the boy's mother a comfortable living in exchange for her silence about the child's true parentage. But he arrives only to have his generous offer thrown back in his face by Sophia Brixton, a sharp-tongued and sharper-witted woman who proceeds to toss him out of her house. But just because he is banished from her home does not mean he is so easily banished from her life.
Can they put aside their differences for the sake of an innocent child?
Sophia has sacrificed everything for her younger sister, Lucy. She has removed them from the only home they ever knew, taken on the care of Lucy's illegitimate son, George, and even assumed the role of a widow and mother in order to erase all hint of scandal from the boy's birth. But rumor continues to follow them like the darkest of clouds, and Sophia must adapt to her new existence as a false widow with no prospects beyond the doors of her small cottage.
Lord Haughton will stop at nothing to prevent the slightest whiff of disgrace from tainting his family's name. When he learns of his younger brother's latest indiscretion-one that leaves a bastard child in his wake-Haughton rushes across the country to offer the boy's mother a comfortable living in exchange for her silence about the child's true parentage. But he arrives only to have his generous offer thrown back in his face by Sophia Brixton, a sharp-tongued and sharper-witted woman who proceeds to toss him out of her house. But just because he is banished from her home does not mean he is so easily banished from her life.
248 pages, Paperback
First published May 9, 2017
About the author
Quenby Olson
27 books406 followersQuenby Olson lives in Central Pennsylvania where she spends most of her time writing, glaring at baskets of unfolded laundry, and chasing the cat off the kitchen counters. She lives with her husband and five children, who do nothing to dampen her love of classical ballet, geeky crochet, and staying up late to watch old episodes of Doctor Who.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 19, 2022
This was a wonderful closed door historical romance (nothing more than a kiss). I love reads with all the emotions and this one definitely fit: it had me laughing, crying, fretting, swooning and everything in between. Sophie & Finn were so similar in personality but their stations in life kept them from seeing it. Thrust together by their siblings’ illegitimate child - each approached how to care & provide for George in a different way.
George wasn’t just a prop in the story - he was integral and appeared in nearly every chapter. Sophie is an amazing de facto mother to him when her sister Lucy skips town. I liked that while Finn & Sophie initially didn’t get along, Olson crafted a story filled with each of them slowly growing to respect and understand the other. Finn’s sister, Bess was a lot of fun (does she get her own book?? Please!).
Overall a lovely read. I’ll be checking out more of Olson’s work.
George wasn’t just a prop in the story - he was integral and appeared in nearly every chapter. Sophie is an amazing de facto mother to him when her sister Lucy skips town. I liked that while Finn & Sophie initially didn’t get along, Olson crafted a story filled with each of them slowly growing to respect and understand the other. Finn’s sister, Bess was a lot of fun (does she get her own book?? Please!).
Overall a lovely read. I’ll be checking out more of Olson’s work.
June 22, 2020
I liked this little love story where Finn and Sophia
detested each other to start, grew closer in support
of their infant nephew (son of irresponsible couple
H's bro & h's sis) and fell in love. H + h did not play
mind-games, did not play flirty games. Refreshing!
The baby was a sweetie. Ditto for Sophia's nearly
perfect friend Lady Rutledge.
detested each other to start, grew closer in support
of their infant nephew (son of irresponsible couple
H's bro & h's sis) and fell in love. H + h did not play
mind-games, did not play flirty games. Refreshing!
The baby was a sweetie. Ditto for Sophia's nearly
perfect friend Lady Rutledge.
March 24, 2018
Although I enjoyed this book, the writing was good, few editorial errors, I couldn't get over Sophia's original rejection of financial aid. So what if she wasn't to contact the baby's father's family again - she never intended to in the first place. She's living in near poverty and due to pride, she and the baby continue to do so.
May 26, 2017
In Quenby Olson's The Firstborn, readers are introduced to Finnian and Sophia. The first has recently acquired his late father's title and responsibilities, an inordinate amount of which involves cleaning up after his younger brother David's messes. The second has sacrificed any chances of a respectable life to pose as the widowed mother of her sister Lucy's illegitimate son, George. When Finnian arrives to offer Sophia money for George's upbringing in exchange for her silence, the last thing he expects is for her to chase him away in anger. He expects their lives to further entangle even less.
I've enjoyed Ms. Olson's other books, so I looked forward to reading this with gusto. As is the norm for her work, The Firstborn is filled with glorious prose, exquisite dialogue, and characters so real, one half-believes they can reach out and touch them. As I was reading, I kept imagining how beautiful a film or a miniseries it would make. Olson manages to tackle a stigma that persists in some degree to this day without judging the past, but rather convicting the reader to show more compassion and kindness to those around them. This book is the soul sister of Jane Austen's beloved Pride and Prejudice; while the characters and plot couldn't be more different, they evoke the same emotional experience. I can't wait to read more Regency era stories from Ms. Olson.
I've enjoyed Ms. Olson's other books, so I looked forward to reading this with gusto. As is the norm for her work, The Firstborn is filled with glorious prose, exquisite dialogue, and characters so real, one half-believes they can reach out and touch them. As I was reading, I kept imagining how beautiful a film or a miniseries it would make. Olson manages to tackle a stigma that persists in some degree to this day without judging the past, but rather convicting the reader to show more compassion and kindness to those around them. This book is the soul sister of Jane Austen's beloved Pride and Prejudice; while the characters and plot couldn't be more different, they evoke the same emotional experience. I can't wait to read more Regency era stories from Ms. Olson.
May 19, 2017
Utterly enchanting, received though a competition it was my choice to review,
naughtiness I give 2* meaning reference to but mostly in my head naughtiness but the book itself most worthy in its entirety definitely 5* as you see above and very well deserved indeed, tho is the first of no doubt many I will be reading by the lovely Quenby as I was enchanted by the story its heroes and the plot, any who love Regency Romance will most definitely adore this book and also be enchanted as I am. A whole plethora of emotions and arcs in the story make it a fascinating read I do hope though to see more of the characters possibly in another book especially our Heroes sister, I never give plot away I Garuntee no spoilers but highly recommend this book,
Thank you dear lady for writing it,
naughtiness I give 2* meaning reference to but mostly in my head naughtiness but the book itself most worthy in its entirety definitely 5* as you see above and very well deserved indeed, tho is the first of no doubt many I will be reading by the lovely Quenby as I was enchanted by the story its heroes and the plot, any who love Regency Romance will most definitely adore this book and also be enchanted as I am. A whole plethora of emotions and arcs in the story make it a fascinating read I do hope though to see more of the characters possibly in another book especially our Heroes sister, I never give plot away I Garuntee no spoilers but highly recommend this book,
Thank you dear lady for writing it,
September 9, 2017
4.5/5.0
This exceptionally well-written narrative takes place during the Regency Era in England and will delight fans of Jane Austen.
Read full review in the 2017 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
This exceptionally well-written narrative takes place during the Regency Era in England and will delight fans of Jane Austen.
Read full review in the 2017 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
April 25, 2017
What makes me give The Firstborn by Quenby Olson 5 stars is that as I read, I forgot I was reading. It's that simple. When I can lose myself in a book like that, it's a winner. I was looking for a book to distract me from the chaos of life and The Firstborn kept me captivated, giving me characters I wanted to spend time with in a setting that I'd like to visit if I could time travel.
Set in Regency England, The Firstborn is Sophia's story. She's smart, loving, and loyal to her family — so much so that she's sacrificed everything for her younger sister, Lucy and the girl's illegitimate baby, George. Sophia has created a ruse, assuming the role of a young widow and pretending to be George's mom. Now Lucy has run off and Lord Finnian Haughton appears on Sophia's doorstep making inquiries about the child. It seems his younger brother is George's father and Lord Haughton does not want a scandal.
The Firstborn is an engaging story and I enjoyed the back-and-forth between Sophia and Lord Haughton (Finn), from Sophia's obvious dislike for him upon first meeting to their mutual desire to ensure little George is safe and cared for despite two very irresponsible birth parents. Author Olson also gives us some wonderful secondary characters. I particularly liked Lord Haughton's sister and the elderly Lady Rutledge.
While I did receive my copy of The Firstborn as an ARC, but I'm looking forward to adding it to my paper book collection of Quenby Olson titles. If you're looking for a charming, well-written romance, then grab a copy of The Firstborn as soon as you can.
Set in Regency England, The Firstborn is Sophia's story. She's smart, loving, and loyal to her family — so much so that she's sacrificed everything for her younger sister, Lucy and the girl's illegitimate baby, George. Sophia has created a ruse, assuming the role of a young widow and pretending to be George's mom. Now Lucy has run off and Lord Finnian Haughton appears on Sophia's doorstep making inquiries about the child. It seems his younger brother is George's father and Lord Haughton does not want a scandal.
The Firstborn is an engaging story and I enjoyed the back-and-forth between Sophia and Lord Haughton (Finn), from Sophia's obvious dislike for him upon first meeting to their mutual desire to ensure little George is safe and cared for despite two very irresponsible birth parents. Author Olson also gives us some wonderful secondary characters. I particularly liked Lord Haughton's sister and the elderly Lady Rutledge.
While I did receive my copy of The Firstborn as an ARC, but I'm looking forward to adding it to my paper book collection of Quenby Olson titles. If you're looking for a charming, well-written romance, then grab a copy of The Firstborn as soon as you can.
January 25, 2020
Fantastic prose, lovely historical romance
Really loved this romance and the way it unfolded, it was sweet and the characters were well crafted. I especially loved the attention to detail regarding the historical elements such as Sophia's dresses and how she had to rework them to make them last over the years. Really love this author's prose, very much looking forward to reading more of her work.
Really loved this romance and the way it unfolded, it was sweet and the characters were well crafted. I especially loved the attention to detail regarding the historical elements such as Sophia's dresses and how she had to rework them to make them last over the years. Really love this author's prose, very much looking forward to reading more of her work.
March 4, 2020
Great
I found this a really good book. Sophia is a great character. She takes care of her nephew with hardly any reward except for the love of the boy. When his Uncle appears on her doorstep trying to pay her off she does the only thing her principles demand and throws him out on his ear. Can they come to an agreement with regards to the boy.
I found this a really good book. Sophia is a great character. She takes care of her nephew with hardly any reward except for the love of the boy. When his Uncle appears on her doorstep trying to pay her off she does the only thing her principles demand and throws him out on his ear. Can they come to an agreement with regards to the boy.
September 21, 2023
Really enjoyed this romance between two oldest children. Since I’m an oldest, it was fun to think about. Is it all about control? I like to think of it as outcome oriented. And my younger sibling is a pain, but the younger siblings here are beyond useless. Do we blame ourselves? I say no.
George, the illegitimate son of the two ‘youngers’ is beyond adorable. Loved his gooey face and hands. The happy ending is enjoyable though I would have liked a bit more flirtation first.
George, the illegitimate son of the two ‘youngers’ is beyond adorable. Loved his gooey face and hands. The happy ending is enjoyable though I would have liked a bit more flirtation first.
Read
October 18, 2026cute and cosy, an easy afternoon's read; similar vibes to Stephanie Burgis' regency-vibes romantasy but without the fantasy element. best read with a cup of tea and your fave biscuits
some of QO's regency-vibes books are spicy, but this one isn't, if that's stopping you
some of QO's regency-vibes books are spicy, but this one isn't, if that's stopping you
July 19, 2017
Just a sweet, lovely story. I quite enjoyed Sophia as a character who had no trouble standing up for herself.
Mrs. Olson never fails to suck me into her stories and this was no exception.
Mrs. Olson never fails to suck me into her stories and this was no exception.
December 26, 2018
This was good! I was in the kind of mood where I wanted to read like 10 different books at once and was having trouble focusing on any single one of them, but when I started this one, my brain calmed down a bit, and I was able to finish the entire book in one evening, so I feel like that speaks well to it.
I did feel like the pacing was kind of weird, but I also don't know how I would've improved it? It's not like scenes were going on too long or it felt like there was a lot of unnecessary stuff that could've been cut out. It almost felt like the opposite. I kind of felt like it was a bit too short, even though it's a reasonable length for a historical romance. But Sophia doesn't even get to Finn's place until almost halfway through the book, if I'm remembering correctly. It felt like the story had barely started and it was already halfway done. I guess I could've done with less in the beginning, like maybe only one attempt at paying Sophia off rather than two and then the offer to take George from Sophia. Also, I love slow burn, but the slow burn here, like… I won't say it DIDN'T work for me because I swooned a bit at the ending, but I also think it could've worked BETTER for me. Like, Finn's jump to love felt a bit fast, but at least he was realizing his feelings/attraction when Sophia stayed with him and Bess. Sophia only seems to start realizing her feelings at the very, very end (and seems more to be realizing his feelings for than the other way around), and I just needed her to start developing feelings sooner, I think. I also wouldn't have minded literally any scene between just Finn and George. Like, they're going to be raising him together, and yeah, the whole story is about George, but I felt like I needed a bonding scene between Finn and George because it felt like everything Finn was doing at the end was for Sophia, and that's fine, but it felt a bit lopsided. I just wanted a sense that he cared about George beyond him being his and Sophia's nephew.
Despite all those complaints, I really did enjoy the romances. Even with the pacing issues, it was still a nice slow burn. I liked the initial dynamic of them not getting along and not really understanding each other, and then how they started interacting more and got to know one another better and found themselves on the same side with regards to George vs. their siblings. And Bess! Bess was sweet, and I loved how she was basically just like, "ugh, Finn, you're so fucking dumb." I wouldn't mind reading a romance centered around her.
I did feel like the pacing was kind of weird, but I also don't know how I would've improved it? It's not like scenes were going on too long or it felt like there was a lot of unnecessary stuff that could've been cut out. It almost felt like the opposite. I kind of felt like it was a bit too short, even though it's a reasonable length for a historical romance. But Sophia doesn't even get to Finn's place until almost halfway through the book, if I'm remembering correctly. It felt like the story had barely started and it was already halfway done. I guess I could've done with less in the beginning, like maybe only one attempt at paying Sophia off rather than two and then the offer to take George from Sophia. Also, I love slow burn, but the slow burn here, like… I won't say it DIDN'T work for me because I swooned a bit at the ending, but I also think it could've worked BETTER for me. Like, Finn's jump to love felt a bit fast, but at least he was realizing his feelings/attraction when Sophia stayed with him and Bess. Sophia only seems to start realizing her feelings at the very, very end (and seems more to be realizing his feelings for than the other way around), and I just needed her to start developing feelings sooner, I think. I also wouldn't have minded literally any scene between just Finn and George. Like, they're going to be raising him together, and yeah, the whole story is about George, but I felt like I needed a bonding scene between Finn and George because it felt like everything Finn was doing at the end was for Sophia, and that's fine, but it felt a bit lopsided. I just wanted a sense that he cared about George beyond him being his and Sophia's nephew.
Despite all those complaints, I really did enjoy the romances. Even with the pacing issues, it was still a nice slow burn. I liked the initial dynamic of them not getting along and not really understanding each other, and then how they started interacting more and got to know one another better and found themselves on the same side with regards to George vs. their siblings. And Bess! Bess was sweet, and I loved how she was basically just like, "ugh, Finn, you're so fucking dumb." I wouldn't mind reading a romance centered around her.
August 10, 2017
This is the first book I have read by Quenby Olsen and I found it a very enjoyable read, it is a light and witty tale of finding love in the most unexpected places.
He is a dangerous hot-headed man who knows exactly what his looks and wealth can do to a woman, but he is equally brusque and gruff and he doesn’t really communicate very well except when he is dishing out orders. When I first met Finnian I was in two minds about him, to me he was one of those characters that took a bit of warming to, but he won me around eventually and I do like characters that little bit more when they work extra hard to win your affection.
The chemistry Sophia and Finnian is very much love to hate they are definitely at their best when bickering or when she is giving him grief but they have some really adorable moments and the author has captured their caring and kindred spirits perfectly especially when they are bonding over baby George.
I did like this, it started off a bit slow for my liking and it took a while for the characters personalities to really show themselves but once that had happened it was a charming and fun read and one that I would recommend. This would be perfect for first time Historical Romance readers it is fun, light and a lovely read. The characters are so different but yet once they have thawed and got past each of their own issues they do make a lovely couple and I did think very unexpected but yet they work well.
I found Olsen’s writing to be utterly charming she builds the plot and characters up nicely, if a little slowly but still she is definitely a new author that I will be reading again.
Sweet and charming .
This was a complimentary copy via the author in exchange for an honest review.
He is a dangerous hot-headed man who knows exactly what his looks and wealth can do to a woman, but he is equally brusque and gruff and he doesn’t really communicate very well except when he is dishing out orders. When I first met Finnian I was in two minds about him, to me he was one of those characters that took a bit of warming to, but he won me around eventually and I do like characters that little bit more when they work extra hard to win your affection.
The chemistry Sophia and Finnian is very much love to hate they are definitely at their best when bickering or when she is giving him grief but they have some really adorable moments and the author has captured their caring and kindred spirits perfectly especially when they are bonding over baby George.
I did like this, it started off a bit slow for my liking and it took a while for the characters personalities to really show themselves but once that had happened it was a charming and fun read and one that I would recommend. This would be perfect for first time Historical Romance readers it is fun, light and a lovely read. The characters are so different but yet once they have thawed and got past each of their own issues they do make a lovely couple and I did think very unexpected but yet they work well.
I found Olsen’s writing to be utterly charming she builds the plot and characters up nicely, if a little slowly but still she is definitely a new author that I will be reading again.
Sweet and charming .
This was a complimentary copy via the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2020
I am so pleased to find a new author who writes in the style of the Regency Romances that I read when I was much younger. Actually, I found this book to be even better than most of those I read years ago.
The book has a romance that develops normally. It doesn’t have sex or profanity. That’s so unusual these days. I stopped reading Regencies years ago because they had morphed into something less appealing which included detailed sex scenes.
In this story, older sister Sophia has taken on widows weeds to give her sister a chance at a life that doesn’t include the shame of having had a child out of wedlock. More importantly, it is so that George (the child) can have a life free from the stigma of his illegitimate birth.
Finnigan, Lord Haughton, is the older brother of the rakish younger brother who fathered the child. He has been searching for mother and child and once he finds them, takes off to sweep the scandal under the rug by buying the mother’s silence.
He finds Sophia (as her sister has taken off for parts unknown) and makes his offer of money with contingencies and, in doing so, gives Sophia a cause to dislike him heartily.
The story takes off from there when lots of witty dialogue between these two with Finn falling further and further into dislike. Sophia, on the other hand, improves tremendously upon acquaintance.
The sparks fly as they spar and it makes for both a great read and one that made me laugh. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
The book has a romance that develops normally. It doesn’t have sex or profanity. That’s so unusual these days. I stopped reading Regencies years ago because they had morphed into something less appealing which included detailed sex scenes.
In this story, older sister Sophia has taken on widows weeds to give her sister a chance at a life that doesn’t include the shame of having had a child out of wedlock. More importantly, it is so that George (the child) can have a life free from the stigma of his illegitimate birth.
Finnigan, Lord Haughton, is the older brother of the rakish younger brother who fathered the child. He has been searching for mother and child and once he finds them, takes off to sweep the scandal under the rug by buying the mother’s silence.
He finds Sophia (as her sister has taken off for parts unknown) and makes his offer of money with contingencies and, in doing so, gives Sophia a cause to dislike him heartily.
The story takes off from there when lots of witty dialogue between these two with Finn falling further and further into dislike. Sophia, on the other hand, improves tremendously upon acquaintance.
The sparks fly as they spar and it makes for both a great read and one that made me laugh. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
May 8, 2018
Waited to read. Stupid me!
I wasn't impressed with the cover illustration, so I read several other books first. Dummy! Once I opened the first pages, i couldn't turn Kindle off until the book was finished. I loved the characters and could picture the gruff Finn, the way sister Bess would handle him and the responsible, loving Sophia with her pride and love for baby George. David and Lucy's lack of character came across as well, and the characters in the story fit into the story like a puzzle.
I took off a star because of poor editing. The sisters moved into the cottage when Lucy found she was expecting, and they had no relatives to move in with. Another place it was after their parents died which would have been six years earlier. When Sophia walked in the garden with, I think, Mr. Fenton, she stated they had been working on the garden for a number of years. Up to then it appeared they had only lived in the cottage since Lucy was pregnant.
I can't recall the other inconsistency and I don't want to reread the book to find. Today is my review writing day. But I believe that editors need to watch for consistency even in small things so that readers thoughts flow and don't need to question when caught in inconsistencies.
I wasn't impressed with the cover illustration, so I read several other books first. Dummy! Once I opened the first pages, i couldn't turn Kindle off until the book was finished. I loved the characters and could picture the gruff Finn, the way sister Bess would handle him and the responsible, loving Sophia with her pride and love for baby George. David and Lucy's lack of character came across as well, and the characters in the story fit into the story like a puzzle.
I took off a star because of poor editing. The sisters moved into the cottage when Lucy found she was expecting, and they had no relatives to move in with. Another place it was after their parents died which would have been six years earlier. When Sophia walked in the garden with, I think, Mr. Fenton, she stated they had been working on the garden for a number of years. Up to then it appeared they had only lived in the cottage since Lucy was pregnant.
I can't recall the other inconsistency and I don't want to reread the book to find. Today is my review writing day. But I believe that editors need to watch for consistency even in small things so that readers thoughts flow and don't need to question when caught in inconsistencies.
June 2, 2017
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
This one will have you hooked from the start. Both of them will do anything to protect their siblings. I loved how they never saw eye to eye, but both wanted what was best for Goerge and just needed to meet in the middle somehow. The moment they met you knew there would be sparks. His brother and her sister were shockingly different from them and didn't think about much before doing it. The ending left me wanting more.
Sophia's personality matched her red hair. I loved that she spoke her mind and stood her ground. I loved that she didn't lay blame on others and how she started to understand why Finn was the way he was.
Finnian didn't really get along with people, but he tried to take care of everything. He comes off as cold and uncaring but really isn't. I understood him more as soon as he talked to his brother.
This one will have you hooked from the start. Both of them will do anything to protect their siblings. I loved how they never saw eye to eye, but both wanted what was best for Goerge and just needed to meet in the middle somehow. The moment they met you knew there would be sparks. His brother and her sister were shockingly different from them and didn't think about much before doing it. The ending left me wanting more.
Sophia's personality matched her red hair. I loved that she spoke her mind and stood her ground. I loved that she didn't lay blame on others and how she started to understand why Finn was the way he was.
Finnian didn't really get along with people, but he tried to take care of everything. He comes off as cold and uncaring but really isn't. I understood him more as soon as he talked to his brother.
September 13, 2023
I found this to be a unique romance story. One thing I like about it is the romance is mostly in the background. The main story involves Sophia taking care of her sister's illegitimate baby in Regency days, and the many, many problems that came with it. Also the baby's uncle on his father's side, who deals with a different set if problems. It's lovely to see the way the characters grow through the story.
Another thing I enjoyed is the way Quenby Olson paints a picture with words that are beautiful, but not full of fluff. It was effortless seeing everything happening play out in my mind.
On a personal note, as a woman who is childless not by choice, the story chops away at some stereotypes! The people in the book who don't have children of their own are the most caring, while the actual parents found throughout the story...well, they are not nice. It defies the sad phrase "You don't love until you have a child"! So well done!
Another thing I enjoyed is the way Quenby Olson paints a picture with words that are beautiful, but not full of fluff. It was effortless seeing everything happening play out in my mind.
On a personal note, as a woman who is childless not by choice, the story chops away at some stereotypes! The people in the book who don't have children of their own are the most caring, while the actual parents found throughout the story...well, they are not nice. It defies the sad phrase "You don't love until you have a child"! So well done!
May 20, 2017
I love Quenby Olson's style and voice, both of which are at their finest in The Firstborn. I've read only a handful of Regency romances, but this one stood out for its remarkably sensible, down-to-earth heroine. I found Sophia's character relatable, a quality I've found lacking in romances of this time period. Finnian, for all his overstepping, was well-developed and interesting.
For me, a touch of earthiness/realism, in both the major and minor characters, brought this story to life. The author has a way of capturing nuance and emotion in fine details, which draws the reader intimately into the scene. The romance is slow-growing and chaste. Overall, an entertaining, well-written story for historical romance fans.
For me, a touch of earthiness/realism, in both the major and minor characters, brought this story to life. The author has a way of capturing nuance and emotion in fine details, which draws the reader intimately into the scene. The romance is slow-growing and chaste. Overall, an entertaining, well-written story for historical romance fans.
April 13, 2019
Very well written!
I thought it was a very well written period piece. The main characters did not like each other to begin with. The lady poor, but gently born cared for her young nephew born out of wedlock. The child's uncle was wealthy, rude, caring only about his family name. Both characters loved their siblings but realized they would always be selfish. As in all good stories two very different people were able to find common ground and have a HEA. Oh and without sex! Yay!
I thought it was a very well written period piece. The main characters did not like each other to begin with. The lady poor, but gently born cared for her young nephew born out of wedlock. The child's uncle was wealthy, rude, caring only about his family name. Both characters loved their siblings but realized they would always be selfish. As in all good stories two very different people were able to find common ground and have a HEA. Oh and without sex! Yay!
March 8, 2020
Pretty good
This story of a young woman who pretends to be a widow with a child in order to protect her younger sister from the scandal of being an unwed mother is cute.
The subtle humor employed in the plot gives this story substance. It is otherwise pretty basic as the child's father is part of the aristocracy and a nere-do-well whose elder brother is a discount who constantly cleans up after him. The actual mother of the child is a vampish, selfish young woman, if course.
Although predictable, the humorous situations save the story. Okay.
This story of a young woman who pretends to be a widow with a child in order to protect her younger sister from the scandal of being an unwed mother is cute.
The subtle humor employed in the plot gives this story substance. It is otherwise pretty basic as the child's father is part of the aristocracy and a nere-do-well whose elder brother is a discount who constantly cleans up after him. The actual mother of the child is a vampish, selfish young woman, if course.
Although predictable, the humorous situations save the story. Okay.
January 20, 2018
Different
A good story the ending being rather abrupt and quick. Horrible young sister pregnant disappearing leaving eldest sister to become substitute mother amid poverty . Awful spoilt selfish father again being rescued by eldest brother to help his nephew and aunt. Illegitimacy hundreds of years ago story.
A good story the ending being rather abrupt and quick. Horrible young sister pregnant disappearing leaving eldest sister to become substitute mother amid poverty . Awful spoilt selfish father again being rescued by eldest brother to help his nephew and aunt. Illegitimacy hundreds of years ago story.
October 7, 2018
A deeply enjoyable character-driven Regency romance about two eldest siblings who each have sacrificed on behalf of their younger family members. Olson's writing is clear and crisp, and her characters and storylines do not feel anachronistic. I'll definitely be picking up other books by this author.
No sex on the page (or off) here, FYI, for those readers who are looking for that.
No sex on the page (or off) here, FYI, for those readers who are looking for that.
February 3, 2022
Delightful
One flaw: is Finn a Marquess or a Viscount? He is referred to as both.
A highly enjoyable tale of ‘enemies to lovers’ with dastardly siblings thrown in the mix. Whilst dealing with the scandalous outcome of scandalous behaviour, we have a delicious slow burn romance.
Recommended reading.
One flaw: is Finn a Marquess or a Viscount? He is referred to as both.
A highly enjoyable tale of ‘enemies to lovers’ with dastardly siblings thrown in the mix. Whilst dealing with the scandalous outcome of scandalous behaviour, we have a delicious slow burn romance.
Recommended reading.
April 14, 2022
The Firstborn
This is my first book by this author and thoroughly enjoyed story although there were a few mistakes about FInns title also whether Sophia was a bottle shop owners daughter or landed gentry but I still enjoyed it although I thought it ended rather abruptly it could’ve done with a nice epilogue.
This is my first book by this author and thoroughly enjoyed story although there were a few mistakes about FInns title also whether Sophia was a bottle shop owners daughter or landed gentry but I still enjoyed it although I thought it ended rather abruptly it could’ve done with a nice epilogue.
May 12, 2017
Altho I read this book for free if I had purchased it I would have considered the purchase well,worth it. Very well written...a lot of good descriptions...great plot.
This is a new author for me but I look forward to reading more of his work. First male author I really enjoyed
This is a new author for me but I look forward to reading more of his work. First male author I really enjoyed
March 4, 2018
Great story
It's a wonderful Cinderella-like story, complete with fairy godmother who steps in at the bleakest of times, but ultimately it is the strength of the heroine that takes the day. Classic
It's a wonderful Cinderella-like story, complete with fairy godmother who steps in at the bleakest of times, but ultimately it is the strength of the heroine that takes the day. Classic
April 4, 2018
From the very beginning of the book, I knew what was going to happen throughout the whole story. Way too predictable for me, therefore it did not hold my interest. I read a lot of books (5 a week) and this was boring. I fought to get to the end.
June 13, 2018
Sweet story
I really liked this story. It’s pace was good, and the story was interesting, if a little predictable, but the two mc’s were well-developed. It’s a clean romance, sweet and subtle.
I really liked this story. It’s pace was good, and the story was interesting, if a little predictable, but the two mc’s were well-developed. It’s a clean romance, sweet and subtle.
December 8, 2018
Well Weitten
Easy read. Well written. I ranked it Four Stars because the characters and their motivations did not engage me. Everyone but three minor characters wander through the book simply being angry, disagreeable and/or slightly villainous.
Easy read. Well written. I ranked it Four Stars because the characters and their motivations did not engage me. Everyone but three minor characters wander through the book simply being angry, disagreeable and/or slightly villainous.
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