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The Dartmouth Diaries #5
Lasting Victory
Another perfect holiday read with lots of romance and laugh out loud comedy, Lasting Victory is the fifth entry in the Dartmouth Diaries.
Victory Shackleford has been married to Hollywood heartthrob Noah Westbrook for nearly two years, and despite all media predictions of doom, she has never been so happy. Of course, her best friend Kit’s relocation to Scotland did come as a bit of a blow, but being married to an A list actor has its perks, and ease of travel is definitely one of them…
Kit Davies has spent the last eighteen months helping the bad tempered, gorgeous ex-naval captain Jason Buchannan renovate his family pile up in the wilds of Scotland. Considering the chaos they’re in, nobody is more surprised than Kit when, out of the blue, Jason suddenly pops the question. Even more surprising is her lack of hesitation in saying yes. The only complication is the housekeeper’s niece Nicole, who for some reason is still hanging around like a bad smell.
When her best friend Tory suggests holding an engagement party in Dartmouth, Kit thinks she’s in for a relaxing break, away from all the dust and rubble, not to mention the redhaired pain in the arse. Unfortunately she’s reckoned without Tory’s interfering father…
…On discovering the Scot has unexpectedly proposed to his daughter’s best friend, Admiral Shackleford is of the firm opinion that Nicole has finally outstayed her welcome at Bloodstone Tower. What’s more, he’s determined to dig up enough dirt on the redhaired baggage to send her packing.
But this time, finally, the Admiral might have opened one can of worms too many...Lasting Victory is the perfect laugh-out-loud, feel good book for fans of funny love stories, especially quirky British Romantic Comedies.Praise for the Dartmouth
'I can't ever remember laughing so much at a book.'
'I'm reading them now. Haven't laughed out loud for so long. Absolute joy.'
'Belly laughs all the way. Recommended to a friend who rang to say she just couldn't stop laughing. Excellent.'
'Brilliant books that really do make you laugh out loud. You just don't want to put them down.'
'I've binge read the first three books. I've laughed to the point of hysterics at the Admiral.'
'I loved this series. I haven't laughed this much in ages.'
'Don't read them in the early hours of the morning if hubby is asleep, they made me howl with laughter. Tried to stifle it, but shook the bedclothes. Absolutely brilliant.'
Victory Shackleford has been married to Hollywood heartthrob Noah Westbrook for nearly two years, and despite all media predictions of doom, she has never been so happy. Of course, her best friend Kit’s relocation to Scotland did come as a bit of a blow, but being married to an A list actor has its perks, and ease of travel is definitely one of them…
Kit Davies has spent the last eighteen months helping the bad tempered, gorgeous ex-naval captain Jason Buchannan renovate his family pile up in the wilds of Scotland. Considering the chaos they’re in, nobody is more surprised than Kit when, out of the blue, Jason suddenly pops the question. Even more surprising is her lack of hesitation in saying yes. The only complication is the housekeeper’s niece Nicole, who for some reason is still hanging around like a bad smell.
When her best friend Tory suggests holding an engagement party in Dartmouth, Kit thinks she’s in for a relaxing break, away from all the dust and rubble, not to mention the redhaired pain in the arse. Unfortunately she’s reckoned without Tory’s interfering father…
…On discovering the Scot has unexpectedly proposed to his daughter’s best friend, Admiral Shackleford is of the firm opinion that Nicole has finally outstayed her welcome at Bloodstone Tower. What’s more, he’s determined to dig up enough dirt on the redhaired baggage to send her packing.
But this time, finally, the Admiral might have opened one can of worms too many...Lasting Victory is the perfect laugh-out-loud, feel good book for fans of funny love stories, especially quirky British Romantic Comedies.Praise for the Dartmouth
'I can't ever remember laughing so much at a book.'
'I'm reading them now. Haven't laughed out loud for so long. Absolute joy.'
'Belly laughs all the way. Recommended to a friend who rang to say she just couldn't stop laughing. Excellent.'
'Brilliant books that really do make you laugh out loud. You just don't want to put them down.'
'I've binge read the first three books. I've laughed to the point of hysterics at the Admiral.'
'I loved this series. I haven't laughed this much in ages.'
'Don't read them in the early hours of the morning if hubby is asleep, they made me howl with laughter. Tried to stifle it, but shook the bedclothes. Absolutely brilliant.'
- GenresRomance
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 3, 2022
412 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Beverley Watts
46 books246 followersBeverley spent 8 years teaching English as a Foreign Language to International Military Students in Britannia Royal Naval College, the Royal Navy’s premier officer training establishment in the UK. She says that in the whole 8 years there was never a dull moment and many of her wonderful experiences at the College were not only memorable but were most definitely 'the stuff of fiction.' Her debut novel An Officer And A Gentleman Wanted is very loosely based on her adventures at the College.
Beverley particularly enjoys writing books that make people laugh and currently she has two series of Romantic Comedies, both contemporary and historical, as well as a humorous cosy mystery series under her belt.
She lives with her husband in an apartment overlooking the sea on the beautiful English Riviera. Between them they have 3 adult children and two gorgeous grandchildren plus a menagerie of animals including 5 dogs - 3 Romanian rescues of indeterminate breed called Florence, Trixie, and Lizzie, a neurotic 'Chorkie' named Pepé and a 'Chichon" named Dotty who was the inspiration for Dotty in The Dartmouth Diaries.
You can find out more about Beverley’s books at www.beverleywatts.com
Beverley particularly enjoys writing books that make people laugh and currently she has two series of Romantic Comedies, both contemporary and historical, as well as a humorous cosy mystery series under her belt.
She lives with her husband in an apartment overlooking the sea on the beautiful English Riviera. Between them they have 3 adult children and two gorgeous grandchildren plus a menagerie of animals including 5 dogs - 3 Romanian rescues of indeterminate breed called Florence, Trixie, and Lizzie, a neurotic 'Chorkie' named Pepé and a 'Chichon" named Dotty who was the inspiration for Dotty in The Dartmouth Diaries.
You can find out more about Beverley’s books at www.beverleywatts.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 21, 2023
The fifth title in the Dartford Diaries series. Kit & Jason have almost completed renovations to Bloodstone Tower, announced their engagement & intend to marry before their new venture opens. However, as you’d expect there’s a spanner or two in the works, one being Aileen’s niece who unexpectedly turned up to get away from things in London an age ago and is still there - and seemingly has her eyes set on Jason. It falls to the Admiral & hapless Jimmy to see just what she’s run from…
November 9, 2022
Brilliant!
The Dartmouth Diaries have been such a great read. I love Beverly Watts writing & have laughed out loud throughout each book. All I hope that there’s more to come.
I love Dartmouth & these books have brought the place to life. All of the characters are wonderful & nothing could top the Admiral. I want to read more about everyone.
The Dartmouth Diaries have been such a great read. I love Beverly Watts writing & have laughed out loud throughout each book. All I hope that there’s more to come.
I love Dartmouth & these books have brought the place to life. All of the characters are wonderful & nothing could top the Admiral. I want to read more about everyone.
January 3, 2024
Wonderful escapism
Brilliantly funny with genuine warmth as we move through Tory and her friends’ stories in books 1 to 5. Am eagerly awaiting the release of book 6.
Heartwarming but not cloying and hilarious - especially where the Admiral is involved. You’ll fall in love with these people - and their dogs. The locations are beautifully described, too.
Brilliantly funny with genuine warmth as we move through Tory and her friends’ stories in books 1 to 5. Am eagerly awaiting the release of book 6.
Heartwarming but not cloying and hilarious - especially where the Admiral is involved. You’ll fall in love with these people - and their dogs. The locations are beautifully described, too.
January 16, 2024
A brilliant read!
I've so enjoyed reading this series following the adventures of Tory and Kit and their friends. Brilliantly written and really funny, particularly the Admiral who had me laughing out loud! Fabulous description of the locations too, Dartmouth sounds lovely! Thanks Beverley, excellent from start to finish!
I've so enjoyed reading this series following the adventures of Tory and Kit and their friends. Brilliantly written and really funny, particularly the Admiral who had me laughing out loud! Fabulous description of the locations too, Dartmouth sounds lovely! Thanks Beverley, excellent from start to finish!
July 26, 2024
Mystery and Mayhem in Book 5
This is the conclusion of the series where Kit and Jason are getting married.
The reason for Nicole’s being in Scotland is revealed. As usual, there’s plenty of drama & comedy of errors thrown in.
If you like the other books in the series, you’ll like this one.
This is the conclusion of the series where Kit and Jason are getting married.
The reason for Nicole’s being in Scotland is revealed. As usual, there’s plenty of drama & comedy of errors thrown in.
If you like the other books in the series, you’ll like this one.
October 7, 2024
Laughter interwoven with tears.
Loved these stories since book1. Serious and relatable issues shared amongst the characters, laced with humor in the telling. This author has a way with words that makes me laugh out loud! If you want fairy tale romances and down to earth family, these books are worth the read.
Loved these stories since book1. Serious and relatable issues shared amongst the characters, laced with humor in the telling. This author has a way with words that makes me laugh out loud! If you want fairy tale romances and down to earth family, these books are worth the read.
November 5, 2022
another cracking story
I loved this story, couldn’t put the book down. This is an excellent 5th book in the series. The characters have developed charmingly since Book 1. Thank you Beverley.
I loved this story, couldn’t put the book down. This is an excellent 5th book in the series. The characters have developed charmingly since Book 1. Thank you Beverley.
November 6, 2022
Great
Great catch up with Tory and the gang, the Admiral and his sidekick Jimmy at it again lol, always a cake and arse party happening, a least Kit got her man hopefully Freddies next.
Great catch up with Tory and the gang, the Admiral and his sidekick Jimmy at it again lol, always a cake and arse party happening, a least Kit got her man hopefully Freddies next.
January 1, 2023
Wow. What a great ending to this series of books.
Loved every character in these books and glad they all had their own little stories as well...
Would like to know what happened to Freddy but I'm sure they maybe another book for this.
Glad Tory and Kit got their happy ever after.
Loved every character in these books and glad they all had their own little stories as well...
Would like to know what happened to Freddy but I'm sure they maybe another book for this.
Glad Tory and Kit got their happy ever after.
January 14, 2023
Sorry to reach the end of the Dartmouth Diaries
It goes at such a fast pace, you know it will all work out for the good in such improbable circumstances. But you have to get to the end just to make sure. A delightful read that takes you away from reality for a while..
It goes at such a fast pace, you know it will all work out for the good in such improbable circumstances. But you have to get to the end just to make sure. A delightful read that takes you away from reality for a while..
January 20, 2023
Lol
Heartwarming and lol books I've read all five and I must say I have laughed my way through them ,would recommend anyone to read these books 📚 I wish I knew a character like the admiral 😊
Heartwarming and lol books I've read all five and I must say I have laughed my way through them ,would recommend anyone to read these books 📚 I wish I knew a character like the admiral 😊
April 7, 2023
tears of joy
I laughed until I cried and loved every minute of this feel good love story. Family, friends and lovers and cute dogs doesn’t even cover all of this book! The entire series was made by the Admiral and his opinions and crazy comments.
I laughed until I cried and loved every minute of this feel good love story. Family, friends and lovers and cute dogs doesn’t even cover all of this book! The entire series was made by the Admiral and his opinions and crazy comments.
May 6, 2023
Lovely series
Such a fun, gentle, romantic series. The characters were funny and sexy and kind. So refreshing to read a sweet story with characters that are real and show their true affection for each other. Sad to see the series come to an end.
Such a fun, gentle, romantic series. The characters were funny and sexy and kind. So refreshing to read a sweet story with characters that are real and show their true affection for each other. Sad to see the series come to an end.
June 8, 2023
loved it
Great read, and this one was more gripping than the others, but still had the romance and the humour. I’ve grown to love all the people in this story and I really hope there’s more to come.
Great read, and this one was more gripping than the others, but still had the romance and the humour. I’ve grown to love all the people in this story and I really hope there’s more to come.
October 15, 2024
a great ‘feel good’ set of books
i have really enjoyed reading these. they are great stories and well written. The characters are well rounded and believable. the descriptions of Dartmouth make you feel you have been there. when life gets a bit heavy these help to lighten the load
i have really enjoyed reading these. they are great stories and well written. The characters are well rounded and believable. the descriptions of Dartmouth make you feel you have been there. when life gets a bit heavy these help to lighten the load
May 1, 2025
This Series is Awesome
The storyline in each book keeps you interested and laughing! So good!
I would start the next book as soon as ai finished the previous one. I love too how each book keeps the story going with all the characters.
The storyline in each book keeps you interested and laughing! So good!
I would start the next book as soon as ai finished the previous one. I love too how each book keeps the story going with all the characters.
June 11, 2025
Another great read i have loved this series of books the stories are funny intriguing and with a good feel read.
I so hope they continue, sometimes a series of books can get boring and lose the grip of the first book but not these books
I so hope they continue, sometimes a series of books can get boring and lose the grip of the first book but not these books
November 12, 2022
Hilarious
Another laugh a minute with the admiral and his family. Twists and turns on each page would love another book.
Another laugh a minute with the admiral and his family. Twists and turns on each page would love another book.
November 21, 2022
After reading the previous books in this series I couldn't wait to catch up with Tory and her family & friends again and this book didn't disappoint. Such an enjoyable read, hope there will be more!
February 5, 2023
Entertaining read. Colourful language, characters seem real. Enjoyed the read
March 3, 2023
exceptional
Absolutely loved this series of books, loved all the characters in it. I truly hope there is more to come.
Absolutely loved this series of books, loved all the characters in it. I truly hope there is more to come.
March 31, 2023
Loved the whole series of these books, easy, fun, laugh out loud books. But sad there over x
April 23, 2023
good reads
Loved it and reading all 5 books excellent do yourself a favour and get them here’s to more from Beverly Watts
Loved it and reading all 5 books excellent do yourself a favour and get them here’s to more from Beverly Watts
July 30, 2023
These books have just got better and better and funnier and funnier. I’m devastated to have finished them. Fingers crossed for another “cake and arsenal party”
August 24, 2023
Easy bed time read. Daft implausible story line but who cares.
October 6, 2023
Make that 10 stars
October 29, 2023
Loved it !!! I’ve loved the whole series. They fair made me chuckle . Xx
January 16, 2024
Great reading
Absolutely brilliant, read all the series,didn't want them to end. Laugh out load, so so funny.
Loved all the Characters.
Absolutely brilliant, read all the series,didn't want them to end. Laugh out load, so so funny.
Loved all the Characters.
June 7, 2024
Delightfully funny!
Ms. Watts is fast becoming a favorite author of mine. This series is so entertaining and suitable for all ages!
Ms. Watts is fast becoming a favorite author of mine. This series is so entertaining and suitable for all ages!
June 23, 2024
Another brilliant read
Once again almost a laugh a minute. How I'd love to.meet the admiral ! I find these books impossible to put down
Once again almost a laugh a minute. How I'd love to.meet the admiral ! I find these books impossible to put down
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews