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Improper Agreements #1
An Improper Agreement
She refused to meet his eye, but he heard her quiet words, ground out behind clenched teeth. “I accept, Lord Eaton. And I plan to win.”
Clara has been missing from the London marriage mart for six years and is reluctant to return. That feeling only grows when she happens to meet Lord Eaton–a rather arrogant, proud Earl who vexes her from the moment they first meet. Not wanting to allow herself to be put down by a pompous, self-righteous man, she agrees to the silly game he proposes. The first to make the better match by the end of the season…wins.
Wesley had not intended to meet Miss Carrow in the hedge maze in the dark of night–but that is precisely what happened. He can’t help but get a rise out of her when he finds that she is entirely too entertaining to tease. Now, they are stuck in a cut-throat competition to see who can land the better match by the end of the season.
There are no rules in their secret game–a fact that Wesley overlooked when proposing the idea. Now his plan to pursue the daughter of a duke is quickly crumbling before his very eyes…and not just because of Miss Carrow’s meddling. Miss Carrow herself begins to prove to be an unwanted and unplanned distraction.
Will either opponent succeed? Or will they stumble upon something deeper as they spend more and more time in each other’s company?
An Improper Agreement is a dual pov, closed-door/clean, regency romance
Clara has been missing from the London marriage mart for six years and is reluctant to return. That feeling only grows when she happens to meet Lord Eaton–a rather arrogant, proud Earl who vexes her from the moment they first meet. Not wanting to allow herself to be put down by a pompous, self-righteous man, she agrees to the silly game he proposes. The first to make the better match by the end of the season…wins.
Wesley had not intended to meet Miss Carrow in the hedge maze in the dark of night–but that is precisely what happened. He can’t help but get a rise out of her when he finds that she is entirely too entertaining to tease. Now, they are stuck in a cut-throat competition to see who can land the better match by the end of the season.
There are no rules in their secret game–a fact that Wesley overlooked when proposing the idea. Now his plan to pursue the daughter of a duke is quickly crumbling before his very eyes…and not just because of Miss Carrow’s meddling. Miss Carrow herself begins to prove to be an unwanted and unplanned distraction.
Will either opponent succeed? Or will they stumble upon something deeper as they spend more and more time in each other’s company?
An Improper Agreement is a dual pov, closed-door/clean, regency romance
237 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 479 reviews
January 25, 2024
Why didn't I love it? So many great reviews and this plot is right up my alley. Spunky heroine and a hero who was raised to marry well and is a bit of a snob. I don't know why it just did not work for me. A bit of humor here and there was not enough to carry the story. The side characters of the duke and his sister could have added more but they just fizzled.
August 23, 2023
There are few as tenderly hopeful as a true Enemies to Love trope enthusiast when a story claims to have adversaries/rivals falling in love. We’ve been burned before by misnomers and flimsy animosity. Rejoice E2L fans, this one delivers!
And I mean, we’re talking carriage rides and ballrooms here, no high stakes or blood-thirsty feuding, and still, I was all-in with the wager premise, and Clara and Wesley had me gripped with their adversarial shenanigans from the start. The antics, the ploying and foiling, the shooting-daggers glances and the barely restrained grinning. But, most of all, the unwritten law of romance is fulfilled: the snobby jerkface must fall first, and hard, and by the end find himself laid prostrate confessing himself to be an unmitigated fool. Our ambitious elitist goes from misguided priorities and emotional constipation to a veritable face-plant of adoration and devotion, and it is so good to behold.
Lord Eaton will not settle for less than a duke’s daughter for a wife, but finds himself in a teasing wager with the halfway-to-the-shelf lowly baron’s daughter he challenged to win the objects of their ambition. Grossly underestimating her ruthlessness and her ability for seeing into his unloved-little-boy soul. Besides some good animosity, I love me some grovel that was preceded by generous internal conflict and against-my-better-judgment descent into love-adled conflicted madness with a savage set-down to match, so, thank you, Ms. Wells. That third act bump was just perfection, everything comes full circle so well. Did I mention he’s such a penitent goner? This is just such absolute, swoony fun and a must-read if you love that E2L tension!
Immediately jumping on to Archie’s comeuppance *rubs hands*
Content notes: kissing only, mention of toxic parents, mention of parent-loss grief.
And I mean, we’re talking carriage rides and ballrooms here, no high stakes or blood-thirsty feuding, and still, I was all-in with the wager premise, and Clara and Wesley had me gripped with their adversarial shenanigans from the start. The antics, the ploying and foiling, the shooting-daggers glances and the barely restrained grinning. But, most of all, the unwritten law of romance is fulfilled: the snobby jerkface must fall first, and hard, and by the end find himself laid prostrate confessing himself to be an unmitigated fool. Our ambitious elitist goes from misguided priorities and emotional constipation to a veritable face-plant of adoration and devotion, and it is so good to behold.
Lord Eaton will not settle for less than a duke’s daughter for a wife, but finds himself in a teasing wager with the halfway-to-the-shelf lowly baron’s daughter he challenged to win the objects of their ambition. Grossly underestimating her ruthlessness and her ability for seeing into his unloved-little-boy soul. Besides some good animosity, I love me some grovel that was preceded by generous internal conflict and against-my-better-judgment descent into love-adled conflicted madness with a savage set-down to match, so, thank you, Ms. Wells. That third act bump was just perfection, everything comes full circle so well. Did I mention he’s such a penitent goner? This is just such absolute, swoony fun and a must-read if you love that E2L tension!
Immediately jumping on to Archie’s comeuppance *rubs hands*
Content notes: kissing only, mention of toxic parents, mention of parent-loss grief.
April 13, 2026
There are two heroes in this book. Let’s call them Wesley I, aka pre-kiss Wesley (until about 85%), and Wesley II, aka after-kiss Wesley (from 85% to the end).
The first one wants to marry a duke’s sister because marriages are for position and money. He also thinks Clara is beneath him and insults her multiple times. He even tells her that she’s distracting him from his matrimonial plans. In fact, she distracts him so much that he kisses her in a moment of weakness. And they get caught. And that’s how we meet the second guy, because apparently kisses have the power to alter your personality. (And we thought the only risk was mouth herpes. Stay safe out there, people!)
The after-kiss guy is in love and excited about marrying Clara. No trace of the pre-kiss guy.
Jokes aside, not only did I have to endure a hero actively pursuing an OW for most of the book because the heroine was “unsuitable” (I shouldn’t have read this and watched the new season of Bridgerton at the same time, because the comparison makes Wesley look even worse), but I also had to watch him undergo a total brain transplant that made very little sense.
I would skip this and read book four instead.
The first one wants to marry a duke’s sister because marriages are for position and money. He also thinks Clara is beneath him and insults her multiple times. He even tells her that she’s distracting him from his matrimonial plans. In fact, she distracts him so much that he kisses her in a moment of weakness. And they get caught. And that’s how we meet the second guy, because apparently kisses have the power to alter your personality. (And we thought the only risk was mouth herpes. Stay safe out there, people!)
The after-kiss guy is in love and excited about marrying Clara. No trace of the pre-kiss guy.
Jokes aside, not only did I have to endure a hero actively pursuing an OW for most of the book because the heroine was “unsuitable” (I shouldn’t have read this and watched the new season of Bridgerton at the same time, because the comparison makes Wesley look even worse), but I also had to watch him undergo a total brain transplant that made very little sense.
I would skip this and read book four instead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2022
This is an absolutely charming story, one told with heart. Delightful, sweet, clean romance. This was my first book by this author, but it will not be my last.
Wesley needs to marry a woman with a tile, and Clara is looking for a suitor. After they accidental-meet-cute. (a kiss), Wesley realizes his mistake - then proceeds to insult Clara that she is beneath him because she is not tiled - leading to a competition for who will win the best match at the end of the season. Do you like chess-like games? then you'll like this story.
“Her brown eyes flicked to him, and his stomach flipped again. He really should see a doctor. Clearly, something was amiss with his stomach habits.”
Enemies to lovers, witty banter, dual perspective, funny and tender moments, chemistry tension done right. satisfying ending- Swoony-Worthy -Fest!
This story was a delightful read, and I loved the romance that develops between Clara and Wesley. It was a bit different since they couldn’t stop teasing, plotting against each other, or doubting the other's intentions, but eventually, they started to really come together, and I enjoyed the bickering banter between them. Very amusing to the reader, and keeps you interested in the story.
You’ll want to pick this up! Not only is the plot SO MUCH FUN, but the writing is simple and effective, and easy to read. Highly Recommended!
Wesley needs to marry a woman with a tile, and Clara is looking for a suitor. After they accidental-meet-cute. (a kiss), Wesley realizes his mistake - then proceeds to insult Clara that she is beneath him because she is not tiled - leading to a competition for who will win the best match at the end of the season. Do you like chess-like games? then you'll like this story.
“Her brown eyes flicked to him, and his stomach flipped again. He really should see a doctor. Clearly, something was amiss with his stomach habits.”
Enemies to lovers, witty banter, dual perspective, funny and tender moments, chemistry tension done right. satisfying ending- Swoony-Worthy -Fest!
This story was a delightful read, and I loved the romance that develops between Clara and Wesley. It was a bit different since they couldn’t stop teasing, plotting against each other, or doubting the other's intentions, but eventually, they started to really come together, and I enjoyed the bickering banter between them. Very amusing to the reader, and keeps you interested in the story.
You’ll want to pick this up! Not only is the plot SO MUCH FUN, but the writing is simple and effective, and easy to read. Highly Recommended!
January 25, 2024
LOVED THIS.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
This is the first book by Audra Wells I have read and it won’t be my last. I thought this was an absolute gem of a read and had such a great time with it. It had this very slight modern tone to it and a bit of a rom-com vibe in the midst of a regency romance and I was all over how well it was written.
Wesley and Clara had my attention from the beginning. I loved the banter and the predicament they put themselves into. There were balls and forced proximity and carriage rides and all the things I love seeing that shows the development in a relationship I crave. Some of those moments in the second half had me SWOONING. And wow do I love a great kissing scene too.
I had a hard time putting this one down and thought it was beautifully paced and had the right level of drama and pull that kept me coming back for more. Can’t wait to read more books in this series!
Overall audience notes:
- Regency Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: brief mentions of past child abuse, loss of a mother, recounted
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
This is the first book by Audra Wells I have read and it won’t be my last. I thought this was an absolute gem of a read and had such a great time with it. It had this very slight modern tone to it and a bit of a rom-com vibe in the midst of a regency romance and I was all over how well it was written.
Wesley and Clara had my attention from the beginning. I loved the banter and the predicament they put themselves into. There were balls and forced proximity and carriage rides and all the things I love seeing that shows the development in a relationship I crave. Some of those moments in the second half had me SWOONING. And wow do I love a great kissing scene too.
I had a hard time putting this one down and thought it was beautifully paced and had the right level of drama and pull that kept me coming back for more. Can’t wait to read more books in this series!
Overall audience notes:
- Regency Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Trigger/Content Warnings: brief mentions of past child abuse, loss of a mother, recounted
May 11, 2024
I had read this before it came out but my Goodreads stuff got deleted. However, this book is phenomenal!!! I absolutely loved it! Fantastic enemies to lovers story. That opening chapter was so good and unexpected. I also loved the chemistry between the two main characters. I definitely recommend!
December 13, 2022
Hmmm. Enjoyable until the repetition became unbearable. The basis for the story and the characters are one of my favorites. Kind young woman of lower social class falls in love to her great chagrin with a man who feels she is beneath him. But he still falls for her despite himself. The banter started out enjoyably but again, with much repetition, it became tedious. There is very little plot so the reliance on their pseudo conflict felt heavy.
October 26, 2022
DNF @ 50%. Ah yes, the old "he's a total unfeeling asshole but it's okay because his daddy was mean" treatment. Both the leads were idiots, but the hero was a dick, through and through. I don't care how this resolves, I couldn't take it anymore. This man needs therapy, not a wife.
Two stars because I feel guilty one-starring this.
Two stars because I feel guilty one-starring this.
June 23, 2024
...It was more than worth it. I would have endured more, if I had known the joy that waited on the other end of it all. But, in the midst of change, sometimes it's hard to see past what you know."
This book was sooooo much more than I ever thought it could be, and I put off reading it way too long. 🥰
I started laughing within a couple pages, and laughed so hard throughout the whole book. 😂 And those characters...I don't think I've ever fallen in love with characters so much. 🩷
I loved how clean it was but it still had all the feels with the romance, and so much believing in each other and pushing for what's right - with love, future decisions, and personal struggles. 🩷
This book was sooooo much more than I ever thought it could be, and I put off reading it way too long. 🥰
I started laughing within a couple pages, and laughed so hard throughout the whole book. 😂 And those characters...I don't think I've ever fallen in love with characters so much. 🩷
I loved how clean it was but it still had all the feels with the romance, and so much believing in each other and pushing for what's right - with love, future decisions, and personal struggles. 🩷
August 15, 2025
Cute! A pleasant listen. My first from the author & I will read more from her!
June 14, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)
Clara is at risk of becoming a spinster but is determined to land a Duke as her husband. When Wesley Eaton crosses her path in the most scandalous of ways, Clara enters into a bit of competition with him. The winner will be the first one to get engaged! Soon enough Clara realizes that Wesley is actually the one her heart desires, even though he would never marry someone like her. Can she help him change his beliefs about status and love?
Well, looks like it's time for another one of my unpopular opinions. This started off so promising. I loved the way Wesley and Clara met. I loved the forced proximity. I loved the idea of the competition. Unfortunately, their agreement fizzled out quickly as Clara hardly spent time with the Duke before deciding she really liked Wesley. And Lady Jessica, the object of Wesley's desire, had a total change of character that came out of nowhere. While these things frustrated me a bit, it was the ending that solidified this 3 star rating. The way that Wesley and Clara were finally brought together made me want to throw my Kindle. I can't say much more without spoiling it, unfortunately. I'm glad this series has worked for others, but I was left a bit disappointed.
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)
Clara is at risk of becoming a spinster but is determined to land a Duke as her husband. When Wesley Eaton crosses her path in the most scandalous of ways, Clara enters into a bit of competition with him. The winner will be the first one to get engaged! Soon enough Clara realizes that Wesley is actually the one her heart desires, even though he would never marry someone like her. Can she help him change his beliefs about status and love?
Well, looks like it's time for another one of my unpopular opinions. This started off so promising. I loved the way Wesley and Clara met. I loved the forced proximity. I loved the idea of the competition. Unfortunately, their agreement fizzled out quickly as Clara hardly spent time with the Duke before deciding she really liked Wesley. And Lady Jessica, the object of Wesley's desire, had a total change of character that came out of nowhere. While these things frustrated me a bit, it was the ending that solidified this 3 star rating. The way that Wesley and Clara were finally brought together made me want to throw my Kindle. I can't say much more without spoiling it, unfortunately. I'm glad this series has worked for others, but I was left a bit disappointed.
October 5, 2022
Oh, my word, this regency enemies to lovers is so adorably fun and witty!
Wesley and Clara have one of the most memorable and hilarious meet-cutes ever. Sparks fly, challenges are accepted and the competition begins. The growing tension and flirty banter are so on.point. I loved every interaction between them - the first dance, the chess game - I loved it all!!! And let's not forget that first kiss! I think my heart melted into a puddle.
I easily binge-read this in one sitting - the story flowed easily and I was completely hooked on the plot and characters. This was my first book by this author but it absolutely will not be my last. This is one you need to pick up, my friends!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review is not required.
Wesley and Clara have one of the most memorable and hilarious meet-cutes ever. Sparks fly, challenges are accepted and the competition begins. The growing tension and flirty banter are so on.point. I loved every interaction between them - the first dance, the chess game - I loved it all!!! And let's not forget that first kiss! I think my heart melted into a puddle.
I easily binge-read this in one sitting - the story flowed easily and I was completely hooked on the plot and characters. This was my first book by this author but it absolutely will not be my last. This is one you need to pick up, my friends!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review is not required.
September 1, 2023
Oh. My. Swoooooooon
Hello, Chapter 20!!!
This was my first Audra Wells book, and excuse me while I keep this review short. I'm off to go checkout the rest of her books. 😆😍 Clara and Wesley have an unexpected "introduction," follpwed by a competition that they both fail terribly - and well, marvelously. Excellent enemies to lovers while keeping it clean but not st all lacking in the swoon.
Hello, Chapter 20!!!
This was my first Audra Wells book, and excuse me while I keep this review short. I'm off to go checkout the rest of her books. 😆😍 Clara and Wesley have an unexpected "introduction," follpwed by a competition that they both fail terribly - and well, marvelously. Excellent enemies to lovers while keeping it clean but not st all lacking in the swoon.
December 5, 2024
This is "enemies to lovers" done well. I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between the two main characters. Clean and fun.
My biggest complaint is with the male lead, whose angsty back story and emotionally fraught journey felt excessive. It was so stupid and in his own head that the eventual solution just felt flat.
But I'll definitely be back for the sequel.
My biggest complaint is with the male lead, whose angsty back story and emotionally fraught journey felt excessive. It was so stupid and in his own head that the eventual solution just felt flat.
But I'll definitely be back for the sequel.
June 11, 2025
"He could kiss her forever and it would still not be enough."
An Improper Agreement by Audra Wells
I am absolutely in love with Audra Wells' writing and books. This was my third I have read by her and I'm smitten, just like Wesley becomes smitten with Clara. Except his is more gradual.
Anyways, that opening scene is OMG! Poor Clara!
I loved all of the moments that they end up in each other's company to discuss their arrangement, which happens to be a lot.
Then the scene when they play the poem game at game night, had me laughing so hard! Like tearsfallingdownmyface hard!
Their second kiss was literal fire!
I had so many favorite parts. One of my most favorite parts was when the boy gets helped. I won't give specifics, but that scene really endeared one of the characters to me.
I loved the narrators they got for this book. Highly recommend the audio!
If you are looking for a Regency romance that will have you laughing out loud, swooning, feeling terrible for a character, and wondering if they might get their happily ever after, then this one is perfect for you!I seriously loved it so much, I listened to it again soon after the first time.
Favorite Parts:
Meet cute
Carriage ride
Contest
Helping the boy
Gardening
Compassion
Healing from brokenness
Fans and poems
His love confession
The ending
Content Guide:
Language: none
Sexual Content: nonconsensual kiss, passionate kisses (somewhat descriptive), infidelity (mentioned very briefly about a MC’s parent and happened in the past)
Violence/gore: none
Substance Use: none
Prejudices: Mild Classism-comments made in past and present
Religious Content: none
Other: loveless marriage (past), emotional abuse
Book Info:
Series: Improper book 1
Genre: Regency Rom-com
Romance Level: Closed-door
Release Date: Available now-Hoopla, Audible, Other audiobook platforms
Audio Publisher: Podium Entertainment
Narrators: Elizabeth Knowleden and Benjamin Crow
POV: dual
An Improper Agreement by Audra Wells
I am absolutely in love with Audra Wells' writing and books. This was my third I have read by her and I'm smitten, just like Wesley becomes smitten with Clara. Except his is more gradual.
Anyways, that opening scene is OMG! Poor Clara!
I loved all of the moments that they end up in each other's company to discuss their arrangement, which happens to be a lot.
Then the scene when they play the poem game at game night, had me laughing so hard! Like tearsfallingdownmyface hard!
Their second kiss was literal fire!
I had so many favorite parts. One of my most favorite parts was when the boy gets helped. I won't give specifics, but that scene really endeared one of the characters to me.
I loved the narrators they got for this book. Highly recommend the audio!
If you are looking for a Regency romance that will have you laughing out loud, swooning, feeling terrible for a character, and wondering if they might get their happily ever after, then this one is perfect for you!I seriously loved it so much, I listened to it again soon after the first time.
Favorite Parts:
Meet cute
Carriage ride
Contest
Helping the boy
Gardening
Compassion
Healing from brokenness
Fans and poems
His love confession
The ending
Content Guide:
Language: none
Sexual Content: nonconsensual kiss, passionate kisses (somewhat descriptive), infidelity (mentioned very briefly about a MC’s parent and happened in the past)
Violence/gore: none
Substance Use: none
Prejudices: Mild Classism-comments made in past and present
Religious Content: none
Other: loveless marriage (past), emotional abuse
Book Info:
Series: Improper book 1
Genre: Regency Rom-com
Romance Level: Closed-door
Release Date: Available now-Hoopla, Audible, Other audiobook platforms
Audio Publisher: Podium Entertainment
Narrators: Elizabeth Knowleden and Benjamin Crow
POV: dual
December 5, 2025
An Improper Agreement by Audra Wells is a charming, clean Regency romance about Clara Carrow, a young woman who has avoided the London marriage mart for six long years, and Lord Wesley Eaton, a proud, aristocratic gentleman whose plans for a perfect match are thrown off when the two of them collide in a mischievous hedge maze and agree to a competition: whoever secures the better engagement by the end of the social season “wins,” a wager that leads to witty clashes, compelling banter and far more emotional entanglement than either expected. The story is told in dual perspectives and keeps its focus squarely on character evolution and slow‑building affection amid balls, carriage rides and whispered conversations in Regency London.
When I read this, I was delighted by how playfully competitive Clara and Wesley’s relationship begins: what could have been merely a social game becomes a subtle journey into understanding each other’s ambitions, vulnerabilities and deeper hopes for companionship. Clara’s sharp mind and witty retorts made her feel delightfully modern in her responses, and Wesley’s initial hauteur softened in ways that felt sincere and beautifully earned as he spent more time in her company, challenged by both her spirit and his own hidden longings.
I especially loved how the Regency setting was woven gently through the narrative, giving ballrooms and promenades a sense of sparkling possibility without overwhelming the emotional core of the story. The historical manners occasionally bend for the sake of humor or accessibility, but for me that only added to the charm and made the characters feel vibrantly alive even within their proper era.
I’m giving An Improper Agreement 4 out of 5 stars because it truly captured the delightful tension of enemies becoming more, the thrill of an unexpected match in a season of hearts, and left me with a warm, contented smile long after the final page.
When I read this, I was delighted by how playfully competitive Clara and Wesley’s relationship begins: what could have been merely a social game becomes a subtle journey into understanding each other’s ambitions, vulnerabilities and deeper hopes for companionship. Clara’s sharp mind and witty retorts made her feel delightfully modern in her responses, and Wesley’s initial hauteur softened in ways that felt sincere and beautifully earned as he spent more time in her company, challenged by both her spirit and his own hidden longings.
I especially loved how the Regency setting was woven gently through the narrative, giving ballrooms and promenades a sense of sparkling possibility without overwhelming the emotional core of the story. The historical manners occasionally bend for the sake of humor or accessibility, but for me that only added to the charm and made the characters feel vibrantly alive even within their proper era.
I’m giving An Improper Agreement 4 out of 5 stars because it truly captured the delightful tension of enemies becoming more, the thrill of an unexpected match in a season of hearts, and left me with a warm, contented smile long after the final page.
January 4, 2023
It’s not very often I can finish a book in one day, but I couldn’t put this down. I absolutely loved it!!
Clara is looking for a suitor, but not the one her aunt has picked out for her. Trying to escape from said suitor at a ball, Clara hides in the hedge maze not expecting to meet proud and insulting Lord Eaton.
Wesley has been brought up knowing his duty. He needs to marry a woman with a title and wealth. Love is just not in the cards for him. He has it all planned out, but a chance meeting in a garden with Clara will throw his plan up in the air!
“What if Clara’s presence in his life had altered it completely and it could never go back to the way it was before?”
I loved the hedge maze meet-cute. These two really start off disliking each other. They form a secret wager that has them in competition with one another. I just loved how they teased and tried to sabotage each other. I laughed out loud so many times!
The most stubborn MMC award goes to Wesley! He comes off very arrogant and selfish in the beginning but I loved slowing seeing his true side. He’s really a kind, caring man but he hides behind his “flippant” attitude. I definitely wanted to shake him a few times.
“He felt that his very soul was being pulled in two different directions and if he didn’t choose one path or the other very soon, then he would never be whole again.”
This was truly a charming book. The witty banter and funny moments make this enemies to lovers story just delightful. The romance has the perfect amount of angst to make you feel all the emotions.
This book was easy to read and just plain fun. I highly recommend it. This was my first book by Audra Wells, and I will definitely be reading more!
This is a clean romance.
Clara is looking for a suitor, but not the one her aunt has picked out for her. Trying to escape from said suitor at a ball, Clara hides in the hedge maze not expecting to meet proud and insulting Lord Eaton.
Wesley has been brought up knowing his duty. He needs to marry a woman with a title and wealth. Love is just not in the cards for him. He has it all planned out, but a chance meeting in a garden with Clara will throw his plan up in the air!
“What if Clara’s presence in his life had altered it completely and it could never go back to the way it was before?”
I loved the hedge maze meet-cute. These two really start off disliking each other. They form a secret wager that has them in competition with one another. I just loved how they teased and tried to sabotage each other. I laughed out loud so many times!
The most stubborn MMC award goes to Wesley! He comes off very arrogant and selfish in the beginning but I loved slowing seeing his true side. He’s really a kind, caring man but he hides behind his “flippant” attitude. I definitely wanted to shake him a few times.
“He felt that his very soul was being pulled in two different directions and if he didn’t choose one path or the other very soon, then he would never be whole again.”
This was truly a charming book. The witty banter and funny moments make this enemies to lovers story just delightful. The romance has the perfect amount of angst to make you feel all the emotions.
This book was easy to read and just plain fun. I highly recommend it. This was my first book by Audra Wells, and I will definitely be reading more!
This is a clean romance.
September 23, 2023
I thought this had a fun storyline. I thought their meet cute was funny and enjoyed how their relationship progressed.
Content Rated G
Mild romance, no language or violence
Content Rated G
Mild romance, no language or violence
April 19, 2025
I can’t believe I waited so long to read this gem! What a ride from the very start! The meet cute/hate, the banter, the tension, the teasing and insider games, the slow fall, and the level of heart made for an absolutely delightful story. I cannot wait to read more of this series! I also thoroughly enjoyed the narration of the audiobook!
TW: (Past) Loss of Parent & Unhealthy Parental Relationships
TW: (Past) Loss of Parent & Unhealthy Parental Relationships
January 27, 2024
I really enjoyed the plot for this one! The whole idea of who can make the better match, was super fun. They took some of their competition a little far, but I enjoyed it. And I am excited to read the rest of the series!
April 16, 2023
This book would be more enjoyable if I didn’t keep bumping into basic mistakes of the meanings of words and phrases. Ms Wells prefers a made up awkward word “familiarness” for the word familiarity. Our heroine Clara Carrow finds an old gouge in a “spoke” of the staircase when she means a “baluster” ie. the straight vertical sticks supporting the handrail ; a “spoke” is part of a wheel, not a staircase!
She uses “invoke” when she means cause; invoke means to appeal to something, a law or religious rule, for support for some goal rather than to cause something to happen. She invents “rackled” but the word she hoped to find was “rankled”, since Lord Wood’s sharp teasing words rankled Lord Eaton.
Then Clara feared she could have “lost her faculties” by which Audra Wells means vomiting! Losing one’s faculties means losing one’s mind not the contents of one’s stomach! I think our author meant to say “casting up one’s accounts”!
Lord Eaton, our hero Wesley, has the unusual talent for his eyebrow to “twinge” as he gazed questioningly at Clara! Perhaps she meant to write “raised an eyebrow”? After all twinge means feeling a slight pain literally or metaphorically, not elevating an eyebrow.
Lady Jessica comments that her modiste is a “he”! Modiste is a feminine word from French that refers only to a female dressmaker. And historically, men were not employed to make dresses for females. The man who made clothing would be a tailor not a modiste.
A door knocker is not “superb” to other knockers, it is superior to others. A butler walking as “slow as molasses”? NOT a British expression; purely American! The Brits call this food treacle and there isn’t any British expression “as slow as treacle”. Curiosity is piqued not peaked.
Are frequent language faux pas the only problem? Alas, no. Aside from Audra Wells needing to buff up her language skills, there are dire problems with her knowledge and portrayal of Regency people of all classes, her undynamic plotting, wooden dialogues, and unsympathetic inconsistently described characters.
When Clara confronts Lord Eaton with his utter coldness toward her FRIEND, his intended bride Lady Jessica, an obvious reaction of any friend would be sympathy and anguish for the poor girl being courted with purely mercenary and social climbing goals. Instead, Clara focuses entirely on pitying poor Wesley!
This book is very hard to stomach. It has no redeeming features.
She uses “invoke” when she means cause; invoke means to appeal to something, a law or religious rule, for support for some goal rather than to cause something to happen. She invents “rackled” but the word she hoped to find was “rankled”, since Lord Wood’s sharp teasing words rankled Lord Eaton.
Then Clara feared she could have “lost her faculties” by which Audra Wells means vomiting! Losing one’s faculties means losing one’s mind not the contents of one’s stomach! I think our author meant to say “casting up one’s accounts”!
Lord Eaton, our hero Wesley, has the unusual talent for his eyebrow to “twinge” as he gazed questioningly at Clara! Perhaps she meant to write “raised an eyebrow”? After all twinge means feeling a slight pain literally or metaphorically, not elevating an eyebrow.
Lady Jessica comments that her modiste is a “he”! Modiste is a feminine word from French that refers only to a female dressmaker. And historically, men were not employed to make dresses for females. The man who made clothing would be a tailor not a modiste.
A door knocker is not “superb” to other knockers, it is superior to others. A butler walking as “slow as molasses”? NOT a British expression; purely American! The Brits call this food treacle and there isn’t any British expression “as slow as treacle”. Curiosity is piqued not peaked.
Are frequent language faux pas the only problem? Alas, no. Aside from Audra Wells needing to buff up her language skills, there are dire problems with her knowledge and portrayal of Regency people of all classes, her undynamic plotting, wooden dialogues, and unsympathetic inconsistently described characters.
When Clara confronts Lord Eaton with his utter coldness toward her FRIEND, his intended bride Lady Jessica, an obvious reaction of any friend would be sympathy and anguish for the poor girl being courted with purely mercenary and social climbing goals. Instead, Clara focuses entirely on pitying poor Wesley!
This book is very hard to stomach. It has no redeeming features.
December 9, 2023
3,5 stars, rounded down for few issues.
There were grammatical errors that kept taking me out of the story.
The story started to drag (I really enjoyed the first 60/70%, but after that it felt like the story was going in circles).
In order to prop up the FMC the OW was dragged down, unnecessarily IMO. I liked her before the 50% mark and thought she was refreshing. I would've loved a stand-alone book with her as the FMC.
The Duke too seemed to be made purposefully dull in order to prop up the MMC. Again, I actually felt there was more beneath the exterior, but by the 2nd half it was clear the author didn't mean for that to exist. It was just my overactive imagination seeing things and possibilities for a stand-alone book.
The way MMC's situation was handled felt like a cop out. Definitely went for the easy way out, instead of having the MMC confront his beliefs. And then all of a sudden it was no longer an issue.
Oh, and the epilogue should have been the final chapter (as in chapter *insert number). The previous chapters were leading up to that moment and there wasn't some big time jump, so it didn't make sense to wrap it up in an epilogue. I didn't feel like the content of the epilogue was so disconnected from the rest as to warrant an epilogue.
Aside from these points I did enjoy it for the most part. There were funny moments. The two characters that'll have their own books didn't take up too much page count. I am more interested in Archie, but that's because the other one too had to suffer from "can't look better than the MMC"(since he was a temporary love interest for the FMC).
There were grammatical errors that kept taking me out of the story.
The story started to drag (I really enjoyed the first 60/70%, but after that it felt like the story was going in circles).
In order to prop up the FMC the OW was dragged down, unnecessarily IMO. I liked her before the 50% mark and thought she was refreshing. I would've loved a stand-alone book with her as the FMC.
The Duke too seemed to be made purposefully dull in order to prop up the MMC. Again, I actually felt there was more beneath the exterior, but by the 2nd half it was clear the author didn't mean for that to exist. It was just my overactive imagination seeing things and possibilities for a stand-alone book.
The way MMC's situation was handled felt like a cop out. Definitely went for the easy way out, instead of having the MMC confront his beliefs. And then all of a sudden it was no longer an issue.
Oh, and the epilogue should have been the final chapter (as in chapter *insert number). The previous chapters were leading up to that moment and there wasn't some big time jump, so it didn't make sense to wrap it up in an epilogue. I didn't feel like the content of the epilogue was so disconnected from the rest as to warrant an epilogue.
Aside from these points I did enjoy it for the most part. There were funny moments. The two characters that'll have their own books didn't take up too much page count. I am more interested in Archie, but that's because the other one too had to suffer from "can't look better than the MMC"(since he was a temporary love interest for the FMC).
January 15, 2023
“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩? 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩?…𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦? 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭? 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦? 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦.”
If Audra Wells isn’t on your radar, I’m here to tell you to put her on it…now. Seriously, I want to hype up this book all over bookstagram!! An Improper Agreement is enemies to lovers at its finest. The banter, the wit, the angst, the longing and pining, the secret glances, the confused feelings of “hate” that are really love, stolen kisses…it’s all wrapped up in this delicious story.
This was such a bingeable read and I pretty much devoured it in one sitting. The power struggle between Clara and Wesley absolutely slayed me, but we all know who really held the power despite her lower standing. 😏 It was so much fun to see Wesley struggle with his feelings…ugh the sweet agony!! The teasing and the barbs between these two added a layer of humor that was absolutely perfect for this story. I cannot wait for Archie and Bridget in An Improper Gentleman.
If Audra Wells isn’t on your radar, I’m here to tell you to put her on it…now. Seriously, I want to hype up this book all over bookstagram!! An Improper Agreement is enemies to lovers at its finest. The banter, the wit, the angst, the longing and pining, the secret glances, the confused feelings of “hate” that are really love, stolen kisses…it’s all wrapped up in this delicious story.
This was such a bingeable read and I pretty much devoured it in one sitting. The power struggle between Clara and Wesley absolutely slayed me, but we all know who really held the power despite her lower standing. 😏 It was so much fun to see Wesley struggle with his feelings…ugh the sweet agony!! The teasing and the barbs between these two added a layer of humor that was absolutely perfect for this story. I cannot wait for Archie and Bridget in An Improper Gentleman.
May 6, 2023
Wow! Just, wow! I had heard Audra’s books were good and had seen so many positive reviews, I knew I needed to read it. And I’m so glad I did.
It was amazingly delightful and different and refreshing. Not your typical regency romance with witty banter, competitions, and situations that were perfect for the story. I loved everything about it and it’s going on my favorites list.
It was amazingly delightful and different and refreshing. Not your typical regency romance with witty banter, competitions, and situations that were perfect for the story. I loved everything about it and it’s going on my favorites list.
February 11, 2026
Audiobook. There is no over the top drama, just a good read that hits the spot. This is a clean read, so for all you gals looking for a little steam this book is not it.
January 22, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
I’ve come to the conclusion that regency rom-coms are my new favourite reading sweet spot! The hilarity mixed with the decorum just hits so perfectly.
Clara and Wesley were too sweet. She dreams of a love like her parents. He’s never experienced being loved for who he is.
Their rivals to lovers romance evolves in the form of a competition, which leas to much laughter but also revealed some nastiness from a certain Lady Jessica. 👀 Clara’s dad is also a sweetheart.
Can’t wait to read more from Wells!
I’ve come to the conclusion that regency rom-coms are my new favourite reading sweet spot! The hilarity mixed with the decorum just hits so perfectly.
Clara and Wesley were too sweet. She dreams of a love like her parents. He’s never experienced being loved for who he is.
Their rivals to lovers romance evolves in the form of a competition, which leas to much laughter but also revealed some nastiness from a certain Lady Jessica. 👀 Clara’s dad is also a sweetheart.
Can’t wait to read more from Wells!
November 25, 2023
P&P vibes so love love love. High praises for the writing some really good story telling. Feels like I bet u think about me meets you’re in love. Bc we love a happy ended <3
April 19, 2025
Swoooonyyy.
This was a short, sweet read. I finished it in a day and feel completely in love with the premise, the characters, ALL of it!!!
I will definitely be getting the entire series… I’m dying to dive into the rest of the characters’ romances 🤭🤭🤭
This was a short, sweet read. I finished it in a day and feel completely in love with the premise, the characters, ALL of it!!!
I will definitely be getting the entire series… I’m dying to dive into the rest of the characters’ romances 🤭🤭🤭
October 6, 2022
“What would my father say?” He had not taken his eyes off Clara for even a moment as he and Archie spoke.
“Your father is not here, Wesley. The only person getting in your way is yourself.”
I love Regency romance novels. I love it when the story has a conflictual man like the Fitzwilliam Darcy of Jane Austen. I love it when a couple has a difficult start.
Lord Eaton was raised in a home where he didn’t receive love. He wanted to not disappoint his deceased father in at least one thing: choosing his bride. The bride needs a title and a large dowry.
Clara is the mere daughter of a baron, whom Lord Eaton kissed by mistake. He believed she was the woman he should pursue. Will Lord Eaton overcome the obstacles he set out for himself?
They enter into an improper agreement. The winner will get engaged first to one of the Boroux siblings. This game was quite entertaining, and I loved how the story enfolded.
I didn’t like the fact that there are many breaches of the rules followed in the Regency era: the servants who take improper actions when someone else is in the room, the use of the first names in public places and by many characters, the compromising situations Lord Eaton puts Clara in, etc. They took me out of the story.
I will definitely read what this author provides us in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“Your father is not here, Wesley. The only person getting in your way is yourself.”
I love Regency romance novels. I love it when the story has a conflictual man like the Fitzwilliam Darcy of Jane Austen. I love it when a couple has a difficult start.
Lord Eaton was raised in a home where he didn’t receive love. He wanted to not disappoint his deceased father in at least one thing: choosing his bride. The bride needs a title and a large dowry.
Clara is the mere daughter of a baron, whom Lord Eaton kissed by mistake. He believed she was the woman he should pursue. Will Lord Eaton overcome the obstacles he set out for himself?
They enter into an improper agreement. The winner will get engaged first to one of the Boroux siblings. This game was quite entertaining, and I loved how the story enfolded.
I didn’t like the fact that there are many breaches of the rules followed in the Regency era: the servants who take improper actions when someone else is in the room, the use of the first names in public places and by many characters, the compromising situations Lord Eaton puts Clara in, etc. They took me out of the story.
I will definitely read what this author provides us in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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