Mr. Sinclair Beguiles a Bluestocking

Windermeres in Love #1

by Sofie Darling

It Was Only a Kiss...

Violet Hotchkiss is head over heels in love with Oliver Quincy, the embodiment of the perfect English gentleman in every novel she’s ever read. So why is she kissing Will Sinclair in the garden at the Twelfth Night ball?

That Led to a Night...

Violet always found Will to be too much—too tall, too handsome…too far out of reach for a bespectacled spinster to dream about. But one taste of Will releases something wild in Violet, something that will never be satisfied with just a kiss…

That Changed Everything...

Will always had a crush on smart, spirited Violet. But the bold woman who takes what she wants, and isn’t afraid to ask for more, is a revelation. Now he just has to convince Violet to take the bravest step of all—letting him love her.

***Please Note: This novella was previously published as It Was Only A Kiss.

Genres: Novella, Romance, Historical, Historical Romance

130 pages, ebook

First published July 28, 2020

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Sofie Darling’s passion for historical romance began in middle school the moment she cracked open Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. An instant and enduring love affair was born.

Sofie spent much of her twenties raising two boys and reading every romance she could get her hands on. Once she realized she simply must write the books she loved, she finished her English degree and set pencil to paper. (Ticonderoga #2 is her quill of choice.)

When she’s not writing heroes who make her swoon, Sofie enjoys a nice weekend hike, a visit to a crumbling medieval castle whenever she gets the chance, and a slightly codependent relationship with her beagle, Bosco.

You can keep up with her latest and future releases by joining her newsletter here:

https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐
3 stars.



➕ What I liked :


Bespectacled heroine.

Bluestocking heroine.


Good/sweet and very patient hero.


Not a naive heroine… but a curious heroine.


A heroine that has a circulating library for children.

Somewhat interesting beginning of the story.





➖ What I disliked:

A little too much focus on how very handsome the hero was.


How the heroine treated the hero….. she ignored and dismissed him in many parts of the book...but also used him.
She did grovel some at the end of the book… but it did not entirely make up for her rude/dismissive behavior.


How insecure the heroine was about being a “mouse” and bespectacled… it was too much with the almost crippling self-esteem issues.
And that paired with how she was so bold/confident in other things… including asking the hero for a kiss among other things… just seemed too contradictory but also somewhat nonsensical.

Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice.
(Tall and big/muscular and very handsome hero…. And a petite/short and small/”delicate” heroine)

For a shorter story/novella there was too much focus on the heroine being ”interested” in another man than the hero and/or that the heroine was ”interested” in another man than the hero.


The heroine also is rather fickle and prejudice.

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It Was Only a Kiss was my second read by Sofie Darling, and it certainly has me wanting to read more of the author’s work. It Was Only A Kiss is an adorable quick read that hit me with all the feels. I fell for the characters with ease and could not get enough of their story. It was simple, but powerful, and I loved every moment of it.

Without a doubt, it’s perfect for anyone looking for something quick yet powerful.

[Sandee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very sweet historical romance. A perfect summer read.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most romantic stories I have read. Will is a dreamboat. Even though I thought Violet too swayed by good looks I felt that she really grew during this short story. Real love always prevails and Sofie wrote a fabulous story full of romance. Loved it! I read this as It Was Only a Kiss and reread it again and totally fell in love with these characters, again.

I received a complimentary copy from the author.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 12th book by Sofie Darling. I just started reading her December 31, 2024. I am so glad I asked about her in my steamy FB group because she is definitely steamy and gets such great depth with her characters and her storylines. Plus I love a good book cover and she has such pretty book covers. 😊

It has been awhile since I've done this but I love Sofie's writing so much, I read all 7 books in her Shadows and Silks series back-to-back. I then got all her series, All's Fair in Love and Racing and read those back-to-back. Now I will be reading this series back-to-back. It will be sad when I have no more of her books to read.

I enjoyed Violet and Will's story. I know this was a prequel and a shorter read but I didn't feel the characters had much substance. But it was still a decent read. I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Steph N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read this story when it was part of an anthology called Once Upon a Twelfth Night, & it was one of my favorites.
Will Sinclair is home after 3 years abroad.
He’s surprised & relieved to find his childhood friend Violet Hotchkiss is unmarried.
Violet considers herself a soon-to-be-spinster. She’s always found Will Sinclair to be overwhelming. Too handsome. Too intense, Too everything for a blue-stocking that wears spectacles.
Unaware that Will has always had feelings for her, Violet is surprised when he pays her extra attention. Working up her courage to get to know him better soon changes both of their worlds. A kiss can sometimes lead to a lifetime.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, well now. Sofie Darling is a new-to-me author and Will and Violet's story has me searching out every other book by her! This love story has sizzle! A great storyline, solid characters, and the perfect numbers of sparks needed for the best of HEA come alive from the first page. The descriptive writing brought the countryside to life, and a strong H/h combination made it all believable. Grab this one quickly but make sure you set aside some good reading time - or you, too, will be greeting the morning a little tired. A hard to put down story.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was only a quick read

This is a good book from the beginning. It was only a quick read with very human characters.The story was believable..
.I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily..

[Leandra Azer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I almost DNF, but the heroine groveling at the end partially made up for her ignoring, using and dismissing the hero for most of the book. Very sweet H who's liked her most of his life. Unfortunately he's paired with a h with such crippling self esteem it's annoying.

[Aj · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Was Only a Kiss... ah but it was so much more, it was a Hotchkiss!!

Loved the story, loved the writing - it was cute, it was warm, it had the swoon worthy hero, Will Sinclair and the bluestocking bespectacled lady, Violet Hotchkiss who just so happens to be passionate, bold and such a beauty inside and out. I'm so glad our hero, Will sees this from the beginning, only Violet needs convincing and so begins their journey to love.

This is what you want out of a romance story - the perfect touch of steamy scenes to match the story, this one leaves you walking away with a sigh and happy heart.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story! I love that the heroine was confident enough to ask for what she wanted, and then again to admit what was done. Very sweet love story!

[Dr. Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story with an absolutely adorable H. Reasonably developed for a novella. Enjoyed that writing (my first time reading this author) and will probably read the series.

[EstelaReadsRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starring Miss Violet Hotchkiss and Mr. Will Sinclair

Tropes: Spinster, Unrequited Love, Opposites Attracts

Omigosh what an absolutely wonderful story!!! I am so in love with Will and Violet and their road to HEA!! I am truly smiling from ear to ear as I ugly cry AF!!

The little things that Will did for Violet that meant a whole heck of a lot. He was so attentive, and observant… and was ready to fulfill Violet’s every need. He’s the delicious kind of beta hero… a silent storm. Wonderfully steady…. Definitely book boyfriend material.

I wanted to thump Violet on the head in the beginning. Even with her large spectacles she was so blind to Will’s genuine affections. But I’m glad she took the initiative to move their relationship up a notch… and so happy the grand gesture at the end came from her. Imma like, you go girl!!

Standing ovation for Sofie Darling… who is one of my Keeper Shelf Authors!! This story was full of heart and feely-feels!! I’m already anticipating rereading this book!! Loooooooved it!!

Will and Violet are going on my Favorite 2022 Book Couples list

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.

My Star Rating: 5 stars
Ugly cried AF. Major book hangover. Characters and storyline were freaken amazeballs. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will definitely be reading this story over and over and over again!!

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a charming love story! Violet is a bespectacled Bluestocking on her way to spinsterhood. She’s the “smart” one, while her younger sister is the “pretty” one, already married and having her first child, but Violet is ok with that, and very happy for her sister. Will has been her neighbor since childhood and has long had a crush on Violet. After being on a grand tour for three years, Will returns and is happily surprised to find that Violet has not yet married. But she seems to only have eyes for his cousin, so Will is not sure if he should pursue her, until the day she asks him for a kiss! This is such an enchanting, sweet romance. The characters are wonderful, and the dialogue just delightful. I loved every page of it!

[Aj · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Was Only a Kiss... ah but it was so much more, it was a Hotchkiss!!
Loved the story, loved the writing - it was cute, it was warm, it had the swoon worthy hero, Will Sinclair and the bluestocking bespectacled lady, Violet Hotchkiss who just so happens to be passionate, bold and such a beauty inside and out. I'm so glad our hero, Will sees this from the beginning, only Violet needs convincing and so begins their journey to love. This is what you want out of a romance story - the perfect touch of steamy scenes to match the story, this one leaves you walking away with a sigh and happy heart.

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Easy to Read!
I loved the lighthearted romance of this book with its very sweet, yet troubled young lady, Violet. She thinks she's in love with one man, but..... all it takes is for her to kiss another for her to see how mistaken she is.
Then there is Will. Gorgeous, quiet, doting, Will.
Oh, what a beautiful story!

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my this was a wonderful read. From other reviews, this book was published already under the title of “It was only a Kiss”. Both Will and Violet were wonderful characters who didn’t seem to know each other as well as they thought. They grew up in the same small town and saw each other at all the events offered to the country's way of life. Still, it took Will going on tour to other places for three years to show both how much and still how little they have changed. Violet is used to being the bluestocking, smart and glass wearing sister. While her younger sister, Lily was always the perfect English rose. She married last year and is now expecting her first child. Violet knows she is a spinster at twenty-four and will never have children. She will be a super aunt thru. Violet always found Will too much of everything, too tall, too handsome, and he always made her feel jittery. So, she tried to avoid him whenever she could. Now when meeting his cousin, Oliver Quincy her heart skips a beat. He looks like he just stepped off one of the pages of the romance books she reads. His clothes were top of the line and fit him perfectly. Will sees how the ladies are acting around his foppish cousin and can’t understand how Violet could fall for him. Will has had a crush on her since they were kids, but she doesn’t like him and never did. He doesn’t know what he every did to upset her, now he must watch her with stupid Oliver. Ah, the ups and downs of romance. As all get to know each other, many things happen to change Violet's outlook on life. She decides to take matters into her own hands and Will, will be shocked for sure. All it takes is her first kiss with Will. There are a lot of twists and turns in this wonderful read, tons of misunderstanding, secrets along with love and passion too. Grab a copy quickly and get started; you will not be sorry. I really dislike Oliver by the end, what a nasty person. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion, and I am freely giving it.

[Visionary Druid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Violet Hotchkiss has accepted her future as a bespectacled, bluestocking spinster. She forms an infatuation with Oliver Quincy, a gentleman she believes is everything a hero should be. And then there is Will Sinclair, Violet’s neighbor, who has always been too much for her. Everything changes at the Twelfth Night ball when she kisses Will in the garden. Violet begins to see both men in different light.

Will Sinclair is the only son of a country baronet. He returns home to assume his duty as his father’s heir. Will has always had a secret crush on Violet. So, he cannot understand what the smart woman sees in his conceited, dunderheaded cousin. Things change between Will and Violet when they share a kiss at Twelfth Night Ball. Will is determined to prove to Violet that he is the better man.

The thing that irked me the most is Violet’s blindness towards Quincy’s obvious flaws. If I had been in Violet’s place, I would have been disillusioned far sooner. I hate how she felt inferior because she wore glasses and enjoyed books. It is sad that Violet felt that defined her as a woman. What I like the most about Violet is her generosity with the local youths. She encouraged them to enrich their minds by providing books weekly.

Will is a total sweetheart! It truly baffles me that Violet did not recognize sooner. I adore how Will has always admired Violet for the person that she was. He did not care whether she wore glasses or not. Will knew there was far more to her than what others perceived. And he loved her selflessness in helping the local youths to read and praised her for it.

MR. SINCLAIR BEGUILES A BLUESTOCKING is the 0.5 book in Sofie Darling’s historical romance series, WINDERMERES IN LOVE. It was first published in 2020 as IT WAS ONLY A KISS. I am only familiar with the author’s ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND RACING series. I decided to venture into her other works… and it did not disappoint.

[Donique Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The following are my thoughts as I read this book. Violet Hotchkiss…a wallflower, thinks married women personality changes, vowed never to marry. Will Sinclair…son of a baron, longtime neighbor of the Hotchkiss family, has been traveling for the last several years. The h believes she’s found the perfect hero in Mr. Quincy. The initial reunion of the MCs is too funny, the H has a very forward manner of speaking. Oh now I understand the history of the MCs. Oh the h’s opinion of the H and the type of man he is chuckle worthy. Poor H, pining for the h while she has her heart set on another whom she believes is perfect…oh yes he’s also the h’s cousin. So far every time the h finds herself in an embarrassing situation the H is there to assist and she does not like it. I wonder what the h is now thinking after her discovery then “conversation” with the H. O.K. the h does not waste time once she makes up her mind about something. Oh someone is in their feelings. Oooh Mr. Quincy is a real jerk. LOL, it took Mr. Quincy being himself for the h to truly see the H. The H has decided to share a secret with the h but she keeps stalling him before he can tell her. The h has just had two shocking revelations and she feels fear. Oh ho once again the h has made a decision and plowed straight into completion of it. The H cannot believe what the h has done. Yes this time h’s impromptu actions yielded the desired outcome, HEA. This is book five in the Windermeres in Love series and it is an adorable story of an unrequited love becoming a reality. I liked the H from the very beginning, he stayed the same. The h on the other hand, it took me some time to like but she eventually got it together. There is very little angst but plenty of steam.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I kept getting interrupted as I read this, and as a result, it took way longer than it should have, I really did enjoy it. Will and Violet have grown up together and they meet again after he has spent several years travelling abroad. He is immediately infatuated with her, but she immediately assumes he is too handsome to give her a second look. Instead, she becomes enamored with his cousin, who turns out to be a self-centered bore. Luckily, she figures this out pretty quickly.

The story is not long, and although it was sufficient to tell the full story, I felt it could have been longer. The main conflict is that Will needs to convince Violet that she is worthy of his affection. She realizes more quickly than I expected. I think more time could have been spent exploring her feelings of inadequacy while he tries to build her up and overcome her objections. But that would have made a much longer story, and in a collection like this one, stories need to be kept short enough to fit in with the others.

I like the writing style. It was clever and engaging, filled with phrases like this one that I just loved. Violet was quiet in response to one of Will’s statements, “...not so much silent as speechless.” I’ve read and enjoyed other stories from Sophie Darling and look forward to reading more.

I read this story as part of the "Secrets, Scandals, and Seductions" boxed set.

[Tina Ullrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Violet Hotchkiss oldest daughter to Mr and Mrs Hotchkiss, youngest daughter Lily married Mr. Charles Granville. Violet is the be speckled bluestocking where Lily is the beauty in Violet's opinion. She sees herself as becoming a spinster.

Sir John and Lady Sinclair, son Will Sinclair, cousin Oliver Quincy. Will has just returned from three years traveling and found his cousin has defended for a visit. Oliver is a pompus ass, condescending, and superior to others. Will tries not to say anything but it comes out in sarcastic comments that Oliver still does not comprehend.

Sir John and Lady Sinclair throw a party for Will's return. Violet meets Oliver and thinks this is her hero come to claim her. Will watches as he knows it will end in disaster but unable to stop it.

While at the Twelfth Night Ball of the Earl and Countess of Holland, Violet feels Oliver is into her, however, she gets a shock. Will is hoping for more and gets disappointed. This starts Will to explore if a better outcome is possible. Violet surprises him at every turn. When she realizes what it is has, she lets it out in the only way she knows would impress.

Come join the awakening of this budding spinster as she finds her dreams can come true. Great characters and plot that gives a warm fuzzy feeling

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a sweet and touching story! I absolutely adored this heartfelt romance between Violet Hotchkiss and Will Sinclair. Violet, who’s always seen herself as not quite enough, is head over heels for the polished Oliver Quincy—her idea of the perfect English gentleman. But then, out of nowhere, she finds herself sharing a swoon-worthy kiss with Will at the Twelfth Night ball, and everything changes.

Violet always thought Will was way out of her league—too tall, too handsome, and definitely not someone who’d ever notice her. But when Will’s attention turns out to be genuine, and that electrifying kiss clearly means just as much to him as it did to her, things finally click. It’s heart-melting to watch Violet admit her feelings as she realizes she’s more than enough just as she is.

Will has had a crush on Violet for ages, and seeing him cherish her intelligence and spirit was incredibly touching. Their chemistry is off the charts, and the way their relationship unfolds had me swooning the entire time. This story is a beautiful reminder that love often finds us when we least expect it and that sometimes, one kiss really can change everything.

Highly recommend if you’re looking for a romance that’s both sweet and emotionally satisfying!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella by Sofie Darling. If I had been around during that era, I, too, would have been a wallflower. That’s why I love books where the sought-after handsome man is in love with the wallflower spinster.

Another thing I liked is how Violet thought she was in love with one man, but gets entirely confused when she realises she has feelings for the one man she thought she could never like like ‘that’. Watching her feelings develop, even when she thought she still liked somebody else, was fun to read.

There were some steamy times in and out of the bedroom where our hero, Will Sinclair, shows Violet how wonderful lovemaking is. It was more than just sex because Will had been in love with Violet for years. For such a confident man to be so moved that the girl of his dreams could finally be his made me smile!

The epilogue, oh my goodness, it was fabulous, what a wonderful ending to Will and Violet’s story. This may have been a novella, but it was easy to invest myself in their lives from the very first pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alexandra G · Rating 4 out of 5]

She’s a bluestocking country miss with spectacles, a moving kids library and a firm conviction she will end up as a spinster. To her he’s so far out of reach she won’t even look at him or talk to him. He’s just too perfect, too beautiful, too much of everything and she… she’s a spinster to be.

He’s the dashing son of the local baron who only just returned from touring the Continent. He had a soft spot for her since his youth, but somehow never managed to get close to her. And now he’s back home to stay and she’s still unmarried, but fancying his cousin…

Thinking his attentions were meant for her, she walks in on the cousin and another lady. Thoroughly disappointed in herself for being misguided in such a fashion, she gathers her courage and decides to indulge for once, only once, in all the things she’ll never have as a spinster. In a moment of brazen self-confidence she seduces him!
Of course once is never enough and there just might be a lot more to him…

I’m going to leave you with 3 more clues: boathouse, chair & open door.
Enjoy!

[Dominique Englebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

His beautiful bluestocking
According to Violet Hotchkiss, she is no great beauty, wears spectacles, is considered a bluestocking and, at 24 years old, is on her way to become a spinster. So, to avoid any disappointment, she has decreed that she will never marry.
When Will Sinclair returns to England after three years grand tour, he is astonished that the beauty – read Violet – for whom he always had an infatuation, isn’t married yet. Only, she appears to fall for his cousin, who as good as ignores her.
At the twelfth night ball organised by the Earl and Countess of Holland, Violet discovers Will’s cousin having an assignation with a young lady. To mask her disappointment, she asks Will to kiss her. Of course, he obliges.
And that is the start of a rollercoaster courtship of a miss who is anything but conventional. Will has to find ways to meet her, help her in her educational endeavours, and will be very surprised when she turns the tables on him…
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming Regency novella about Violet, a blue stocking lady who resides in the country and Will Sinclair, the son of the neighbouring estate owner returns from his travelling on the Continent after being away for three years. They have known each other growing up but were never really friends. Will has always had a tendre for Violet but she has always disregarded him as being "too" everything especially with regards to his appearance. But as they keep encountering each other and get to know each other better, Violet realises that she is seeing the real Will and not just his outward appearance. She is a strong female character but I thought her to be rather fickle, easily swayed by her prejudices and insecure about her feminity. Will, on the other hand, is nothing but kindness, gentlemanliness and loyal. He is definitely the nicer of the two main characters. The book was an enjoyable read.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Mr. Sinclair Beguiles A Bluestocking" by Sofie Darling is an absolute delight of a romance novel. From the very first page, I was charmed by its easy-to-read style and the beautifully crafted narrative that flows effortlessly.

The characters are wonderfully vivid, each bringing their own charm and depth to the story. The dynamic between Mr. Sinclair and the bluestocking is engaging, with heartfelt moments and delightful banter that kept me invested throughout. Their chemistry is palpable, making their journey toward love both believable and utterly captivating.

Set against the serene backdrop of the countryside, the setting adds an extra layer of warmth and tranquility to the story. It perfectly complements the romantic elements, creating an immersive atmosphere that feels like a cozy escape.

What I loved most is the satisfying, happy ending that left me with a smile on my face. It’s the kind of story that leaves your heart full and content. If you’re looking for a lovely romance with wonderful characters and a feel-good conclusion, this book is a must-read.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Violet Hotchkiss is a bespectacled wallflower of four and twenty years, who was more comfortable discussing 1815 Corn Law than today's lady's fashions. Will Sinclair is Bumstead Hollow's most eligible bachelor and he has returned after three years of travelling to exotic places. Now, he has returned to fulfill his responsibilities and duties to his parents and the running estate. Violet & Will had known each other since childhood as they were neighbors - Will has always been interested in Violet but she has no idea. Violet always thought of Will as being too tall, too massive, too handsome - too everything; so, she avoided him. They become reacquainted at the house party and the adventures, feelings, desire, and romance give the reader an entertaining holiday experience with wonderful characters and a lovely story to keep you turning pages.

[Kat Tolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A TRUE DELIGHT TO READ! It Was Only A Kiss by Sofie Darling was one of the sweetest stories I have ever read. You can’t help falling in love with Sinclair and Violet as their romance comes to a sizzle. I found Sofie’s writing to be creative and easy to read. This regency story come to life and I could not put this book down. I am so looking forward to Sofie’s next book as she never disappoints. This story has a strong and intelligent women, a imitating man coming back from his travels, loving someone since childhood, not feeling good enough, falling in love with the wrong person, thinking they will become a spinster, wanting to know desire, children’s books, a talented artist and love. I highly recommend this book as I said it was a true delight to read.

***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet is a great character. She’s smart, well-read, and curious. Her love of books has created a hero in her mind, and she is trying to connect that ideal to the reality of the gentlemen she meets. Will has had a fascination with Violet but finds he is unable to pique her interest. Violet’s eyes are opened through several events, and she begins to see Will as so much more than previously thought. There are some steamy moments, but very well done and swoon worthy. These two are strong-willed and interesting and their path to HEA is a lovely gradual incline. I was also impressed by the artistry the author created with the written word - “She inhaled deeply of air fresh and earthy and smiled down to her soul. One’s cares had no hold in such an environ.” I, like Violet, was beguiled by Mr. Sinclair and I think you will be too!