The Viscount Who Vexed Me

A Royal Match #3

by Julia London

“An abundance of sharp wit and…romantic chemistry.” —Booklist on Last Duke Standing

Daring. Darling. Determined.

Next to the Season’s newest diamond, Harriet (Hattie) Woodchurch feels like a plain Jane. But that’s of no consequence, since Hattie’s plan for her future is to earn enough to live far, far away from her embarrassing family.

That is until Mateo Vincente, Duke of Santiava and newly minted Viscount Abbott, arrives in London. While the shy European’s spoken English is impeccable, his writing is less fluent. The ton is eager to meet the handsome bachelor, and so many invitations flood in that Mateo needs a correspondence secretary.

With her perfect penmanship and way with words, Hattie is recommended, and the two bond over books and the ton’s eligible ladies. But when Hattie’s friend Flora becomes smitten with the viscount, things get complicated. Flora is tongue-tied in his presence. To help, Hattie feeds her information about Mateo’s interests. Soon things turn around and Flora appears on track to become his duchess. Yet for Mateo, something’s not quite right. Conversation with Flora isn’t as scintillating as it is with Hattie…

A Royal Match

Book 1: Last Duke Standing
Book 2: The Duke Not Taken
Book 3: The Viscount Who Vexed Me
Book 4: An Inconvenient Earl

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction, Adult

345 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 2023

About the author

Julia London is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of more than two dozen romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular historical romance series, the Cabot Sisters, including The Trouble with Honor, The Devil Takes a Bride, and The Scoundrel and the Debutante. She is also the author of several contemporary romances, including Homecoming Ranch, Return to Homecoming Ranch, and The Perfect Homecoming.

Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon

Reviews

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

THE VISCOUNT WHO VEXED ME (A Royal Match Book #3) by Julia London is another charming and witty addition to this historical romance series. Each book in the series has a royal who needs to find a mate and hopefully a love match with the help of a determined matchmaker and recurring characters working to assist. Each book can easily be read as a standalone with a complete HEA in each with the recurring characters introduced in each book of the series.

Harriet “Hattie” Woodchurch is determined to earn her own living and move very far away from her embarrassing family. While she has friends in society from her time in school, her father is a rich penny-pinching merchant and not a member of polite society and she realizes her life and circumstances will not be like her friends.

Mateo “Teo” Vincente, Duke of Santiava and now also the Viscount Abbott after the death of his mother’s father arrives in London to set his new inheritance in order. Society is excited about his visit and the knowledge that he seeks a wife, but he is not comfortable with the attention. When he needs assistance with his English correspondence, Hattie is recommended for the position. Teo soon finds he and his entire household are enchanted with his scribe.

As Mateo meets all the eligible debutantes, he finds that he is only truly himself with Hattie and Hattie is finding herself increasingly infatuated with the Viscount. The matchmaker still has a few things up her sleeve to assist this pair, if the Viscount is willing to find his voice and stand up for what he wants.

I adore this series not only because of the well written characters and situations that I never know how Ms. London will resolve them into a HEA, but also because the dialogue is always so witty and fun. Hattie is a determined young woman willing to work for everything she wants and yet she is also friendly and warm despite her difficult family, and it broke my heart every time her supposed friends hurt her. Mateo is complicated and a product of his father’s constant verbal abuse, but that makes it even more wonderful when he finally finds his own voice and power. I loved that his hobby and passion is baking. This book has no explicit sex scenes, but a steadily growing romance from the discovering of friendship to love.

I recommend this enjoyable historical romance and the entire Royal Match series.

[Erin Arkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Viscount Who Vexed Me is the third book in the A Royal Match series. I think you could read this as a stand alone although there are a few mentions of characters in the other prior books.

I enjoyed this book. Hattie and Mateo are well developed characters and London does a great job of building out their stories. I loved the initial awkwardness and how their relationship developed too. I'll admit, I really disliked Flora from the start and wasn't surprised with how things went with her.

All that to say, check this one out and consider picking up the series too. I thought all three books were well done. They could have done with a bit more spice (in my opinion), but overall a solid historical romance book / series.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nemesi - per RFS
.
Un desiderio disperato può spingere a commettere azioni disperate.

Ciao Fenici, la recensione di oggi ci porta in Inghilterra, tra le stagioni mondane e i salotti londinesi.

Il ton entra in fermento quando a Londra approda il Duca di Santiava, nonché Visconte Abbott, che è succeduto al nonno. Ogni genitore con figlie da maritare non vede l’ora di fare la sua conoscenza, per tutti tranne che per la famiglia Woodchurch, in cui seno vive Miss Harriet Woodchurch, detta Hattie. Questa famiglia è tra le più additate nel ton per via, non solo della classe sociale inferiore, ma anche perché è un vero e proprio manicomio. Hattie vive, infatti, in una vera e propria casa degli orrori: un padre avaro fino all’osso, una madre con un disturbo da accumulo, tre fratelli piccoli che sembrano gli imbarazzanti cugini di campagna e un fratello maggiore dissoluto e libertino. La nostra protagonista non vede l’ora di allontanarsi da loro, ma quando vede sfumare il suo convolare a nozze, decide di rimboccarsi le maniche e di guadagnare da sola i soldi che le servono per crearsi il futuro che la sua deplorevole famiglia le impedisce. Finisce così per essere la segretaria del Visconte più chiacchierato e ricercato della stagione. Lui cerca moglie e Hattie non è nemmeno considerata nella lista di candidate, eppure…

Ho divorato questo romanzo in poche ore in quanto molto travolgente. Il modo in cui l’autrice descrive gli stati d’animo della protagonista e la situazione disastrosa in cui vive fa stringere il cuore e ho trovato tra le righe una Cenerentola anticonvenzionale che mi è piaciuta moltissimo.

E poi, vogliamo parlare del duca spagnolo dall’accento sexy? Ho adorato le frasi, le parole e le citazioni in lingua che fanno bollire il sangue.

Anche con il Duca Mateo l’autrice ha fatto un grande lavoro, ha delineato il suo carattere in modo impeccabile: il suo essere distante e riservato, spesso sgradevole o indisponente è invece una corazza che lui si è creato intorno fin da bambino per rispecchiare gli ideali di una famiglia prestigiosa.

I capitoli chiamano uno il seguito dell’altro e anche se in alcuni punti ho riscontrato dei refusi, il testo è risultato molto scorrevole.

Mi è dispiaciuto non poter leggere più scene di intimità tra Mateo e Hattie ma, allo stesso tempo, non mi sono mancate.

Non posso che consigliarlo!

[Luz T · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Viscount Who Vexed Me
Book 3 in the "A Royal Match Series"
Rating: 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.


***SPOILERS AHEAD***


The Viscount Who Vexed Me is the third book in the series. To be honest I was a little hesitant in reading this one because the previous two were kind of okay reads for me, but I'm so happy I gave this one a chance.
I really enjoyed it!! This is kind of a Cinderella re-telling trope. It was so good! I loved the slow burn romance between Teo and Hattie. Their story is full of angst and longing, especially because they belong to two different social classes. This book made me cry! I can't even remember the last time I cried with a HR story. It just broke my heart how Hattie was treated by her family and her so-called friends.
Be aware that it is very slow burn and that nothing really spicy happens, but even without it the story is so beautiful. I love how they are complete opposites in personalities and Teo is such a timid male lead. His personality made for other people to take advantage of him, of course this was all due to how his father treated him. . He is so uncomfortable with people, even with Hattie at the beginning. It was funny to see how he did not know how to handle her. LOL Also, when Teo spoke in Spanish to tell Hattie he loved her. Aww 😍
I loved the matchmaking going on and how it really worked out in the end. Hattie's family was a little over the top, but I'm glad when her mom finally spoke up against her father's shenanigan at the end. .

My final thoughts are that I really enjoyed it!

[Dottie Legatos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winning romance from Julia London. The 3rd in A Royal Match series, The Viscount Who Vexed Me delighted me from beginning to end. Hattie & Mateo, although from such different lifestyles were totally made for each other. I was wondering how the author would have these two overcome the many obstacles before them. I will say it was an enjoyable journey to their happily ever after. I recommend this as a standalone as well, although there are a few characters that make an appearance. Thanks to the author and Netgalley for this entertaining read!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book! I loved this couple and their romance. Their positions in life brought various characters to the story and I loved their interactions and banter. This is the first book I've read in this series and I am looking forward to going back and reading the first two books.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful, low key story to read. You got to see and feel the banter of the characters as you watch the relationship between Harriet and Mateo grow. I k ow I was rooting for the “commoner” over the “ladies”. And may have wanted to reach through the pages to smack Queenie.

Thank you in advance to the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my review.

[Jani Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

London - 1870

Miss Harriet (Hattie) Woodchurch was lucky to get a scholarship at the Iddesleigh School for Exceptional Girls despite not having the social connections of the other girls. Her roommate from school, Flora, and Flora's friend, Queenie, are daughters of wealth and titles, but the girls, now grown, are still steadfast friends. In fact, Flora's father essentially pays Hattie a small fee to accompany his daughter around London. It is while the three are out together that they learn of the arrival in the city of the latest highly eligible bachelor, the new Viscount Abbott, who is also the Duke of Santiava, a small country near Spain. His English mother's father died leaving him as the only heir. Hattie is not as excited as her two friends, for she is already engaged. But when Flora reveals to her that her intended wants to beg off and not marry her, Hattie is devastated.

Mateo Vincente, the new Viscount Abbott, is not happy about his new title. The fact that he had to leave his beloved home, Castillo Estrella, and come to the crowded, noisy London has left him feeling angry and frustrated. He is, by choice, a man who prefers solitude, peace, quiet, and he loves to bake! But here in London, he cannot allow anyone to know the latter, and his mother is determined that he find a suitable English bride. With the ton in a tizzy to present Mateo with a string of young women, he is overwhelmed with invitations. Because he's not comfortable writing in English, he will need a scribe to reply to the many letters.

Hattie wants nothing more than to escape the insanity of her home. Her father, a businessman, is miserly, only allowing Hattie to wear the hand-me-down gowns from her mother. Mrs. Woodchurch is a collector - of grandfather clocks, tea services, and cats. The two younger brothers, who are twins, are completely out of control, and Hattie's older brother, Daniel has as little to do with his family as possible, except to collect his allowance. But now, with her engagement off, life seems to be against her, that is until Lord Iddesleigh sets her up as the new viscount's clerk to answer his correspondence.

Mateo is not used to socializing, and his quiet demeanor makes Hattie somewhat uncomfortable. Her reaction is to talk more than necessary, just because she doesn't know how else to respond to the handsome man! Mateo actually is surprised at how upfront Hattie is, and how refreshing that is. Soon the two are working as a team, and Hattie is trying very hard not to fall for the kind, quiet Mateo.

THE VISCOUNT WHO VEXED ME is book three in the Royal Match series. The unlikely combination of Hattie and Mateo is the basis of this latest novel. Mateo is more down to earth than most of his class, and his wants are simple. Hattie has struggled all of her life to do the right thing, to appreciate her education, and to get out of the unconventional household where she lives. But what will happen when the viscount finds his bride? Where does that leave Hattie?

A sweet story set in the Victorian era where women had few choices, and men controlled their futures, can Hattie break out of her situation? Don't miss THE VISCOUNT WHO VEXED ME.

[SuperMommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this story! All of the Royal Match stories are wonderful, but can be read as a standalone. This story has some great cameo appearances from prior stories, including the charming Mr. Donovan and the matchmaker Lila. The character building in this story is great. I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. Loved it!!

[Athena of Velaris · Rating 2 out of 5]

One conversation could've solved the entire story. Also who was the vexing viscount? There was no conflict! The two main characters got along almost from the start and despite very little chemsitry, everyone around them endeavored to see them together. There was nothing particuarly romantic about any part of this book, nor was there any reason for it to be nearly as long as it was.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When her shopkeeper fiance ends their engagement because of her eccentric family, Miss Harriet "Hattie" Woodchurch is devastated. Realizing that following the rules has gotten her nowhere in life, she vows to secure her independence without a husband. Meanwhile, Mateo "Teo" Vincente, the sovereign Duke of Santiava, has come to England to settle his maternal grandfather's estate and secure his inheritance as Viscount Abbott. If his mother has her way, he'll also be returning to his small Mediterranean duchy with an English bride. Settling the estate is taking longer than Teo would like, both because it's a complicated inheritance and because his grasp of written English isn't the best. An acquaintance, Lord Iddesleigh, suggests hiring a secretary to help and even finds him the perfect candidate: Miss Woodchurch, a graduate of the Iddesleigh School for Exceptional Girls. As taciturn Teo and gregarious Hattie get to know each other through discussions of literature and other subjects, Teo realizes that Hattie is the only woman he can imagine at his side as his future wife. But his mother has other ideas, enlisting the help of a matchmaker to introduce him to "suitable" young ladies with wealth and connections. Will Teo follow his heart and choose Hattie or succumb to his mother's pressure to find a more suitable bride?

I loved this story so much! Teo and Hattie's chemistry and witty banter were phenomenal, and I loved that their personalities balanced each other so perfectly. Teo was a bit shy at first, but he was so sweet once he came out of his shell. Most importantly, he saw Hattie for the gem she was, no matter her crazy family or position in society. They made an adorable couple and I was rooting for them the whole way.

I highly recommend this charming tale for all historical romance fans and look forward to the next book in the series.

*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Rosie Trzewik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oops she did it again! Matchmaker Lady Aleksander has her most challenging match to date. The Duke of Santiava also now has the title of Viscount Abbott, Mateo is in need of a wife according to everyone but him. He is an introvert and barely tries to put himself out there, only as necessary as his title demands. Trying to understand and get a grip on his grandfather’s estate he is advised to hire someone to help him with his correspondence since English isn’t his native language.
Hattie has had a most usual upbringing, her family is most difficult and her father a tightwad. Her only escape is to earn money to escape the madness of the household. When Lord Iddesleigh suggests she interviews for the new Viscount she sees away to earn the much needed money. When Hattie meets Mateo and he barely says 2 words she of course needs to fill in the awkward silence. Mateo couldn’t believe the women, she seems to have no fear of his title. And now the matchmaker and his mother are demanding he meets with several women as a possible candidate to be his wife. Of which one is a friend of Hattie! But the longer they work together, the more Mateo begins to interact with her.
It’s to bad she isn’t Duchess material, but the matchmaker believes in love.
Fast pace, page turning read! I love the characters of Hattie and Mateo, plus a few from previous books make a showing. Definitely can be a standalone, but you will enjoy the first two books. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #TheViscountWhoVexedMe #JuliaLondon #ARoyalMatch

[Quinn Fforde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hattie is an intelligent and thoughtful young woman who has a terribly embarrassing family. They don't appreciate her, and they have become the reason that she has to reevaluate her life. She decides to speak up for herself when necessary and to behave according to her own common sense instead of silly rules that don't serve her. I have to admire the way she goes about this -- too many heroines in histroms seem to think that ranting about society's unfairness and doing impulsive and dangerous things are the path to freedom. I dislike those books intensely. Instead, Hattie behaves sensibly and with very little drama. I found her very refreshing and realistic.
Mateo is lost in a sea of poorly written English and confusing letters. He is glad to have Hattie to help him, but he has no idea why she talks so much. Mateo's upbringing taught him to be wary of voicing his thoughts, and he can't imagine sharing as freely as Hattie does. He begins to admire her, and they form a friendship. He can hardly imagine his life without her when he has to return to his duchy. I am glad that this book is written in dual POV so that we could read his true thoughts and feelings. Mateo is a complex man who just wants to love and be loved for himself.
Fortunately for him, Lila Aleksander is incredibly observant and begins to matchmake in the subtlest of ways. She will need a miracle to get these two together, though. I enjoyed watching it all play out.

[Avid Booker · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an average read. A time passer that was neither boring nor was it exciting. Just kind of there. But I did enjoy myself for the most part. OH and this is a pretty clean romance tbh. Like there was a bit of fondling and mentioning but no intercourse on page.

Now, the highlight of this book was our heroine Hattie. I HAVEN'T FELT THIS BAD FOR A HEROINE IN YEARS. She needed to get the fuck away from those people. OMG. Everyone in her life sucked. But I loved that the author didn't try to make them all magically be well meaning. This wasn't meant to be a cinderella retelling but it def was. But it was FRESH in the build up a little lackluster in the resolution.

Mateo, our latino duke. Spoke spanish every once in a while, VERY attractive apparently, but shy, yet not. If he was as shy as he made himself out to be, he should've been a virgin in my opinion. But whatever. Anyway, I liked him. Didn't love him, didn't really care that much about him. But he was fine.

The obstacle here is station and Hattie's terrible ass family. Oh and Hattie's terrible ass friends.

The longing was WELL conveyed in this book. I truly rooted and care for Hattie, she deserved her happiness.

[Maia L · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was entertained but this was so infuriating and not time period accurate. I hoped for character development from the older brother but there was none of that. the family was almost as infuriating as the book (it did not need to be so long and convoluted)

[Nancy Ku · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Viscount Who Vexed Me (A Royal Match #3) by Julia London
I have enjoyed this series and this book does not disappoint. Mateo Vincente, Duke of Santiava and newly minted Viscount Abbott and Harriet (Hattie) Woodchurch are perfect for each other. There is plenty of angst, laughter, tears, friends(frenemies) outlandish family members, budding love and a small amount of steam all to get us to a very HEA.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Wonderful characters Great world building Page-turner Action-packed Romantic Tear-jerker Informative Witty Happily Ever After Unpredictable Easy-to-read Entertaining.

[Sam Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. A book where the underdog (Hattie) wins!
Loved Matteo and Hattie. Even loved seeing Lila again although I find her somewhat irritating lol

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5

[rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

bridgerton knockoff courtesy of the free little library in canada

[Missy Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best of the trilogy. I loved both Mateo and Hattie from the first, though the way others treated them was so annoying. The end was quite satisfying.

[Hachi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I didn’t love this one, it was very capably written and got me interested in looking up other books in the series.

3⭐️

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Julia London's books. I have read many of her books over and over again. She is a wonderful author who never ceases to entertain me. The Viscount Who Vexed Me is a charming book and Hattie and Mateo are lovable. characters. This is a safe read for anyone looking for a nice historical romance. The book will make you laugh and keep your attention until the end. I would give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story with Cinderella twist.

Mateo Vincente, Duke of Santiava and newly minted Viscount Abbott, arrives in London. While the shy European’s spoken English is impeccable, his writing is less fluent.

Harriet Woodchurch is paid companion of Flora Raney. After meeting Flora at finishing school Harriet was hired to be her companion.

Mateo's mother was determined to find him a bride among the seasons debutante. Going to meet Flora, Mateo met Harriet and arranged for her to be his secretary.

Harriet's friends were sure she was going to have the inside information about the new Viscount.

While working together Harriet and Mateo start to see each other in a different light.

Mateo realizing Harriet isn't your normal debutante. Slowing their relationship became more serious.

[Lizbeth Magallanes Barcenas · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s that moment for me.. when she leans back into his shoulder. Every romance novel has that moment of hope, love and then desire. This of course did not disappoint.

She didn’t resist him; he felt a slight tremble run through her that matched the shiver of desire that shimmied down his spine. He leaned over her shoulder. “It looks as if someone pressed their thumb against the night.” She leaned her head against his shoulder as she looked up.

Teo and Hattie create a beautiful love story. One where even though Hattie could of been weak she is strong. She does not let her circumstance decide for her life’s path.

A nice easy read that made my heart smile.

[B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title is deceptive. The viscount doesn’t vex the heroine. She falls for him right away. He’s very shy and reserved because his father constantly belittled him when he was growing up. Now he’s the reigning duke in a small fantasy country and he’s also an English viscount. So every woman wants to marry him. And Hattie knows that, as the daughter of a miserly businessman, she is never going to be considered eligible to marry Mateo. But they become friends and gradually fall for each other. Of course they do. It’s all very much a fairy tale even if the hero isn’t quite a prince, but just a very nice, shy guy.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia London doesn't disappoint with The Viscount Who Vexed Me. Hattie Woodchurch loses a perfectly good fiancée because her family is extremely embarrassing. (Imagine the Bennet family from Pride and Prejudice...but with hoarding tendencies.) Determined to earn enough money to live independent of her family, she jumps at the chance to become a "scribe" for the Duke of Santiava who is in London for a short time to settle the affairs of his English relatives. Also, he needs to find a wife. Hattie didn't expect the Duke to be so young or so handsome. The romance between Hattie and the Duke is very sweet. Both characters are charming and you will find yourself rooting for them to get their happy ending. A perfect Regency Cinderella story. Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Viscount Who Vexed Me is a true romance that keeps you rooting for the hero and heroine from beginning until the very last page. This book is the third in the Royal Match series by Julia London. It can certainly be read as a stand alone. There are a few return characters from the previous books that are such favorites as to leave a smile on the reader’s face. We have the mysterious, confident matchmaker Lila and Beck (Earl of Iddesleigh). Both are out to help the Duke of Santiava, now visiting England to settle his late grandfather’s estate, find the perfect match. The Duke (Mateo) needing assistance with his correspondence hires Harriet (Hattie) Woodchurch on the recommendation of Beck. Hattie is an intelligent, honest, warmhearted young woman from an impossible, zany family. Beck has previously sponsored her at the Iddesleigh School for Exceptional Girls. Upon first meeting, Mateo thought Hattie to be ordinary like he thought himself “save for the circumstances of his birth.” Mateo is a quiet, brooding man that never quite lived up to his family’s expectations. Hattie just didn’t fit in her family with all their quirkiness. She is a caring, genuine person, self-sufficient enough to work at making a life for herself. Becoming a scribe for Mateo was a great opportunity. The time they spend together shows them to be kindred spirits in the fact that they understand each other as no one else does. One of Mateo’s hobbies is baking and he and Hattie develop a bond over the delicious pastries they make together. They both love looking at the stars and discussing books. A perfect match if not for the expectations of family and society. Can love win out? Mateo and Hattie’s journey is filled with troubles and unexpected surprises. I know you will enjoy their story as much as I did.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Therese-Libn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Newly arrived in England Matteo, sovereign Duke of Santiava and newly minted English Viscount Abbott, hires Hattie to help with his English correspondence. Although it certainly is not appropriate for a woman of her class, Hattie wants to earn enough money on her own to get away from her crazy family! A wrong-side-of-the-tracks trope takes us on a sweet engaging ride.

Matteo is a hunky, sweet and sexy hero. He is a shy man, having been denigrated his whole life by his father. But he has a wide range of interests, including baking! He loves to read and even enjoys Jane Eyre when Hattie loans it to him. Most of all, he can talk to Hattie, and only, it seems, to Hattie can he share his thoughts and feelings and interests. But he struggles with his desire for her. They are from such different strata of society plus Hattie is basically his employee, thus off-limits.

Hattie is a clever and appealing girl. She is fearlessly honest and endearingly open. Matteo admires her for being ‘unabashedly who she is.” She is quite modern in many ways: she’s not just waiting around for some man to save her. Rather, she is working several jobs to earn enough to become independent of her miserly father, her hoarder of a mother and irresponsible brothers. Alas she struggles over her desire for Matteo, though she is more rational about it. How could she marry a man so above her and how can she stop her father from trying to make money out of the deal, keep all her mother’s cats and her screaming brothers away from him? It simply won’t work.

Will they be able to beat the odds against their relationship? It is a quirky, fascinating, and charming book to read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Canary Street Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine a wealthy but obnoxious, stingy, overbearing father who sees no value in his daughter. Imagine a mother who is a hoarder (she would call herself a collector of clocks and tea sets and cats). Imagine 3 unruly and unmannered brothers. Then imagine Harriet (Hattie) Woodchurch, an intelligent young woman who has been given a scholarship at the Iddlesleigh School for Exceptional Girls, who would like to escape from the throws of her family’s craziness but who must make her way with other young ladies who are socially above her in both wealth and status.
Then imagine a handsome Duke from the country of Santiava, Mateo Vincente, who has inherited the title of Viscount Abbot from his grandfather, and has come to London to find a wife as well as help solidify the security of his country.
The young women of the ton are all vying for the Duke’s affections, and, hey, even Hattie can dream about escaping her family’s awful living conditions, right?
OK, no spoilers, but I really had a good time reading this book and watching Hattie learn to speak up for herself! You’ll have to read the book yourself to figure all this out, but I’ll tell you I was held captive to the story until the end!
Loved it!
I thank NetGalley for the offer to read and review this book, and my thoughts are my own!

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is many minor characters who play intricate roles in the story. They include a benevolent earl, a matchmaker, a hoarding mother, a money hungry father, a rogue of a brother, two friends that may not be real friends, a baker, and a mother worried about connections. The heroine is a young lady who has been jilted but learns to value herself in the process. The hero wants to marry for love, but must overcome his sense of duty. They must overcome obstacles before they get their HEA and they get some assistance. The story even can vex the reader in that you want to shake a few characters into action or behaving better. It was nice, sweet read and had enough going on to keep my attention. I received an ARC for an honest review.