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The Seventh Suitor
As a prank, five young men, encouraged by her brother, proposed to Kate Montgomery. No harm done, except that it reminded some in the country neighborhood that Kate had also refused the suit of the Earl of Winterton's brother--but then surprisingly accepted a legacy from him when he died in the Peninsula. Regency Romance by Laura Matthews
208 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1979
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 14, 2025
this is a quiet, sweet romance, nothing riveting, I definitely understand the reviews saying it was boring, I could’ve easily DNFed in a different mood but I enjoyed the interactions between the MCs enough to save it overall for me. It is a bit of an enemies to lovers, the heroine is smart and independent.
October 11, 2025
The Seventh Last Page Suitor
It was ok. A pleasant read. Notmuch any romance between the main couple. The seventh suitor becomes a suitor in the last chapter, till then... he's around. Secondary characters get more relationship development. I found it slightly boring. More like a story about the everyday lives of a group of people, which is what Austen is about too but she does it so much better. I don't mind the lack of romance between the main couple but a book has gotta have something. It wasn't funny, it wasn't witty, it wasn't angsty, it wasn't sweet or romantic, it wasn't exciting, there was no mystery or adventure. I liked Andrew but it was altogether dull.
The 1st chapter was delightful and got me expecting a light fun read but it didn't deliver. The only other scene I really enjoyed was Andrew in a sheet. That was really, really funny!
It was ok. A pleasant read. Not
The 1st chapter was delightful and got me expecting a light fun read but it didn't deliver. The only other scene I really enjoyed was Andrew in a sheet. That was really, really funny!
October 27, 2024
Another thoughtful and well-plotted romance from Matthews. Highly developed characters, believable progression from enemies to lovers, a reasonable wall, delightful side characters, and a satisfying HEA. A bit of women’s lib but all based on ideas that actually were circulating at the time. Excellent!
May 29, 2025
Well written, clean tradition regency style romance. Can’t say anything wrong with it but for me, it was just too bland; not much was happening, no real conflict or drama of any kind and not enough romance because hero and heroine. Boring…
July 9, 2023
could not put it down
What a charming story and so well written. I thoroughly enjoyed it much reminded me of the wonderful books of Georgette Heyer on which I grew up. I can’t wait to read more written by Miss Matthews.
What a charming story and so well written. I thoroughly enjoyed it much reminded me of the wonderful books of Georgette Heyer on which I grew up. I can’t wait to read more written by Miss Matthews.
February 7, 2021
We first meet Miss KATE MONTGOMERY as she suffers through a series of prank marriage proposals, instigated by her brother. Kate has recently returned to her home village after a few years living with her aunt and there’s definitely a sense that perhaps she should have stayed away.
Andrew, the EARL of WINTERTON comes to our attention when he dissuades Kate’s brother from purchasing a horse. It’s a short scene and he comes more properly to our notice when he saves Kate’s younger sister from being run-over by a carriage.
What did I like about this book?
I liked Kate’s intelligence and her desire to help people, even the people who insulted her with their fake marriage proposals.
I also liked the change of pace – no balls and routs here, instead the book focuses around country pastimes such as farming, riding and visiting the local ‘big’ town, Bristol.
Also, the supportive female relationships – sisters; friends and mother/daughter were all shown as close and connected. There were some laugh out loud scenes as well – especially the one with Andrew and Kate in Bristol.
What did I not like about this book?
I struggled to see the romance growing between Kate and Andrew – I actually felt we spent more time with Charity and Ralph than with the main characters and that the misunderstanding between Charity and Ralph was actually more important than the one between Kate and Andrew!
I also struggled to see why Kate’s acceptance of the legacy was such a big deal. She turned someone down, he subsequently died and left her his own (presumably) money. Case ended. Except in the book, it isn’t case closed and I could not see why.
The question of who would handle the legacy was also ultimately left unresolved I felt. It was hinted at (in a manner I didn’t like) and then never discussed again. Loose ends annoy me!
How did I feel at the end?
That’s really the important thing isn’t it? Did I feel the HEA was right? Did I feel happy or disappointed by the misunderstandings? Was I left with a warm and fuzzy feeling or wishing I could get my money back?
HEA – yes I felt this was right. It wasn’t rushed and I really enjoyed the conversation between Kate and Andrew leading up to the proposal.
Misunderstandings – as I mentioned earlier I failed to understand why the legacy was such a big deal so the ‘misunderstanding’ failed to make any sense to me.
At the end, although I wasn’t left with a warm and fuzzy feeling neither did I wish I could get my money back.
Final thoughts? Recommended primarily because I enjoyed Kate’s character so much. If you enjoy intelligent / independent heroines; and witty conversations then you too may enjoy this book.
(Check out my personal blog for more Traditional Regency Romance reviews)
Andrew, the EARL of WINTERTON comes to our attention when he dissuades Kate’s brother from purchasing a horse. It’s a short scene and he comes more properly to our notice when he saves Kate’s younger sister from being run-over by a carriage.
What did I like about this book?
I liked Kate’s intelligence and her desire to help people, even the people who insulted her with their fake marriage proposals.
I also liked the change of pace – no balls and routs here, instead the book focuses around country pastimes such as farming, riding and visiting the local ‘big’ town, Bristol.
Also, the supportive female relationships – sisters; friends and mother/daughter were all shown as close and connected. There were some laugh out loud scenes as well – especially the one with Andrew and Kate in Bristol.
What did I not like about this book?
I struggled to see the romance growing between Kate and Andrew – I actually felt we spent more time with Charity and Ralph than with the main characters and that the misunderstanding between Charity and Ralph was actually more important than the one between Kate and Andrew!
I also struggled to see why Kate’s acceptance of the legacy was such a big deal. She turned someone down, he subsequently died and left her his own (presumably) money. Case ended. Except in the book, it isn’t case closed and I could not see why.
The question of who would handle the legacy was also ultimately left unresolved I felt. It was hinted at (in a manner I didn’t like) and then never discussed again. Loose ends annoy me!
How did I feel at the end?
That’s really the important thing isn’t it? Did I feel the HEA was right? Did I feel happy or disappointed by the misunderstandings? Was I left with a warm and fuzzy feeling or wishing I could get my money back?
HEA – yes I felt this was right. It wasn’t rushed and I really enjoyed the conversation between Kate and Andrew leading up to the proposal.
Misunderstandings – as I mentioned earlier I failed to understand why the legacy was such a big deal so the ‘misunderstanding’ failed to make any sense to me.
At the end, although I wasn’t left with a warm and fuzzy feeling neither did I wish I could get my money back.
Final thoughts? Recommended primarily because I enjoyed Kate’s character so much. If you enjoy intelligent / independent heroines; and witty conversations then you too may enjoy this book.
(Check out my personal blog for more Traditional Regency Romance reviews)
February 12, 2025
3.5 stars
The start was promising until the FMC began improving everyone's life and character. Very irritating. Fortunately, she decided to give up her meddling career at 35% and the plot became more interesting.
All in all, the book was rather boring. There were too many unnecessary descriptions and boring dialogues with secondary characters I had zero interest in. And everyone was so nice and angelic. A pity, as the book reminded me so much of pride and prejudice.
I love slow burns and hate-to-love relationships but I found myself putting the book down several times. I should have finished this rather short book in less than 2 days instead of 5.
3.5 stars because of the unique scene in Small St. and the swimming lesson episode and because I liked the hero a lot.
The start was promising until the FMC began improving everyone's life and character. Very irritating. Fortunately, she decided to give up her meddling career at 35% and the plot became more interesting.
All in all, the book was rather boring. There were too many unnecessary descriptions and boring dialogues with secondary characters I had zero interest in. And everyone was so nice and angelic. A pity, as the book reminded me so much of pride and prejudice.
I love slow burns and hate-to-love relationships but I found myself putting the book down several times. I should have finished this rather short book in less than 2 days instead of 5.
3.5 stars because of the unique scene in Small St. and the swimming lesson episode and because I liked the hero a lot.
December 24, 2018
The characters were interesting, the pace kept up, the conflict didn’t quite make sense as to past grudges but the animosity during the story was clear. Maybe a little too much opposition made it hard to see the main characters in the romance as a likely match.
Some violence, no sex, mild language.
Some violence, no sex, mild language.
January 27, 2021
Great story. The hero is grouchy. The heroine is an interfering female and witty. Love come hard for him, and her for there a number of real obstacles they both must overcome. Will definitely read more of Laura Matthews.
May 24, 2021
A dud. The hero was a stiff. The heroine was a know it all. The romance wasn't there. The secondary character's had more of a story going for them then the main characters. Wish there was an epilogue so we could see how their story panned out. Doubt I'll read this author again though.
January 22, 2020
Lots of dialogue to move the plot forward, so a very quick read but really no depth. Predictable and a little dated.
March 31, 2021
Decent traditional regency , liked the heroine a lot though too proud and stubborn , should have clued the hero onto the facts sooner concerning her bequest from his brother.
November 10, 2023
I really liked this and read it in one day. I wish there had been a little more to the story, like the happily ever after.
June 18, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyable, highly amusing, and a highly recommended read.
Such a mix of characters from silly young men to glowering earls, and a delightful leading lady. It’s a gentle and well-paced tale of a slow-burn romance at the heart of it.
Read & enjoy.
Such a mix of characters from silly young men to glowering earls, and a delightful leading lady. It’s a gentle and well-paced tale of a slow-burn romance at the heart of it.
Read & enjoy.
May 2, 2025
It's giving austen vibes and love it. Was more thoughtful than I expected from the premise
July 7, 2025
Terminato più di due anni fa. Lettura gradevole, uno dei meglio riusciti di LM. Nella mia cartella dei 'buoni'.
June 1, 2025
An odd little book, a bit lacking in the romance department and with far too many not particularly interesting characters milling about at the side of the stage, but very readable.
Here’s the premise: Kate Montgomery is settling back into domestic country life after several far more exciting years travelling with her widowed aunt. Her younger sister is about to make her debut in London, but Kate’s past the age of looking for a husband. But one day she receives an astonishing five proposals, one after the other. I’m going to take issue with this right from the start. Usually I can grant a book its opening premise, but not here. The idea is that this is an amusing prank organised by her dippy brother amongst her friends, but frankly, a proposal of marriage in the Regency wasn’t something to be taken lightly. If Kate had said yes to one of them, he would have been honour bound to marry her. Saying it was just a joke won’t cut it. So that’s a pretty silly start.
From then onwards, the story branches out into a multitude of side stories, some of which work better than others, but frankly the book would have been much stronger if it had dispensed with most of those and shed more of a spotlight on the two principals, Kate and her haughty aristocratic neighbour, the Earl of Winterton. He’s a starchy sort of man, although arrogant seems like a better word for it, but with Kate, he’s downright rude. But that’s alright, because she’s rude right back at him.
There’s an interesting reason for the antagonism. Some years ago, Winterton’s brother Carl wanted to marry Kate but she turned him down. He went off to fight in the war, but when he died he left her a substantial legacy (twenty thousand pounds, a tidy sum). Winterton disapproved of Kate accepting it. So did a number of other people, since it really wasn’t done to leave a fortune to a woman who wasn’t a relation of any sort, but Winterton took his disapproval to extremes. So now they snipe at each other constantly, and even though the reader knows that these two are going to get together, it’s hard to see how. It’s well past the 50% point before he notices how pretty she is.
The author rather cleverly chips away at his haughtiness by putting him in humiliating situations, and as they’re repeatedly thrown together they do begin to develop some respect for each other. When they all transfer to town for the season, he actually starts rather tentatively to court Kate, before one of the pesky side plots drags her away. And then it’s just a downhill run to the declarations of love.
I said the book is lacking, romantically, and frankly it’s so limply unemotional that it never actually builds up a head of steam. I make due allowances for its age (1979!) but even for a traditional read it’s pretty tepid stuff. I also disliked the amount of banal dialogue the author saw fit to inflict on the reader. We really don’t need all the greetings and how-are-yous and how was your journey and a recap of all the recent plot developments. It’s tedious.
This sounds pretty critical, but actually it rolled along pretty well, and I was absorbed in it from start to finish. It’s a little too bland for five stars, but it’s a good four stars for me.
Here’s the premise: Kate Montgomery is settling back into domestic country life after several far more exciting years travelling with her widowed aunt. Her younger sister is about to make her debut in London, but Kate’s past the age of looking for a husband. But one day she receives an astonishing five proposals, one after the other. I’m going to take issue with this right from the start. Usually I can grant a book its opening premise, but not here. The idea is that this is an amusing prank organised by her dippy brother amongst her friends, but frankly, a proposal of marriage in the Regency wasn’t something to be taken lightly. If Kate had said yes to one of them, he would have been honour bound to marry her. Saying it was just a joke won’t cut it. So that’s a pretty silly start.
From then onwards, the story branches out into a multitude of side stories, some of which work better than others, but frankly the book would have been much stronger if it had dispensed with most of those and shed more of a spotlight on the two principals, Kate and her haughty aristocratic neighbour, the Earl of Winterton. He’s a starchy sort of man, although arrogant seems like a better word for it, but with Kate, he’s downright rude. But that’s alright, because she’s rude right back at him.
There’s an interesting reason for the antagonism. Some years ago, Winterton’s brother Carl wanted to marry Kate but she turned him down. He went off to fight in the war, but when he died he left her a substantial legacy (twenty thousand pounds, a tidy sum). Winterton disapproved of Kate accepting it. So did a number of other people, since it really wasn’t done to leave a fortune to a woman who wasn’t a relation of any sort, but Winterton took his disapproval to extremes. So now they snipe at each other constantly, and even though the reader knows that these two are going to get together, it’s hard to see how. It’s well past the 50% point before he notices how pretty she is.
The author rather cleverly chips away at his haughtiness by putting him in humiliating situations, and as they’re repeatedly thrown together they do begin to develop some respect for each other. When they all transfer to town for the season, he actually starts rather tentatively to court Kate, before one of the pesky side plots drags her away. And then it’s just a downhill run to the declarations of love.
I said the book is lacking, romantically, and frankly it’s so limply unemotional that it never actually builds up a head of steam. I make due allowances for its age (1979!) but even for a traditional read it’s pretty tepid stuff. I also disliked the amount of banal dialogue the author saw fit to inflict on the reader. We really don’t need all the greetings and how-are-yous and how was your journey and a recap of all the recent plot developments. It’s tedious.
This sounds pretty critical, but actually it rolled along pretty well, and I was absorbed in it from start to finish. It’s a little too bland for five stars, but it’s a good four stars for me.
April 3, 2015
This was fun. It's like a mix of Emma and Pride and Prejudice. I like it because it progressed so naturally. Some might be bored by it though since nothing surprising really happens but I loved it because of that. It's too unrealistic to read about adventure all the time.
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January 8, 2010Fictionwise multiformat ebook
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January 9, 2010Fictionwise multiformat ebook
April 2, 2014
A charming story of an unconventional young woman who falls in love with a very proper, conventional gentleman.
August 12, 2016
first read 11/26/15; re-read late July 2016
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews