A young woman who despises high society and its fashions. A spoilt lord who loves it. Will they give in to their unexpected attraction to reveal a deep and enduring passion?
She thinks he is arrogant and vain ... The Davis family has ascended to the gentry due to their unusual connection to the Earl of Saunton. Now the earl wants Emma Davis and her sister to come to London for the Season. Emma relishes refusing, but her sister is excited to meet eligible gentlemen. Now she can’t tell the earl's arrogant brother to go to hell when he shows up with the invitation. She will cooperate for her beloved sibling, but she is not allowing the handsome Perry to sway her mind ... or her heart.
He thinks she is disheveled, but intriguing ... Peregrine Balfour cannot believe the errands his brother is making him do. Fetching a country mouse. Preparing her for polite society. Dancing lessons. He should be stealing into the beds of welcoming widows, not delivering finishing lessons to an unstylish shrew. Pity he can’t help noticing the ravishing young woman that is being revealed by his tuition until the only schooling he wants to deliver is in the language of love.
Will these two conflicting personalities find a way to reconcile their unexpected attraction before Perry makes a grave mistake?
My Fair Bluestocking is the delightful next chapter in the Inconvenient Brides Regency romance series. If you like worthy heroes, fast-paced plots, and enduring connections, then you’ll adore Nina Jarrett’s charming novel.
Nina started writing her own stories in elementary school but quickly grew distracted when she finished school and moved on to non-profit work with recovering drug addicts. There she worked with people from every walk of life from privileged neighborhoods to the shanty towns of urban and rural South Africa.
One day she met a real-life romantic hero. She instantly married her fellow bibliophile and moved to the USA where she enjoyed a career as a sales coaching executive at an Inc 500 company. She lives with her husband on the Florida Gulf Coast.
Nina believes in kindness and the indomitable power of the human spirit. She is fascinated by the amazing, funny people she has met across the world who dared to change their lives. She likes to tell mischievous tales of life-changing decisions and character transformations while drinking excellent coffee and avoiding cookies.
I almost dnf'd this book because of Peregrine. He is the sometime hero of the book and I was starting to like him but he ruined it. He went to pick up Emma so the young boy Ethan would sleep. He grew up with her, but his Father came and got him, and now he can't sleep. He gets her to come with her sister Jane and he seems to be obsessed with her. They kiss, they fool around, but he decides she better off with someone else so he brings an ex lover to a ball and is truly cruel to the heroine in front of everybody. It made me cry when she got to her room and fell apart. Then you see him waking up with the slutty widow and I almost threw my Kindle. I guess nothing happened but I really lost faith in him. Yes his Father was the worst sort of pervert ever and was not a good influence on either of his sons but I don't care. Grow up and be a man. A real man. Not a lech! It was hard for me to root for him. The scene at the farmhouse where he went to get her was silly and trite. But she forgave him and the ending was good. So was the epilogue. I really like this author, and it really was safe because nothing happened with OW after he met her, well almost nothing and he did love her I think. Just the scene where she broke down broken!y heart. Good story.
My Fair Bluestocking by Nina Jarrett is a must-read for any Regency romance fan! I was utterly captivated by the book's beautiful cover, fabulous settings, and fascinating characters.
This book follows the relationship between Miss Emma Davis and Mr. Peregrine "Perry" Balfour as they navigate society's expectations, deep-rooted insecurities, a dark past, and a wicked widow. Their playful banter leads to fiery passion as their chemistry proves too difficult to ignore.
I enjoyed this novel immensely and appreciated its overall message. What I took away from this unforgettable story is the importance to love yourself, identifying self-sabotage, and the importance of a healthy support system of family and friends.
I also appreciated how strong and independent the heroine was. She never lost her head or had a sudden case of "body betrayal syndrome." She remained true to herself ALWAYS. I wish this was a common theme in more romance novels - authors take note! At one point she provides the following advice to her younger sister who is enjoying a season of husband-hunting: "...Consider what your personal dreams might be so you may judge whether a young man is an appropriate partner." In other words, look for a person to fit into YOUR life and YOUR future. Never allow a relationship to change who you are.
Perry tried to push Emma away using callous behavior but ultimately won me over with his vulnerability as he realized how fortunate he was to find his Emma, his wildflower.
My Fair Bluestocking by Nina Jarrett is a charming and worthy read! A highly recommended character-driven, enemies-to-lovers romance with a reformed rouge and a headstrong country mouse.
Dual POV The Inconvenient Brides series consists of interconnected standalone novels; My Fair Bluestocking is book 3.
With vivid descriptions and heartwarming characters, this book will whisk you away on a romantic journey that will have you feeling all sorts of emotions from start to finish. So if you're in the mood for a delicious read that's full of emotion and impact, this book is just what your heart needs!
This was a well-written, enjoyable read, the third full-length book in the Inconvenient Brides series by Nina Jarrett. I had not read any of her other books or novellas prior to this one, but I do plan to read others in the series in the future!
While it is noted that each of the books in the Inconvenient Brides series can be read as standalones, I think each installment is stronger when they are read in order. Richard Balfour, the Earl of Saunton and the older brother of this book's hero, Peregrine (Perry) Balfour, has his own story in Book 2 of the series, To Redeem an Earl. I think I would have had a better appreciation of Richard and Sophia as key secondary characters if I had read their story before this one rather than meeting them for the first time here.
Still, the book's focus is mostly on Perry and Emma Davis, and they are both really likable main characters. For me, I wanted to see how they would overcome their differences and Perry's haunting past to reach their Happily Ever After. I was invested in their journey, and in them as characters, and thought they were well-matched. Could their characters have been further developed to better demonstrate Perry's angst, yes, they could've. But I still enjoyed this novel quite a bit. I also mention that I hope the author becomes more comfortable calling parts of the male anatomy by their more commonly used names in historical romance stories. The word "appendage" did jar me a little and took me out of the story somewhat because I haven't seen it commonly called that. When I think of appendages - I think of arms and legs rather than key male anatomy. Just a possible suggestion for her future stories.
All in all, a really good installment in the series with a great set-up for the next novel, with Emma's younger sister, Jane Davis, and her hero. I thought Nina Jarett did a good job of introducing Barclay Thompson into this story so that readers have some backstory on him when meeting him in Sleepless in Saunton, Book 4 of this series.
Mildly steamy read (1.5-2 flames)/3.75 stars overall, rounded up to 4.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens.com, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It is so appealing when my favorite genre and trope is viewed and written through a pair of fresh eyes. Jarrett has rewarded readers with a romance between a jaded gentleman and a country bluestocking. Peregrine Balfour lives the life of a dissipated rake - carousing with like minded gentlemen who find pleasures with interested widows. Emma Davis enjoys being her father’s steward, reading books on agriculture and animal husbandry rather than embroidering or drawing. Perry is tasked with escorting Emma to his brother Richard’s estate to attend to his 4 y/o son, Ethan, who is having difficulty sleeping. Ethan spent the first 4 years of his life with the Davises until Richard found out that he was his by-blow and then responsibly took Ethan into his home. In order to encourage Emma’s cooperation, Perry deceitfully states that the invitation extends to Emma’s sister Jane also, with a promised Season, wardrobe and dowry for the both of them.
Read how Perry, a spare raised by a licentious, depraved, syphilitically deranged father, and shaped by this upbringing, alternates between adoring Emma and pushing her away, because he feels unworthy of his Country Mouse’s love. And how Emma, crushed by his rejection but still hopeful of their union, gets him to reveal his tragic childhood and another equally dark secret. Jarrett entertains us with comedic scenes of an inebriated Perry and his drunken friends having a dialogue with Emma and she and Perry’s initial discussion in the carriage regarding “Pride and Prejudice”. Their opposing views on Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth are simply hilarious. Kudos to Jarrett with this novel in this delightful series. Looking forward to Jane’s story. I have received an ARC from BookSirens and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
Do you like a witty and amusing verbal sparring between the main characters? Well, Emma and Perry's story begins that way an evolves to a sweet love story.
In this book the reader will find: 🌻 Both hero and heroine with a huge lack of confidence 🌻 Abusive past and perceived unforgivable sins for our the MC 🌻 Jane Austen's 'Sense and Sensibility' and "My fair Lady" or 'Pygmalion' myth as inspirational plot guides 🤩
I was very impressed with this book, it took a simple premise but used it to explore the deeper emotions and motivations of its characters. I really enjoyed the snappy comebacks and teasing between the two main characters from the start of the novel, it hooked me straight away. They really had good chemistry and energy. However the narrative slowly deepened and covered topics of trauma, healing and forgiveness (especially self forgiveness) with an impressive understanding. After reading the authors biography its clear they ve drawn from their experiences working in such areas as addiction etc. At the same time there were some truly funny, lighthearted moments especially in regards to the heroines sister. All the characters were very endearing, this book is part of a series and I have since started reading the books that became before this one and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book to review for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are honest and my own.
Another excellent novel in this series, I do not recall any angst during the read and my overall residual feelings are of sweetness and fun, I did cry in a couple of places. I feel his father was low life and have feelings of sadness because of how Perry was treated by his father.
Two people are dragged into a situation neither wants. The Earl of Saunton would like Emma Davis and her sister to take part in the activities in London high society during the Season. But the women are country raised and not ready for Society’s lofty scrutiny. However, Emma’s sister can’t wait to meet all the eligible gentlemen, so for her sake, Emma will go along with this nonsense.
Peregrine Balfour ("Perry") considers Emma nothing more than a country mouse who won’t fit in. But his brother wants him to get her ready for her debut in Society. He will teach her to dance, groom her into a lady, and help her project propriety and confidence. And he does such a successful job of it that he is finding it difficult to not desire her for himself. How will she fare at the events? Will she win the heart of another? Or will Peregrine step up and make his desire for her known?
This really was a good story as we see Emma being true to her convictions and Perry discovering what he needed to know about himself.
Peregrine Balfour is tasked with helping the Davis sisters transition from country life to the salons of high society. And Emma accepts the proposal, just to allow her sister to benefit.
Emma was raised in a loving family, where she could develop her taste for knowledge.
Peregrine, was the victim of an abusive father and although the latter has passed away, what he went through in childhood and adolescence still shapes many of her actions and thoughts.
From the beginning, the contrast of personalities, tastes, preferences is present, but it cannot supplant the interest of one for the other.
Approaching a delicate topic, discussing a couple of extreme opposites, with one where one of them still has serious problems regarding notions of responsibility and merit, as always, the author holds the reader's attention until the end.
Book 3 in The Inconvenient Brides Series, but can be read as a standalone.
I found this book to be a delight from start to finish.
The author has written such witty dialogue between the two main characters, and had me laughing out loud at times.
Emma Davis, eldest daughter of the Davis family who took young Ethan in after his mother died. Emma and Ethan forged a strong bond, before he was claimed by his father, the Earl of Saunton, and taken to join his new family in London.
Ethan misses Emma dreadfully though, so much that his health suffers due to lack of sleep.
The Earl decides to send his younger brother, Peregrine, to persuade Emma to visit London to help Ethan settle in.
So sets the scene for Peregrine and Emma’s Love/Hate relationship.
They start off well, once they reach London, but there are secrets to be told, guilt to be assuaged, and familial bonds to be strengthened before they can have a chance at the love that is brewing between them.
Well worth the 5stars I am giving it, and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Another great installment in the Inconvenient Brides series! This book can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend reading the entire series in order. When Perry was first introduced, he seemed like a two-dimensional rake. In this book, we learn how he came to be that way. We also realize that Emma is not just a baby-crazy spinster. Amazingly, she is a well-rounded individual who came from a loving family environment. Perry and Emma do get off to a bit of a rocky start. Some of their fights are pretty hilarious. However, once Perry sees that Emma is the essence of what is missing in his debauched life, the man's bachelor days are numbered.
Many previous characters, especially Perry's brother Richard, appear in this book. Annabel Ridley's brother (remember him?) returns as well. While planting the seeds for some great future story arcs, Nina Jarrett brings this book to a very satisfying conclusion.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review.
Absolutely beautiful love story. Full of love , Romance, action, drama and one terrible singer. Does have some issues with an abusive father that haunts the hero and his brother. The Heroine has the opposite with a large , loving supportive family. Perry growing up has given him some terrible lessons on respect and people. Yet Emma wants to help him and falls in love . He thinks he's no good for her and tries to destroy her feelings for him, only to realize that he really wants her. The story has a lot of great characters, both bad and good. Super read- once you start you can't put it down. Would recommend this book to all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An excellent book. This is a book I am happy to recommend I loved the story. It is hard being a single part even back this time period but what is worse is when the child is removed from those they loved. Out of love Richard has Emma and her sister come to stay with him and his child plus they well get a season. The only fly in honey is Perry. When reading the book you will understand what I mean. This is a book that has humor, a bit of drama, very interesting characters, and few secrets. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
This book was interesting, but I did skim a little. The inner monologue of our MCs was very repetitive. I also didn't understand the MMC's "reasons". Not enough grovelling and too easily forgiven. Our FMC was brought to London to be with Ethan the 4 year old. We don't really get any interaction with them. Once in the beginning and just a mention at the end. I really do like this author's writing and will continue with the series. I started with the second book and really loved it. I will continue so I don't forget anything. I will go back and read the first one, once I am finished.
High 4 stars! This was a historical romance with a little steam. I just finished and I’m smiling. I loved Emma’s spirit and Perry was so handsome and infuriating. The romance had great chemistry and I couldn’t get enough. I had lots of up and down feels with this because it was a good story. I highly recommend Nina Jarrett if you like a traditional historical story with just a bit of open door romance. The author has a wonderful touch with her writing. Thanks Booksirens for this.
My Fair Bluestocking is Book 3 in the Inconvenient Brides series by Nina Jarret. I love all of Nina Jarret's books, they make you feel like you are actually there instead of just reading a book. This book is about Perry and Emma. Perry has some darkness in his past that he tries to run from until he meets and falls for Emma. While trying to face his past he also tries to push Emma away thinking he is saving her. They finally reach their HEA. I highly recommend this book to all historical romance readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the third installment of the Inconvenient Brides series. The series has been a delight to read so far and this latest addition was no different. Emma despises high society, but now finds herself immersed in it because of her family's strange connection to the Earl of Saunton. She does not wish to participate in the Season, but her sister is looking forward to it, and she can't let her down, so she accepts the invitation when the Earl's arrogant brother, Perry, brings it to them. These two couldn't be more opposite, he a scandalous rogue and she a country miss. But it doesn't take long for their love/hate relationship to turn into something more positive. Emma begins to see Perry as the lost soul he truly is and wants to help him heal, and in the process, falls in love.
This was an enjoyable and engaging story with well-developed characters and I was pulled into it from the very start. It's a beautiful story with plenty of drama and romance, and I truly enjoyed it. A wonderful addition to the series!
I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
What a great read this book is .The story is amusing , and romantic . The story is beautifully written as are the others in this series .The story follows lord Perrigrine and Emma certainly not love at first sight but witty banter builds up to a slow budding romance destined to fail. A truly entertaining read
Loved this misfit matchup that really pulls the heartstrings! This one is hard to put down. Perry had a horrendous childhood with an abusive fiend for a father. He’s extraordinarily handsome but completely lacking self esteem and self confidence. Emma had marvelous loving parents but no sense of style and also lacks self confidence. They quickly learn how to push each other’s buttons while denying the unmistakable pull of the chemistry between them. Sparks fly and my oh my! If you enjoy Regency Historical romances, this is a must read! I thank the author for an advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Another story about developing friendship and then love. I really enjoyed the support shown from family and friends to the main characters. A feel good read. I can’t wait for the next one from Nina Jarrett. I received a free ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
A steamy story. I did enjoy this third book in the series. I liked the characters, especially Emma being uplifted from her families usual genteel country background, and having to learn all the etiquette. It was well written and held my attention. I think it helps to have read the books in sequence. Roll on the 4th book in the series.
An unexpected romance between two very different people. The story is addictive and interesting. The story follows Emma and Perry. He has a task he sees and unwelcome and unwanted. She sees him as arrogant and conceited. What could go wrong? I love the witty banter that turns these two into more. The chemistry and passion ignite between them as sparks fly.
Another great book by Nina Jarrett from the Inconvenient Bride series! I love when the stories intertwine with the previous ones, bringing the characters into the new storyline. Perry, the hero and Emma the heroine created incredible heat together making this a very steamy read. A new twist on the hero of the story made the book really interesting. I loved this book and I would recommend it to everyone.
TG
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Their relationship started out contentious, which makes for witty and amusing verbal sparring. For different reasons, both hero and heroine are lacking in confidence. Hers, with regards to her looks and place in society. His, for his abusive past and perceived unforgivable sins. They bring each other what they need to fulfill their potentials. Lovely read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thanks to BookSprout for a copy of this novel and this is my freely given opinion.
I really enjoy how Nina Jarrett adds more to the depth of her characters and their relationships as the series goes on. This is the story of Perry, the younger brother of Richard, the Earl of Saunton, and the much lauded Emma, the cousin to Richard's natural son, who raised him until Richard and Sophia brought him home to live with them.
Perry hides behind the mask of a fashionable rake, but hides a man with some serious baggage of self doubt, guilt, and lack of self worth thanks to the influence of the previous Earl, his father, whom he had dubbed the Earl of Satan. Richard and Perry's father was a debauched widower who looked down on everyone, mistreated woman, and died mad and pox-ridden. Sounds like great father material, right? Richard thought his childhood was bad - but he had the relief of being sent away to school. Perry was kept at home by their father, who determined to teach him what being a gentleman was - at least, how the Earl of Satan determined a gentleman to be. Which is to mistreat women, look down on everyone, and treat everyone like dirt. Richard and Perry both tried to reject those teachings, but still managed to be influenced by him. Richard is now seeking redemption and to fix those mistakes of the past, which is what lead to him finding his son, and seeking restitution for those he has wronged in the past and that their father has wronged.
Perry gets drawn into this when his brother asks him to go to Sussex to persuade Emma to come to London. They wish to reunite his nephew with his beloved cousin as he misses her excessively.
Emma already resents the Balfours for their arrogance in how her cousin was taken advantage of, and left pregnant by Richard, and then he comes and wrests her beloved Ethan from the bosom of the only family he knew. Despite the generous gift of an estate to her family, she is still filled with frustration and anger towards the Earl and his family. So when she is confronted by the arrogant and manipulated by him to leave the country, with her sister, to go to London, sparks fly.
Initially Perry and Emma strike sparks off each other as they rub each other the wrong way... but what starts off as conflict and confrontation develops into heat and attraction. But while Perry initially thinks of Emma as an angry, unsophisticated, clumsy, country mouse, he comes to appreciate her beauty, intelligence, and drive. But he also fears that he is not worthy of her, being a second son with no prospects, and broken by his past. So he pushes her away and breaks her heart in a noble (but stupid) bid to save her from being attached to him.
I really enjoyed the interwoven family story lines in this story, and this series in general. I enjoyed the development of Jane's character and story line, and the continued interactions with Richard and Sophia, and how the history of how the boys were raised by the Earl of Satan - it gave much needed depth to Perry's character, as he came off as a sulky spoiled younger brother in book 2.
I am enjoying the series overall, and Nina Jarrett's writing style, and this is a solid addition to the series.
My Fair Bluestocking is the third book in Nina Jarrett’s Inconvenient Brides series. It can be read as a standalone but the story features characters and leads on from events from the previous books so it would give a better understanding to read at least the previous book. Nina is becoming a fast favourite with her books so I would definitely recommend reading in order. Peregrine Balfour has been sent by his brother the Earl on a mission to persuade Miss Emma Davis to accompany him back to London for the season. Roped in to prepare the country miss for society, giving her dancing lessons and teaching her the correct etiquette, Perry comes to admire the stunning woman being revealed. But Emma deserves better than a useless spare. The last thing Emma wants is to attend a London Season. She knows she is too awkward and blunt to make a success of it. But when Perry cleverly includes her sister in the invitation Emma cannot refuse much as she wants to. When Perry is tasked with helping the sisters prepare, she realises that they have much in common. The more time she spends with the indolent Lord the more she realises that this is a man she can spend the rest of her life with. But Perry keeps blowing hot and cold. Something is making him push her away. Can Emma unearth Perry’s motives or will he push her too far? I am loving this series by Nina. Each book sucks you into the world she has created with its warm, likeable characters. Perry has spent much of his life as the indolent brother of an Earl with really not much purpose in life apart from indulging in wine and women. But his carefree attitude hides a dark past and this book explores how awful parenting can affect a persons self confidence and sense of worth. Perry grew up with not much contact with love and people who he could rely on until finally the death of his father and his newly minted brother’s concern gave him the freedom of choice. But he was not able to deal with the trauma’s of his youth. I liked Perry and you could see throughout that he was a much better man than he thought he was. It was frustrating that he blew so hot and cold with Emma and he made some pretty poor decisions but when he tried to rectify his mistakes he did it with style! I loved the grovel and proposal in the end. It definitely made me smile. Emma was a fantastic heroine. She is very relatable with her lack of self-confidence and self-doubt when faced with the sartorial elegance of the earl’s brother or ‘Mr Arrogant’ as she dubs him. But she is sweet, smart, witty and she learns to really value herself. She recognised that Perry has his demons and tries to help him only to be rebuffed. I liked that she didn’t languish after Perry and realised that he would have to come to her if the relationship is to work. As always, the secondary characters are wonderful – especially Richard and Sophie and sweet Ethan. I received an advanced review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I am loving delving back into this world. Perry and Emma are great and likeable leads and I am looking forward to the next book.