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emmalb1984's review
5.0
Jenni Fletcher’s excellent ‘Regency Belles of Bath’ series continues with the story of Beatrix, who readers of the previous book will know as Belinda Carr, and Quinton Roxbury, Duke of Howden, the husband she left at their wedding reception. Having established a new life for herself as a baker at Belles, Bea writes to her husband asking for a divorce, only for Quin to arrive in Bath, announcing he has know her whereabouts for some time and ask that she gives marriage a try before making any decisions on the future.
With an entertaining cast of characters and strong plot whereby Bea and Quin discover they are better suited than they may have thought, the reader is drawn in to this wonderfully created Regency world from the outset, and you find yourself invested in what will become of the unlikely union as Bea fights for her independence and Quin is forced to consider how his past has affected his ability to show his feelings to the world. Moving from Bath to Yorkshire and ultimately to London, Quin and Bea’s six week trial marriage is well plotted and essentially gives them a chance to have the courtship they never had because, as Quin himself comments, ‘they had barely discussed the weather before he proposed.’
In Bea and Quin, the author has created two well-rounded and likeable characters who on initial impressions seem to have little in common; indeed Quin himself admits the marriage was more about Bea’s financial status than anything else, not to mention Bea’s unlikeable Uncle essentially pushing for the match for the benefit of Quin’s connections more than his niece’s happiness. One of the things I loved most about this story was that Bea is willing to essentially give up all the trappings of society and settle for a new life baking biscuits with no one really knowing her true background, and it is this characterisation that really sells the plot to the reader; the conflict between going back to what you left behind or staying in your new life with friends who have accepted you simply for being you and not judging you on the past. Similarly, Quin is trying to hold his family together and repair the damage caused by a drunken comment from his father which has almost irreparably damaged their reputation. It is to Quin’s credit that, as much as he want Bea to stay in his life once their six weeks is up, he is willing to give her what she wants if it will make her happy. As the plot progresses and decisions need to be made, the reader is drawn into the dilemmas faced by both characters and you really do root for them to overcome the scars of the past and look to the what could be in the future.
Once again, the author has also created some wonderful secondary characters who add so much to the plot with Quin’s mother, brothers and sisters (special mention to the scene-stealing Helen who hides under the table and plays a key role in the conclusion of the story) adding to the already established Nancy, Henrietta and Sebastian, not to mention the worth the wait re-appearance of the ‘magnificent’ Lady Jarrow (if you haven’t read the first book, please do!) who almost steals the show with her role in proceedings.
This is another excellent instalment to the series, and all that remains is to know whether there will be a fourth book featuring Nancy and James, or whether the lovely epilogue is meant to make us think if they will get their own happy ending.
With an entertaining cast of characters and strong plot whereby Bea and Quin discover they are better suited than they may have thought, the reader is drawn in to this wonderfully created Regency world from the outset, and you find yourself invested in what will become of the unlikely union as Bea fights for her independence and Quin is forced to consider how his past has affected his ability to show his feelings to the world. Moving from Bath to Yorkshire and ultimately to London, Quin and Bea’s six week trial marriage is well plotted and essentially gives them a chance to have the courtship they never had because, as Quin himself comments, ‘they had barely discussed the weather before he proposed.’
In Bea and Quin, the author has created two well-rounded and likeable characters who on initial impressions seem to have little in common; indeed Quin himself admits the marriage was more about Bea’s financial status than anything else, not to mention Bea’s unlikeable Uncle essentially pushing for the match for the benefit of Quin’s connections more than his niece’s happiness. One of the things I loved most about this story was that Bea is willing to essentially give up all the trappings of society and settle for a new life baking biscuits with no one really knowing her true background, and it is this characterisation that really sells the plot to the reader; the conflict between going back to what you left behind or staying in your new life with friends who have accepted you simply for being you and not judging you on the past. Similarly, Quin is trying to hold his family together and repair the damage caused by a drunken comment from his father which has almost irreparably damaged their reputation. It is to Quin’s credit that, as much as he want Bea to stay in his life once their six weeks is up, he is willing to give her what she wants if it will make her happy. As the plot progresses and decisions need to be made, the reader is drawn into the dilemmas faced by both characters and you really do root for them to overcome the scars of the past and look to the what could be in the future.
Once again, the author has also created some wonderful secondary characters who add so much to the plot with Quin’s mother, brothers and sisters (special mention to the scene-stealing Helen who hides under the table and plays a key role in the conclusion of the story) adding to the already established Nancy, Henrietta and Sebastian, not to mention the worth the wait re-appearance of the ‘magnificent’ Lady Jarrow (if you haven’t read the first book, please do!) who almost steals the show with her role in proceedings.
This is another excellent instalment to the series, and all that remains is to know whether there will be a fourth book featuring Nancy and James, or whether the lovely epilogue is meant to make us think if they will get their own happy ending.
robinwalter's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
pleasant enough, but facile and with a bit too much of a magickal superhero quality to the FL
veronicachp's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
This one started out so promisingly and went along great until like the last 2 chapters, when the formerly likeable heroine suddenly suffered an attack of "extremely bad and stupid choices" disease. The book had a nice slow burn thing going on, there was /yearning/ they were communicating....and then suddenly a quick and hastily fabricated conflict that could have been solved with one quick conversation derails everything, and results in an equally quick and shoddily constructed resolution. It really smacks of "oh no I only have x amount of pages left and haven't had a secondary conflict, better toss some random drama in there." Very strong start, disappointing finish.
jessbookishlife's review
5.0
Am I surprised that I loved the plot and characters of this book? Actually, I am not. In this new book, Jenni Fletcher marvel us with her engaging characters, lovely moments and brilliant storytelling.
As we follow Beatrix and Quinton in this second chance at love, I couldn't help myself, and ended up falling in love with the characters. Two characters that I could understand, that I could connect in some way, that made me feel a part of that time and that society.
Beatrix was lovely and Quin was just amazing. When they were together, the interactions... What can I say? It was interesting to read about the connection they had and the one they built. It was so enjoyable to see their relationship grow, their fears and past come to light, and their love becoming stronger.
I loved that it was a different kind of second chance story. I loved the drama, the romance, the development of the characters and the plot. All in a flow of the story that made it hard to put down the book.
Overall, Jenni Fletcher yet again gave us a lovely story and I don't even know what to say to describe my love for the novel, without giving spoilers. Although it's part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, so don't be scared to read it. It's really amazing!
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Jenni Fletcher for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
As we follow Beatrix and Quinton in this second chance at love, I couldn't help myself, and ended up falling in love with the characters. Two characters that I could understand, that I could connect in some way, that made me feel a part of that time and that society.
Beatrix was lovely and Quin was just amazing. When they were together, the interactions... What can I say? It was interesting to read about the connection they had and the one they built. It was so enjoyable to see their relationship grow, their fears and past come to light, and their love becoming stronger.
I loved that it was a different kind of second chance story. I loved the drama, the romance, the development of the characters and the plot. All in a flow of the story that made it hard to put down the book.
Overall, Jenni Fletcher yet again gave us a lovely story and I don't even know what to say to describe my love for the novel, without giving spoilers. Although it's part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, so don't be scared to read it. It's really amazing!
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Jenni Fletcher for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
katebyroade's review
4.0
Best of the series so far.
I wish Fletcher hadn’t made simple errors of history.
I wish Fletcher hadn’t made simple errors of history.
bookshortie's review
5.0
On their wedding day, shortly after marrying Quinton Roxbury, the Duke of Howden, Beatrix runs away to Bath and sets herself up in business running a biscuit shop. Having had no communication since their wedding day, Quinton visits Beatrix after receiving a letter from her offering him a divorce. Quinton doesn’t want a divorce. In order to change her mind Quinton makes Beatrix a proposal. She has to return with him to Howden Hall, give their marriage a go for six weeks and take up her role as Duchess of Howden in that time. Quinton’s plan is to change Beatrix’s mind within that period and if he can’t he will petition Parliament for a divorce.
Both characters are wealthy in their own right but have been subject to scandals in their past, which the other isn’t aware of. They marry each other for different reasons: Quinton marries Beatrix for her wealth which will restore his ailing estate and Beatrix marries Quinton to escape her guardians, her uncle and aunt. In those six weeks Quinton and Beatrix get to know each other properly, learn about each other’s temperaments and pasts. From strangers to friends to something more? Will Quinton and Beatrix find common ground and maybe fall in love?
I really enjoyed this read and it was nice to be whisked away to another time and place. The storyline was very different to other historical romance novels I’ve read before. What I liked was that when we’re introduced to the characters it’s just over three months after their wedding, both are living separate lives and it’s unclear why Beatrix took the step she did. The reader finds out more as the story progresses. I loved the characters. Although Quinton has power and control over Beatrix’s life which husbands in the 1800s would have had over their wives he chooses not to use it. Instead he shows understanding and gentleness despite knowing for many months that Beatrix has been in Bath after she left. He only approaches her when she makes contact with him. As for Beatrix I loved how independent she is and that she leaves behind her wealth and a life of luxury to set up a biscuit shop. As for the chemistry between Quinton and Beatrix it is off the scale.
This is the third book in the Regency Belles of Bath series but can be read as a standalone novel. After reading this book I’m really looking forward to reading the first two books in the series.
A sweet wholesome story, filled with romance and likeable characters which was a pleasure to read!
I read a gifted copy for an honest review.
Both characters are wealthy in their own right but have been subject to scandals in their past, which the other isn’t aware of. They marry each other for different reasons: Quinton marries Beatrix for her wealth which will restore his ailing estate and Beatrix marries Quinton to escape her guardians, her uncle and aunt. In those six weeks Quinton and Beatrix get to know each other properly, learn about each other’s temperaments and pasts. From strangers to friends to something more? Will Quinton and Beatrix find common ground and maybe fall in love?
I really enjoyed this read and it was nice to be whisked away to another time and place. The storyline was very different to other historical romance novels I’ve read before. What I liked was that when we’re introduced to the characters it’s just over three months after their wedding, both are living separate lives and it’s unclear why Beatrix took the step she did. The reader finds out more as the story progresses. I loved the characters. Although Quinton has power and control over Beatrix’s life which husbands in the 1800s would have had over their wives he chooses not to use it. Instead he shows understanding and gentleness despite knowing for many months that Beatrix has been in Bath after she left. He only approaches her when she makes contact with him. As for Beatrix I loved how independent she is and that she leaves behind her wealth and a life of luxury to set up a biscuit shop. As for the chemistry between Quinton and Beatrix it is off the scale.
This is the third book in the Regency Belles of Bath series but can be read as a standalone novel. After reading this book I’m really looking forward to reading the first two books in the series.
A sweet wholesome story, filled with romance and likeable characters which was a pleasure to read!
I read a gifted copy for an honest review.
cuppacora's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
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