Reviews

Pleasantly Pursued by Kasey Stockton

lolovesbooks3's review

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3.0

I love Benedict and the entire family so I enjoyed this but there were some slower spots. Once Thea and Ben returned home, the story slowed way down. It felt like I was just watching this family live their lives - eat, walk, ride horses etc but there wasn’t much movement in their relationship so I was a bit bored. Benedict is just seriously the sweetest and I was a bit bummed that Thea was so ruthless in her mischaracterization of him and he just took it. I wanted him to set her straight and not just take it the entire time. The ending picked up and the pacing was better, but Thea wasn’t my favorite character because there was no growth. I felt like Ben deserved better. In the first book, Felicity had lots of issues but she was always fair and kind to James, which Thea was not.

Benedict was a favorite from the first book and I can’t wait for Henry’s story.

anke_books's review

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adventurous challenging emotional inspiring lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Weer een boek om in een adem uit te lezen. Ook dit boek is geschreven vanuit het ik-perspectief, alleen dit keer wel vanuit het perspectief van beide hoofdpersonen. Dat vond ik wat storend het is niet mijn voorkeur. Het is ik en dan een perspectief, of hij/zij en meerdere perspectieven.
Dat terzijde, mooi om te zien hoe zowel Benedict als Thea iets te bewijzen hebben. Daarnaast is er heel veel spanning omdat ze gedwongen op elkaars lip zitten. En Thea leert steeds meer over haar verleden. Mooi hoe alles in het boek steeds meer bij elkaar komt. Het was niet alleen de koppigheid van de personages, niet alleen de gezamenlijke reis. Het verhaal was groter dan dat.

tealadytammy's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

notrachel's review against another edition

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emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

Tess was annoying and I almost didn't want her to get with Benedict because she didn't deserve him. Go be a spinster if you're going to insist on treating this man like crap. Both her and the FMC from the prior book could have done with some therapy but I know that wouldn't be historically accurate. The struggle was real. I want to know what happens to the third Bradwell brother but I'm not sure I have it in me right now to read/listen to the last book. 

riellareads's review against another edition

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4.0

Thea Northcott is willing to do anything to avoid the lecherous advances of an eager earl, even run away from finishing school to find employment under a false name. But when the work is harder than she expects and she discovers that there are those searching for her to come home, it is a temptation that is hard to resist. Even when it comes from Benedict, the tormentor of her youth and who was once the object of her brief infatuation, and must never find out about it. When Benedict Bradwell finds Thea in the midst of a grand house working as a servant, he is not expecting his efforts to convince her to return home, to his mother and her guardian to be successful. The years of quarreling between the two has solidified her as his enemy, traveling alone together was a terrifying and intriguing prospect. Although he and Thea used to be friends, he does not know what turned her against him. As they spend time together, he becomes more determined to discover why and if the fiery hate she seemed to carry could turn to fervent love.
I was excited to read this book after seeing the hints of Thea and Benedict's tumultuous relationship in the first book. They are both very stubborn and strong characters. Thea was such a fiery one! She was willing to run away to escape and willing to work to stay hidden. She was looking for a love match where she would be safe from the fears of her past. I appreciated her determination and strong will, though she did allow her feelings to influence her choices. She had to let go of her past and her fears in order to find happiness and love. There were a lot of secrets revealed for Thea throughout the story and they helped her come to terms with where she was and her hopes for the future.
Benedict was also a strong-willed character and he and Thea would often banter. He was also figuring out his future and how Thea fit into it. He was trying to help Thea and reconnect with her, but he does not know why she seems to hate him. Benedict was also settling into his place amongst his family with all the recent changes.
It was so sweet to watch them grow closer and work through their individual arcs. They were a really fun couple and there was a lot of uncertainty in how it would work out, but it was really interesting to read. I also enjoyed reading about the other members of the family. It was nice to see James and Felicity again, as well as their mother and Henry. I am excited for Henry’s book too!
Overall, this was a cute enemies-to- lovers regency romance! It is sweet and clean. It is the second in a series, so it would be helpful if you read the first one. I would suggest it, but it's not necessary.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

datnerdylibrarylover's review

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

linabya's review

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5.0

A good book. Very happy and lovely

hgarf13's review

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5.0

First of all, I highly suggest reading this whole series, because the set up from one book to the next is so good. Honestly, Benedict is such a gem, and I'm really not sure why Thea was so stubborn for so long. It made her pretty unlikable to be honest.

However, I really liked Thea's family reunion-- it was such a sweet and believable scene. Stockton is always so thorough, and her references to Bath were no different. Also, who doesn't love an "only one bed" trope?

simplymeagreads's review against another edition

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5.0

Regency romance with a one bed trope?!? And depicted accuratelyand believably.
I loved this frenemies to lovers story. I loved the character growth of both MCs. Thea is spunky and knows her own mind. Ben is a bit of a flirt but he willingly turns it off to prove himself to Thea. I loved how Ben tried to have a better relationship with Thea and tried to understand what went wrong with their relationship. I liked that we were shown a little bit more of what Henry was going through.
This was a great addition to the Bradwell Brothers series. I can’t wait for Henry’s story.

Thank you to the author for the eARC. All opinions are my own. This book is already available on paperback, but releases on kindle and KU tomorrow (September 7th).

books_with_cassidy's review against another edition

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5.0

4.5⭐️ I stayed up until after 1 last night finishing this book, and I don’t even care about how tired I am today. This book had all the swoons, the banter, the forbidden moments, and oh my gosh, I loved it.

Also, Benedict Bradwell. My word, he is perfection. I adored every scene of him, and his flirting is top notch. Huge fan.

My ONE complaint is that Thea could be pretty obnoxious. Too often, she dug herself into a hole, but I’m glad that by the end she recognized the immature behavior and made a change. And I’m glad that Benedict recognized that flaw in her and worked with it.

This book is a gem, and if you love historical fiction or romance, read it!