4.23 AVERAGE

melissasbookshelf's profile picture

melissasbookshelf's review

5.0
funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

AHHH! Enemies to lovers at its best! I love Sally Britton’s books & A Bachelor’s Lessons in Love is an absolute new favorite. I enjoyed how she made two endearing antagonists work together to help make a young woman’s foray into society successful. The banter was top notch & I enjoyed the complexities which made these characters lovable & sympathetic.

Colonel Edward Halstead’s quiet life is upended when he learns he’s the new guardian of a young woman. Picturing a small child, he’s surprised when a grown woman arrives with her Aunt Felicity in tow. Used to having his orders obeyed, he’s both amused & annoyed at Felicity’s boldness in advocating for her niece & it seems purposefully misunderstanding his motives. But, as they work together for Daphne’s societal debut, they find new appreciation, respect, & love.

Felicity Price has sacrificed a lot raising her niece alongside her brother. When he dies, she finds herself at a loss. Determined to be at her niece’s side as she navigates society & the marriage mart, she decides to make herself indispensable to the confirmed bachelor who’s now her guardian. 

I loved Felicity & Edward! Both have secrets which have shaped how they treat Daphne. As the mystery of Edward’s past is revealed, it’s easy to understand why he’s so protective. Felicity has her own past sorrows & as she shares her feelings with Edward, she finds a compassionate champion in the blunt former military officer. I enjoyed their delightful verbal sparring & the depth of their characters. 

This was such an enjoyable Regency with so many layers to peel back. I enjoyed Daphne as well & how she learns to navigate the ton all while humoring both her guardians. It turns out she’s more on their side than they realize.

Highly recommend this not to miss story! Can’t wait to read the other books in the series. I received an advanced copy from the author but also purchased in Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily.
4895's profile picture

4895's review

4.0
hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

loved this one! mainly because of the characters! the plot was sweet and engaging! the last few chapters were the best! ❤︎ 

meganhart1993's review

4.5
hopeful lighthearted relaxing 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: Complicated

mara_sevilla's review

4.0
emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

_dcall's review

4.5
relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Perfect for readers who enjoy: gentle romances, enemey to lovers, and regency. 
I did find it more difficult to like the heroine in the begining. I read her as prideful, judgmental, and quick to give and take offense. However, she has her moments that peak through to show the good in her. The author does well to show how one can mold to that dispostion sometimes because the many roadblocks to women of that era. Note there is never an agenda to this romance. I hope I don't give that impression. Only one can understand where the heroine is coming from because of past hurts. I did appreciate the hero's patience and willingness. I liked reading of their burgeoning friendship and how it thawed the friction. I loved how well researched the author is and how it seemlessly is brought out throughout the story. The story flowed naturally. I enjoyed the premise of this book. I think the author executed everything so nicely. 

yehoshualover's review

3.75
emotional hopeful medium-paced
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

kfowers1's review

5.0
hopeful inspiring 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: Yes

Sally Britton describes her books as gentle romance; it’s such a perfectly fitted description, and she is a master at this sub genre! 

Felicity and Edward are both a bit older than the usual protagonists in a regency romance, and it gave the romance a depth of maturity usually not seen in their romance. Each knows their own mind and heart well, and both are committed to acting with honor and respect in the world. Neither is afraid of a bit of conflict and discussion. Both have some choices each regrets (though with varying reaches for the consequences of said actions), and actions they’ve each taken to mitigate/repair the damage, even when the results are not entirely the fault of themselves alone.  I love how committed each is to ensuring Daphne is supported, loved, and protected, and the way each is willing to do battle for Daphne. 

The side characters are lovely too. Daphne is so sweet, and the Norton family are so kind! James is such a wonderful young man as well. Ultimately, though, I think Lord Blackstone, in all his glorious quirks, is my favorite side character! (It cracks me up that he compared women to geese 😂) 

All in all, a delightful, gentle  read. Highly recommend! 

Thank you to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own! 
melissadegraffbooks's profile picture

melissadegraffbooks's review

5.0
hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

A Bachelor's Lessons in Love features characters slightly older than most Regency romances, which I thought was a refreshing change. At 30, Felicity is considered a spinster, and her focus in life is her beloved niece, Daphne. I appreciated the discussion of the all-consuming role of caregiver and what comes after all the dependents are gone. Edward is also a more mature character who has made mistakes in life but has good intentions and is willing to improve. I loved how their relationship shifted from rivals to friends to lovers as they worked together to care for Daphne. I loved every page of this feel-good romance. 🥰

This is the first book to be released in the Bachelors of Blackstone's series. Lord Blackstone was such a fun character,  and I absolutely want to read more books in the series so I can see what he says next! 🪿

I received an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own.

riellareads's review

5.0

 
This was such a sweet story! I loved this historical romance and how Edward and Felicity grew together. 
I love how honorable and truly good Sally's characters are! Felicity and Edward genuinely were doing their best to care for those around them and their responsibilities. Felicity and Daphne were coming to live under Edward's guardianship after the tragedy of loss. I loved how Felicity was so ready and willing to be an advocate for Daphne. As her aunt, she was the only relative she had left and she cared so deeply for her. I admired her courage! Felicity jumped right into Edward's life in order to protect her niece. 
Edward was so noble! I loved how seriously he took his new role, even though it was unexpected. He was thrust into a new world as he prepared for a debutante. Edward and Felicity had to work together to support Daphne and I loved seeing their relationship progress! I loved how they respected one another and appreciated each other and how the relationship grew. They learned how to support and share burdens with one another. 
While they were the focus, it was also sweet to see their relationship with Daphne. Her personality came more a bit later in the story, but I loved how she grew more comfortable. This was a sweet historical romance with only kissing. 

 
tn_bibliophile's profile picture

tn_bibliophile's review

5.0

-Rivals to more
-Protective MMC
-Headstrong FMC
-Slow burn
-Found family

Sally Britton did it again! This story gives you everything you want from a historical romance: London season, romance, and personal growth. I love Felicity and Edward together. I love how they grew together. Edward and Daphne have a special relationship as well. I love how we see Daphne's personality shine at the end of the book. 

I am excited to read the rest of this series!

Content Warning:
-Grieving the loss of a loved one
-Kisses only
-No language

*Thank you to the author for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.