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bbraden's review against another edition
4.0
"Oliver York returns from war to find his father dead, his finances in arrears, and himself the new Earl of Carlisle. If he doesn't marry an heiress—and fast!—he and his tenants are going to be pitching tents down by the Thames. He definitely shouldn't be trading kisses with a penniless debutante... no matter how captivating she is!
Miss Grace Halton is in England just long enough to satisfy the terms of her dowry. But a marriage of convenience isn’t as easy as she’d hoped. Back in America, her ailing mother needs medicine only Grace’s dowry can afford. Which means the dashing earl she can't get out of her mind is the one man she can't let into her heart."
Some people say this is the first in a series, but I thought it was the second? Either way, I enjoyed this book. The traces of war trauma, choices people make for family/titles, and throw in a dash of chemistry- you've got a hit on your hands. Yes, it could use a little more depth of individual roles and a little more time grounding the characters, but all in all a lovely read.
Miss Grace Halton is in England just long enough to satisfy the terms of her dowry. But a marriage of convenience isn’t as easy as she’d hoped. Back in America, her ailing mother needs medicine only Grace’s dowry can afford. Which means the dashing earl she can't get out of her mind is the one man she can't let into her heart."
Some people say this is the first in a series, but I thought it was the second? Either way, I enjoyed this book. The traces of war trauma, choices people make for family/titles, and throw in a dash of chemistry- you've got a hit on your hands. Yes, it could use a little more depth of individual roles and a little more time grounding the characters, but all in all a lovely read.
booktothepointe's review against another edition
4.0
Cute story with a British hero and American heroine. Twists and unexpected turns, lovely HEA
verityw's review against another edition
2.0
*****Copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review*****
I picked this out because I'd enjoyed the author's prequel to the series The Viscount's Christmas Temptation, but was disappointed in this longer story. I wanted to like it and the set up was interesting, but ultimately it didn't really hang together for me - and the resolution felt a bit rushed and unnatural (particularly the about face that two characters did right at the death). So not really what I was hoping for - it didn't live up to the promise of the Christmas Novella, but it wasn't totally terrible. Maybe I'm just spoilt by having read so many good Historical romances this year.
I picked this out because I'd enjoyed the author's prequel to the series The Viscount's Christmas Temptation, but was disappointed in this longer story. I wanted to like it and the set up was interesting, but ultimately it didn't really hang together for me - and the resolution felt a bit rushed and unnatural (particularly the about face that two characters did right at the death). So not really what I was hoping for - it didn't live up to the promise of the Christmas Novella, but it wasn't totally terrible. Maybe I'm just spoilt by having read so many good Historical romances this year.
bananatricky's review against another edition
4.0
Grace Halton has come to England from her home in America to beg her grandparents to help her sick mother. Instead she finds her wealthy grandparents intent on getting her married off to a member of the ton and disbelieving of her mother's illness. Unfortunately, her grandparents are self-made wealthy people which coupled with her American accent have made Grace a figure of fun with the ton. In fact, they call her Miss Macaroni and make crude suggestions about what she might be good for. Grace is well aware that only a fortune-hunter would be interested in marrying her, but she is looking for a husband who will allow her to return to America and help her mother.
Oliver York has returned from the Napoleonic wars and found himself the new Earl of Carlisle, tricked into approaching Grace at a ball they soon find each other to be good company. Then however Oliver discovers that his father has practically bankrupt the estate and there is no money left.
This was a charming historical romance, Oliver and Grace were both honourable people desperately trying to help each other achieve their objectives.
Definitely enjoying this series, even if I do think there are a few anachronisms here and there.
Oliver York has returned from the Napoleonic wars and found himself the new Earl of Carlisle, tricked into approaching Grace at a ball they soon find each other to be good company. Then however Oliver discovers that his father has practically bankrupt the estate and there is no money left.
This was a charming historical romance, Oliver and Grace were both honourable people desperately trying to help each other achieve their objectives.
Definitely enjoying this series, even if I do think there are a few anachronisms here and there.
thereadingbel's review against another edition
4.0
When Oliver York, Earl of Carlisle comes back from the war he comes back with his wounded and broken friends and to find his father has died. He died in a rumor causing way and he died with some unexpected surprises for his son the heir.
When Oliver goes to his first ball after his return, he is attracted to the wallflower that seems to not quite fit in with the others. When he learns that she is pretty much shunned due to her American accent and her merchant grandparents, Oliver still makes his presence know to her. He is immediately put in his place and he is a little startled at her open and honest response to his questions.
Grace Halton has come from America with a plan in mind and that plan is the only thing she can think of. She can't be bothered with good looking Earl's that she can't stop thinking about. She can't be bothered with an Earl that might have financial problems and she certainly can't be interested in an Earl that she just might be developing feelings for.
This was an interesting story and well worth reading if you like this type of story.
When Oliver goes to his first ball after his return, he is attracted to the wallflower that seems to not quite fit in with the others. When he learns that she is pretty much shunned due to her American accent and her merchant grandparents, Oliver still makes his presence know to her. He is immediately put in his place and he is a little startled at her open and honest response to his questions.
Grace Halton has come from America with a plan in mind and that plan is the only thing she can think of. She can't be bothered with good looking Earl's that she can't stop thinking about. She can't be bothered with an Earl that might have financial problems and she certainly can't be interested in an Earl that she just might be developing feelings for.
This was an interesting story and well worth reading if you like this type of story.
ladyandscholar's review against another edition
4.0
This was a sweet and fun historical romance, with just enough twists to keep the reader interested. I appreciated the ending and how a part of the story echoed the old love story where the woman sells her hair for her beau, and he sells his watch for her.
mholles's review against another edition
3.0
Oliver York, Earl of Carlisle needs an heiress. Miss Grace Halton of America needs to marry to access her dowry so she can help her sick mother. Looking forward to reading others in this series.
jaclynder's review against another edition
3.0
The Earl’s Defiant Wallflower is a short historical romance, which is a series opener. The series is to focus on three young men who went away to war, and perhaps the young man that did not.
In the first book, Lord Oliver York has returned to society. He’s determined to encourage his mute friend, Captain Xaiver Grey, back into the land of the living, even if his return to the ballrooms of the ton gives the impression he’s in want of a wife. He’s not. He’d prefer never to get married, at least until he spies an unlikely wallflower, Grace Halton.
Grace Halton is on mission. She’s arrived from America with the sole purpose of marrying and then returning home. Only through marriage will Grace gain access to her inheritance, which she needs desperately in order to pay for her sick mother’s medical expenses. Grace didn’t count on being reviled for being an American, which makes it hard to bring a gentleman up to scratch. At this point she’s desperate. When she encounters Oliver for the first time, he’s “close enough” to what she’s looking for:
Unfortunately, Oliver and Grace’s instant attraction can't go anywhere. While Oliver isn’t poor, he actually does need a wife with money to keep the estate going, meaning that he can’t marry Grace and let her take her inheritance back to America. Of course, telling themselves that a relationship isn't possible is a sure-fire way to ensure that a relationship is exactly what happens.
The Earl’s Defiant Wallflower was a cute, short read. I had enjoyed the prequel novella in the series, especially the author’s lighthearted tone. The set up for the romance in this one wasn’t earth shatteringly innovative, but it was implemented in a fun way. It created a moderate sense of conflict that suited the short format of this romance.
What I found frustrating was the back and forth between the character’s and their insistence on individual plans. Personally, I thought they would have saved themselves a lot of trouble by sitting down together and formulating a plan to solve both their problems. It seemed to me, Grace’s insistence on returning to America for her mother was a somewhat unnecessary complication that could have been resolved with much less hassle. Had Grace actually talked with Oliver, this conflict could quite possibly have been avoided altogether. Alas, this type of logical thinking is rare in romances. Without this conflict, there would have been little standing in the way to their relationship.
While the conflict driving the romance was somewhat illogical, I still enjoyed the style and humour of the book. The light tone and humour will certainly have me coming back for book two in the series, as did the introduction of the two main characters of book two, Captain Xavier Grey and bluestocking, Jane Downing. The Captain's Bluestocking Mistress is scheduled for release in March 2015.
Originally published at The Book Adventures.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
In the first book, Lord Oliver York has returned to society. He’s determined to encourage his mute friend, Captain Xaiver Grey, back into the land of the living, even if his return to the ballrooms of the ton gives the impression he’s in want of a wife. He’s not. He’d prefer never to get married, at least until he spies an unlikely wallflower, Grace Halton.
Grace Halton is on mission. She’s arrived from America with the sole purpose of marrying and then returning home. Only through marriage will Grace gain access to her inheritance, which she needs desperately in order to pay for her sick mother’s medical expenses. Grace didn’t count on being reviled for being an American, which makes it hard to bring a gentleman up to scratch. At this point she’s desperate. When she encounters Oliver for the first time, he’s “close enough” to what she’s looking for:
“Shall we dance?”
Just like that, her legs could barely hold her steady. She titled into his touch, conscious that he must feel her body tremble beneath his fingers. Why would he wish to dance with her? He was too young to be a roué, too gentlemanly to be a rake, too well-healed to be desperate for money, too smolderingly attractive to be in want of female companionship.
But it couldn’t hurt to make certain.
She narrowed her eyes and forced her mind back on her mission. She needed a husband with money. “Are your pockets to let?”
He blinked at her in confusion. “What? No!”
“Are you in the market for a wife?”
“Hell no!” His sculpted cheekbones flushed a subtle pink as he belatedly recalled he was speaking to a lady. “That is to say, at some point, it is my duty to take a wife.”
“Close enough.” Grace slide her wrist from his fingers and placed her hand in his. “This dance is yours.” (p. 16-17)
Unfortunately, Oliver and Grace’s instant attraction can't go anywhere. While Oliver isn’t poor, he actually does need a wife with money to keep the estate going, meaning that he can’t marry Grace and let her take her inheritance back to America. Of course, telling themselves that a relationship isn't possible is a sure-fire way to ensure that a relationship is exactly what happens.
The Earl’s Defiant Wallflower was a cute, short read. I had enjoyed the prequel novella in the series, especially the author’s lighthearted tone. The set up for the romance in this one wasn’t earth shatteringly innovative, but it was implemented in a fun way. It created a moderate sense of conflict that suited the short format of this romance.
What I found frustrating was the back and forth between the character’s and their insistence on individual plans. Personally, I thought they would have saved themselves a lot of trouble by sitting down together and formulating a plan to solve both their problems. It seemed to me, Grace’s insistence on returning to America for her mother was a somewhat unnecessary complication that could have been resolved with much less hassle. Had Grace actually talked with Oliver, this conflict could quite possibly have been avoided altogether. Alas, this type of logical thinking is rare in romances. Without this conflict, there would have been little standing in the way to their relationship.
While the conflict driving the romance was somewhat illogical, I still enjoyed the style and humour of the book. The light tone and humour will certainly have me coming back for book two in the series, as did the introduction of the two main characters of book two, Captain Xavier Grey and bluestocking, Jane Downing. The Captain's Bluestocking Mistress is scheduled for release in March 2015.
Originally published at The Book Adventures.
*Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
aklatlibro's review against another edition
2.0
Simple story with no ups and downs. There could’ve been more focus on how the relationship between the main characters developed. There was more writing about each character’s individual problems than their problems together as a couple. Not much romance in it.