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scoutmomskf's review
5.0
Terrific book. The Philpot and Brookes families have been friends for many years. While Charity's best friend is Griff's sister, Dorothy, she and Griff have never gotten along. Griff believes that Charity is flighty, spoiled, and selfish, while Charity thinks Griff is a humorless prig. But underneath the antagonism simmer feelings that neither wants to admit. Charity's singing career takes off, leading to a month-long tour in the north. Charity plans to take her BFF with her and enjoy some adventures away from London. Then Griff announces his intention to chaperon the trip, ostensibly to protect Dorothy from Charity's bad influence. Charity is understandably furious to have Gruff Griff the Fun-Stealer tagging along.
Griff is a practical man, an engineer by trade and by avocation. Charity drives him nuts with her flirting, stubbornness, and sometimes reckless behavior. There's something about her that gets under his skin, and even moving away for four years didn't get her out of his system. Finding out about her trip sends him scrambling to find a reason to go along.
The trip starts rough as Charity schemes to do everything she can to make Griff regret coming along. She comes across as something of a brat, pouting because she didn't get her way. Griff isn't much better; his smugness at thwarting her is not an attractive attribute. Meanwhile, poor Dorothy is caught in the middle. I enjoyed that first day, as Charity put a crimp in Griff's plans by forcing a stop at a different inn. It's there that Griff begins to get an inkling of the real Charity Brookes when she puts on an impromptu performance for some soldiers.
Forced together as they are, both Griff and Charity soon discover that their impressions of each other are not entirely accurate. While Griff is secretly a huge fan of Charity's singing, he never understood how much work went into it. I loved seeing his growing respect for her and how that respect opened his eyes to other feelings. I also enjoyed seeing Charity begin to see past Griff's gruff exterior. His passion for his work fascinates her. His rescue of her during a panic attack opens her eyes to the more sensitive man he keeps well hidden. I loved seeing his protectiveness come out when he saw the toll the tour takes on her.
But as their unexpected feelings for each other grow, so too do their insecurities. Charity knows what his opinion of her is because he's complained about her often enough. Even if she has feelings for him, they can go nowhere. At the same time, Griff knows he's falling for Charity, but with all of the fancy suitors she has, why would she be interested in a plain old Mister? But just as things start to look promising between them, Griff's jealousy (spurred by his insecurity) erupts in a burst of anger and accusation. I ached for Charity because she didn't deserve any of it. When she confronts him about it later, both of them fling hurtful words at each other. Their passionate anger turns to passion of another kind. Unfortunately, the next day Griff's reaction manifests in some boneheaded statements rather than telling her how he feels. Charity naturally wants something more that matches her feelings. So she runs for home, leaving Griff behind wondering what to do.
I ached for Charity, who buried her hurt in her work to exclude all else. When he returns to London, Griff's reaction shows that he still cares but has no idea what to do about it. That is until Charity discovers that she isn't just rundown from overwork, and they find themselves married. Neither knows how the other feels and because of it must find a way to live together. I liked Griff's determination to make their marriage work. In a hilarious scene with his two brothers-in-law, Griff comes up with a plan to win his wife's heart. He really won my heart with his sweet care of Charity when she was so sick, and I loved how that chipped away at the wall around her heart. But when her past runs up against his insecurities, Griff again allows his fears to explode in anger. I cried for Charity and her devastation at his words and cheered for the support she received from her family. Fortunately, Griff had learned his lesson and realized what a monumental idiot he was. He did a stellar job of groveling, with witnesses, in an emotional plea for forgiveness. I loved that Charity was woman enough to admit her own mistakes in a memorable final scene.
#netgalley
Griff is a practical man, an engineer by trade and by avocation. Charity drives him nuts with her flirting, stubbornness, and sometimes reckless behavior. There's something about her that gets under his skin, and even moving away for four years didn't get her out of his system. Finding out about her trip sends him scrambling to find a reason to go along.
The trip starts rough as Charity schemes to do everything she can to make Griff regret coming along. She comes across as something of a brat, pouting because she didn't get her way. Griff isn't much better; his smugness at thwarting her is not an attractive attribute. Meanwhile, poor Dorothy is caught in the middle. I enjoyed that first day, as Charity put a crimp in Griff's plans by forcing a stop at a different inn. It's there that Griff begins to get an inkling of the real Charity Brookes when she puts on an impromptu performance for some soldiers.
Forced together as they are, both Griff and Charity soon discover that their impressions of each other are not entirely accurate. While Griff is secretly a huge fan of Charity's singing, he never understood how much work went into it. I loved seeing his growing respect for her and how that respect opened his eyes to other feelings. I also enjoyed seeing Charity begin to see past Griff's gruff exterior. His passion for his work fascinates her. His rescue of her during a panic attack opens her eyes to the more sensitive man he keeps well hidden. I loved seeing his protectiveness come out when he saw the toll the tour takes on her.
But as their unexpected feelings for each other grow, so too do their insecurities. Charity knows what his opinion of her is because he's complained about her often enough. Even if she has feelings for him, they can go nowhere. At the same time, Griff knows he's falling for Charity, but with all of the fancy suitors she has, why would she be interested in a plain old Mister? But just as things start to look promising between them, Griff's jealousy (spurred by his insecurity) erupts in a burst of anger and accusation. I ached for Charity because she didn't deserve any of it. When she confronts him about it later, both of them fling hurtful words at each other. Their passionate anger turns to passion of another kind. Unfortunately, the next day Griff's reaction manifests in some boneheaded statements rather than telling her how he feels. Charity naturally wants something more that matches her feelings. So she runs for home, leaving Griff behind wondering what to do.
I ached for Charity, who buried her hurt in her work to exclude all else. When he returns to London, Griff's reaction shows that he still cares but has no idea what to do about it. That is until Charity discovers that she isn't just rundown from overwork, and they find themselves married. Neither knows how the other feels and because of it must find a way to live together. I liked Griff's determination to make their marriage work. In a hilarious scene with his two brothers-in-law, Griff comes up with a plan to win his wife's heart. He really won my heart with his sweet care of Charity when she was so sick, and I loved how that chipped away at the wall around her heart. But when her past runs up against his insecurities, Griff again allows his fears to explode in anger. I cried for Charity and her devastation at his words and cheered for the support she received from her family. Fortunately, Griff had learned his lesson and realized what a monumental idiot he was. He did a stellar job of groveling, with witnesses, in an emotional plea for forgiveness. I loved that Charity was woman enough to admit her own mistakes in a memorable final scene.
#netgalley
saorsa32's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
brittneywelch's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
rosemaryandrue's review against another edition
4.0
Charity Brookes, an opera singer, embarks on a tour of the north with her close friend Dorothy - but this means going with Dorothy's brother Griff as well, and the two have always loathed each other since childhood. However, as they see more of each other, their feelings begin to change.
This was a short charming read about a pair of well-matched leads. I liked how the characters got on and that they both understood and supported each other's interests. The conflict also made sense to me, stemming primarily from Griff's insecurity and jealously. There were moments of both humor and emotion, and both had strong impacts.
I did think that some of the transitions between chapters were jerky, and the shifts in mood at these times could make it hard to follow. Overall, however, I enjoyed my read and I would check out more books by this author.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This was a short charming read about a pair of well-matched leads. I liked how the characters got on and that they both understood and supported each other's interests. The conflict also made sense to me, stemming primarily from Griff's insecurity and jealously. There were moments of both humor and emotion, and both had strong impacts.
I did think that some of the transitions between chapters were jerky, and the shifts in mood at these times could make it hard to follow. Overall, however, I enjoyed my read and I would check out more books by this author.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
amaliabalash's review
3.25
There’s a ton I enjoyed about this, but the roadblocks to their happily ever after felt a little too contrived, even for a romance novel. I’m used to yelling at the protags for being idiots but by the last misunderstanding I was upset with the author, not the characters.
onebookmore's review
4.0
How Not to Chaperone a Lady is an enemies-to-lovers historical romance that follows Charity Brookes, a popular opera singer, and Griffith Philpot, an inventor and businessman. Charity and Griffith’s families have been friends for almost twenty years, and the pair grew up together. Now adults, Griffith accompanies Charity and Griffith’s sister on a singing tour. Traveling in close quarters, the pair fluctuates between enemies and friends, and one night of passion could lead to the biggest mistake of their lives or the best thing that ever happened to them. But first, they must face and admit their feelings. Can the Gruff Griff the Fun Spoiler and the Most Beautiful and Sought-After Woman in the World find their happily-ever-after?
Charity and Griffith have a complicated romance. They have loved each other in secret for a long time, but both resist their feelings because of the close ties between their families and the animosity that always seems to exist between them. Both don’t know how to deal with their feelings, and they treat each other badly as a way of keeping each other at a distance. Though he secretly loves her, Griffith often speaks disparagingly to her. Charity does the same and, like Griffith, has been fighting her feelings for years. Fear of rejection, of not being good enough, and of crossing a line drawn by their families keep them apart.
There were times when I was so frustrated by this couple and wished that they would just be honest with each other. It would have saved them so much time and heartache. Griffith is so closed off emotionally, that he can’t admit how undone he is by Charity. As much as he wants her, he doesn’t want to want her, which is a big problem. However, sometimes it’s the things you want the least that you need the most. They are hurtful toward each other at times, which I didn’t love. Even though it is an enemies-to-lovers romance, they say things to each other that are hard to forgive and forget. I think some of their issues stem from the fact that they are so different, and they don’t always understand each other.
Charity is fun and flirty and very social. Griffith is serious and studious and introverted. However, the more time they spend together, and the more they get to know and understand each other, the closer they become. They see past the superficial and really take an honest look at each other, and they like what they see. This creates an even deeper and more complex connection between the two.
There are also so many swoon-worthy moments between Griffith and Charity that I loved. For example, Griffith goes to see Charity perform over 40 times unbeknownst to her, and he takes care of her at her most vulnerable moments. Charity, in turn, becomes Griffith’s biggest advocate, and her praise of his inventiveness gains him support and business. I love their heart-warming and amicable moments and the small ways in which they show their love for each other.
This is an enjoyable read for lovers of enemies-to-lovers or bully historical romances, and though it’s not the first in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Thanks so much to Rachel’s Random Resources and Virginia Heath for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Charity and Griffith have a complicated romance. They have loved each other in secret for a long time, but both resist their feelings because of the close ties between their families and the animosity that always seems to exist between them. Both don’t know how to deal with their feelings, and they treat each other badly as a way of keeping each other at a distance. Though he secretly loves her, Griffith often speaks disparagingly to her. Charity does the same and, like Griffith, has been fighting her feelings for years. Fear of rejection, of not being good enough, and of crossing a line drawn by their families keep them apart.
There were times when I was so frustrated by this couple and wished that they would just be honest with each other. It would have saved them so much time and heartache. Griffith is so closed off emotionally, that he can’t admit how undone he is by Charity. As much as he wants her, he doesn’t want to want her, which is a big problem. However, sometimes it’s the things you want the least that you need the most. They are hurtful toward each other at times, which I didn’t love. Even though it is an enemies-to-lovers romance, they say things to each other that are hard to forgive and forget. I think some of their issues stem from the fact that they are so different, and they don’t always understand each other.
Charity is fun and flirty and very social. Griffith is serious and studious and introverted. However, the more time they spend together, and the more they get to know and understand each other, the closer they become. They see past the superficial and really take an honest look at each other, and they like what they see. This creates an even deeper and more complex connection between the two.
There are also so many swoon-worthy moments between Griffith and Charity that I loved. For example, Griffith goes to see Charity perform over 40 times unbeknownst to her, and he takes care of her at her most vulnerable moments. Charity, in turn, becomes Griffith’s biggest advocate, and her praise of his inventiveness gains him support and business. I love their heart-warming and amicable moments and the small ways in which they show their love for each other.
This is an enjoyable read for lovers of enemies-to-lovers or bully historical romances, and though it’s not the first in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Thanks so much to Rachel’s Random Resources and Virginia Heath for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
jessbookishlife's review
5.0
This is the third and final book in the series and we have yet another amazing novel full of romance, touch of humor and drama, and with an enemies to lovers troupe that I quite enjoy in historical romances.
As we follow Charity Brookes and Griffith Philpot, we go on a discovery of their personalities, background and dreams, and we also get to see all the sparks when they get together. They were different and yet it made so much sense seeing them together.
Charity is such a light character, one of those that makes me smile, that is brilliant and immediately captivated me, especially when she turns into a firecracker. Griff is much calmer, chivalrous, and a strong character that gave a balance to the interactions between him and Charity, making the chemistry fun to read.
Emotional, exciting and with a happy ending. "How Not to Chaperon a Lady" was fantastic and exactly what I need to read. Virginia Heath never disappoints me with her charming male characters and the connection I always feel for the female characters. This book wasn't different, and having the enemies to lovers added the childhood connection was perfect.
Overall, I loved it and it was a good final book for the series.
{I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Virginia Heath for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.}
As we follow Charity Brookes and Griffith Philpot, we go on a discovery of their personalities, background and dreams, and we also get to see all the sparks when they get together. They were different and yet it made so much sense seeing them together.
Charity is such a light character, one of those that makes me smile, that is brilliant and immediately captivated me, especially when she turns into a firecracker. Griff is much calmer, chivalrous, and a strong character that gave a balance to the interactions between him and Charity, making the chemistry fun to read.
Emotional, exciting and with a happy ending. "How Not to Chaperon a Lady" was fantastic and exactly what I need to read. Virginia Heath never disappoints me with her charming male characters and the connection I always feel for the female characters. This book wasn't different, and having the enemies to lovers added the childhood connection was perfect.
Overall, I loved it and it was a good final book for the series.
{I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Virginia Heath for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.}
bookmadjo's review
5.0
This is the third book in the Talk of the Beau Monde series, although it could easily be read as a standalone, although if you read it as a standalone, you’re going to want to read the other two books! The other two books are The Viscount’s Unconventional Lady, and The Marquess Next Door.
Charity Brookes, with her sisters Faith and Hope grew up alongside family friends Griffith Philpot and his sister Dorothy. Charity and Dorothy were the two youngest siblings, and even though Charity and Griff liked one another from an early age, they both railed against that connection, and this really falls into the enemies to lovers trope. Griff sees Charity as a flighty and disruptive influence on his sister, so when his sister decides to join opera singer Charity on her music tour, he insists on being their chaperon.
I loved the fact that Charity called Griff ‘Gruff Griff the fun spoiler’, and I loved the way in which sparks flew pretty much every time they were together. It takes them an inordinately long time before either of them have the courage to find out that in reality they are both on the same page, but as with all HEAs there are always a few mountains to climb for them to get there.
Charity and Griff’s story was the perfect conclusion to the series, and it was such an enjoyable read. If you love regency romance, then you really do need to read this book!
Charity Brookes, with her sisters Faith and Hope grew up alongside family friends Griffith Philpot and his sister Dorothy. Charity and Dorothy were the two youngest siblings, and even though Charity and Griff liked one another from an early age, they both railed against that connection, and this really falls into the enemies to lovers trope. Griff sees Charity as a flighty and disruptive influence on his sister, so when his sister decides to join opera singer Charity on her music tour, he insists on being their chaperon.
I loved the fact that Charity called Griff ‘Gruff Griff the fun spoiler’, and I loved the way in which sparks flew pretty much every time they were together. It takes them an inordinately long time before either of them have the courage to find out that in reality they are both on the same page, but as with all HEAs there are always a few mountains to climb for them to get there.
Charity and Griff’s story was the perfect conclusion to the series, and it was such an enjoyable read. If you love regency romance, then you really do need to read this book!
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