Even the Worthington least likely to wed may find her perfect match . . . Marriage has worked out quite nicely for her older sisters, yet Lady Augusta Vivers is certain it would end her studies in languages and geography, and stop her from travelling. But when her mother thwarts her plan to attend the only university in Europe that accepts women—in Italy—she is forced to agree to one London … to one London Season. Spending her time at parties proves an empty diversion—until she encounters the well-traveled Lord Phineas Carter-Wood. Still, Europe awaits . . .
Phineas has studied architecture all over the world, yet Augusta is his most intriguing discovery yet. How can he resist a woman who loves maps and far-off lands? But her longing for all things foreign hinders any hope of courtship. When he learns her cousins have offered a trip to Europe, he secretly arranges to join their party. For he is determined to show Augusta that a real union is a thrilling adventure of its own. And when their journey is beset by dangerous obstacles, he gets far more opportunity than he bargained for . . .
Praise for Ella Quinn’s The Marquis and I
“Romance builds in this satisfying, memorable read, perfect for fans of Grace Burrowes and Tessa Dare.”
—Booklist
“A surprising Regency romance that combines intelligence and intrigue for satisfying results.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Full of payoffs for longtime readers while welcoming the new.”
—Publishers Weekly
more
WOW! There is a lot packed into this excellent, well-written, historically accurate book. I see discussions on the internet about an author not being able to make a book historically accurate and still have an interesting historical romance for today’s reader. Well, this author has done that, so maybe those others should just take lessons from Ms. Quinn.
One of the fabulous things in this book is catching up with all of the characters from previous books. Most of them make cameo appearances of one sort of another and it is lovely to visit with them. Another great thing is learning what it was truly like to travel during that time. Talk about a logistical nightmare! Then consider all of the things you have to take with you – especially for a trip outside of England. I loved the details of the trip and watching the romance grow as they progressed along the route. Additionally, I really liked the way Augusta was portrayed – she was a bluestocking in that she was very, very intelligent and interested in learning, but she was also a lady who liked fashions, shopping, etc. (all those lady things) rather than dressing in dull, drab gowns, having unkempt hair, and ink all over her fingers.
Lady Augusta Vivers wants a husband and children – but she wants them after she gets her university degree. There are only two or three universities that will admit women and the closest one of those is in Padua, Italy. She’s done all of her research and she’s even corresponded with the university there and they will admit her. Now, all she has to do is convince Matt, her brother and guardian to allow her to go. Her mother, however, puts a wrench in the works and demands that Augusta has at least one season before they even consider it. Augusta doesn’t figure that is a problem – “From what she had seen at the country assemblies, most men would rather talk about themselves. She would simply let them.” How wrong she is! Because she doesn’t interrupt them and just listens to them without comment, they think she adores them and the proposals come pouring in!
Lord Phineas Carter-Wood is a world traveler and scholar. He is also the apparent heir to his brother’s title. He doesn’t want to be, but his brother doesn’t seem to be able to sire anything but girls. Because of that, Phinn’s brother is wanting Phinn to marry and start his nursery. Phinn understands that the title needs to continue, but he doesn’t want to be the one to provide that continuation. However, he gives in and attends a few balls, soirees, and musicales with his sister-in-law in order to look over the crop of ladies on the marriage market. Imagine his surprise when he meets one that doesn’t bore him and actually carries on an intelligent conversation with him. How intriguing!
Augusta manages to create a stir (read that as mini-scandal) in the ton and is allowed to travel – chaperoned of course – to Paris. It is her plan to then head on to Padua to enter the university. Phinn doesn’t want to lose her and manages to attach himself to their traveling party. He wants to use the trip across Europe to convince her to marry him, but she is one stubborn wench!
This was a really fun read. It is filled with humor, danger, and a wonderful slow-burn romance. Try it, you’ll like it!
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages…
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”
Believe In Me is a fantastic historical romance by Ella Quinn. Ms. Quinn has once again delivered a well-written book and a smooth read. The characters are outstanding, you can’t help but love them. Augusta wants only one thing, to attend Padua and further her studies. Phineas is under pressure to find a wife and produce an heir. Phineas and Augusta’s story takes you on a voyage that’s filled with drama, humor, action and spice. I enjoyed reading Believe In Me and look forward to my next book by Ella Quinn. Believe In Me is book 6 of The Worthingtons Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
WOW! There is a lot packed into this excellent, well-written, historically accurate book. I see discussions on the internet about an author not being able to make a book historically accurate and still have an interesting historical romance for today’s reader. Well, this author has done that, so maybe those others should just take lessons from Ms. Quinn.
One of the fabulous things in this book is catching up with all of the characters from previous books. Most of them make cameo appearances of one sort of another and it is lovely to visit with them. Another great thing is learning what it was truly like to travel during that time. Talk about a logistical nightmare! Then consider all of the things you have to take with you – especially for a trip outside of England. I loved the details of the trip and watching the romance grow as they progressed along the route. Additionally, I really liked the way Augusta was portrayed – she was a bluestocking in that she was very, very intelligent and interested in learning, but she was also a lady who liked fashions, shopping, etc. (all those lady things) rather than dressing in dull, drab gowns, having unkempt hair, and ink all over her fingers.
Lady Augusta Vivers wants a husband and children – but she wants them after she gets her university degree. There are only two or three universities that will admit women and the closest one of those is in Padua, Italy. She’s done all of her research and she’s even corresponded with the university there and they will admit her. Now, all she has to do is convince Matt, her brother and guardian to allow her to go. Her mother, however, puts a wrench in the works and demands that Augusta has at least one season before they even consider it. Augusta doesn’t figure that is a problem – “From what she had seen at the country assemblies, most men would rather talk about themselves. She would simply let them.” How wrong she is! Because she doesn’t interrupt them and just listens to them without comment, they think she adores them and the proposals come pouring in!
Lord Phineas Carter-Wood is a world traveler and scholar. He is also the apparent heir to his brother’s title. He doesn’t want to be, but his brother doesn’t seem to be able to sire anything but girls. Because of that, Phinn’s brother is wanting Phinn to marry and start his nursery. Phinn understands that the title needs to continue, but he doesn’t want to be the one to provide that continuation. However, he gives in and attends a few balls, soirees, and musicales with his sister-in-law in order to look over the crop of ladies on the marriage market. Imagine his surprise when he meets one that doesn’t bore him and actually carries on an intelligent conversation with him. How intriguing!
Augusta manages to create a stir (read that as mini-scandal) in the ton and is allowed to travel – chaperoned of course – to Paris. It is her plan to then head on to Padua to enter the university. Phinn doesn’t want to lose her and manages to attach himself to their traveling party. He wants to use the trip across Europe to convince her to marry him, but she is one stubborn wench!
This was a really fun read. It is filled with humor, danger, and a wonderful slow-burn romance. Try it, you’ll like it!
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages…
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”
I enjoyed this well-written story and the travel descriptions. How tedious it must have been.
As intelligent as they are, Augusta and Phinn needed a bit too much time to realize they complement each other wonderfully: Phinn’s interest in architecture and Augusta’s desire to study in Italy.
There’s a bit of a surprise (or not) for the characters and reader towards the end.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley; this is my freely given opinion.
I have read many of Ms Quinns books over the years and real enjoyed them, but this is the first of this series I have read. I found it hard to get past the first couple of chapters as she bought all the past characters into the story and I found it hard to keep track. This is great for those who have read past books in the series. Once I got into it, I enjoyed the story of a self assured man who wasn’t afraid of a strong intelligent woman. I enjoyed their interaction and the fact that they left England where you got a sense of what it was like to travel in a different time but felt that the story dragged on too long. There was a nice bit of action that could have come a lot earlier in the book. There was a sex scene but this reviewer skipped it as always and it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book. I received this book as an ARC.
enjoyable
Great story
Ella Quinn is a master story teller. Augusta is a unique young lady with a zest for knowledge. She finds the one gentleman in town that does not bore her in Phinn. He is a roamed at heart but also wants to do right by his family. They become great friends until they realize there might be more between them. It takes the Vivers clan running interference to get them to finally admit that they want more than a casual friendship from each other. They are also able to realize that being together does not mean giving up on your dreams.
Believe in Me by Ella Quinn is book 6 in The Worthingtons Series. This is the story of Lady Augusta Vivers and Lord Phineas Carter-Wood. I have read (and Loved!) the other books in this series, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. We do get to catch up with some of the previous characters so that is always a bonus to any book.
Augusta has her mind set on continuing her studies and wants to attend one of the few colleges that are for women. But her mother has set a rule down that Augusta must at least attend one season of the Ton. Phineas is the heir to his brother’s Title since his brother just has daughters, so he is being pressured to attend a Season to find a wife. Phineas agrees to try know that none will really catch his interest but then he meets Augusta who does. Augusta is intrigued with Phineas but she still has her eye on the prize of college. When a small scandal hits she gets to leave the Ton but Phineas is making sure that he goes along want to show her that she can have the best of both worlds…but danger of course set it path toward them too.
I have so enjoyed this Series! I am such a big fan of Ms. Quinn’s writing. I try to read everything she writes…never disappointed in her stories…Loved them!
I tend to enjoy Ms. Quinn’s books and while I did enjoy to the point I kind of wish we cut out all the travelling, but that is just my opinion and let me explain why. So we have Lady Augusta who rather go to the university and travel than marry which is kind of unheard of in that era and I say more power to her, unfortunately Augusta has to convince her brother and mother but while she does that she still has to have her season. She meet Lord Phineas Carter-Wood who needs and heir but he is not really looking forward to getting married but he meet Augusta and she would be the one he is interested in and the one who could change his outlook on marriage since she is smart. Then here we have all the travelling and if Augusta would just think she would realize that Phineas is just the one who would understand her and give her her dream. So yes I enjoyed but could have avoided many pages.
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
Believe in Me is a beautiful book on perseverance, endurance and honest to goodness the belief in oneself to do and excel in what we desire and believe we are capable of achieving. There is a beautiful love story about 2 people who care deeply for each other but dont want to hinder the other’s goals and dreams and duties. A Must read!!!
I received a complimentary ARC via NetGalley. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lady Augusta Vivers is thirsty for knowledge, rather than marriage as most ladies her age are, and wants to go to university instead. She just has to convince her brother Matt, the Earl of Worthington, to agree. In the meantime, she must go through with her come out season to please her mother.
Lord Phineas Carter-Wood travels the world studying architecture and only plans to be in London for a month, just long enough to plan his next trip and to appease his brother, a marquis with four daughters and a growing concern over his lack of an heir. He is determined not to settle down and marry, but meeting the intelligent and multilingual Augusta has him rethinking a bit.
Each is interested in and drawn to the other, but both are leery of jeopardizing their European travel plans. Given their connection and shared interests, it’s too bad neither is looking for marriage. But soon Phinn begins to really see the toll the lack of an heir is taking on his brother and sister-in-law and decides he really should marry and he doesn’t want to miss out on his chance with a woman he’d be happy with. He just has to convince Augusta. But when she refuses him and leaves for Paris with her cousins, Phinn decides he must follow and try to convince her that he’s the right man for her.
Rant and maybe spoilers begin here: The book began to drag on a bit for me towards the middle with the main characters just spending more time together without much really happening other than their travels. Augusta frustrated me in not being more honest with Phinn up front; if anyone would’ve supported her studies, it would’ve been him. They could’ve made up a plan together quite easily with more communication and less single mindedness. There were many scenes that served more as a bit of filler, albeit well-written and very well-researched filler, but didn’t really do much to advance the plot. I began to get a bit frustrated with how often Augusta’s superior intelligence is mentioned, because if she’d employed a bit more of that intelligence she would’ve realized Phinn did indeed love her. It was just hard to bleive that someone so intelligent could be so naive and unobservant. The apparent obsession gentlemen everywhere had with meeting her got a bit old too, although this device did at least serve to bring her and Phinn together more.
Really the whole thing just got a bit tedious and almost repetitive in her arguments against Phinn, then when she does start to notice him as a man, the first thing was that he has all his teeth. Honestly. I liked Augusta at first but the more time I spent with her the more she annoyed me. Overall, this was an extremely well-written and thoroughly researched book and the travel aspect was great, but the overall pacing and plot itself just fell a bit short for me.
Another great book. I love all her books!
The last thing Phineas expected to find was the love of his life. He is much more interested in his travels than some giggly young lady making her come out.
Augusta wants only to go to university. She knows if she marries that wish will come to an abrupt end.
This is the tale of two very intelligent and equally unlikely people who discover along a very bumpy way that love and ones other wants can both be had at the same time.
I enjoyed yet another Ella Quinn, Worthington family story. I have read all of this series including six full length novels and two novellas.
Although not as comical as most of this series there is still some humor and the expected requisite animals involved in this the sixth book in this ever engaging series.
I gave Phineas and Augusta’s story 4.65 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization. I do recommend reading these books in order to get the whole scope of the family but all of these books can be read as a standalone. The only drawback is the interconnecting character stories.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
This was my first read of Ella Quinn’s work, and I do loved it.
It is not a read to be rushed, everything is to be savored, from the details of the landscapes, the customs and traditions, the different ways of traveling and the smooth progression of the romance.
Lady Augusta Vivers is one really unusual woman, she drove her way in life only to acquire more and more knowledge, thus why she now wants to attend college, but only very few universities in Europe accept women, and only is this one woman is very exceptional. But to convince her family to agree to her trip on the continent, she must enter the marriage mart and remain unmarried by the end of the season.
Lord Phineas/Phinn Carter-Wood is himself trying to deflect too the thorns of the marriage minded mamas. He knows it is duty to marry to fill his family’s need of an heir but he would very much prefer stay celibate to enjoy traveling as much as it pleases him.
So they meet and even if they are the perfect half for each other, they are unable to see it at first, each one driven by its own expectations.
Hopefully Phinn is a very stubborn man, he will never force himself upon Augusta but he won’t remain immobile when the only woman is of importance for him is leaving him behind.
They are both so pigheaded they were unable to see each one falling in love with the other, both suffering when depressed by thinking their feelings were not returned.
It was cute to see them fall for another, suffering silently when they thought they were not being seen.
And I do loved to see a strong heroine who will not let her dreams being walked by even for love. She has plans, she can adjust them but will not gave up what she always dreamt for. Plus Phinn is her perfect soulmate, once he understood what Augusta was looking for, he made himself a mission to help her reach her goal.
That they were surrounded by a group a nice meddling people, was a sweet and funny addition to the story.
In all, a wonderful entertaining read, soft in steamy scenes, with a great bunch of characters too happy to settle down but at the same time, so ready to help them to get the answer they need to hear.
Another exciting addition to the Worthington’s series! When an intelligent young lady wants to further her studies and go to university, why would her family stand in her way? Well first it was in Italy and second Lady Augusta’s mother was set on her having a season and getting married. She does agree to the one season but makes no plans to encourage any men which would mess up her plans to travel. Now, just has to convince her brother she will be fine and very careful while away.
Lord Phineas had come home to England to visit his brother after his latest travels out of the country. He is being pressured to marry and produce a male heir due to his brother and his wife only having girls. He was anxious to start traveling again but committed to stay until the end of the season and look for a potential wife..
Sound perfect together? Both love to travel, are extremely intelligent and will be out in society!
As it turns out, these two do meet and end up traveling together and getting to know each other.
Ella Quinn has an extraordinary knowledge of the history and culture that is dynamic and you will feel as if you are seeing the sights as our couple travel through many countries before reaching Italy. She is a wonderful wordsmith drawing the characters out and taking them on a journey of discovery and most of all, their feelings which slowly develop.
Such a delightful story with lovable characters and sparkling banter that will have you smiling at the end!!
I am not sure where to start with this story. I really liked the historical details. I did not like the fact that is it really not a romance – not in the sense that we would expect. It is more like Phineas and Augusta go to Europe. It is a very nicely written story with a slooowwwww romance. Nothing in their romance ever really happens and when it does, pffft, it is over within a sentence.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
I’ve just finished reading this book and I feel like I’ve just traveled through Europe without even leaving my chair! Not only is this an historical romance, it’s also jam packed with sights I’d love to see in person, as well as restaurants/cafes I would love to visit!!
Lady Augusta Vivers is one smart lady, in fact I’d say she’s a genius and all she wants is to be able to attend university in Italy. Lord Phineas Carter-Wood is in search of a wife who can bear him an heir. He falls for Augusta but she is so determined to go to university, he ends up settling to being her good friend for now, until he can convince her that they belong together.
Augusta gets the chance to travel through Europe with her cousin and entourage and of course, Phinn ends up following her and he’s able to show her all the places she’s always dreamed of seeing throughout Europe. This is where the author excels in her description of these travels.
It’s a very slow burn romance and there’s a LOT of characters in the story (from previous books in this series) so it can get a bit confusing at times but I must say it was an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Lady Augusta Vivers is brilliant, reads and speaks several languages, corresponds with some of the most educated people in Europe and is lovely to boot. Her mother is expecting her to join the marriage mart and put her studies behind her – Augusta has nothing against marriage, someday. But her dream is to attend university and attain her degree. She has even gone as far as to apply and has been accepted to a university in Italy, now all she has to do is convince her mother and her brother to agree! Her mother is adamantly opposed and only agrees to consider it if Augusta agrees to a London season. She agrees and ends up being the most desired debutante of the season – much to her dismay.
Lord Phineas Carter-Woods is newly returned to London from Mexico, where he furthered his studies in architecture. Now he is back and his brother expects him to marry and secure an heir. His brother is the Marquess of Dorchester and the father of four daughters. Phinn doesn’t want to marry now, he wants to travel Europe and continue his studies, but agrees to attend the season and see if he can find a woman who suits. And he does in the form of Lady Augusta.
Phinn thinks it seems simple and straightforward – woo the girl, marry her, get an heir and then travel – but nothing about Augusta will be easy. When he is rejected and learns that she is going to travel to Paris, he decides to follow her and convince her they would be perfect for each other.
This was a very informative story, I learned a lot about Regency Era travel, including the luggage, coaches, accommodations and the state of the roads. And as fascinating as all that was – and it was – I felt like I was reading a Regency Era travel documentary rather than a romance novel. I think would have enjoyed this book better as a novella rather than a full length novel as less than half of the story centered on the relationship between Augusta and Phinn. I thought both Augusta and Phinn were likeable, but Augusta seemed incredibly dense regarding men and Phinn seemed stuck in the “friend-zone” with no means of escape. They do of course work everything out in the end, but by the time they finally worked it out, I was not really interested anymore.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
4.5 Stars
Lady Augusta Vivers wishes to study at Padua but when her mother thwarts her plan to attend the only university in Europe that accepts women she is forced to agree to one London Season. Spending her time at parties proves an empty diversion—until she encounters the well-travelled Lord Phineas Carter-Wood.
Phineas younger brother of the Marquis of Dorchester has studied architecture all over the world, yet Augusta is his most intriguing discovery yet. When he learns her cousins have offered a trip to Europe, he secretly arranges to join their party. For he is determined to show Augusta that a real union is a thrilling adventure of its own.
I love The Worthingtons. The author not only writes a very good romance but she also does her research & it’s historically correct which is a lovely added bonus plus reading one of her books is like catching up with friends & acquaintances. She’s built a lovely community of people through her Worthingtons series but also characters from her Marriage Game series also make the odd appearance. This book could well be read on its own but I love a series & this is part of a very good series. Phin & Augusta don’t want to marry as they are both interested in travelling & studying but they are drawn together & find that they can talk to each other & not only about the weather. I found this to be a lovely romance of two people finding they are true soul mates & that they were in love was obvious to everyone else. No intrigues, no spies, no horrid parents just a lovely, lovely romance.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read