Take one scientific swain, one dashing lieutenant, one no-nonsense librarian, one adventurous young lady, one very large tomcat, and two mischievous kittens…and what do you have? Two recipes for disaster! Or perhaps for love… stray cats is merely a sensible exercise in controlling the mouse population…or something.
Antonia Mainwaring is practical to a fault and all but on the shelf. When a certain soft-spoken library patron talks her into allowing a large male feline to bide on the premises, somebody starts purring–and it’s not the cat!
Lieutenant Mayhew’s Catastrophes, by Emily Larkin
When Lieutenant Mayhew boards the stagecoach bound for Southampton he anticipates an uneventful journey. True, he’s carrying kittens, but it’s only eighty miles. What could possibly go wrong?
He’s not expecting to meet the enchanting Miss Willemina Culpepper. Nor is he expecting the kittens to be quite so good at vanishing. Mayhew has faced many challenges in his career as a soldier. Traveling from London to Southampton should not be a challenge. Except that it is.
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A charming pair of novellas.
Lieutenant Mayhew’s Catastrophes by Emily Larkin is a sweet road trip romance, and with a military hero, it was a bit reminiscent of Carla Kelly. The heroine comes from a military family background, and they meet during a stagecoach journey, which ends up being full of unexpected obstacles and delays. Although their getting-to-know-you period is crammed into one day and night, it’s believable that they realize they are perfect for each other that quickly. Since there are no relationship conflicts, this story was totally angst free. It’s well written, humorous, and as if the story wasn’t cute enough, there’s also a basket of kittens. A perfect escape. I liked it enough to read it twice in a row.
The second novella, Kisses and Catnip by Grace Burrowes also features several ingratiating felines. If you’ve read any of her books, you will know exactly what to expect: witty dialogue, quirky characters, and a big interconnected family that the hero is a part of. Several characters from her previous books make appearances, along with a charming urchin character that I loved. The couple meet in a circulating library, where the heroine is working, for reasons I never quite understood. There are more plot complications and some minor misunderstandings before they can get their happy ending. I liked this story, but not quite as much as the first one, because I thought some their behavior was out of keeping with the historical period. However if you are looking for some light and relaxing reading, you won’t be disappointed by either of these books. I am giving them 4 stars because I only give 5 stars to books that totally rock my world.
I received an ARC of this book to read and review, and this review is my honest opinion.
I really liked these two delightful short stories with precocious cats included in each. I found the main characters of both stories interesting. There is good dialog without interminable thoughts of the characters to distract. The depictions of the cats’ (mis)behavior is very good. Warning for those seeking squeaky “clean” reading: both include a (mild) sex scene. I read an advance copy; the thoughts expressed are my own.
Emily Larkin’s Lieutenant Mayhew’s Catastrophes describes a road trip in which numerous things go wrong, but mastered by our undaunted H and h, Lt. Mayhew and Miss Culpepper. The trials help prove to these two strangers the other’s strength of character – and how suited they are to each other. Overall light-hearted, yet with some sobering reminiscing by both characters.
Grace Burrowes’ Kisses and Catnip takes place mostly in a London lending library. Max is an interesting character; youngest son of an earl, he avoids society, has taken in a young orphan boy as his assistant and finds homes for stray cats. Miss Antonia finds herself in a bit of a crossroads in her life; her 2nd cousin is pressuring her to marry him, but how does she definitively put him off?
I liked this especially because they were short/quick reads.
Delightful! Few things are more appealing than a man with a kitten.
I prefer longer “stories” but it was diverting and entertaining.
A delightful duet of stories, each of which is a tasty treat that whets the appetite for MORE!
Two fun stories: Kisses and Catnip, by Grace Burrowes. Max Haddonfield is a man of science, focused on experiments that will better mankind in a useful way. He also takes in strays. He finds homes for the cats he rescues in nearby libraries. Antonio Mainwaring has acquired a part-time position as a librarian, the perfect spot to feel useful, as well as indulge herself in reading. Fun characters and a great story.
Lieutenant Mayhew’s Catastrophes by Emily Larkin. Mayhew is on leave, and traveling by stagecoach, taking two kittens to his nephews in Southampton. Miss Willemina Culpepper is traveling to a position as a companion. Neither expected the journey to be such an adventure. This is a sweet feel-good story with little to keep these two apart.
Two great novellas from two of the best writers in the Regency romance genre today. These are great tales to cozy up to in the cold winter months. I especially enjoyed Ms. Burrowes story because its characters were deliciously quirky, plus there were cats and a library involved. How can you dislike a hero who keeps pawning off cats onto a kindly librarian heroine? The writing in both stories is crisp and vivid. I would highly recommend this book with hot chocolate and maybe a fat, purring cat on your lap.
Two very sweet romantic stories in one book. Each one has a connection to the love of cats. And each one is a story of love.
Anyone with a cat will understand the dialog in this book.
He is the match maker and star of the book.
Two of my favorite regency period authors–wonderful stories with happy endings.
Read in one sitting. Always have a fond smile on my face when I finish a Grace Burrowes offering, but the other, new to me author, was no slouch either. Definitely a feel good read. One click caliber authors.
What a wonderful story. It’s true Ms Larkin is one of my favorite authors. It’s also true that if this was a dud I would just keep my mouth shut. The story start out with a very tickled young lady on a public coach. I couldn’t wait to dig deeper. Throw in a gentleman and a few kittens, that’s my kind of tale. Hot and humorous.
Sweet kittens and sweet love.
Two of my favorite writers have joined together for this regency delight. Lieutenant Mayhew’s Catastrophe by Emily Larkin brings Willemina Culpepper on a coach from London to Southampton then making a stop to pick up additional passengers one with a basket that makes noises. William Mayhew has a secret can it and a mystery bring two people together? I love their adventures this was such a fun story.
Kisses and Catnip by Grace Burrowes is a really quick read and Lucifer, Beelzebub, and Lancelot plus Hannibal and Edward are the main characters (cats) of our story. Okay, Antonia and Max have roles too, of course, there is Jessica, Dagger, Nagel, Lord Hamblin, and the Barclay sisters but the cats, they are the stars of this story. What is a romance without cat well it is just sad I say just sad!
Fun stories by two talented authors I highly recommend you should check it out. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Lieutenant Mayhew’s Catastrophe by Emily Larkin
4.5, warm
Lieutenant William Mayhew is a soldier on leave, traveling by stage to visit his niece and nephew, with a gift of two kittens in a basket for them. He can’t help but notice the lovely young lady, who gives him a polite smile, but shows no inclination to flirt. Willemina Culpepper is the daughter of an officer, now deceased, and knows better than to encourage any stranger. Yet, she can’t help but assist with the adorable kittens at each stage stop. It soon becomes clear that William is, indeed, a gentleman as well as an officer, and Willie soon becomes comfortable around him.
Willie passionately enjoyed following her father around the world, first as an officer, then as a diplomat. Now that he’s gone, she’s about to accept a post as companion to a diplomat’s children. She doesn’t need to earn her living, but she wants to travel. When the kittens cause William and Willie (how cute are those names?) to miss the departing stage, William vows to get her to her post on time.
What ensues is a series of calamities and misadventures which delays William and Willie time and time again from catching up to the stage, but allows them to spend an inordinate amount of time together. Willie, used to the sometimes harsh life of following a soldier, only laughs as fate seems to have a plan for them. This good natured and like natured couple finds romance in a very short time, and they are both sad to part.
I’d have to call LIEUTENANT MAYHEW’S CATASTROPHE a feel good romp with delightful characters I couldn’t help but love. This short story was a joy to read and left me with a big smile.
Catnip and Kisses by Grace Burrowes
4.5, warm
Lady Antonia Mainwaring is an independent lady, currently volunteering at a lending library. She has no need to work, as she has her own fortune, but she longs to feel useful. Her second cousin, Peter, is pressuring her to marry him, and Antonia is unsure what to do. Though there’s no love between them, this may be her only opportunity to marry and possibly have children.
Max Haddonfield, a chemist and scientist, also fosters cats, until he can place them in environments where they’ll be safe and fed – places like libraries. Max convinces Antonia to accept Lucifer, assuring her that he’ll keep the mice away from the precious books.
Max and Antonia become close, and soon become intimate, with both hoping for something genuine and permanent. A series of misunderstandings and mistaken perceptions seems to have quashed any hopes this couple has of a future together. Or, maybe not…..
Max and Antonia both are somewhat misfit as they’re from titled families, yet have taken a different path. Max is brother to an earl, yet uses his income to fund his experiments, while generally staying away from society. He also has a soft heart, with a penchant for orphans and homeless cats. This lonely couple finds their way to each other in the warmly romantic CATNIP AND KISSES, and I delighted in their journey.
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-ZS
These two novellas were a joy to read! Lieutenant Mayhews Catastrophe renews our acquaintance with a character from another wonderful Emily Larkin novel, and introduces one of the most charming heroines a la Georgette Heyer! Fall in love with Lieutenant Mayhew and Willie as they face one comedic peril after another! I could not put this one down until the very end – not knowing what would happen to this enchanting couple next was not an option!
The second novella in this book, Kisses and Catnip, was highly entertaining and left me wanting more about Max and Antonia!
Two well written short stories that are Purr- fect for whiling away a couple of hours
Kisses and Catnip, by Grace Burrowes
Max Haddonfield has always enjoyed science & experimenting. Antonia Mainwaring is practical to a fault and all but on the shelf. When a certain soft-spoken library patron talks her into allowing a large male feline to bide on the premises, somebody starts purring–and it’s not the cat!
A well written charming read, I loved both Max & Antonia who both wanted more from life than the daily rounds in society.
Lieutenant Mayhew’s Catastrophes, by Emily Larkin
When Lieutenant William Mayhew boards the stagecoach bound for Southampton he anticipates an uneventful journey. True, he’s carrying two kittens, but it’s only eighty miles. He’s not expecting to meet the enchanting Miss Willemina Culpepper. Nor is he expecting the kittens to be quite so good at vanishing.
A lovely short story. We met William in Lady Isabella’s Ogre & this novella tells of his journey to take the kittens to his twin nephew & niece. Missing kittens, missed stagecoach, rain, mud & fords made the journey very eventful but also gave Will & Willie time to get to know each other. I read it in a sitting & thoroughly enjoyed it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
“Love and Other Perils: A Regency Novella Duet” by Emily Larkin, Grace Burrowes
This book is two novellas that are truly fun to read from start to finish… with some very intriguing excerpt of some other works by these two authors. I received an ARC of this book and loved the time I spent in the company of the characters within these two stories. Sweet Romance stories for sure. Well worth the read. Happy Reading !!
Two delightful novellas from the Regency order. Lt. Mayhew’s Catastrophe is a secondary character in Emily Larkin’s series. The novella is so delightful! I truly smiled all through it and it made me feel so happy! It’s a book that will truly lift your spirits.
Grace Burrowes is a new author for me. I thoroughly enjoyed her story, Catnip and Kisses. It has characters who are intriguing. I’ll be looking for her other books in the series.
Two totally delightful books!
Love all of Grace’s books!!!