SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOTION PICTUREOne of BuzzFeed’s Romance Novels to Read Summer 2020It is a truth universally acknowledged that an arrogant bachelor insistent on a wife who meets the strictest of requirements—deserves his comeuppance.The Honourable Mr. Jeremy Malcolm is searching for a wife, but not just any wife. As the target of matchmaking mothers and desperate debutantes, he’s determined to … mothers and desperate debutantes, he’s determined to avoid the fortune hunters and find a near-perfect woman, one who will meet the qualifications on his well-crafted list. But after years of searching, he’s beginning to despair of ever finding this paragon. Until Selina Dalton arrives in town.
Selina, a vicar’s daughter of limited means and a stranger to high society, is thrilled when her friend Julia Thistlewaite invites her to London, until she learns it’s all part of a plot to exact revenge on Mr. Malcolm. Selina is reluctant to participate in Julia’s scheme, especially after meeting the irresistible Mr. Malcolm, who appears to be very different from the arrogant scoundrel of Julia’s description.
But when Mr. Malcolm begins judging Selina against his unattainable standards, Selina decides that she has some qualifications of her own. And if he is to meet them he must reveal the real man behind…Mr. Malcolm’s List.
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The perfect bit of fluff to read on a rainy day – charming.
This was a totally delightful read in every way. I loved the romance and I absolutely adored the humor. The audible narrator was absolute perfection as well.
Selena was one of the most charming female roles I’ve read in some time and Malcolm was absolutely delightful (in spite of his shortcomings). All of the supporting characters are also wonderfully written and delightful in their assigned roles.
The story was so well written and narrated then I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys a humorous romance with a lovable and truly delightful H/h.
This book presents itself as a take on Pride and Prejudice or a comedy of errors and fails miserably on both counts. A grating writing style only compounds the problems caused by a cast of manipulative characters in a series of events that get progressively crueler.
Read my full review:
https://rebeccasreadingcorner.blog/review-suzanne-allain-mr-malcolms-list
Mr. Malcolm’s List was recommended to me by a friend who loves clean romantic comedies and historical fiction. I am so glad I picked up a copy from my local library on that recommendation because I really enjoyed it. While it isn’t necessarily deep or profound, it is a fun escape and made me think of movies like Clue or other funny classics where miscommunication leads to hilarious moments. The humor and mishaps throughout the story were great and I can tell this will make for a fun movie. I was grateful that the romance was clean; there was chemistry between the characters and some great kissing scenes, but no sex or inappropriate language. I smiled the whole time I was reading, which I read this in one day it was such an easy/quick read. The characters all had their own quirks and charm. I also loved the different perspectives, though it was a little unusual the way in which the author presented the story (I wasn’t always certain who the “voice” was).
While it isn’t a perfect story, I give it five stars and I would love to see more stories like this. I highly recommend it!
I was absolutely thrilled with Mr. Malcom’s List in the first half of the book, which slowly morphed into a feeling of “really enjoyed,” then “hmm what?” and finally to “well that was . . . unsatisfying.”
What started out as a quirky regency-era romance written in a Jane Austen voice really went downhill to me. The Austenian voice was lost somewhere along the way, the main characters turned immature and the plot devolved into physical comedy and temper tantrums. It was quite disappointing, actually, and I found myself rather hopeful that the likable protagonist would just say “screw this” and nope out of the whole situation.
I’ll be honest, I’ll probably put Mr. Malcom’s List onto a bookshelf and maybe read it again once I’ve forgotten it’s spiral of dissatisfaction and maybe enjoy it more. 3 stars for the really excellent beginning and the fact that I can see myself reading it again.
4.5 stars as reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-1id
Despite being only the second son of an earl, Jeremy Malcolm is a highly sought after matrimonial prize. His good looks, wealth, and property have many young ladies eager to attract his interest. One of those young ladies, Julia, is humiliated that after one outing, Jeremy failed to call again. Since her cousin, Lord Cassidy, known as Cassie, is Jeremy’s best friend, Julia hounds him to find out what she did wrong to lose Jeremy’s favor. It seems that Mr. Malcolm has a list of matrimonial requirements, and Julia did not make the cut. Upon learning this, Julia comes up with a plot of revenge, one that involves an old school friend.
Selina Dalton is surprised and pleased to receive an invitation to visit from Julia, as she is at loose ends after her last employment ended. Selina is the daughter of a vicar, and spent three years as the companion to Mrs. Ossory, who recently passed away. The opportunity to visit London and have a small taste of society is appealing, as Selina has never had an official season. When Selina learns that her visit is contingent upon her going along with Julia’s scheme, she reluctantly agrees. She’s sure that a man as calculated and fastidious as Mr. Malcolm will never show any interest in her anyway. Yet, Julia plans to coach Selina into meeting all of the requirements on Mr. Malcolm’s list, and then when he is well and truly caught, to have Selina reject him.
Selina and Jeremy have an initial meeting, with neither knowing the other’s identity, and they both have their interest piqued. It seems that Selina is unintentionally fulfilling all of Mr. Malcolm’s requirements, while she finds him totally unlike the arrogant man Julia portrayed him to be. The more time they spend together, it seems that they are a perfect match. Selina time and time again tries to tell Julia that she won’t be part of her scheme, but Julia won’t be swayed from her course. When Mr. Malcolm plans a houseparty, Julia feels sure that she will finally have her sweet revenge.
The party at Jeremy’s estate consists of Selina and her parents, Julia and her mother, Cassie, Henry (another potential suitor) and Jeremy and his mother. It’s safe to say that chaos ensues, as there are engagements, broken engagements, fake engagements, misunderstandings, abductions, plotting, scheming, and some decidedly waterlogged moments. Jeremy may have been a touch arrogant in his manner of seeking a bride, but he’s a genuinely good man, who was only seeking a lifelong companion he could be happy with. Selina is perfect for him, an intelligent lady with a sense of fun and humor. I genuinely wanted them to be together, though the havoc that ensues makes it look very doubtful. I have to classify MR. MALCOLM’S LIST as a charming and delightful romp. It’s truly a read that left me feeling good and smiling. The writing is so well done, that I was visualizing the scenes in my mind, always a signal to me that I’m really enjoying a book. I recommend MR. MALCOLM’S LIST for historical romance readers who love a light, warm, and engaging read.
At first I wasn’t sure if I could finish it, but oh boy did things pick up! I thoroughly enjoyed the dialogue between Malcolm and Selina. So witty and cute! Not to mention hot (but like a 1/5 kinda hot-just kisses).
I also appreciated that Selina was honest and really had done nothing with which to be reproached. In so many stories, the main characters are actually guilty of some misdeed. It was a relief to not have to stress about that.
***3.5 stars***
Mr. Malcolm has a list with qualities he desires in a wife. Unfortunately, a young lady who he spurned is told about the list and finds a way to get her revenge.
This novel is really cute and has moments that are fun to read. I enjoyed the characters but didn’t feel a connection to them or to the story. Nevertheless, this is an escape read and is very entertaining.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
The rich, Honourable Mr. Jeremy Malcolm, may be the second son of an earl, but he is currently looking for a wife. He’s tired of having every debutante thrown into his face. Jeremy has come up with a list of attributes that he feels his future wife has to possess. When Julia Thistlewaite is hurt and embarrassed because she did not meet Mr. Malcolm’s criteria she hatches a plan to get back at him. Julia invites her old schoolmate, Selina Dalton, to London for a visit. If Selina could capture Malcolm’s attention, then act like he doesn’t possess all the criteria on Selina’s list, Jeremy would see what it feels like. The problem is is that Selina realizes that Jeremy isn’t like Julia claims and she just may be falling in love with him. Just when it looks like Selina and Jeremy are going to become betrothed, all hell breaks loose and their worlds come crashing down on them. It will take some interference from their well meaning families for these two to find their happy ending, but they eventually do.
I enjoyed the premise of this story. At times I really enjoyed reading this book but then other times it seemed as if the story was jumping all over the place. It also seemed at times to be more of a contemporary story instead of an historical one. Overall I didn’t hate this book, I just didn’t love it.
This was a lighthearted read with some likeable characters. Selina was an intelligent and kindhearted vicar’s daughter but although she was of good birth, her family was not wealthy. Julia was a different story, she was wealthy but very selfish and not terribly intelligent. Julia wanted to use Selina to act out her revenge on Jeremy Malcolm as she felt he had slighted her. Selina and Jeremy were attracted to each other but Selina had her own requirement, that of love. There are a number of misunderstandings and spiteful actions before a happy ending is achieved. This was an entertaining read that I enjoyed. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Publication Date: 7/28/20
Number of Pages: 256
This was a fun and entertaining read from a new-to-me author. She brings the whole range of emotions into it – I giggled, I teared up, I sighed – it was a really nice read. I will mention that it is not in the least steamy, so if you like steam, you won’t get it here. Since I just love a good romance – with or without steam – it was good for me. The writing is good, the characters are pretty well-developed, and the plot was mostly tight and excellently paced.
I believe this is a re-release as the author mentions that she enjoyed being able to go watch the filming of the movie made from it. You’ll like the characters – even the baddies aren’t really so bad. Plus, you get two romances for the price of one, so you can’t go wrong there.
Jeremy Malcolm is one buttoned-up dude! He’s rich, handsome, and has his own estate. If he were female, he’d be a diamond-of-the-first-water. He’s decided it is time to marry, but he is very, very, particular, and has a list of qualifications his bride must meet. Can anyone live up to that perfection? When he fails to pursue one female in particular, she decides to have her revenge on him. Imagine him embarrassing her by not at least calling the following day after escorting her to the opera.
Selina Dalton is the daughter of a vicar. She is very sweet, giving, caring, and very beautiful. She’s been working as a lady’s companion to an older friend of her mothers until the lady died. With her future unsure, she decides to write to a friend from school – and then hope for an invitation to visit London. She could return home to her parents, but that isn’t what she wants to do – at least not right now. When the invitation from her friend arrives, Selina has no clue it comes with some very tightly laced strings.
Now, you must be wondering why this isn’t a 5-star rating for me. The character development – especially for Julia and Cassie – just wasn’t there. For Julia, it was like there was a line down the middle of the book – on one side she was one person and on the other side, she was a different person. For Cassie, well, I felt sorry for him as it seemed his only character trait was that of a buffoon. Anyway, I enjoyed the story – even with Jeremy annoying me regularly.
me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Mr Malcolm’s List
Suzanne Allain
https://www.facebook.com/suzannejallain/
Release date 07/28/2020
Publisher Piatkus for Berkley
Blurb :
It is a truth universally acknowledged that an arrogant bachelor insistent on a wife who meets the strictest of requirements – deserves his comeuppance . . .
The Honourable Mr. Jeremy Malcolm is searching for a wife, but not just any wife. As the target of matchmaking mothers and desperate debutantes, he’s determined to avoid the fortune hunters and find a near-perfect woman, one who will meet the qualifications on his well-crafted list. But after years of searching, he’s beginning to despair of ever finding this paragon. Until Selina Dalton arrives in town.
Selina, a vicar’s daughter of limited means and a stranger to high society, is thrilled when her friend Julia Thistlewaite invites her to London, until she learns it’s all part of a plot to exact revenge on Mr. Malcolm. Selina is reluctant to participate in Julia’s scheme, especially after meeting the irresistible Mr. Malcolm, who appears to be very different from the arrogant scoundrel of Julia’s description.
But when Mr. Malcolm begins judging Selina against his unattainable standards, Selina decides that she has some qualifications of her own. And if he is to meet them he must reveal the real man behind Mr. Malcolm’s List.
My review :
Will pride cost one’s love …
Mr Malcom’s List at first reminded me of Virginia Heath’s The Discerning Gentleman Guide, and while Mrs Heath’s hero used a guide as reference to select his future bride, Malcom here made the requirement through his list.
It was not an unattainable goal but it might limit his prospect. Yet it is what he is looking for.
But in his course for the perfect bride, he damages one woman’s pride, and a woman angered is a disaster in the making.
While Selena is the main character, it is many voices tale, most of the side characters having their share in many drama surrounding Mr Malcom’s quest for a spouse.
Selena is a miss who jumped at the opportunity to partake a bit in the London’s season. She didn’t know she was convoked with the ulterior motive to extract revenge for a too prideful young woman.
And while she is against her friend’s scheme, she at first follows her lead, until she finds herself attracted to the infamous Mr Malcom.
Jeremy thought he had everything mapped out, yet by infuriating involuntarily the wrong woman, he faces her ire and becomes unknowingly the recipient of her wrath with Selena as a weapon.
And while I do not like the deceit used against him, he does not react always the most gentleman like way. At a time, he was not very deserving of Selena’s affection.
Then there are Julia, Henry, Cassie, Selena’s parents and Jeremy’s mother, all are part of the grand scheme and play little tricks.
Mrs Allain wit Mr Malcom’s list narrates a witty and clever challenge of whom’s heart will fall for who with a reflection about a too straightforward path does not prepare for the dents and holes on the journey.
A 5 stars double romance spicy like Emma, with many twists and turns like Much Ado About Nothing.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/666230967299411/?d=n
ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review
2.5 stars
Sigh, the blurb of Mr Malcolm’s List drew me in and I was really looking forward to it.
Unfortunately, the execution of the story let it down for me.
In fact, if it wasn’t for our lovely leading lady Selina, I probably would have DNF’d this one, but her spunky, witty personality kept me reading to the end.
The second half of the story was better though.
Mr Malcolm had glimpses of a better man shine through at times, but most of the time he was an arrogant, stubborn unlikable hero.
And don’t get me started on Selina’s so called friend Julia. I hated her at the start, loathed her in the middle, and she was a bit better by the end.
This does have a bit of a Pride and Prejudice/Darcy and Elizabeth vibe – but without the great vibe or likability most of the time.
I just didn’t feel that there was enough research of the period for it to feel right for me. I mean, all good I am not one that has to have everything spot on and I do like some creative licence, I just didn’t feel that there was enough conviction from the author for the period she was writing into – but this could just be my feelings.
I know it sounds like I didn’t like this book at all, however there were parts and some characters that I did like, just overall it was a bit meh.
Don’t let me dissuade you from reading and enjoying Mr Malcolm’s List, as I am sure many will love it.
This isn’t a romance novel, it’s a comedy of manners ala Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Ernest. If you realize that going in, you’ll enjoy it more. That’s why I’m giving it three stars as a romance. As a farce I’d give it 4. There’s a romance aspect but not the traditional one where you’re rooting for a couple to get and stay together. Does it have a HEA? Yes. But the characters aren’t likeable. Julia is a selfish, vindictive, conniving woman who thinks very highly of herself. Mr. Malcolm, likewise, is too big for his britches due to his fortune – he’s not titled but acts like he’s more of a catch than a Duke. He’s got a list of requirements for a woman in order to see her as wife-material. His friend Cassie/also Julia’s cousin, is a complete buffoon who tends to ruin whatever he’s involved in. Selina, is technically the innocent here. However, she’s such a milquetoast heroine I didn’t really care what happened. The lone rootable character was Henry. Who wanted to meet Selina, who was a companion to his mother and also knew his mother wanted them to be a good match. He’s supposed to be handsome and tends to always do the right, noble thing. Selina half-heartedly commits to helping Julia get revenge (she’s to appear to be flawless, and then break off the relationship with Malcolm citing that he doesn’t meet her list of requirements for a husband) until she meets Malcolm and becomes besotted deciding she wants him for herself. Hijinx ensue. Julia deduces that Selina isn’t gonig along with the agreement anymore and she’s ticked. Henry, initially wants Selina but recognizes that Malcolm and Selina are a good match so backs off and keeps Julia company. Cassie tries to keep his counsin from destroying everything. There’s a masquerade ball, double costumes, kisses, misunderstandings (pig-headedness), Malcolm & Selina locked in a hot room and eventually a dunk in a fountain before the respective couples (yes, more than one) get things right with a HEA. I actually think the filmed version will be better, at least for my taste, than the book was. I can visually see the comedic parts happening in a way that would be funny in a film that fell a bit flat/tedious while reading.
Series: N/A
Type: Regency
Heat: 6/10
Tropes: Masqerade, Revenge, Trapped together, Fake Engagement.
Premise: Julia uses her friend Selina as a method of revenge against Mr. Malcolm, who didn’t a second date when she finds out he’s got a list of requirements for a wife.
The Good: Lots of twists.
The Bad: This isn’t a romance. It’s more of a farce, a comedy of manners. But it’s not that funny. Also, I found it hard to like any of the major characters, with the exception of Henry Ossory, who is a paragon.
I was given an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.