Witty and well-read, best friends Henrietta, Harriet, and Hero know that real love is rarely as simple as a fairy tale. But with the right partner, it can be sweeter—and even more satisfying. . .A single woman of means generally does not choose the company of seven rambunctious children over the haut ton. Yet since the tragic loss of her sister and brother-in-law, the Honorable Harriet Mayfield … Mayfield has found purpose and pleasure in caring for her orphaned nieces and nephews. If her unorthodox views about how to raise the newly minted Earl of Sedwick and his siblings put her at odds with their strict grandmother, well, so be it. The children’s uncle, Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes, however, is a far more complicated—and charismatic—problem . . . Accustomed to having his slightest word obeyed, Quint hardly knows what to make of the bewitching bluestocking who has taken on the role of guardian in his absence. Quint’s mother wants Harriet gone, the sooner the better. She has the perfect bride in mind for him—someone not at all like kindhearted, loyal Harriet. But if he and Harriet can only withstand meddling and misunderstandings, their unconventional attraction might yet come to a delightfully happy ending . . .
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This was a fun, entertaining, and sweet story. The characters were perfect for each other and the MCs fought and flirted a lot and it was so cute and made me really love these characters. There was a great family dynamic throughout this story even though some of the in-laws don’t get along sometimes. Unfortunately, this book starts off to a sad beginning, but it led to a great HEA at the end. I enjoyed the romance was slightly slow-burn and was sweet and swoon-worthy. The plot didn’t have too much action but all the sweet moments and romance made up for it. The writing was smooth and kept my attention the entire time. It’s perfect for a sweet afternoon read and was a very enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend this.
The story had such a sad beginning but slowly the characters showed resilience and continued living the best they could, from the smallest, Tilly, to the oldest members, the great grandparents and the grandmother. The children’s aunt and uncle having to take on the care of the children and the estate in the midst of their grief must have been stressful, and I would have liked to see more of that grief from them since we we privy to their innermost thoughts. However, their romance was sweet and I believe done pretty well and I sincerely enjoyed the book and have found a new author to enjoy as well! #rulesforanunmarriedlady #netgalley
When Harriett Mayfield loses her sister and brother in law in an accident, she steps into the caretaker’s role for her seven orphaned nieces and nephews. But from the beginning, there is conflict because Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes is the children’s legal guardian and he is opposed to Harriett’s decisions for the children’s welfare. The story conflict ebbs and flows, but the rivalries are the bulwark of the plot.
The first half reads like a visitor’s guide to 1800 London. Descriptions of Vauxhall Gardens feel too stuffy and overdone. “The main show of the evening was, of course, the spectacular reenactment of the Battle of Vitoria, which involved much shooting of cannon and exploding bombs in the arena as well as incredible displays of horsemanship, swordsmanship, and other feats of derring-do.” The description goes on for too long, in my opinion, and I began questioning the plot importance of the trip to London in the first place. Too much research and not enough relationship development between the main characters. Harriet and Quinton don’t meet until chapter four. The second half of the book attempts to build a romantic relationship between them. I felt disappointed that there was very little romantic tension. However, I liked the villain. The Dowager is a formidable foe and brings just enough angst to the character to be a villain that you love to hate. Overall, not my teacup, but readers who like lots of description and history will enjoy this book.
Rules for an Unmarried Lady is the third book in the Once Upon a Bride series by Wilma Counts. Though the series revolves around bluestocking best friends Henrietta, Harriet and Hero, the stories totally stand alone. Though not a particularly exciting or steamy read, it was a pleasant way to spend a few quiet hours during the hectic holiday season.
Harriet Mayfield lost her beloved sister and brother-in-law in a tragic accident. Though she has a considerable fortune, she finds happiness in caring for her seven (!) orphaned nieces and nephews . One of the children is the new Earl of Sedwick, and his strict and self-centered grandmother does not like the unconventional way Harriet deals with the young earl and the rest of his siblings. But then Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes, the kids’ uncle, comes home from the war with the intent of raising the children himself. His mother wants Harriet gone, but Harriet and Quint are drawn to each other. However, will the secret Harriet hides from Quint keep the two part, along with his meddling mother?
This was a fun and entertaining story. Harriet was a wonderful aunt and wanted to raise the children in a way that her sister would have wanted. Quint’s mother had totally different ideas of child rearing, but Harriet stood firm in her defense of the kids. Quint was a battle-hardened officer and didn’t quite know what he was in for when he met his new charges…and their enchanting guardian. Though I liked both main characters, their romance felt a little flat to me. I could see the attraction but didn’t feel any passion at all. However, their interaction with their nieces and nephew was totally enchanting! I especially liked young Phillip, the new earl who was trying to deal with both losing his parents and becoming an earl. It was a sweet story for a break from the holidays.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Harriet Mayfield is devastated when her sister Anne & husband Win are killed in an accident but she rallies to care for their seven children. If her unorthodox views about how to raise Phillip, the newly minted young Earl of Sedwick and his siblings put her at odds with their strict grandmother, well, so be it. The children’s uncle & guardian, Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes, however, is a far more complicated and charismatic problem. Accustomed to having his slightest word obeyed, Quint hardly knows what to make of the bewitching bluestocking who has taken on the role of guardian in his absence. Quint’s mother wants Harriet gone, the sooner the better.
This is the third book in the series & is very easily read as a stand alone. I liked both Harriet & Quint & whilst their attraction was apparent from the start it didn’t sizzle for me. I really enjoyed their verbal banter & how they both bolstered Phillip’s confidence. I thoroughly disliked the Dowager Countess. I found the book to be an enjoyable entertaining read that held my interest all the way through. My only quibble was that I felt the ending was rushed
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Honorable Harriet Mayfield lived in two places, her grandparents and her sisters. Anne and Harriet’s parents died when they were about eleven and ten respectively, it almost devastated them. Their grandparents understood the pain and tried to guide them through it. When her sister and brother-in-law were killed in a carriage accident about three months ago. She had been with the seven children of her sister. She remembered how it was for them and she wanted nothing but to help ease them through it. She loved every one of those amazing small people and each had their own special gift.
Colonel Lord Quinton Burnes was a soldier, but when his brother died, he had to come home and take care of them. It had to wait a bit until he was healed enough to travel. He had been fighting Bonaparte. He really didn’t know much about them. But he was determined to do the best he could. For the most part, he and Harriet agreed on almost everything pertaining to the children. His mother did not. She wanted things her way, no matter what she had to do. Harriet was not her favorite person and was beneath her. She made a lot of problems for the family.
I very much enjoyed this book, her efforts to protect her nieces and nephews, and especially the new earl was a daunting job.
The storyline was different and it was fun to read. It was nice, the things they did with the children. Picnics, riding, and to help Phillip start learning his responsibilities for the title. They were sweet children. The characters were romantic, kind, witty, and well educated.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
While I enjoyed this story, I found the wording somewhat cumbersome. Maybe because I had been reading modern romances before this, but the book took effort to read. I enjoyed reading about Henrietta’s modern views, the interactions with Quint and the children but I did find Henrietta and Quint’s relationship lacking in romantic angst. While their public interactions were very decorous, their intimate moments were surprisingly heated which seemed out of character.
I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
A very easy read of a love story between the uncle and aunt of seven children. Sweet, precious and funny the children are left orphans. Their Uncle Quinn is a Colonel and their guardian. Their aunt has final say in his absence. The real villain is his mother, the Dowager Countess of Sedgwick, who makes it her goal to get rid of Harriet. A battle of wills ensues until the Colonel makes it home to mediate. Then Harriet and Quint fall in love,
but she has a secret. I highly recommend this book. It is a totally entertaining.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.