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Accidental Brides #1
Viscount in Love
Two eccentric orphans bring together a grumpy viscount and the free-spirited heroine who steals his heart in the first novel in Eloisa James’s new Accidental Brides series, in which haughty aristocrats find themselves married to the wrong women.
He wants a nanny, not a bride…
Suddenly guardian to twins, Viscount Dominic Kelbourne is luckily betrothed to a suitable lady—until she elopes. With no time to woo, Dominic decides to marry his fiancée’s unconventional sister. Torie isn’t perfect, but their kisses are so passionate that society thinks he’s actually chosen her.
She wants to marry for love…
Torie has never been able to make sense of words on a page, so she has turned her talents to art. She longs for a man who values her as she is… but marries for the sake of the twins. She doubts Dominic is capable of love, let alone respect, but as their heated debates turn into something more, Torie begins to imagine a life as a wife, not a nanny.
But when the arrogant viscount finds that his viscountess has stolen his heart, he’ll have to give all he has to win her love.
He wants a nanny, not a bride…
Suddenly guardian to twins, Viscount Dominic Kelbourne is luckily betrothed to a suitable lady—until she elopes. With no time to woo, Dominic decides to marry his fiancée’s unconventional sister. Torie isn’t perfect, but their kisses are so passionate that society thinks he’s actually chosen her.
She wants to marry for love…
Torie has never been able to make sense of words on a page, so she has turned her talents to art. She longs for a man who values her as she is… but marries for the sake of the twins. She doubts Dominic is capable of love, let alone respect, but as their heated debates turn into something more, Torie begins to imagine a life as a wife, not a nanny.
But when the arrogant viscount finds that his viscountess has stolen his heart, he’ll have to give all he has to win her love.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2024
About the author
Eloisa James
119 books9,219 followersNew York Times bestselling author Eloisa James writes historical romances for HarperCollins Publishers. Her novels have been published to great acclaim. A reviewer from USA Today wrote of Eloisa's very first book that she "found herself devouring the book like a dieter with a Hershey bar"; later People Magazine raved that "romance writing does not get much better than this." Her novels have repeatedly received starred reviews from Publishers' Weekly and Library Journal and regularly appear on the best-seller lists.
After graduating from Harvard University, Eloisa got an M.Phil. from Oxford University, a Ph.D. from Yale and eventually became a Shakespeare professor, publishing an academic book with Oxford University Press. Currently she is an associate professor and head of the Creative Writing program at Fordham University in New York City. Her "double life" is a source of fascination to the media and her readers. In her professorial guise, she's written a New York Times op-ed defending romance, as well as articles published everywhere from women's magazines such as More to writers' journals such as the Romance Writers' Report.
Eloisa...on her double life:
When I'm not writing novels, I'm a Shakespeare professor. It's rather like having two lives. The other day I bought a delicious pink suit to tape a television segment on romance; I'll never wear that suit to teach in, nor even to give a paper at the Shakespeare Association of America conference. It's like being Superman, with power suits for both lives. Yet the literature professor in me certainly plays into my romances. The Taming of the Duke (April 2006) has obvious Shakespearean resonances, as do many of my novels. I often weave early modern poetry into my work; the same novel might contain bits of Catullus, Shakespeare and anonymous bawdy ballads from the 16th century.
When I rip off my power suit, whether it's academic or romantic, underneath is the rather tired, chocolate-stained sweatshirt of a mom. Just as I use Shakespeare in my romances, I almost always employ my experiences as a mother. When I wrote about a miscarriage in Midnight Pleasures, I used my own fears of premature birth; when the little girl in Fool For Love threw up and threw up, I described my own daughter, who had that unsavory habit for well over her first year of life.
So I'm a writer, a professor, a mother - and a wife. My husband Alessandro is Italian, born in Florence. We spend the lazy summer months with his mother and sister in Italy. It always strikes me as a huge irony that as a romance writer I find myself married to a knight, a cavaliere, as you say in Italian.
One more thing...I'm a friend. I have girlfriends who are writers and girlfriends who are Shakespeare professors. And I have girlfriends who are romance readers. In fact, we have something of a community going on my website. Please stop by and join the conversation on my readers' pages.
After graduating from Harvard University, Eloisa got an M.Phil. from Oxford University, a Ph.D. from Yale and eventually became a Shakespeare professor, publishing an academic book with Oxford University Press. Currently she is an associate professor and head of the Creative Writing program at Fordham University in New York City. Her "double life" is a source of fascination to the media and her readers. In her professorial guise, she's written a New York Times op-ed defending romance, as well as articles published everywhere from women's magazines such as More to writers' journals such as the Romance Writers' Report.
Eloisa...on her double life:
When I'm not writing novels, I'm a Shakespeare professor. It's rather like having two lives. The other day I bought a delicious pink suit to tape a television segment on romance; I'll never wear that suit to teach in, nor even to give a paper at the Shakespeare Association of America conference. It's like being Superman, with power suits for both lives. Yet the literature professor in me certainly plays into my romances. The Taming of the Duke (April 2006) has obvious Shakespearean resonances, as do many of my novels. I often weave early modern poetry into my work; the same novel might contain bits of Catullus, Shakespeare and anonymous bawdy ballads from the 16th century.
When I rip off my power suit, whether it's academic or romantic, underneath is the rather tired, chocolate-stained sweatshirt of a mom. Just as I use Shakespeare in my romances, I almost always employ my experiences as a mother. When I wrote about a miscarriage in Midnight Pleasures, I used my own fears of premature birth; when the little girl in Fool For Love threw up and threw up, I described my own daughter, who had that unsavory habit for well over her first year of life.
So I'm a writer, a professor, a mother - and a wife. My husband Alessandro is Italian, born in Florence. We spend the lazy summer months with his mother and sister in Italy. It always strikes me as a huge irony that as a romance writer I find myself married to a knight, a cavaliere, as you say in Italian.
One more thing...I'm a friend. I have girlfriends who are writers and girlfriends who are Shakespeare professors. And I have girlfriends who are romance readers. In fact, we have something of a community going on my website. Please stop by and join the conversation on my readers' pages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 376 reviews
April 7, 2024
✨If he doesn’t start stripping mid-conversation to convince me to marry his gorgeous, gorgeous body, what’s even the point???✨
Do you ever read a book that basically cycles through all the star ratings? Like I thought this was going to be a two star book at points and then there were five star worthy scenes because I was GIGGLING…like that man was so unserious. Spoiler alert that’s not a spoiler because you can see my rating, I ended up really liking it and giving it four stars.
There were a lot of positive reviews that convinced me to read it, so me ultimately enjoying it is not that surprising, but there were definitely points where I was like YOU ALL ARE LYING LIARS WHO LIED. And then I calmed down and realized that yeah they kinda spilled. It was rather fun to see how it would all end up for me because I ended up just fighting with myself over things I thought I was angry about but were actually fine.
To be fair, and to get it out of the way (which I guess is kind of a spoiler but it SHOULDN’T be because Eloisa is lucky I didn’t DNF), that man did not have a mistress at all during their relationship!!! But she makes you think he did, and I was SEETHING. I was still rightfully mad that he was mad that she even made the request to not have a mistress, because according to him, “it’s just what men do.” But in my opinion, he actually came back from this quite well, and I loved his development and subsequent grovel.
My most favorite part was when he was trying to show off his muscles—because she made a comment about liking an actor’s body—by casually stripping in front of her mid conversation. I really wish I could quote from ARCs because honestly, I think that scene is enough to sell the book. It should definitely be the little teaser included at the beginning.
Bonus points for nose kisses (personal favorite), stomach rubbing when she was stressed ??? (us cancerian girlies with stomach issues really won here!!!!), him getting very turned on by the thought of her being swollen with his child (another personal favorite), neurodivergent heroine (dyslexia), competence porn, baby bunnies, chaotic children, a hero who really puts in the work, plus a fun twist at the end. I’m definitely coming back for book two!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️.5/5
CWs: Dyslexia (I’m only mentioning this as a trigger because she was treated very poorly by society, her family, and even the hero at times for not being able to read, which could potentially be painful for some readers.)
I received an eARC via NetGalley from Avon Books. All opinions are honest and my own.
Do you ever read a book that basically cycles through all the star ratings? Like I thought this was going to be a two star book at points and then there were five star worthy scenes because I was GIGGLING…like that man was so unserious. Spoiler alert that’s not a spoiler because you can see my rating, I ended up really liking it and giving it four stars.
There were a lot of positive reviews that convinced me to read it, so me ultimately enjoying it is not that surprising, but there were definitely points where I was like YOU ALL ARE LYING LIARS WHO LIED. And then I calmed down and realized that yeah they kinda spilled. It was rather fun to see how it would all end up for me because I ended up just fighting with myself over things I thought I was angry about but were actually fine.
To be fair, and to get it out of the way (which I guess is kind of a spoiler but it SHOULDN’T be because Eloisa is lucky I didn’t DNF), that man did not have a mistress at all during their relationship!!! But she makes you think he did, and I was SEETHING. I was still rightfully mad that he was mad that she even made the request to not have a mistress, because according to him, “it’s just what men do.” But in my opinion, he actually came back from this quite well, and I loved his development and subsequent grovel.
My most favorite part was when he was trying to show off his muscles—because she made a comment about liking an actor’s body—by casually stripping in front of her mid conversation. I really wish I could quote from ARCs because honestly, I think that scene is enough to sell the book. It should definitely be the little teaser included at the beginning.
Bonus points for nose kisses (personal favorite), stomach rubbing when she was stressed ??? (us cancerian girlies with stomach issues really won here!!!!), him getting very turned on by the thought of her being swollen with his child (another personal favorite), neurodivergent heroine (dyslexia), competence porn, baby bunnies, chaotic children, a hero who really puts in the work, plus a fun twist at the end. I’m definitely coming back for book two!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️.5/5
CWs: Dyslexia (I’m only mentioning this as a trigger because she was treated very poorly by society, her family, and even the hero at times for not being able to read, which could potentially be painful for some readers.)
I received an eARC via NetGalley from Avon Books. All opinions are honest and my own.
July 28, 2024
Grumpy/sunshine! In love with the wrong sister! Precocious kids! Just a few things you'll find in Viscount in Love.
FMC Torie can't read; MMC Dom puts a lot of weight on "intelligence." They've been attracted to each other ever since they met, but he was engaged to her sister the whole time (Two. Years.). Now, he's inherited the guardianship of his sisters' naughty, neglected children, and his fiancee can't stand them. Torie loves them, though, and Dom finds that he might have chosen the wrong sister...
James's prose is always a strength. We really liked the way she put these two characters together. Torie's determination not to flinch when society doesn't value her could make her seem like a Pollyanna character, but we read it as a validation of her feminine attributes in the face of adversity. Plus Dom basically has the physique of a lumberjack, which is always an asset.
8-Word Summaries:
Meg: Dominic chose Torie’s sister, but she un-chooses him.
Laine: Torie may be dyslexic, but she reads Dominic.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
FMC Torie can't read; MMC Dom puts a lot of weight on "intelligence." They've been attracted to each other ever since they met, but he was engaged to her sister the whole time (Two. Years.). Now, he's inherited the guardianship of his sisters' naughty, neglected children, and his fiancee can't stand them. Torie loves them, though, and Dom finds that he might have chosen the wrong sister...
James's prose is always a strength. We really liked the way she put these two characters together. Torie's determination not to flinch when society doesn't value her could make her seem like a Pollyanna character, but we read it as a validation of her feminine attributes in the face of adversity. Plus Dom basically has the physique of a lumberjack, which is always an asset.
8-Word Summaries:
Meg: Dominic chose Torie’s sister, but she un-chooses him.
Laine: Torie may be dyslexic, but she reads Dominic.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
September 13, 2024
Marriage of convenience brings a domineering Viscount to his knees but he kind of deserves it! 🔥
When her sister dips on the (ex)fiancé, Victoria is devastated because she actually loved her soon-to-be niece/nephew. How fortunate that the jilted groom will be satisfied with his replacement bride but TORIE IS PISSED! 🔥 She knows Dominic wanted a prim bride that could hold ‘intelligent’ conversations and Torie is well…severely dyslexic and the society mocks her for that. Despite being one of the best female painters in England, the men in Torie’s life continue to belittle her successes, and that includes Dom. This tumultuous relationship is high on lust and low on trust as Dom and Torie challenge each other every step of the way ✨
Favorite moments
🎨 he proposes by taking off his shirt and flexing his muscles
🎨 fmc that likes to walk to her own beat
🎨 hilariously eccentric twins full of morbid creativity
🎨 very spicy historical!
🎨 when he says “I’m on my knees in front of my wife because she owns me”
The plot was really pushing the narrative of ‘how wrong it is to call people fools’, which I assume was in reference to Torie’s immense intelligence despite her learning disability. That being said…I couldn’t believe how incredible FOOLISH Dominic was. I’m sorry but I firmly believe some people are in fact fools!! He took his former mistress to the opera a day before his wedding to Torrie *shock and dismay* (albeit unintentionally) he calls Torie’s magnificent paintings ‘nice’ and ‘meticulous’ 🖌️ men can be such fools!!
I’m excited to follow this new series as more books are added!
marriage of convenience
sister’s ex-fiancé
single dad (adopted children)
stubborn fmc/mmc
fmc with learning disability
virgin fmc
spicy historical!
grovel session 🧎🏽♂️
abolitionist movement
HEA
When her sister dips on the (ex)fiancé, Victoria is devastated because she actually loved her soon-to-be niece/nephew. How fortunate that the jilted groom will be satisfied with his replacement bride but TORIE IS PISSED! 🔥 She knows Dominic wanted a prim bride that could hold ‘intelligent’ conversations and Torie is well…severely dyslexic and the society mocks her for that. Despite being one of the best female painters in England, the men in Torie’s life continue to belittle her successes, and that includes Dom. This tumultuous relationship is high on lust and low on trust as Dom and Torie challenge each other every step of the way ✨
Favorite moments
🎨 he proposes by taking off his shirt and flexing his muscles
🎨 fmc that likes to walk to her own beat
🎨 hilariously eccentric twins full of morbid creativity
🎨 very spicy historical!
🎨 when he says “I’m on my knees in front of my wife because she owns me”
The plot was really pushing the narrative of ‘how wrong it is to call people fools’, which I assume was in reference to Torie’s immense intelligence despite her learning disability. That being said…I couldn’t believe how incredible FOOLISH Dominic was. I’m sorry but I firmly believe some people are in fact fools!! He took his former mistress to the opera a day before his wedding to Torrie *shock and dismay* (albeit unintentionally) he calls Torie’s magnificent paintings ‘nice’ and ‘meticulous’ 🖌️ men can be such fools!!
I’m excited to follow this new series as more books are added!
marriage of convenience
sister’s ex-fiancé
single dad (adopted children)
stubborn fmc/mmc
fmc with learning disability
virgin fmc
spicy historical!
grovel session 🧎🏽♂️
abolitionist movement
HEA
March 9, 2024
Victoria Sutton will not lust after her sister’s fiancé. No matter how handsome he may appear to be. He’s terribly mean, well suited to her beautifully cruel sister, and she’s thought more than once how lucky she is that he’s betrothed to Leonora and not her. She won’t sacrifice her happiness for a loveless marriage, and she could never be with a man like him. Her sister likes to list off all the reasons Torie isn’t suited for marriage, but no one could predict how Leonora would react when the Viscount suddenly becomes the guardian of his niece and nephew. As much as Leonora likes to boast that she’s the more sought after woman, it couldn’t be clearer that Torie is more fit for motherhood.
Viscount Dominic Kelbourne is a man obsessed. Nobody has after described him as being lovestruck until his wife steals his heart. She’s feisty, eccentric, and his perfect match. She also refuses to marry him. He doesn’t know the first thing about raising two (absolutely wild) children, but he won’t be doing it alone. Not if he can help it.
These books are laced with something addicting. I couldn’t put this one down. I couldn’t stop giggling. I had actual BUTTERFLIES reading this book. To the point where my stomach physically hurt. This man is so attractive!!! And Torie is the cutest human ever. I was so immediately invested in these characters and desperately needed them to find their happily ever after.
All the characters were fun in their own way but the kids really stole the show. Because, of course, Dominic couldn’t just gain custody of your run of the mill kids… Instead he got two absolute characters! The twins are obsessed with death and hilariously misbehaved.
I love how Dominic became a champion for his wife and wouldn’t stand for anyone making fun of her. This book had great disability rep for dyslexia, in a time where there wasn’t a word for it. It was so interesting to see how Torie was treated, and the way her struggles were handled. I especially liked that it doesn’t stop her from being successful.
I want to extend a huge thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for the copy of this eARC. It was excellent and reminded me why I love historical romance so much. I truly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read more from this series. I loved that even though we know which characters are endgame from the start, it was still a fascinating journey to see how the plot drives them together. I need more YESTERDAY, but I’m so happy that I have plenty of Eloisa James books to catch up on while I wait.
Viscount Dominic Kelbourne is a man obsessed. Nobody has after described him as being lovestruck until his wife steals his heart. She’s feisty, eccentric, and his perfect match. She also refuses to marry him. He doesn’t know the first thing about raising two (absolutely wild) children, but he won’t be doing it alone. Not if he can help it.
These books are laced with something addicting. I couldn’t put this one down. I couldn’t stop giggling. I had actual BUTTERFLIES reading this book. To the point where my stomach physically hurt. This man is so attractive!!! And Torie is the cutest human ever. I was so immediately invested in these characters and desperately needed them to find their happily ever after.
All the characters were fun in their own way but the kids really stole the show. Because, of course, Dominic couldn’t just gain custody of your run of the mill kids… Instead he got two absolute characters! The twins are obsessed with death and hilariously misbehaved.
I love how Dominic became a champion for his wife and wouldn’t stand for anyone making fun of her. This book had great disability rep for dyslexia, in a time where there wasn’t a word for it. It was so interesting to see how Torie was treated, and the way her struggles were handled. I especially liked that it doesn’t stop her from being successful.
I want to extend a huge thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for the copy of this eARC. It was excellent and reminded me why I love historical romance so much. I truly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read more from this series. I loved that even though we know which characters are endgame from the start, it was still a fascinating journey to see how the plot drives them together. I need more YESTERDAY, but I’m so happy that I have plenty of Eloisa James books to catch up on while I wait.
September 29, 2024
Viscount in Love by Eloisa James
Accidental Brides series #1. Historical regency romance.
Viscount Dominic Kelbourne is seeking to be a guardian to twins from one his father’s mistresses. While his father never acknowledged the twins, Dominic sees the facial similarities and knows that are his step brother and sister. He felt comfortable going after the guardianship until his betrothed elopes with someone else. With a court date upcoming and a known judge for denying rights, Dominic turns to Torie, his former fiancé’s unconventional sister.
Torie has never been able to make sense of words on a page. Everyone in the ton knows that Torie cannot read. But just because she cannot read, doesn’t mean that she can’t teach the twins some valuable lessons. They marry for the twins. Respect is something each will have to learn if they are continue with their ruse for the judge and their continued coexistence.
From a time before dyslexia is publicly defined or understood, Torie has to survive in a world a debutant or heiress may not need to read but must certainly be cognizant of society rules. She may make light of her not being able to read but without understanding why, can she fully accept it? She has the benefit of money and privilege but in reality not everyone was taught to read. It’s an interesting concept. Here, Torie has turned to art for herself and to help the twins ease into their new home. But more than reading needs to work between Torie and Dominic to get the judge to see their marriage is real.
I admired Dominic for his dedication to the twins. I think he missed the mark with Torie. They do have physical attraction on their side though and that helps.
A wonderfully written romance can overcome any shortcomings. This is one of those authors.
Accidental Brides series #1. Historical regency romance.
Viscount Dominic Kelbourne is seeking to be a guardian to twins from one his father’s mistresses. While his father never acknowledged the twins, Dominic sees the facial similarities and knows that are his step brother and sister. He felt comfortable going after the guardianship until his betrothed elopes with someone else. With a court date upcoming and a known judge for denying rights, Dominic turns to Torie, his former fiancé’s unconventional sister.
Torie has never been able to make sense of words on a page. Everyone in the ton knows that Torie cannot read. But just because she cannot read, doesn’t mean that she can’t teach the twins some valuable lessons. They marry for the twins. Respect is something each will have to learn if they are continue with their ruse for the judge and their continued coexistence.
From a time before dyslexia is publicly defined or understood, Torie has to survive in a world a debutant or heiress may not need to read but must certainly be cognizant of society rules. She may make light of her not being able to read but without understanding why, can she fully accept it? She has the benefit of money and privilege but in reality not everyone was taught to read. It’s an interesting concept. Here, Torie has turned to art for herself and to help the twins ease into their new home. But more than reading needs to work between Torie and Dominic to get the judge to see their marriage is real.
I admired Dominic for his dedication to the twins. I think he missed the mark with Torie. They do have physical attraction on their side though and that helps.
A wonderfully written romance can overcome any shortcomings. This is one of those authors.
August 4, 2024
Loved this!
Victoria Sutton is beguiled by a pair of extraordinary children, wards to Viscount Lord Dominic Alston Augustus Kelbourne.
Torie’s sister Leonora has been engaged to Viscount Kelbourne for two years. Their’s is a marriage of design. Nothing too taxing. A couple of children, social duties and each leading their own lives.
Torie is the “stupid” sister who cannot read! So not wife material. She paints bunnies and flowers.
Dominic was a child dominated by a cold father who’d trained his son to be as unfeeling as he.
Dominic's notorious sister, Lady Dorsey, had taunted her father by having affairs all over the place. Her husband was never sure if the children were his. They’d been brought up in a most ramshackle way.
I loved the list of proscribed words, composed of expressions the children used, that are declared prohibited by the Viscount and Torie. That’s hilarious!
The children became a point of contention between Dominic and Leonora. Leonora wanted the twins shipped off to the country with their dreadful nanny.
Meanwhile Torie had made the children’s acquaintance and loved them. They responded in kind, reading to her. Torie has a ferocious intelligence and an eidetic memory. She’s not the fool her family thinks! As the story unfolds we discover awesome secrets about Torie.
What we have here is a delightful rogue / wallflower romance with a touch of almost enemies to lovers slant, a careless lover, and two intrepid children.
A novel filled to the brim with James’ wonderful wit, occasions of clashing personalities, and heady romance. The chase is the thing, filled with momentous setbacks and sublime makeups!
An Avon & Harper Voyager ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Victoria Sutton is beguiled by a pair of extraordinary children, wards to Viscount Lord Dominic Alston Augustus Kelbourne.
Torie’s sister Leonora has been engaged to Viscount Kelbourne for two years. Their’s is a marriage of design. Nothing too taxing. A couple of children, social duties and each leading their own lives.
Torie is the “stupid” sister who cannot read! So not wife material. She paints bunnies and flowers.
Dominic was a child dominated by a cold father who’d trained his son to be as unfeeling as he.
Dominic's notorious sister, Lady Dorsey, had taunted her father by having affairs all over the place. Her husband was never sure if the children were his. They’d been brought up in a most ramshackle way.
I loved the list of proscribed words, composed of expressions the children used, that are declared prohibited by the Viscount and Torie. That’s hilarious!
The children became a point of contention between Dominic and Leonora. Leonora wanted the twins shipped off to the country with their dreadful nanny.
Meanwhile Torie had made the children’s acquaintance and loved them. They responded in kind, reading to her. Torie has a ferocious intelligence and an eidetic memory. She’s not the fool her family thinks! As the story unfolds we discover awesome secrets about Torie.
What we have here is a delightful rogue / wallflower romance with a touch of almost enemies to lovers slant, a careless lover, and two intrepid children.
A novel filled to the brim with James’ wonderful wit, occasions of clashing personalities, and heady romance. The chase is the thing, filled with momentous setbacks and sublime makeups!
An Avon & Harper Voyager ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
June 15, 2024
I absolutely adored this unconventional romance.
Victoria has accustomed herself to being regarded as nothing more than a pretty bit of fluff. Ornamental and vapid. Lacking the mental capacity to hold a conversation about anything of substance.
Her intelligence doesn't manifest itself through her ability to dissect literary works - her dyslexia prevents her from doing that. Because her dyslexia was misunderstood in Regency England, she is ridiculed as foolish and dumb by her family.
Dominic is engaged to marry Torie's elder sister, Leonora. His fiancee is very opinionated, although she hides it well. When her true colors reveal themselves, a calamity of circumstances leads Dominic and Torie to the altar. Their marriage of convenience, while characterized by incendiary attraction, is nothing more than that. A way for Dominic to acquire a hostess for his burgeoning political career and bring stability to his life. It is a way for Torie to escape the confines of her life and spread her wings. A way for her to become both an independent spirit and a mother. A way to garner safety.
The longer they spend in each other's company, the more Dominic realizes that his new bride's often flippant behavior disguises a well-honed, astute mind and a way of looking at the world that is new and enlightening. The longer they spend in each other's company, the more Torie realizes that her handsome, often ill-tempered husband is capable of cherishing her the way she's always wanted.
Watching this stubborn couple navigate their way into each other's hearts was one of the loveliest experiences of my reading year so far.
Victoria has accustomed herself to being regarded as nothing more than a pretty bit of fluff. Ornamental and vapid. Lacking the mental capacity to hold a conversation about anything of substance.
Her intelligence doesn't manifest itself through her ability to dissect literary works - her dyslexia prevents her from doing that. Because her dyslexia was misunderstood in Regency England, she is ridiculed as foolish and dumb by her family.
Dominic is engaged to marry Torie's elder sister, Leonora. His fiancee is very opinionated, although she hides it well. When her true colors reveal themselves, a calamity of circumstances leads Dominic and Torie to the altar. Their marriage of convenience, while characterized by incendiary attraction, is nothing more than that. A way for Dominic to acquire a hostess for his burgeoning political career and bring stability to his life. It is a way for Torie to escape the confines of her life and spread her wings. A way for her to become both an independent spirit and a mother. A way to garner safety.
The longer they spend in each other's company, the more Dominic realizes that his new bride's often flippant behavior disguises a well-honed, astute mind and a way of looking at the world that is new and enlightening. The longer they spend in each other's company, the more Torie realizes that her handsome, often ill-tempered husband is capable of cherishing her the way she's always wanted.
Watching this stubborn couple navigate their way into each other's hearts was one of the loveliest experiences of my reading year so far.
April 13, 2024
This is a solid Eloisa James. I caught myself at times like, “Is this old school EJ come back to bestow a gift of starchy heroes upon me???” Truly, it was just that magical.
Dominic Kelbourne, Lord Something Something, is starchy as hell. He’s got custody of his late scandalous sister’s children and his fiancé of a million years is even starchier. She’s put off their marriage for a long time cause she’s just not into this dude and his two wards are the end of the line for her. Introduce two hellions to the ton?! Hell no, she’s out on that. But thankfully her younger illiterate sister will just raise them in the country right?
Torie is illiterate. Why? Idk. She just is, people. She just can’t read at all. Is it a sight problem? Is she dyslexic? Idk. No clue, she can’t read and we don’t know why! So Torie’s ridiculed a lot, she’s got some marriage offers but does she really want to accept men that just think she’s an illiterate idiot? (But also WHY CANT YOU READ??) Torie doesn’t want to just retire to the country to raise her sister’s fiancé’s late scandalous sister’s children. She’s got more self respect than just resolving herself to nanny life. She’s committed to helping her sister see that these kids are actually great but only accomplishes falling in love with said children and scaring her sister off. Literally, her sister runs away and elopes with someone else to stay away from these children.
So now Dominic has no fiancé but what he does have is some lust for this woman who has come to the nursery every day and taken care of his wards. And now in true EJ fashion he HAS TO HAVE HER.
This book has a lot of things I absolutely love about Eloisa James books. Starchy possessive heroes, heroines who are like, “Ew, get away from me,” some absolutely PAINFUL hero blunders, some positively delightful groveling. and a really solid romance. SOLID. Loved this one.
Got an ARC, but review is my own
Dominic Kelbourne, Lord Something Something, is starchy as hell. He’s got custody of his late scandalous sister’s children and his fiancé of a million years is even starchier. She’s put off their marriage for a long time cause she’s just not into this dude and his two wards are the end of the line for her. Introduce two hellions to the ton?! Hell no, she’s out on that. But thankfully her younger illiterate sister will just raise them in the country right?
Torie is illiterate. Why? Idk. She just is, people. She just can’t read at all. Is it a sight problem? Is she dyslexic? Idk. No clue, she can’t read and we don’t know why! So Torie’s ridiculed a lot, she’s got some marriage offers but does she really want to accept men that just think she’s an illiterate idiot? (But also WHY CANT YOU READ??) Torie doesn’t want to just retire to the country to raise her sister’s fiancé’s late scandalous sister’s children. She’s got more self respect than just resolving herself to nanny life. She’s committed to helping her sister see that these kids are actually great but only accomplishes falling in love with said children and scaring her sister off. Literally, her sister runs away and elopes with someone else to stay away from these children.
So now Dominic has no fiancé but what he does have is some lust for this woman who has come to the nursery every day and taken care of his wards. And now in true EJ fashion he HAS TO HAVE HER.
This book has a lot of things I absolutely love about Eloisa James books. Starchy possessive heroes, heroines who are like, “Ew, get away from me,” some absolutely PAINFUL hero blunders, some positively delightful groveling. and a really solid romance. SOLID. Loved this one.
Got an ARC, but review is my own
June 28, 2024
Normally, I am not a fan of historical romances, but that has changed after reading this book! I won a free ARC from the Goodreads contest in exchange for an honest review.
Viscount Dominic Kelbourne has been engaged with Miss Leonora Sutton for three seasons when he receives terrible news that both his sister and brother-in-law have died leaving him the legal guardian of their twins, Miss Florence and Master Valentine. Leonora is not keen on helping Dominic raise the twins but instead would rather they live in the country, while Dominic and her live in London.
Eventually, she meets the twins in the nursery and is appalled by both their behavior and their language. Since Leonora is not eager to marry Dominic nor become stepmother to his niece and nephew, she breaks off their betrothal so she can marry Lord Bufford.
Torie, Leonora's sister, has not been lucky in finding an eligible suitor due to her dyslexia. Subsequently, she believed her future was going to be living in the country, raising the twins. Over time, Torie becomes fond of the twins, and Dominic finds himself falling in love with her. As a result, Dominic and Torie are married.
I loved the precocious twins and the Prohibited List that Dominic has created for words that are inappropriate for them to use.
Viscount Dominic Kelbourne has been engaged with Miss Leonora Sutton for three seasons when he receives terrible news that both his sister and brother-in-law have died leaving him the legal guardian of their twins, Miss Florence and Master Valentine. Leonora is not keen on helping Dominic raise the twins but instead would rather they live in the country, while Dominic and her live in London.
Eventually, she meets the twins in the nursery and is appalled by both their behavior and their language. Since Leonora is not eager to marry Dominic nor become stepmother to his niece and nephew, she breaks off their betrothal so she can marry Lord Bufford.
Torie, Leonora's sister, has not been lucky in finding an eligible suitor due to her dyslexia. Subsequently, she believed her future was going to be living in the country, raising the twins. Over time, Torie becomes fond of the twins, and Dominic finds himself falling in love with her. As a result, Dominic and Torie are married.
I loved the precocious twins and the Prohibited List that Dominic has created for words that are inappropriate for them to use.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2024
I just love an Eloisa James Historical Romance! She writes with a light humorous touch, yet tackles tough issues head on. This time the issue is dyslexia. She battles against the prevailing customs of the day and has a hero who is entrenched in them. We also get to see Stella and Sylvester Parnell, the Duke and Dutchess of Huntington and their wonderful steam engine. This plot was great until it turned a tad maudlin.
Our heroine, Victoria Sutton, is whip smart, but because she can't read or write she is not considered very bright. But that's okay because she is beautiful. It takes two really smart kids to show their elders that Torie is very smart and astute too, except when it comes to her own heart.
Viscount Dominic Kelbourne is betrothed to a woman he considers to be perfect for him. But since he has spent all of an hour in her presence how can he be sure? It appears that after being engaged for two years and no wedding date that his betrothed, Leonora, is just stringing him along. When Dominic's sister and her husband die, Dominic becomes the guardian for two very smart and precocious 11-year-old twins, Valentine and his sister Florence. The meeting between Leonora and the twins sent Leonora packing and that was a good thing. Now Dominic is in desperate need of another bride and one that will tolerate the willful twins. Lucky for him he knows just the woman.
Lady Victoria Sutton has already been spending time with the twins and she seems to actually like them. Just one little problem, her sister was his fiancée who eloped with someone else. But he likes her well enough, and she is quite pretty. But there is a Duke already courting her. When Dominic presses his suit, Torie wonders if he wants a wife or a nanny. She wants a husband that will value her for who she is. But there is just something about this handsome, brooding man that Torie can't resist, and his kiss is pure fire.
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
Our heroine, Victoria Sutton, is whip smart, but because she can't read or write she is not considered very bright. But that's okay because she is beautiful. It takes two really smart kids to show their elders that Torie is very smart and astute too, except when it comes to her own heart.
Viscount Dominic Kelbourne is betrothed to a woman he considers to be perfect for him. But since he has spent all of an hour in her presence how can he be sure? It appears that after being engaged for two years and no wedding date that his betrothed, Leonora, is just stringing him along. When Dominic's sister and her husband die, Dominic becomes the guardian for two very smart and precocious 11-year-old twins, Valentine and his sister Florence. The meeting between Leonora and the twins sent Leonora packing and that was a good thing. Now Dominic is in desperate need of another bride and one that will tolerate the willful twins. Lucky for him he knows just the woman.
Lady Victoria Sutton has already been spending time with the twins and she seems to actually like them. Just one little problem, her sister was his fiancée who eloped with someone else. But he likes her well enough, and she is quite pretty. But there is a Duke already courting her. When Dominic presses his suit, Torie wonders if he wants a wife or a nanny. She wants a husband that will value her for who she is. But there is just something about this handsome, brooding man that Torie can't resist, and his kiss is pure fire.
My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
June 8, 2024
A highly entertaining and romantic read! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel from the beginning to the end.
This is a story about a blended family coming together in the most unconventional of ways. Our heroine, Victoria, a female painter who also suffers from dyslexia, crosses path with Dominic, the Viscount Kelbourne, a man who also just so happens to be engaged to her older sister. All seems well until two years later when the Viscount becomes the ward to his recently orphaned niece and nephew. With his new parental status, the Viscount’s engagement is broken and Victoria and Dom find themselves as an unlikely match. Except she wants love, not to become a convenient nanny; whereas, he’s incapable of love and values intellect above all else— making this story an ingredient to discovering love in the most unexpected of pairings.
In the end, Torie and Dom both surrender to their growing feelings for each other and realize that love is the evolution of one’s character growth. Her painting of him truly captures the “Viscount in Love.”
This is a delightful read filled with romance and a lot of important historical issues, including the struggle to end slavery, illiteracy among the female class in regency era England, and women’s pursuit of artistic freedom in a field dominated by the ruling male elite. I also enjoyed the many characters in this novel, especially the twins, Florence and Valentine. In particular, I appreciated how the author incorporated stories from her own daughter into Florence’s character.
Overall, this is a sweet and fun read. Highly recommend.
Special thank you to the author and the publisher for an early ARC, in exchange for my honest thoughts and review.
This is a story about a blended family coming together in the most unconventional of ways. Our heroine, Victoria, a female painter who also suffers from dyslexia, crosses path with Dominic, the Viscount Kelbourne, a man who also just so happens to be engaged to her older sister. All seems well until two years later when the Viscount becomes the ward to his recently orphaned niece and nephew. With his new parental status, the Viscount’s engagement is broken and Victoria and Dom find themselves as an unlikely match. Except she wants love, not to become a convenient nanny; whereas, he’s incapable of love and values intellect above all else— making this story an ingredient to discovering love in the most unexpected of pairings.
In the end, Torie and Dom both surrender to their growing feelings for each other and realize that love is the evolution of one’s character growth. Her painting of him truly captures the “Viscount in Love.”
This is a delightful read filled with romance and a lot of important historical issues, including the struggle to end slavery, illiteracy among the female class in regency era England, and women’s pursuit of artistic freedom in a field dominated by the ruling male elite. I also enjoyed the many characters in this novel, especially the twins, Florence and Valentine. In particular, I appreciated how the author incorporated stories from her own daughter into Florence’s character.
Overall, this is a sweet and fun read. Highly recommend.
Special thank you to the author and the publisher for an early ARC, in exchange for my honest thoughts and review.
August 16, 2024
***A 2024 TOP PICK***
5+ STARS!!
Usually, books by this author are such a pleasure to read. But this one? This one filled me with so much joy, humour, and chemistry that it felt like my heart would burst with it all. And narrator Mary Jane Wells' performance was just the icing on a fabulous cake. 😍
Dominic was gruff and proper, and Torie was not, giving the plot its wonderful tension. And the twins! I loved how Dominic tackled his new role as guardian to his sister's orphaned - and lovably eccentric - children, and how Torie managed to fill in the cracks and glue them all together into a family.
But what pushed this one into 5+ territory for me was that lovely little twist at the end. I honestly did not see it coming - at all. I'm utterly smitten.
And even better, there's a paperback edition available that's not a mass market version! This one's earned a spot of honour on my bookshelf.😍😍
5+ STARS!!
"You're everything to me. My family, my lover, my best friend."How did Eloisa James do it?!
Usually, books by this author are such a pleasure to read. But this one? This one filled me with so much joy, humour, and chemistry that it felt like my heart would burst with it all. And narrator Mary Jane Wells' performance was just the icing on a fabulous cake. 😍
Dominic was gruff and proper, and Torie was not, giving the plot its wonderful tension. And the twins! I loved how Dominic tackled his new role as guardian to his sister's orphaned - and lovably eccentric - children, and how Torie managed to fill in the cracks and glue them all together into a family.
But what pushed this one into 5+ territory for me was that lovely little twist at the end. I honestly did not see it coming - at all. I'm utterly smitten.
And even better, there's a paperback edition available that's not a mass market version! This one's earned a spot of honour on my bookshelf.😍😍
August 11, 2024
H was awful but not mean enough not to be redeemed just like I prefer.😎
Read
April 3, 2024*arc received in exchange for my honest review*
Yeahhh I’m gonna dnf this. I made it to the halfway point where an argument occurred that truly annoyed me SO much I didn’t even feel the desire to hate read. Like the more I think about it the more annoyed I get. Spoilers below…..
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They have an argument about him ending his relationship with his mistress and HE gets mad that she wants him do so?? Like wtaf guys.
Yeahhh I’m gonna dnf this. I made it to the halfway point where an argument occurred that truly annoyed me SO much I didn’t even feel the desire to hate read. Like the more I think about it the more annoyed I get. Spoilers below…..
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They have an argument about him ending his relationship with his mistress and HE gets mad that she wants him do so?? Like wtaf guys.
July 24, 2024
Title: Viscount in Love
Series: Accidental Brides
Author: Eloisa James
Release date: July 24, 2024
Cliffhanger: no
Genre: historical romance
I have quite a few Eloisa James books under my belt at this point, some have been enthusiastic five star reads, some have been just middle of the road. Despite not knowing which way things will fall each time I pick up a new book by this author, I keep coming back for more. Typically she pays meticulous attention to historical detail. Her cast of characters in each series are ones that I'm eager to revisit to watch find their personal HEAs. The dialogue is witty, and the backstories typically well fleshed out.
Unfortunately a lot of the things I usually love were missing in this new release and I felt the absence of that magic to the point that I almost DNFd. With the exception of Torie's best friend and Dom's 11 year-old wards, every single character is infuriating and unbearable. The romance was frustratingly inconsistent, lacked any true chemistry, build, or anticipation. As well, the reader is left in the dark about the hero's internal conflict until late in the book leading you to almost despise him at points due to not understanding what drives his thoughts and intentions. The heroine is similarly not fully shown to her full potential until the end and I don't understand why this was done.
I read this title because I was intrigued with the heroine's learning disability and how it would affect her life in the 19th century. Torie has dyslexia in the year 1800 and I was excited to read this fresh plot point going in. It's obvious that a woman would face prejudice about the inability to read as part of the upper class. That is certainly a realistic representation, but the verbal abuse was constant from everyone around Tory in almost every conversation. Little jabs about her being "addled" with pitying looks and disparaging comments about her worth. At one point her father compared her to livestock. It felt very overdone to have the prejudice that constant and extreme when she is clearly a well-spoken woman perfectly capable of carrying on a well-informed conversation. She has a strong vocabulary, an eidetic memory, and she's a gifted painter. She just learns through experience or verbally rather than textually. Yet she's treated as if she's a babbling loony without a thought in her head at all times. It could have been shown without beating us over the head with it.
Why shouldn’t a lady be frivolous? Why should a woman read or write? It’s like asking a pig to sing opera.” Torie didn’t flinch. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t been compared to livestock before.
She is so used to the verbal abuse from everyone around her that she lets it roll right off her back and ignores it. Her sister and father make these humiliating comments in front of other people and she never gets angry or upset. That's just the tip of the iceburg of what her father does to her.
Dominic's character was so incoherent. In the beginning of the book he is portrayed as a very serious sort with no sense of humor to speak of. He's described as intimidating to others due to his temper in the House of Lords, but we aren't really shown that-it's more that he's stern and emotionless. When he's engaged to Leonora, he has no passion or affection for her. He simply chose her based on her perceived intelligence and refinement. He goes from very little personality or emotion at all to flirting with sexual innuendos once he's jilted and sets his sights on Torie. How does he go from one extreme to the other literally overnight? He goes from seeing Torie as silly and shallow with a lack of intelligence (and ZERO sexual attraction after three years) to lusting over her and getting offended at people's rude comments towards her in one day. I found his outrage so hypocritical due to his own insulting internal dialogue about her.
It had taken him several months to find a lady who could be a true partner and offer an intelligent assessment of current events. Most ladies fell into Torie’s camp. Granted, she kept the nursery laughing with her wry observations about Odysseus’s adventures, but that wasn’t the same as sharing lucid analysis.
Torie was charming, fresh, and funny. Useless, perhaps, but enchanting.
True, he had hoped to marry a woman who would challenge him intellectually, but he could reconcile himself.
These are the thoughts of someone with honor? He jumps from cold to flirty and back again without the reader having a deeper understanding of why. On top of that, he had fully intended to keep his mistress when he was engaged to Leonora and was outraged when confronted by Torie about it days before their wedding. He literally got angry when she demanded that he be monogamous because he doesn't like being told what to do. I wanted to drop kick him so hard I almost rage quit. It isn't until MUCH later that he finally explains himself over this and a certain humiliating situation that occurred two days before they married. Even though it did ease my anger some, he still acted clueless and insensitive towards his wife. When an 11 year-old child is more insightful and intuitive about your wife than you...you have a problem. He doesn't start to genuinely see his wife for the brilliant, talented woman she is until after 80% in the book. *sigh*
The sexual scenes didn't work for me because we are led to believe they have instant chemistry overnight after completely platonic interactions and thoughts for three years. It just comes over them like an epiphany that she is a "buxom" beautiful woman, and he is her preferred buff, bulky, muscular body type. It was like flicking a switch with them. The dirty talk and spice comes off as very artificial when they consummate their marriage one day after the wedding. Not to mention, Torie is supposed to be a virgin whose only knowledge of sex is having seen rabbits copulate and yet she jumps on him with no timidness or lack of skill. She does things that she wouldn't even know existed in bed. We are just told that she may be incapable of the written word, but when it comes to this, she's a "natural." It doesn't work that way! It made everything so unrealistic and unbelievable. Also, just a random pet peeve for me, but
This book was a little under 400 pages and it was really noticeable. The page really dragged, especially in the middle of the book. I kept checking the percentage constantly only to see that barely any progress had been made. I think the lack of connection to the couple and the two MCs separately made a big contribution to that. Their communication issues over important matters and very little time spent understanding each other outside of bed caused their relationship to feel very superficial to me. Dominic did redeem himself late in the book a little bit, but overall the characters were just messy and unsatisfying. Unfortunately, this one was a miss, but I have faith that others in this new series may win me over.
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May 14, 2024
“There was no denying that his broad shoulders and muscled body were a pleasure to behold. Not that Torie would ever ogle her sister’s future husband.” Torie’s sister is betrothed to the Viscount Kellbourne, the muscled, fiery-tempered, stubborn Lord who has recently become guardian to his charming, if not eccentric, twin niece and nephew.
The Viscount’s betrothed cannot keep far enough away from the children while Torie finds them enchanting and lovable (as did I!). Eventually Torie’s sister elopes, leaving behind the Viscount and his wards. As Torie’s affections for the twins grow, so does Viscount Kellbourne’s for the flamboyant, sensuous Torie, the opposite of her sister in every way.
Though articulate, intelligent, and talented, Torie has been a joke of the her family and the Ton, and longs for a love who will be proud of her, despite her inability to read and write. Is Torie merely as she seems, the pretty, nurturing influence the twins need? Or will the Viscount uncover her deeper, secret passions?
Five ⭐️ /5 for the tender-hearted romance that undeniably changes both characters, the comedic charm of the twins, and the sizzling chemistry. 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 I finished this book in one day and it is giving Wildes of Lindow Castle series vibes. If you know, you know.
Thank you to the publisher for the NetGalley ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Viscount’s betrothed cannot keep far enough away from the children while Torie finds them enchanting and lovable (as did I!). Eventually Torie’s sister elopes, leaving behind the Viscount and his wards. As Torie’s affections for the twins grow, so does Viscount Kellbourne’s for the flamboyant, sensuous Torie, the opposite of her sister in every way.
Though articulate, intelligent, and talented, Torie has been a joke of the her family and the Ton, and longs for a love who will be proud of her, despite her inability to read and write. Is Torie merely as she seems, the pretty, nurturing influence the twins need? Or will the Viscount uncover her deeper, secret passions?
Five ⭐️ /5 for the tender-hearted romance that undeniably changes both characters, the comedic charm of the twins, and the sizzling chemistry. 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 I finished this book in one day and it is giving Wildes of Lindow Castle series vibes. If you know, you know.
Thank you to the publisher for the NetGalley ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2024
What a terrific read! I don't read a ton of Historical Romance, but when I do, I want to read a book like this.
I thought the plot of this story was unique and the author did a great job with the time period. The characters are written in a way that just grabs you from the first page, with their quirkiness and grumpy sunshine vibes oozing off of the pages. I thought this story had a lot of layers to it and I appreciated the way the author wrote Torie. Torie wasn't perfect and had a learning disability, but she didn't let that stop her.
I enjoyed the romance between Dom and Torie. Their banter left me thoroughly entertained. Dom was in no way perfect, but he more than makes up for it in the end.
All in all, a solid read. I look forward to checking out the next book in this series.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher & NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
I thought the plot of this story was unique and the author did a great job with the time period. The characters are written in a way that just grabs you from the first page, with their quirkiness and grumpy sunshine vibes oozing off of the pages. I thought this story had a lot of layers to it and I appreciated the way the author wrote Torie. Torie wasn't perfect and had a learning disability, but she didn't let that stop her.
I enjoyed the romance between Dom and Torie. Their banter left me thoroughly entertained. Dom was in no way perfect, but he more than makes up for it in the end.
All in all, a solid read. I look forward to checking out the next book in this series.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher & NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*
August 2, 2024
3.5 stars. Set in 1800 England. A viscount decides, somewhat cold-bloodedly, to marry a suitable woman, but after it falls through, ends up finding real love with her unconventional sister.
I liked both MCs, and their relationship was sweet as they grew together to become their 'true' selves, and leave the issues of their pasts behind them. I also enjoyed the twins for whom Kelbourne had become guardian. They were clever, funny and unusual orphaned children, who were lucky enough to eventually get 'new' parents who truly loved them, in Kelbourne and Torie.
Overall, an enjoyable read, first in a series that will hopefully continue on well.
I liked both MCs, and their relationship was sweet as they grew together to become their 'true' selves, and leave the issues of their pasts behind them. I also enjoyed the twins for whom Kelbourne had become guardian. They were clever, funny and unusual orphaned children, who were lucky enough to eventually get 'new' parents who truly loved them, in Kelbourne and Torie.
Overall, an enjoyable read, first in a series that will hopefully continue on well.
April 29, 2024
I started out really enjoying this book, but I think the final conflict could’ve been set up better. Relationships should be two sided, especially historic romances, and I didn’t enjoy seeing Torie make so many apologies. The viscount’s respect for her comes too late for my taste.
But for those who really like starchy, possessive men, perhaps you’ll enjoy it more than I! The historic setting and details are spot on, as expected from Eloisa James, and there are some fascinating moments and historical figures that feature in this story! Plus, the children are quirky and lovable.
ARC provided by Edelweiss and Avon. All thoughts are my own.
But for those who really like starchy, possessive men, perhaps you’ll enjoy it more than I! The historic setting and details are spot on, as expected from Eloisa James, and there are some fascinating moments and historical figures that feature in this story! Plus, the children are quirky and lovable.
ARC provided by Edelweiss and Avon. All thoughts are my own.
August 20, 2024
This is the first historical romance I've read by Eloisa James, and I can confirm that it definitely will not be my last. I adored Viscount in Love, which tells the story of Viscount Dominic Kelbourne and Miss Victoria Sutton, younger sister of his former fiancee and an artist who is unable to read and as a result, is overlooked by the gentlemen of the ton and belittled by her family. A seemingly unlikely pair, these two start out being friends during Torie's older sister's betrothal to Dominic over a two-year period. When Dominic is jilted by Torie's sister because she does not want to become a mother to Dominic's orphaned niece and nephew - the ever precocious, eleven year-old twins, Florence and Valentine - after his sister's death, he begins to see that Torie would make an excellent caregiver to his "children" despite her illiteracy. What he doesn't bank on is Torie's huge heart and immense talent as a painter, having underestimated her as her family and the ton has in the past.
What I love about this story is its wonderful characters, both main and secondary, and that it is extremely well-written, crafted for intelligent readers, with references to Shakespeare's plays - not too surprising, given Eloisa James's other job as a Professor of Shakespearean literature at Fordham University. Despite her inability to read, Torie's insight into Shakespeare's themes and depiction of the human condition makes her brilliance outside of books shine brightly. The story reminds us not to hide our light under a bushel and also not to judge a book by its cover, as Dominic does early on with Torie. How these two endearing characters grow individually and together as a couple is so enjoyable to witness. I devoured this book and couldn't stop smiling at the end when Dominic and Torie get their hard-won happily ever after despite several bumps along the way. I'm looking forward to reading more of this author's Accidental Brides series as the stories become available.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
What I love about this story is its wonderful characters, both main and secondary, and that it is extremely well-written, crafted for intelligent readers, with references to Shakespeare's plays - not too surprising, given Eloisa James's other job as a Professor of Shakespearean literature at Fordham University. Despite her inability to read, Torie's insight into Shakespeare's themes and depiction of the human condition makes her brilliance outside of books shine brightly. The story reminds us not to hide our light under a bushel and also not to judge a book by its cover, as Dominic does early on with Torie. How these two endearing characters grow individually and together as a couple is so enjoyable to witness. I devoured this book and couldn't stop smiling at the end when Dominic and Torie get their hard-won happily ever after despite several bumps along the way. I'm looking forward to reading more of this author's Accidental Brides series as the stories become available.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
July 31, 2024
All the stars!! I adored this fun little gem! A regency romance, Eloisa James first in her NEW series “Accidental Brides,” featuring Torie, Dom and his twins. Rtc.
April 22, 2024
I was so excited to get this EARC because I love Eloisa James, and this book did not disappoint.
Viscount Dominic Kelbourne has been engaged to Lenora Sutton for 2 years, but she is in no rush to marry him. Her sister Victoria has not been lusting after him for 2 years either.
Suddenly, his twin niece and nephew are his wards after the death of their parents. They are 11 years old and quite unique. Victoria is entranced by them, Lenora thinks Victoria should be sent into the country with them, problem solved.
That is until the Viscount tells her his plans to keep them with him. And so our story begins.
Dominic is another hero who has had bad parenting. Victoria, called Torie, has a very bad case of dyslexia and has little hope of a love marriage.
She is, however, a painter, which will become a big plot point.
How all these characters interact is a particularly wonderful story. I can't wait for the next one and I can't even imagine who will be the characters, though I hope it will be best friend Clara.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. This is my honest review.
Viscount Dominic Kelbourne has been engaged to Lenora Sutton for 2 years, but she is in no rush to marry him. Her sister Victoria has not been lusting after him for 2 years either.
Suddenly, his twin niece and nephew are his wards after the death of their parents. They are 11 years old and quite unique. Victoria is entranced by them, Lenora thinks Victoria should be sent into the country with them, problem solved.
That is until the Viscount tells her his plans to keep them with him. And so our story begins.
Dominic is another hero who has had bad parenting. Victoria, called Torie, has a very bad case of dyslexia and has little hope of a love marriage.
She is, however, a painter, which will become a big plot point.
How all these characters interact is a particularly wonderful story. I can't wait for the next one and I can't even imagine who will be the characters, though I hope it will be best friend Clara.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. This is my honest review.
March 15, 2024
ARC REVIEW (Thanks NETGALLEY!)
This plot was so murky it was hard for me to get a feel for who “Dom” & Torie were. Dominic is originally engaged to Tories sister and she’s a snooty bitch. Dominic’s sister dies and gets custody of his sisters twins. They’re little nutty children who talk about farts and beheadings. Torie loves the kids, her sister doesn’t. Anywho, sister fucks off and married some other dude because she doesn’t want to play mama to the weird kids. While Torie has been babysitting the twins Dom realizes she’s pretty hot and wants to marry her. She says no a bunch of times until he takes off his shirt and Torie’s like whoa those shoulders I guess I’ll marry you. Some shit happens with his old mistress she gets mad. Some other shit happens with a painting tutor. Random scene at the market Dom stabs someone with his fancy sword. Torie couldn’t read or write, it was mentioned like 400 times. Idk I didn’t care for them or the story.
This plot was so murky it was hard for me to get a feel for who “Dom” & Torie were. Dominic is originally engaged to Tories sister and she’s a snooty bitch. Dominic’s sister dies and gets custody of his sisters twins. They’re little nutty children who talk about farts and beheadings. Torie loves the kids, her sister doesn’t. Anywho, sister fucks off and married some other dude because she doesn’t want to play mama to the weird kids. While Torie has been babysitting the twins Dom realizes she’s pretty hot and wants to marry her. She says no a bunch of times until he takes off his shirt and Torie’s like whoa those shoulders I guess I’ll marry you. Some shit happens with his old mistress she gets mad. Some other shit happens with a painting tutor. Random scene at the market Dom stabs someone with his fancy sword. Torie couldn’t read or write, it was mentioned like 400 times. Idk I didn’t care for them or the story.
February 4, 2024
3.5 stars
The MMC, Dom, could have used some more character work, but it was a fun, and at times heart wrenching, read.
The MMC, Dom, could have used some more character work, but it was a fun, and at times heart wrenching, read.
May 21, 2024
The first in the Accidental Brides series, Viscount in Love follows Torie and Dominic. Eloisa James writes such great historical romances, and this one is passionate, funny, emotional, and, at times, a little heartbreaking.
Dominic has recently become guardian to his sister's children and has been rejected by Torie's sister, whom he was betrothed to. Dominic was, at times, difficult to like. At the start of the story, he's arrogant, condescending, and so closed off. His views on Torie because she can't read, and his underwhelming reaction to her artistic talent, disappointed me. And there were times when his words and actions were so hurtful! Luckily, he redeems himself and proves to be a layered character with an interesting arc.
I’m glad Dominic finally changed the way he thinks because Torie is wonderful. I loved her character, and it made me so mad that she was treated so harshly by everybody because of her inability to read. She is a strong woman, and I love that she doesn't let the ignorance of other define her self-worth. Dominic had a lot of soul searching to do before he could find happiness not just with Tori’s but within himself, and that made me more sympathetic to him.
One of my favorite parts of the story is the twins. They are an absolute delight, and they bring so much character and charm to the story. They’re impetuous, curious, and so endearing, it’s easy to see why Torie becomes so attached so quickly. My other favorite part is the romance. Even though Dominic drove me crazy at times, he and Torie have so much chemistry, and their love story is steamy and passionate. He falls for her first and fast, though he doesn’t really realize that until much later. And I think Torie felt the same. What started as a formal and distanced relationship quickly becomes a passionate romance, and it is fantastic!!!
I did expect a little more development and closure with Torie’s sister and father. I felt like those subplots weren’t resolved. But I liked how the story highlighted inventions, art, literacy, and women’s roles in each. The messages about intelligence and worth, and the literary discussions, which involved a couple of my favorite classics, are fantastic too.
Overall, I enjoyed this story, and I’m looking forward to continuing the series. Special thanks to NetGalley and. For providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own
Dominic has recently become guardian to his sister's children and has been rejected by Torie's sister, whom he was betrothed to. Dominic was, at times, difficult to like. At the start of the story, he's arrogant, condescending, and so closed off. His views on Torie because she can't read, and his underwhelming reaction to her artistic talent, disappointed me. And there were times when his words and actions were so hurtful! Luckily, he redeems himself and proves to be a layered character with an interesting arc.
I’m glad Dominic finally changed the way he thinks because Torie is wonderful. I loved her character, and it made me so mad that she was treated so harshly by everybody because of her inability to read. She is a strong woman, and I love that she doesn't let the ignorance of other define her self-worth. Dominic had a lot of soul searching to do before he could find happiness not just with Tori’s but within himself, and that made me more sympathetic to him.
One of my favorite parts of the story is the twins. They are an absolute delight, and they bring so much character and charm to the story. They’re impetuous, curious, and so endearing, it’s easy to see why Torie becomes so attached so quickly. My other favorite part is the romance. Even though Dominic drove me crazy at times, he and Torie have so much chemistry, and their love story is steamy and passionate. He falls for her first and fast, though he doesn’t really realize that until much later. And I think Torie felt the same. What started as a formal and distanced relationship quickly becomes a passionate romance, and it is fantastic!!!
I did expect a little more development and closure with Torie’s sister and father. I felt like those subplots weren’t resolved. But I liked how the story highlighted inventions, art, literacy, and women’s roles in each. The messages about intelligence and worth, and the literary discussions, which involved a couple of my favorite classics, are fantastic too.
Overall, I enjoyed this story, and I’m looking forward to continuing the series. Special thanks to NetGalley and. For providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own
July 31, 2024
I absolutely loved this one! The children were very adorable and I loved the conversations between all four characters. I loved seeing Dominic didn’t back down from getting Tori as his Viscountess. I’m super curious what’s next for the series.
May 3, 2024
I really liked this book. Our hero, Viscount Dominic Kelbourne (Dom), is engaged to the heroine’s sister, Lenora. Because of this Victoria aka Torie, believes that she can speak freely to him and not try to please him. This led to some rather hilarious conversations. However, once Dom became the guardian of his sister's children, a set of twins named Valentine and Florence, Lenora became even more wary about marrying her fiancé. She had good cause. The children had been rather neglected and were not well bred. They were incredibly brilliant and creative and intrigued by death. Torie got on with them famously. When Torie felt that the twins’ manners had progressed to a level of success, she invited her sister to have lunch with them. It did not go well. It in fact led to Lenora running off in the middle of the night to marry another man. The next morning when Torie's father, Sir William, called the Viscount over to break the news to him, Dom revealed that he had paid $10,000 to marry Lenora and if he wasn't repaid, he would have Torie as a substitute bride. She did not appreciate that. Nor did she appreciate that her father told Dom she couldn’t because he had already promised her to a Duke who had been courting her.
One part of the story that was frequently mentioned, was Torie’s inability to read. She thought it was the reason why she had failed to secure a husband in her first and second seasons. It turns out it was because her father was charging the men who proposed a fee to marry his daughters. This is actually the reverse of how it usually went at that time when a woman came into the marriage with a dowry. Turns out that Sir William was not only a drunk but also gambled and there were no dowries for his daughters. As to Torie’s inability to read, i was quite pleased that the only mention of dyslexia was in the author's note after the book ended.
So that I don't spoil too much of the book, I will let you find out how and where hero and heroine come together and what keeps them apart, what happens to the twins, and a few other interesting plot twists.
The banter in this book had me laughing out loud multiple times! I loved Torie and the twins! Dominic was a stick in the mud but had a good heart and a keen mind. Really, all the characters are quite fun.
I highly recommend this book! I am eager for the next book in what I believe will be a series.
I want to thank NetGalley and Harper Collins for access to an advanced readers copy. This was an honest review.
One part of the story that was frequently mentioned, was Torie’s inability to read. She thought it was the reason why she had failed to secure a husband in her first and second seasons. It turns out it was because her father was charging the men who proposed a fee to marry his daughters. This is actually the reverse of how it usually went at that time when a woman came into the marriage with a dowry. Turns out that Sir William was not only a drunk but also gambled and there were no dowries for his daughters. As to Torie’s inability to read, i was quite pleased that the only mention of dyslexia was in the author's note after the book ended.
So that I don't spoil too much of the book, I will let you find out how and where hero and heroine come together and what keeps them apart, what happens to the twins, and a few other interesting plot twists.
The banter in this book had me laughing out loud multiple times! I loved Torie and the twins! Dominic was a stick in the mud but had a good heart and a keen mind. Really, all the characters are quite fun.
I highly recommend this book! I am eager for the next book in what I believe will be a series.
I want to thank NetGalley and Harper Collins for access to an advanced readers copy. This was an honest review.
May 20, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was such a fun, sweet read! I was giggling at how silly the characters were throughout the book. The twins absolutely stole the show! I thought Eloisa did a fantastic job bringing the grumpy x sunshine characters to life in such a unique and wholesome way- acknowledging and accepting each other despite their insecurities and perceived shortcomings but also learning to understand and respect each other and their sensitivities.
Themes & tropes to expect:
🐇 He falls first
🐇 Virgin fmc
🐇 dyslexic rep
🐇 Single dad/nanny vibes
🐇 Marriage of convenience
🐇 Grumpy x sunshine
Thank you netgalley for this eARC & the opportunity to read and share my honest review!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was such a fun, sweet read! I was giggling at how silly the characters were throughout the book. The twins absolutely stole the show! I thought Eloisa did a fantastic job bringing the grumpy x sunshine characters to life in such a unique and wholesome way- acknowledging and accepting each other despite their insecurities and perceived shortcomings but also learning to understand and respect each other and their sensitivities.
Themes & tropes to expect:
🐇 He falls first
🐇 Virgin fmc
🐇 dyslexic rep
🐇 Single dad/nanny vibes
🐇 Marriage of convenience
🐇 Grumpy x sunshine
Thank you netgalley for this eARC & the opportunity to read and share my honest review!
August 15, 2024
She’s barely legal and illiterate. He’s egotistical and engaged to her sister. Obviously it’s a match made in heaven.
This one felt a little peachy and was 100% lust not love (even though they tried to convince me otherwise). Gun to my head, you cannot make me like Dominic Kelbourne. Possessive, condescending , and an “I know what’s best” attitude are my red flag trifecta. He’s unreadable. Sorry (not sorry).
This one felt a little peachy and was 100% lust not love (even though they tried to convince me otherwise). Gun to my head, you cannot make me like Dominic Kelbourne. Possessive, condescending , and an “I know what’s best” attitude are my red flag trifecta. He’s unreadable. Sorry (
February 29, 2024
Eloisa James does it again. I adore her writing style. This story was well paced, had plenty of spice, and used just enough humor to keep me enthralled.
Viscount Dominic Kelbourne wanted the perfect society wife; biddable, intelligent, and proper. He thought he found her, until she jilted him for another man when she found out he became the guardian to his twin niece and nephew. So Dominic had to pivot and find someone else to be the mother of his new family.
Lady Victoria “Torie” Sutton was horrified that her sister jilted Dominic. Especially since she had grown so attached to the twins and would miss being their aunt. When she asked Dominic’s permission to say goodbye to the twins he was shocked. Why should she say goodbye? The twins loved her. Besides, he had gotten used to having her in the nursery, getting into debates about the Odyssey with her, and occasionally sharing meals together.
Dominic decided that it wouldn’t do to have Torie say goodbye to the twins. And in fact, she would make a good wife and mother for him and the twins. Now he just had to convince her. Unfortunately for Dominic, Torie wanted a love match. She didn’t want to be a glorified nanny so she refused him. It was just too bad for Torie that Dominic loved a good challenge.
These characters played the grumpy/sunshine trope well. But they were also incredibly nuanced. Torie was seen as addle-minded because she couldn’t read. But she was quite intelligent and talented. And Dominic was grumpy and feared, but he was honest and fought for what he believed in. They had their faults, but became aware of them and improved upon them.
The twins were uninhibited and had some of the funnest scenes that made me giggle. I hope they show up in future stories.
Also, the chemistry between these two was explosive. The Viscount definitely had a way with words and the spice was spicing.
As per usual, I immensely enjoyed Eloisa James’ writing and will gladly look forward to reading whatever she writes next.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for releasing this arc to me in exchange for an honest review.
Viscount Dominic Kelbourne wanted the perfect society wife; biddable, intelligent, and proper. He thought he found her, until she jilted him for another man when she found out he became the guardian to his twin niece and nephew. So Dominic had to pivot and find someone else to be the mother of his new family.
Lady Victoria “Torie” Sutton was horrified that her sister jilted Dominic. Especially since she had grown so attached to the twins and would miss being their aunt. When she asked Dominic’s permission to say goodbye to the twins he was shocked. Why should she say goodbye? The twins loved her. Besides, he had gotten used to having her in the nursery, getting into debates about the Odyssey with her, and occasionally sharing meals together.
Dominic decided that it wouldn’t do to have Torie say goodbye to the twins. And in fact, she would make a good wife and mother for him and the twins. Now he just had to convince her. Unfortunately for Dominic, Torie wanted a love match. She didn’t want to be a glorified nanny so she refused him. It was just too bad for Torie that Dominic loved a good challenge.
These characters played the grumpy/sunshine trope well. But they were also incredibly nuanced. Torie was seen as addle-minded because she couldn’t read. But she was quite intelligent and talented. And Dominic was grumpy and feared, but he was honest and fought for what he believed in. They had their faults, but became aware of them and improved upon them.
The twins were uninhibited and had some of the funnest scenes that made me giggle. I hope they show up in future stories.
Also, the chemistry between these two was explosive. The Viscount definitely had a way with words and the spice was spicing.
As per usual, I immensely enjoyed Eloisa James’ writing and will gladly look forward to reading whatever she writes next.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for releasing this arc to me in exchange for an honest review.
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