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Farthingale #4

A Midsummer's Kiss

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A baron with only thirty days to marry or lose his inheritance. A hoyden who just ran him over with her horse. Trapped in bed with a broken leg, what can he do but insist she marry him?

Enjoy this hilarious, bestselling Regency series.
London is never the same once the Farthingales move onto Chipping Way, one of the loveliest streets in Mayfair. With five beautiful daughters in residence, the street has become a trap for unwary bachelors. Who will be next to fall?

Sometimes love happens at the most unexpected times and in the most unexpected places. Sometimes it quietly sneaks up on you, and sometimes it knocks you over on a London street, just as it happens to Lord Graelem Dayne when Laurel Farthingale's horse runs him over and breaks his leg. Graelem has until Midsummer's Day, a mere thirty days from now to find a wife or lose a large inheritance. When a remorseful Laurel begs his forgiveness and promises to do anything for him, he takes her up on that promise and insists she marry him.

Laurel Farthingale does not want a marriage of convenience. She has no intention of becoming Graelem Dayne’s biddable bride and is furious he's tricked her into a betrothal. She plans to marry another, her long-time friend and childhood infatuation who is now in London to propose to her, for she's a Farthingale and everyone knows that Farthingales only marry for love. But as she comes to know Graelem, she realizes he may very well be the man she's destined to love. Can he ever love her above his desire to secure his baronial fortune?

Enjoy the entire series:
The Viscount’s Rose
A Midsummer’s Kiss
Rules for Reforming a Rake
My Fair Lily
The Duke I’m Going To Marry
Earl of Hearts
Capturing the Heart of a Cameron

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2016

About the author

Meara Platt

106 books815 followers
Meara Platt is happily married to her Russell Crowe look-alike husband, and they have two terrific children. She lives in one of the many great towns on Long Island, New York, and loves it, except for the traffic. She has traveled extensively, occasionally lectures and finds time to write. Her favorite place in all the world is England’s Lake District, which may not come as a surprise since many of her stories are set in that idyllic landscape, including her Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award winning story.

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5 stars
486 (47%)
4 stars
347 (33%)
3 stars
150 (14%)
2 stars
29 (2%)
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14 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
Profile Image for ✩ Yaz ✩.
582 reviews3,011 followers
June 17, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 - 3.5

• I really liked the second half more than the first half of the book. I missed the humor that was prominent in the other books but that’s because it depends on each heroine.

• Laura, being the second eldest Farthingale daughter, had a less merry personality than for example Daisy and Dillie, yet she is genuine and true-hearted.

• I wasn’t convinced of the build-up between Graelem and Laura in the beginning because it was too fast for me, even though the build-up for the other couple wasn’t even slow but this one was pushed in my face just like that.
Yet their romance is sweet but it could’ve been better.

• This one is probably my least favorite Farthingale book so far. I will continue to read the series because Farthingales are a charming lot and I’m not ready to part with them yet.

Profile Image for N.N. Heaven.
Author 6 books2,010 followers
March 25, 2021
This is my first Platt read and it was so enjoyable. An unexpected meeting (what heroine meets the hero by breaking his leg), a tricked betrothal, and a love willing to overcome past hurts. Platt's ability to draw the reader in makes the reading experience so much better for the reader. If you love historical romance with a feisty heroine and a hunky Scot, pick up A Midsummer's Kiss today.

My Rating: 5 stars
Profile Image for Sheila Melo.
1,836 reviews46 followers
September 21, 2016
FINAL DECISION:  A gently developing romance with a hero with a broken leg and a reluctant betrothed, I loved that this book is about Laurel and Graelem talking and getting to know one another.  There are people plotting against them, but the true center of this book is the time Laurel and Graelem spent quietly together.

THE STORY:  Laurel Farthingale literally knocks Lord Graelem Dayne off his feet.  Unfortunately, it is because of her headstrong horse which manages to break Graelem's leg.  The accident ends up with Laurel becoming betrothed to Graelem against her wishes.  Laurel loves and intends to marry a childhood friend.  As the two end up spending time together, Laurel sees a different side to the gruff Scot.  Graelem must marry Laurel because he needs to marry in a month in order to retain his inheritance.  While he came to London intending on having a business relationship with his future wife, Laurel's caring nature seeps into the soul of a man who has been alone for a long time.

OPINION:  There is something I really enjoy about Platt's characters.  They are all gentle, nice people.  Don't get me wrong, they are not boring, but rather there is a tenderness to their personalities that I really enjoy.

Laurel is caring and nice and she is willing to protect those she cares about.  Even when Graelem annoys her, Laurel deeply feels his pain and wants to comfort him.  What is a triggering part of their relationship is that Graelem almost immediately wants to care for Laurel in return.  Without knowing her and having good reason to dislike her horse, Graelem shields Laurel and her horse from being separated.

The books has a different feel since Graelem is convalescing for much of the book.  This gives him a weakness that should not be attractive in a hero.  Yet it manages to do the opposite here.  Graelem always appears in control despite his physical limitations.

This book also contains a special relationship between Laurel and her sisters.  I enjoy the interaction between these sisters which isn't stereotypical but rather feels deep and real.  I also enjoy the meddling Farthingale family in general.  They are annoying, loving, nosy, unfair, judgmental, supportive and everything that a real family is like.

WORTH MENTIONING:  Because of the unique order in which these books are written, there are intriguing reveals no matter what order you read the books in.

CONNECTED BOOKS:  A MIDSUMMER'S KISS is the fourth book in the Farthingale series.  It is actually a prequel to the other books in the series and can be read as a standalone.

STAR RATING:  I give this book 4 stars.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews49 followers
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November 28, 2018
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Blurb:
Sometimes love happens at the most unexpected times and in the most unexpected places. Sometimes it quietly sneaks up on you, and sometimes it knocks you over on a London street, just as it happens to Lord Graelem Dayne when Laurel Farthingale's horse runs him over and breaks his leg. Graelem has until Midsummer's Day, a mere thirty days away to find a wife or lose a large inheritance, so when a remorseful Laurel begs his forgiveness and promises to do anything, anything for him, he takes her up on that promise and insists that she marry him.

Laurel Farthingale has no intention of becoming Graelem Dayne’s biddable bride and is furious that he's tricked her into a betrothal. She plans to marry another, her long-time friend and childhood infatuation who is now in London to propose to her, for she's a Farthingale and everyone knows that Farthingales only marry for love. But as she comes to know Graelem, she realizes that he may very well be the man she's destined to love. Can he ever love her above his desire to secure his baronial fortune?
228 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2018
Another awesome read

Book 4 of the Farthingale series is as awesome as the previous 3. Although the sequence of each book is not in order, the stories are entertaining and unique. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Breasa.
48 reviews22 followers
December 2, 2018
I was looking for a light read that was maybe a bit sappy and super sweet. This did not disappoint. I wasn't actually excepting to like it as much as I did but I think I will check out the other books in the series now.
Profile Image for Lori.
513 reviews5 followers
June 2, 2020
Magnificent!

The Farthingale’s keep getting better and better! A Midsummer’s Kiss, book 4 in Meara Platt’s Farthingale series is the story of Laurel and Graelem Dayne, Baron Moray. Laurel gives her sacred oath to do anything for Graelem after she nearly tramples him with her horse Brutus. Graelem needs a wife, so he asks her to marry him by Midsummer’s night. Laurel feels trapped and is not happy about being betrothed to Graelem, but spends time getting to know him will he recovers from his injuries. Will Graelem win her over to agree to marry him, and will Laurel win Graelem’s heart. Once again, the author has written the characters with unique personalities, strength, humor, and vulnerabilities that make you laugh, cry and root for their happiness. This includes the secondary characters, the other members of the Farthingale family. It was a truly magnificent story!
Profile Image for Kristin.
122 reviews2 followers
June 20, 2019
Overall, this was a fun Regency romance. It starts off with attraction and gradually grows from there. However, it was predictable at a disappointing level. It also lacked character development, but in all fairness the character development may have already been developed in the early books. I haven't read the previous 3 books in the series.
Profile Image for Mindy.
1,678 reviews4 followers
October 3, 2022
Very Very Good Story!

Laurel and Graelem were great. I absolutely loved the characters and storyline so much. Quite a few funny lines. Having read all but the last book I thoroughly enjoyed all of these stories. On to Daisy. Last book about the Farthingdale family! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜
Profile Image for Elaine.
3,647 reviews90 followers
August 2, 2019
Feisty heroine and a big hunky Scot. Nice plot. Lovely Farthingale family. Really entertaining read.
4☆
Profile Image for Romancing the Book.
4,420 reviews220 followers
June 30, 2018
Reviewed by Rachel
Book provided by author
Originally posted at Romancing the Book

I’m going to start my review with this–I found it odd that the best way to read this series was backwards, but after reading this book first, I realized, it was in fact absolutely ridiculously brilliant. If I ever meet Meara Platt in person I may actually leap into her arms and embarrass myself horribly–her writing isn’t just spot on, it’s genius, hilarious, soul searching, laugh out loud funny, and perfect if you want a regency romp to get you out of your current reading slump.

Laurel has good intentions -she really does, but those go flying out the window the minute her horse nearly kills Graelem. Never one to miss an opportunity, Graelem decides the only way for her to make it up to him–is for them to marry. It wouldn’t be a hardship, he’s a giant beautiful man, which, thanks to her, now has a broken leg.

Graelem has a mere 30 days before he must marry or lose the inheritance (lands and homes) he’s been taking care of for years and years.

I’ve read these types of story lines before so I figured I knew what was going to happen and luckily I didn’t, I was completely wrong. Then again, Graelem is a complete gentleman, so he told Laurel exactly why he was marrying her while at the same time convincing himself they would live apart–he doesn’t want to marry for love at all whereas Laurel does. And she’s been in love with her childhood best friend since before she can remember–or at least, so she thinks.

Are you following? One doesn’t want love but is falling anyways, the other thinks she loves someone else but owes the other guy a favor–yeah I know it’s a romp that’s sure to leave you in breathless tears.

I loved the writing–the characters are beautifully done and after finishing this book I couldn’t wait to dive into the next.

I give this book five roses that rule (heck I give this series six roses that ROCK).
Profile Image for Lilmissmolly.
941 reviews
July 1, 2019
A Midsummer's Kiss is a humorous and charming fourth book in the Farthingale series by Meara Platt. Like the prior three books in the series, it is pure brain candy that is pure escapism.

The story revolves around Lord Graelem Dayne and Laurel Farthingale after her horse runs him over and breaks his leg. Feeling remorseful, Laurel begs Graelem’s forgiveness and promises to do anything for him. It takes him a hot second to realize that Laurel is an answer to his prayers as he only has 30 days to find himself a wife before he loses a large inheritance.

However, everyone knows that Farthingales only marry for love, and Laurel is upset that Graelem tricked her into a betrothal. Thankfully it doesn’t take long before Laurel realizes that Graelem is the man she is destined to love. The only problem is she must convince him that he loves her more than the fortune he is about to lose out on.

Hollis McCarthy did an outstanding job of narrating this story. Her narration flows naturally at an even pace and she uses differing voices for all characters. Hollis exhibits the right amount of worry, exasperation, and yearning in all the right places. I can’t wait to start listening to the next Farthingale sister’s books! Brava!
426 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2022
Chronologically, this is the second book in the series.

It was a slog to get through. I did not like the heroine. She was an absolute child. She literally acted like a 10 year old. It's hard to get into a sexy romance when the heroine keeps reminding you of a kid.

I also did not understand the hero's motivation either. First, why did he need to find an English wife? It seems like he could have stayed in Scotland. It didn't make sense for him to be so stubborn about forcing a woman who clearly did not want to marry him. Especially, when he was not looking for a love match or anything. They even established how easily he could have found someone else. It just did not seem to fit with his character. Although, that could easily have been fixed if she had been compromised and they were being forced. I mean, if you want to follow even the veneer of historical accuracy she compromised herself like half a dozen times in their first meeting. She held him in her arms on a public street, she burst into his bedroom while he was naked, and she continued to visit him IN HIS BEDROOM UNCHAPERONED for days. She would be so completely ruined.
Profile Image for Kim  Pow.
757 reviews5 followers
December 2, 2018
Boring

If you have nothing else to read and you are utterly desperate, this novel is free and readable. However if you are looking for a story that will thrill and entertain you, this is definitely NOT it.
Profile Image for Anissa.
270 reviews
June 20, 2017
This is the 2nd Farthingale sister I have read about! I know this book is number 4 but I like to read stories in order...So I read book 5 first and then book 4!
Laurel is sister number two and feels she is to marry childhood friend Devlin. For Farthingales only marry for love!! While out riding her horse she tramples poor Graelem, her neighbor's dashing grandson and breaks his leg. When he is in a lot of pain, Laurel gives him her Sacred promise to do whatever he wants! He wants a wife and by Midsummer's Day (30 days a way). So for the next 30 days Laurel tries to get him to break the oath and Graelem is having none of it! Laurel leads Graelem on quite a chase (not very far since his leg is broken) and lets not forget the other Farthingale sisters...Lilly, Dillie and Daisy! They all meddle as well but not for the same outcome Laurel "wants". Graelem shows Laurel who Devlin really is and while doing that Laurel sees Graelem was raised in a very unloving home and well she can't help but fall in love with him...I can't say enough about these girls...They are hilarious. How on earth Lilly can get into so much trouble from climbing trees with fertility god statues to carrying explosives into the house. All with the sisters right behind! Its a wonder the parents are not in a nut house! But yet everyone of these Farthingales would DO anything for each other! The love is evident and you feel that each sister is genuine. Meara Platt leads the reader on quite the merry chase! This is a wonderful, funny series!!!
Profile Image for Sandra.
544 reviews9 followers
January 9, 2019
Pure delight!

Platt never disappoints: her wit, charm and clever writing style has me enraptured everytime. I can't help but fall in love with each hero and heroine and in this case the whole Farthingale extended family. Graelem and Laurel's story was a pure delight. Like every Farthingale courtship nothing ever runs smoothly which makes each chapter so emotionally entangling and enjoyable to read. A couldn't help but laugh and cry along with them. Laurel's honest and cares very deeply so her fiery and passionate nature can't help but get her into trouble. Graelem is charming, stubbornly steadfast and handsome ( or more to the point unbeknowingly sexy as hell) and clearly absolutely adores Laurel at first sight, making him the perfect match for her spirited temper. An enjoyable HEA read that has Platt's unmistakeable signature all over it: a plot full of love, passion, clever dialogue, an endearingly meddling and scrape magnetic family, all tightly woven through with wit and incased in a cloak of sinister intent to keep it interesting. Just fabulous. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Jazzysmum.
644 reviews9 followers
September 1, 2022
This series - the Farthingales is written in reverse order so you read the last of the 5 sisters romance first and the eldest's last .
This one was about sister No 2 Laurel. (book 4) Honestly if I had read this first I would not have continued with the series as I have.
Laurel's horse, who she cannot control injuries the H Graelem Dayne - grandson of her next door neighbour. Laurel promises him anything for his forgiveness and to make up for her injuring him and saving her horse and he demands she marry him by Midsummers day to secure his inheritance.
And from here on in the book bored me - going round and round and round. She doesn't want to be forced to marry but can't keep her hands off him. He can't keep his hands off her despite a broken leg which heals very well for the 1800's.

That's about folks - why this young lady was allowed to have a horse she couldn't handle without supervision, why she got to spend so much time in the H's bedroom unchaperoned and why she whined so much when she obviously lived a very comfortable are not answered.

We had a wee bit of drama at the end but I was so bored by Laurel by then I didn't care.



411 reviews1 follower
February 29, 2024
A steamy story. Once again another good story about
the Farthingdale clan. This one is about Laurel who runs a baron down with her horse. Once again there is humour, I do like the twins antics, and the sheer acceptance of the family as to what they are like. Yes. there is an odd Americanism, and I do still find it peculiar that the series seems back to front - the first books deal with the youngest and work through to the oldest , yet the oldest marries first. So we have the early stories where the elder sisters are married but have not yet read how. Of course in this genre we usually know the main characters will eventually marry so it’s not quite a spoiler, and this series is no different, it’s just odd and slightly unsettling that the stories are back to front so to speak. Still I enjoyed this which is the aim of the book hence the score.
248 reviews7 followers
August 14, 2020
Another After My Own Heart

Just when I think author Meara Platt’s stories can’t get any better, there is another one. I am so enchanted with this wonderful extended family, I feel I am part of them. Again this book is full of intrigue, romance, with a touch of tasteful sensuality. I love all of her characters that keep reoccurring in these stories. When I read, I finish one, I can’t wait for next one. I feel they are a wonderful addiction. I do so recommend this book, as I do all of her books.
December 5, 2019
For the love of a Scott!

I really loved this book. It was a fast moving story with a great plot and wonderful characters. Laurel and Graelem's
Love story isn't a simple girl finds boy. No it's girl runs down boy with her horse and the fun begins. Ms. Platt brings another wonderful love story for another Farthingale miss and an injured Scott. I really loved the series as it has unfolded. I can't wait to read more. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Cindy Woltman.
269 reviews
February 11, 2023
Wonderful!

Absolutely wonderful story! The Farthingale family are all about love and support. Five daughters, all bright, intelligent, witty and mischievous. Not a mushroom in the bunch. Laurel and her horse nearly kill Graelem by breaking his leg. As she promises anything to apologize he proposes marriage by Midsummer Day or loose his inheritance. Only mayhem follows.
This is my second time through the series in preparation for book 7. I’ve loved each one!
Profile Image for Heather.
950 reviews7 followers
March 22, 2023
Good

Laurel's horse kicked a man and broke his leg. Unknowingly it was her neighbour's grandson Lord Moray. She tell him she will do anything he ask to make it right and he says marry me before midsummer day. Now she is stuck in a sacred promise and he will hold it . Even though she loves another . While spending time with him she learns what love is and maybe she will just keep her promise after all. Good book
Profile Image for Cynthia Houser.
1,421 reviews7 followers
December 5, 2017
Midsummer

This another good book in this series. I enjoyed this book. I would have preferred to read the stories in order of oldest sister to the youngest. Laurel and Graelem' s story was sweet. Laurel' s family is kind and loving. When Graelem 's mother died his dad leaves him with his Uncle and maiden aunt who are unloving.
Profile Image for Margaret.
2,798 reviews23 followers
February 5, 2018
A Midsummer's Day Wedding.

A Scottish Baron needs a wife by Midsummer's Day to claim all of his inheritance. Little did he know when he arrived in London, the one young lady who could win his heart had to break his leg to do so. Took a little long to get to an HEA, but enjoyed the read.
Profile Image for Aneesa Bhayat.
177 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2018
This is the second book of Maera Platt and it didn't disappoint! Loved the characters and the continuous build-up of romance! The witty remarks between Laurel and Graelem is fantastic. Great Humor.
She does everything she can to dissuade him not to marry her whilst he desperately tries to win her over. Loved the book!
Profile Image for Shelley.
195 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2019
I enjoyed reading Laurel’s story. Graelem story was a very sad one. Being raised by his Scottish uncle with no love to be found. Laurel on the other hand was raised in a very loving family so her heart went out to Graelem. Course she did run him down with her horse and break his leg. I would recommend it.
March 17, 2019
Cheesy. Predictable.

I have not read this cheesy of a romance novel...ever. This novel is for simple minded folk and could possibly have been written for children 12 years old to 16 years old. This is a horrible read. If I hear that word wanton one time one more time I will literally cringe. Please expand your vocabulary.
Profile Image for Jeri.
301 reviews6 followers
May 5, 2019
I am so loving this series. Each sister is unique and the love that flows within the family is beautiful. Laurel meets Graelem all by "serious accident" and the hilarity ensues. I love how each of the characters struggles with their own vunerabilities and all the twists and turns. You connect with each character that you must know what happens. I hope we have more Farthingales for a long time.
Profile Image for Ann Gonzalez.
1,421 reviews13 followers
July 10, 2019
Just gets better

Love the Farthingales! This book was a delightful addition to the series. I am falling more in love with the Farthingale girls with every page I read. Meara Platt has done an exceptional job on the characters. The plot is interesting. Like the other books in the series, this book made me laugh quite a bit. Definitely ready for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Kimberley Davis.
26 reviews
August 18, 2020
Silly

This book was out of order and silly. And what is with authors recently who continually right eye rolling into their books? It's Not appropriate for the Regency period. I like to get lost in the book not brought back to modern times every time we spoke was too modern for what it was supposed to be
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews

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