Chalon Linton

Be prepared to go through a gamut of emotions. I enjoy Chalon Linton’s books whether she’s writing contemporary or historical romance stories. This opposites attract, enemies to lovers romance starts out with a fiery Italian baron’s daughter who enjoys pushing her suitors’ buttons. She meets her match though in a gentleman who will not be manipulated. As they frequently meet, the sparks fly, but is there more to this Italian diva than meets the eye?

It took me a while to like Chiara Madero. She appears pushy, demanding, and a bit mischievous. When Abraham Jamison refuses to dance with her, the challenge is on. Used to having men fall at her feet, Abraham is definitely a formidable opponent. Her controlling family wants her to only marry a titled English gentleman. Yet, there’s something about this second son and his adorable family that Chiara can’t resist. As the story progresses, we find out why Chiara is the way she is. Underneath all that bravado, is a woman desperate for real love and control of her fate. I increasingly gained sympathy for her after seeing how she was treated by her parents.

Abraham is practical, steady, & unsure of what he wants to do in life. He doesn’t want to join the military or clergy like most second sons so, he’s a little lost. One thing he’s not is a pushover, and there’s no way he’s falling for Chiara’s machinations. He’s also very knowledgeable and enjoys teaching others. He takes Chiara’s little brother under his wing and enjoys helping him learn English. The two make a bargain though which later comes back to haunt him.

Chiara has a habit of murmuring her true feelings in Italian and lucky for Abraham, he can fluently speak it. He gains insights into her true personality this way and really comes to care for her. But, what happens when Chiara learns the truth? With all the obstacles between them, can these two opposites possibly have a future together?

Both Chiara and Abraham made mistakes and needed to grow and change. While they’re both so different, they complimented each other. I enjoyed the way they finally find the courage to go after what they want.

I loved the Jamison family. Where Chiara’s family is cold and controlling, the Jamisons are just the opposite. They’re supportive, kind, and enjoy teasing and having fun together. I can’t wait to read the rest of the brothers’ stories!

This is definitely a unique, slow burn romance with a few twists and surprises along the way, but the ending is so worth it! It’s a standalone, but has ties to two previous books, Forever Phoebe & Escape to Everly Manor. If you enjoy clean, Regency romances, you might like this book. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.… (mehr)

In the beginning Phoebe Jamison reminded me a little of Scarlett O’Hare (in Gone with the Wind) in how she pinned after Ashley, no matter who was trying to charm her. Scarlett could not get Ashley out of her mind.

Phoebe could not get William Mason out of her mind. He was close friends with her brothers. The story opens in Somerset, England, May 1814. Miss Jamison is at a dance. She is upset. “Phoebe huffed and folded her arms. Would William Mason every see her as more than the younger sister of her brother Peter? …while she’d danced with William at several dinners and the annual ball in the Assembly Rooms, he’d spent the entirety of this particular dance chastising her for allowing Mr. Baldwin to hold her too closely during the previous set.” No romance there.

Phoebe was a feisty one. She had to be. She was the youngest in her family of four brothers. Unlike Scarlott O’Hare who does not realize true love until she’s lost it. Phoebe starts to look at things differently after an incident that has her head spinning in more ways than one. Phoebe takes a good hard look at what love is all about. It is turns out not to be what she expected.

I also liked how the author weaves in a mystery of bandits who steal women and sell them into the plot. I enjoyed hanging out with this fun cast of characters, I was entertained by head strong yet compassionate Phoebe, her fun brothers, and Mr. Franklin Everly as he seeks to restore his family home to its original beauty. This was fun to read curled up by the fire. It is a delight escape.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org… (mehr)

I adore Phoebe and her brothers! Their good-natured ribbing and loyalty to each other made this a fun book to read.

Phoebe is a strong-willed young woman. (A trait that was not popular at the time.) She has a sense of worth about herself and is comfortable being in her own skin. She loves her family and takes an interest in her friends' happiness. Overall, she is the kind of woman that I would want to be around.

Franklin Everly is new to the area and is immediately attracted to Phoebe. He is not afraid of a strong-willed woman and greatly admires her.

The characters were fantastic. I loved the banter, conversation, and integrity they possessed. The book is mainly a romance but there is an element of mystery/suspense. Someone is kidnapping girls from the area. There is an effort to stop him before anyone else disappears.

This book kept my interest!

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.… (mehr)

Feisty Phoebe Jamison has a difficult time being a "proper" young lady. At least, so says the friend of her brothers, who does nothing but criticize her. She's always hoped to live up to his standards but the arrival of the kind and handsome Mr. Franklin Everly has her changing her mind.

This was a sweet and enjoyable read. Phoebe was a delightful heroine to follow. She was cheerful and impulsive. Her interactions with her brothers were both entertaining and heartwarming. I didn’t understand her infatuation with her brothers' friend, who never had a nice thing to say to her. Convenience, since he was the only man she knew? She comments that he was handsome but his behavior was intolerable!

Opposite her is Franklin. He has inherited an estate and it has begun falling to ruin. He is a kind gentleman, eager to see things put right on his estate. He falls quickly for Phoebe's sense of humor and wit. Together they are a delight.

There is the plot point of the Bride Snatcher. In my opinion, the story would have been much better off without it. It didn’t affect the story a great deal. It seemed out of place and overdramatic.

Overall, it was a sweet read and one I would recommend to readers looking for a Regency romance. I received a free copy from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.… (mehr)