Dear Deborah,

I am absolutely, wholly, completely in love. Your book has my heart. Like all of it. I keep thinking about this book, dreaming about it, loving it. I think I love it more the longer I think about it.

Winnie is kind of my favorite. I love her journey to figuring herself out, and coming to appreciate her differences from her family. I loved how she claimed things she knew were true about herself (I’m Winnie Freaking Knox!), and was (most of the time) mature enough to know when she didn’t know something and ask for help. Obviously no one is perfect (and she should have asked sooner), but I like her tenacity and desire to do well in the things she does. Her character arc was the best and I love her to pieces! I want to be her friend and go visit her in her grand English estate and watch her improved medieval festival. Pretty sure I need this in my life.

The enemies to lovers aspect of this one was perfect. Matthew’s hot and cold attitude was actually kind of funny. The fact that he was hopelessly attracted to Winnie, but endlessly bothered by her at the same time, made for some fantastic tension and I was here for it! Also, Matthew really is the best. Aside from his prickliness with Winnie, he’s basically perfect (in that imperfect way I love all my favorite heroes and which you write so beautifully). He can push my car out of the mud in his suit of armor anytime. Also, I want to see him joust.

The setting on this was absolute perfection. You had me right in England feeling the weather and moodiness of it, next to the sea, in a clearing, in a horse barn, in a medieval castle. I was completely immersed in the place and thought you did a fabulous job on that!

I loved the tension, and the problems they had, but that they also learned to work together and were humble enough to change. Oh! And I loved Matthew’s group of friends! I loved their friendship, and care for each other. I’ve always loved female friend groups in the books I read, but guy friend groups are sooo good too!

I just love this book. I’m obsessed. I need a reread. I cannot WAIT for book two! And I’m so happy you’re giving us some contemporaries in addition to historicals. You rock this genre!

Your friend,
Jessica

**Many thanks to the author for the e-copy. A positive review was not required; all thoughts are my own. ( )

When consultant Winnie Knox travels to Yorkshire, England to help revitalize an English estate, she encounters a knight in shining armor and ends up with the job of revitalizing his medieval festival instead. Matthew loves all thing medieval and especially jousting, but he needs help making his festival more exciting and profitable.

I thoroughly enjoyed traveling vicariously to England for this charming and delightful tale. I’ve actually been to Yorkshire and visited some of the places in this story, so it was easy to visualize the area. Winnie and Matthew were both realistic and engaging, and I loved seeing their relationship grow and change.

Talented author Deborah M. Hathaway has written a delicious, clean and wholesome contemporary romance with endearing main characters and a creative premise. I was especially struck by some of the themes of the story, including not expecting perfection all the time, believing in oneself, and following your heart.

“Perfection is nice to strive for in theory, but all it really does is cause us disappointment.”

“If there was no heart or passion involved in what she did—then why was she doing it at all?”

I’m looking forward to more fun stories in this series. Matthew’s friends are so delightful, and I can’t wait to see the fair damsels that can tame these “Men of the Isles.” 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. ( )

An unforgettable modern day knight’s tale! I loved this book! Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and wow did the sparks fly in this fun romcom. I adored Winnie & Matthew. Their delightful, unique romance had me quickly turning the pages.

Winnie Knox has two problems. The first is her overbearing father who takes it upon himself to micromanage her life. The second is a handsome knight who looks like he walked straight out of a medieval fairytale. Winnie’s a consultant who’s in England to help revitalize the massive Wintour estate. When her car runs into a ditch, on her way from the airport to the estate, it’s a handsome knight dressed head to foot in medieval armor on a horse no less who rescues her. The charming knight soon turns to an intriguing nemesis when he discovers that she’s the one his father hired to interfere in the estate and his beloved Medieval Festival.

Desperate to succeed and way out of her comfort zone, Winnie takes on the beleaguered festival determined to make it profitable. The only one standing in her way is her boss’ son who loves the history the festival represents and doesn’t want any changes made. As these two battle wits, they soon begin to grudgingly respect each other. As Winnie learns to appreciate the history and Matthew sees Winnie’s struggles and softer side, their relationship changes from enemies to friends to something more. But, can Winnie make the festival a success before her time in England is up?

From their funny meet-cute to playing hide & seek in a castle to the medieval festival, I loved how these two enemies became friends to more. I adored exploring Yorkshire with them and all the hilarious situations they find themselves in. The gorgeous descriptions made me feel like I was there and I wished I could have experienced the festival for myself. I also appreciated Matthew’s lovely family and his fun “mates!” Looking forward to Finn’s story!

One of the many things I love about Deborah M. Hathaway’s books are the heartfelt themes she weaves throughout her stories. In this case, it’s learning how to handle criticism, whether it’s helpful or hurtful. Winnie accepts the unfair criticism from her father much to her detriment. Matthew’s stubbornness prevents him from listening to helpful suggestions. I loved the way these two characters grew throughout the story and helped each other. The final scenes had me cheering!

Highest of recommendations! I can’t wait for the next book. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. ( )