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Jasmine Cottage #2
Where Dreams Merge
The second book in the Jasmine Cottage Victorian Romance series follows Grace Moore as she matches wits with writer Carter Beckett, the Earl of Wainwright.
Grace Moore has avidly followed the career of Carter Beckett, who pens pieces for a London newspaper. Never shy to contradict him, she has sent him several letters about his work. What she didn't expect was for the man himself to visit the country not far from where she lives, even more handsome in real life than his pen and ink picture in the paper.
Carter Beckett is restless. He is attempting to write a novel, but the words simply will not come. However, once he meets the lady who has been his most outspoken critic, he realizes he has finally found his muse. Once the two begin writing letters to each other through alter egos, love of the written word turns into the love of a lifetime.
WHERE DREAMS MERGE is the story of two people reaching beyond their day-to-day lives to find love. This book contains explicit language and graphic sexual scenes. If you don't like sex with your books, this one isn't for you, though the author hopes all readers end up with their soul's mate.
Grace Moore has avidly followed the career of Carter Beckett, who pens pieces for a London newspaper. Never shy to contradict him, she has sent him several letters about his work. What she didn't expect was for the man himself to visit the country not far from where she lives, even more handsome in real life than his pen and ink picture in the paper.
Carter Beckett is restless. He is attempting to write a novel, but the words simply will not come. However, once he meets the lady who has been his most outspoken critic, he realizes he has finally found his muse. Once the two begin writing letters to each other through alter egos, love of the written word turns into the love of a lifetime.
WHERE DREAMS MERGE is the story of two people reaching beyond their day-to-day lives to find love. This book contains explicit language and graphic sexual scenes. If you don't like sex with your books, this one isn't for you, though the author hopes all readers end up with their soul's mate.
284 pages, ebook
First published July 20, 2017
556 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Maureen Driscoll
29 books191 followersMaureen Driscoll is an Emmy-nominated writer/producer in Hollywood, whose writing credits include "MADtv," "Jimmy Kimmel Live," and Nickelodeon's "BrainSurge."
Maureen's latest project is a serialized novel, Fracked, available on Amazon's Vella platform. The paranormal romance is about what happens when fracking opens up a portal to hell and the only people able to save the Earth are the residents of an over-55 community.
She has two Regency romance series about the Kellington and Emerson families, and a series set in the early Victoria era about the residents of Jasmine Cottage. She is also the author of the Remington Mansion time-travel/cozy mystery trilogy and a contemporary romance series about the wealthy Carmichael family in Los Angeles.
She loves hearing from her readers at Maureen Driscoll Author on Facebook, as well as on Twitter @MaureenDriscoll. Her blog, MaureenDriscollRomance.Wordpress.com, is top secret because she never ever updates it.
She is very grateful to Mayhem Cover Creations for the book covers.
Maureen's latest project is a serialized novel, Fracked, available on Amazon's Vella platform. The paranormal romance is about what happens when fracking opens up a portal to hell and the only people able to save the Earth are the residents of an over-55 community.
She has two Regency romance series about the Kellington and Emerson families, and a series set in the early Victoria era about the residents of Jasmine Cottage. She is also the author of the Remington Mansion time-travel/cozy mystery trilogy and a contemporary romance series about the wealthy Carmichael family in Los Angeles.
She loves hearing from her readers at Maureen Driscoll Author on Facebook, as well as on Twitter @MaureenDriscoll. Her blog, MaureenDriscollRomance.Wordpress.com, is top secret because she never ever updates it.
She is very grateful to Mayhem Cover Creations for the book covers.
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July 25, 2017
Writers writing together take us on a wondrous journey to HEA.
Miss Grace Moore is a fusty, yet fanciful, soon-to-be country spinster who loves to peruse the broadsheets and has set up an adversarial relationship via correspondence with the rakish Earl of Wainwright. She lectures and cajoles him about his writing, his views and his abominable spelling skills or lack thereof. Carter Beckett, the earl, has a decidedly different response than expected once he meets Miss Grace in person. The attraction is mutual and immediate on both a personal and professional level.
Maureen Driscoll takes us on a humorous journey from the country to the ton with our main characters as they navigate this mutual attraction by means of their literary surrogates, Miss Millicent and Lord Stormpenny. I can't even count how many times I laughed out loud starting from the very first chapter.
Although there was misdirection in the text, the antagonist was clear to me from the start. The resolution of the conflict was satisfactory.
I am delighted that Driscoll is stretching out Miss Emma Moore's story throughout the series. I've been dying to know what happened between Emma and Christopher. They so clearly are pining for one another. That fact alone keeps me waiting to one-click every story in this series. The tension is palpable between these two, I desperately want more backstory. Something happened. When did it happen? What happened? Who else was involved? Why won't they talk about it? Inquiring minds want to know!
I recommend this series to everyone! Do read it! If you haven't read The Kellingtons and Emersons series, why not? Read those as well. Maureen Driscoll is a gifted writer. You will truly enjoy all of her works. I know that I do!
Miss Grace Moore is a fusty, yet fanciful, soon-to-be country spinster who loves to peruse the broadsheets and has set up an adversarial relationship via correspondence with the rakish Earl of Wainwright. She lectures and cajoles him about his writing, his views and his abominable spelling skills or lack thereof. Carter Beckett, the earl, has a decidedly different response than expected once he meets Miss Grace in person. The attraction is mutual and immediate on both a personal and professional level.
Maureen Driscoll takes us on a humorous journey from the country to the ton with our main characters as they navigate this mutual attraction by means of their literary surrogates, Miss Millicent and Lord Stormpenny. I can't even count how many times I laughed out loud starting from the very first chapter.
Although there was misdirection in the text, the antagonist was clear to me from the start. The resolution of the conflict was satisfactory.
I am delighted that Driscoll is stretching out Miss Emma Moore's story throughout the series. I've been dying to know what happened between Emma and Christopher. They so clearly are pining for one another. That fact alone keeps me waiting to one-click every story in this series. The tension is palpable between these two, I desperately want more backstory. Something happened. When did it happen? What happened? Who else was involved? Why won't they talk about it? Inquiring minds want to know!
I recommend this series to everyone! Do read it! If you haven't read The Kellingtons and Emersons series, why not? Read those as well. Maureen Driscoll is a gifted writer. You will truly enjoy all of her works. I know that I do!
July 25, 2017
This book, much like all of Maureen’s work, was an automatic buy for me. I read the whole thing in just a few hours with nearly no breaks. It’s just impossible to put down once you’ve started.
Once again we find ourselves in the welcoming, cozy “spinster house”, (as the gossipy matrons call it) Jasmine Cottage. This time it is Grace who we focus on. I just adore Grace. She is a sweet heroine who knows how to stick up for herself. Some may call her a blue stocking, but why should that be a bad thing?
This story was steamy! In a good way. Not at all over the top. Wheww! I’m flushed all over just thinking about it. It was perfect. Nothing over the top or overbearing. Just the right amount of “Oh, my!”.
This charming story of an author and his harshest critic will have you laughing, gasping, and sighing over and over. What a lovely journey! I cannot wait for the next time we return to Jasmine Cottage!
Once again we find ourselves in the welcoming, cozy “spinster house”, (as the gossipy matrons call it) Jasmine Cottage. This time it is Grace who we focus on. I just adore Grace. She is a sweet heroine who knows how to stick up for herself. Some may call her a blue stocking, but why should that be a bad thing?
This story was steamy! In a good way. Not at all over the top. Wheww! I’m flushed all over just thinking about it. It was perfect. Nothing over the top or overbearing. Just the right amount of “Oh, my!”.
This charming story of an author and his harshest critic will have you laughing, gasping, and sighing over and over. What a lovely journey! I cannot wait for the next time we return to Jasmine Cottage!
June 18, 2020
First Thoughts: Maybe a 4.5 even. This was really fun. The use of the writing between the two MCs was really good. It totally made their relationship unique and added the needed spice. The twist of the promised at birth engagement was definitely a great tool, especially with its attendant issues. Emma and Audsley were interesting as well. There is just so much in this storyline of interest that I am definitely inclined toward the 4.5 Stars. Recommended. Well done, Ms. Driscoll.
August 1, 2018
3,5 Stars.
It wasn't so good as first book for me. But it was ok
Safe read. No cheating. No OP scenes. Suspense.
One crazy woman almost killed our heroine.
It wasn't so good as first book for me. But it was ok
Safe read. No cheating. No OP scenes. Suspense.
One crazy woman almost killed our heroine.
July 29, 2017
Grace Moore and Carter Beckett, Earl of Wainwright meet for the first time at Arabella and Jonathan's wedding (Where Hearts Meet), but the two are known to each other because Carter writes political articles for a London paper and Grace delights in writing to him to comment on his work and to correct his spelling errors. When Carter finally meets her, he realizes he has met his muse.
Carter has been staying with Christopher Aston, Lord Audsley trying desperately to write his novel, but the words will not come - that is until he meets Grace. He convinces her to work with him as his editor and the two form a friendship and exchange some very amusing letters. Carter is attracted to Grace, but a long standing family agreement prevents him from declaring himself to her. He hopes that he will be able to work things out so he might be able to offer for Grace, but until he does, he cannot make her any promises.
Grace is aware of Carter's prior understanding and wishes with all her heart that they could be together, but she also concedes that she is not of his world and they will probably never be anything more than friends. When Carter tells Grace he must return to London for the Holidays, she believes that will be the end of their relationship - but Carter insists that she and Emma come to London, he promises to help the sisters contact their grandfather's solicitor and try to help them contact their parents. He makes arrangements for them to stay with Audsley and has Audsley's widowed cousin, Lady Endicott chaperone them.
In anticipation of Grace's arrival, Carter meets with Lady Cecile - the woman his parents hoped he would marry, though no formal betrothal was ever made, there has always been an understanding between the families. Carter believed that when Lady Cecile became linked to another Lord, that their "understanding" had ended, but he is dismayed to find that Cecile has been jilted and expects Carter to marry her. He tells her in no uncertain terms that he will not marry her and that he has met another woman, he asks Cecile to release him from the "understanding". Cecile agrees, but begs Carter to pretend to court her for a few weeks to help ease her back into society after being jilted. Carter is reluctant, but feels he owes her that much and decides to recruit his brother Jeremy to escort Grace while he attends Cecile.
Enter Jeremy Beckett, the younger brother, dashing, handsome and a former spy - the man has hero material written all over him! Jeremy and Grace become fast friends - which leads to a lot of hilarious scenes with Carter becoming jealous and imagining all the ways he could beat his brother to a pulp. But when Jeremy's life is threatened and by extension Grace - Carter will stop at nothing to save them both.
I really loved this book, it is well written, it flowed well, it has some laugh out loud moments, a little bit of angst, some nail biting moments, a couple of plot twists that change everything for the sisters, a bit of steam and finally a beautiful soulmate type of love.
While this is the second book in the series, it could easily be read as a stand alone title. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the next installment!
Carter has been staying with Christopher Aston, Lord Audsley trying desperately to write his novel, but the words will not come - that is until he meets Grace. He convinces her to work with him as his editor and the two form a friendship and exchange some very amusing letters. Carter is attracted to Grace, but a long standing family agreement prevents him from declaring himself to her. He hopes that he will be able to work things out so he might be able to offer for Grace, but until he does, he cannot make her any promises.
Grace is aware of Carter's prior understanding and wishes with all her heart that they could be together, but she also concedes that she is not of his world and they will probably never be anything more than friends. When Carter tells Grace he must return to London for the Holidays, she believes that will be the end of their relationship - but Carter insists that she and Emma come to London, he promises to help the sisters contact their grandfather's solicitor and try to help them contact their parents. He makes arrangements for them to stay with Audsley and has Audsley's widowed cousin, Lady Endicott chaperone them.
In anticipation of Grace's arrival, Carter meets with Lady Cecile - the woman his parents hoped he would marry, though no formal betrothal was ever made, there has always been an understanding between the families. Carter believed that when Lady Cecile became linked to another Lord, that their "understanding" had ended, but he is dismayed to find that Cecile has been jilted and expects Carter to marry her. He tells her in no uncertain terms that he will not marry her and that he has met another woman, he asks Cecile to release him from the "understanding". Cecile agrees, but begs Carter to pretend to court her for a few weeks to help ease her back into society after being jilted. Carter is reluctant, but feels he owes her that much and decides to recruit his brother Jeremy to escort Grace while he attends Cecile.
Enter Jeremy Beckett, the younger brother, dashing, handsome and a former spy - the man has hero material written all over him! Jeremy and Grace become fast friends - which leads to a lot of hilarious scenes with Carter becoming jealous and imagining all the ways he could beat his brother to a pulp. But when Jeremy's life is threatened and by extension Grace - Carter will stop at nothing to save them both.
I really loved this book, it is well written, it flowed well, it has some laugh out loud moments, a little bit of angst, some nail biting moments, a couple of plot twists that change everything for the sisters, a bit of steam and finally a beautiful soulmate type of love.
While this is the second book in the series, it could easily be read as a stand alone title. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the next installment!
February 1, 2018
I absolutely loved this story of Carter Becket, Lord Wainwright and Emma Moore. The plot device of writing letters to each other in the guise of fictional characters was genious. The ending was also satisfying but a few loose ends with the Bavarian diplomat and sister Emma and Lord Audsley misunderstanding. I know there will be a book about this but its still mystifying.
September 26, 2019
Stars 3/4 (Kate Pearce, Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden)
Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).
I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.
3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.
Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).
Read it once and that is enough for me.
However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.
I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.
Hey fellow readers I don’t summarize the books (as there are always great full summaries written that I read myself).
I only give it my personal, general, summary of 5 stars to 1 star.
3 stars: This book is worth a read but didn’t really have me excited about interacting with the book where I could not put it down. It lacks the excitement and well roundness of my personal markers for a great read throughout the book.
Development and interest in main characters, secondary characters, humorous, movement of the book, writing/conversation and romantic/sexual content (1-2 scenes or too much unnecessary).
Read it once and that is enough for me.
However, if this book is part of a series, I would read the next book (pervious book) in the series as it would still peek my reading interest.
I’ll continue reading from this author. I wouldn’t cross the author out of my potential reads in the future.
September 11, 2021
Loved this story of two novelists (I'm a writer, of course I love reading about writers!) finding each other and love. The characters are great, and it was nice to get to know the characters of Jasmine Cottage a little better. The second half of the story has external conflict going on that keeps you excited and very interested in learning more about the hero's brother. I just don't know whether I want the next book to be his or Emma's (Just kidding, I totally want the next book to be Emma's). This one is highly recommended and I can't wait for the next one to come out!
May 9, 2024
Beautiful, Victorian-era romance with some added suspense.
Set in Wiltshire, England, at the end of 1839, Where Dreams Merge is the second of Maureen Driscoll’s Jasmine Cottage series. Sisters Emma and Grace Moore live, together with their friends, in Jasmine Cottage a ramshackle home that is filled with love and kindness, though lacking in wealth. The Moore sisters were born into an aristocratic family but prefer their quiet country life to high society. Both young ladies are seen by less charitable people as “irredeemable spinsters” who are shocking in their love of learning and debate and will not settle for societies expectations.
The Jasmine Cottage series focuses on the young women who live in the Moore household. At the end of the first title in the series (Where Hearts Meet) we are introduced to the writer Carter Beckett, the Earl of Wainwright who is complaining to his close friend Lord Audsley about an infuriating woman who frequently writes to him critiquing his work. Carter expected the author of these letters to be an aging spinster so was shocked to discover that Miss Grace Moore is actually a lively, beautiful 24 year old who is an acquaintance of Audsley and actually lives on the edge of his estate.
Whilst known for his articles in broadsheet newspapers, Carter dreams of writing a novel but recently has been struggling to write, however, Miss Grace seems to unlock his creativity and he begins to write again. Valuing Grace’s opinions of his writing and also wanting to spend more time with her, Carter invites her to be his editor. Carter is in his early thirties and has a reputation for rakish behaviour but Grace’s presence makes him consider marriage. Unfortunately, Carter is not free to marry who his chooses since his parents made an understanding of betrothal to Lady Cecile the daughter of family friends.
Where Dreams Merge starts at a relaxed pace as Carter and Grace spend time together in the country but they (along with Emma and Audsley) travel to London and the pace of the story changes. Once in London the Moore sisters face the challenges of being in high society and also their safety is threatened by an unknown enemy. Where Dreams Merge is told mostly from the points of view of Carter and Grace, with both characters being nicely developed. The secondary characters are also fairly well developed and each enhances the narrative. Grace’s character is wonderfully feisty and independent, especially compared with society ladies.
Overall, this is a beautiful story with a slow burning attraction between the protagonists and added suspense from the dangers in London. Whilst it could be read alone, Where Dreams Merge is best read as part of the series since the characters are developed across the series. I would recommend this title to anyone who enjoys a good romance with some added spice!
Set in Wiltshire, England, at the end of 1839, Where Dreams Merge is the second of Maureen Driscoll’s Jasmine Cottage series. Sisters Emma and Grace Moore live, together with their friends, in Jasmine Cottage a ramshackle home that is filled with love and kindness, though lacking in wealth. The Moore sisters were born into an aristocratic family but prefer their quiet country life to high society. Both young ladies are seen by less charitable people as “irredeemable spinsters” who are shocking in their love of learning and debate and will not settle for societies expectations.
The Jasmine Cottage series focuses on the young women who live in the Moore household. At the end of the first title in the series (Where Hearts Meet) we are introduced to the writer Carter Beckett, the Earl of Wainwright who is complaining to his close friend Lord Audsley about an infuriating woman who frequently writes to him critiquing his work. Carter expected the author of these letters to be an aging spinster so was shocked to discover that Miss Grace Moore is actually a lively, beautiful 24 year old who is an acquaintance of Audsley and actually lives on the edge of his estate.
Whilst known for his articles in broadsheet newspapers, Carter dreams of writing a novel but recently has been struggling to write, however, Miss Grace seems to unlock his creativity and he begins to write again. Valuing Grace’s opinions of his writing and also wanting to spend more time with her, Carter invites her to be his editor. Carter is in his early thirties and has a reputation for rakish behaviour but Grace’s presence makes him consider marriage. Unfortunately, Carter is not free to marry who his chooses since his parents made an understanding of betrothal to Lady Cecile the daughter of family friends.
Where Dreams Merge starts at a relaxed pace as Carter and Grace spend time together in the country but they (along with Emma and Audsley) travel to London and the pace of the story changes. Once in London the Moore sisters face the challenges of being in high society and also their safety is threatened by an unknown enemy. Where Dreams Merge is told mostly from the points of view of Carter and Grace, with both characters being nicely developed. The secondary characters are also fairly well developed and each enhances the narrative. Grace’s character is wonderfully feisty and independent, especially compared with society ladies.
Overall, this is a beautiful story with a slow burning attraction between the protagonists and added suspense from the dangers in London. Whilst it could be read alone, Where Dreams Merge is best read as part of the series since the characters are developed across the series. I would recommend this title to anyone who enjoys a good romance with some added spice!
August 6, 2021
I want my own Lord Stormpenny
I’ve never been a big fan of romances of any kind where the characters behave and speak in ways that contradict the norms of the periods they’re set in, but this book broke that down. Driscoll has written an excellent regency romance with wit, sarcasm, and all the other things that make a book easy to read and hard to put down.
The plot is familiar - wallflower type heroine meets steadfastly single nobleman and falls in love against her better judgement. There are balls, jilted lovers, competing suitors, and intrigue. Having read my fair share of regency romances, I was on the edge of my seat when the ordinary plot devices had not been used when I was 80% through the book. There was a red herring though, that will, most likely, be fleshed out in the next book in the series.
The characters weren’t as well developed as I’d like, there really aren’t strong arcs to show their development. They were however, predictably endearing, which allowed me to put that peeve aside.
Definitely a great poolside read, and my TBR pile remains frustrated as I search out the other books in the series rather than tackling books I’ve had for years, but haven’t read.
I’ve never been a big fan of romances of any kind where the characters behave and speak in ways that contradict the norms of the periods they’re set in, but this book broke that down. Driscoll has written an excellent regency romance with wit, sarcasm, and all the other things that make a book easy to read and hard to put down.
The plot is familiar - wallflower type heroine meets steadfastly single nobleman and falls in love against her better judgement. There are balls, jilted lovers, competing suitors, and intrigue. Having read my fair share of regency romances, I was on the edge of my seat when the ordinary plot devices had not been used when I was 80% through the book. There was a red herring though, that will, most likely, be fleshed out in the next book in the series.
The characters weren’t as well developed as I’d like, there really aren’t strong arcs to show their development. They were however, predictably endearing, which allowed me to put that peeve aside.
Definitely a great poolside read, and my TBR pile remains frustrated as I search out the other books in the series rather than tackling books I’ve had for years, but haven’t read.
March 26, 2022
I am loving this series!
Where Dreams Merge book 2 in Maureen Driscoll's is like reading a contemporary rom-com, with a touch of suspense, in a Victorian setting. Maureen Driscoll outdid herself in creating her two main characters Grace and Carter. I believe they are even more loveable than Arabella and Jonathan from her first book in the series. I certainly laughed more as they exchanged verbal sword play throughout the book.
There was a bit more suspense in this novel then the first and a surprise villain. It made it even more compelling for me to keep reading. I refused to put the book down until the villain was uncovered. Thus I read this book in one setting, as I am sure others will be tempted too.
There are new support characters added to this novel. Each new character is wonderfully crafted, and as eccentric as all her other characters.
If each selection in this series continues to surpass the previous one, this series could earn it's place on my read again and again shelf.
Where Dreams Merge book 2 in Maureen Driscoll's is like reading a contemporary rom-com, with a touch of suspense, in a Victorian setting. Maureen Driscoll outdid herself in creating her two main characters Grace and Carter. I believe they are even more loveable than Arabella and Jonathan from her first book in the series. I certainly laughed more as they exchanged verbal sword play throughout the book.
There was a bit more suspense in this novel then the first and a surprise villain. It made it even more compelling for me to keep reading. I refused to put the book down until the villain was uncovered. Thus I read this book in one setting, as I am sure others will be tempted too.
There are new support characters added to this novel. Each new character is wonderfully crafted, and as eccentric as all her other characters.
If each selection in this series continues to surpass the previous one, this series could earn it's place on my read again and again shelf.
November 9, 2021
Lovely but Flawed
I thoroughly enjoyed the story but had to overlook certain aspects hence 3 stars. This would be a 5 star story but for certain flaws: bad flaws! Enjoying historical fiction of this kind often means overlooking some inaccuracies, but these can’t be ignored.
A Postmistress opening letters was & is illegal. At this time it was not only an offence, but also a HUGE scandal that would have resulted in her ruin. All anyone had to do is report her.
Betrothed or not betrothed? Any kind of agreement between Carter & Cecile was broken the second she became involved with Lumley. Any attempt at Breach of Promise for example, would have been laughed at. The whole premise is a nonsense.
The grandfather’s legacy. The executors of his will & his solicitor were legally bound to inform the granddaughters, NOT ignore their letters. They were not in league with the new Earl to deprive them, so this part of the plot is also total nonsense.
Other than that it is a very enjoyable tale.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story but had to overlook certain aspects hence 3 stars. This would be a 5 star story but for certain flaws: bad flaws! Enjoying historical fiction of this kind often means overlooking some inaccuracies, but these can’t be ignored.
A Postmistress opening letters was & is illegal. At this time it was not only an offence, but also a HUGE scandal that would have resulted in her ruin. All anyone had to do is report her.
Betrothed or not betrothed? Any kind of agreement between Carter & Cecile was broken the second she became involved with Lumley. Any attempt at Breach of Promise for example, would have been laughed at. The whole premise is a nonsense.
The grandfather’s legacy. The executors of his will & his solicitor were legally bound to inform the granddaughters, NOT ignore their letters. They were not in league with the new Earl to deprive them, so this part of the plot is also total nonsense.
Other than that it is a very enjoyable tale.
November 9, 2021
His one and only
I loved Grace and Carter’s story. She is outspoken and he falling in love with her bit by bit.
Grace loved to read everything and when she would write a critique Lord Wainwights writing, he new he had a problem. When he finally meets Grace he asks to hire her to be his editor to his book. As they work closely together they grow more attracted to each other. Carter explains he has an understanding with Lady Cecilia and needs to put it to rights before he can offer for Grace.
As they all go to the city for the season Carter asks his brother Jeremy to escort Grace around until he can settle everything with Cecilia.
When Jeremy’s life is threatened everyone will gather together to protect him and their love ones. But is Jeremy the actual target.
A wonderful book with a beautiful ending.
I loved Grace and Carter’s story. She is outspoken and he falling in love with her bit by bit.
Grace loved to read everything and when she would write a critique Lord Wainwights writing, he new he had a problem. When he finally meets Grace he asks to hire her to be his editor to his book. As they work closely together they grow more attracted to each other. Carter explains he has an understanding with Lady Cecilia and needs to put it to rights before he can offer for Grace.
As they all go to the city for the season Carter asks his brother Jeremy to escort Grace around until he can settle everything with Cecilia.
When Jeremy’s life is threatened everyone will gather together to protect him and their love ones. But is Jeremy the actual target.
A wonderful book with a beautiful ending.
November 15, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this next book in the series. Again, super fun, feminist, sexy, funny, and engaging. I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first, possibly because Where Dreams Merge felt like two different books in one--the first half is a sexy, intelligent comedy where two brilliant writers play off of each other, and the second half is a Jane Austen/spy mash up. Now, an Austen/Spy romance novel is also right up my alley, but I was enjoying the first half very much until it became a very different kind of book. Also, the author writes brilliant dialogue, but sometimes it begins to feel like a screenplay (one that I would totally watch, but still). All that being said, can't wait to read the next one.
May 9, 2020
I absolutely loved this book.
I loved it was a continued series without relying too much on the first book so you were able to follow along easily. Maureen Driscoll is fast becoming one of my favorite writers.
This story really captures me from the beginning. I so enjoyed CArters and Grace's first meeting. I liked she didn't back down to him or simper as if she did n't have a mind.
When they started working together I instantly loved how carter became protective of her and really enjoyed their banter and game of writing letters to each other by becoming different characters.
This story was fun, creative, and full of wonderful moments. Maureen truly has a gift for writing wonderful stories and characters. I am excited to start on the next book in this series.
I loved it was a continued series without relying too much on the first book so you were able to follow along easily. Maureen Driscoll is fast becoming one of my favorite writers.
This story really captures me from the beginning. I so enjoyed CArters and Grace's first meeting. I liked she didn't back down to him or simper as if she did n't have a mind.
When they started working together I instantly loved how carter became protective of her and really enjoyed their banter and game of writing letters to each other by becoming different characters.
This story was fun, creative, and full of wonderful moments. Maureen truly has a gift for writing wonderful stories and characters. I am excited to start on the next book in this series.
March 18, 2022
3.5 stars
This was a slow start but once the story got rolling, a pretty enjoyable read.
The dialogue was pretty choppy in the first few chapters and didn't seem to flow nicely, but after a while things improved (or maybe I just got used to it?)
I love if there's a story in a story and this one kind-of-sort-of did; with Carter (the Earl) writing a novel and Grace acting as his editor. In the end, Carter didn't write anything of note, and Grace's own romance novel got shelved while they spent their time writing love notes to each other (which were cute). Regardless, it was a fun set up to get the ball rolling.
Madcap storyline with requisite spies, madness and mayhem, but I just went with it and enjoyed the show.
This book contains mild descriptive love scenes.
This was a slow start but once the story got rolling, a pretty enjoyable read.
The dialogue was pretty choppy in the first few chapters and didn't seem to flow nicely, but after a while things improved (or maybe I just got used to it?)
I love if there's a story in a story and this one kind-of-sort-of did; with Carter (the Earl) writing a novel and Grace acting as his editor. In the end, Carter didn't write anything of note, and Grace's own romance novel got shelved while they spent their time writing love notes to each other (which were cute). Regardless, it was a fun set up to get the ball rolling.
Madcap storyline with requisite spies, madness and mayhem, but I just went with it and enjoyed the show.
This book contains mild descriptive love scenes.
August 18, 2018
Grace is the youngest of the two sisters presently residing at Jasmine cottage. She has been sending letters to a columnist who writes in one of the London papers. She critiques him. Carter, the writer, expects her to be an older bossy woman and is presently surprised when he meets a beautiful woman. Since he is in the area to write a novel he uses her for his muse. However he quickly falls for the woman but can not ask for hand because he has been promised at birth to another woman. After a romp in London where Grace meets Carter's mother and becomes enamored by his older brother, Grace's life is in danger. Never fear an HEA is enjoyed by all. Maureen Driscoll writes a good story.
September 19, 2021
Book 2: Carter and Grace
Audsley's Cousin Carter comes to visit to write his Novel and confront the spinster in Jasmine Cottage who keeps writing critical letters to him concerning his published Articles. That's when he meets Grace, his critic and also attempting writing a romance novel. A absolutely brilliant idea is employed as Carter starts to send Grace overblown, ridiculously funny letters depicting the rakish adventures of Lord Stormpenny. To me this was a great addition to the romance. There's a lot more to the plot of course including a mystery and some danger besides the romance. Very good series.
Audsley's Cousin Carter comes to visit to write his Novel and confront the spinster in Jasmine Cottage who keeps writing critical letters to him concerning his published Articles. That's when he meets Grace, his critic and also attempting writing a romance novel. A absolutely brilliant idea is employed as Carter starts to send Grace overblown, ridiculously funny letters depicting the rakish adventures of Lord Stormpenny. To me this was a great addition to the romance. There's a lot more to the plot of course including a mystery and some danger besides the romance. Very good series.
March 28, 2023
A Good, Well-written Story.
I really enjoyed this story. When Grace and Carter meet, they discover a shared interest in writing. As a child, Carter was promised to Cecile, by his parents. He did not love her and hoped she would release him from a betrothal promise. As his relationship with Grace developed, there were strange events which threatened the family members. There is deception, danger and physical attacks before the truth is revealed. Will Carter and Grace remain safe? Read on and enjoy.
I really enjoyed this story. When Grace and Carter meet, they discover a shared interest in writing. As a child, Carter was promised to Cecile, by his parents. He did not love her and hoped she would release him from a betrothal promise. As his relationship with Grace developed, there were strange events which threatened the family members. There is deception, danger and physical attacks before the truth is revealed. Will Carter and Grace remain safe? Read on and enjoy.
December 6, 2018
Plot twister
Love reading love stories. This one in particular had me going nonstop. It shows a lady who speaks her mind without being rude, and lives with others who do so as well. That is refreshing. Then the author compels a drama of spyes and danger from a past in Jeremys world that is so believable that when you find out where the real danger is, it turns everything around. Loved it. Unexpected is best.
Love reading love stories. This one in particular had me going nonstop. It shows a lady who speaks her mind without being rude, and lives with others who do so as well. That is refreshing. Then the author compels a drama of spyes and danger from a past in Jeremys world that is so believable that when you find out where the real danger is, it turns everything around. Loved it. Unexpected is best.
January 5, 2019
Wonderful!
I loved this story. It has some intrigue and lots of romance. There are some sexy scenes and it has a HEA!! The creative story line of an author and an author was charming. It could be read as a standalone but the supporting characters from the first are in this as well which I love. This is a series about 5 ladies who met in a small village. Now that Arabella and Grace have found there soul mates who is next? Can't wait to read the next book in this series!!
I loved this story. It has some intrigue and lots of romance. There are some sexy scenes and it has a HEA!! The creative story line of an author and an author was charming. It could be read as a standalone but the supporting characters from the first are in this as well which I love. This is a series about 5 ladies who met in a small village. Now that Arabella and Grace have found there soul mates who is next? Can't wait to read the next book in this series!!
January 18, 2021
This book was such a pleasant surprise! When I first started reading it, I wasn't sure if I loved Carter & Grace together, but once things moved to London, the story really started to pick up for me. I loved the addition of Carter's brother Jeremy, and the mystery that was presented in the 2nd half was an interesting story line. Plus the Moore sisters are both fiercely independent, which we love to see in a heroine! I will definitely look into reading the other books in this series.
February 7, 2021
Another enjoyable tale from Maureen Driscoll. It was enjoyable and heartening. These are such lovely romantic reading at a time when one cannot even hug their families. The interesting thing for me is that this series, as the first one that I read, introduces the reader to an inner circle of families (related or not) that might be driven by the mores of the time, but they care and have close relationships. They are strong people who can see beyond the superficial and its all about love.
January 24, 2022
It's alright
The opening scene is the strongest. There are way too many characters. The letters were cute but, not really accurate for the time period. His novel would have been an abysmal failure. The villain was obvious and motivation and mechanics were just lazy writing. There was an attempt to bring realism to the piece. However, in my view if something isn't going to be done well then it shouldn't go in the final product.
The opening scene is the strongest. There are way too many characters. The letters were cute but, not really accurate for the time period. His novel would have been an abysmal failure. The villain was obvious and motivation and mechanics were just lazy writing. There was an attempt to bring realism to the piece. However, in my view if something isn't going to be done well then it shouldn't go in the final product.
July 28, 2017
Everything
This book has everything a great book needs. Wonderful characters that were so easy to love, a challenging situation with no easy solution, and each page being better than the last. I look forward to reading more of this series. Maureen has a unique writing style that I enjoy. I highly recommend this series and her others.
This book has everything a great book needs. Wonderful characters that were so easy to love, a challenging situation with no easy solution, and each page being better than the last. I look forward to reading more of this series. Maureen has a unique writing style that I enjoy. I highly recommend this series and her others.
April 30, 2020
Great reading
Jasmine Cottage book 2.Great light reading.With a bit of mystery thrown in.The Moore sisters where left alone and penny less when there grandfather died.And parents went away to do there own thing.This book I loved the story line.And the happy ever after couple where well suited as they both were writing a novel.
Jasmine Cottage book 2.Great light reading.With a bit of mystery thrown in.The Moore sisters where left alone and penny less when there grandfather died.And parents went away to do there own thing.This book I loved the story line.And the happy ever after couple where well suited as they both were writing a novel.
August 23, 2020
Perfect
I love a good historical romance and this was superb!
The writing was excellent and mature( my last read was so cringeworthy I cried)
Someone complained about the love scenes... pleaseee we are grown ups and this was tame in comparison.
I thoroughly enjoyed Grace and Carter. I hope to read about Emma and Audsley next!
I love a good historical romance and this was superb!
The writing was excellent and mature( my last read was so cringeworthy I cried)
Someone complained about the love scenes... pleaseee we are grown ups and this was tame in comparison.
I thoroughly enjoyed Grace and Carter. I hope to read about Emma and Audsley next!
July 10, 2022
A very good read
The characters here are lovely and the plot has plenty of twists and turns.
This missed 5 stars for 2 reasons. There were places where the language was very modern, and others where the behaviors were very modern. I prefer historical fiction to seem more authentic.
The characters here are lovely and the plot has plenty of twists and turns.
This missed 5 stars for 2 reasons. There were places where the language was very modern, and others where the behaviors were very modern. I prefer historical fiction to seem more authentic.
November 29, 2018
Enjoyed reading
This had romance, mystery and a happy ending along with colorful characters. I liked how nicely she hinted at things in the epilogue to give a taste of what lies ahead
This had romance, mystery and a happy ending along with colorful characters. I liked how nicely she hinted at things in the epilogue to give a taste of what lies ahead
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