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The Patterdale Siblings #2
How to Catch a Viscount: A Regency Historical Romance
A sparky mistaken-identity Regency romance!
Her plan to marry well…
Has backfired spectacularly!
Miss Betsy Fairfax must marry to save her family from financial ruin. Only, her mother’s overzealous efforts to find kindhearted Betsy a suitable match have made her society’s most undesirable debutante! She’s ready to give up and become a paid companion, when she shares a spine-tingling kiss with James, a charming steward. Hardly the way to catch a viscount, unless he’s not entirely whom he seems…
From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
The Patterdale Siblings
Book 1: A Scandal at Midnight
Book 2: How to Catch a Viscount
Her plan to marry well…
Has backfired spectacularly!
Miss Betsy Fairfax must marry to save her family from financial ruin. Only, her mother’s overzealous efforts to find kindhearted Betsy a suitable match have made her society’s most undesirable debutante! She’s ready to give up and become a paid companion, when she shares a spine-tingling kiss with James, a charming steward. Hardly the way to catch a viscount, unless he’s not entirely whom he seems…
From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
The Patterdale Siblings
Book 1: A Scandal at Midnight
Book 2: How to Catch a Viscount
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2022
14 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Annie Burrows
184 books310 followersI've been published by Mills & Boon since 2007..but I'd been making up stories in my head for as long as I can remember. It was a long walk home from school, and there were no ipods in those days to keep you amused! When I wasn't daydreaming, I had my nose stuck in a book. My parents used to take me to the library every Saturday, until I was old enough to get there on my own, and my house was always full of books.
During school holidays, the whole family loved to visit stately homes and castles. As soon as we got home, my older sister and I would either dress up as lords and ladies, and romp around the garden, or, if it was raining, retreat to our bedroom where we would draw intricately detailed plans of our very own imaginary stately home, complete with secret tunnels, dungeons, and usually, a maze in the extensive grounds.
When I was old enough to go to university, I studied English literature, with Philosophy. I was not sure what I wanted to do after that, but meeting a handsome student of maths, who was the owner of a very powerful motorbike helped me make up my mind. Reader, I married him.
For many years I felt it was important to stay at home to raise our two children, but one day, when the youngest had gone to senior school, I began to wonder if all those stories I made up to occupy my mind whilst attending to mundane chores, would interest anyone else.
I started to write some of them down, and eventually decided that one of them was "deep" enough to merit attention from publishers. It took me almost two years to complete, mainly because I kept tearing it up and starting all over again. And having to keep going out to work to help pay for school fees, then university tuition, slowed progress down as well.
Needless to say, this masterpiece was rejected by every single publisher I sent it to, but by this time, writing had become an addiction.
Four more stories got rejected, before Mills & Boon bought "His Cinderella Bride", a regency romance.
I do have some other interests, besides writing! I love spending time pottering in my garden. And recently I've taken up ballroom dancing as a way to try and keep fit (and keep the romance alive in my marriage!)
During school holidays, the whole family loved to visit stately homes and castles. As soon as we got home, my older sister and I would either dress up as lords and ladies, and romp around the garden, or, if it was raining, retreat to our bedroom where we would draw intricately detailed plans of our very own imaginary stately home, complete with secret tunnels, dungeons, and usually, a maze in the extensive grounds.
When I was old enough to go to university, I studied English literature, with Philosophy. I was not sure what I wanted to do after that, but meeting a handsome student of maths, who was the owner of a very powerful motorbike helped me make up my mind. Reader, I married him.
For many years I felt it was important to stay at home to raise our two children, but one day, when the youngest had gone to senior school, I began to wonder if all those stories I made up to occupy my mind whilst attending to mundane chores, would interest anyone else.
I started to write some of them down, and eventually decided that one of them was "deep" enough to merit attention from publishers. It took me almost two years to complete, mainly because I kept tearing it up and starting all over again. And having to keep going out to work to help pay for school fees, then university tuition, slowed progress down as well.
Needless to say, this masterpiece was rejected by every single publisher I sent it to, but by this time, writing had become an addiction.
Four more stories got rejected, before Mills & Boon bought "His Cinderella Bride", a regency romance.
I do have some other interests, besides writing! I love spending time pottering in my garden. And recently I've taken up ballroom dancing as a way to try and keep fit (and keep the romance alive in my marriage!)
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 24, 2022
Good book, though I wasn't sure when I found out Betsy was the heroine. She made her first appearance in the previous book, A Scandal at Midnight, as a neighbor of Lord Bramhall's. In that book, she brazenly walked into his study, threw her arms around him, and kissed him in an attempt to force a marriage between them. Stymied by the fact that he was already married, she later behaved vindictively toward Lady Bramhall. I didn't like her at all and wondered how the author would redeem her in this book.
I was a little iffy about James, also. In the first book, he and his brothers were notorious for the pranks they played on their sister. One of those pranks ended with her married to Lord Bramhall. He had also been instrumental in ruining her Season in London by driving away her suitors. As the oldest son, he can do no wrong in his father's eyes.
As this book opens, James is on the way to Bramhall Manor to oversee the work on the estate while Lord Bramhall returns to his regiment to fight against Bonaparte. He's happy to do so, as he is frustrated by his father's refusal to allow him any say in their estate management. He's also become tired of his brothers' pranks and looks forward to distancing himself from them.
As he rides across Bramhall land, he encounters Betsy, weeping under a tree. Their initial meeting is somewhat antagonistic as she accuses him of trespassing (like she isn't?), and he reacts. Betsy makes quite the impression on him with her attitude. When she assumes he is a steward for the estate, he doesn't correct her. He likes the idea of being seen for himself rather than his title. Her feistiness is different than the women he is used to, and he wants to get to know her better.
I liked watching the development of their relationship. James is pretty sweet, if a little clueless about women, thanks to his father's attitude and lectures (see book one for the full effect). He takes every opportunity to spend time with her, even putting up with her snobby mother. Betsy frequently frustrated me. She's just as drawn to James but blows hot and cold. Every time she seems to get closer to him, something happens that sets off her temper, and she lashes out at him. Her guilt about her actions with Lord Bramhall and her embarrassment over her parents' toxic marriage have her constantly on edge.
In the scene at the church, their attraction almost gets out of control before they rein it in. It clarifies their feelings for each other, but when Betsy comes up with a plan to evade her mother's disapproval, James finally confesses his deception. While I understood her reaction to the deception, I did not understand why she remained angry and refused to see the plus side. Then faced with her father's deception, she ran instead of fighting for what she wanted.
I hurt for James, who had his dreams blow up in his face. I loved how his younger brother Gem's (Jasper) arrival changed things for him. Gem is more experienced than James. Their conversation about Gem's problems and knowledge of women was funny and heartbreaking. I loved James's decision to go after Betsy. His arrival as himself set tongues wagging and opened him up to everything he hates about Society. I thought his plan to win Betsy back was unnecessarily complicated and easily misinterpreted, as proved by Betsy's reactions. I liked James's big moment at the end when he finally saw the benefits of the direct approach. My only disappointment is that the book ended so abruptly. I would like to have seen their parents' reactions.
It looks likely that the next book will be about James's brother, Gem. The story behind his arrival is his clash with his father over some incident with a woman. James invites Gem to take over for him at Bramhall Manor. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens.
#netgalley
I was a little iffy about James, also. In the first book, he and his brothers were notorious for the pranks they played on their sister. One of those pranks ended with her married to Lord Bramhall. He had also been instrumental in ruining her Season in London by driving away her suitors. As the oldest son, he can do no wrong in his father's eyes.
As this book opens, James is on the way to Bramhall Manor to oversee the work on the estate while Lord Bramhall returns to his regiment to fight against Bonaparte. He's happy to do so, as he is frustrated by his father's refusal to allow him any say in their estate management. He's also become tired of his brothers' pranks and looks forward to distancing himself from them.
As he rides across Bramhall land, he encounters Betsy, weeping under a tree. Their initial meeting is somewhat antagonistic as she accuses him of trespassing (like she isn't?), and he reacts. Betsy makes quite the impression on him with her attitude. When she assumes he is a steward for the estate, he doesn't correct her. He likes the idea of being seen for himself rather than his title. Her feistiness is different than the women he is used to, and he wants to get to know her better.
I liked watching the development of their relationship. James is pretty sweet, if a little clueless about women, thanks to his father's attitude and lectures (see book one for the full effect). He takes every opportunity to spend time with her, even putting up with her snobby mother. Betsy frequently frustrated me. She's just as drawn to James but blows hot and cold. Every time she seems to get closer to him, something happens that sets off her temper, and she lashes out at him. Her guilt about her actions with Lord Bramhall and her embarrassment over her parents' toxic marriage have her constantly on edge.
In the scene at the church, their attraction almost gets out of control before they rein it in. It clarifies their feelings for each other, but when Betsy comes up with a plan to evade her mother's disapproval, James finally confesses his deception. While I understood her reaction to the deception, I did not understand why she remained angry and refused to see the plus side. Then faced with her father's deception, she ran instead of fighting for what she wanted.
I hurt for James, who had his dreams blow up in his face. I loved how his younger brother Gem's (Jasper) arrival changed things for him. Gem is more experienced than James. Their conversation about Gem's problems and knowledge of women was funny and heartbreaking. I loved James's decision to go after Betsy. His arrival as himself set tongues wagging and opened him up to everything he hates about Society. I thought his plan to win Betsy back was unnecessarily complicated and easily misinterpreted, as proved by Betsy's reactions. I liked James's big moment at the end when he finally saw the benefits of the direct approach. My only disappointment is that the book ended so abruptly. I would like to have seen their parents' reactions.
It looks likely that the next book will be about James's brother, Gem. The story behind his arrival is his clash with his father over some incident with a woman. James invites Gem to take over for him at Bramhall Manor. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens.
#netgalley
March 12, 2025
Isegi väga hea lugu….omas klassis. Hea, lobe tõlge samuti.
May 30, 2022
How to Catch a Viscount is the second book, although it says in the heading that it's the first, in the Patterdale Siblings series by Annie Burrows.
It's an enjoyable story where I had the bonus of not disliking the main female character, Betsy, from the start because I hadn't read what terrible thing she did in the first book of the series. When I did read what she had done it was with the knowledge of why she did it and how distraught she was about it.
Her mother is constantly telling her that she needs to marry a nobleman in order to save the family finances. When she finds herself possibly falling for James, an estate steward she is torn because she has no choice but to marry a man of means which James isn't, or is he?
I really enjoyed the budding romance forming between James and Betsy. There was some trepidation building up because they both had secrets that you just know will cause upset when they are told. Waiting for the bombs to drop certainly built the need to read this book as quickly as I could. I needed to see them have a happy ending even if at times it seemed impossible.
This is a really well-written story and I enjoyed it as I do all books that I read from this author.
It's an enjoyable story where I had the bonus of not disliking the main female character, Betsy, from the start because I hadn't read what terrible thing she did in the first book of the series. When I did read what she had done it was with the knowledge of why she did it and how distraught she was about it.
Her mother is constantly telling her that she needs to marry a nobleman in order to save the family finances. When she finds herself possibly falling for James, an estate steward she is torn because she has no choice but to marry a man of means which James isn't, or is he?
I really enjoyed the budding romance forming between James and Betsy. There was some trepidation building up because they both had secrets that you just know will cause upset when they are told. Waiting for the bombs to drop certainly built the need to read this book as quickly as I could. I needed to see them have a happy ending even if at times it seemed impossible.
This is a really well-written story and I enjoyed it as I do all books that I read from this author.
May 26, 2022
Miss Betsy Fairfax must marry to save her family from financial ruin. Only, her mother’s overzealous efforts to find kind-hearted Betsy a suitable match have made her Society’s most undesirable debutante! She’s ready to give up and become a paid companion when she shares a spine-tingling kiss with James, a charming steward.
An entertaining read with a gentle romance but whilst I liked James, who was helping his brother in law out & let Betty think he was a steward, I didn’t like Betty who was naïve & bad tempered. I felt chemistry was lacking between the pair & both of them were too innocent for my liking. So saying it was a well written book but just didn’t rock my boat
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
An entertaining read with a gentle romance but whilst I liked James, who was helping his brother in law out & let Betty think he was a steward, I didn’t like Betty who was naïve & bad tempered. I felt chemistry was lacking between the pair & both of them were too innocent for my liking. So saying it was a well written book but just didn’t rock my boat
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
May 24, 2022
James is in line to become an earl, and has had it drummed into him from an early age that a spotless reputation and immaculate behaviour is all that matters - but he’s growing frustrated with his staid, uninteresting lifestyle. He takes himself off to help his brother-in-law’s crumbling estate, and there encounters Betsy, a proud young woman with a short temper. He lets Betsy believe he’s just the new steward and keeps hidden from her that he’s actually a viscount and heir to an earldom. He’s instantly drawn to Betsy, but what he doesn’t know is that Betsy’s family have financial issues and she’s under strict instructions to marry a titled gentleman - a situation which led her to do something that could damage her reputation beyond repair if it was ever revealed.
This was a nice read. The writing style is clean and easy to follow, and it had a nice traditional feel about it that made me think of older regency romances. I think the author did a good job at sticking to the tone of the book; there were no jarring modernisms and there was an attention to detail I appreciated. I thought the plot was interesting enough and the book explored some topics I hadn’t expected, such as the dangers of unprotected sex in this time period and the plight faced by women having their lives controlled by men.
As for the characters, I quite liked Betsy; I found her amusing and her temper was quite entertaining. I struggled to warm to James at all. He had a naivete that I found endearing at points, but it sometimes led to a stiffness that I found hard to enjoy reading. I liked the idea of the dynamic between them as a couple more than I did seeing it play out on page; there were some moments where I really felt the chemistry between them, but others where I felt it was a bit flat. I will say this was quite a wordy, introspective novel; there was a lot of focus on their inner thoughts about each other but not a lot of action between them. I just wasn’t as convinced by their emotional bond, and it ended rather bluntly for me as well.
Overall this was quite a solid book and I think if you like more traditional regency romances this would work for you, but it’s a very gentle book and there isn’t a lot of excitement or twists and turns. For what it is, though, it’s well-written and has some good ideas, and it was a decent read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book.
Content Notes: Hidden identity / mistaken identity.
Warnings:
Other:.
This was a nice read. The writing style is clean and easy to follow, and it had a nice traditional feel about it that made me think of older regency romances. I think the author did a good job at sticking to the tone of the book; there were no jarring modernisms and there was an attention to detail I appreciated. I thought the plot was interesting enough and the book explored some topics I hadn’t expected, such as the dangers of unprotected sex in this time period and the plight faced by women having their lives controlled by men.
As for the characters, I quite liked Betsy; I found her amusing and her temper was quite entertaining. I struggled to warm to James at all. He had a naivete that I found endearing at points, but it sometimes led to a stiffness that I found hard to enjoy reading. I liked the idea of the dynamic between them as a couple more than I did seeing it play out on page; there were some moments where I really felt the chemistry between them, but others where I felt it was a bit flat. I will say this was quite a wordy, introspective novel; there was a lot of focus on their inner thoughts about each other but not a lot of action between them. I just wasn’t as convinced by their emotional bond, and it ended rather bluntly for me as well.
Overall this was quite a solid book and I think if you like more traditional regency romances this would work for you, but it’s a very gentle book and there isn’t a lot of excitement or twists and turns. For what it is, though, it’s well-written and has some good ideas, and it was a decent read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book.
Content Notes: Hidden identity / mistaken identity.
Warnings:
Other:.
May 20, 2023
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
When her actions to find a husband cause her to make the biggest mistake of her life, Betsy Fairfax knows that she might have just ruined her family for good. She needs a husband to save the family, but her mother's actions are too much, and she has scuppered all of her chances. Sharing a kiss with the steward of a neighbouring estate, Betsy is drawn to James. But he's only a servant, and her mother would never allow her to marry him, right?
This was an enjoyable book, but not very memorable, and not really a romance I was too invested in. Betsy was flighty for my taste, and though I knew why she acted irrationally, I couldn't really forget what she had done. James was an alright hero, but very stuck in his ways, and that stiffness was annoying at times. It was a solid regency romance, and enjoyable the time, but not a book I think I'd revisit.
When her actions to find a husband cause her to make the biggest mistake of her life, Betsy Fairfax knows that she might have just ruined her family for good. She needs a husband to save the family, but her mother's actions are too much, and she has scuppered all of her chances. Sharing a kiss with the steward of a neighbouring estate, Betsy is drawn to James. But he's only a servant, and her mother would never allow her to marry him, right?
This was an enjoyable book, but not very memorable, and not really a romance I was too invested in. Betsy was flighty for my taste, and though I knew why she acted irrationally, I couldn't really forget what she had done. James was an alright hero, but very stuck in his ways, and that stiffness was annoying at times. It was a solid regency romance, and enjoyable the time, but not a book I think I'd revisit.
May 4, 2022
This book was hard to connect with for a number of reasons.
To begin with, there is no whiff of scandal attached to Betsy's name as the synopsis suggests. It wasn't that she was undesirable because of what she had done, but more due to her mother's actions while the family was in London, and then due to the fact that her mother looked down upon absolutely everyone when they were at home in the country. The fact of the matter was that Betsy simply had no suitors.
And honestly? With a temper like hers, prone to go off like a powder keg at the slightest provocation (either real or imagined), I'm not surprised. Seriously, instead of coming across as a strong, independent woman which I am sure was the author's intention, she came across as an absolute shrew. She is constantly sniping at James, getting mad at him after she (in a fit of pique) tells him (without context) how she kissed someone else in an attempt to trap him, but then doesn't ask him what he thinks about it, simply sees his expression, decides he hates her and leaves without giving him a chance to respond.
Then later on, after they have had time to get to know each other, she decides that she wants to marry him. To the point that she even suggests they elope because her mother wouldn't approve of him. When he admits that he wants to marry her as well, but is in fact a Lord and not a mere Mister - she takes offense to that as well, accuses him of lying to her, and not only turns down his proposal, but takes off to the exact place she had been threatened with.
Of course, he follows her, eventually. And then makes a muck of things again, until finally he meets up with her and explains his reasoning for everything. She gets mad at him again. Gets snippy with him again (notice a theme here), but true love (or lust, as I feel, was the case here) prevails and she eventually agrees to marry him.
Which we don't get to see. Nor do we get to see anything of their married life. It just ends rather abruptly with her agreeing to marry him, leaving the whole thing (for me at any rate), feeling very unfinished.
However, on the whole, I think what didn't work for me in this one with no doubt work for other people.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
To begin with, there is no whiff of scandal attached to Betsy's name as the synopsis suggests. It wasn't that she was undesirable because of what she had done, but more due to her mother's actions while the family was in London, and then due to the fact that her mother looked down upon absolutely everyone when they were at home in the country. The fact of the matter was that Betsy simply had no suitors.
And honestly? With a temper like hers, prone to go off like a powder keg at the slightest provocation (either real or imagined), I'm not surprised. Seriously, instead of coming across as a strong, independent woman which I am sure was the author's intention, she came across as an absolute shrew. She is constantly sniping at James, getting mad at him after she (in a fit of pique) tells him (without context) how she kissed someone else in an attempt to trap him, but then doesn't ask him what he thinks about it, simply sees his expression, decides he hates her and leaves without giving him a chance to respond.
Then later on, after they have had time to get to know each other, she decides that she wants to marry him. To the point that she even suggests they elope because her mother wouldn't approve of him. When he admits that he wants to marry her as well, but is in fact a Lord and not a mere Mister - she takes offense to that as well, accuses him of lying to her, and not only turns down his proposal, but takes off to the exact place she had been threatened with.
Of course, he follows her, eventually. And then makes a muck of things again, until finally he meets up with her and explains his reasoning for everything. She gets mad at him again. Gets snippy with him again (notice a theme here), but true love (or lust, as I feel, was the case here) prevails and she eventually agrees to marry him.
Which we don't get to see. Nor do we get to see anything of their married life. It just ends rather abruptly with her agreeing to marry him, leaving the whole thing (for me at any rate), feeling very unfinished.
However, on the whole, I think what didn't work for me in this one with no doubt work for other people.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
November 2, 2022
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Annie Burrows’ How to Catch a Viscount is a terrific Regency romance that sparkles with wit, intensity, emotion and heart.
With her mother’s gambling addiction having placed the family very close to penury, the onus is on Miss Betsy Fairfax to make a suitable match and save them from financial ruin. With her mother desperate to see her married off to a member of the aristocracy, Betsy had been forced into some very embarrassing situations with some of the Ton’s most eligible bachelors that have made her society’s most undesirable debutante. With the prospect of being a paid companion to her formidable Great-Aunt Cordelia in Tunbridge Wells looming, Betsy cannot help but be apprehensive about what the future holds for her – until she finds herself unexpectedly sharing a stolen kiss with a handsome steward called James who isn’t all that he seems…
Masquerading as a humble servant in order to restore the fortunes of his new brother-in-law’s estate which had gone to rack and ruin, James, Viscount Dundas, certainly has his hands full. Romance is the very last thing on his mind; however, James immediately finds himself drawn to Betsy. Yet, despite their growing attraction to one another, James cannot tell her the truth about who he really is – which becomes a problem because he has fallen head over heels in love with Betsy!
Betsy was meant to catch a viscount – not a steward! James is as far removed from her mother’s idea of an ideal husband as it is possible to get, but the idea of spending the rest of her life without him is simply unbearable. But will uncovering James’ shocking secret lead to her happy ending? Or will she run for the hills having fallen madly in love with a man whom she isn’t sure she can trust?
How to Catch a Viscount is an exquisite Regency romance that is simply delightful! Annie Burrows never fails to deliver a first-class historical tale brimming with atmosphere, style, flair and pathos and in How to Catch a Viscount she has once again penned a highly entertaining and immensely enjoyable tale with a fantastic heroine, gorgeous hero and plenty of mischief, humour and hi-jinks to keep readers glued to its pages.
A superb Regency romance from a very gifted writer, Annie Burrows triumphs again with How to Catch a Viscount.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Annie Burrows’ How to Catch a Viscount is a terrific Regency romance that sparkles with wit, intensity, emotion and heart.
With her mother’s gambling addiction having placed the family very close to penury, the onus is on Miss Betsy Fairfax to make a suitable match and save them from financial ruin. With her mother desperate to see her married off to a member of the aristocracy, Betsy had been forced into some very embarrassing situations with some of the Ton’s most eligible bachelors that have made her society’s most undesirable debutante. With the prospect of being a paid companion to her formidable Great-Aunt Cordelia in Tunbridge Wells looming, Betsy cannot help but be apprehensive about what the future holds for her – until she finds herself unexpectedly sharing a stolen kiss with a handsome steward called James who isn’t all that he seems…
Masquerading as a humble servant in order to restore the fortunes of his new brother-in-law’s estate which had gone to rack and ruin, James, Viscount Dundas, certainly has his hands full. Romance is the very last thing on his mind; however, James immediately finds himself drawn to Betsy. Yet, despite their growing attraction to one another, James cannot tell her the truth about who he really is – which becomes a problem because he has fallen head over heels in love with Betsy!
Betsy was meant to catch a viscount – not a steward! James is as far removed from her mother’s idea of an ideal husband as it is possible to get, but the idea of spending the rest of her life without him is simply unbearable. But will uncovering James’ shocking secret lead to her happy ending? Or will she run for the hills having fallen madly in love with a man whom she isn’t sure she can trust?
How to Catch a Viscount is an exquisite Regency romance that is simply delightful! Annie Burrows never fails to deliver a first-class historical tale brimming with atmosphere, style, flair and pathos and in How to Catch a Viscount she has once again penned a highly entertaining and immensely enjoyable tale with a fantastic heroine, gorgeous hero and plenty of mischief, humour and hi-jinks to keep readers glued to its pages.
A superb Regency romance from a very gifted writer, Annie Burrows triumphs again with How to Catch a Viscount.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 6, 2022
James has arrived at Bramwell Manor to take care of the estate, while his brother-in-law is away fighting. When Betsy meets James, she assumes he is just a steward, and he doesn’t correct her and tell her that he is a Viscount. They both feel an instant attraction to each other, and I enjoyed the development of their relationship and the suspense of wondering how the characters would navigate the secrets they both kept hidden, and the decisions they would make once those secrets were exposed.
Although I very much enjoyed the story, I found I couldn’t warm to Betsy Fairfax, her temper was quite frustrating at times, even when she seemingly got her way, she would still get angry and create obstacles. I felt a bit sorry for James! However, I did feel sympathy for her, I felt there was a reason for her behaviour. Betsy felt forced to marry a titled man, due to her family’s financial situation. She felt so pressured to try and help her parents, that in the first book of the Patterdale Siblings series she tried to force a marriage between herself and Lord Bramhall, who is married to James’ sister. A lot of Betsy’s behaviour and decisions are based on the guilt she feels from doing so, the pressure from her overbearing mother and the stress of living with parents who argue constantly. The book highlights the complexities of marriage expectations in the regency era and the stress put on the people expected to marry in order to better their families social standing and financial situation.
A nice, cosy historical romance!
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review, as part of being a #MillsandBoonInsider
Although I very much enjoyed the story, I found I couldn’t warm to Betsy Fairfax, her temper was quite frustrating at times, even when she seemingly got her way, she would still get angry and create obstacles. I felt a bit sorry for James! However, I did feel sympathy for her, I felt there was a reason for her behaviour. Betsy felt forced to marry a titled man, due to her family’s financial situation. She felt so pressured to try and help her parents, that in the first book of the Patterdale Siblings series she tried to force a marriage between herself and Lord Bramhall, who is married to James’ sister. A lot of Betsy’s behaviour and decisions are based on the guilt she feels from doing so, the pressure from her overbearing mother and the stress of living with parents who argue constantly. The book highlights the complexities of marriage expectations in the regency era and the stress put on the people expected to marry in order to better their families social standing and financial situation.
A nice, cosy historical romance!
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review, as part of being a #MillsandBoonInsider
December 31, 2022
Betsy and James.
James Viscount Dundas, has come to his brother in law Ben's estate to help clear up the damage Ben's father caused. On touring the estate he comes across a crying Betsy, who assumes he's the new steward, and James knowing how young ladies behave around rich, single viscounts doesn't correct her.
In truth Betsy is upset about things her mother has made her do, the threat of being sent to work as a companion by her father, the state of her parents relationship and the possible loss of her family home thanks to her mother.
James is the eldest son of a domineering Earl, who dukes the roost, intimidated his wife and doesn't allow his son's any real freedom. James has money and a title and hates women chasing him because of it, seems he has little self esteem, and seems himself unattractive.
Book is well written and the can see where the characters are coming from. I hadn't realised this wasn't the first in the set (as advertised) so haven't read the first book. May have to go back and find it.
Only real criticism is the book just stops, no real ending, would have been nice to see reactions of both families.
James Viscount Dundas, has come to his brother in law Ben's estate to help clear up the damage Ben's father caused. On touring the estate he comes across a crying Betsy, who assumes he's the new steward, and James knowing how young ladies behave around rich, single viscounts doesn't correct her.
In truth Betsy is upset about things her mother has made her do, the threat of being sent to work as a companion by her father, the state of her parents relationship and the possible loss of her family home thanks to her mother.
James is the eldest son of a domineering Earl, who dukes the roost, intimidated his wife and doesn't allow his son's any real freedom. James has money and a title and hates women chasing him because of it, seems he has little self esteem, and seems himself unattractive.
Book is well written and the can see where the characters are coming from. I hadn't realised this wasn't the first in the set (as advertised) so haven't read the first book. May have to go back and find it.
Only real criticism is the book just stops, no real ending, would have been nice to see reactions of both families.
June 6, 2022
Betsy Fairfax and James Patterdale meet when James goes to the estate of his sister and her husband to help put it into order while his sister and her husband are off at war. There, Betsy's father helps James learn about the village and the tenants and he meets Betsy and falls very quickly in love with her. He does not tell her of his title - she thinks he's just a steward come to help the lord and lady of the manor. She has a secret she has kept but decides to come clean to James about it. Even then, James doesn't tell her he is titled, as he doesn't want Betsy to desire him just because of it. He's had one too many young ladies after him for that reason.
I really liked this story, especially the humor, for the first three-fourths of the book. The ending felt a bit rushed, but of course it was still a happy ending.
Of the two Patterdale Siblings books I've read so far, this was the most enjoyable.
I really liked this story, especially the humor, for the first three-fourths of the book. The ending felt a bit rushed, but of course it was still a happy ending.
Of the two Patterdale Siblings books I've read so far, this was the most enjoyable.
January 18, 2023
We meet Betsy in the previous book in the series when she tries to compromise an already-married lord of the manor. She’s feeling regretful of her actions when she meets the manor’s new steward. Of course James is no mere steward and actually a viscount and brother to the manor’s mistress. It’s a sort of secret courtship plus James hiding his true station in life. Betsy has a fiery temper that leads to a lot of misunderstandings, but James loves her despite it.
May 23, 2022
Betsy and James are innocents trying to find happiness within a strict society. Their romance is conflicted, gentle and humorous. It is a lighthearted Regency romance with two naive characters whose experiences display Regency society eloquently, and they achieve the happy ending they desire after many obstacles to their romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
May 15, 2022
3.5 stars
I didn't take to Betsy. She was very young and her temper was awful. What helped with the story was the lovely hero, James. I think he was a bit deluded and diserved better.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I didn't take to Betsy. She was very young and her temper was awful. What helped with the story was the lovely hero, James. I think he was a bit deluded and diserved better.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 24, 2022
She doesn't know he's a viscount...
And James is happy to keep Betsy in the dark, while he gets to know her...
Betsy is crying when she meets James and mistakes him for a steward. For James, its a chance to get to know a girl without a trap.
And James is happy to keep Betsy in the dark, while he gets to know her...
Betsy is crying when she meets James and mistakes him for a steward. For James, its a chance to get to know a girl without a trap.
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May 1, 2022Categories
Historical Fiction, Sagas, Regency Romance
Miniseries
The Patterdale Siblings (Book #2)
Historical Fiction, Sagas, Regency Romance
Miniseries
The Patterdale Siblings (Book #2)
June 21, 2022
3.5 stars rounded to 4
November 28, 2023
just kinda 🫤
Not great. Not terrible. Unlikeable characters.
Both male and female protagonists were boring and one dimensional. Why would anyone like these people??
Not great. Not terrible. Unlikeable characters.
Both male and female protagonists were boring and one dimensional. Why would anyone like these people??
May 19, 2024
Didn't really care for either MC. Especially didn't like the parents of either one. They set their children for failure.
May 19, 2022
Betsy's noble mother married a commoner and has lived to regret it. She's pushing Betsy to marry a man with a title—one wealthy enough to replenish the family coffers depleted by gambling debts. Betsy's attempt to compromise a man into marrying her failed spectacularly, and she's utterly ashamed of having gone along with her mother's plan.
When earl's heir James meets her, she's sobbing over her plight. Despite her prickly nature, his heart goes out to her. When she mistakes him for a steward, he doesn't correct her. What will happen when she learns the truth?
I love the banter between these two characters. Betsy is kindhearted but constantly on edge due to her parents' toxic marriage. James is sweet, but he lets the masquerade go on far too long. It's no wonder she's angry. These two really have to earn their HEA.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
When earl's heir James meets her, she's sobbing over her plight. Despite her prickly nature, his heart goes out to her. When she mistakes him for a steward, he doesn't correct her. What will happen when she learns the truth?
I love the banter between these two characters. Betsy is kindhearted but constantly on edge due to her parents' toxic marriage. James is sweet, but he lets the masquerade go on far too long. It's no wonder she's angry. These two really have to earn their HEA.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
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