This entire series is a very romantic, very entertaining series built around characters with charm and wit.
Book 1 of the series is Mischief and Manors. The title describes well what a reader should expect. The mischief element is introduced by the two young brothers in the story. Manors is also clear in reference to the homes. Changing the spelling to "manners" would also have been appropriate since having the proper manners in society definitely matters.
Romantics at heart always love books with gentlemen and heroes. This series is based on women who need a real gentleman and hero in their lives. All Regency Romance novels are written based on a time period in the past when woman have little or no control over their own lives. Happiness and romance are secondary to financial security and marriage arrangements may not include the woman's personal considerations.
Synopsis of Mischief and Manors
Annette Downing and her two young brothers are orphans who were taken in my their uncle's widow when their parents died 5 years before the book's beginning. Ruth Filbee is a cruel, selfish, and viscous woman who didn't want the children, but also didn't want to be criticized publicly for not taking them in.
Mischief and Manors:
A Regency Romance (Change of Heart Book 1)Check PriceWhen Annette and her brothers were invited to spend the summer at Kellaway
Manor, Annette couldn't get away from her aunt and the town of Silton fast
enough. Even though she thought she had found a way out of Aunt Ruth's
house by accepting the vicar's marriage proposal, it would not be a love
match. Simply an escape from her aunt's abuse and guardianship.
She hoped to have time away from all of the stress by visiting her parent's
friends, the Kellaways.
Annette had visited the Kellaways in the past with her parents, but her brothers had never been there. She knew their mischievous antics could cause problems, but she hoped she would be able to instruct them. She had done the best she could to raise her young brothers, but she knew she needed help. The need for help was another reason why she was considering the vicar's proposal.
Dr. Owen Kellaway remembered Annette, and she certainly remembered him and his own mischievous ways when he was young. After all, when she was previously there, he had led her into an "adventure" that ended up with her being hurt.
Owen was immediately drawn to Annette and her dedication to her little brothers. The more he learned about their lives, the more he wanted to help them, but Annette wasn't interested in a relationship with Owen. However, she did realize he could help her instruct and properly teach her brothers to be gentlemen. She finally agreed to a proper friendship. She had no desire to be taken in by his charm or flirtation, but she thought she was safe to have him as a much needed friend.
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It is pretty evident early on that Annette and Owen's friendship will develop into a love relationship. However, Annette's aunt had accepted the vicar's proposal for Annette and she has threatened to send her brothers to an orphanage. No matter who Annette marries, her aunt is still her brother's guardian and has total control over them.
As with any "Cinderella" story, you really want to see the wicked guardian's plans thwarted.
Books by Ashtyn Newbold Previously Reviewed on ReviewThisReviews.com
- The Last Eligible Bachelor
- The Ace of Hearts
- The Captain's Confidant
- With Love, Louisa
- Lord Blackwell's Promise
