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The Love Birds #1
Love Birds of Regent's Park
Lucy Ashbrook finds a pleasant diversion when she visits the Regent's Park Bird Sanctuary to sketch the different birds that live there. Birds aren't the only pleasing thing she finds, though. A certain Sanctuary worker has stolen her heart. But Lucy's father will have none of it. No daughter of his will marry a common laborer.
Oliver Barrow loves everything about his work at the Sanctuary. The birds, the trees, the ponds...a certain young miss who mesmerizes him. Miss Ashbrook is beautiful and sweet and shares his love of birds. But Oliver has a secret that just might get in the way of anything more than friendship developing between them. And he can't share that secret with her. Not yet.
How can Lucy convince her father of Oliver's worth? That love isn't just for the birds?
Oliver Barrow loves everything about his work at the Sanctuary. The birds, the trees, the ponds...a certain young miss who mesmerizes him. Miss Ashbrook is beautiful and sweet and shares his love of birds. But Oliver has a secret that just might get in the way of anything more than friendship developing between them. And he can't share that secret with her. Not yet.
How can Lucy convince her father of Oliver's worth? That love isn't just for the birds?
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2013
7 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Ruth J. Hartman
57 books207 followersRuth J. Hartman spends her days herding cats, and her nights spinning mysterious tales that make you smile. She, her husband, and their cats love to spend time curled up in their recliners watching old Cary Grant movies. Well, the cats sit in the people's recliners. Not that the cats couldn't get their own furniture. They just choose to shed on someone else's.
Ruth, a left-handed, cat-herding, farmhouse-dwelling mystery writer uses her goofy sense of humor as she writes tales of klutzy women who find trouble without even trying. Ruth's husband and best friend, Garry, reads her manuscripts, rolls his eyes at her weird story ideas, and loves her in spite of her insistence that all of her books have at least one cat in them.
Ruth, a left-handed, cat-herding, farmhouse-dwelling mystery writer uses her goofy sense of humor as she writes tales of klutzy women who find trouble without even trying. Ruth's husband and best friend, Garry, reads her manuscripts, rolls his eyes at her weird story ideas, and loves her in spite of her insistence that all of her books have at least one cat in them.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 7, 2013
What a beautiful and witty romance by Ruth J. Hartman! This was the first book I have read by Ruth, but most definitely not the last!! I picked up Love Birds of Regent's Park today and wasn't able to put it down! I was captured from the very first page! I love the main characters, Lucy and Oliver! Their attraction is instant and you can almost see the sparks come alive through the pages! Lucy is a sweet young lady who's mother passed away and she counts on the guidance of her maid, Anna, to teach her all she needs to know as a woman. Oliver is a handsome man who wants to find a woman who loves him for who he is and not what he has in life. They both share a love of birds and being in the Bird Sanctuary. Life always has a way of throwing a curve ball at you, these two are no different, but true love has a way of concurring all! Ruth had me laughing and giggling throughout the whole book. I was able to picture everything Ruth described, from the characters to the birds and their surroundings, as if they were in front of me. Thank you Ruth for such a wonderful story and I cannot wait to read more of your work! What an amazing book! If you like historical romance, this is a MUST read!!
January 30, 2015
It is official I read the series in reverse and still enjoyed it. I will say though, for me, I loved Conrad with his OCD behavior in The Unwanted Earl and to watch him in this light was hard. He is black mailing Lucy's father in order to gain her inheritance, which I knew going in from reading book 2 so it wasn't a surprise it was just hard. He is bold and inconsiderate to Lucy's feelings and that was a switch from watching him share affection and dry humor with Amelia. Now of course it all played out beautifully and everyone got their HEA.
The vicious goose makes it's debut in this book and if you have decided to read the series in order you will see what I mean as you go through the books. Oliver was a strong character compared to Conrad in the sense he was not afraid to get dirty and he did not fear his father the way Conrad did his mother. He is not known by society under his true name. That made him enjoyable because he didn't care how society viewed him.
Lucy was written as a woman who just wanted to be loved and wanted to find love for herself. She finds it with a man who is beneath her station but she could not care less. There are of course some truly funny parts in this book as well. Conrad is introduced to a Cuckoo and that part is just hilarious. Poor Conrad. I have noticed one thing in each of RH's books and that is the parents have no affection with their children. They always seem to treat them with harsh behavior with their words. Oliver's father did seem to treat better than the others but I think that was because he wasn't afraid to stand up to his father.
The women in her books may defend themselves to a point but still the mother in book 3 was cruel as was Conrad's mother with her unlimited spending at the Milliner's, Lucy's father referred to her as though she was stupid and inconvenient. That unfortunately was how woman were viewed and far worse as they were used to gain fortune and prestige through marriages. I have enjoyed all the books for what each one was and even though this book did have angst I made my way through it with some laughs. Oliver's confession at the end could have been better and more romantic IMO but it was a relief to finally have all the couples with who better suited them. Anne was also a nice touch and a great little side story.
This is a clean read as all the books in the series have been. I gave it 3 and 1/2 but I think that was because I didn't like seeing Conrad as the villain. LOL. I know let it go, but I can't I liked him best from book 2. Enjoy!
The vicious goose makes it's debut in this book and if you have decided to read the series in order you will see what I mean as you go through the books. Oliver was a strong character compared to Conrad in the sense he was not afraid to get dirty and he did not fear his father the way Conrad did his mother. He is not known by society under his true name. That made him enjoyable because he didn't care how society viewed him.
Lucy was written as a woman who just wanted to be loved and wanted to find love for herself. She finds it with a man who is beneath her station but she could not care less. There are of course some truly funny parts in this book as well. Conrad is introduced to a Cuckoo and that part is just hilarious. Poor Conrad. I have noticed one thing in each of RH's books and that is the parents have no affection with their children. They always seem to treat them with harsh behavior with their words. Oliver's father did seem to treat better than the others but I think that was because he wasn't afraid to stand up to his father.
The women in her books may defend themselves to a point but still the mother in book 3 was cruel as was Conrad's mother with her unlimited spending at the Milliner's, Lucy's father referred to her as though she was stupid and inconvenient. That unfortunately was how woman were viewed and far worse as they were used to gain fortune and prestige through marriages. I have enjoyed all the books for what each one was and even though this book did have angst I made my way through it with some laughs. Oliver's confession at the end could have been better and more romantic IMO but it was a relief to finally have all the couples with who better suited them. Anne was also a nice touch and a great little side story.
This is a clean read as all the books in the series have been. I gave it 3 and 1/2 but I think that was because I didn't like seeing Conrad as the villain. LOL. I know let it go, but I can't I liked him best from book 2. Enjoy!
August 31, 2014
Like other regency romances by Ruth J. Hartman, Love Birds of Regent's park proved to be a sweet romance full of mirth and heart-tugging challenges. It began with pair of love birds who met in Regent's Park, but love wasn't an easy flight for this couple.
Young Lucy Ashbrook is an eligible young woman who dearly loves the bird sanctuary at Regent's Park. Nothing gives her more pleasure than sitting along the well-manicured paths, sketching the feathered residents. Nothing, that is, but a sanctuary worker named Oliver Barrow whom she meets there on one fateful morning.
Oliver Barrow is a man of two worlds--one he wants nothing to do with and the life he prefers, working in the natural tranquility of the bird sanctuary. And that world brightens on the day he meets Miss Ashbrook as she sketches birds. Cue a bashful introduction and a hilarious goose chase/hat rescue, and you know these two are birds of the same feather.
As the story progressed, I grew to empathize with both Oliver and Lucy. In Regency Era London, a simple hook-up and go-steady relationship was unheard of. Marriages were political partnerships involving not just a couple, but entire families. Such is the case with these two. The conflict is further complicated by Oliver's dying father, Lucy's blackmailed father, and the sleazy Conrad Croome, who wants Lucy for a proper bride.
That's where the weak point came in for me, however. The conflict never quite reached the point of an unforgettable climax. All in all, it proved fairly predictable, though it had room for greater twists and surprises. With a little expansion, I think it could have well achieved that.
Overall, the writing itself was lighthearted and smooth. The older supporting characters, Lucy's maid Anna and the sanctuary caretaker Richard, served as sweet mentors to the lead couple. Their romance provided a nice "aw" effect throughout. The setting and cast was vivid and compact enough to provide an enjoyable, leisurely read. I'd recommend Love Birds of Regent's Park to any sweet romance fans, particularly those who love Regency.
Young Lucy Ashbrook is an eligible young woman who dearly loves the bird sanctuary at Regent's Park. Nothing gives her more pleasure than sitting along the well-manicured paths, sketching the feathered residents. Nothing, that is, but a sanctuary worker named Oliver Barrow whom she meets there on one fateful morning.
Oliver Barrow is a man of two worlds--one he wants nothing to do with and the life he prefers, working in the natural tranquility of the bird sanctuary. And that world brightens on the day he meets Miss Ashbrook as she sketches birds. Cue a bashful introduction and a hilarious goose chase/hat rescue, and you know these two are birds of the same feather.
As the story progressed, I grew to empathize with both Oliver and Lucy. In Regency Era London, a simple hook-up and go-steady relationship was unheard of. Marriages were political partnerships involving not just a couple, but entire families. Such is the case with these two. The conflict is further complicated by Oliver's dying father, Lucy's blackmailed father, and the sleazy Conrad Croome, who wants Lucy for a proper bride.
That's where the weak point came in for me, however. The conflict never quite reached the point of an unforgettable climax. All in all, it proved fairly predictable, though it had room for greater twists and surprises. With a little expansion, I think it could have well achieved that.
Overall, the writing itself was lighthearted and smooth. The older supporting characters, Lucy's maid Anna and the sanctuary caretaker Richard, served as sweet mentors to the lead couple. Their romance provided a nice "aw" effect throughout. The setting and cast was vivid and compact enough to provide an enjoyable, leisurely read. I'd recommend Love Birds of Regent's Park to any sweet romance fans, particularly those who love Regency.
October 1, 2013
Love Birds of Regent’s Park is the first book that I have read by Ruth J. Hartman, but it will not be the last. It was a completely enjoyable read with characters that I could relate to with a smooth writing style and wonderful story line and plot.
In this book we follow Lucy and Oliver as they discover that there are more than just birds to love at the bird sanctuary. Lucy, who comes from a very well to do family, spends her days sketching the birds that she loves so much at the sanctuary. During one of her visits it is by chance that she meets the handsome Oliver.
Within a short time she notices that whenever he is nearby she instantly feels different and wants to be closer to him to figure out what it is about him that is so special; however, since Oliver is just a laborer at the Sanctuary she knows that nothing will ever be able to come of her admiration of him, no matter how fond of him she becomes or how true his character is.
While Lucy is trying to figure out what it is she feels about Oliver and how he fits into her life, Oliver himself is trying to figure out how he feels about her and if she is the one for him. His trusty friend has told him that when you know, there is no need to wait, but is just a few weeks long enough to know if she fits into his life and heart as much as he dreams she does. Together they must find out about each other as well as break through the chains of family and social expectations to see if there is a place in the world for them as Love Birds.
This book is very well written and the characters and their world come alive easily in your mind to take you on their journey. I am looking forward to reading many more books from this author.
In this book we follow Lucy and Oliver as they discover that there are more than just birds to love at the bird sanctuary. Lucy, who comes from a very well to do family, spends her days sketching the birds that she loves so much at the sanctuary. During one of her visits it is by chance that she meets the handsome Oliver.
Within a short time she notices that whenever he is nearby she instantly feels different and wants to be closer to him to figure out what it is about him that is so special; however, since Oliver is just a laborer at the Sanctuary she knows that nothing will ever be able to come of her admiration of him, no matter how fond of him she becomes or how true his character is.
While Lucy is trying to figure out what it is she feels about Oliver and how he fits into her life, Oliver himself is trying to figure out how he feels about her and if she is the one for him. His trusty friend has told him that when you know, there is no need to wait, but is just a few weeks long enough to know if she fits into his life and heart as much as he dreams she does. Together they must find out about each other as well as break through the chains of family and social expectations to see if there is a place in the world for them as Love Birds.
This book is very well written and the characters and their world come alive easily in your mind to take you on their journey. I am looking forward to reading many more books from this author.
September 1, 2013
Lucy goes to the Bird Sanctuary not only to sketch the birds but to be close to her mom. It was one of their favorite places to go together, before she died. It's where she meets a worker, Oliver who helps when an item of hers is stolen by a thief. Meanwhile, Conrad is waiting, lurking for Lucy's hand and he will do anything to get it. Hopefully, her chaperone Anna will be able to assist her or will she be too distracted by the turtle doves? I enjoyed this book and the characters that come alive and pull you into their story.
I received an ARC of this book for a review.
I received an ARC of this book for a review.
September 22, 2013
I loved this book! I kept waiting to see how things would play out when the truth was revealed to all and I was so happy when Oliver put the nasty Earl in his place. Lucy has such an amazing heart and her maid Anna has a small side story which melts your heart as well. Fun quick read perfect for the weekend!
February 15, 2014
3.5/5.0
A sweet and clean regency romance, "Love Birds of Regent’s Park" is a great read for a cozy afternoon!
Read full review in the 2014 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.
A sweet and clean regency romance, "Love Birds of Regent’s Park" is a great read for a cozy afternoon!
Read full review in the 2014 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.
January 4, 2014
Really cute story. A clean romance with a good storyline. Very light hearted.
November 14, 2014
Sweet story. A bit tame for me :)
April 10, 2014
I have just read another amazing book by this author. This author grabs the reader from the first page and holds them until the last page, then leaves them wanting another story.
This particular book is a refreshingly light and heartfelt story where the heroine meets the hero but her father is in no way going to approve of the match as he thinks the hero is very beneath his daughter. The reader will be cheering for the couple while laughing at the mishaps and antics they endure, especially when they first meet. I could see the entire scene in vivid color in my mind and laughed until I had to wipe away the tears. The main characters, as well as the secondary characters, come alive through Ruth’s very talented hand.
The heroine, Lucy, likes to visit the Bird Sanctuary as it is a place she feels close to her mom. There seems to be a major difference between the hero and heroine, hence the disapproval of the match, but everything is not as it really seems to be on the surface. The heroine must convince her father that love is actually something that happens between two people and not just for the birds.
The reader is pulled into this feel good story, filled with humor, romance, blackmail, mystery, and finishes the last page with a wonderful sigh with a smile on their face. This is the second book I have read by this author and I am now hooked on her books. I will add her name to my favorites list of reach and grab when I see her name as the author of a historical romance. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I will not hesitate to purchase this authors future work.
Lucy Ashbrook finds a pleasant diversion when she visits the Regent’s Park Bird Sanctuary to sketch the different birds that live there. Birds aren’t the only pleasing thing she finds, though. A certain Sanctuary worker, Oliver Barrow, has stolen her heart. But Lucy’s father will have none of it. No daughter of his will marry a common laborer.
Oliver Barrow loves everything about his work at the Sanctuary. The birds, the trees, the ponds… a certain young miss who mesmerizes him. Miss Ashbrook is beautiful and sweet and shares his love of birds. But Oliver has a secret that just might get in the way of anything more than friendship developing between them. And he can’t share that secret with her. Not yet.
How can Lucy convince her father of Oliver’s worth? That love isn't just for the birds?
This particular book is a refreshingly light and heartfelt story where the heroine meets the hero but her father is in no way going to approve of the match as he thinks the hero is very beneath his daughter. The reader will be cheering for the couple while laughing at the mishaps and antics they endure, especially when they first meet. I could see the entire scene in vivid color in my mind and laughed until I had to wipe away the tears. The main characters, as well as the secondary characters, come alive through Ruth’s very talented hand.
The heroine, Lucy, likes to visit the Bird Sanctuary as it is a place she feels close to her mom. There seems to be a major difference between the hero and heroine, hence the disapproval of the match, but everything is not as it really seems to be on the surface. The heroine must convince her father that love is actually something that happens between two people and not just for the birds.
The reader is pulled into this feel good story, filled with humor, romance, blackmail, mystery, and finishes the last page with a wonderful sigh with a smile on their face. This is the second book I have read by this author and I am now hooked on her books. I will add her name to my favorites list of reach and grab when I see her name as the author of a historical romance. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I will not hesitate to purchase this authors future work.
Lucy Ashbrook finds a pleasant diversion when she visits the Regent’s Park Bird Sanctuary to sketch the different birds that live there. Birds aren’t the only pleasing thing she finds, though. A certain Sanctuary worker, Oliver Barrow, has stolen her heart. But Lucy’s father will have none of it. No daughter of his will marry a common laborer.
Oliver Barrow loves everything about his work at the Sanctuary. The birds, the trees, the ponds… a certain young miss who mesmerizes him. Miss Ashbrook is beautiful and sweet and shares his love of birds. But Oliver has a secret that just might get in the way of anything more than friendship developing between them. And he can’t share that secret with her. Not yet.
How can Lucy convince her father of Oliver’s worth? That love isn't just for the birds?
September 20, 2013
Lucy Ashbrook finds a pleasant diversion when she visits the Regent’s Park Bird Sanctuary to sketch the different birds that live there. Birds aren’t the only pleasing thing she finds, though. A certain Sanctuary worker, Oliver Barrow, has stolen her heart. But Lucy’s father will have none of it. No daughter of his will marry a common laborer.
Oliver Barrow loves everything about his work at the Sanctuary. The birds, the trees, the ponds… a certain young miss who mesmerizes him. Miss Ashbrook is beautiful and sweet and shares his love of birds. But Oliver has a secret that just might get in the way of anything more than friendship developing between them. And he can’t share that secret with her. Not yet.
How can Lucy convince her father of Oliver’s worth? That love isn't just for the birds?
Ruth dragged me in AGAIN! From the very beginning my emotions were involved. I really, like sincerely hated Conrad! But she did such an amazing job writing this story that she was able to evoke that kind of emotion but still had me unable to put the book down.
When you first meet Lucy you can tell she is usually a very reserved and solitary person. As she is drawing a picture of a bird at the Sanctuary Oliver appears and compliments her work, which throws her completely off balance. After this interaction hilarity ensues! Honestly, Ruth painted such a vivid picture that I could easily picture it happening, it made me laugh so hard.
Oliver……oh how I loved him. He was that perfect mix of sweet, caring, funny, intelligent and mysterious. He was such the perfect gentleman throughout the whole book. Learning his story and more about him was awesome!
While Oliver and Lucy are the main story the secondary characters (Anna & Robert) were fantastic and drew you in. Anna is Lucy’s maid/chaperone. She is the only mother figure Lucy has and you can tell how much she loves her. She is at turns absent minded and over protective. But the way Ruth describes her…..man I can’t say anything because you need to discover it for yourself. Robert works at the Sanctuary. He is so sweet and is there whenever Oliver needs him. Watching his story unfold made me smile. I was so happy.
Ruth amazing job yet again! I can’t wait for the next book! 5/5 stars!
Oliver Barrow loves everything about his work at the Sanctuary. The birds, the trees, the ponds… a certain young miss who mesmerizes him. Miss Ashbrook is beautiful and sweet and shares his love of birds. But Oliver has a secret that just might get in the way of anything more than friendship developing between them. And he can’t share that secret with her. Not yet.
How can Lucy convince her father of Oliver’s worth? That love isn't just for the birds?
Ruth dragged me in AGAIN! From the very beginning my emotions were involved. I really, like sincerely hated Conrad! But she did such an amazing job writing this story that she was able to evoke that kind of emotion but still had me unable to put the book down.
When you first meet Lucy you can tell she is usually a very reserved and solitary person. As she is drawing a picture of a bird at the Sanctuary Oliver appears and compliments her work, which throws her completely off balance. After this interaction hilarity ensues! Honestly, Ruth painted such a vivid picture that I could easily picture it happening, it made me laugh so hard.
Oliver……oh how I loved him. He was that perfect mix of sweet, caring, funny, intelligent and mysterious. He was such the perfect gentleman throughout the whole book. Learning his story and more about him was awesome!
While Oliver and Lucy are the main story the secondary characters (Anna & Robert) were fantastic and drew you in. Anna is Lucy’s maid/chaperone. She is the only mother figure Lucy has and you can tell how much she loves her. She is at turns absent minded and over protective. But the way Ruth describes her…..man I can’t say anything because you need to discover it for yourself. Robert works at the Sanctuary. He is so sweet and is there whenever Oliver needs him. Watching his story unfold made me smile. I was so happy.
Ruth amazing job yet again! I can’t wait for the next book! 5/5 stars!
August 13, 2014
**I received a copy of this book for an honest review. The author and I are following Amazon's review policy and not violating the
guidelines set forth regarding leaving reviews, so I respectfully request that my review remain posted as it is my honest opinion.**
This book was a delightful and easy read at 143 pages in length. The story is about two star crossed sweethearts from different worlds or are they? Lucy is a lady of society, educated, innocent, and gasp 22 years old. Lucy has an unrelenting and very unwanted suitor in the Earl of Lofton. She wants nothing to do with him but her father isn't ruling him out for a match for Lucy. She finds the Earl to be a putrid, repulsive, reptile of a man. What poor Lucy doesn't know is that the Earl of Lofton is blackmailing her father to agree to the marriage.
Lucy flees to the bird sanctuary after her father gives her an ultimatum to either find someone else to marry or she'll be given to Conrad the Earl of Lofton to marry. After her fathers distressing news she flees to the bird sanctuary where she spend most of her time enjoying the birds and sketching them. She meets Oliver a common laborer at the sanctuary. Oliver looks like a laborer, he's dressed like one but is he really? As these two individuals slowly build and continue their new friendship both are wondering at the feelings they are experiencing for each other. Lucy soon comes to realize her love for Oliver regardless of the class difference between them. Oliver enjoys the fact that Lucy doesn't know who he really is, which is the son of a very wealthy and high placed society family. Can he give up his work at the bird sanctuary and take up his place in society for the woman he's coming to love? Each struggle with questions about each other that could affect their futures.
These two lovers have several hilarious incidents at the bird sanctuary that will leave you chuckling if not out right laughing uncontrollably. This book is fast-paced and funny with main characters that are colorful and easy to love. I loved this book and look forward to the other books in Ruth Hartman's "The Love Bird Series".
guidelines set forth regarding leaving reviews, so I respectfully request that my review remain posted as it is my honest opinion.**
This book was a delightful and easy read at 143 pages in length. The story is about two star crossed sweethearts from different worlds or are they? Lucy is a lady of society, educated, innocent, and gasp 22 years old. Lucy has an unrelenting and very unwanted suitor in the Earl of Lofton. She wants nothing to do with him but her father isn't ruling him out for a match for Lucy. She finds the Earl to be a putrid, repulsive, reptile of a man. What poor Lucy doesn't know is that the Earl of Lofton is blackmailing her father to agree to the marriage.
Lucy flees to the bird sanctuary after her father gives her an ultimatum to either find someone else to marry or she'll be given to Conrad the Earl of Lofton to marry. After her fathers distressing news she flees to the bird sanctuary where she spend most of her time enjoying the birds and sketching them. She meets Oliver a common laborer at the sanctuary. Oliver looks like a laborer, he's dressed like one but is he really? As these two individuals slowly build and continue their new friendship both are wondering at the feelings they are experiencing for each other. Lucy soon comes to realize her love for Oliver regardless of the class difference between them. Oliver enjoys the fact that Lucy doesn't know who he really is, which is the son of a very wealthy and high placed society family. Can he give up his work at the bird sanctuary and take up his place in society for the woman he's coming to love? Each struggle with questions about each other that could affect their futures.
These two lovers have several hilarious incidents at the bird sanctuary that will leave you chuckling if not out right laughing uncontrollably. This book is fast-paced and funny with main characters that are colorful and easy to love. I loved this book and look forward to the other books in Ruth Hartman's "The Love Bird Series".
August 9, 2019
This book was sweet and a lark. The Earl was awful as the baddie, though. I don't know how he would be redeemable as the hero in the next story. The manners don't quite fit with the era, so if you're a stickler for that you're going to have a hard time.
June 17, 2014
This is an honest-to-God sweet book. The hero stays under disguise for a good bit of the story, although the need to expose him would have driven me quite mad! I was tempted more than once to look ahead (and since I didn't, I should get some sort of award). Sweet little Lucy, our heroine, is a very gentle soul, not quite able to fully understand class differences to the same extent as most of her contemporaries. The meeting of the two is humorous, and relaxed, and (since they would normally not even say hello) even believable. After all, if a man tries to rescue your hat(!) you should be able to say something!
The villain is a nasty piece of work, but apparently no worse than our heroine's male parent. (It is readily obvious that being female was a dangerous business: most of these youngsters have lost their mothers.) Perhaps, if there were any mom's about, things would not get so dire. But, alas, no mothers, so we have unpleasant father, villain, heroine with no mom for advice, her maid with no mom for advice.....
The plot was well carried. The characters were adorable, except the villain, who seems more a desperate jerk than actually dangerous. The cat was extremely believable, although the cuckoo's were maybe a bit too perfect in their aim.
While I didn't roll on the floor laughing, this book induced a steady-state feeling of euphoria. Now, if I could just manage to get back to that state, but there is a cat on me that is indicating that I have mis-identified the hero, as it was actually an orange tabby and not some dumb human!
I received this book in return for an unbiased review.
The villain is a nasty piece of work, but apparently no worse than our heroine's male parent. (It is readily obvious that being female was a dangerous business: most of these youngsters have lost their mothers.) Perhaps, if there were any mom's about, things would not get so dire. But, alas, no mothers, so we have unpleasant father, villain, heroine with no mom for advice, her maid with no mom for advice.....
The plot was well carried. The characters were adorable, except the villain, who seems more a desperate jerk than actually dangerous. The cat was extremely believable, although the cuckoo's were maybe a bit too perfect in their aim.
While I didn't roll on the floor laughing, this book induced a steady-state feeling of euphoria. Now, if I could just manage to get back to that state, but there is a cat on me that is indicating that I have mis-identified the hero, as it was actually an orange tabby and not some dumb human!
I received this book in return for an unbiased review.
April 19, 2014
I had fun reading this book, but it also reminded me how often I have bowed to pressure - from family and from friends, I think we all have! There were times that I really related to the characters, and loved the fact that they got to know each other, the real each other, and managed to come together despite the fact that they had others in their lives that would like to keep them apart. We all have those in our lives that have secret agendas, so it was nice to read about a couple - even though they are from a different time - that had to face a lot of the same issues we face today! So, yes, I was able to relate to the characters and I found them fun and enjoyed spending a few days with them!
June 15, 2014
Love Birds of Regent's Park is a delightful tale of deceit
I had read the 2nd book in this series, The Unwanted Earl, and came away fascinated by the main characters, Conrad and Amelia. Their story is quite endearing, but it hinted at both of them having been quite awful in the past. So I had to read this one to see just how awful they had been. This book answered my questions, while telling the story of Oliver, who hides his true identity, and Lucy. They fell in love at their first meeting, as did Lucy's chaperone and Oliver's workmate. However, it was smooth sailing for only one of the couples. I enjoyed this book immensely and you will too.
I had read the 2nd book in this series, The Unwanted Earl, and came away fascinated by the main characters, Conrad and Amelia. Their story is quite endearing, but it hinted at both of them having been quite awful in the past. So I had to read this one to see just how awful they had been. This book answered my questions, while telling the story of Oliver, who hides his true identity, and Lucy. They fell in love at their first meeting, as did Lucy's chaperone and Oliver's workmate. However, it was smooth sailing for only one of the couples. I enjoyed this book immensely and you will too.
July 6, 2014
Love isn't just for the birds. I loved this book! I had actually read the second book in the series first. I was so interested in Lucy & Oliver's story that I had to read the first one. Lucy and Oliver start off as just friends. Lucy doesn't believe anything more can come of the friendship because they come from different worlds...her world has money and she believes Oliver's does not. Lucy would be willing to give up her world, but fears her father would never let her. I don't want to spoil the story, but you must read to see how it all plays out. And if you read this story first, still get the second - while you hate Conrad in book 1, you'll grow to love him in book 2!
July 8, 2014
I enjoyed this unusual story line. Neither hero or heroine was a very nice person to start but both find their better selves - and come to see their faults and how they are like those they dislike. It examines how love can provide the impetus and strength to overcome ones fears and bring about the change of oneself into a better person. They both discover love and the ability to put others before themselves and the happiness that comes from that.
It was also sweet and innocent - which seemed much more in line with real life in the early 1800 when couples were kept apart - and girls were completely naive about men. Nicely done.
It was also sweet and innocent - which seemed much more in line with real life in the early 1800 when couples were kept apart - and girls were completely naive about men. Nicely done.
December 15, 2013
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is a very sweet book. You like the hero and heroine right away! There is no question that they belong together. I was glad that Lucy had Anna in her life to be her anchor and go to person. It was a surprise that there was not more tension in the book. So often there is tension between the rivals for the heroine’s hand. This did not have that, I kept looking for it. But in the end I was with a smile and I was glad I got to meet Oliver and Lucy.
This is a very sweet book. You like the hero and heroine right away! There is no question that they belong together. I was glad that Lucy had Anna in her life to be her anchor and go to person. It was a surprise that there was not more tension in the book. So often there is tension between the rivals for the heroine’s hand. This did not have that, I kept looking for it. But in the end I was with a smile and I was glad I got to meet Oliver and Lucy.
October 31, 2013
Hartman’s writing is simply delightful. Lucy and Oliver are wonderful as the romantic leads, and Lofton is the perfect villain. The best scene is the one where he gets his comeuppance from a crazy cuckoo – but I won’t say any more because I do not want to ruin this laugh out loud scenario. Even though the reader knows how it will end, Hartman makes it easy to root for Lucy and Oliver every step of the way.
Full review at http://readingchallenged.blogspot.com...
Full review at http://readingchallenged.blogspot.com...
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December 12, 2013Review to come soon!
June 24, 2019
This was an interesting story. The couple had a very intense love of bird.
June 17, 2014
Another lovely series from Ms.Hartman!
Love Birds of Regent's Park was set in what I would consider a "different location" that the other novels of the same genre that I have read as of late in that the majority of the action takes place at a bird sanctuary than in balls or houses. I found this change of local to be refreshing, and it made for an interesting story. Another "breath of fresh air" so to speak is that the hero of this story is operating under an "alter-ego" without bothering to hide at all. I loved the romance between Lucy and Oliver, made all the sweeter because she loved him for who he was - even when she believed him to be a near penniless worker.
This was one of those stories that managed to be both funny as well as romantic, and I found myself laughing out loud during several scenes. Without giving too much away, I can say that this novel will not only make you laugh out loud as well (what other novels feature a thieving goose?), but will also teach you a valuable lesson in that when visiting such a place, always keep your mouth firmly closed when looking up.
This novel will definitely appeal to those who like a sweet, clean romance as well as historical and regency lovers alike!
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has NOT altered or changed my review in any way. All thoughts expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Love Birds of Regent's Park was set in what I would consider a "different location" that the other novels of the same genre that I have read as of late in that the majority of the action takes place at a bird sanctuary than in balls or houses. I found this change of local to be refreshing, and it made for an interesting story. Another "breath of fresh air" so to speak is that the hero of this story is operating under an "alter-ego" without bothering to hide at all. I loved the romance between Lucy and Oliver, made all the sweeter because she loved him for who he was - even when she believed him to be a near penniless worker.
This was one of those stories that managed to be both funny as well as romantic, and I found myself laughing out loud during several scenes. Without giving too much away, I can say that this novel will not only make you laugh out loud as well (what other novels feature a thieving goose?), but will also teach you a valuable lesson in that when visiting such a place, always keep your mouth firmly closed when looking up.
This novel will definitely appeal to those who like a sweet, clean romance as well as historical and regency lovers alike!
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has NOT altered or changed my review in any way. All thoughts expressed in this review are 100% my own.
April 15, 2016
*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Lucy Ashbrook loves Regent’s Park Bird Sanctuary. Visiting there reminds her of the times she went with her mother when her mother was alive. One day while she’s sitting and sketching a bird, a handsome laborer introduces himself as Oliver Barrow. Lucy is taken with him despite the fact their stations in life are so disparate. When her father insists she marry the repulsive Lord Conrad Croome, fifth Earl of Lofton, she’s devastated. But Oliver has a secret and he’s determined that Lucy will marry him instead.
Light-hearted, fun and entertaining, this historical romance is both adorable and enjoyable. The characters don’t have as much depth as I would like and the world is confined to a small slice of historical London, but there is a lot of humor and some angst as well as an endearing hero in Oliver. Even the birds are characters all on their own though not in a Hitchcock way. This is a sweet, clean romance for those who prefer less in-your-face bump and grind. Stomach butterflies, racing hearts and kisses only here.
Lucy Ashbrook loves Regent’s Park Bird Sanctuary. Visiting there reminds her of the times she went with her mother when her mother was alive. One day while she’s sitting and sketching a bird, a handsome laborer introduces himself as Oliver Barrow. Lucy is taken with him despite the fact their stations in life are so disparate. When her father insists she marry the repulsive Lord Conrad Croome, fifth Earl of Lofton, she’s devastated. But Oliver has a secret and he’s determined that Lucy will marry him instead.
Light-hearted, fun and entertaining, this historical romance is both adorable and enjoyable. The characters don’t have as much depth as I would like and the world is confined to a small slice of historical London, but there is a lot of humor and some angst as well as an endearing hero in Oliver. Even the birds are characters all on their own though not in a Hitchcock way. This is a sweet, clean romance for those who prefer less in-your-face bump and grind. Stomach butterflies, racing hearts and kisses only here.
December 11, 2013
A lovely little story it is. With the courtship of Anna and Richard serving to underline the love story between Oliver and Lucy, it also points out the attitudes towards class distinctions.
Though Richard’s age isn’t mentioned, the fact that he goes to his father for help in winning Lucy makes me think he’s much younger than the “hero” of a Regency generally is. His father is also a winning character, caring for his son and willing to assist in any way he can and is a fine counterpoint to Lucy’s father.
Lord Lofton is definitely a villain though he’s mostly played for laughs here. I’d like to have seen him get a bit more comeuppance but ‘twill serve, I suppose. Suffice it to say, this is an amusing and entertaining piece, filled as it is with a love story plus bits of information about birds, a larcenous goose, and something called a chiff-chaff.
This novel was supplied by the author and no remuneration was involved in the writing of this review.
Though Richard’s age isn’t mentioned, the fact that he goes to his father for help in winning Lucy makes me think he’s much younger than the “hero” of a Regency generally is. His father is also a winning character, caring for his son and willing to assist in any way he can and is a fine counterpoint to Lucy’s father.
Lord Lofton is definitely a villain though he’s mostly played for laughs here. I’d like to have seen him get a bit more comeuppance but ‘twill serve, I suppose. Suffice it to say, this is an amusing and entertaining piece, filled as it is with a love story plus bits of information about birds, a larcenous goose, and something called a chiff-chaff.
This novel was supplied by the author and no remuneration was involved in the writing of this review.
October 26, 2016
This isn't the sort of book I normally read, so it's kind of hard to know if I'm judging it fairly. It's a short but sweet love story between a rich girl who likes to sketch birds, and a pretending-not-to-be-rich wealthy man who likes to labor in the bird sanctuary. Of course her dad wants her to marry someone else, and since she has to marry within her class and the hottie is pretending to be poor, this creates a bit of a pickle for them. I picked it up because it was cheap on kindle--99 cents--and it was, however remotely, related to birds, and I wanted a bit of light reading. This was almost too light, almost like eating too much cotton candy. The story itself is inoffensive but awfully silly. An OK read but I'm rounding up to three stars to be fair, because honestly, I don't think this is my type of fiction.
October 31, 2013
predictable! But a cute story.
May 27, 2015
3.5 stars
March 30, 2020
Lucy and Oliver-
An enjoyable story with a wonderful HEA
An enjoyable story with a wonderful HEA
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews