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The Stratford Family #3
Loving Mister Stratford
Though born into privilege as the youngest child of the Earl of Aldborough, much of Simon Stratford's life has been spent as an outcast. He never experienced the same desire to feign another personality or affect mannerisms for the sake of acceptance; always more concerned with his intellectual pursuits than the opinions of others. He exists in a space of orderly numbers where equations make infinitely more sense to him than the veiled barbs and cutting words of his peers. His work is his life and his haven in a world where he is, at best, misunderstood. Resigned to a life of solitude as a social pariah, he never counted on meeting a woman who makes him rethink all his priorities and wonder if there might be more to life than books or journals.
Odette Leroy, the illegitimate daughter of a renowned French actress, suffers from a similar sensation of imposter syndrome. She is too introverted and sheltered to fit in well at the theater, and her parentage too dubious to be easily accepted in polite society. A chance encounter with the curious Mister Stratford has irrevocably altered her and given her hope for the future. There is something endearing and charming about the quiet, intensely intelligent man who asks her to dance and calls upon her as if she were the most proper and respected of ladies.
Unfortunately for them, Odette's mother is more calculating than most... One orchestrated compromising situation and they find themselves rushed into a marriage of propriety, effectively elevating Odette's status and setting Simon's orderly, regulated world on its ear.
While Odette struggles to find her place in the world, Simon must understand he can be more to his wife than a burden, dragging her down before she has a chance to fly.
Aching desire and steamy passion abound in this third book in "The Stratford Family" series; part of an interwoven, multilayered set of books with overlapping characters and plots. Fall in love with Kelsey Swanson's world of Regency Romance.
Odette Leroy, the illegitimate daughter of a renowned French actress, suffers from a similar sensation of imposter syndrome. She is too introverted and sheltered to fit in well at the theater, and her parentage too dubious to be easily accepted in polite society. A chance encounter with the curious Mister Stratford has irrevocably altered her and given her hope for the future. There is something endearing and charming about the quiet, intensely intelligent man who asks her to dance and calls upon her as if she were the most proper and respected of ladies.
Unfortunately for them, Odette's mother is more calculating than most... One orchestrated compromising situation and they find themselves rushed into a marriage of propriety, effectively elevating Odette's status and setting Simon's orderly, regulated world on its ear.
While Odette struggles to find her place in the world, Simon must understand he can be more to his wife than a burden, dragging her down before she has a chance to fly.
Aching desire and steamy passion abound in this third book in "The Stratford Family" series; part of an interwoven, multilayered set of books with overlapping characters and plots. Fall in love with Kelsey Swanson's world of Regency Romance.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2024
50 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 13, 2024
This is a new to me author and someone recommended this book, and I’m so glad I found it! The writing was smooth and engaging, it was emotionally gripping and it brought the swoon!
It was a great story about a socially awkward (possibly autistic or neurodivergent) hero who understands numbers more than people and a shy, sweet heroine. Both of them have difficulty fitting in, both of them feeling like outsiders. I particularly loved how patient and understanding the heroine was with the hero’s often obliviousness, she was the perfect match for him.
There are some misunderstandings, some maternal machinations, and a few bumps along the road to their HEA.
My only complaint is that the author missed an awesome opportunity for dual virgins. Considering the hero’s awkwardness, this would have been a perfect reason for him to remain chaste—both hero and heroine could’ve discovered passion and sexual intimacy together, but instead the hero is described as occasionally going to brothels. Which really brought the ick and the reason I can’t give this 5 stars. It was totally gross and unnecessary to have the hero sticking his dick into the human equivalent of open sewers, rutting women who have the leavings of hundreds of dirty disgusting men before him. It’s never sexy when the hero is fucking walking STD-traps and probably collecting a few of his own from them.
But other than that fail, this was a very enjoyable read and I can’t wait to discover more from this author.
Safe-ish. Hero’s past is mentioned, not a manwhore but not celibate or chaste, occasionally uses whores to relieve his balls into. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero, gives the hero the primal gift of claiming all of her firsts for himself. No ow/om, no cheating or sharing or abuse. HEA with epilogue.
It was a great story about a socially awkward (possibly autistic or neurodivergent) hero who understands numbers more than people and a shy, sweet heroine. Both of them have difficulty fitting in, both of them feeling like outsiders. I particularly loved how patient and understanding the heroine was with the hero’s often obliviousness, she was the perfect match for him.
There are some misunderstandings, some maternal machinations, and a few bumps along the road to their HEA.
My only complaint is that the author missed an awesome opportunity for dual virgins. Considering the hero’s awkwardness, this would have been a perfect reason for him to remain chaste—both hero and heroine could’ve discovered passion and sexual intimacy together, but instead the hero is described as occasionally going to brothels. Which really brought the ick and the reason I can’t give this 5 stars. It was totally gross and unnecessary to have the hero sticking his dick into the human equivalent of open sewers, rutting women who have the leavings of hundreds of dirty disgusting men before him. It’s never sexy when the hero is fucking walking STD-traps and probably collecting a few of his own from them.
But other than that fail, this was a very enjoyable read and I can’t wait to discover more from this author.
Safe-ish. Hero’s past is mentioned, not a manwhore but not celibate or chaste, occasionally uses whores to relieve his balls into. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero, gives the hero the primal gift of claiming all of her firsts for himself. No ow/om, no cheating or sharing or abuse. HEA with epilogue.
June 21, 2024
This story stole a little bit of my heart!
Kelsey Swanson was a new to me author and she instantly jumped up to an auto buy. Her writing style grabbed me from the first chapter and I nestled right in for what I knew would be a cozy read.
A "cozy" read for me isn't without angst, longing, heartache, break-ups and make-ups. It has characters losing themselves, and finding a better self through the love of their "other" half. This is all a part of the reading experiences I enjoy and found in this tale.
The power of love was enforced so perfectly in this story; Simon letting go of his safe little world where everything made sense and where there was only ever one correct answer, and Odette learning that love didn't mean self-sacrifice was needed to prove and sustain it.
I became invested in their story almost immediately. It was written in a way that was both believable and relatable. The author draws you into the story with wonderful characters that touch your heart and a bit of tension to keep you turning the pages. The chemistry between Simon and Odette is undeniable. The sex scenes are both sensual and meaningful with explicit detail and emotion. I was fully entertained and completely satisfied from start to finish. I highly recommend this story to readers who enjoy perfectly imperfect MC's finding their place in the world within the arms of the one they love.
I was gifted an ebook copy by the author with no expectations. (Thank you!) All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kelsey Swanson was a new to me author and she instantly jumped up to an auto buy. Her writing style grabbed me from the first chapter and I nestled right in for what I knew would be a cozy read.
A "cozy" read for me isn't without angst, longing, heartache, break-ups and make-ups. It has characters losing themselves, and finding a better self through the love of their "other" half. This is all a part of the reading experiences I enjoy and found in this tale.
The power of love was enforced so perfectly in this story; Simon letting go of his safe little world where everything made sense and where there was only ever one correct answer, and Odette learning that love didn't mean self-sacrifice was needed to prove and sustain it.
I became invested in their story almost immediately. It was written in a way that was both believable and relatable. The author draws you into the story with wonderful characters that touch your heart and a bit of tension to keep you turning the pages. The chemistry between Simon and Odette is undeniable. The sex scenes are both sensual and meaningful with explicit detail and emotion. I was fully entertained and completely satisfied from start to finish. I highly recommend this story to readers who enjoy perfectly imperfect MC's finding their place in the world within the arms of the one they love.
I was gifted an ebook copy by the author with no expectations. (Thank you!) All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 6, 2024
In this story, Kelsey Swanson has crafted a neurodiverse hero who creates a world of his own, shutting out the noise and chaos of a society that contributes nothing to his well-being. As a reader, I couldn't help but admire and envy this hero, who lives his life according to his own rules. Simon is an intelligent and vulnerable man who approaches everything with unwavering dedication, despite having been a victim of society's cruelty due to his differences. Yet, he remains true to himself, never losing sight of who he is.
The story takes a dramatic turn when Simon finds himself figuratively hung by his throat, forced to marry the captivating daughter of a French actress. Understandably, he grapples with the confusion surrounding his own desires and the magnetic pull he feels towards Odette, which threatens to disrupt the carefully constructed world he has always known. Simon's fear of his own incompetence and the potential for rejection is as powerful as his attraction to his wife, leading him to avoid and reject her in equal measure. This push and pull dynamic creates a palpable sense of angst throughout the narrative, leaving my heart aching for Odette while simultaneously breaking for Simon. However, I need not have worried as both characters prove to be strong individuals who are even stronger when united.
At its core, this is a story of a man who struggles to understand and navigate the unfamiliar emotions that come with new love, and a woman who demonstrates her love unconditionally, embracing his unique qualities without attempting to change him or push him beyond his comfort zone. Her love is characterized by immense patience, understanding, and a sacrifice of her own yearnings.
Ultimately, the couple is brought together by the most powerful catalyst in any relationship, leaving me feeling the tender longing and the sweetness of the sacrifices made. This tale is a testament to the transformative power of love and the strength of the human spirit, reminding us that even the most unlikely of partnerships can flourish when built on a foundation of acceptance, patience, and kindness.
The story takes a dramatic turn when Simon finds himself figuratively hung by his throat, forced to marry the captivating daughter of a French actress. Understandably, he grapples with the confusion surrounding his own desires and the magnetic pull he feels towards Odette, which threatens to disrupt the carefully constructed world he has always known. Simon's fear of his own incompetence and the potential for rejection is as powerful as his attraction to his wife, leading him to avoid and reject her in equal measure. This push and pull dynamic creates a palpable sense of angst throughout the narrative, leaving my heart aching for Odette while simultaneously breaking for Simon. However, I need not have worried as both characters prove to be strong individuals who are even stronger when united.
At its core, this is a story of a man who struggles to understand and navigate the unfamiliar emotions that come with new love, and a woman who demonstrates her love unconditionally, embracing his unique qualities without attempting to change him or push him beyond his comfort zone. Her love is characterized by immense patience, understanding, and a sacrifice of her own yearnings.
Ultimately, the couple is brought together by the most powerful catalyst in any relationship, leaving me feeling the tender longing and the sweetness of the sacrifices made. This tale is a testament to the transformative power of love and the strength of the human spirit, reminding us that even the most unlikely of partnerships can flourish when built on a foundation of acceptance, patience, and kindness.
August 6, 2024
Hands down my favorite of the series, Simon is so relatable as is Odette, although their relationship happened by unfortunate circumstance I’m glad they ended up together because I would’ve flipped a table if they didn’t.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2024
A sweet and passionate neurodivergent MMC
Bravo, Ms. Swanson! I adored Simon Stratford and Odette. They made such a beautiful couple. It was fun reading about a second son and an illegitimate daughter of a French actress. I love reading about alpha males and their bravado, but I love even more seeing a well-written beta. Simon’s obsession with his work and his “odd behavior “ made the story so real and interesting. It was also wonderful to see a non-alpha male presented in such a way that he was still confident and capable of passion with his wife. And the groveling at the end was 🤌🏻
My only qualm was there were times I thought Odette and Simon were too much apart at times. Despite that, I still loved the characters and the story.
Bravo, Ms. Swanson! I adored Simon Stratford and Odette. They made such a beautiful couple. It was fun reading about a second son and an illegitimate daughter of a French actress. I love reading about alpha males and their bravado, but I love even more seeing a well-written beta. Simon’s obsession with his work and his “odd behavior “ made the story so real and interesting. It was also wonderful to see a non-alpha male presented in such a way that he was still confident and capable of passion with his wife. And the groveling at the end was 🤌🏻
My only qualm was there were times I thought Odette and Simon were too much apart at times. Despite that, I still loved the characters and the story.
November 23, 2025
I wanted to pick this up when I saw that the hero is on the autism spectrum. I like that the cover of my ebook features a plus sized model.
Twenty eight year old Simon prefers to be left alone to his research in mathematics though he is the second son in an Earldom and has to be involved in family social events.
TW:Body shaming, controlling parent
Twenty one year old Odette Leroy is the illegitimate daughter of a French actress and her mother has always tried to push her daughter to gain status in society with apparently the intention to give her a better left than she had. The identity of her father is unknown. She meets Simon one night backstage at the theatre her mother works in and he helps her find a missing earring furthering both their interest in one another. Simon has never been so fascinated or attracted to a woman and tries to seek out Odette but keeps proprieties. Her mother is cunning and orchestrates a situation where they look like they were having a tryst and have to marry.
The two get married and having to bring their lives together and start a house is interesting, unlike most of the wealthy, they have to use their own money and Simon does not have much as a scholar, a mystery wedding gift of a town house is a boon. They are referred to as Mr and Mrs Stratford. They seem to live simpler than most Ton marriages. The representation of being on the autism spectrum is interesting too as Simon has ways of thinking that to him make sense but may not to others: he feels that having sex with his wife once will satisfy him and allow him to concentrate fully in his maths research but he is frustrated to learn that he only wants her more.
I wished he confided in her since she is accepting of the way he is which may come across as strange to others from the beginning. He thinks it is normal to spend most is his time on work and leave his fiancée and now wife alone for majority of the day. He really needed to grovel more as she is the non confrontational type and took everything with grace, trying her best to accommodate him knowing he is passionate about his writing and work. She remains positive throughout his leaving her alone multiple times across the book.
I was intrigued by his brother George and sister in law Meredith because he uses a mobility aid and limps at times die to an injury and she struggles to get pregnant. It is rare to see a couple trying to find happiness after getting together as most authors will just give them the HEA that everyone dreams of without complications. The found family vibes where the Stratford and extended family welcome Odette was very sweet and I particularly liked the bond Meredith and Simon have. The siblings and their spouses enjoy spending time together and can be themselves around each other. The end to the story is traditional as she gets pregnant and they have their HEA.
What is fascinating about regency and historical romance is how the characters of a certain social class do not have to work to earn their own money or work to live and spend their time idle and yet there are problems that arise. The indulgence of the this group of people is nice to read.
The sad and shocking part is the way Odette's mother controls her life and body shames her for not being skinny or slim: she makes comments about her body, restricts the food she eats and gives measurements for a wedding dress that do not fit Odette.
This is not a long book but it felt draggy and there were too many sex scenes.
Tropes: Marriage of convenience, age gap (Older hero-younger heroine 7 year difference), hero in STEM, found family
Representation:
- Hero is on the autism spectrum
- Hero is in STEM (mathematics)
- Heroine is plus sized
- Supporting character with a passion for STEM (Meredith, the hero's sister in law is fantastic at numbers)
Twenty eight year old Simon prefers to be left alone to his research in mathematics though he is the second son in an Earldom and has to be involved in family social events.
TW:Body shaming, controlling parent
Twenty one year old Odette Leroy is the illegitimate daughter of a French actress and her mother has always tried to push her daughter to gain status in society with apparently the intention to give her a better left than she had. The identity of her father is unknown. She meets Simon one night backstage at the theatre her mother works in and he helps her find a missing earring furthering both their interest in one another. Simon has never been so fascinated or attracted to a woman and tries to seek out Odette but keeps proprieties. Her mother is cunning and orchestrates a situation where they look like they were having a tryst and have to marry.
The two get married and having to bring their lives together and start a house is interesting, unlike most of the wealthy, they have to use their own money and Simon does not have much as a scholar, a mystery wedding gift of a town house is a boon. They are referred to as Mr and Mrs Stratford. They seem to live simpler than most Ton marriages. The representation of being on the autism spectrum is interesting too as Simon has ways of thinking that to him make sense but may not to others: he feels that having sex with his wife once will satisfy him and allow him to concentrate fully in his maths research but he is frustrated to learn that he only wants her more.
I wished he confided in her since she is accepting of the way he is which may come across as strange to others from the beginning. He thinks it is normal to spend most is his time on work and leave his fiancée and now wife alone for majority of the day. He really needed to grovel more as she is the non confrontational type and took everything with grace, trying her best to accommodate him knowing he is passionate about his writing and work. She remains positive throughout his leaving her alone multiple times across the book.
I was intrigued by his brother George and sister in law Meredith because he uses a mobility aid and limps at times die to an injury and she struggles to get pregnant. It is rare to see a couple trying to find happiness after getting together as most authors will just give them the HEA that everyone dreams of without complications. The found family vibes where the Stratford and extended family welcome Odette was very sweet and I particularly liked the bond Meredith and Simon have. The siblings and their spouses enjoy spending time together and can be themselves around each other. The end to the story is traditional as she gets pregnant and they have their HEA.
What is fascinating about regency and historical romance is how the characters of a certain social class do not have to work to earn their own money or work to live and spend their time idle and yet there are problems that arise. The indulgence of the this group of people is nice to read.
The sad and shocking part is the way Odette's mother controls her life and body shames her for not being skinny or slim: she makes comments about her body, restricts the food she eats and gives measurements for a wedding dress that do not fit Odette.
This is not a long book but it felt draggy and there were too many sex scenes.
Tropes: Marriage of convenience, age gap (Older hero-younger heroine 7 year difference), hero in STEM, found family
Representation:
- Hero is on the autism spectrum
- Hero is in STEM (mathematics)
- Heroine is plus sized
- Supporting character with a passion for STEM (Meredith, the hero's sister in law is fantastic at numbers)
April 6, 2024
Loving Mister Stratford is the 3rd book in the The Stratford Family series by Kelsey Swanson. The books of the series are interwoven (both character and plot overlap), but but is a perfectly delightful story to read as a stand-alone. It is a Regency romance featuring a marriage of propriety, forced proximity, class differences and of course steam and spice.
Simon Stratford, the youngest child of the Earl of Aldborough, has been different his whole life. Always more concerned with his intellectual pursuits than following the societal norms, he has become a social pariah despite his influential family. He exists in the orderly world of numbers and mathematics. Consumed by his work, he has never counted on meeting a woman to marry or having a family of his own. He is thought to be rude and distant when in reality he is hyperintelligent and observant, just not good in reading people and social situations. After a chance encounter with Odette Leroy, the illegitimate daughter of a renown French actress, he finds, he can’t get her out of his mind. When Odette’s mother calculatingly orchestrates a compromising situation, they find themselves rushed into a sudden marriage of propriety. Because of her dubious parentage, Odette has never been fully accepted by the polite society and while she now tries to find her place as Simon’s wife, Simon must battle his own demons to understand that he can be more to her than an unwanted burden.
The writing style of the author is beautiful – the book is very easy to read and the story pulls you right in from the very beginning. Details of the historical era are elegantly interwoven into the storyline. The story itself is one that also speaks to a modern mind, delivering a strong point. Therefore the book is one that I would suggest even to those, who are not maybe exactly fans of historical romance.
There are no larger than life heroes or dashingly beautiful heroines in this story. The characters feel realistic, like flesh and bone people, your friends or next-door neighbors – genuine people with their own joys and struggles. We meet some characters from the previous books, like Jeremy and Lily, George and Meredith and get to know more about the last Stratford sibling Simon. It is always interesting to see a different type of male lead in a historical romance (neither the dark and brooding nor the god-like and golden one) – Simon Stratford is definitely one of these cases. Being neurodivergent he doesn’t really fit any of the typical main lead standards. It is an interesting insight in a hyperintelligent and neurodivergent mind and the representation of it feels quite realistic. The female lead, Odette, is a quiet and introverted woman, who grew up in the middle of the world of drama and theatrics, but never really fitted in. Having lived most of her life in the shadow of her mother, not appreciated for who she is herself, she struggles hard to find her place. She is infinitely patient, caring and devoted. Both of them are outcasts in their own way, suffering a similar sensation of imposter syndrome. It is interesting to follow their growth and the way they accept, grow into and finally learn to cherish the changes forced upon them – together they make a couple, that really deserves their happily ever after. All in all it is a lovely story of coming into their own and of finally being appreciated for who they are. Cannot wait to find out what is coming next from the author’s pen.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Simon Stratford, the youngest child of the Earl of Aldborough, has been different his whole life. Always more concerned with his intellectual pursuits than following the societal norms, he has become a social pariah despite his influential family. He exists in the orderly world of numbers and mathematics. Consumed by his work, he has never counted on meeting a woman to marry or having a family of his own. He is thought to be rude and distant when in reality he is hyperintelligent and observant, just not good in reading people and social situations. After a chance encounter with Odette Leroy, the illegitimate daughter of a renown French actress, he finds, he can’t get her out of his mind. When Odette’s mother calculatingly orchestrates a compromising situation, they find themselves rushed into a sudden marriage of propriety. Because of her dubious parentage, Odette has never been fully accepted by the polite society and while she now tries to find her place as Simon’s wife, Simon must battle his own demons to understand that he can be more to her than an unwanted burden.
The writing style of the author is beautiful – the book is very easy to read and the story pulls you right in from the very beginning. Details of the historical era are elegantly interwoven into the storyline. The story itself is one that also speaks to a modern mind, delivering a strong point. Therefore the book is one that I would suggest even to those, who are not maybe exactly fans of historical romance.
There are no larger than life heroes or dashingly beautiful heroines in this story. The characters feel realistic, like flesh and bone people, your friends or next-door neighbors – genuine people with their own joys and struggles. We meet some characters from the previous books, like Jeremy and Lily, George and Meredith and get to know more about the last Stratford sibling Simon. It is always interesting to see a different type of male lead in a historical romance (neither the dark and brooding nor the god-like and golden one) – Simon Stratford is definitely one of these cases. Being neurodivergent he doesn’t really fit any of the typical main lead standards. It is an interesting insight in a hyperintelligent and neurodivergent mind and the representation of it feels quite realistic. The female lead, Odette, is a quiet and introverted woman, who grew up in the middle of the world of drama and theatrics, but never really fitted in. Having lived most of her life in the shadow of her mother, not appreciated for who she is herself, she struggles hard to find her place. She is infinitely patient, caring and devoted. Both of them are outcasts in their own way, suffering a similar sensation of imposter syndrome. It is interesting to follow their growth and the way they accept, grow into and finally learn to cherish the changes forced upon them – together they make a couple, that really deserves their happily ever after. All in all it is a lovely story of coming into their own and of finally being appreciated for who they are. Cannot wait to find out what is coming next from the author’s pen.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 10, 2024
Fall in love all once more in this final installation in "The Stratford Family" series. Despite being born into a life of privilege, Simon Stratford is far from being the golden boy of the ton. His interests and mannerisms have placed him solidly on the outskirts and earned him the label of "odd." He's far more interested in a world of orderly numbers and complex equations than Society's confusing customs and forked tongues. His mind is consumed by his work...that is, until he has a chance meeting with Odette Leroy.
Odette is the illegitimate child of a French actress and grew up in the theater; however, her quiet, caring nature is at odds with the vibrant, cutthroat world of her mother. When she first meets the interesting, quirky Mr. Simon Stratford, she wonders why a man so handsome and from such an illustrious family could show interest in her. When his earnestness becomes apparent, she finds herself very quickly falling for the quiet, intelligent man. Her mother, scenting an opportunity, takes matters into her own hands and orchestrates a compromising situation where Simon is coerced into offering for Odette. Rushed into a marriage of propriety, Simon and Odette must learn to coexist and appreciate one another. Simon struggles to come to terms with the idea that something -- someone -- could be as important to him as his work, and he must realize that he can be more to his wife than an anchor, dragging her down before she has a chance to soar.
Brimming with simmering desire, forced proximity, a marriage of propriety, a Neurodivergent hero, and the return of favorite characters from prior books in the series, "Loving Mister Stratford" is a delectable conclusion to Kelsey Swanson's first published series.
NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON: https://a.co/d/2HGK0Fy
Odette is the illegitimate child of a French actress and grew up in the theater; however, her quiet, caring nature is at odds with the vibrant, cutthroat world of her mother. When she first meets the interesting, quirky Mr. Simon Stratford, she wonders why a man so handsome and from such an illustrious family could show interest in her. When his earnestness becomes apparent, she finds herself very quickly falling for the quiet, intelligent man. Her mother, scenting an opportunity, takes matters into her own hands and orchestrates a compromising situation where Simon is coerced into offering for Odette. Rushed into a marriage of propriety, Simon and Odette must learn to coexist and appreciate one another. Simon struggles to come to terms with the idea that something -- someone -- could be as important to him as his work, and he must realize that he can be more to his wife than an anchor, dragging her down before she has a chance to soar.
Brimming with simmering desire, forced proximity, a marriage of propriety, a Neurodivergent hero, and the return of favorite characters from prior books in the series, "Loving Mister Stratford" is a delectable conclusion to Kelsey Swanson's first published series.
NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON: https://a.co/d/2HGK0Fy
August 19, 2024
Loving Mr. Stratford by Kelsey Swanson is the third addition to her Stratford Family series. This is a regency romance and while it can be read as a standalone it really shouldn't be, you miss a lot of interpersonal connections if you do. This book yet again steps up the spice, I would say it's no longer minimum spice but instead medium amounts. The sub plots cover what I saw as neurodivergence so bare that in mind when you read.
Odette and Simon are a unique pairing if ever there was one. She is a beauty of questionable parentage, her mother an actress, her father an unknown. Yet she's always managed to stay on the fringe of society. Simon is a second son, not without respect but he has a great distaste for social functions as it takes away from his passion, numbers. Together they dance around courting, Odette beginning to understand exactly what being with him would entail when her mother interferes. Lets just say I yelled at the mother as I read. There are more mysteries that reveal themselves as they continue their relationship.
This book didn't hook me as hard as George and Merediths but I think that is much more a reflection of my personality than anything. It is beautifully written and a must read for people who love to root for the underdog, love spice and a good regency romance.
Odette and Simon are a unique pairing if ever there was one. She is a beauty of questionable parentage, her mother an actress, her father an unknown. Yet she's always managed to stay on the fringe of society. Simon is a second son, not without respect but he has a great distaste for social functions as it takes away from his passion, numbers. Together they dance around courting, Odette beginning to understand exactly what being with him would entail when her mother interferes. Lets just say I yelled at the mother as I read. There are more mysteries that reveal themselves as they continue their relationship.
This book didn't hook me as hard as George and Merediths but I think that is much more a reflection of my personality than anything. It is beautifully written and a must read for people who love to root for the underdog, love spice and a good regency romance.
April 5, 2024
Swanson is a new author to me and as I always do, I started her series with the third book! I’m hopeless, I know, but I don’t really mind reading a book out of order and then going back if I’m intrigued. And this time I was very, very intrigued, because I loved this one so much! And it makes for a good standalone, so I wasn’t confused at all. The writing is really beautiful and the characters are gorgeously fleshed out. I particularly appreciated her portrayal of Simon and his “quirks”. I’ve always wondered about the difficulties of a person in the spectrum in the past and I think that the author’s representation was very realistic. I really felt for him, even if he should have talked with Odette more or maybe confided in his sister in law, seeing that she was the only one who seemed to understand him apart from Odette. Odette is so sweet, even too sweet for her own good, and I really rooted for her. I so wanted to see their HEA! And I wasn’t disappointed at all. A solid five star read.
January 19, 2025
My favorite of the series!
I have enjoyed The Stratford Family series and this book, without a doubt, is my favorite of the three!!! I adored Odette and Simon. Their chemistry was fabulous and the progression of their relationship was so sweet and lovely. The way they navigated getting to know one another and how they cared for each other was beautiful. And when they experienced relationship turmoil, it was always clear that they cared for the other intensely and everything they did was what they thought was best for the other…even when their actions were misguided. The story was great, as it focused on the couples’ relationship which I think works best for a forced marriage trope like this one. The steamy scenes were wonderful…Simon’s hyper focused neurodivergence certainly paid off!!! Kelsey Swanson’s writing gets better with each book. I look forward to reading more of her work.
I have enjoyed The Stratford Family series and this book, without a doubt, is my favorite of the three!!! I adored Odette and Simon. Their chemistry was fabulous and the progression of their relationship was so sweet and lovely. The way they navigated getting to know one another and how they cared for each other was beautiful. And when they experienced relationship turmoil, it was always clear that they cared for the other intensely and everything they did was what they thought was best for the other…even when their actions were misguided. The story was great, as it focused on the couples’ relationship which I think works best for a forced marriage trope like this one. The steamy scenes were wonderful…Simon’s hyper focused neurodivergence certainly paid off!!! Kelsey Swanson’s writing gets better with each book. I look forward to reading more of her work.
August 25, 2024
Just weird. The hero is weird. Most of the book the hero is not engaging with the heroine except when they occasionally get together for sex. He spent the majority of his time alone writing his math thesis….to the point of weird obsession. That’s it. Nothing deep. Boring plot.
August 9, 2025
Machinations...
When one's mother is an actress and sometimes, courtesan, life can be hard for a young lady, no matter the education she has received. I think even more than the love story, I was surprised by finding out who the father was.
When one's mother is an actress and sometimes, courtesan, life can be hard for a young lady, no matter the education she has received. I think even more than the love story, I was surprised by finding out who the father was.
September 5, 2024
Simon and Odette were such a fun couple to read. They definitely had their tough times but that just makes the HEA that much sweeter!
September 16, 2024
Enjoyable and interesting but contains typos and errors. Author refers to Eton as Eaton and misuses the word crisis a couple of times.
December 5, 2024
Pleasant story. Kinda light on the characterization.
June 27, 2025
So adorable! Odette is just the sweetest and Simon is a cinnamon roll. I love the neurodivergent rep! But I really need to get a break from the pregnancy trope.
August 4, 2025
Review to self.
#solidfive
#solidfive
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2025
If you like historical romance with a smattering of spice, this book is for you. Wonderful characters, great storyline. Loved it!
January 2, 2026
Nice people fall in love and nothing really happens
June 3, 2024
This is the third book in, "The Stratford Family" series. It is an extremely original and well written story. It spoke of a unique topic of Elliptic and Hyperbolic Geometry and also about The London Mathematical Society. I enjoyed all the characters' kindness and the challenges they faced. This was such a beautiful romance even with all its ups and downs, which at times could be delightful and at others despondent and undetermined on what would happen next. I liked how their relationship started by a sudden mishap yet developed into such love, including delicious steam. I highly recommend reading!
January 12, 2025
Very character driven.
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