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The Noble Hearts #1
For the Love of the Viscount
Bluestocking Lady Elise Smith is a very content spinster. She holds intellectual gatherings and attends poetry readings, mind-improving lectures, and art shows. She runs her father’s household with quiet and determine efficiency, which is why she is absolutely stunned when Papa informs his three daughters that until Lady Elise is happily settled with—gasp—a husband, he will not consider offers for his two younger daughters.
Lord Simon St. George has happily watched one friend after another become leg-shackled, taking pride in the fact that his title is secured by a brother and nephew, so there is no reason to seek a wife for himself. When he sees a woman previously unknown to him at a ball, who seems to be hiding from the rest of the attendees, he is intrigued enough to introduce himself.
Simon sees a lovely, intelligent woman to pass the time with, Elise sees a man who can help her thwart her father by pretending they are courting. But even the best plans can go awry…
Lord Simon St. George has happily watched one friend after another become leg-shackled, taking pride in the fact that his title is secured by a brother and nephew, so there is no reason to seek a wife for himself. When he sees a woman previously unknown to him at a ball, who seems to be hiding from the rest of the attendees, he is intrigued enough to introduce himself.
Simon sees a lovely, intelligent woman to pass the time with, Elise sees a man who can help her thwart her father by pretending they are courting. But even the best plans can go awry…
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2017
406 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
About the author
Callie Hutton
142 books1,442 followershttp://calliehutton.com/newsletter/ (receive a free book for signing up and be up to date on new releases and sales)
Hi Romance Fans,
My historical romances are full of heat, humor, and quirky characters. I’ve always loved history, which was my college major. Things of the past fascinate me. Not those boring history classes in high school, but the history of people. How they lived their lives, what they ate, what they wore, the challenges they faced, what they worried about.
I have recently delved into Historical Cozy Mysteries. My very first one, For the Love of the Baron, a Historical Romantic Suspense novella, spurred me to try a full length, non-romance focused cozy mystery. A Study in Murder released last year from Crooked Lane Publishing, and the reviews have been excellent. The second book, The Sign of Death, released this year and the next book, The Mystery of Albert E. Finch will release in January of 2022.
I've also been busy keeping up with my Regency/Victorian romances. Check out my latest series, The Rose Room Rogues. Four brothers who own a gambling club and find themselves caught in the net of love.
Watch for my new Highlander series, The Sutherlands of Dornoch. The first book in that series, To Deceive a Highlander, will release March 30th.
Take a look around my website and check out some of the books I write, and their lovely covers. www.calliehutton.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
January 15, 2018
NO. Just no, no, no. No plot, no angst, no conflict. Stupid, silly characters. Don't do it.
July 7, 2017
Lovely short story.
There's a good mixture of romance between Elise and Simon and humor.
There's a good mixture of romance between Elise and Simon and humor.
July 2, 2023
In this laid-back, easy-going romance with easy-to-like characters, I quite enjoyed Elise's father's attempts to get her a husband. Now I'm curious about the stories of the other Smith sisters, so probably I'll read the series!
January 20, 2020
'Bluestocking Lady Elise Smith is a very content spinster. She holds intellectual gatherings and attends poetry readings, mind-improving lectures, and art shows. She runs her father’s household with quiet and determine efficiency, which is why she is absolutely stunned when Papa informs his three daughters that until Lady Elise is happily settled with—gasp—a husband, he will not consider offers for his two younger daughters.
Lord Simon St. George has happily watched one friend after another become leg-shackled, taking pride in the fact that his title is secured by a brother and nephew, so there is no reason to seek a wife for himself. When he sees a woman previously unknown to him at a ball, who seems to be hiding from the rest of the attendees, he is intrigued enough to introduce himself.
Simon sees a lovely, intelligent woman to pass the time with, Elise sees a man who can help her thwart her father by pretending they are courting. But even the best plans can go awry…'
_____________________________
For the Love of the Viscount is the first book in Callie Hutton's The Noble Heartd Series.
Elise is the eldest daughter of the Earl of Pomeroy and has been running his household since she was just ten years old when she lost her mother to consumption. As well as being mistress of the house, she has served as both sister and mother to her two younger sisters. As both a spinster and blustocking, she enjoys a certain level of independence and has no intention give that up to marriage. But her father disrupts all her plans by deciding that the sisters must marry in order of age. Therefore her sisters may not consider marriage until Elise has made it to the altar.
I found this marriage constraint given by their father to be a lttle cheesy as a plot device, but at the same time I loved it because I thought it was amusing that he had given this order because he was sick of being managed by his daughters and inundated by their shopkeepers' bills.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between St. George and Elise. They were quite silly and ridiculous, but also sweet and witty. They hatch a plan of their own to counter her father's: he'll keep potential husbands away from her at ton events and she'll keep the scheming debutantes and their mamas away from him. Before they know it though this leads them into attraction, jealousy, and dangerous territory. I really loved Elise's show of jealousy during that me of pall mall.
At a certain point Elise bypassed independent and detoured straight into stubborn, at which point she started to get on my nerves a bit. They were in love with each other and he was proving himself in every way he could and still she kept dragging her feet, even though it was making her miserable.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and will be continuing on with this series. I'm interested to see how things will turn out for her two sisters and if there is a happy ending in store for her father.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
Lord Simon St. George has happily watched one friend after another become leg-shackled, taking pride in the fact that his title is secured by a brother and nephew, so there is no reason to seek a wife for himself. When he sees a woman previously unknown to him at a ball, who seems to be hiding from the rest of the attendees, he is intrigued enough to introduce himself.
Simon sees a lovely, intelligent woman to pass the time with, Elise sees a man who can help her thwart her father by pretending they are courting. But even the best plans can go awry…'
_____________________________
For the Love of the Viscount is the first book in Callie Hutton's The Noble Heartd Series.
Elise is the eldest daughter of the Earl of Pomeroy and has been running his household since she was just ten years old when she lost her mother to consumption. As well as being mistress of the house, she has served as both sister and mother to her two younger sisters. As both a spinster and blustocking, she enjoys a certain level of independence and has no intention give that up to marriage. But her father disrupts all her plans by deciding that the sisters must marry in order of age. Therefore her sisters may not consider marriage until Elise has made it to the altar.
I found this marriage constraint given by their father to be a lttle cheesy as a plot device, but at the same time I loved it because I thought it was amusing that he had given this order because he was sick of being managed by his daughters and inundated by their shopkeepers' bills.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between St. George and Elise. They were quite silly and ridiculous, but also sweet and witty. They hatch a plan of their own to counter her father's: he'll keep potential husbands away from her at ton events and she'll keep the scheming debutantes and their mamas away from him. Before they know it though this leads them into attraction, jealousy, and dangerous territory. I really loved Elise's show of jealousy during that me of pall mall.
At a certain point Elise bypassed independent and detoured straight into stubborn, at which point she started to get on my nerves a bit. They were in love with each other and he was proving himself in every way he could and still she kept dragging her feet, even though it was making her miserable.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and will be continuing on with this series. I'm interested to see how things will turn out for her two sisters and if there is a happy ending in store for her father.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
July 6, 2019
A cute/light historical romance featuring our h Elisa, a feisty/determined lady who decides to never marry. Unfortunately, her father has different ideas and blackmails her not to allow her younger sisters to get married until she does first.
Problem is solved (apparently) with a fake engagement with our H (Simon) who pretends to court her for her father's sake.
Unfortunately, attraction (and love) get in the way and our H decides to change his plans and seduce the lady to force marriage.
Witty banter/endearing characters/fast read - good diversion
Problem is solved (apparently) with a fake engagement with our H (Simon) who pretends to court her for her father's sake.
Unfortunately, attraction (and love) get in the way and our H decides to change his plans and seduce the lady to force marriage.
Witty banter/endearing characters/fast read - good diversion
September 2, 2019
A little silly, a little hormonal, a little boring, and altogether modern. I can't say I hated this, but I also won't remember it tomorrow.
June 26, 2020
This one is very light and ended up not being my thing, even though it had the spinster/bluestocking and fake relationship tropes I enjoy. Elise and St George meet very quickly with no event, he just gets an introduction at a ball and decides he likes her, and she just immediately likes him back with no drama. See, Elise has decided she will never get married because she likes her independence, but now her father is forcing her to, by not letting her younger sisters court until she's married. She asks St George to pretend to court her to placate her father and to keep other possible suitors at bay, but here's where I got lost a bit. He's young, handsome, and titled, they enjoy each other's company, theyre physically attracted to each other, and he has gone to her vaguely described intellectual gathering (we're told one group is discussing a book but other than that Elise seems to know a lot about everything and we don't get to hear or see any of it). But even with all these points in his favor, Elise never once considers a real courtship. It got very frustrating to read about the men in her life calling her stubborn in a fond way when she was actively stopping her own happiness and didn't grow at all during the book.
Why St George doesn't want to get married is something that would be a subplot in any other book, but here is one paragraph and brushed aside with a hurried realization that he loves Elise. The pacing just doesn't allow me to care very much. I never ended up liking any of the characters nor did I find their foibles funny. Elise gets so competitive during a game that she seriously injures someone and it's meant to be funny I suppose? But I did not like that at all. A lot of what Elise does and thinks may be realistic, since there are all sorts of people in the world, even in the insulated Regency nobility, but in a romance novel they didn't seem realistic. She doesn't want to get married and lose her independence, but what happens when her dad dies? Or if he remarries, or cuts her off. She wants to be a doting aunt, so is she planning on one of her sisters marrying someone who will support her as well? That would be awful for independence. Why doesn't she consider at all some type of marriage of convenience with another intellectual, or consider the likelihood of becoming a governess, or even fantasize about a love match with a man who never tries to clip her wings?
At a point when they each decide they need to marry, Elise's inner complaints are a lack of love and romance from St George when she hasn't declared love or even realized she loves yet. Seriously, she spends the first half of the book telling him over and over how she doesn't want to get married, will never get married, and only enjoys spending time with him because she knows he will not ask her to marry him. Then they have sex and he thinks they should get married and she refuses then sulks because he won't ask her more romantically?
She's very willing to play fast and loose with her reputation without any acknowledgement that she is jeopardizing her sisters' futures and I found that really selfish and frustrating, and she doesn't seem to care much about St George's reputation either. She essentially asks him to jilt her, as if that would be fine for him, even though her father could possibly sue him at that point (especially if he found out about the sex, which he does), and he would be the subject of gossip at the very least if people thought he seduced a gently bred lady. As it is he gets punched by someone and harassed by another because of Elise. Honestly, I'm not sure what either of them see in each other. There's a good moment at her first intellectual get together where he humbly knows he is out of his depth but thinks about how he would enjoy learning enough to jump in, how it reminds him of energized debate in college, and I would have loved to explore that more, have more than a physical connection with her.
By the end, we get the big gesture she wants, in a sort of grovel scene, but I don't still don't really see why he has to. Why doesn't she grovel at all for being stubborn and wrong and keeping some really important info from him? The book even goes so far as to say the pregnant Elise refuses to get married quickly, because she wants a huge romantic fairy tale wedding. There's an attempt to paint her as a secret romantic who pushed it all down, but it doesn't work for me. Again, she shows a lack of caring about her reputation, her sisters', her husband's, their title and the heir presumptive she is carrying, to make it obvious their baby was conceived before marriage. What if his brother or nephew challenges the legitimacy someday?
So, if you are looking for just a light candy read, you probably won't be too concerned with these details and it will probably be fine for a quick read, but this author is probably not for me.
Why St George doesn't want to get married is something that would be a subplot in any other book, but here is one paragraph and brushed aside with a hurried realization that he loves Elise. The pacing just doesn't allow me to care very much. I never ended up liking any of the characters nor did I find their foibles funny. Elise gets so competitive during a game that she seriously injures someone and it's meant to be funny I suppose? But I did not like that at all. A lot of what Elise does and thinks may be realistic, since there are all sorts of people in the world, even in the insulated Regency nobility, but in a romance novel they didn't seem realistic. She doesn't want to get married and lose her independence, but what happens when her dad dies? Or if he remarries, or cuts her off. She wants to be a doting aunt, so is she planning on one of her sisters marrying someone who will support her as well? That would be awful for independence. Why doesn't she consider at all some type of marriage of convenience with another intellectual, or consider the likelihood of becoming a governess, or even fantasize about a love match with a man who never tries to clip her wings?
At a point when they each decide they need to marry, Elise's inner complaints are a lack of love and romance from St George when she hasn't declared love or even realized she loves yet. Seriously, she spends the first half of the book telling him over and over how she doesn't want to get married, will never get married, and only enjoys spending time with him because she knows he will not ask her to marry him. Then they have sex and he thinks they should get married and she refuses then sulks because he won't ask her more romantically?
She's very willing to play fast and loose with her reputation without any acknowledgement that she is jeopardizing her sisters' futures and I found that really selfish and frustrating, and she doesn't seem to care much about St George's reputation either. She essentially asks him to jilt her, as if that would be fine for him, even though her father could possibly sue him at that point (especially if he found out about the sex, which he does), and he would be the subject of gossip at the very least if people thought he seduced a gently bred lady. As it is he gets punched by someone and harassed by another because of Elise. Honestly, I'm not sure what either of them see in each other. There's a good moment at her first intellectual get together where he humbly knows he is out of his depth but thinks about how he would enjoy learning enough to jump in, how it reminds him of energized debate in college, and I would have loved to explore that more, have more than a physical connection with her.
By the end, we get the big gesture she wants, in a sort of grovel scene, but I don't still don't really see why he has to. Why doesn't she grovel at all for being stubborn and wrong and keeping some really important info from him? The book even goes so far as to say the pregnant Elise refuses to get married quickly, because she wants a huge romantic fairy tale wedding. There's an attempt to paint her as a secret romantic who pushed it all down, but it doesn't work for me. Again, she shows a lack of caring about her reputation, her sisters', her husband's, their title and the heir presumptive she is carrying, to make it obvious their baby was conceived before marriage. What if his brother or nephew challenges the legitimacy someday?
So, if you are looking for just a light candy read, you probably won't be too concerned with these details and it will probably be fine for a quick read, but this author is probably not for me.
March 22, 2017
Forget marriage minded mommas…..we have the Earl of Pomeroy. His scheme is brilliant. He could give lessons to the mommas. He wants each of his three daughters to find the true love that he had with their dearly departed mother. He also wants to be out from under the mountain of bills for the girl’s fineries and fripperies. The scheme is simple; no offers will be accepted for the two younger girls until the oldest, and most stubborn, is married.
Lady Elise Smith is 23 and very happy with her life as a bluestocking. She holds intellectual salons and meetings in her father’s home, runs the house for him and enjoys an independence that she believes will disappear upon marrying. She is unaware of her beauty and appeal. While she is at home and confident in the intellectual world she has created, the social whirl that is a season confounds and confuses her, leaving her feeling vulnerable and uncomfortable. She has her own plans to circumvent her father’s scheme and sees Simon as her chance.
Lord Simon, Viscount St. George has long held to the idea that he is NOT interested in marriage and has been running from the mommas like a fox in the hunt. His reasons for avoiding marriage are personal and make sense. He is intrigued with Elise and sees in her the intelligence, wicked sense of humor and honesty that is so different from the usual debutante. He plans to help Elise avoid the men on the hunt and expects her to keep the mommas and their daughters away from him for the season. The façade that he has presented to the ton hides a high-brow underneath. He is drawn to the intellectual pursuits that Elise enjoys.
This is a wonderfully fun read with quick paced conversations, humor, characters you can love and cheer for and a hilarious game of Pall Mall that had me laughing so hard there were several snorts. Ms. Hutton creates worlds that you cannot help but become engrossed and immersed in. Often there are points in stories where the decision to admit their feeling drags out to the point you want to scream, COMMIT, but this had none of those spots; it flowed and Ms. Hutton held my interest and gave the characters just enough room to grow accustomed to the idea of love and marriage that was charming.
I am looking forward to the further creative sneakiness of the Earl of Pomeroy. We are left wondering about one of the sisters and I hope it is her story we read next. I love when a book leaves you anticipating another visit with the characters you have come to know and love.
This is a 4.5 Star book for me.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Lady Elise Smith is 23 and very happy with her life as a bluestocking. She holds intellectual salons and meetings in her father’s home, runs the house for him and enjoys an independence that she believes will disappear upon marrying. She is unaware of her beauty and appeal. While she is at home and confident in the intellectual world she has created, the social whirl that is a season confounds and confuses her, leaving her feeling vulnerable and uncomfortable. She has her own plans to circumvent her father’s scheme and sees Simon as her chance.
Lord Simon, Viscount St. George has long held to the idea that he is NOT interested in marriage and has been running from the mommas like a fox in the hunt. His reasons for avoiding marriage are personal and make sense. He is intrigued with Elise and sees in her the intelligence, wicked sense of humor and honesty that is so different from the usual debutante. He plans to help Elise avoid the men on the hunt and expects her to keep the mommas and their daughters away from him for the season. The façade that he has presented to the ton hides a high-brow underneath. He is drawn to the intellectual pursuits that Elise enjoys.
This is a wonderfully fun read with quick paced conversations, humor, characters you can love and cheer for and a hilarious game of Pall Mall that had me laughing so hard there were several snorts. Ms. Hutton creates worlds that you cannot help but become engrossed and immersed in. Often there are points in stories where the decision to admit their feeling drags out to the point you want to scream, COMMIT, but this had none of those spots; it flowed and Ms. Hutton held my interest and gave the characters just enough room to grow accustomed to the idea of love and marriage that was charming.
I am looking forward to the further creative sneakiness of the Earl of Pomeroy. We are left wondering about one of the sisters and I hope it is her story we read next. I love when a book leaves you anticipating another visit with the characters you have come to know and love.
This is a 4.5 Star book for me.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
April 4, 2017
Loved the story
I love Callie Hutton. She is an autobuy for me and this story was very sweet and I laughed out loud at several places. Loved her father. The h annoyed me a little during that the middle but she but she eventually came around. Loved the hero too. He was very nice. Just a great low angst fun story. Can't wait to see more of her family in the next two books.
I love Callie Hutton. She is an autobuy for me and this story was very sweet and I laughed out loud at several places. Loved her father. The h annoyed me a little during that the middle but she but she eventually came around. Loved the hero too. He was very nice. Just a great low angst fun story. Can't wait to see more of her family in the next two books.
August 13, 2021
3.5 Stars
For the Love of the Viscount was an enjoyable start to the Noble Hearts series featuring a fake dating romance.
The last thing Lady Elise Smith, an unashamed bluestocking, wants is to marry as she prefers her freedom to attend intellectual gatherings, lectures, and art shows rather than ton events. But when her father declares her two younger sisters cannot marry until Elise does, she is forced into Society to ensure their happiness. At her first ball she meets Lord Simon St. George who is trying to avoid match-making mamas and they agree to help each other by pretending to be courting. But the longer their ruse goes on, the more real their feelings become.
I really enjoyed Elise's character, particularly the fact that she knew she was a bluestocking and made no apologies for it. She's confident about her intelligence and enjoys the independence she's carved out as a spinster. I liked how close she was with her two sisters although I wish there were more scenes of the three of them together. Simon was quite the charmer and has managed to avoid marriage thus far having decided to do so after his mother abandoned his father. Underneath his fun exterior, Simon is actually a highbrow which I really enjoyed as you don't see that too often.
Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes so I was very excited for Elise and Simon's romance. I enjoyed the scene where the pair come up with the scheme and the outings they went on to keep up the charade. I also liked it when it became clear their relationship was developing into something more and the steamy scenes once it did were very well done. Unfortunately Simon and Elise had differing ideas on what their relationship was turning into, he wanted something serious and she wanted something no-strings. This is when Elise's need to hold onto her independence got a bit annoying as it was clear she was holding more onto the idea than the reality. Add in the use of a trope I dislike, , and I was mildly annoyed in the last third of the book. Eventually the pair work things out and I did mostly enjoy their relationship.
Overall For the Love of the Viscount was a good read and I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series, For the Love of the Marquess.
For the Love of the Viscount was an enjoyable start to the Noble Hearts series featuring a fake dating romance.
The last thing Lady Elise Smith, an unashamed bluestocking, wants is to marry as she prefers her freedom to attend intellectual gatherings, lectures, and art shows rather than ton events. But when her father declares her two younger sisters cannot marry until Elise does, she is forced into Society to ensure their happiness. At her first ball she meets Lord Simon St. George who is trying to avoid match-making mamas and they agree to help each other by pretending to be courting. But the longer their ruse goes on, the more real their feelings become.
I really enjoyed Elise's character, particularly the fact that she knew she was a bluestocking and made no apologies for it. She's confident about her intelligence and enjoys the independence she's carved out as a spinster. I liked how close she was with her two sisters although I wish there were more scenes of the three of them together. Simon was quite the charmer and has managed to avoid marriage thus far having decided to do so after his mother abandoned his father. Underneath his fun exterior, Simon is actually a highbrow which I really enjoyed as you don't see that too often.
Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes so I was very excited for Elise and Simon's romance. I enjoyed the scene where the pair come up with the scheme and the outings they went on to keep up the charade. I also liked it when it became clear their relationship was developing into something more and the steamy scenes once it did were very well done. Unfortunately Simon and Elise had differing ideas on what their relationship was turning into, he wanted something serious and she wanted something no-strings. This is when Elise's need to hold onto her independence got a bit annoying as it was clear she was holding more onto the idea than the reality. Add in the use of a trope I dislike, , and I was mildly annoyed in the last third of the book. Eventually the pair work things out and I did mostly enjoy their relationship.
Overall For the Love of the Viscount was a good read and I will definitely be picking up the next book in the series, For the Love of the Marquess.
November 23, 2018
Lovely HEA story. I really enjoyed reading this. Looking forward to the next in this series.
4☆
4☆
June 13, 2019
A nice beach read with a lovely bluestocking heroine! She was truly my favorite part of it. Not a strenuous plot, but interesting and fun.
January 29, 2019
Series: The Noble Hearts #1
Publication Date: 3/17/17
Number of Pages: 168
This is my second book by this author and I loved the lighthearted, upbeat, witty tale. Wonderfully, there wasn’t any angst, no ‘woe is me’, no conflict, no danger – just a delightfully entertaining tale. The writing was excellent and I adored the characters. It was an excellent introduction to the Smith family – Lord Henry, Earl of Pomeroy and father to Elise, Juliet, and Marigold. You’ll love Pomeroy, he is the sweetest man and most loving father – he adores his girls, but it is time for them to marry and pass on their bills to their husbands. His thought is “T’was time for others – with hefty bankrolls – to cherish them as well.”
Lady Elise Smith is very happy with her life. She’s the oldest of three sisters, her father loves her, and he allows her all of the freedoms she craves. She has absolutely no intention of marrying – ever. It isn’t that she sees marriage as a bad thing – it just isn’t for her. No husband would ever give her the freedom she gets from her father – nor would he share her interests. Yes, she is an unrepentant bluestocking. So, when her father calls them all together one morning and announces that Elise must marry before he’ll even entertain marriage offers for the other two, they, especially Elisa, are aghast! Beg, wheedle or cajole – they couldn’t change his mind.
Simon, Viscount St. George is also very happy with his life and has no intention of marrying. His title is secure because his brother is married and has a son, so no worries there. He’s handsome, charming and sought after by all of the hostesses in London – and he’s very, very adept at avoiding the marriage-minded mama’s and their offspring. He’s delighted when he attends the Cummings’ ball and sees a beautiful woman that he hasn’t met before. He’s even more delighted when he discovers how honest, intelligent and straight-forward she is – nothing like any of the other misses who are husband hunting.
Soon, Simon and Elise make a pact to pretend they are courting to protect her from men and him from the ladies who want to ensnare him. At the end of the season, he’ll go his own way and she can then convince her father that she is unmarriageable and resume her life as usual. That all works – sort of – except, they don’t count on how attracted they are to each other or how wiley her father is.
An example of the humor is during a conversation Elise has with her father. Her father says, “He is to treat you like fine porcelain.” To which she replies, “Me?” – Then her father says “Hmm, well, perhaps sturdy kitchen crockery.”
I definitely enjoyed this book and I think you will too! Happy reading!
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 3/17/17
Number of Pages: 168
This is my second book by this author and I loved the lighthearted, upbeat, witty tale. Wonderfully, there wasn’t any angst, no ‘woe is me’, no conflict, no danger – just a delightfully entertaining tale. The writing was excellent and I adored the characters. It was an excellent introduction to the Smith family – Lord Henry, Earl of Pomeroy and father to Elise, Juliet, and Marigold. You’ll love Pomeroy, he is the sweetest man and most loving father – he adores his girls, but it is time for them to marry and pass on their bills to their husbands. His thought is “T’was time for others – with hefty bankrolls – to cherish them as well.”
Lady Elise Smith is very happy with her life. She’s the oldest of three sisters, her father loves her, and he allows her all of the freedoms she craves. She has absolutely no intention of marrying – ever. It isn’t that she sees marriage as a bad thing – it just isn’t for her. No husband would ever give her the freedom she gets from her father – nor would he share her interests. Yes, she is an unrepentant bluestocking. So, when her father calls them all together one morning and announces that Elise must marry before he’ll even entertain marriage offers for the other two, they, especially Elisa, are aghast! Beg, wheedle or cajole – they couldn’t change his mind.
Simon, Viscount St. George is also very happy with his life and has no intention of marrying. His title is secure because his brother is married and has a son, so no worries there. He’s handsome, charming and sought after by all of the hostesses in London – and he’s very, very adept at avoiding the marriage-minded mama’s and their offspring. He’s delighted when he attends the Cummings’ ball and sees a beautiful woman that he hasn’t met before. He’s even more delighted when he discovers how honest, intelligent and straight-forward she is – nothing like any of the other misses who are husband hunting.
Soon, Simon and Elise make a pact to pretend they are courting to protect her from men and him from the ladies who want to ensnare him. At the end of the season, he’ll go his own way and she can then convince her father that she is unmarriageable and resume her life as usual. That all works – sort of – except, they don’t count on how attracted they are to each other or how wiley her father is.
An example of the humor is during a conversation Elise has with her father. Her father says, “He is to treat you like fine porcelain.” To which she replies, “Me?” – Then her father says “Hmm, well, perhaps sturdy kitchen crockery.”
I definitely enjoyed this book and I think you will too! Happy reading!
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
March 20, 2017
This novella was very sweet and charming. Very fast pace, but I enjoyed Elsie and Simon HEA.
March 24, 2017
Lady Elise Smith is being blackmailed by her father. She has been adamant about not marrying so her father has decided that his 3 daughters would wed by birth order. That means that Elise's 2 younger sisters won't be able to marry until Elise does. She is a bluestocking who is opposed to marrying and losing her independence. When she meets Lord Simon, Viscount St George she makes a deal with him. He will pretend to court her for the season and then cry off at the end - she will then let her father know that she is unmarriagable and he will forget his plan. On her side, she will protect him from all the marriage minded mamas of the ton.
That plan last through the end of their first dance and they find they get along better than anyone would have imagined. While they were secretly falling in love with each other they managed to keep to their deal until Elise decided she wanted to know what she would be missing. After making love, Simon insists that they marry. He wasn't doing it to be honorable but because he knew he couldn't live without her.
Callie Hutton has created an amazing cast of characters with strong personalities. These are people you would love to meet and be friends with. Watching Elise There were some initial problems with downloading the book that Ms Hutton rectified personally. If you had problems downloading and decided to give up on this book you will be missing a great read.
That plan last through the end of their first dance and they find they get along better than anyone would have imagined. While they were secretly falling in love with each other they managed to keep to their deal until Elise decided she wanted to know what she would be missing. After making love, Simon insists that they marry. He wasn't doing it to be honorable but because he knew he couldn't live without her.
Callie Hutton has created an amazing cast of characters with strong personalities. These are people you would love to meet and be friends with. Watching Elise There were some initial problems with downloading the book that Ms Hutton rectified personally. If you had problems downloading and decided to give up on this book you will be missing a great read.
March 18, 2023
Fun and Light
I was introduced to Callie Hutton with a couple of Oregon Westerns. I greatly enjoyed them, but they had heartache and serious challenges as well as villains. This was my first Regency. I was in the mood for something with low angst and a likable hero. This fit the bill.
I was introduced to Callie Hutton with a couple of Oregon Westerns. I greatly enjoyed them, but they had heartache and serious challenges as well as villains. This was my first Regency. I was in the mood for something with low angst and a likable hero. This fit the bill.
February 11, 2018
This is the first book by Callie Hutton I have read and really enjoyed it. She did a great job with the characters. I am looking forward to reading other books in the series.
Want to read
April 24, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/24/2020)! 🎁
February 21, 2018
I won this book at a FB party, and wow, was it a prize! First off, I think the cover is eye-catching. It draws the reader in. The blurb was intriguing, and did the story justice. I was captivated as soon as I opened the book.
Elise Smith is a heroine I can relate to, despite the historical aspect. She finds social gatherings and parties rather bland, while educational meetings excite her. I like a brainy heroine.
I would fight Elise for Simon St. George, the hero! He is the perfect man. Gorgeous, humorous, and also brainy. Their banter and social interaction was so entertaining, those scenes holding their own against the sex scenes (not too many), which were beautifully described, yet not over the top.
The writing wasn't stilted, like many historical romance novels. It was down-to-earth but still rooted in the time period. I enjoyed the secondary characters, and would love to read a romance involving Elise's dad.
My only complaint would be the book was too short, and that's really a compliment. I didn't want it to end, though it had a satisfying ending.
It was a great romance, and I highly recommend it!
Elise Smith is a heroine I can relate to, despite the historical aspect. She finds social gatherings and parties rather bland, while educational meetings excite her. I like a brainy heroine.
I would fight Elise for Simon St. George, the hero! He is the perfect man. Gorgeous, humorous, and also brainy. Their banter and social interaction was so entertaining, those scenes holding their own against the sex scenes (not too many), which were beautifully described, yet not over the top.
The writing wasn't stilted, like many historical romance novels. It was down-to-earth but still rooted in the time period. I enjoyed the secondary characters, and would love to read a romance involving Elise's dad.
My only complaint would be the book was too short, and that's really a compliment. I didn't want it to end, though it had a satisfying ending.
It was a great romance, and I highly recommend it!
March 25, 2023
3.5 stars
This was a short quick and easy read that I thought was pretty funny at times. I kind of liked the romance but I was never fully on board with it. I guess I just really didn't see the chemistry. The one thing that bugged me so much was how Simon continuously told Elise he could never marry her because of her status in society which fine whatever but literally everyone told him he could be with whoever he wanted to be with but yet it took his mom saying pretty much the exact same things to him in the end for him to have a lightbulb moment. Also his freaking dad married his mom and she had the same status as Elise did. It was all just very frustrating.
This was a short quick and easy read that I thought was pretty funny at times. I kind of liked the romance but I was never fully on board with it. I guess I just really didn't see the chemistry. The one thing that bugged me so much was how Simon continuously told Elise he could never marry her because of her status in society which fine whatever but literally everyone told him he could be with whoever he wanted to be with but yet it took his mom saying pretty much the exact same things to him in the end for him to have a lightbulb moment. Also his freaking dad married his mom and she had the same status as Elise did. It was all just very frustrating.
July 31, 2019
Just ok
How I rate a story. (In order of importance):
Does it keep my attention? No, I started it several times and actually read other books in between..
Is it plausible / logical? No, not really. The decisions made seemed ridiculous and immature.
Grammatical errors or odd, repetitive language? Nothing that stood out or caused me to not enjoy the book.
Do I like the Characters? They were alright. Simon just ok, Elise was kinda bratty, and her dad was too manipulative.
All in all - it was just ok - 3 stars.
I just never felt like the story made sense. Her reasons to not marry were silly, her and Simon, who are complete strangers, agree to fake relationship overnight, the dad getting overly involved just because of bills, it's really weird. She's supposedly mature, intelligent, well read but her insistence that it's unlikely that you'll get pregnant after one time is inane.
How I rate a story. (In order of importance):
Does it keep my attention? No, I started it several times and actually read other books in between..
Is it plausible / logical? No, not really. The decisions made seemed ridiculous and immature.
Grammatical errors or odd, repetitive language? Nothing that stood out or caused me to not enjoy the book.
Do I like the Characters? They were alright. Simon just ok, Elise was kinda bratty, and her dad was too manipulative.
All in all - it was just ok - 3 stars.
I just never felt like the story made sense. Her reasons to not marry were silly, her and Simon, who are complete strangers, agree to fake relationship overnight, the dad getting overly involved just because of bills, it's really weird. She's supposedly mature, intelligent, well read but her insistence that it's unlikely that you'll get pregnant after one time is inane.
February 17, 2018
Right away...the dynamics between the family, the whole premise of the story... it just captured my attention and pulled me in right away
I truly fell in love with this story, the avowed spinster and the confirmed bachelor. 💙💙
Callie created such a strong heroine in Elise, her tenacity and determination, was also kind of part of what I liked least about her...her determination was also part of her stubborness...she was REALLY determined to NOT be married!
And how could I NOT fall for our hero, Simon??? He was what we want in a hero, honest, open...let's just say he was very forthright.... can you tell I just really loved Simon, he knew he was in love with Elise even if he didn't plan on falling for her...in the best way possible, he really loved her.
They both started out with no intention of getting married, not looking for love, and with specific ideas of what their life would be like, all planned out, spinster and bachelor forever.
There are two beautiful, heartfelt, special scenes, that could have come across as odd, awkward, had they been penned by a less skilled, less passionate author...but they come across so beautiful, so compassionate, sweet, kind and caring in Callie's capable hands. ❤❤
You can understand what motivates the hero or heroine's stubbornness, they aren't just pig-headed, commitmentphobes, they are truly born of legitimate fears...which is why although they appear to be very, very unmoving in their way of thinking...it all boils down to honest, deep seated fear, and once that fear is addressed, they realize that they're being unreasonable and what was perceived as being stubborn, is really insecurity that's relieved by communication snd of course, love. Perfectly portrayed 💘
I know the book has me when I feel like I know the characters, when I personally wanted to sit Elise down and tell her, oh honey, talk to Simon!! He loves you!! He loves your independence and your uniqueness, he would never want to stifle who you are!! TALK TO HIM!! Or say to Simon, seriously? THAT'S not a proposal!!! I honestly felt like I KNEW them 💙💙
Loved this book!!
I truly fell in love with this story, the avowed spinster and the confirmed bachelor. 💙💙
Callie created such a strong heroine in Elise, her tenacity and determination, was also kind of part of what I liked least about her...her determination was also part of her stubborness...she was REALLY determined to NOT be married!
And how could I NOT fall for our hero, Simon??? He was what we want in a hero, honest, open...let's just say he was very forthright.... can you tell I just really loved Simon, he knew he was in love with Elise even if he didn't plan on falling for her...in the best way possible, he really loved her.
They both started out with no intention of getting married, not looking for love, and with specific ideas of what their life would be like, all planned out, spinster and bachelor forever.
There are two beautiful, heartfelt, special scenes, that could have come across as odd, awkward, had they been penned by a less skilled, less passionate author...but they come across so beautiful, so compassionate, sweet, kind and caring in Callie's capable hands. ❤❤
You can understand what motivates the hero or heroine's stubbornness, they aren't just pig-headed, commitmentphobes, they are truly born of legitimate fears...which is why although they appear to be very, very unmoving in their way of thinking...it all boils down to honest, deep seated fear, and once that fear is addressed, they realize that they're being unreasonable and what was perceived as being stubborn, is really insecurity that's relieved by communication snd of course, love. Perfectly portrayed 💘
I know the book has me when I feel like I know the characters, when I personally wanted to sit Elise down and tell her, oh honey, talk to Simon!! He loves you!! He loves your independence and your uniqueness, he would never want to stifle who you are!! TALK TO HIM!! Or say to Simon, seriously? THAT'S not a proposal!!! I honestly felt like I KNEW them 💙💙
Loved this book!!
July 15, 2017
This is the first book in the Noble Heart series
As a bluestocking, Lady Elise Smith is very content with her life that's centered around lively debate, intelligent discussions, and friends who share the same passion as hers. It's always more than enough to Elise until her father thought that it's time for her to marry and gave her an ultimatum that she couldn't refuse, if she cared about her two beloved sisters. Due to this, Elise is creating a 'fake' scandal with Simon St. George, someone she considered as her friend and might be more
As this is my first book from the author I actually don't know what I should expect, so I'm very pleased when I actually enjoy reading the book from the beginning to end. Elise and Simon are delightful together, and very much in love with each other (which everyone could see but they're blind to it for some reasons). It's always easy for me to love the hero in historical romance, and it's definitely very easy for me to fall in love with Simon, since he's the perfect friend, the perfect man, Elise could hope for. Only if she sees the reason. Though Elise being stubborn about not marrying Simon actually dampen my love for her for a little, but only a little bit, because except for that one fault she's a very interesting character and I love her to bits
If I have to choose one character that stood out in the entire story, it would be Elise's father, Lord Pomeroy. That man knew the exact way to get what he wanted, though he might try using some force to achieve the objectives
Overall ratings: 4.3 stars
As a bluestocking, Lady Elise Smith is very content with her life that's centered around lively debate, intelligent discussions, and friends who share the same passion as hers. It's always more than enough to Elise until her father thought that it's time for her to marry and gave her an ultimatum that she couldn't refuse, if she cared about her two beloved sisters. Due to this, Elise is creating a 'fake' scandal with Simon St. George, someone she considered as her friend and might be more
As this is my first book from the author I actually don't know what I should expect, so I'm very pleased when I actually enjoy reading the book from the beginning to end. Elise and Simon are delightful together, and very much in love with each other (which everyone could see but they're blind to it for some reasons). It's always easy for me to love the hero in historical romance, and it's definitely very easy for me to fall in love with Simon, since he's the perfect friend, the perfect man, Elise could hope for. Only if she sees the reason. Though Elise being stubborn about not marrying Simon actually dampen my love for her for a little, but only a little bit, because except for that one fault she's a very interesting character and I love her to bits
If I have to choose one character that stood out in the entire story, it would be Elise's father, Lord Pomeroy. That man knew the exact way to get what he wanted, though he might try using some force to achieve the objectives
Overall ratings: 4.3 stars
June 28, 2021
Mini review:
Overall I did like the story, however due to the short length I did feel like there was missing pieces to show Elise and Simon falling in love with each other. Granted, there were moments where I could see the budding romance between the two as they spent more time together, but I just I just wanted to spend more time together, building up anticipation between them. They went into hyper speed with their relationship once they experienced their first kiss onward. Then they engaged in passion before the conflict arose between them. Personally, I thought it was an unnecessary one and just Elise being stubborn. It got annoying after awhile honestly. With that being said I did like that this had the fake relationship turned into something real trope. I really adored how Simon appreciated all the things that society deemed not favorable for Elise. I liked how he took an interest in her interest. That was what intrigued him and fall in love in the first place. I loved all the plans going on to outwit the situation with the main one being that her father said she must marry before her sisters or they could never marry in order to force Elise’s hand. Hence how Simon and Elise, who were both against marriage at the time, entered in their arrangement. There were lots of humorous moments like the Pall Mall that I enjoyed. It was an easy story to get through. Will it be the most memorable historical romance I have read? No, but regardless I liked the exactly while reading it.
Overall I did like the story, however due to the short length I did feel like there was missing pieces to show Elise and Simon falling in love with each other. Granted, there were moments where I could see the budding romance between the two as they spent more time together, but I just I just wanted to spend more time together, building up anticipation between them. They went into hyper speed with their relationship once they experienced their first kiss onward. Then they engaged in passion before the conflict arose between them. Personally, I thought it was an unnecessary one and just Elise being stubborn. It got annoying after awhile honestly. With that being said I did like that this had the fake relationship turned into something real trope. I really adored how Simon appreciated all the things that society deemed not favorable for Elise. I liked how he took an interest in her interest. That was what intrigued him and fall in love in the first place. I loved all the plans going on to outwit the situation with the main one being that her father said she must marry before her sisters or they could never marry in order to force Elise’s hand. Hence how Simon and Elise, who were both against marriage at the time, entered in their arrangement. There were lots of humorous moments like the Pall Mall that I enjoyed. It was an easy story to get through. Will it be the most memorable historical romance I have read? No, but regardless I liked the exactly while reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2021
Swoon worthy
Simon and Elise 🥰 theirs was such a lovely story to read. If you are after soppy this is not it. If you after a regency romance with a bit of steam than this is the one for you. If you want a heroine who stands up for what she wants and doesn’t care what others think, than this is definitely your book to read.
Simon and Elise are both not interested in the marriage mart. Elise has taken care of her fathers household since her mother died and she has no intention of giving up her freedom to a husband, thank you very much.
But her father has other ideas, he wants all 3 of his daughters married off and soon but Elise is standing in the way. So he hatches a plan, until Elise his eldest is married the others will not get a chance, crafty devil.
I must say right here, I’m not going to give anymore plot away. But when you have a scheming father and 2 impatient and caring sisters, things don’t always go your way....but in a good way.
There are many laughs to be had, the game of croquet is definitely one of them. Sit back with a cuppa and enjoy a very well written regency romp.
Simon and Elise 🥰 theirs was such a lovely story to read. If you are after soppy this is not it. If you after a regency romance with a bit of steam than this is the one for you. If you want a heroine who stands up for what she wants and doesn’t care what others think, than this is definitely your book to read.
Simon and Elise are both not interested in the marriage mart. Elise has taken care of her fathers household since her mother died and she has no intention of giving up her freedom to a husband, thank you very much.
But her father has other ideas, he wants all 3 of his daughters married off and soon but Elise is standing in the way. So he hatches a plan, until Elise his eldest is married the others will not get a chance, crafty devil.
I must say right here, I’m not going to give anymore plot away. But when you have a scheming father and 2 impatient and caring sisters, things don’t always go your way....but in a good way.
There are many laughs to be had, the game of croquet is definitely one of them. Sit back with a cuppa and enjoy a very well written regency romp.
March 22, 2017
I immensely enjoyed "For the Love of the Viscount". It was a sweet story between Lady Elise Smith and Lord Simon St. George. Elise is a bluestocking and is enjoying her freedom as a spinster. She is smart, lovely, and independent. she doesn't want to loose her heart to any man as she is afraid she will loose her independence.
Simon, he is a handsome viscount who is afraid to loose his heart to a women. Therefore, he wishes to marry no one for his reasons that will be explained once read. He is caring, sweet, and romantic. Ladies of the ton were in fact trying to gain his attention, but only Elise was able to make Simon want to know more about her.
This was a delightful read, which allows you read how their blossoming relationship bloomed throughout the story. You also get introduced to other characters in this story. Her family, which play a major part in the story as well. If you love to read historical romance novels, you will certainly enjoy this book.
Simon, he is a handsome viscount who is afraid to loose his heart to a women. Therefore, he wishes to marry no one for his reasons that will be explained once read. He is caring, sweet, and romantic. Ladies of the ton were in fact trying to gain his attention, but only Elise was able to make Simon want to know more about her.
This was a delightful read, which allows you read how their blossoming relationship bloomed throughout the story. You also get introduced to other characters in this story. Her family, which play a major part in the story as well. If you love to read historical romance novels, you will certainly enjoy this book.
January 6, 2018
This is a typical story of an h who is a bluestocking, not wanting to lose her freedom and marry. Our H wants to escape all the Ton mama's who want a titled man for their daughter's. Hence a pack is made by these two. Along the way they fall in love, but our h fights it.
I enjoyed the banter between the H/h and mostly like the h's smart father. Oh, how he had his daughter figured out and hope the author writes a story about the father.
There is two passionate lovemaking scenes, mildly described outside of marriage. We do get HEA and no cliffhanger. I only wished it was longer or had an epilogue. I wanted to know more what the future held for these two. Assuming we will find out in the next book in the series about the sister. (ljb)
I enjoyed the banter between the H/h and mostly like the h's smart father. Oh, how he had his daughter figured out and hope the author writes a story about the father.
There is two passionate lovemaking scenes, mildly described outside of marriage. We do get HEA and no cliffhanger. I only wished it was longer or had an epilogue. I wanted to know more what the future held for these two. Assuming we will find out in the next book in the series about the sister. (ljb)
March 23, 2017
I love Callie Hutton's books, and this one was no exception. It is the start of a brand new series, and there were places I had to laugh out loud. Lady Elise Smith is a confirmed spinster at the age of 23. Her father loves all three of his daughters, but wants them to each find love and leave his home. He knows Elise will be difficult, so he says that all three of them have to marry, but Elise must be first. She has been a mother figure to her two younger sisters since their mother died when she was 10 years old,,and they want families so she goes along with her father's plans (or so he thinks). She meets Simon St. George and they hatch up a scheme. He will keep men away from her, and she will keep the women away from him by pretending to court each other. However, the best laid plans can go awry...
I was given an advanced reading copy and not compensated in any way. My opinions are my own.
I was given an advanced reading copy and not compensated in any way. My opinions are my own.
December 27, 2017
A wonderful regency novel!
A wonderful regency novel....starring the two Mc's Elise and Simon. Both stubborn bachelors who were totally against marriage and all things the ton considered normal. But, what happens when their scheme to stay single backfires? Will they fall apart or come together?
Well written, with fine detail pertaining to the era written about. Unique characters with interesting backstories, minutely touched on, but never fully explained.
I loved watching the pair fight against their natural feelings for each other many times, before coming together. It kept things interesting. All in all a very good book.
A wonderful regency novel....starring the two Mc's Elise and Simon. Both stubborn bachelors who were totally against marriage and all things the ton considered normal. But, what happens when their scheme to stay single backfires? Will they fall apart or come together?
Well written, with fine detail pertaining to the era written about. Unique characters with interesting backstories, minutely touched on, but never fully explained.
I loved watching the pair fight against their natural feelings for each other many times, before coming together. It kept things interesting. All in all a very good book.
May 20, 2018
This is great if you want a few laughs and a light romance. It’s about academic Elise who is being pushed into an unwanted marriage. She finds an ally Simon who is also avoiding marriage and they decide to fake a romance. It’s a standard HR plot, but the characters and humour are rather original. There is a croquet match between Elise and a debutante that is just hilarious, and worth the book price alone. I also like that the author shows a genuine meeting of minds between the lead characters, not just lust. If I had to find a fault, well it’s not deep. But who really cares? HR is an escapist fix anyway and this is a truly fun fix.
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