What do you think?
Rate this book
Regency House Party: Somerstone #2
An Unlikely Courtship
One can only be careless with so many hearts before he ends up breaking his own.
Lord Anthony is an outrageous flirt with a devil-may-care attitude. The last thing on his mind is settling down. When the Countess Du'Breven invites him to her house party, promising to see him married, Anthony finds the prospect diverting and accepts. But when he meets a damsel in distress unwilling to accept his help, Anthony realizes his attraction to her may be his downfall.
Isabel Townshend is at her breaking point, caring for her ailing father and her innocent younger sister. She has a family secret to protect and no time for handsome young men, even at a house party with so many eligible bachelors. When Lord Anthony disturbs her well-laid plans, Isabel realizes her determination to protect her family may cost her future happiness.
With hearts at odds and defenses drawn, will Isabel and Anthony be able to put aside their differences and find love at last?
An Unlikely Courtship is one of five books set in the Regency House Party Series. While each is a stand alone story, watch our characters mingle together with others from the books in the series. The stories can be read in any order.
Lord Anthony is an outrageous flirt with a devil-may-care attitude. The last thing on his mind is settling down. When the Countess Du'Breven invites him to her house party, promising to see him married, Anthony finds the prospect diverting and accepts. But when he meets a damsel in distress unwilling to accept his help, Anthony realizes his attraction to her may be his downfall.
Isabel Townshend is at her breaking point, caring for her ailing father and her innocent younger sister. She has a family secret to protect and no time for handsome young men, even at a house party with so many eligible bachelors. When Lord Anthony disturbs her well-laid plans, Isabel realizes her determination to protect her family may cost her future happiness.
With hearts at odds and defenses drawn, will Isabel and Anthony be able to put aside their differences and find love at last?
An Unlikely Courtship is one of five books set in the Regency House Party Series. While each is a stand alone story, watch our characters mingle together with others from the books in the series. The stories can be read in any order.
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2018
228 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
September 21, 2018
I loved this sweet story! I'm a sucker for redemption stores and this for the bill. Both Anthony and Isabel were both strong characters and seeing then interact had me laughing, smiling, and swimming! Can't wait to read more from this series and this p author. Highly recommend this sweet regency romance!
October 20, 2019
This story is super sweet. I enjoyed two hearts coming together, one from a past of selfishness and the other selfless.
September 17, 2018
I'm not a big fan of the rake to nice guy romances, and the first chapter did not pull me in. After I met the Hero I didn't give this much of a chance but the heroine was awesome so I kept reading. She does an awesome job of putting him in his place and the more I read the more I liked them both. This was a cute romance and a good setting. It was a fun read. It is Novella length and very chaste.
September 17, 2018
This was just what I needed after a stressful week. Just the length to read in one sitting, and a wonderful escape to the regency era. Heidi Kimball is a new author to me, but I loved her writing style. Great descriptions, and clear believable dialogue. I hope she writes a full length novel soon!
September 7, 2018
Debut Author Heidi Kimball - charming Regency novella. Loved it. Just the right length for a rainy afternoon.
February 16, 2021
This was a cute novella, I enjoyed the characters and setting. While I did like it, I thought the end was a bit rushed and would have liked a few more chapters to flesh things out a bit more. But overall, it was a pleasant read and I enjoyed the relationship between Isabel and Anthony.
Rated G
Rated G
September 25, 2018
Isabel Townshend is kind and selfless. At age 23, she has no illusions of knights (or lords) in shining armor sweeping her off her feet. She will do anything to help her beautiful younger sister, Anne, make a great match. So when their carriage breaks down on the way to the house party, she sets off on foot in the rain to find help.
When Lord Anthony first sees Isabel walking in the rain seeking help, he thinks she is the most beautiful creature he has ever seen. So of course he starts flirting with her. She begrudgingly accepts his help but clearly lets him know she wants nothing else to do with him. Which only intrigues him more.
As Lord Anthony gets to know Isabel more it become less of a challenge to win her over and more of a pursuit to win her heart.
Content: Clean
Source: Kindle Unlimited
When Lord Anthony first sees Isabel walking in the rain seeking help, he thinks she is the most beautiful creature he has ever seen. So of course he starts flirting with her. She begrudgingly accepts his help but clearly lets him know she wants nothing else to do with him. Which only intrigues him more.
As Lord Anthony gets to know Isabel more it become less of a challenge to win her over and more of a pursuit to win her heart.
Content: Clean
Source: Kindle Unlimited
March 21, 2022
My rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Ever since I read my first Heidi Kimball book, "Maiden in the Tower," a couple of years ago, I have wanted to read more of her books. When I recently saw that "An Unlikely Courtship," was free on Kindle Unlimited, I decided to give it a go.
Though I didn't love it as much as the aforementioned Heidi Kimball book, I do think it's a cute novella.
The cast of characters are likeable, the setting is interesting, and the romance is fairly nice.
I do wish the transition from enemies to lovers hadn't been so quick, but I guess that was bound to happen since this novella is just around 120 pages.
I know that this book has sister books, that take place at the same place and time, but I have yet to decide if I will picky any of them up. We'll see!
Ever since I read my first Heidi Kimball book, "Maiden in the Tower," a couple of years ago, I have wanted to read more of her books. When I recently saw that "An Unlikely Courtship," was free on Kindle Unlimited, I decided to give it a go.
Though I didn't love it as much as the aforementioned Heidi Kimball book, I do think it's a cute novella.
The cast of characters are likeable, the setting is interesting, and the romance is fairly nice.
I do wish the transition from enemies to lovers hadn't been so quick, but I guess that was bound to happen since this novella is just around 120 pages.
I know that this book has sister books, that take place at the same place and time, but I have yet to decide if I will picky any of them up. We'll see!
March 11, 2021
Short and rather predictable, but a sweet, clean, and light read.
April 8, 2019
A great read
I smiled often as I read this book. The author is clever and witty, I enjoyed the charming characters and storyline.
I smiled often as I read this book. The author is clever and witty, I enjoyed the charming characters and storyline.
February 17, 2019
4.5
Have you been formally introduced to my daughter, Lord Anthony?” “Only by a rainstorm, sir.”
What could possibly be better than a sassy, determined, utterly loyal character? Not much until you pair that character with an intolerable flirt who has a devil-may-care attitude. I smiled and highlighted a lot. I even reread some fun parts.
What is neat about this series is each book is written by a different author from different characters all taking place at a house party at Somerstone. They are standalone stories and can be read in any order. I did find small inconsistencies throughout and in varying degrees between the books, but overall I would recommend the series to anyone who enjoys clean regency romances.
I would give the series as a whole 4 stars.
And, to keep it all straight in my mind... I'm going to list out my favorites:
1. An Unlikely Courtship (#2) 4.5 stars
2. The Unwanted Suitor (#1) 4.5 stars
3. The Stable Master's Daughter (#4) 3 stars
4. Mistaken Identity (#3) 3 stars
5. Tabitha's Folly (#5) 2 stars
6. Damen's Secret (Novella) 2 stars
(It's really hard to pick a favorite between books 1 & 2. I would happily reread either; but I think If I had them on my shelf, I'd grab An Unlikely Courtship first.)
Have you been formally introduced to my daughter, Lord Anthony?” “Only by a rainstorm, sir.”
What could possibly be better than a sassy, determined, utterly loyal character? Not much until you pair that character with an intolerable flirt who has a devil-may-care attitude. I smiled and highlighted a lot. I even reread some fun parts.
What is neat about this series is each book is written by a different author from different characters all taking place at a house party at Somerstone. They are standalone stories and can be read in any order. I did find small inconsistencies throughout and in varying degrees between the books, but overall I would recommend the series to anyone who enjoys clean regency romances.
I would give the series as a whole 4 stars.
And, to keep it all straight in my mind... I'm going to list out my favorites:
1. An Unlikely Courtship (#2) 4.5 stars
2. The Unwanted Suitor (#1) 4.5 stars
3. The Stable Master's Daughter (#4) 3 stars
4. Mistaken Identity (#3) 3 stars
5. Tabitha's Folly (#5) 2 stars
6. Damen's Secret (Novella) 2 stars
(It's really hard to pick a favorite between books 1 & 2. I would happily reread either; but I think If I had them on my shelf, I'd grab An Unlikely Courtship first.)
October 26, 2018
seems this series is just about shrewish women
First book was ok but the female lead was a total shrew.... Not to mention an immature brat who behaved like a child... Leaving dead fish under the bed of the hero to make his room stink etc. Thought it might be the first book only so tried this second one. Two pages in and she's already making cysts and trying to control her anger over her sister, displays a very naughty, know it all attitude that's annoying. Before the chapter is even finished, she's already made a fool out of herself with her sure wish says and endeared herself to no one.... Especially the readers. No thank you...do not need a repeat of the first book (it's even taking place at the same event and time as the first Book. woman hates man who for some reason is attracted to her despite being a bag. Exact same ad the first book and a study that had been done to death anyways. Now are pretty well written but no thanks. Study
First book was ok but the female lead was a total shrew.... Not to mention an immature brat who behaved like a child... Leaving dead fish under the bed of the hero to make his room stink etc. Thought it might be the first book only so tried this second one. Two pages in and she's already making cysts and trying to control her anger over her sister, displays a very naughty, know it all attitude that's annoying. Before the chapter is even finished, she's already made a fool out of herself with her sure wish says and endeared herself to no one.... Especially the readers. No thank you...do not need a repeat of the first book (it's even taking place at the same event and time as the first Book. woman hates man who for some reason is attracted to her despite being a bag. Exact same ad the first book and a study that had been done to death anyways. Now are pretty well written but no thanks. Study
October 9, 2020
Aggression
I read approximately half of this book before I lost interest. The one thing which turned me off was the continual attention given to Isabel even though she told him numerous times that she didn't care for him. I am a man and I do not approve of his actions towards this lady. This is another example of the nobility who believe it is their right to impose their will on an unwilling lady. That only shows he is no gentleman and has no honor. The women of the Regency era had enough other problems without this.
I read approximately half of this book before I lost interest. The one thing which turned me off was the continual attention given to Isabel even though she told him numerous times that she didn't care for him. I am a man and I do not approve of his actions towards this lady. This is another example of the nobility who believe it is their right to impose their will on an unwilling lady. That only shows he is no gentleman and has no honor. The women of the Regency era had enough other problems without this.
October 12, 2018
This is a fun novella with interesting characters and depth. I'm excited to read the rest of the books in this series!
April 19, 2019
I love how this book shows how a person can change and how love makes all the difference. It's such a beautiful story!
November 15, 2018
An Unlikely Courtship
Regency House Party: Somerstone #2
By Heidi Kimball
Lord Anthony has a reputation as a bit of a rogue, leaving broken hearts in his wake but never his own. When the Countess Du'Breven surprises him with an invitation to a house party at her Somerstone Estate he is more than willing to put off returning home and seeing his father. He sees the next few weeks filled with some flirtatious interludes.
Isabel Townshend sees the upcoming house party as a chance to change her family's dismal financial situation. With her father's fragile health she hopes to be aided by Countess Du'Breven in her plan to elevate her sister Anne's own prospects. But when their carriage has an unfortunate incident she has a chance meeting with Lord Anthony that casts him in an unfavorable light in her opinion. Lord Anthony finds himself intrigued by this young lady who seems determined to keep him and his flirtatious ways far away.
An Unlikely Courtship is a fun addition to the Regency House Party series. Isabel and Anthony are an excellent match in the eyes of the Countess but whether they see one another in such a light will depend on a great many things - the first seeing past their first impressions of one another.
This is a series that is joined by location Somerstone and characters that cross from one book to the other ~ but each is a stand-alone book that can readily be read in whatever order you wish. Each book is authored by a different author and in this case, it is by Heidi Kimball. Each book focuses on a different cast of main characters while interacting with the other background characters so it is fun seeing how each story plays out and weaves into the other.
If you are looking for a diversionary read and love Regency era manners give the Regency House Party in Somerstone and An Unlikely Courtship a read. But beware scandal is just one misstep away and all could be lost. A perfect weekend read to escape with. This is a gentle clean read that you won't mind sharing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through SLB Book Tours with no expectations but to offer my honest thoughts ~ all opinions expressed are my own.
Regency House Party: Somerstone #2
By Heidi Kimball
Lord Anthony has a reputation as a bit of a rogue, leaving broken hearts in his wake but never his own. When the Countess Du'Breven surprises him with an invitation to a house party at her Somerstone Estate he is more than willing to put off returning home and seeing his father. He sees the next few weeks filled with some flirtatious interludes.
Isabel Townshend sees the upcoming house party as a chance to change her family's dismal financial situation. With her father's fragile health she hopes to be aided by Countess Du'Breven in her plan to elevate her sister Anne's own prospects. But when their carriage has an unfortunate incident she has a chance meeting with Lord Anthony that casts him in an unfavorable light in her opinion. Lord Anthony finds himself intrigued by this young lady who seems determined to keep him and his flirtatious ways far away.
An Unlikely Courtship is a fun addition to the Regency House Party series. Isabel and Anthony are an excellent match in the eyes of the Countess but whether they see one another in such a light will depend on a great many things - the first seeing past their first impressions of one another.
This is a series that is joined by location Somerstone and characters that cross from one book to the other ~ but each is a stand-alone book that can readily be read in whatever order you wish. Each book is authored by a different author and in this case, it is by Heidi Kimball. Each book focuses on a different cast of main characters while interacting with the other background characters so it is fun seeing how each story plays out and weaves into the other.
If you are looking for a diversionary read and love Regency era manners give the Regency House Party in Somerstone and An Unlikely Courtship a read. But beware scandal is just one misstep away and all could be lost. A perfect weekend read to escape with. This is a gentle clean read that you won't mind sharing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through SLB Book Tours with no expectations but to offer my honest thoughts ~ all opinions expressed are my own.
January 5, 2020
The series is great and this book does not disappoint.
I highly recommend this book! Take one roguish gentleman and add a woman who will sacrifice her own future to procure a better one for her sister and you have a wonderful story. Lord Anthony starts off as described in the book description. He is an accomplished flirt and is determined to stay that way. But he didn’t count on Isabel who did the one thing he thought was impossible. She stole his heart. And now he needs a plan to win Isabel’s heart which includes overcoming a bad reputation and a mountain sized load of her skepticism. Anthony does his best but there is his reputation as a rake, to shed and it won’t be easy. Isabel is a strong, steady woman. She has a plan to save her family from ruin and that plan does not include her marrying anyone, let alone someone who flirts outrageously with her upon their first meeting. The storyline kept my attention and the secondary characters are fantastic. The HEA will of course, happen. But not without an uphill battle to change minds and hearts.
I highly recommend this book! Take one roguish gentleman and add a woman who will sacrifice her own future to procure a better one for her sister and you have a wonderful story. Lord Anthony starts off as described in the book description. He is an accomplished flirt and is determined to stay that way. But he didn’t count on Isabel who did the one thing he thought was impossible. She stole his heart. And now he needs a plan to win Isabel’s heart which includes overcoming a bad reputation and a mountain sized load of her skepticism. Anthony does his best but there is his reputation as a rake, to shed and it won’t be easy. Isabel is a strong, steady woman. She has a plan to save her family from ruin and that plan does not include her marrying anyone, let alone someone who flirts outrageously with her upon their first meeting. The storyline kept my attention and the secondary characters are fantastic. The HEA will of course, happen. But not without an uphill battle to change minds and hearts.
November 30, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed An Unlikely Courtship by Heidi Kimball. Set at a Regency period house party, we get to meet the notorious flirt Lord Anthony, and Isabel Townshend who is at her breaking point, caring for her ailing father and her innocent younger sister.
“Have you so little faith in me?” “I have no faith at all, but I shall watch you with interest.”
“I heard that Lord Anthony assisted you. I hope you were not put off by his . . . rakish manners. He’s a good deal too much like his father, but there’s more to him than meets the eye.”
'Isabel couldn’t believe the audacity of Lord Anthony. It took every ounce of effort she possessed to hold her tongue and act unaffected. The man had been hounding her all evening, for what reason she couldn’t surmise.'
'“Miss Townshend, I do believe this is the first time in our acquaintance that our conversation has remained civil for more than two minutes. Whatever can it mean?” His tone was teasing, but he smiled.'
I highly recommend this 'opposites attract' sweet romance with surprising depth!
“Have you so little faith in me?” “I have no faith at all, but I shall watch you with interest.”
“I heard that Lord Anthony assisted you. I hope you were not put off by his . . . rakish manners. He’s a good deal too much like his father, but there’s more to him than meets the eye.”
'Isabel couldn’t believe the audacity of Lord Anthony. It took every ounce of effort she possessed to hold her tongue and act unaffected. The man had been hounding her all evening, for what reason she couldn’t surmise.'
'“Miss Townshend, I do believe this is the first time in our acquaintance that our conversation has remained civil for more than two minutes. Whatever can it mean?” His tone was teasing, but he smiled.'
I highly recommend this 'opposites attract' sweet romance with surprising depth!
September 24, 2018
I won a paperback copy of this book from the author Heidi Kimball in a giveway in a Facebook group of Sally Britton's books. I liked this book a lot. It's a fun, sweet, clean regency romance. I loved that the sisters Isabel and Anne actually got along and were close. (not always true in these types of books.) I love that Isabel was willing to sacrifice for the good of her family. I loved the growth and changes in the characters. Although being such a short read it was a little fast for me. I guess I just wish the book had been longer. Guess that means I liked the book if I wanted it to be longer. Over all a fun, sweet, clean quick read. I would definitely read more books by this author in the future.
September 11, 2020
This was a really good, fast, romantic, historical read, I don’t normally love to read such short stories, but this author is great and you feel you understand the storyline and the characters quickly. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a quick and easy, clean romantic read.
Lord Anthony is a flirt, he has no plans to settle down anytime soon, The Countess Du’Breven invites him to her summer house party, Anthony finds accepting thinking it will be a good diversion, when he meets a damsel in distress who doesn’t fall for his charms or want his help, he is intrigued.
Isabel Townsend is ready to break, her father’s health is getting worse and she needs to see her younger sister taken care of, she has no time for men, especially the likes of Lord Anthony
Lord Anthony is a flirt, he has no plans to settle down anytime soon, The Countess Du’Breven invites him to her summer house party, Anthony finds accepting thinking it will be a good diversion, when he meets a damsel in distress who doesn’t fall for his charms or want his help, he is intrigued.
Isabel Townsend is ready to break, her father’s health is getting worse and she needs to see her younger sister taken care of, she has no time for men, especially the likes of Lord Anthony
July 24, 2019
A clean, feel good Regency Era read - what’s not to love?
This is the second book of the Regency House Party: Somerstone series. Although probably all of these could be read in any order & independently, I am thoroughly enjoying reading them in the sequence they were released in. It’s interesting how characters from the previous books overlap in this one - knowing how that story turned out it’s intriguing to see it from a slightly different angle, as well as to learn more about the main characters of this one which were briefly referred to in the other. I am looking forward to the next books in the series!
This is the second book of the Regency House Party: Somerstone series. Although probably all of these could be read in any order & independently, I am thoroughly enjoying reading them in the sequence they were released in. It’s interesting how characters from the previous books overlap in this one - knowing how that story turned out it’s intriguing to see it from a slightly different angle, as well as to learn more about the main characters of this one which were briefly referred to in the other. I am looking forward to the next books in the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2019
Rating: G
Sex: a few tame kisses
Language: no profanity
Violence: none
HEA: yes
Isabel's father has Alzheimer's, and the family money is running out. She comes to the house party to ensure her younger sister, Anne, gets a good husband. Anthony comes because he thinks it'll be a lot of fun, and he has no intention of getting married.
I've read Mistaken Identity, another book in this house party, so it was nice to see Jes and her sweetheart. Not that we saw very much of them. I didn't enjoy this one nearly as much. The romance wasn't as believable, and I don't trust a man who changes because he wants the love of a woman.
Sex: a few tame kisses
Language: no profanity
Violence: none
HEA: yes
Isabel's father has Alzheimer's, and the family money is running out. She comes to the house party to ensure her younger sister, Anne, gets a good husband. Anthony comes because he thinks it'll be a lot of fun, and he has no intention of getting married.
I've read Mistaken Identity, another book in this house party, so it was nice to see Jes and her sweetheart. Not that we saw very much of them. I didn't enjoy this one nearly as much. The romance wasn't as believable, and I don't trust a man who changes because he wants the love of a woman.
May 16, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up. The story didn't have much information about Anthony in the beginning. Most of the backstory concerned Isabel. A beautiful younger sister, an elderly father with signs of dementia all burdened Isabel. She had no time for Anthony or romance. As he came to realize this, he took a hand in helping her, admiring her, and, yes, grew to love her. Only then do we get a glimpse of his backstory. It took her longer to come to love him, but they do get a HEA. I wonder if little sister Anne does?
February 13, 2023
I enjoy these novella collections that use multiple authors to cover the same event. You get to see the personalities of the varied characters and details of events otherwise missed. You also get to be introduced to multiple authors. I have read some from Heidi Kimball in the past. I liked to see her name pop up in this collection. This was a rather short novella, with engaging characters and a sweet conclusion. I enjoyed seeing tiny peeps into the stories of some of the other characters that will be highlighted in other books in the series.
November 7, 2018
Heidi Kimball is a new to me author. I love how writing style and her attention to details in how she describes her settings.
I loved that main characters, especially Isabel who has a very realistic point of view, is not delusioned with the idea of knights in shining armor, and her willingness to do what needs to be done instead of waiting to be 'saved'.
It's a fun, clean novella that makes a perfect afternoon read.
I loved that main characters, especially Isabel who has a very realistic point of view, is not delusioned with the idea of knights in shining armor, and her willingness to do what needs to be done instead of waiting to be 'saved'.
It's a fun, clean novella that makes a perfect afternoon read.
June 28, 2020
Clean romance
What a fun idea for a series!
Several romances set at the same house party.
This second book is the second in the series and can be read alone but I find it richer to read along with the others.
Isabel and Anthony are both humorous characters as well as strong in temperament. Both loyal but not in obvious ways. They both have preconceived ideas of each other and have to get past their pride in order to see what is in front of them.
What a fun idea for a series!
Several romances set at the same house party.
This second book is the second in the series and can be read alone but I find it richer to read along with the others.
Isabel and Anthony are both humorous characters as well as strong in temperament. Both loyal but not in obvious ways. They both have preconceived ideas of each other and have to get past their pride in order to see what is in front of them.
July 16, 2021
This little story has my heart. I love a good redemption arc, and Lord Anthony and Isabel were such good characters.
Wow, I loved everything about this. From the small gestures to the grand acts of love. Heidi Kimball did an excellent job of developing the plot and revealing character growth in such a short amount of time.
*Spoiler*
But what I really want to know is Anne’s story! How does it end?? Heidi, please tell me! Haha
Overall, this story was excellent! Well done, Heidi!
Wow, I loved everything about this. From the small gestures to the grand acts of love. Heidi Kimball did an excellent job of developing the plot and revealing character growth in such a short amount of time.
*Spoiler*
But what I really want to know is Anne’s story! How does it end?? Heidi, please tell me! Haha
Overall, this story was excellent! Well done, Heidi!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2018
I liked this one
I liked this quick little story. It's a short one but it works with decent character development. The one thing that was a little odd was the timing. CV it seemed like this actually happened before book one.
Content: Clean
Language: Clean
Religious: no
Happy reading!!
I liked this quick little story. It's a short one but it works with decent character development. The one thing that was a little odd was the timing. CV it seemed like this actually happened before book one.
Content: Clean
Language: Clean
Religious: no
Happy reading!!
March 8, 2021
I would have given it 4 stars if not for the modern slang used. When I read he wanted to deck his father within the first couple of pages it's just too much. I'm not a stickler for using regency language here you have to look up a lot of the words although i do love this i cannot accept modernisms
April 19, 2023
loved this book!!
Ugh this book was too short!! I loved it so much! You can never go wrong with an enemies to lovers trope and Heidi Kimball executed it so well! The chemistry and the slow burn had me sighing in love constantly! The MMC is such a rogue and rake but his change throughout the book was so precious! Highly recommend this fast read!
Ugh this book was too short!! I loved it so much! You can never go wrong with an enemies to lovers trope and Heidi Kimball executed it so well! The chemistry and the slow burn had me sighing in love constantly! The MMC is such a rogue and rake but his change throughout the book was so precious! Highly recommend this fast read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews