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School of Charm #7
The Misguided Miss Mary
It was uncertain who’d raised the white flag of surrender first. To Miss Mary’s mind, it was the arrogant and handsome Lord Paul. After all, he did propose in the midst of a bickering match. But, then again, he also came to her rescue when her reputation was in danger of being ruined. So perhaps they’d call it even…
Or not.
Lord Paul's intentions may be decent for once, but Mary has little choice but to fight against this engagement. After all, it was her silly mishap that got him into this mess. The least she can do is get him out of it. And he does want out of it...doesn't he? She might have harbored an infatuation with the neighbor boy all those years ago, but he'd never seen her that way. Although now that they're older, the sparks that fly between them aren't quite the same. And when he kisses her, there's an entirely new sort of heat between them. One that's not so bad, really. In fact, a lady might just get used to kissing her arch nemesis...
Or not.
Lord Paul's intentions may be decent for once, but Mary has little choice but to fight against this engagement. After all, it was her silly mishap that got him into this mess. The least she can do is get him out of it. And he does want out of it...doesn't he? She might have harbored an infatuation with the neighbor boy all those years ago, but he'd never seen her that way. Although now that they're older, the sparks that fly between them aren't quite the same. And when he kisses her, there's an entirely new sort of heat between them. One that's not so bad, really. In fact, a lady might just get used to kissing her arch nemesis...
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2022
70 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 21, 2022
Miss Mary Evermoor grew up in the country & for years played with her neighbour Lord Paul then their friendship turned sour & now every time they meet they argue. However no matter how much they bicker she has a soft spot for him. When there’s an accident with a glass of ratafia Paul comes to Mary’s rescue. Lord Paul's intentions may be decent for once, but Mary has little choice but to fight against this engagement. After all, it was her silly mishap that got him into this mess. The least she can do is get him out of it.
A very well written fun, entertaining read I really liked both Paul & Mary, they were constantly arguing & if they could say the wrong thing they did. However I loved the chemistry between them, there were years old misunderstandings & assumptions, which hindered their road to a HEA. I thoroughly enjoyed their journey & read this charming book in a sitting
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A very well written fun, entertaining read I really liked both Paul & Mary, they were constantly arguing & if they could say the wrong thing they did. However I loved the chemistry between them, there were years old misunderstandings & assumptions, which hindered their road to a HEA. I thoroughly enjoyed their journey & read this charming book in a sitting
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
February 22, 2022
He had been the bane of her existence growing up.
Now here he was at the houseparty and it seemed he was determined to challenge her! Mary and Paul had grown up together, being neighbors. Now it seemed his father was determined to have them marry.
Mary had been infatuated with Paul, that is until he told her father about her science experiment, and the explosion. Oh and he began to moon over her older sister, Catherine. Why was he now acting interest in her?
A delightful story as only Maggie can tell, with a lot of misunderstandings and past deeds that have these two trying their best not to give in and admit how they feel!! I think this has to be my favorite of the series! But cannot wait to see where Eloise got off to!!
Now here he was at the houseparty and it seemed he was determined to challenge her! Mary and Paul had grown up together, being neighbors. Now it seemed his father was determined to have them marry.
Mary had been infatuated with Paul, that is until he told her father about her science experiment, and the explosion. Oh and he began to moon over her older sister, Catherine. Why was he now acting interest in her?
A delightful story as only Maggie can tell, with a lot of misunderstandings and past deeds that have these two trying their best not to give in and admit how they feel!! I think this has to be my favorite of the series! But cannot wait to see where Eloise got off to!!
March 21, 2022
Always enjoy this author’s work. Loved Mary and Lord Paul’s story.
April 29, 2022
There's quite a lot of squabbling between Mary and Paul. Even though Miss Mary and Lord Paul were childhood friends. It was o.k. Not a favourite for me. 3☆
February 22, 2022
Miss Mary Evermoor has a very long memory and a list of grievances when it comes to Lord Paul. In this light-hearted romance, childhood friends become antagonists in the adult world of courtship, as Mary throws up barriers in the face of Paul's constant teasing. In fact, when one gets down to it, Paul is exactly what Mary needs as he is her counterbalance in life, even if she cannot recognize it. This is a fairly short romance and it comes to a sweet conclusion with a fair number of misunderstandings being ironed out and a new understanding of one another emerging. I received a copy of this sweet story as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
July 29, 2025
A short & sweet fluffy Regency romance, with friends to enemies to it’s complicated. I enjoyed the angst. I recommend reading the previous books in the series, and if you like completeness I also recommend reading the Sweet Romance series that precedes this series.
July 8, 2023
The Misguided Miss Mary is book 7 in the School of Charm series, and after reading the entire series, I realize it was also my least favorite.
In book 6, Charlotte's story, me met Lord Paul, Mary's neighbor from childhood out in the country. Having been the bane of her existence, now he's here at the same house party and they are challenging and arguing with each other at every turn.
Misunderstandings and bickering abound in this story and it was just not my cup of tea. And the realizations that all the hate they spewed at each other was actually love was just too much for me.
3 stars from me on this. As usual, this is sweet and clean with chaste kisses.
In book 6, Charlotte's story, me met Lord Paul, Mary's neighbor from childhood out in the country. Having been the bane of her existence, now he's here at the same house party and they are challenging and arguing with each other at every turn.
Misunderstandings and bickering abound in this story and it was just not my cup of tea. And the realizations that all the hate they spewed at each other was actually love was just too much for me.
3 stars from me on this. As usual, this is sweet and clean with chaste kisses.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2022
I enjoy sweet, shorn-of-sleaze regency romances every once in a while. And if the heroine who is feisty, intelligent and unapologetically different from the simpering debutantes of the season verbally duels with the rakish, charming but goodhearted hero, I am gently hooked.
The tale of Miss Mary and Lord Paul follows the friends to supposed enemies to lovers trope and it is familiar with its twists and turns. Yet, the story is engaging because Mary is immensely likeable for her emotional intelligence and no-nonsense attitude. Having the hero's POV is something I personally enjoy because it is always interesting to know the highs and lows he experiences as he watches the bane/love of his life banter and bicker with him.
A quick, enjoyable read.
The tale of Miss Mary and Lord Paul follows the friends to supposed enemies to lovers trope and it is familiar with its twists and turns. Yet, the story is engaging because Mary is immensely likeable for her emotional intelligence and no-nonsense attitude. Having the hero's POV is something I personally enjoy because it is always interesting to know the highs and lows he experiences as he watches the bane/love of his life banter and bicker with him.
A quick, enjoyable read.
April 1, 2022
I was a little unsure about finishing this series because the storylines were becoming repetitive. A girl at the School of Charm re-meets someone she knew from childhood that she didn’t like, and then has a romance that involves them realizing they love each other after all. But, since I had preordered this book I went ahead and read it and really liked it!
Although the plot is similar to other School of Charm books, Mary and Paul seemed like fresh characters and it was fun to see how they finally realized they should be together. We had previously met both of them in other books in the series so we knew that Mary was very intelligent and loved science and math and that Paul was a bit of a lovable bad boy. They get caught in what appears to be a compromising situation and in an effort to save Miss Mary’s reputation Paul proposes. Mary does not want to marry someone who feels obligated to her and does everything she can to get out of the arrangement, and almost does!
I’m glad I kept on with the series. This was the second time I’d considered giving up, and both times I’ve been glad I read the next book. The books are all very short and I read most of them in just one day. These are perfect if you like light romances set in the regency period and love a HEA.
As they say on the cover, they are “Sweet Regency Romances,” so if you like your books with a little bit of steam you won’t find it here. There are a few slightly fevered kisses, but these are nice girls. But, I’ve found them entertaining enough that I’ve already preordered the next one, The Misplaced Miss Eloise.
Although the plot is similar to other School of Charm books, Mary and Paul seemed like fresh characters and it was fun to see how they finally realized they should be together. We had previously met both of them in other books in the series so we knew that Mary was very intelligent and loved science and math and that Paul was a bit of a lovable bad boy. They get caught in what appears to be a compromising situation and in an effort to save Miss Mary’s reputation Paul proposes. Mary does not want to marry someone who feels obligated to her and does everything she can to get out of the arrangement, and almost does!
I’m glad I kept on with the series. This was the second time I’d considered giving up, and both times I’ve been glad I read the next book. The books are all very short and I read most of them in just one day. These are perfect if you like light romances set in the regency period and love a HEA.
As they say on the cover, they are “Sweet Regency Romances,” so if you like your books with a little bit of steam you won’t find it here. There are a few slightly fevered kisses, but these are nice girls. But, I’ve found them entertaining enough that I’ve already preordered the next one, The Misplaced Miss Eloise.
June 28, 2024
Miss Mary and Lord Paul can't seem to see past their childhood grievances. Miss Mary, especially since her feelings got hurt after Lord Paul sent her sister a letter and Miss Mary has never gotten over it. Lord Paul bungled his marriage proposal to Miss Mary during the house party. Miss Charlotte, Mary's sister likes to be the main focus and is currently engaged to be married and does not want her sister stealing her spotlight this London season and seems set on manipulating her sister and preventing her engagement to Lord Paul. Hopefully, Lord Paul and Miss Mary will look past their past hurts and start to see the other with adult eyes and not break each other's hearts in the process. Especially when Mary's anger and stubborn refusal to let an accident go unexplained and ends up in the men's retiring room with a shirtless Paul and Paul saves Mary's reputation with a marriage proclamation to the Duke that catches them alone. Under all their teasing, annoyance and with each, Paul and Mary soon discover other feelings that other characters like Lydia and Eloise realise, eventually Paul and Mary have their own individual realisations. Loved the ending connecting with Eloise's Story that I'm off to read now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2025
The School of Charm series by Maggie Dallen is a sweet and satisfying collection of quick reads that are perfect for young readers starting to explore romance. Each story features lovable, relatable characters and follows a light, predictable arc—but in a way that feels cozy and comforting rather than stale.
What I appreciate most is how age-appropriate the content is. There's nothing more than kissing, and the relationships are respectful, kind, and rooted in good friendships. As a parent of tweens just beginning to show interest in romance books, this series has been a fantastic find. The stories provide just enough emotional depth and romantic spark without diving into territory they’re not quite ready for.
I’m giving the series 4 stars—not because anything was lacking, but simply because I usually reserve 5 stars for books I want to reread or that truly wow me. These are quick, sweet reads that I highly recommend—especially if, like me, you started with more intense romance novels at a young age (Flowers in the Attic, anyone?) and are looking for something gentler for your own kids.
What I appreciate most is how age-appropriate the content is. There's nothing more than kissing, and the relationships are respectful, kind, and rooted in good friendships. As a parent of tweens just beginning to show interest in romance books, this series has been a fantastic find. The stories provide just enough emotional depth and romantic spark without diving into territory they’re not quite ready for.
I’m giving the series 4 stars—not because anything was lacking, but simply because I usually reserve 5 stars for books I want to reread or that truly wow me. These are quick, sweet reads that I highly recommend—especially if, like me, you started with more intense romance novels at a young age (Flowers in the Attic, anyone?) and are looking for something gentler for your own kids.
February 22, 2022
These School of Charm books have been really entertaining. What was misguided about Miss Mary? Her childhood playmate was blamed by her for telling her father about her chemistry experiment that exploded and got her chemistry kit taken away. As they grew up, Mary blamed him for continuing pranks, jokes, and charm of his childhood and being immature. And as the time when Lord Paul's parents expected him to marry and Mary to leave the family's beloved country estate to make her debut in London, their misunderstandings and their mistakes become more exaggerated. When a possible scandal threatens both families, the school, and all involved, some understanding and action between Mary and Paul become necessary.
June 26, 2024
Fabulous!!!
And I do not say that lightly!!
This is possibly my favorite Maggie Dallen historical that I have read thus far. Mary and Paul are def my current favorite couple.
The story immediately captured my attention and was just so entertaining!! I plan to reread it immediately after writing this review.
The banter and the playfulness and the misunderstandings and the sincerity and the realizations of feelings...it was done chef's kiss perfection. The cherry on top was each (especially Paul) realizing their worth to the other person.
Absolutely loved this story! *****
And I do not say that lightly!!
This is possibly my favorite Maggie Dallen historical that I have read thus far. Mary and Paul are def my current favorite couple.
The story immediately captured my attention and was just so entertaining!! I plan to reread it immediately after writing this review.
The banter and the playfulness and the misunderstandings and the sincerity and the realizations of feelings...it was done chef's kiss perfection. The cherry on top was each (especially Paul) realizing their worth to the other person.
Absolutely loved this story! *****
November 5, 2025
I've enjoyed Maggie Dallen's School of Charm series for bedtime reading that is sweet, clean and fun. The men are usually of good character and somebody I'd actually like to get to know. But if England had as many titled people as these novels present, you'd hit a duke every time you threw a rock lol. In the end, these are a great relaxation with nice writing style and sweet romance with respect for the actual societal rules that one would encounter in victorian times. Recommend especially for a teen reader looking for sweet Romance that is clean. I would have LOVED to have something like this as a young teen girl.
February 28, 2022
I really liked this book. Mary and Paul have an intense rivalry that is super hot. They trade barbs, but what I love is how they really care for each other. Mary is super fun and I loved how she really wants what is best. Paul really respects Mary. I love how he is protective, but also gives her all the freedom. He is really ahead of the time. I loved the book. It was super sweet. I enjoyed the cameos from the other characters.
June 12, 2025
Paul and Mary's story is etched with banter, quips, sarcasm and hurt feelings. After a lifetime of riling one another they will come face to face with deep feelings. I enjoyed the book and the supporting characters.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I purchased the collection for an amazing sale price directly from the author. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I purchased the collection for an amazing sale price directly from the author. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
November 17, 2025
I so want to enjoy these books, but they are just too shallow and formulaic for me. And I feel like there is too much back and forth. I thought that Mary had decided that she loved Paul and he loved her, but then the next page she's doubting his feelings and realizing he'll never love her as she loves him. Ugh. Enough already.
November 26, 2025
I rated this 3.5 stars. So, I enjoyed seeing the characters grow and learn. I struggled with how ignorant and prejudice Mary is in this book. For a girl who wishes desperately to be seen as intelligent she makes some really stupid mistakes. I really did like Lord Paul, and the story was enjoyable.
March 4, 2022
A good clean enemy to lover romance: I really enjoyed reading it and would recommend it.
Read
February 12, 2023Terrible, bland, another toxic man. Not romance.
February 22, 2023
My favorite of the series, full of humor and charm!
May 7, 2023
lord Paul- 2nd son and neighbors of Marry's family.
Miss Marry- is into chemistry and scholar pursuits, she believes her childhood friend tattled on her and she has never trusted him again
I enjoyed reading this story of miscommunication that leads to misunderstandings that has lasted close to a decade with further misunderstandings but it does end up with a loving hea,
Ama
Miss Marry- is into chemistry and scholar pursuits, she believes her childhood friend tattled on her and she has never trusted him again
I enjoyed reading this story of miscommunication that leads to misunderstandings that has lasted close to a decade with further misunderstandings but it does end up with a loving hea,
Ama
November 7, 2023
Characters are annoying. But the joke is on me—I keep reading these books.
November 13, 2023
2.5 stars. I usually really enjoy this series, but Mary and Paul were not very likable, IMHO.
December 4, 2023
This one was not my favorite. It felt a bit forced and dragged on too long.
March 3, 2024
This one was so fun!
July 25, 2024
Pretty good. Sweet.
September 9, 2024
Incredibly lighthearted, cute romance story
Read
November 2, 2024A tangled web indeed for this couple . Loved it
November 24, 2024
Thin line between love and hate. No spice. Fast read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews