A Comfortable Alliance: A Regency Novel

by Catherine Kullmann

When Will, Earl of Rastleigh meets Helena Swift, he is intrigued by her composure, her kindness and her intelligence. As their friendship develops, he realises he has found his ideal wife, if only he can slip past her guard and overcome her well-known aversion to matrimony.
Tempted by the thought of children of her own, and encouraged by her mother to leave the shallows where she has lingered since her fiancé died of the wounds he received at Waterloo, Helena accepts Will's offer of a marriage based not on dangerous love but affectionate companionship and mutual respect.
But is this enough?
As Will gets to know his wife better, and the secrets of her past unfold, he realises that they have settled for second-best. Can he change the basis of their marriage? Will Helena risk her heart and dare to love again?

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Marriage Of Convenience, Romance, Regency, Historical, 19th Century

430 pages, Hardcover

Published March 25, 2021

About the author

I was born and educated in Dublin. Following a three-year courtship conducted mostly by letter, I moved to Germany where I lived for twenty-five years before returning to Ireland. I have worked in the Irish and New Zealand public services and in the private sector.

I have a keen sense of history and of connection with the past which so often determines the present. I am fascinated by people. I love a good story, especially when characters come to life in a book.

I have always enjoyed writing, I love the fall of words, the shaping of an expressive phrase, the satisfaction when a sentence conveys my meaning exactly. I enjoy plotting and revel in the challenge of evoking a historic era for characters who behave authentically in their period while making their actions and decisions plausible and sympathetic to a modern reader. In addition, I am fanatical about language, especially using the right language as it would have been used during the period about which I am writing. But rewarding as all this craft is, there is nothing to match the moment when a book takes flight, when your characters suddenly determine the route of their journey.

Reviews

[Jultri]

This book appears very well-researched with the author showcasing her hard work with tidbits about mundane aspects of genteel life as well as other historical details, some added to the central plot and others were less relevant. Kudos to the author for introducing the issue of women's lack of rights and financial independence in those days. The characters and dialogues were written sensitively and appropriately. But where was the romance? The protagonists marry and nothing happened for the longest time, because they immediately entered into a very comfortable allliance of sex and pleasantries. In the meantime, there was much ado about everything and everyone. There was a plethora of unrelated side plots, with a new one starting as another one was resolved. There were some strange inclusions of random conversations with random people that were then abruptly cut off, which really made no contribution to the main story or any character growth. Allusions to any romantic feelings only started in the last few chapters, rather than building up some sort of emotional tension throughout the book.

ARC from Netgalley.

[bibliolatry]

I absolutely loved this book! I received, A Comfortable Alliance, as an ARC through Netgalley. I requested it because the plot was interesting, but since I had just finished reading one of the best books I have ever read, I approached this with reservations. In spite of that, I found the book so well written and sweet, that I want to read it again—immediately!

The plot contains the sweetest romance I have read in a long time with a hero, Will, the Earl of Rastleigh and heroine, Helena Swift, who are not only likable, but also admirable. Their evolving love story shows them overcoming past heartaches and loneliness. Their characters were so fully drawn and their dialogue so natural that I could picture perfectly. I loved the way that they did not “write off” family and friends who were either weak or lacking in character. In spite of the fact that they were self sufficient in their own company, they allowed others into their lives and helped them become better people--Will and Helena were truly good!

The plot has something for everyone: famous historical events, romance, mystery, and human drama. It was absolutely fascinating! Historical events such as, the Duchess of Richmond’s Ball, the Battle of Waterloo, and King George IV’s coronation were included. Contemporary historical issues of the day were touched upon: the abolition of slavery, women’s rights, and the Irish question among others. But none of these were boring in any way. Catherine Kullmann has done such a wonderful job of researching this era that her seamless writing enriched the story and gave it authenticity.

I was pleasantly surprised by how good this was and I’m so happy that I “discovered“ Catherine Kullmann.


#AComfortableAlliance #NetGalley

[Jennifer]

3.25 stars.

This was a nice and easy read. There was no OP drama (the wannabe OW was just an annoying gnat) and it was a realistic portrayal of two people of means falling in love with each other through the happenings of everyday life. The pacing was a bit slow and the problems that they were solving could've really been classified as first world, top tier, upper crust problems, but overall, I found myself liking the two MCs and rooting for their HEA.

I really appreciated that the hero didn't comes across as a man about town. He was upfront with his wife when she asked about the women in his past, but was very clear that none of them mattered. (insert eye roll here) However, there isn't any mention of his ever having had a mistress, and I know that's a weird line for me to draw, but I stand by my liking a hero not having paid for sex. Historical accuracy or no, it squicks me out.

I also liked that the heroine was a woman of independent means. She didn't need to get married and so she didn't. She didn't need to fawn over and simper and pretend that she had no opinions, so she didn't. However, no matter how much she had a mind of her own and knew what it was, she also wasn't a shrew. She was kind and loving to those around her; she didn't fling her opinions needlessly about just for the sake of other people knowing she had them and that made her a very attractive heroine.

So overall, while the plot wasn't scintillating and the conflicts were very mild, I enjoyed this story. It had a fairly mature feel in the genre full of insecure and bland debutante heroines.

[Melissa]

I am surprised by how much I liked this. It was really like going back in time. More understandable then a Austen novel but so like it. I felt like I had stepped back in time to visit this couple and watch their story. This is an arranged marriage story where both parties were agreeable and friends. It was so different and so interesting. This is not like my normal book. This was reading the first year of marriage where normally you read up to the marriage. She just had such an interesting way of writing.
Sex: This does have some matter of fact sex scenes. Nothing erotic just told like the rest of the book. This is after marriage.
Drinking: There is always alcohol in these kinds of books.
Violence: NONE
No religion

[Elizajane40]

Sometimes I have a hankering for a long, slow marriage story, with no Big Misunderstandings, no unrealistic drama, and plenty of time between the main couple -- all set in a Jane Austeny England. Welp. Here it is, as if written specifically to order for me. AND I LOVED IT. Obviously, I'm gonna have to read everything this author has written now. YAYAYAYAY!

[Claire S]

8/11/2023 Updating my review to 4 stars after re-reading it. I still concur with all my previous opinions, but the author's writing style and the maturity level of the story should place it above most Regency books I've read.


This is my first book by the author so I had no idea what to expect. It's a traditional Regency romance except that it's not clean. The couple's first night together is descriptive and they enjoy a healthy sex life throughout the book. It didn't bother me as I've read more explicit books and it was done tastefully but many readers might have an issue with it. This book is divided into 5 separate books, if I'm not mistaken. The first reads as a typical Regency romance with the H and h meeting and getting engaged. That was my favorite part. If you ever wonder what happens after the HEA in other books, this one continues to about one year into their married life. Book 2 is about visiting the Earl's dying mother and it was also very sweet and sad. It explains a lot of the Earl's upbringing and it shows Helena at her best. The book loses a lot of steam after that and the last chapter seemed a bit cliché and tries to create some drama that, at that point, was not needed. I liked that both characters were mature and had a trusting and loving relationship (they kept thinking there was no love in their marriage but it was pretty obvious to the readers that they loved each other). I appreciate that it wasn't the typical marriage of convenience plot where one of them is the martyr who loves a cold spouse. The majority of the conflict was provided by circumstance of their daily lives and learning about each other. The Earl is described as cold or aloof but I found him to be pretty charming and very personable to those he considered family and friends from the beginning. The h is intelligent and independent and continues to be so after the marriage, which I appreciated. The author writes really well and seems to have done a lot of research about the period. In the beginning, I would have given the book 4 stars but, as it continues, there's so much that happens and so many descriptions of just daily life that it became a bit exhausting. It felt like it took me a long time to finish the book even though it was not longer than many of the books I read. It was still an enjoyable experience and I appreciated the unique way the author created her story.

[Arati]

Well written, one to savour for sure, and a realistic story with lovely characters too. It's going on to my list of comfortable re-reads.

[Julie]

This one had some weaknesses: not much of a plot, and the dialogue could be quite stiff and stilted. But I kept going, mainly because I liked the characters. There wasn’t much conflict, either externally or from outside the marriage - and any conflict which did arise was swiftly resolved. However, this was just the type of comfort read I was in the mood for.

And in some ways, it was refreshing to have a book focus almost entirely on how a couple who wed for pragmatic reasons over time come to fall in love with each other . It was a sweet, gentle read. Will probably try more by this author.

[Kathryn Hannon]

This was my first Catherine Kullmann book -- but it won't be the last. I very much liked the "slow burn" of the developing feelings of the H and h. I did find the h's reluctance to wed for her particular reason a bit weak, but her doubts were ultimately overcome by her strong feelings for the H, so I will give a pass on that rather contrived excuse for angst. There was some sex after marriage, though not too lurid and sensitively presented, All in all, if you're looking for character development along with relationship development and you're NOT looking for love mostly as a result of physical attraction on as illustrated in major "steamy" hot sex scenes, then I think this is a book you will enjoy. I am definitely going to look for some more books by this author because I appreciate the way she builds characters, motives, growing emotional attraction (in addition to physical attraction), and a good story line. These are the mainstays for me in a good historical romance, and this books checks all my boxes. #NetGalley #AComfortableAlliance Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC.

[Helen Hollick]

Helena Swift can't see herself marrying anyone after she lost her fiancé at the Battle of Waterloo. Too recently engaged to have told anyone about it, Richard's family still held her close and were fond of her but she didn't have the wider sympathy - or status - of being a grieving betrothed. Once back in England, she lives quietly with her mother in the dower house.

William, earl of Rastleigh, has to marry but can't face the cattle market that is the marriage mart of the fashionable in London. He isn't particularly inclined to get tangled with a love affair, but he needs an heir, more so as his designated heir is a bit of a pointless fop who appears to be after the inheritance before it is his. Brought up in a cold household with just his grandfather after his father died and his mother was forced to give him up on her re-marriage and subsequent removal to her new home in Ireland, love isn't something Will has ever needed.

A chance encounter with Helena while visiting family friends changes Will's mind. During a whirlwind romance, Helena agrees to marry, mostly because they can both see the advantages of each other - for Will, Helena is sensible, pretty, and educated; for Helena, Will is not after her money and offers respectability and she likes him well enough.

However, as time goes on they find themselves craving the love they didn't think they needed, and from each other.

Ms Kullman has written a perfectly pleasant Regency Romance which will be pleasing to fans of the genre. If you are looking for something deeper with a will-they-won't-they plot, however, this might not be for you. All the correct ingredients are there for the straightforward romance genre - handsome earl, pretty, suitable girl, and of course they are going to fall in love. As an example of the genre, it is very well researched with some delightful details, but maybe there is too much modern thinking applied to people of a different era?

But it is nicely written, and Regency fans will enjoy it.

Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds

[Mary Yarde]

She would never again have what she had lost, but she was content with what she had.

Helena Swift's heart had been shattered into a million pieces when her beloved fiancé died from the injuries he sustained at the Battle of Waterloo. With his death, Helena had no desire to risk her heart again, so she withdrew from society. She is resigned to the fact that she will always be a beloved aunt, but never experience the joy of motherhood for herself.

William, 8th Earl of Rastleigh has to marry, for he needs an heir. But he has not yet met the woman he could envisage spending the rest of his life with. That was, until he met Helena. Helena intrigues him, and he enjoys the ease between the two of them. Helena would make the perfect countess.

Will offers Helena everything, except for love. This proposal is something that Helena considers carefully, for she wants a family of her own. But will a marriage of mutual respect and friendship be enough?

A Comfortable Alliance: A Regency Novel by Catherine Kullmann is a beautifully woven love story that is rich with historical detail and unforgettable characters.

As one would expect to find in a romance, regardless of what era the book is set in, the couple must elude and overcome numerous stumbling blocks to reach that happy ever after ending. However, the complications that occur for the protagonists of this novel are not caused by an outside force or unrealistic obligations, but it is their inability to ask each other the right questions and to admit their growing love.

After the tragic death of her first love, Captain Richard Harbury, Helena Swift had vowed never to fall in love again. She remains true to her first love. She still wears his ring, even after all this time. But what William, 8th Earl of Rastleigh offers Helena is not a marriage built on a foundation of love, rather one based on mutual affection, friendship and companionship. Helena realises after some deep and reflective soul searching that she does not want to spend the rest of her life wishing for a future that has, thus far, been denied to her. And although she was resigned to spend her life as a companion for her mother, she realises that this is no longer enough. She wants a family of her own; she wants to become a mother, and Will is offering her that chance. She admires Will and is certainly attracted to him but, more importantly, she likes him. What she wasn’t expecting was how well they would get along. Together, they can weather any storm. And unlike many of her acquaintances, Helena comes to the shocking realisation that what she and Will share is something very special and unique when compared to her peers. Has she fallen in love with him? Dare she risk her heart? Dare she not? Helena fears love, yet she cannot help falling in love with her husband. I thought Helena’s portrayal was utterly enthralling. She is a genuine, loving individual who is overflowing with empathy and love. She is also quick of wit and more than an equal for Will.

This book is unlike many Regency Romance novels because Will is not a rake. He is loveable, but he is no scoundrel. He is a man of wealth and title, which makes him a target for all the mothers who want their debutant daughters to marry well. Will is the most eligible of bachelors, but he has no intention of marrying. He only feels compelled to marry when he realises that his heir would make a disastrous job of managing his estate, and thus he feels the need to marry and have a son of his own, but even then he is hesitant. When he meets Helena, he realises that she is the woman he has been waiting for, and yet he does not offer her a marriage based on love, although he does desire her. It comes as somewhat of a surprise at just how lonely his life was before he met Helena. Despite having wealth, large estates, lavish houses, and even a castle, he finds his home, the place that has eluded him for so long, in her arms. I thought Kullmann’s portrayal of Will was sublime. He is honourable, kind, and desperate to make Helena happy—although sometimes he becomes pre-occupied and takes her a little for granted on occasions. But when he realises his mistakes, he is quick to make amends. Will is not perfect. He does have flaws, but I think this made him all the more endearing.

Kullmann’s portrayal of Britain’s High Society in the 19th Century was masterfully portrayed. The mothers’ desperate attempt at marrying their daughters by fawning over men, such as Will, really brought home how the relationship between money and wealth was viewed. Kullmann has also depicted the darker side of this society—the bitterness, the jealousy, the rivalry and the lengths some were willing to go to so that they could cause a scandal, or to force a marriage. The fact that Will married a woman who had retired from society and seemingly in such a hurry fans the flames for those who have a seemingly insatiable appetite to destroy another’s reputation. I thought Kullmann has really captured the very essence of the Ton in this era.

Family and friendship is an integral theme that runs through the length of this novel. Helena’s loving heart means that Will has the courage to finally embrace the truth of how much his mother had suffered at the hands of his grandfather. Likewise, he is able to form a meaningful relationship with his step-father and siblings.

There are many family secrets and unspoken traumas that finally come out into the light in this novel. Kullmann goes to some length to demonstrate how much women suffered, and how vulnerable they were during this era. With Helena’s confidence and empathy, Will learns some terrible truths about the past, and how members of his family had silently suffered. Helena brings Will’s family together, and he is left wondering how he had managed these long years without her.

A Comfortable Alliance by Catherine Kullmann is a truly wonderful novel and is a real treat for lovers of quality Historical Romance.

I Highly Recommend.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.

[Raymond Thompson]

Brussels, 1815. Despite Helena Swift’s devoted efforts to care for her intended, he succumbs to wounds received at Waterloo. Six years later she still has no interest in marriage, but then she meets Will, the Earl of Rastleigh. He too is reluctant to wed, but he needs an heir; and when he meets Helena on a visit to relatives, he is attracted. He proposes ‘a comfortable alliance’ and she, with misgivings, accepts.

This is an involving story of how a marriage of convenience can develop into a love match if both parties are willing to take some risks, work at their relationship, and trust one another. The encouragement and support of friends and family is also invaluable. Helena agrees to a hasty wedding so that they can visit Will’s dying mother together and, within the first year of their marriage, she comforts and supports her mother-in-law and her grieving family; takes the initiative in dismissing senior servants who were stealing from the estate and sets in motion steps to make it more comfortable; acts as a skillful hostess and helps Will reconcile with his relatives; and gets pregnant. No wonder Will is astonished at his good fortune!

Of course, all is not plain sailing. Will can be thoughtless, but he is well-intentioned and learns from his mistakes, while Helena must conquer her own insecurities. They do, however, learn to trust each other and that helps them meet the challenge when misunderstandings arise, secrets are revealed, and malicious gossip threatens their relationship.

The cast of characters is long and at times confusing, but a useful list is provided. This, in a worthy romance tradition, is a guidebook to building a strong and loving marriage.

Highly recommended.

https://historicalnovelsociety.org/ma...

[Chris]

Can you get married first and find love later? This seems to be the central question for Will and Helena in Catherine Kullmann's new novel "A Comfortable Alliance". It follows Will and Helena through their brief courtship to their wedding, after which they are thrown in the deep end due to a family tragedy. While being drawn to each other, they did not marry for love, but more for convenience and the desire to live a certain life. Does love find them regardless?

Helena and Will as main characters are immediately likable. What I found particularly interesting was to follow their respective personal developments throughout the story and how these developments change the dynamics of their relationship. Their partnership evolves by Helena and Will gaining a deeper understanding of themselves as much as learning more about the other. This dynamic is told against a backdrop of a story where both Will and Helena come to terms with their past (including a very touching passage with them visiting Will's mother) and finally taking charge of their future.

As always I deeply enjoyed Catherine Kullmann's style of writing. The story flows beautifully and takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride. Sorrow, joy, outrage, contentment - you will experience them all when reading this book. Highly recommended!

[D.K. Marley]

A Comfortable Alliance by Catherine Kullman is a beautifully written historical novel set right after the Napoleonic Wars. From the start, I could tell this was a gentle read, in other words, a peaceful-evening-sitting-by-the-fire-with-a-glass-of-wine kind of book. Ms Kullman does not disappoint in her ability to transport you with her true-to-the-era dialogue and situations. The overall story is quite lovely, giving you enough romance while not being gratuitous in anyway which, to me, gives credibility to the time period in which she writes. The dialogue is easy, not cumbersome, except for a few out-of-place descriptive passages which I thought a person might not ordinarily say in regular conversation. But, then again, sometimes we read with a more modern eye. I think of this book as a meandering river, flowing along with Will and Helena’s relationship as their characters develop over the course of the book – a comfortable alliance becoming a very sweet romance. The title is perfect in that respect! Along with the historical backdrop, which Ms Kullman portrays with great skill, this book is a great read for anyone wanting a well-told Regency story. Very recommended!!

[Andra-Mihaela]

3.5stars

I wil begin by thanking NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity given to read "A Comfortable Alliance".

We follow Helena Swift, as she gets a second chance at happiness after har late fiance death due to injuries sustained at Waterloo. That chance takes the form of William Hall, Earl of Rastleigh, a man set to marry for duty above other reasons.

I must say that I enjoyed reading this book very much. We have likable characters, a well developed and researched setting and lots of important disscusions around women's rights in that time period.

As per usual, I will start with the pozitive. I feel that Helena has a complete description in regards to personality, beliefs, emotions and values, as well as "flaws". Although she tends to be on the perfect side, due to her past tragedy and her strong standing with Will and other characters, I'm inclined to very much like and understand her.
Moving on from the character, to the disccusions, I appreciated the depiction of life for a wife in that time. Many authors shy away from writing past the "happy ending" and I'm glad Catherine Kullmann didn't. She put on page things like power dynamics between married couples and differences in rights for young unmarried ladies in contrast to married ones; things like money and management of property between men and women are overtly brought up; and also we see a little bit of blacklash on wars for glory and colonialism.
Another good point in my book is for the New Year scene...really beautiful in both imagery and in showing both protagonists as a mature couple.
Speaking about mature, YES, we have a MATURE COUPLE that talk...and comunicate...and solve issues together!
Side note: the depiction of the couple is one of the best in my opinion in regards to historical romance novels. We have a quiet sort of strength in Helena that makes itself known and respected, without unrealistically ruling over her husband. We have a cold Earl that is for the first time exposed to a new side of the problem( a woman's point of view in society) without having to be emasculated or shamed for simply not thinking/seeing it.

Now, for the less good parts, I will start with the obvious one: lack of chemistry between the main protagonists. This is subjective and it may not be a problem for some readers, and definitely it doesn't have such a great impact that it takes you out of the story...in fact..only towards the last 20% I felt this.(mainly due to some plot points).
Moving to the plot...we have the major negative here...the author tried to encompass a lot of action in order to present Helena's ascent to her new status as believable as possible. This coupled with the easy way in which most of these are resolved does has an impact on overall enjoyment. :(
I appreciated the comunication in the couple, but lack of disputes is pretty much unheard of in a marriage.
Towards the end, the book got better at these things, and highlighted another strong point(the subtle way in which a scandal can be resolved in a historical romance...because, lets be real..loud declarations or another scandalous event/action is less likely to solve the current issue), but it still left me wanting more internal drama...that's it!
Internal struggle is almost missing from main characters! We need to see more of a battle with oneself when it comes to change. Helena had plent of reasons for that, but she was never showed having insecurities, second-guessing decisions or any kind of fear when a "country" lady takes such a big jump.I believe this will be the major turn-off along with the constant serene disposition from Will. He is a borderline yes-man.

But this are flaws in my eyes, and other may not see them as I do.
I recommend this book to readers in search of a drama-free historical romance with great comentary regarding women and marriage in that period.

Enjoy!

[Kathleen Lynch]

Aftershocks of Waterloo

Few readers of historical novels set in the years known as “The Regency” and the disruptive social changes of the pre-Victorian years that followed will need historical footnotes to interpret the background of this novel. The author’s research is impressive but not a.burden to the story of second love. The people of the novel learn and mature (or fail to do so) in an almost dance-like pattern. I thoroughly enjoyed this chance to accompany the Earl and his Countess, with glimpses of Brussels, rural Ireland under British domination, and of course the brittle, brilliant, cruel London high society.

[Kim Power]

Charming

A character driven story grounded in relationships and how they have the potential to develop. Helena is charming and engaging, perhaps a little too perfect, and Will is delightful as a man learning to be a husband. There is a huge cast of characters, the principals being well delineated. The sense of period is beautifully wrought the Keep is almost a character in its own right.

[Christin]

Not quite what I expected

This isn’t exactly what I thought I was getting into. It’s a slow-moving story that follows a couple through their meeting and first year of marriage. It was actually pretty realistic and sweet but I craved a bit of a driving force to the plot, something more than “these are the two main characters and here’s what they’re doing today.” But it was not without insight and it was fairly clean so kudos to that.

[MEF]

A pleasure to read

What a refreshing ,quality read. I loved the descriptive writing and historical detail, the plot isn’t rushed and we follow the developing relationship between Helena and Will over the first year of their marriage. The characters emerge and mature and the book was just a pleasure to read. I don’t often give 5 stars but I feel this book was such a charmer.

[Carol]

delight

What a delight to read such a gentle & beautifully crafted novel. Rather like the tapestries & embroideries our heroine delights in, the characters and their stories are intricately woven with the history of their days. Nothing jars, but each part leads the reader gently but insistently to the next, and the next.
This is a MUST READ book!

[Harriet]

Love, friendship and adventure

I’ve just found this author - loved this book! It had enough adventure and pace whilst still building a beautiful love story! I really liked that no steps were rushed in the relationship - would definitely recommend

[Linda Wakely]

This author will join a short list of favorites.

Glad I stumbled on this very rewarding read, replete with numerous references to the history and customs of the period. I appreciate the author’s scholarship. The story, as well, is most satisfying.

[ChillwithabookAWARD With]

A Comfortable Alliance by Catherine Kullmann has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Award.
www.chillwithabook.com

[siobhan]

A lovely novel with a surprising flow. The timeline is perhaps unexpected, mainly because it really begins at the start of a marriage instead of ending at one. It’s unusual timeline makes it’s very promising. I’ve greatly enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it.

[Linda Williams]

Excellent

Great story, an interesting tale of how Waterloo affected lives in Regency England. Masterful character development using a sweet romance, old holiday traditions and family connections.

[Eleanor]

A beautiful slow burn romance that will charm your heart. I really enjoyed watching their romance unfold. The characters felt real and believable. Just a really lovely read. I would highly recommend it.

[Krys]

I really wish that authors would understand the concept that sometimes? Less really is more.

That is really the main issue that I have with this story. There was so much detail that I just... got bored and stopped caring.

Don't get me wrong, I know there are people who are going to love this novel because of the detail the author included (and they definitely had a strong writing style), but for me things became so bogged down that I struggled to keep reading. I don't care that she got a new horse, therefore I don't need three pages of details about it. Just like I didn't need two chapters dedicated to the firing of his butler and housekeeper (although seriously how what they were up to escaped the notice of people is beyond me even with the author explicitly saying that Will wasn't usually "in residence" there. What they did went above and beyond).

Yes, there were the occasional burst of "the unexpected" and there moments where the story seemed to pick up, only to slow down again. Sadly, the good wasn't enough for me to say that I enjoyed this story, even though I know others will.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

[Diane Shearer]

This may not be the usual romance reader’s cup of tea, but I loved it. It’s long and covers only one year in the life of Helena and Will, so it is filled with the minutiae of daily married life in 1820. It’s also filled with gems of wisdom as the young couple learn how to make their marriage work, and ultimately to love each other. The historical detail is great fun and prevents the book from becoming boring while nothing more serious than the hunting up of furniture to restore an ancient castle to its former glory happens for pages and pages. It’s worth reading just for the Twelfth Night Festival, which feels so authentic yet is a creation of the author’s imagination, as she admits in the afterward. It’s wonderful! I love Kullman’s writing. She is very poetic, yet she gets to the heart of her characters and brooks no nonsense. There are few plots more uninteresting than the Great Misunderstanding which continues for 3/4 of the story, unless it is done very well, which only a few authors I’ve read can manage. There is none of that here. I suggest you read this slowly, in the garden or curled up in the window seat with a pot of tea, and just bask in the imagery and the beautiful language. There are scenes here that are burned into my memory, they are so beautiful. If you are an impatient reader who just wants to know how it ends, you should probably skip this one.

[Elizabeth]

DNF at 78%. It’s well written. But, much like the title, this books is comfortable. I enjoyed it but there’s no story there. No tension and then resolution. Just an enjoyably written series of events in these people’s lives.

[Becca]

3.5 stars – This Regency romance came as a charming surprise. True, the writing is a bit on-the-nose, but the characters are so endearing that I didn't mind much. This is a gentle story about two people who wed without expectations for love but find it anyway, and the writer understands that while external conflict adds some excitement, the real draw is watching the leads learn and grow together. Filled with likable characters and stakes that never get quite high enough to cause actual concern, A Comfortable Alliance turned out to be a comfortable, soothing read. I'm so glad I gave it a chance to pull me in.

Thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.