Young and defenseless, Callie Hastings had no choice but to stand trial for a crime she had not committed. Believing that her innocence would soon be proved, she never guessed that the infuriatingly arrogant man who had accused her would also be her judge.
Accustomed to wealth, power, and the adoration of women, Jonathan Trenholme could not believe he'd been outwitted by a feisty, illiterate young girl straight off a Colonial tobacco farm. Callie Hastings needed a lesson in humility -- and he was just the man for the job. Never did he imagine that their lives would soon be hopelessly entangled, their hearts forever enmeshed, their heated bodies exquisitely entwined.
Kathy Keller is the author of several historical fiction novels that include the genres historical general, historical romance, and time travel. She has a degree in journalism from the American University, Washington, D.C. Growing up in the Williamsport area of Pennsylvania, an area rich in history, she developed a love for learning about the past. She currently lives on the east coast of Florida with her husband.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Love Too Proud is exactly the kind of historical romance that reminds you why you fell in love with the genre in the first place.
Kathy Keller doesn't just drop you into 1753 Williamsburg, she immerses you in the tobacco farms, the courtroom injustices, and the absurdity of a British lord trying to navigate colonial America like it's a lesser version of London. Lord Trenholme's aristocratic arrogance crashing into Callie Hastings' fierce independence is chef's kiss. But here's what elevates this beyond typical enemies to lovers: Callie isn't just feisty for the sake of banter. She's genuinely awakened to the legal oppression of women in colonial society, and her campaign to educate the women of Williamsburg sparks real consequences. The scene where she stands before the court and delivers her indictment of British law? I wanted to stand up and cheer. Trenholme's arc is equally satisfying, watching him go from entitled nobleman to someone who actually sees Callie and what she's fighting for felt earned, not rushed. Keller's historical detail is rich without being suffocating. You can tell she did her research (her Author's Note about re-editing to add historical depth shows), and it pays off. The tobacco farming, the colonial legal system, the gender dynamics, it all feels authentic. If you love historical romance with substance, sharp dialogue, and heroines who don't wait for permission to challenge the status quo, this is your book.
Highly recommend for fans of Outlander and readers who want their romance with a side of social awakening.
I came across *A Love Too Proud* while browsing for historical fiction, and the story immediately caught my attention. The blend of colonial Virginia, romance, and the tension between two strong-willed characters makes for a really intriguing premise. I especially like how the book appears to weave love, pride, and justice into a historical setting. It's clear Kathy Keller has put a great deal of thought into creating a story that historical romance readers will enjoy. Looking forward to spending more time with this one.