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Never Fall for Your Fiancée (The Merriwell Sisters, #1)
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Gaol/BOTM > BOTM 1 - January 2022 - Never Fall For Your Fiancé

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message 1: by Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels (new) - rated it 4 stars

Joanna Loves Reading (joannalovesreading) | 4120 comments Mod
Discussion thread for the First BOTM of January 2022. Please remember to use the spoiler tags when necessary! (Please see 'some html is ok' for instructions.)

Happy Reading!

Never Fall for Your Fiancée (The Merriwell Sisters, #1) by Virginia Heath
Never Fall for Your Fiancée by Virginia Heath

Synopsis:
The first in a new historical rom-com series, a handsome earl hires a fake fiancée to keep his matchmaking mother at bay, but hilarity ensues when love threatens to complicate everything.

The last thing Hugh Standish, Earl of Fareham, ever wants is a wife. Unfortunately for him, his mother is determined to find him one, even from across the other side of the ocean. So, Hugh invents a fake fiancée to keep his mother’s matchmaking ways at bay. But when Hugh learns his interfering mother is on a ship bound for England, he realizes his complicated, convoluted but convenient ruse is about to implode. Until he collides with a beautiful woman, who might just be the miracle he needs.

Minerva Merriwell has had to struggle to support herself and her two younger sisters ever since their feckless father abandoned them. Work as a woodcut engraver is few and far between, and the Merriwell sisters are nearly penniless. So, when Hugh asks Minerva to pose as his fiancée while his mother is visiting, she knows that while the scheme sounds ludicrous, the offer is too good to pass up.

Once Minerva and her sisters arrive at Hugh's estate, of course, nothing goes according to his meticulous plan. As hilarity and miscommunication ensue, while everyone tries to keep their tangled stories straight, Hugh and Minerva’s fake engagement starts to turn into a real romance. But can they trust each other, when their relationship started with a lie?


Mamacita aka MawMaw  (mamawantsbedtimestory) | 417 comments I'm gonna give this one a try.


Merry in and out for the next few days (jewelhound) | 855 comments I am going to reread. I really enjoyed it.


message 4: by Dab (new) - rated it 1 star

Dab I didn't enjoy this one. You need a little lie here and there in a fake dating plot, but this was a ridiculously complex scheme. I can't love a hero who comes up with an idea like this and then invests so much time and energy to carry it out. He described himself as shallow as a puddle. Very accurate if you ask me.

Not sure if I will continue with the series.


Maureen | 183 comments This was a great Historical Rom Com made for the theatre. Lots of laughs. I enjoyed the story and it made me laugh. Here is my goodreads review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


message 6: by Merry in and out for the next few days (last edited Dec 29, 2021 07:34PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Merry in and out for the next few days (jewelhound) | 855 comments I am waiting to get the book from the library. I think this is one of those books you either like it or you it's not your cup a tea. I enjoyed it when I got to read it from Netgalley and look forward to getting others' opinions.


Merry in and out for the next few days (jewelhound) | 855 comments Chapter 1-3. The story requires a bit of suspension of belief as to how Hugh convinces Minerva to pose as his Fiancée. Chapter 3 has the sisters pointing out the hazards of the fake scheme.


message 8: by Susan (last edited Jan 01, 2022 09:16PM) (new)

Susan | 824 comments Mod
Not sure whether to give this 2 or 3 stars (I never give 1 star, as really anyone who publishes deserves a couple of stars).....Probably bump it up to 3 stars, for the butler and because I finished it.

The hero was too saccharine and the whole plot was very lightweight. I also really did not like the Heros mother, although I don't think that was the intention of the author. I just wanted to shoot her to put everyone out of their misery.

I can see why Maureen says that it is made for the theatre....but I didn't think that it made a good novel. I did not have any laugh out load moments, although every now again (when the butler appeared) I did smile. So three stars it is. (as they say....humour is very subjective)


Merry in and out for the next few days (jewelhound) | 855 comments Susan, Enjoyed your review. Agree it would be a fun theatrical.


Sandra Moreira | 1120 comments Mod
Starting this one today!


Amber (amberwallace) | 17 comments I enjoy reading stories with the "fake engagement turns into true love" trope. I enjoyed the characters and adored the butler, Payne. His name suits him greatly as he is at times a pain to his master with his sassy and often insubordinate ways, yet was still appreciated by the Earl and his mother.

I found this book to be humorous and fun, and often found myself laughing out loud. A great start to a series of novels following the Merriwell sisters.


Missy | 1477 comments I was hoping to listen to this on audio, but there is a long waitlist for the audiobook at my library. If I find the time, I'll read the ebook.


Merry in and out for the next few days (jewelhound) | 855 comments I am up to chapter 18. I agree with Amber LOVE Payne. The "mother" is also a fun character.


message 14: by Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels (new) - rated it 4 stars

Joanna Loves Reading (joannalovesreading) | 4120 comments Mod
Missy wrote: "I was hoping to listen to this on audio, but there is a long waitlist for the audiobook at my library. If I find the time, I'll read the ebook."

I found the same problem! I have enough audible credits that I am ok with using it for this book.


Sandra Moreira | 1120 comments Mod
Sorry, but lacks something... nice story, nice characters, but just nice... I gave it 3 stars


Merry in and out for the next few days (jewelhound) | 855 comments I reread this book for the BOM. I almost never reread a book as it lacks the surprise of what comes on the next page for me. I found that to be very true of this book. It dropped a star for me even though I enjoyed the book I had to suspend belief a bit too much. I still look forward to the next book in the series and am excited to read it.


message 17: by Missy (last edited Jan 09, 2022 09:15PM) (new) - rated it 2 stars

Missy | 1477 comments I just finished chapter 5. I can see the humor. The writing is good but I think it's a bit too modern and that's kind of turning me off so I've skimmed through most of chapters 3 through 5.

@Dab, I agree with your opinions about the hero and the ridiculous complex plot for a fake fiance trope.

I can see myself skimming through the rest of the book, so I've decided to not read the ebook anymore. I'll wait for the audiobook to be available at my library because I think it will be more entertaining.

Sadly, I won't be able to contribute to the BOTM discussion since there is a 9-week wait on the audiobook. I hope everyone else is enjoying the book though!


Leena Aluru (mgleena) | 449 comments Ive just started it and am enjoying it. I liked the writing and it's fun. I agree with Dab though, and Minerva's summing up nicely " There must be something intrinsically different with the makeup of men and women, she decided. Something that allows them to act selfishly than do the decent thing. " He sounds so spoilt but I suppose that what an Earldom entitles him to.


Leena Aluru (mgleena) | 449 comments interesting how no one's commenting on the heroine and her sisters. its nice to see sensible thinking women.


Leena Aluru (mgleena) | 449 comments I'm on chapter 3 and haven't stopped laughing. this was just the escape I needed after a very gruesome last read.


Merry in and out for the next few days (jewelhound) | 855 comments Leena, I really enjoyed the humor so much and you are right about the strong women. Diana after working for the paper questioned everyone's intentions. Minerva was smart and dealt with many unexpected situations.


Leena Aluru (mgleena) | 449 comments OK,I'm revising my opinion regarding the 3 sisters. I frankly don't seem to understand them. They were literally on the roads before Hugh came up with his proposal-do Diana and Vee's reactions seem so out. simple politeness seems to be very difficult for them.Also,when people who are so down and out are shown / given some respite , they make the most of it, and ensure that the moneys promised will be made good. So why were these 2 so doggedly difficult? They shouldn't have accepted anything if they had any reservations-but that's not so.


Leena Aluru (mgleena) | 449 comments I'd also like to add that Minerva is extremely arrogant- the kind who believed that because they've suffered they know everything and the othe ris somehow lacking.


Merry in and out for the next few days (jewelhound) | 855 comments I never understood Vee's motives regarding her father.


Leena Aluru (mgleena) | 449 comments little trivia: to call dibs in is such an antique phrase - its been around since early 1700s and has originated from a children's game. Didn't know that.
Mad as a hatter too has been around since 1830's, even before Lewis Caroll' Mad Hatter.


Leena Aluru (mgleena) | 449 comments I'm half way through and I'm tired ,nothinghappens- how long is she going discuss the fabricated story?I understand Dab's dislike - the plots definitely as shallow as a puddle. I'm really going to be using this simile very very often.:))


Leena Aluru (mgleena) | 449 comments Well, I'm done and really did not care for the warped reasoning the mother provides. the book rides on comedy.only. the characters aren't that great either. its a 2.5 star .


Merry in and out for the next few days (jewelhound) | 855 comments Leena, I had fun with this one. Hopefully we can find one we both enjoy on the next read!
Darbella when you read it lmk what your thoughts are.


message 29: by Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels (new) - rated it 4 stars

Joanna Loves Reading (joannalovesreading) | 4120 comments Mod
I have started this one. I used an audible credit and narration is very fun. It is a man and woman duo and they switch chapters depending on the chapter’s perspective. I have not gone in with much expectations. It seems to have been more disappointing for GR friends than win, but I am enjoying it. It’s striking the right balance between comedy and feels for me.

The relationship between Hugh and Giles and their antics reminds of the two male protagonists in The Importance of Being Earnest, which I adore. It has a bit of that feel to it.

I am through chapter 9, and I have enjoyed all of the characters thus far.


Leena Aluru (mgleena) | 449 comments Im sure about it. It was fun as a very airy fairy read, but it would have been great with more meat.


message 31: by Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels (new) - rated it 4 stars

Joanna Loves Reading (joannalovesreading) | 4120 comments Mod
I didn’t check the cost on the ebook because I wanted to do audio regardless, but I am pretty floored by it. It’s $10.99 US. That’s so high. I know they’ve been creeping up, but I haven’t adjusted my expectation on price yet. I also find it interesting that while Heath has been publishing for several years, her previous books do not seem to be nearly so popular as this one. I guess change in publisher made a big difference? Maybe the cartoony covers are generating more interest?


Leena Aluru (mgleena) | 449 comments you should check the costs of paperbacks for Heyer and Carla Kelly on Amazon India. Carla Kelly is a Rs1000/ and going up to 50,000/- . G Heyers too are a premium. I really have no idea why.


Leena Aluru (mgleena) | 449 comments Merry, is there a Giles and Diana hea too??


message 34: by Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels (new) - rated it 4 stars

Joanna Loves Reading (joannalovesreading) | 4120 comments Mod
Leena wrote: "you should check the costs of paperbacks for Heyer and Carla Kelly on Amazon India. Carla Kelly is a Rs1000/ and going up to 50,000/- . G Heyers too are a premium. I really have no idea why."

Interesting. Any particular Carla Kelly books? I suppose supply issues are impacting the prices, so perhaps that is what is happening to ebooks even though they should not be similarly impacted. I rarely buy the paperback.

Heyer has always been out of my acceptable price range, typically.


Lady Nilambari Reads HR (ladynilambari) | 160 comments Starting today. Fingers crossed after the mixed reviews I read in this thread.


message 36: by Merry in and out for the next few days (last edited Jan 13, 2022 12:13PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Merry in and out for the next few days (jewelhound) | 855 comments Leena, I haven't seen any posting about the next book but it said first in a series, so I think its planned. I read Redeeming the Reclusive Earl and loved it. A different style book than this one. She was a new author to me when I read this book the first time on Netgalley. Our local library has several Ebooks and there is a long line to read it Never Fall for Your Fiancée. I have been buying the annual 12 credits from Audible for the last 2 years or borrowing from the library. In the past I purchased the Kindle package, but I dropped it the middle of last year.


Mamacita aka MawMaw  (mamawantsbedtimestory) | 417 comments Started last night.


message 38: by Merry in and out for the next few days (last edited Jan 13, 2022 12:25PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Merry in and out for the next few days (jewelhound) | 855 comments I had a promotion but here is the cost of audible $149.50 per year for 12 credits and the catalog of free books. I don't plan on renewing it this year as I have too many books I need to finish.


message 39: by Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels (new) - rated it 4 stars

Joanna Loves Reading (joannalovesreading) | 4120 comments Mod
Merry Jewelhound wrote: "I had a promotion but here is the cost of audible $149.50 per year for 12 credits and the catalog of free books. I don't plan on renewing it this year as I have too many books I need to finish."

Yea, I have been doing it for a little while. I might stop soon too and try out a different service.


Mamacita aka MawMaw  (mamawantsbedtimestory) | 417 comments Mamacita aka MawMaw wrote: "Started last night."


Ya'll aren't going to believe this... I think the pain medicine Has got to me. I started a book last night that I thought was this one But instead I started Falling for a Rake (Fallen, #1) by Eve Pendle

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣


Merry in and out for the next few days (jewelhound) | 855 comments I loved that book also! The current trend in covers is the culprit.


message 42: by Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels (new) - rated it 4 stars

Joanna Loves Reading (joannalovesreading) | 4120 comments Mod
Mamacita aka MawMaw wrote: "Mamacita aka MawMaw wrote: "Started last night."


Ya'll aren't going to believe this... I think the pain medicine Has got to me. I started a book last night that I thought was this one But instead..."


Oh no! lol...I think we've all done that before. I did that recently in an audiobook series. I was very confused and realized I skipped a book.

I think this one is a likely a better recovery book since it's more light-hearted than the other.


message 43: by Missy (last edited Jan 14, 2022 12:00PM) (new) - rated it 2 stars

Missy | 1477 comments @MawMaw, I saw your update on my feed yesterday that you were currently reading Falling for a Rake (Fallen, #1) by Eve Pendle and I thought, "Oh, she must want to read the series in order." I just realized now after reading your comments that these books are not even in the same series, let alone, written by the same author! 😅😂

I hope you're doing well!


Mamacita aka MawMaw  (mamawantsbedtimestory) | 417 comments Missy wrote: "@MawMaw, I saw your update on my feed yesterday that you were currently reading Falling for a Rake (Fallen, #1) by Eve Pendle and I thought, "Oh, she must want to read the series in order." I just realiz..."

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣


Mamacita aka MawMaw  (mamawantsbedtimestory) | 417 comments I'm doing OK ladies. Thanks for asking. I had a spinal stimulator Implanted in my spine on Friday & am just recovering from that surgery.


Mamacita aka MawMaw  (mamawantsbedtimestory) | 417 comments Merry Jewelhound wrote: "I loved that book also! The current trend in covers is the culprit."

Good to know


Mamacita aka MawMaw  (mamawantsbedtimestory) | 417 comments Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Mamacita aka MawMaw wrote: "Mamacita aka MawMaw wrote: "Started last night."


Ya'll aren't going to believe this... I think the pain medicine Has got to me. I started a book last night that I thou..."


🤣🤣🤣


Lady Nilambari Reads HR (ladynilambari) | 160 comments Just finished reading it. Here is a link to the review...I will jump into the discussion when everyone has finished reading it.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


Bruna (brureads) | 4 comments Finished this yesterday and although I liked the main couple, Hugh's parents and his butler, I ended up disliking everyone else. It was repetitive at times and overall predictable but overall it was a nice enough read. Definitely won't keep up with the series though


message 50: by Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels (new) - rated it 4 stars

Joanna Loves Reading (joannalovesreading) | 4120 comments Mod
I finished this a couple days ago. It wasn’t really on my radar. I tend to avoid books that have a lot of hype, and this one has frequently been mentioned or shown up in my feed. So, I guess I was pleasantly surprised by this. I liked it quite a bit. It’s not going to go down as a favorite, but I enjoyed it overall. I will try to add more thoughts later.


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