This is more like a novella than a full length novel, which I didn’t realize. For me, what was there was so good that it needed more. More depth, more plot, just more of everything. I really enjoy this author’s work, so it was a lovely reading experience, but just not quite to the level of the other two books I’ve read.

It was very hard to put down this book. I finished in one day. I like the chemistry between the main characters. Thanks to Netgalley, for this free copy. My opinion is my own.

Tristan St. Clair has hit rock bottom. To escape his problems, he goes to a friend’s house party that is guaranteed to be full of debauchery. While there, he finds a very distraught young woman. From their very first interactions, both of their lives are about to be changed forever.
This book had promise. However, from the beginning, I just didn’t like the interactions between the hero and heroine. This made it really hard for me to get into the book, unfortunately.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

A bit slow to start and predictable. More character development needed. A bit dark and slow in parts and could have done with more humour

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book which I received through Netgalley.
I really liked this story. It's very well written. I couldn't put it down.

In The Viscount and the Vicar’s Daughter by Mimi Matthews, you meet two people who couldn’t be more different. First, Tristan Sinclair, Viscount St. Ashton, a man who with a somewhat sordid past and not much better present. He is unhappy with his life and doesn’t know what to do with himself to fix it. None of this, however, changes the fact that he is one of the countries most sought after and eligible bachelors.

Matchmaking mamas throughout “The Ton” have been trying to snare him for there daughters for years. He is even being pursued at a house party put on my one of the most notorious couples in society. Who would bring a gently bred young woman to such a place?

Next, we meet Valentine March, companion to Lady Brightwell, who is the one who feels a notorious party is just the place to bring her beloved daughter if it means that she will be able to attract the attention of the Viscount. Valentine is discovered by Tristan while she is crying in the woods because the vile, petulant daughter of her employer has ruined her sketches. These were the only things she had left of the mother who died giving birth to her.

It was immediately apparent that an attraction was between the two but given their stations, neither an affair nor a marriage seemed a possibility. Valentine also has a secret, soon revealed, which she knows makes her even more ineligible to be a Viscountess.

Throughout the book, I thoroughly enjoyed how the author wove the story keeping the tension between the characters. As they go their separate ways, supposedly for a short period while he works to refurbish his estate, the author still kept them very much in each other’s minds.

Really Well Written

I particularly liked how the author was able to keep the story going without having to resort to lame reasons for not just speaking the truth, as is found in so many romance stories. Mimi Matthews will definitely be an author I look out for in the future.

Reviewed for LnkToMi iRead in response to a complimentary copy of the book provided by the publisher in hopes of an honest review.

Delightful! _______ 3 1/2 stars

Charming regency romance with the requisite rakish viscount who is unaccountability struck by cupid's arrow in the most irregular of circumstances.
Well written with an interesting mystery, circumstances that add tensions to the romance your having when your not having a romance.

A NetGalley ARC

I gave this 4 stars at Romantic Historical Reviews.

This is the second novel by Ms. Matthew’s that I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing for RHR, and I enjoyed this one every bit as much as her first (The Lost Letter). Unfortunately, despite my enjoyment, The Viscount and the Vicar’s Daughter suffers from much the same problem that plagued the earlier novel. After the author introduces two appealing primary characters and a compelling storyline (I was hooked right from the start) she rushes the plot and delivers a too-short story wherein everything feels slightly underdeveloped and unsatisfying. I’m not sure why Ms. Matthew’s books are quite so short – are they meant to be short stories? Novellas? – but her writing is strong and I wish I could have spent more time with this couple. TVatVD is lushly romantic and the premise compelling, but it’s too short.

Valentine March, our heroine, was left to fend for herself after her father, a small-town English vicar, died. With no relatives willing to recognize her or take her in, Valentine was forced to find work to support herself. With the help of a local widower, she managed to secure a position as a paid companion to Lady Brightwell; she’s saving her earnings so that she might become a missionary and travel abroad.

When TVatVD opens, Valentine has accompanied Lady Brightwell and her daughter to a weekend house party. The annual party is notorious for the both its scandalous guests and their debauched revelries, and Valentine is warned by household staff not to find herself alone with any of the gentlemen in attendance. With than in mind, she hides herself away to work on a series of illustrations made by her mother shortly before her death. But Lady Brightwell’s daughter interrupts her work and, in the midst of a tantrum, upends a bottle of ink all over the illustrations. Devastated, Valentine flees the house. Sobbing over the damage – a last link to her mother – she’s caught off guard when a handsome stranger steps into the folly and asks if he can help.

Tristan Sinclair, Viscount St. Ashton, is dirty, tired and annoyed. After traveling on horseback for hours to arrive at a houseparty he doesn’t even want to attend, his groom has just informed him that his father, the Earl of Lynden – whom he’s successfully avoided until now – is waiting to speak to him. Knowing the earl would never willingly attend this particular houseparty, he suspects his father has arrived with an ultimatum of some sort. And frankly, after years of hard living, St. Ashton has hit rock bottom. None of the vices he’s enjoyed – drinking, gambling, women – bring pleasure anymore, and after two years hiding out in his London home, he knows he can no longer avoid his father or his duties as his heir. After taking a moment to gather himself before the coming discussion, he’s en route to the house when he hears a woman sobbing. He’s reluctant to intercede, but concerned someone might be hurt, so he follows the sounds to a nearby folly and discovers an angel in tears.

Suspecting someone at the party has harassed her and since she’s clearly nervous at being alone with him, he only introduces himself as Tristan Sinclair – purposefully omitting his title. He is surprised by his attraction to the lovely young woman and slightly confused by her effect on him – but he’s enjoying their conversation and does his best to cheer her up. The couple enjoys a companionable few moments in the folly until they’re startled by the arrival of Tristan’s groom – who refers to him as Lord St. Ashton. Valentine has heard much gossip about St. Ashton – from the household staff (who like him) and Lady Brightwell, who hopes he’ll offer for her daughter at the end of the weekend – and she’s furious that he tried to disguise his identity… so she flees once again – leaving behind her ink stained illustration (which vaguely resembles something he can’t quite remember) in her haste.

Ms. Matthews does a terrific job setting up our principals as strangers who fall for hard for each other during this much too short first meeting. In less capable hands the set-up would be less believable, but Ms. Matthews eloquently lights a spark and the chemistry between them is palpable right from the get-go. Their tantalizing interlude in the folly is enough for both of them to want more – but Valentine knows St. Ashton is an infamous rake, and sets her heart against him; while St. Ashton, forced to endure a humiliating interview with his father wherein he’s given an ultimatum to do his duty (marry and beget an heir) or be cut off, resigns himself to an engagement to Lady Brightwell’s daughter.

Fortunately for us, neither Valentine or St. Ashton can deny how they feel whenever they’re together – and he’s determined to regain her favor and return her illustration. Shortly before dinner, when St. Ashton’s father appears to recognize Valentine and impetuously decides to stay on at the house party, Tristan is suspicious – but distracted by his overwhelming need to apologize to Valentine, so he follows her after she departs the dinner party. Their meeting, in the dark of the conservatory, is sweetly moving. Tristan, bewildered by his feelings for Valentine apologizes, and Valentine, unable to resist this version of St. Ashton – handsome, passionate and contrite – forgives him. One thing leads to another…and then they’re interrupted by Lady Brightwell and the Earl of Lynden in a compromising position.

To Ms. Matthews’ credit, the narrative doesn’t quite unfold as predictably as you might imagine. Instead (and much to my dismay), once our principles are linked together, two parallel narratives move to the fore: one concerning Valentine’s past and the other to do with St. Ashton’s relationship with his father and actions after the ultimatum wherein he tries to redeem himself and prove he’s worthy of Valentine’s affections. The pair spends a significant amount of time apart and although I enjoyed the novel as a whole, it is at its best when they’re together. Valentine and St. Ashton are terrific contrasts – she’s a calming, sweet and earnest innocent while he’s a darkly handsome, suave and sexy reformed rake. I liked this match-up very much, although their physical relationship, chaste though passionate, begged for a bit more steam…

After such a terrific set-up – three parallel narratives in play, and a compelling opposites attract pairing – Ms. Matthews relies on plot contrivances to deliver a happily ever after. And intriguing secondary characters – used to great effect to advance the various plotlines – are mostly ignored after they’ve served their limited purpose. These contrivances, missed opportunities, and most especially the largely off-the-page redemption of St. Ashton’s character, are why TVatVD only earns four stars. The writing, story and characters are strong and they deserved a longer length to fully develop.

TVatVD is charming and romantic. I just wish it were longer.

North Yorkshire, England - 1861

Tristan Sinclair, Viscount St. Ashton, age 32, is the son of the Earl of Lynden. Currently, Tristan is the guest of Lord and Lady Fairford. As he arrives at the Fairford home, he hears the sound of weeping and finds a young and lovely woman hiding in the folly. He learns that she is Valentine March, age 26, who is a vicar’s daughter and companion to Lady Brightwell, also a guest of the Fairfords. The Fairfords have been known to have racy parties and drunken orgies.

Tristan learns that Lady Brightwell’s spoiled daughter, Felicity, has destroyed some of Valentine’s drawings which breaks her heart.

Tristan learns that is father is at Fairford home. He wants Tristan, as his heir, to put aside his rakish ways, settle down, get married, and take care of the now-neglected estate his father gave him some years ago.

As Tristan and Valentine get to know one another, he is very attracted to her and knows he wants to marry her. However, there is a question of her illegitimacy. Her mother died giving birth to her and she wants to find out more about her. She needs time to search out this information and he needs to go to his estate and work on fixing it up. Can they remain in love if they are apart for some time?

This is a nice little romance. At times, the story seemed to drag and Valentine appears to be somewhat of a wimp. I like to see heroes and heroines with some backbone.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

1861 and rake Tristan Sinclair, Viscount St. Ashton arrives at the home of Lord and Lady Fairford for one of their notorious house parties. Valentine March, daughter of a vicar, is there as a lady's companion and at a folly on the estate they meet.
A very entertaining Victorian romance, well-written, with some lovely drawn characters. This is the second book by this author I have read and have thoroughly enjoyed reading both.

What’s a rake to do when all his vices have lost their appeal? Tristan Sinclair is tired of living up to everyone else’s low expectations. His father’s dour predictions have become something of a self-fulfilling prophecy; after all, if nobody expects you to do anything good, you might as well just be bad.

Stumbling across a young woman sobbing her heart out in the woods, though, Tristan has no audience to play to, and he’s touched by her plight. He can’t quite get her out of his mind, even though he knows he has no business thinking of the shy little companion to the woman who’s determined to snare him in marriage.

Getting caught in the conservatory with Miss Valentine March is a disaster for everyone concerned - Valentine is promptly dismissed by her employer and Tristan cut off by his disgusted father. Tristan, though, has finally found his conscience, and Valentine’s surprising belief in his ability to be a better man makes him determined to prove his father wrong.

Perhaps the lesson is that sometimes, all it takes is one person to believe in you. Even if nobody else in the world has faith that you can achieve your dreams, just one person really can make all the difference.

With that message at the core of the story, this is a really heart-warming romance. I was charmed by Valentine’s faith and Tristan’s determination, and very much believed in their romance. Five stars.

This was a nice engaging read, not a bodice ripper but it still has it's rake and self proclaimed womanizer, Tristan Sinclair, The Viscount St. Ashton a handsomely, devilish man used to over indulgence in drinking and women. Having finally burnout from all the excess he comes across Valentine March a prim and proper young Vicar's daughter who is employed as a companion that suddenly turns the viscount's head because she is not the typical, easily seduced young woman he is used to having. But Valentine has a few well kept secrets of her own and the viscount determined to have her sets forth a scandal after they are found in a compromising situation. Nicely written and descriptive of the era.

Thanks to author Mimi Matthews and Netgalley for providing me a copy in exchange for my review.

After years of unbridled debauchery, Tristan Sinclair, Viscount St. Ashton has hit proverbial rock bottom & spends his time looking at he bottom of a bottle. Seeking to escape his melancholy, he accepts an invitation to one of Victorian society's most notorious house parties. Valentine March is a lady's companion & her job of two months lands her smack in the middle of Yorkshire with England's most infamous.
Tristan meets Valentine in one of the estates follies where she is crying as the daughter of her mistress has deliberately destroyed some drawings & verses Valentine’s mother drew. They are both immediately attracted to each other & during the house party gravitate to each other.
Things don’t go smoothly for the pair, with disapproving relatives & enforced separation. A very well written delightful sweet story. The characterisation is very good & the story is well paced. A straight forward romance with no intrigue just some slight misunderstandings. I thoroughly enjoyed it & look forward to reading more from the author
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Tristan Sinclair, Viscount St. Ashton, had a very bad reputation as a Rake and worse. But after ten years of debauchery, he needed more. Valentine March was a vicar's daughter and her mother died in childbirth. She was able to procure a companion's job and ended up at a house party.
This was a delightful story. The descriptions were nice, the dialogue matched the action going on. The Characters were imaginative, lush and realistic. It turned into a you do like her or you don't type of camp. You were on one side or the other. There were many twists to this, the author took her wand and all was right. The tale was even paced, well written, moved smoothly, it had a surprise or two for you. I highly recommend this book, I loved it.
I received this ARC free and voluntarily reviewed it.

What a charming book of a reformed rake and the woman who stole his heart! It was a quick read that drew me in quickly and left me with a smile on my face by the end of the story. I love bad boy redemption stories, and this one, while a bit predictable, was nonetheless highly enjoyable. This will be the second book I have read by this author, and she has yet to fail in delighting me with her storytelling.

Miss Valentine March is horrified to learn that her new position as companion to Lady Brightwell has led to her attendance at a notoriously wicked house part. After her employer's daughter destroys precious papers by her late father, she runs outside and finds herself becoming acquainted with a charming yet flirtatious gentleman who introduces himself as Mr. Sinclair. However, he is quickly unmasked and turns out to be Tristan Sinclair, Viscount St. Ashton, a man well known for his exploits and general rakish proclivities. But all is not as it seems, and when Tristan is given an ultimatum by his father, he finds that he is tired of living his life the way he has been for years. His feelings for Valentine are strong, and he is determined to prove to her that his days as a wastrel are over, that his love for her is true.

I enjoyed both Valentine and Tristan, and their interactions were genuine in every scene. I felt like I was reading of someone's real life, as the issues they dealt with were so real and not glossed over just to make the story have a happily ever after. In fact, they are separated for part of the story, and I could practically feel Valentine's worry pouring off the pages. Tristan was an interesting sort, as he actually learned a great deal in a short amount of time. He spent so much time believing his father cared little for him, but in the end, he realized that his father cared much more than he ever let on. It was such a journey for both of them, and I enjoyed reading it every step of the way.

Great book, once again, by Mimi Matthews! I can't wait to see what she writes next.

Valentine March is just a companion. She is caught in a compromising position with Tristan Sinclair, Viscount St. Ashton, who is known as a womanizer. He asks her to marry him, but will he back out, and if, and when he does, what is Valentine going to do?

This was a sweet and entertaining read.

This is only the 2nd book I've read by Mimi Matthews. I loved the first book and was not disappointed in any way by this book. Miss Matthews knows how to tell a story. Her characters draw you in right away. From the moment I started this book, I couldn't put it down. Tristan is a rogue, who's reputation is much worse then his actual behavior. Valentine is a lady's companion who's all alone in the world. He becomes her hero. She becomes his savior. I thought it was so appropriate that it was Tristan who brought the truth to light. I highly recommend this book.

In 1861, Valentine March met the most notorious rake in all of England, Tristin Sinclair, Viscount St. Ashton. Valentine was a simple lady's companion and heard nothing but terrible rumors about the handsome Tristin. Valentine is fired from her job and Tristin has just found out that his father will cut off his funds unless he settles down and moves to his country home. After the two meet, sparks are immediate as the two contemplate their futures. Good story but I did get a little bored in parts as their relationship got pushed aside for other story lines.

The Viscount and The Vicar's Daughter by Mimi Matthews will be available January 23, 2018 from Perfectly Proper Press. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋
Valentine has lost all her family , she has been forced to go into service as a companion, the lady who employs her and the lady’s daughter are nasty pieces of work , who have no respect for anyone or anything.
Enter Tristan the Viscount, he’s a rogue, a rake and has a terrible reputation with the ladies .
He comes upon her at her lowest point , crying and alone , instantly falling for her .
She is compromised by him and agrees to marriage.
Enter his father , who gives him an ultimatum. Tristan must leave her alone for a few months and make something of himself.
Can he turn his prospects around and rid himself of the reputation he’s developed, and will she still want him after the separation that’s being forced on them .
This is a great book that I thoroughly enjoyed, I’m off to read more from this author.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley, and I chose to submit a review.