Caroline has her life all planned out until Lawrence appeared in it sending all her marriage plans topsy turvy. A great read!

"Still waters run deep"

I really enjoyed this first in Mia Marlowe's series, The House of Lovell.
I loved Caroline's search for a meaningful life. I was drawn to the austere soldier nature of Lawrence Sinclair back from the American Wars.
Caroline has quite deliberately avoided the marriage-go-round. This her third season and if she can avoid marriage she will be able to take up an inheritance from her grandmother and see the wider world.
My heart quite ached for the little boy Lawrence was, ignored and left to be alone. When Lawrence comes to stay with his friend Edward Lovell, Lord Bredon, whom he met on the coninent, he is uncomfortable about being an Earl's heir, with none of the social graces expected. His uncle Lord Ware hates him, blaming him for a terrible misfortune when Lawrence was a child. He will go to any length to stop Lawrence from inheriting the title.
We see that Lawrence is comfortable with his own sense of worth and integrity. Yet ghosts pursue our Lawrence.
The romance of Caroline and Lawrence is a slow roll but gathers speed satisfactorily. However Caroline might not want marriage Lawrence intrigues her. As she reflects to herself after one encounter,
"learning Lawrence Sinclair from the inside out would be an adventure without equal. [she] was just the woman to conquer this man’s inaccessible soul. Then she’d see about whether she wanted to plant her flag."
Well flag planting or not there were enough twists to keep me guessing.
I'm also flashing on a touch of The Nonesuch with our Mr Sinclair!

A NetGalley ARC

I liked this book well enough, but there were certain aspects that were a little frustrating. The heroine and her group of friends came off as somewhat shallow in some scenes, and there were moments when it didn't even seem like she cared about them all that much (like historical Mean Girls, they only barely tolerated each other's company). The relationship between the hero and heroine was pretty enjoyable, though, and their chemistry was fun! But then it felt like the author remembered she had to tie up all her loose ends in the last 20% of the book and SO MUCH HAPPENED AT ONCE, making the majority of the story feel more slowly-paced by comparison. I may check out another book from the author at a later date, but this series probably won't be high-priority for me.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a very unique story that I have never seen before in the historical romance setting. Normally you see the perfect man with social skills and women all over him, but Mr. Sinclair was, well, singular and peculiar. I enjoyed the relationship between the two characters and the dynamics that the other characters played as well.

Caroline has no wish to marry so she decides to spend time with her brothers friend Mr. Sinclair, who is heir to his uncles earldom... except his uncle is doing his best to father a replacement heir. Caroline’s plans fall apart when she falls in love and wants to marry Sinclair, but he refuses to see himself as good enough for her.

A cute love story, with extremely nice characters and an interesting plot.

What I liked: One of the most important things this was proofread and edited well.
This includes grammar, punctuation, and words use.
Marlowe's writing is expressed with precise language to create a detailed world in the reader's mind.

What I didn't like: The story did get off to a slow start. Although it did lay the groundwork for the story.

One of the lines I loved most:
"That was the thing about the future. Nothing was written in stone. He did himself no favors by trying to control what was to come. Life was lived one breath at a time"
-Thoughts of Lawrence Sinclair from The Singular Mr. Sinclair

A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

This was one of those stories that unfortunately doesn't really stand out in any meaningful way. The writing was solid, but there really wasn't anything that made this book stand out over any of the other historical novels currently on the market.

Caroline and her friends come across as very spoiled and judgmental (although Caroline less so), immediately judging Lawrence because he isn't as comfortable in polite society as they are. Lawrence of course is besotted with Caroline the moment he sees her. The pair butt heads as one would expect, however Caroline had an annoying habit of flouncing off irate with Lawrence without any explanation. It was tiring.

Eventually, they admit their feelings for one another, but in typical novel fashion, Lawrence doesn't feel like he is good enough for her and he leaves. Caroline isn't one to take no for an answer however, and as is the case in these types of stories, they reconcile. There were a couple of things that seemed very out of character, and a couple other things that were a little too convenient for my tastes, but overall, this was an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.

I do think this story will appeal to fans of historical romances, and I would read more from this author.

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

The House of Lovell #1, Start of a new series the House of Lovell centers on the Lovell family and it's five boys and one daughter. Caroline is no shrinking violet she very headstrong and independent and on her third year on the marriage mart and no matter how hard her mother tries Caroline doesn't want to marry. She only has to wait out this year's season and after her next birthday she is due to inherit a large sum in which she wants to use to travel the world. Lawrence Sinclair hasn't been home to England since he was a boy, he was sent of to boarding school and then forced to join the army. As an orphan he has been at the mercy of his uncle, Lord Ware, who Lawrence is convinced is trying to kill him even though for for all intents and purposes Lawrence is his heir. But Lawrence survived the harsh boarding school and the War; after he sold out his commission he traipsed across the continent there he met Edward Lovell, Lord Bredon, the eldest Lovell child. Bredon manages to talk Lawrence into coming home to England with him that's when he meets Caroline.

It was love at first sight, Lawrence had never seen a more beautiful woman than Miss Lovell and she didn't make fun of his rusty social skills she just gave him a smile and a way to escape from the awkward social situation. Caroline decided that she was going to spend the season flirting with Mr. Sinclair, heir or not she knew her parents wouldn't find him acceptable and if other men thought he was courting her they wouldn't bother her. But the more time she spends with Mr. Sinclair the more fascinated she becomes with him; he manages to push all her buttons good and bad. Lawrence is certain he could never love another woman the way he loves Caroline but he's not so certain if he's the best man for her, if he can give her the life she so longs for. Caroline once she realizes the depth of her feelings for Lawrence the more determined she is to never let him go.

Overall, this really was an outstanding story. I loved the little bit of conflict that came up I was expecting a little more from it and it was solved a little too easily but all in all the romance between Caroline and Lawrence was what really won me over. The secondary characters from all her brothers too her two ditzy friends, even Horatia who gets kind of obnoxious, make the story even more enjoyable especially the hinting at future connections and books. I have only read a few Mia Marlowe books but I do enjoy them she has a great narrative, this is my favorite of her so far and I look forward to reading the rest of this series.

The Singular Mr. Sinclair by Mia Marlowe is book One in The House of Lovell series. This is the story of Caroline Lovell and Lawrence Sinclair.
Caroline is 20 years old and in just one year she can inherit from her grandmother, which will allow her to become her own person. But until then she has to play along with the 'marriage mart' even thought that isn't what she wants. Lawrence took up the life of a military man and now has retired from that life and has come to stay with his friend. There he meets Caroline who intrigues him along with a great attraction for her. Caroline too starts to have feelings for him and she starts to find out how fascinating he is.
Enjoyed their love story.

Lady Caroline Lovell is in her third season and her parents expect her to marry. She on the other hand does not, she waiting to inherit her grandmother’s trust for her if only she can remain unmarried until she turns twenty-one. Lawrence Sinclair is heir apparent to an Earldom, but not if his Uncle has any say about it his uncle is looking for a young wife to give him an heir instead of Lawrence inheriting. Lawrence knows his prospects are slim he knows he has no business wanting the daughter of an Earl, but poor Lawrence is smitten the moment he meets Caroline. Caroline becomes intrigued by Lawrence and the two strike up a friendship, Caroline wants to help Lawrence adjust to society, solve the mystery that surround him and his past and Lawrence simply wants to be by Caroline’s side. An enchanting story of with family secrets revealed, intrigue as the pair navigate their way through some surprising twist and turns in the story. This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

Lady Caroline Lovell is beautiful, wealthy and the only daughter of an Earl. She’s also in her third Season and with no betrothal on the horizon, her parents are beginning to despair of marrying her off.

The thing is that Caroline doesn’t want to be married off. She dreams of adventure, of travel, of being in control of her own destiny, and if she can just stay unmarried until she is twenty-one, she’ll be able to do whatever she wishes.

The return of her eldest brother from the continent with an interesting companion promises to at least relieve her tedium. Lawrence Sinclair, a former army officer, is unlike any other man she’s ever met. The nephew (and titular heir) of an earl, he was given an education only grudgingly and sent off to war in the hope he would actually die.

Knowing he’s doomed to a life on the fringes of society, especially as his uncle is hurrying to marry again and try to get another heir, Lawrence is well aware that Caroline is out of his league. She’s even more unique than she thinks he is, and he can’t stay away, no matter what it costs him.

This is a beautifully written period romance, and I really enjoyed the dynamic between Caroline and Lawrence, especially when they both made their final decisions to take a leap of faith and trust that together, they could make a good future even without certain prospects. Of course, everything turns out all right because this is a romance, but it was done in a very intriguing and unexpected way I didn’t see coming at all. This was such a good read from start to finish, I’m really looking forward to reading more from this new-to-me author. Five stars.

The Singular Mr. Sinclair is a true delight to read! Reformed rakes and silver-tongued rogues make for fine heroes, but there’s something about a slightly awkward hero that just grabs my heart. Lawrence charmed me from the start and made me smile. He isn’t a dashing duke, but rather a self-made man whose position as heir to an earldom is tenuous at best. He’s not someone most ladies would fawn over because he’s not suave or witty, but they’d be missing out because he’s a smart, honorable, kind, loyal, and strong man. He’s also unabashedly head-over-heels for Caroline from the very start and that just made me melt.

Caroline may have grown up in the heart of the ton, but she longs for a life much different than the one laid out for her. She’s determined to see the world and she’ll even flirt with an unsuitable gentleman if it undermines her parents’ plans to marry her off before she comes into her inheritance and can take off on her own. The one thing Caroline never planned for was Lawrence. He needs her help if he’s to fit into society, but there’s something about her brother’s friend that knocks her just slightly off-kilter and she senses that there’s more to him than meets the eye.

The Singular Mr. Sinclair has a slightly slow pace, but I was charmed enough by the characters that I didn’t mind. Caroline and Lawrence’s romance develops organically and there are just enough obstacles that I was curious to see how they would ultimately end up together. Caroline and Lawrence would be enough to make this a satisfying read, but the addition of Caroline’s brothers filled out this story nicely and made me look forward to more House of Lovell books. The Singular Mr. Sinclair was a joy to read and by the time I finished the book I was excited to read more of Mia Marlowe’s work.

Lawrence Ware was never a good student like his younger cousin, Ralph, but he possesses exceptional equestrian skills. After his father died years ago, Lawrence and his mother lived with his widowed uncle, Harcourt Sinclair, Earl Ware, at Ware Hall in Cumberland. His uncle ruled the home with an iron fist and Lawrence’s mother is a sad woman. Lawrence knows he will have to make his own way in life with no help from his uncle. After he finished his schooling, he joined the military where he excelled. Now, he has retired and is looking to do something else in life.

Lady Caroline Lovell is the daughter of the Earl of Chatham and today she is having tea with some of her friends and listening to them gossip. As this is Caroline’s third season, she bores easily with the silly gossip. Oh, how she wishes she could escape it all and travel to exotic places. She has no interest in getting married and just wants to be her own mistress. She is now age 20 and has one more year before she can access the fortune left her by her grandmother, and then she can have her freedom.

Caroline’s brother, Edward, returns from his Grand Tour and brings with him a friend he introduces as Lawrence Ware. He tells his family that Lawrence will be staying at their home for the season and asks Caroline and her friends to ensure that he is introduced to people. He feels awkward because he does not possess a fortune - just his retirement pay.

Caroline finds that Lawrence has not been schooled in some of the ways of the ton and does not even dance. So, she takes him under her wing and teaches him. Their togetherness sparks an attraction, but Lawrence knows he does not have the means to give Caroline the life she is used to. Caroline surprisingly finds herself falling in love. Is there any hope for a future for them?

This book started off a bit slow and was confusing as times. As I got further into the book, I see that the author was holding back some information to surprise readers later. Thankfully, the story did pick up and the ending was quite surprising. This is the first book I have read by this author and I certainly look forward to reading more of her books in the future.

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

"The Joy of now is worth any sorrow that may come." This story was a character study of two people and the journey it took for them to come together. Lady Caroline is in her last season and will be able take control of her life with the inheritance she is to obtain and live her dream of traveling and seeing the world without being hampered by a husband. That is until fate steps in in the form of one Lawrence Sinclair, recently arrived with her brother who had been traveling abroad. Lawrence is so full of emotions he harnesses from his upbringing and military service that he has to learn to be in polite society. Caroline is determined to find out his secrets and what makes him tick. This is such a well written book with intense emotions and some hidden secrets that come to life. As the two spend time together you can feel their feelings coming through the pages. But there are many obstacles that must be overcome. Prepare to be enchanted as you take in this sweet romance that will have your heart smiling as you turn the last page. I cannot wait to read more in this series..

Recieved a complimentary copy from NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

All Caroline wants is to travel and to achieve this she needs to stay unmarried till her twentyfirst birthday.. Money left to her from her grandmother will grant her the freedom to persue her dreams. But sometimes fate has a way of messing up plans, and for Caroline fate came in the form of Laurence her brothers friend. Laurence Sinclair intrigues her with his tales of travel but she also has a deep connection with him and she can’t keep away from him.
Laurence has fallen for Charlotte but feels she deserves better than him, and with no way to support her he feels he must let her go. Sometimes the heart knows better than logic and keeping away from her is impossible.
A truly enjoyable story fast paced and entertaining. Lawrence and Caroline have a great connection and I found I truly liked them. This was a wonderful start to what looks like a great series. Looking forward to the next one..

No man interests Caroline until her brother brings home a friend from his year abroad. That friend, Lawrence, feels like a fish-out-of-water as he tries to fit into the Season. He grew up being ignored by his uncle Lord Ware so he knows little of ton-ish manners and he can’t dance. Caroline takes him in hand to help him navigate but in spite of her vow to never marry, finds she is falling for Lawrence. Lawrence has been in love at first sight. There are several obstacles in the way of true love and fulfilled dreams.

This is my first book by this author and I was quite pleased. The characters were well presented and the plot held enough angst to make it interesting. The wrap-up at the end was a bit too much of a fortunate surprise. But all in all a good read.

I have have mixed feelings about this book. I loved the two main characters. Caroline was independent in her thinking. She was loyal and protective of her friends.
Lawrence is the hero every girl dreams of. He is kind , loyal, compassionate and protective of all deserving of it (orphans, widows, etc.)
They fall in love despite the difference in their stations and the obstacles that arise.
What I didn't like was the ending. Although I love happily ever after, this one was too nearly wrapped up. As a result I took off one star.
I look forward to the next in the series.

The Singular Mr. Sinclair by Mia Marlowe
The House of Lovell #1

Caroline Lovell has a dream and it does not include a man…definitely not a husband. No, she wants adventure and to travel to faraway places like…Zanzibar. Lawrence Sinclair wants peace after a decade in the military. He has returned to England to regroup. When the two meet in Caroline’s parlor he is stunned and left utterly speechless – not making the best first impression. Caroline, unwillingly, begins to see more in Lawrence that at first sight. The two move steadily toward a HEA that may see them in England or perhaps traveling. There was a twist or two in the story and there were a couple of characters that I would enjoy reading more about so do look forward to reading more in this series.

This is a delightful, somewhat predictable, lighthearted romance typical of the genre with a HEA ending for almost all while setting up for the next book in the series.

Did I enjoy the book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes
Was this a good introduction to this author’s work? I believe so.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books – Lyrical Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 Stars

3.5 rounded up

Lawrence Sinclair has been smitten with Lady Caroline Lovell since the moment he laid eyes on her. But a former Major in his majesty's Calvary and the estranged heir of an earl with no prospects, has no business wanting the daughter of an Earl - even if he did save her brother.


Lady Caroline has no desire to marry, after 3 seasons and many thwarted suitors, she holds out hope that she will make it to her 21st birthday, unwed and free to set her own course, thanks to a small fortune left to her by her grandmother. But Lawrence is a puzzle that needs solving and the first and possibly the only man that has ever made Caro rethink her future.

Lawrence would love nothing more than to marry Caro, but he feels honor bound to walk away from her. But he has seriously underestimated his love! Caro isn't willing to let him walk away without answers and is willing to stoop to forgery to get them!


When a HEA seems to be in their grasp, a shocking family secret paired with a stunning betrayal and an even more surprising twist - may change the all the plans they have envisioned for their future.


I thought this was a very good story, I loved that Lawrence never waivered in his devotion to Caro, nor did he ever feel sorry for himself and his lot in life. The book wasn't perfect, there are situations that come up, seem important and then are promptly ignored without explanation or repercussion, the love scenes are barely tepid and the ending feels a bit too good, to be true. But it is a sweet story and I am looking forward to the next book.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

Loved this story of a man, Lawrence, with a great tragedy in his past. It’s this event and it’s consequences from which he appears to be compensating for throughout his life. He meets Lady Caroline, the sister of his good friend, and is instantly struck with an intense desire for her. Caroline, not initially impressed with Lawrence and his charms, begins to see him in a more positive light. That light soon becomes a flame as the heat between the two explodes.
But Lawrence cannot escape his past in his head, and the conflict that remains in his life as well. But is it of his own making? Does he really need to atone for anything? Will this ruin their chance at a future together?
I enjoyed this book very much and was pleased to note that this author has another planned with more characters from this one. It does have an interesting plot with some intrigue towards the end, but it is primarily focused on the relationship between the H and h, and well done. I look forward to the next and recommend this to readers who enjoy a bit of longing and heat with their hea.