Oh, I loved this book so much. What a sweet little love story. Can't wait to continue this fun series of proper romances. I preferred this book to the first one and absolutely adored the characters and their interactions with one another. It reminded me so much of my beloved Edenbrooke, and not just because the main character's name is also Maryann. This was so special and wonderful.

Maryann and Timothy have such tremendous growth from the beginning to end of this story, it's such a beautiful journey. I got a little frustrated at how clueless Timothy was at some points, but it was worth it. This is the second book in the series and while it can be read as a standalone, it's definitely more enjoyable if you read them in order, especially as previous characters come into this story as well. A charming and unexpected romance, based on friendship.

I didn't quite know what to think about Maryann and Timothy at first- she seemed without personality and he appeared to be a light headed dandy. It made me curious, and I absolutely loved getting to know them as aspects of their personalities unfolded and characteristics were revealed. Their friendship is unique in that they are completely upfront with each other- blunt almost to a fault. They appreciate the honesty in each other... until feelings get hurt. Unrequited love is one of my favorite tropes because it has such a strong element of longing. Maryann is a lovely friend and does want Timothy's happiness, even at the expense of her own. He had to experience for himself the value of her devotion in contrast to the empty fantasy, and the final scenes in the book are oh-so-sweet and a wonderful give and take in their complex relationship. Highly recommend!!!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

You won’t want to miss this new Proper Romance book! It is the second book in the Mayfield Family Regency collection from Josi Kilpack. I loved revisiting this cute family and the Uncle who masterminds it all. I really enjoyed the banter between Timothy and Maryann. It has me laughing out loud, and shaking my head for them at times. It was lighthearted and such a great read! Make sure you look for this new collection, Promises and Primroses and Daisies and Devotions! I can’t wait to read more!

A laugh out loud, witty, Regency romance. Timothy and Maryann, friends through a family connection, are both determined to find a match during the London season. Timothy has a list of characteristics of his perfect woman and Maryann, knowing she’s the exact opposite, is set on proving that no such woman exists. Their blatant honesty with each other stems from the privilege of being friends and gets them into trouble with each other more often than not. They set out to help the other find the best match and inevitably end up trampling toes and feelings. I love the banter between all of the characters. A thoroughly enjoyable, highly recommended, clean, Regency romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#DaisiesAndDevotions #NetGalley

This is the second book in the Mayfield Family series, and i enjoyed it every bit as much as the first book. Timothy Mayfield, has decided to settle for a wife, who has a fortune, but when his uncle gives him an offer he can't refuse; Timothy realizes that he can have his choice, of any of the young women of the ton. Maryann has fallen for Timothy but she is not the lady who meets his list requirements. She doesn't fit the mold of the perfect wife. What a great book!

I really enjoyed this second book of the Mayfield family. Timothy was at times adorable but tended to stick his foot in his mouth quite often. Maryanne was brave in her attempt to try and find a match for Timothy, who she loved.
They were both stubborn in regards to each other but they both needed time to grow.

(5 stars) - an Austen worthy heroine

I love female protagonists who are strong & confident without being aggressive. Who are intelligent enough to value virtue over intelligence. Who know how to deal with others effectively. Anne Elliot in Jane Austen's "Persuasion" is an excellent example.

Maryann is much like Anne. She's not a perfect heroine, yet still presents an ideal. She has an idea of her flaws & weaknesses in terms of how others may see her, yet she is confident enough in her capability and her own worth not to compromise or sell herself to a man for social pretense.

Timothy, on the other hand, is like a big puppy, lol. He's cute, friendly, playful & means well, but is also impulsive & a little clueless. This serves his character well as he makes some really hurtful mistakes but he's so sweetly earnest that forgiveness comes easily.

Watching the interplay between the two as their friendship develops is fun. They share a witty comraderie that is very entertaining.

Maryann's eventual temptation to retreat in despair is quietly heartbreaking, but rescue comes so unexpectedly that she almost misses it in her disbelief.

The ending is delightful. And left me wanting to go spend some time on the beach with my own sweetheart.

Clean romance level: sweet kisses

This story was a typical regency romance but what brought it to life was the two main characters. Maryann is at 22 a little old for the season. She has inherited money and is worried that she will be pursued not for herself but for her money. She feels she is very plain and is open and honest in her speech. Timothy begins the season looking for a wealthy mate as he has class but no money. Then his rich uncle informs him that if Timothy marries someone he approves of then he will give him a house in London and monies. Timothy and Maryann have developed a honest, open friendship; and she determines she will assist him in finding the perfect mate that ticks all of the boxes of his "list."
The story has a predictable ending, but the road to getting there is filled with fun, laugher, romance, and hurt feelings.

The depth of the characters made this a much more enjoyable read than the typical regency romance. The writing was well done. Even though this was the second in the series, it read well as a stand alone as I had not read the first.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Shadow Mountain through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Wow! I did not expect this book to be this good, to be honest. I’ve read Josi Kilpack before and enjoyed them, but this one has to be the best! I fell in love with Timothy and related to Maryann and loved their story. The story was well written and engaging, the dialogue fun, and the romance sweet and sigh-worthy. I didn’t realize that this was the second book in a series (it works great as a stand-alone), but I’m now excited about trying the first one! Definitely worth the read!

Rated PG for some mild adults themes (tactfully handled)
—no sexual content
—no language
—no violence

I was given a free copy of the ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the 2nd book in the Mayfield Family series, roughly concurrent with 1st novel.

Maryann Morrington is an heiress, not beautiful on the outside, but articulate, witty and thoughtful. Her beauty is inside her, where it really counts. Although she is tired of fortune hunters, she becomes enamored of Timothy Mayfield because he is honest upfront about his motivations. Uncle Elliott's promise of a future financial boon, however, causes Timothy to redirect his search for a rich wife to one he considers "perfect", blonde, beautiful, willowy and accomplished, all the things Maryann is not. He even makes a list of desirable attributes. At this point, he appears to be nothing more than a shallow, inconsiderate oaf. Comparing Maryann's laugh to the braying of a donkey is NOT a tease, it's just cruel. Fortunately, as his character grows and matures, Timothy eventually learns what is truly important in life and marriage. Colonel Berkins's part in the story was interesting and I wish his eventual exit was expanded upon.

As always, Kilpack's writing is a joy to read. I look forward to the remaining books in the series. However, Harry seems almost irredeemable; his path to respectability is sure to be interesting.

Timothy Mayfield is an idiot. As the book opens, he knows he must marry a woman with a fortune but hopes to find a woman he likes as well. But when he meets Maryann Morrington, he doesn’t realize that he has met the woman for him. They have an easy and natural relationship. When Timothy’s uncle steps in with a financial assistance offer that means he can marry for love, he begins to seek the "perfect" woman and even shares his ridiculous list of requirements with poor Maryann, who meets none of them.

I felt very sorry for Maryann, as Timothy says mean things to her in the name of humor and is utterly, totally clueless. Still, (view spoiler) [when Timothy realizes that he loves Maryann, I didn’t quite believe how resistant she was to believing him.] I was also disappointed that we did not get to see the uncle’s meeting with Maryann.

Still, I enjoy Josi Kilpack’s gentle stories with developed characters and interesting situations. I’m sure I’ll read book 3 when I comes along.

I read an advance reader copy of Daisies and Devotion from Netgalley.

Josi Kilpack continues her new Mayfield Family series with book two and after reading the first book, I can tell you right now, this series will be fun and oh so romantic.

I thoroughly enjoyed the chemistry between Timothy and Maryann. I truly felt their deep friendship connection and once they clicked as a couple, I just couldn’t be happier for them.

This clean and heartwarming romance is filled with many funny and touching moments that will warm your toes and give you hope in everlasting love.

Melanie for b2b

This was a different kind of plot which made for nice variety in reading clean, regency romance. Maryann recognizes her feelings for Timothy but spends much of the time introducing him to other women. Timothy is a bit of a dunce in figuring out his true feelings and was rather mean on occasion. At one point I called him a jerk out loud because I was disgusted with his behavior but in the end, he was likable just slow to figure it all out. I liked that in the end he was able to see where he stumbled and own his behavior. I also liked that each time he realized he was being a jerk he was quick to apologize.

I liked that Maryann was forth coming with Timothy and able to speak her mind. Which kind of made me question her behavior at the end. She kind of half stated her thoughts and then hid away to protect her feelings instead of facing everything straight on. I guess she just couldn't believe it could possibly to true.

I had an unanswered question. Why bring up the discrepancies in household expenses and then never deal with it more? And the missing art etc? I thought it was leading into something and it didn't go anywhere. Also, it was obvious to us that Maryann was exactly who Timothy needed to help run his estate but Timothy never found that out. It was another part of Maryann being the keeper of the books etc that never went anywhere. Was this set up for a coming book?

Looking at this as part of the series, I found it interesting to see how each of the beneficiaries of the uncle's generosity responded differently. It will be fun to see how the rest respond as the series goes on, especially the one cousin who is such a louse. He doesn't seem very redeemable in this book.

Sex: a few kisses
language: no

*I received an advance copy of this book thru Netgalley and voluntarily chose to review it.

This is the second book in the Mayfield series by Kilpack. I really liked the first one "Promises and Primroses". This book could be read by itself, not having read the first, but a few people you'll meet are in the first and some of the nuances will make more sense.

I love Kilpack's creativity and writing and how she creates depth. I love that Maryann isn't quite a London beauty and how strong she is. Timothy was an interesting character, almost like he had ADHD, which isn't something you normally see in Regency romance books. But Kilpack definitely looks outside the box (check out 'A Heart Revealed' for more out of the box scenarios). Timothy was exciteable, somewhat impulsive and always moving. Maryann seemed to keep him grounded and their banter was a lot of fun.

The climax was perfect, and I like that it wasn't resolved immediately because Maryann is more methodical. I can't wait for the next book in the series, there is hints that its possibly Harry next so we'll see!

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.

This book turned out differently than I thought it would, and I found myself enjoying it immensely. It is part of a series, which I didn’t realize til after finishing it, but I think it can also be read as a stand alone. It does make me more excited about the first book, as well as curious about future stories to come.

Maryann was a great protagonist. She was unique- different from your run-of-the-mill debutante. She is sensible, witty, sarcastic, older than most other girls, and views herself as plain. While she is not hailed as a great beauty, she shines with an inner goodness more and more as the story progresses.

Timothy is not your average swoony hero either. Yet he is a happy, positive, and kind man, who quickly becomes endearing the further you read. His interactions with Maryann were so interesting, and watching the way they kept up a friendship was refreshing.

I don’t want to spoil anything, but suffice it to say I really enjoyed this sweet clean regency romance. A gentle love story, which has me very excited to see more to come!

The second book in the Mayfield Family series was equally as delightful as the first. Plus, you can read it independently from the first and not be confused. While they weave together, they also stand alone as their own books.

I really enjoyed Maryann as the protagonist in DAISIES AND DEVOTION. I really related to her. Not a super-rich-heiress level, but more of a not-conventionally-attractive-will-anyone-ever-love-me level. I loved that the fact she hadn't yet found a man at 22 (*gasp!*) didn't stop her from being an independent, strong, and patient woman. No desperation here.

Our leading man, Timothy, was as charming as one could hope in a regency novel. The interactions between him and Maryann were just adorable and, at times, hilarious.

I also really enjoyed the guest appearances of Peter and Julia from book one. Just enough of an appearance to satisfy the curious reader without overshadowing the new story.

I can't wait for the next Mayfield Family adventure!

This is the second book in the series. It can be read as a stand alone but it'll make more sense if you read the other one first.

At the beginning of the story, Timothy and Maryann have a frank relationship. She's a young lady with a fortune and he's looking to make an advantageous marriage, but he also wants someone he can grow to love.
As Maryann is tired of men only wanting her for her money, she asks Timothy to be honest with her about his intentions.
But then Uncle Elliott calls Timothy to tell him of his "marriage plan" and with his circumstances much improved, Timothy feels like he can pursue a different kind of woman to marry.

This changes the dynamics of the relationship between Maryann and Timothy and they declare themselves friends. Maryann feels she no longer has a chance since she doesn't meet any of the attributes on Timothy's list.

In the beginning, Maryann's feelings for Timothy were lukewarm at best, but as the story progresses, so do her feelings for him. Timothy, on the other hand, has much to learn as he realizes his perfect woman is more than a pretty package.

Timothy was very clueless at times and even says some hurtful things to Maryann. She's very self-deprecating and gets to the point where she doesn't think she deserves romantic love.

Despite their flaws, and maybe even because of them, I enjoyed seeing the main characters learn their lessons and discover where they truly belonged.

I also enjoyed seeing the characters of the first story.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

DAISIES AND DEVOTION – Josi S. Kilpack
Proper Romance, a Mayfield Family Regency - Book 2
Shadow Mountain Publishing
ISBN: 978-1629725529
May 2019
Historical Romance

London, 1822

Timothy Mayfield needs to marry a wealthy wife. His uncle Elliot Mayfield, the fifth Viscount Howardsford, currently provides Timothy an allowance. Timothy’s father married a maid from his household and then died leaving his wife and children nearly destitute. Timothy is a very polite and honest man, full of energy, very talkative, fun and often silly, but responsible. He finds Miss Maryann Merrington a woman he is interested in marrying. He tells her so and also tells her he would never marry a woman just for her money. He wants to have an emotional connection with anyone he marries. His intent changes when his Uncle Elliot tells him if he marries a woman he approves, he will give Timothy a London house and property that will provide enough profit to sustain the household. Suddenly Timothy feels free. He explains this to Maryann, who has become a good friend, and shows her the list he compiled of characteristics for the perfect wife for him. Maryann just doesn’t fit it.

Maryann is twenty-two, rather old for a debutante, but she has spent the last few years taking care of her mother until she died. Now she is just out of mourning and her older, married sister is acting as her chaperone in London. She thinks herself rather plain and knows most potential suitors are only interested in her inheritance, not in her; except Timothy. She enjoyed his company. He entertained her and his honesty impressed her. Now, just when she realizes she is in love with him, his circumstances have changed. He wants to remain good friends and shows her his list of characteristics for his perfect wife. She thinks it a silly effort. Timothy is deluding himself, for no woman can fulfill all the items on his list. He is also blind to Maryann’s desire. She agrees reluctantly to introduce him to some likely debutants. He will introduce some suitors to her. Soon they are both considering other suitable mates, but just when they both think they’ve found someone, things go askew.

Both Timothy and Maryann suffer from self-doubt, and both face difficulties discovering the person who will fulfill their deepest desires for a mate. The story has an interesting start, and the puzzle of Timothy and Maryann’s relationship builds to become more intricate, emotional, and anxious as the story continues. The situations are appropriate for the era, but also show that people, no matter the time, are people: very complex individuals who have their own aspirations and problems. Characters from the first volume, PROMISES AND PRIMROSES, appear in this story, and other new characters play important roles. Information related in the first volume does not impinge on a reader’s understanding of this entertaining story.

Robin Lee

Not a word I use often but delightful sums up this story quite nicely. This was a delightful read. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you publisher and netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review