Yes read it. I received an ARC and then forgot to give feedback. I remembered I enjoyed it so I decided to read it again. Enjoyed just as much the 2nd time!

It was a nice story line. It wasn't outrageous, insipid or insubstantial. Very pleasant characters - so much so that I can hardly wait for the next 2 to be released!

A very entertaining historical romance with a classic fake dating/marriage of convenience plot. Although the reasons for the characters entering into said fake dating felt a little thin, their banter was well developed, and their connection grew to feel believable over time. Lots of humorous moments to amuse.

The fake engagement trope is one of my favs 💍! Hugh Standish, the Earl of Fareham, wants his match-making mother to leave him alone. So he invents a fiancé, who’s beautiful, and charming, an accomplished horsewoman, who’s name is Minerva. Naturally, when she visits from Boston, Hugh needs to find someone to play his fiancé, and when he meets Minerva Merriwell, based on her name alone, they strike a deal.

The premise, Hugh making up a fiancé, is of course, pretty wild. But this book is so much fun! As soon as Minerva and her two sisters, Diana and Venus, show up, Hugh starts to second guess this plan. Then the actress he hired to plays his fake fiancé’s mother shows up, his friends Giles, and finally, his mother and step-father. Everyone is trying to ensure Hugh’s mother stays in the dark.

Hugh and Minerva argue and bump heads but they also work together to pull off the deception. Their banter and chemistry is fun and light-hearted. As they spend more time together and actually to get to know each other, they start to think of each other differently, not just the fake fiancé, and not just the man paying her to play a role.

This was a fun, fast-paced, and light hearted read. While I personally wish it had been steamier, it was a cute historical romance that I would definitely recommend! 💕

✨Publishing date is Nov. 9, 2021✨

✨Thank you to Netgalley and St Martins Press for a free copy of the ebook, in exchange for my honest review.✨

I enjoyed this fun story. Cute and a nice piece of escapist reading. Just what I wanted on a beach day.

4 Stars! This was a really cute historical rom-com that is the first in a new series ‘The Merriwell Sisters’ and can be read as a standalone, with a HEA ending. Although I found some of it completely unbelievable, I still really enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend it! It was fun, with a few twists and had me smiling quite a bit. I wish it had an epilogue because I can’t stop thinking about how the story will continue & if Hugh’s friend and Minerva’s sister are the next couple!? I loved Minerva & Hugh, even if I wanted to slap him at times.(Which would be difficult to do, seeing as he’s a fictional character!) I look forward to reading the rest of the series and hope they come out soon!
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

Thank you so much netgalley and the publisher for providing an arc!!

It’s a one fun romantic historical fiction novel.
Therefore, it follows the same story-line of aristocrat bachelor in need of a bride, and in no way wants one. It’s the fake dating that makes this a fresh and fun romantic interlude in the mid 1800’s. And how the Earl of Fareham comes up with his own charade of a tale to keep his doting mother at bay from marrying him off is absurd as it is hilarious. Though, it seemed unlikely that Minerva would agree to pretending to be an earl’s fiancée until said nobleman makes an offer she can’t refuse.

With only a few concerns about how plausible Hugh and Minerva could keep up their act without his parents finding out the truth and a chapter that was confusing on the logistics of where the characters were and how they got there (the ball chapter is the one I’m referring to) I enjoyed Heath’s story.

Filled with absolute laugh out loud moments and a thimble full of steamy romance Virgina Heath’s first book in a series dedicated to the Merriwell Sisters will enchant readers from the opening page.

Lastly, I loved how she created three very unique women who carry themselves in their own way. I cannot wait to read Dianna’s story as she seems the most feistiest of the three. And my hope is that the youngest sister of the three has a character arc to rival her sisters.

Plus, I really like the worldbuilding, and how the author can create a world that has the capability of making us vicariously live through it.
Henceforth, it was quite a good read.

So the tired old trope of a hired fake fiance(e) or spouse still has legs. This was a fun, lighthearted caper that was predictable and yet still enjoyable. I don't quite understand how the uncooperative youngest sister suddenly started playing along once the hero's mother showed up, but otherwise no complaints. The supporting characters were entertaining, and it was refreshing to have a heroine who wasn't magically good at everything. In fact, I can't recall another book where the main character is tone deaf.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

A fun, witty and sweet historical romance rec.

Loved this so much! I instantly fell in love with all of the characters (except Vee…ugh) and I really hope a sequel is coming soon.

It is so obvious from the beginning that these two are doomed with their master plan to fake a relationship but that’s what made it so hilarious!

I don’t want to say too much more because I think going into this book with as little information as possible is the best way to enjoy it.

Thank you so much to @stmartinspress @smpromance for sending this ARC my way.

Be sure to add this one to your anticipated reads list!

Who wouldn't enjoy a delightful rom-com with a little historical fiction? Hugh Standish is the Earl of Fareham and has a meddling mother (she lives in America with her husband, Jeremiah) that has been hounding him about getting married. After all, he is thirty years old! So, he creates this fantabulous charade of a fake fiance', Minerva. He carries this charade on through elaborate letters filled with intrigue and romantic interludes. But, Hugh's mother, Olive, and her husband, Hugh's stepfather are heading to London for a visit.
Thank goodness fate stepped in and Hugh bumped into Minerva Merriwell, yes - a real-life Minvera! I'm not going to give away any spoilers, because I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful book. It was a perfect way to end my summer with a fake fiance', romance, passion, heartache, and family drama (a lot of it). Minerva is a hopeless romantic that dreams of a knight in shining armor that will whisk her away from her hard life and Hugh just might be her knight.
This was my first book from Virginia Heath and I truly enjoyed the dialogue between the characters and how a knight in shining armor just might not be absolutely perfect - because how boring would that be?


Thank you, Virginia Heath, Net Galley, and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced reader's copy.

Fun, easy historical romance. I think fans of Bridgerton will enjoy this. I enjoyed the characters, but their dialogue was a little inconsistent. Somethings they said were very historical, while others were more modern. If you like a good rom-com, this will fill you up!

This book was a fun way to lose myself for a few days, but I can't say that it completely wow'd me.

There were many delightful aspects: I enjoy the fake engagement and forced proximity romcom, there were many laugh out loud moments, some delightfully crazy characters, and the chemistry was pretty good.

Some areas became a bit farcical and outrageous, and I feel like it was just going in circles a bit, or maybe went on for a tad too long. At 368 pages, there was just a few too many bad decisions and comical twists. It was definitely a comedy of errors! A few of the characters were a little hard to read or enjoy, but as a series, they could grow on me. I was also left with a few unanswered questions at the end...but maybe they'll be answered in books to come.

Overall, this one is a light and comical regency romcom, guaranteed to lift your spirits! I'd still give the whole series a try.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press/Griffin for the advanced read in exchange for my honest review!

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. I enjoyed this historical fiction about a fake engagement. The banter was lively and chemistry wonderful between Minerva and High. I didn't like the bedroom scene and skimmed that part. I can't wait for book 2 and hope we see Diana married off next!

Never Fall for Your Fiancé by Virginia Heath is absolutely charming. With the ever entertaining fake fiancé trope, delightfully funny characters, and all the missteps that occur with trying to keep up with the elaborate ruse, Virginia Heath effortlessly weaves a heartwarming story.

I throughly enjoyed being able to see relationship between Minerva and Hugh grow throughout the book from both of their perspectives.

I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I fell for the adorable cover and the intriguing promise in the title. I knew I would like this book but I wasn't expecting to be so charmed. Hugh is lovely and kind and nice and means well, even if he makes a hash of things sometimes. I don't feel I've quite seen a character like him in a Regency-era story before and it was amazing.

Minerva and her sisters are hilarious! They're your typical not-one-of-the-Ton girls and I adored it. I love Diana's sass and Minerva's stubbornness. Vee bothered me a bit but that could be more just playing into her age (17).

There were moments when I laughed out loud, moments when my pulse quickened, moments when my heart broke for the characters. I happily went along for the journey and I'd read every sequel!

I reset on rom coms and historical romances and this quick and cute read did not disappoint.

With the popularity of Bridgerton, I love seeing more and more fresh takes on regency romance and I love the fake engagement trope.

I will definitely recommend this book and carry on reading about the Merriwell sisters!

This book was the perfect read for me while on the mend from being sick. It is fun, light-hearted, and yet still brought the slow burn of a couple that cannot admit their feelings to each other that I love in a romance. I ended up reading it twice since I read it when I was on the mend and remembered how much I loved it, but couldn't recall any of the nuances that made me love it. The only reason I ended up giving it four stars instead of five was because I felt that several of the scenes in the last half of the book were cut short and left the reader hanging in the lurch. I also wish there were more steamy scenes between the couple.
Hugh Standish is the Earl of Fareham. He has invented a fiancé that he writes about to his mother (who resides in America) to get her off of his back about finally getting serious and taking a wife. He seems to think he has everything well in hand, but a letter arrives announcing that his mother is sailing over with her husband to visit him. As we all know she cannot wait to meet Minerva, the finacé he has written about for the past two years, and help with the arrangements for their upcoming wedding. Without giving too much of the plot away, fate steps in when Hugh assists a young woman whose name just happens to be Minerva. He wastes no time in convincing her to play the role of said fake finacé. From that point on their witty banter will have you laughing our loud and casually smiling at Hugh's use of "excellent."
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of the opinions in the above review are of my own.

Thank you Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in return for my honest review.'
This was super cute and quite hilarious!! It reminded me of the original Christmas in Connecticut where there’s fake family members and absurd hijinks. It’s even a bit Christmasy. Never Fall for Your Fiancé is a true historical rom-com. There were times when I simply couldn’t contain my laughter. The Mozart scene really did me in.

Hugh was a very compelling hero and I really liked him, especially when he got a little feisty. I did find his whole “faulty Standish bloodline” state of mind kind of flimsy and annoying but overall it worked. I was so tickled to find out that her name really was Minerva and that I liked her older sister mentality. Her and Hugh fit well together but I liked it best when they chaffed a bit.

It wasn’t very steamy but there was a little somethin somethin—I wasn’t sure what we were going to get with this one so I was pleasantly surprised. I did end up deducting .5s for the lack of steam just because it was a lengthy book and the build-up was super slow-burn and intense. I just think we could have been given more to completely round out the story. I did appreciate the shameless nipples however.

There’s a point at the end where you’ll be like “there are absolutely not enough pages to resolve everything” but never fear—everything came out of the wash spick and span. There was also a really fun little twist near the end. I only wish the father would have been punished more for his unsavoriness but perhaps in books two and three? I also can’t wait to see Vee’s transformation in her book and what type of hero she gets because I really found her annoying here. I can’t wait to see her challenged.

There are some really charming things about this book and I happily lost myself reading it for a few days.

I enjoyed the situational comedy (Minerva on a horse is a lot of fun) and their "mother" maybe not controlling herself the way she should. This is a lighthearted story that is very entertaining and throws in a bit of romance too.

Hugh is of course, determined to stay a bachelor and has concocted this elaborate plan to fool his mother. He has hired Minerva to play his fiancé for a week or two until his mother leaves the country. And sparks fly. Hugh was a fine leading man, but I have to admit, there wasn't anything that stood out about him. I like him fine, but I really loved his best friend who came in and out of the story (and who I hope will be the focus of book two!)

Minerva and her sister Diana is where all of my love and attention lay. Minerva is strong and capable, having taken care of herself and her two younger sisters since her mother died and her father left. She is practical and level headed, someone you would want as a friend and confidant. Diana has a strong personality, willing to say things as she sees it and isn't afraid of telling you what she thinks, regardless station. I am really hoping for a Diana book next! (eh-hem, yes.) And I want to mention that the actress they hired to play the mother was so fantastic in her scenes, she stole the show. I don't want to give anything away, but I would be pulling my hair out and grinding my teeth whenever she opened her mouth. OMG what a lady!

While the story is predictable, the comedy and warmth of the story really propels it forward. The dynamic of the three sisters is a fun addition to the relationship between Hugh and Minerva. Overall, it's a fun romantic comedy that I think is perfect for the beach and to satisfy some historical romance buffs.

This book was enjoyable in some aspects and not so enjoyable in others. It took a little while for me to get into the story, but once I did, I liked it a lot more than my initial impression told me I would. I had a hard time connecting with Hugh and Minerva at first (I think mostly because I didn't feel very much chemistry between them), but I really liked Minerva's sisters (though Vee especially got on my nerves at times) and the rest of Hugh's family, friends, and staff. The side characters and the interactions with them really made this book. There were definitely some endearing moments to be had. However, the whole situation left me feeling a little uneasy. The fact that Hugh's mother was so kind and totally devoted to Hugh's happiness and helping Minerva get her footing as Hugh's wife when at first it was all a lie made me feel really guilty on her behalf. It also annoyed me to no end the amount of times Hugh blamed all of his actions on his "Standish Blood" instead of taking responsibility for his decisions. He quoted it so many times, and it really grated on me. I don't think it would have bothered me quite so much except for the fact that it was resolved in an instant and suddenly everything was fine when he'd spent the entire book talking about it. Still, all of these things aside, this was an enjoyable and cute historical rom-com and I am glad I read it.

This book is incredibly frustrating. Miscommunication after miscommunication, very stubborn main characters, and just about every unlikable side character under the sun made this a hard read. At times I had a hard time following what was going in because they all spoke in circles. Just one conversation about how someone truly felt would have gone such a long way. ⭐⭐💫 I wish I had counted how many times "scoundrel" was said. I'm pretty sure a record was broken.