I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. I love the cover. Historical fiction romance novel. Recommend

I had a hard time with this one. Quite a few times I found the authors wording to be very odd and I would have to go back and read the sentence again. The story was very slow and the characters were just alright.

1806, England

Orphaned and with little inheritance, for years Felicity Temple has earned her keep as a schoolmistress at an academy for young ladies and has never mixed with the Ton.

However, when she is taken out of the academy by her guardian — the devious Lord Maskery — Felicity is thrust into respectable society with little preparation.

At her first party, the cynical Raoul, Lord Lynchmere wins Felicity’s company for the evening in a mock auction. But to her horror, by the end of the night it becomes apparent that her guardian has abandoned her.

Destitute and with no memories of any family besides her deceased father, Felicity is forced to turn to Raoul for aid.

Concerned for her welfare, Raoul vows to help Felicity out of her predicament and discover what has become of her guardian.

But it soon becomes clear that there is more to Felicity’s background than meets the eye. Their curiosity piqued, she and Raoul are drawn into an impromptu quest to uncover the truth about her mysterious origins…
Gripping read

I have always been fascinated by books about the past, about some distant times that have left their mark on the present... And each time I feel under the weather, I choose a book that offers something completely different, extraordinary, passionate, and full of emotions. Books about the past, filled with extraordinary characters, that move between the dynamics and morals of life, their demands on life, as well as the struggle of women to find their values ​​and their place in the male hierarchy when women were just a possession.

The title as well as the blurb attracted me, but somehow I failed to get carried away in this book. I had all sorts of ideas about the auction, dark and sensual, and in the end, I could not help myself but feel disappointed. The characters were somehow flat and superficial and no matter how much I wanted to, I could not connect with them. I couldn’t feel their connection, not the chemistry.

I would also add, that the writing style is solid, and there are some interesting moments, especially towards the end, but I expected a whirlpool of emotions and explosive passion. Definitely a good choice for those who want a slow burn, chaste romance.

At an auction where gentlemen bid for the opportunity to dine with marriageable young ladies, Lord Lynchmere places a bid on a young lady, Felicity Temple. To his surprise, he suddenly finds himself lumbered with her not just for dinner but indefinitely, as her guardian abandons her to his care. Felicity and Lynchmere must investigate the shady goings-on of her supposed guardian, and come to some arrangement about what Felicity will do now her future is so uncertain.

This is a typical slow burn Regency romance - no overt passion, no sex. Readers who enjoy that and who wait with baited breath for the barest brush of a pinky finger between the two main characters who are so clearly attracted to each other will enjoy the story, along with a good dose of mystery as Felicity's past is uncovered.

One thing that did bug me a bit though... if Lynchmere is an English lord (and if I remember right it was his mother who was French?), his title should be Marquess, not Marquis?

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

He 'won' her at an auction - then didn't know what to do with her... Taken by her guardian to a society event and there deserted, Felicity is left to fend for herself, knowing no one. But Raoul, her 'purchaser', is intrigued by the mystery she presents and is reluctant to leave her to her fate. Together, the pair embark on a journey to uncover her history - and discover more than they'd bargained for. Can Felicity find a happy ending to her journey, or is she doomed to end up deserted?

I have to start by saying that the idea of the auction strikes me as somewhat weird - though possibly quite authentic, I don't know. Putting that aside, though, I really liked the story. The gradual unfolding of Felicity's background was expertly done, and watching Raoul and Felicity's growing attraction was enjoyable, however predictable (or perhaps because it was predictable!). I felt drawn into the tale from the first page and my attention was held until the last - and I was sorry to see it end, even though it was highly satisfying. All in all, an enjoyable, clean and well written story.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

On a whim, Lord Lynchmere wins the company of one Felicity Temple in a mock auction. Orphan Felicity is horrified to learn that her guardian has abandoned her, and she has no choice but to turn to the cynical man she has just met. But there is more to Felicity than what meets the eye, and as she and Lord Lynchmere search for the truth, they draw closer and closer.

This was an interesting premise: young ladies are auctioned off as dance/dinner partners. Raoul Roscoe, Lord Lynchmere, resists his sister's urgings to participate, but is intrigued by the almost panicked young lady who is pushed up next. Once he was won her company, he is fascinated by the straightforward and unassuming young lady, although he is alarmed over the identity of her guardian.

This pair are constantly sparring verbally, and the attraction between them despite their differing circumstances was believable. Still, it didn't feel like there was enough time for a real romance. It didn't feel real.

Overall, this was an entertaining read and one I would recommend to readers of Regency romance.

Thanks to the publisher, Netgalley and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I always enjoy this author's books and can see the influence of Georgette Heyer in her writing. The subtlety of the prose is such a delight to read - leaving the reader to use their imagination a bit.

This book is no exception. With an independent, and yet not annoying, heroine and a faulted hero that means well but never says the right thing, this book is entertaining from start to finish.

Great dialogue and some very funny moments make this an enjoyable read.

I struggled to finish this book but powered through anyway. I was excited to read this after reading the description but it was a bit misleading. The marquis didn’t actually win her to marry her or be responsible for her. He wins the auction to spend time in Felicity’s company at a party. I kept hoping something exciting will happen but nothing ever did. It’s a slow burn. The characters don’t kiss until the last 2% of the book. This would’ve been okay if there was some angst and passion, but that was somewhat lacking as well.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I will definitely be looking out for more from her.. I love the language used in this book, very reminiscent of Jane Austin or Charlotte Bronte. A great mix f mystery and romance.

This is a sweet story of two people literally being thrown together. Quite a bit of this book it about how to lean on others to keep you going when you feel like you can't go on any more. I personally like more romance and suspense, but this was still a pretty good story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Raoul Ruscoe. Marquis of Lynchmere was talked into this party by his cousin. They were auctioning off the young ladies instead of dancing and you got their company for dinner. Then you went home. He hates being out in the ton.
Felicity Temple had been picked up from the school she taught at, taken to an inn, then finally taken to where this party was and left. Both her guardian, Lord Maskery, and her chaperone disappeared. She is destitute. What will she do? She is panicking but Raoul holds her to keep her from falling apart. He tells her all will be well.
It is fun reading how they keep each other up and work together to try to solve the problems. It keeps your interest and keeps you guessing. I enjoyed the story and to see all the twists and turns they had to go thru was astounding. The characters were very personable and intelligent. The author kept them on track, even when a crazy cousin came to help. He loved her dearly but. There is so much going on and so many questions that need answering. I do recommend it if you enjoy a little mystery with your Historical Romance, it is great.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

As an avid mystery and romance reader, I revelled in Bailey's ability to masterfully combine the two in a riveting tale that investigates Felicity's past, while exploring her budding relationship with Raoul. I loved the exposition of the book and how the two love interests met in an unconventional way. The heroine lacks proprietry amongst such a refined group of people but that is what makes her charming and riveting to readers. A very enjoyable read!

His Auction Prize
Book 8 of THE BRIDES BY CHANCE REGENCY ADVENTURES SERIES
Rating: 3 sweet stars
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.

His Auction Prize is the first book I read by this author. I really liked the premise of it. It was a very sweet and slow burn romance between Felicity and Raoul. We go along with them on a quest to find out the truth about Felicity's past. You can tell that there is some attraction between them but it's not approached until close to the very end of the book.

HIS AUCTION PRIZE by ELIZABETH BAILEY is a Regency romance novel with quite a twist. The characters are well developed and there is quite a bit of intrigue.
Raoul Ruscoe, Marquis of Lynchmere, is in turn fascinated with and furious with Felicity Temple, the young woman he bids twenty pounds on at a dinner auction organized by his cousin Angelica. Whilst Felicity is grateful to him for helping her uncover her past, she objects to his overbearing ways and superior attitude. Having been thrown together in such an unusual way we wonder if either of them will survive the barbs they throw at one another!
It is an enjoyable read.

I loved this book. I really loved the fact the heroine wasn't some whimpering ninny, but instead had some moxie without being abrasive. I liked all the characters, and did feel there were elements very like Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice in it, but, as they say, imitation is the greatest form of flattery. A very well written and interesting read with a very different story to the usual regency fare. I'd highly recommend