I received this book from publisher Allison & Busby via NetGalley – views remain my own.

I really, really wanted to like this more than I did. I’ve been picking up more and more Romance recently, and largely really enjoying them. I just love a book that gives you those warm feels and a desperate desire for a HEA between the characters.

This book didn’t quite reach that point for me.

Captain William Hawksmoor inherits Kingscastle after the deaths of his cousin and uncle. As part of the Royal Navy, he takes to the role as Marquis of Athelney as if he were commanding a ship, even with the condition he is to marry within a year of the inheritance, put in the will in an attempt to force his unruly cousin to settle down. But William finds himself contending with his aunt, Lady Willoughby Hawksmoor, determined her daughter will be his wife, and desperately trying to keep William away from Eleanor Burgess, her companion. Surrounded by a cast of characters, including William’s long-suffering cousin, the local vicar and his sister, and an old navy friend, the setup for the romance and William adapting to his role made me keen to check this out.

The book jumped around a lot, shifting from one character’s POV to another so much it became hard to keep track. It also meant a lot of the characterisation was disjointed, and there were moments when it felt like we were reading things from one character’s POV only to realise we’re actually in another’s. There was also very little interaction between the main couple, which meant their romance felt a bit flimsy, especially in contrast to the secondary couple, who had some excellent moments together. Eleanor is portrayed as an intelligent woman, undeserving of the treatment she gets from her employer, and yet despite knowing – quite blatantly – that said employer is trying to keep her and William apart, she still takes Lady Hawksmoor’s word for any situation involving him?

The ‘misunderstandings’ between the pair err on the side of forced, and pretty much all stem from the same source, and it’s really difficult to understand why any of the characters even believe anything Lady Hawksmoor says. As a villain, too, she’s extremely over the top, completely without any real nuance, and she’s just evil and nasty for the sake of being evil and nasty.

Like I said, the secondary characters were much more entertaining to read, and there were some really, truly tender moments between them. William comes across as way too ‘nice’ most of the time, almost too good, and again, he lacks nuance. The only time he seems not to be is when dealing with echoes of his cousin’s past, the people who approach him regarding this, in which case he is eager to judge and shame, and these scenes themselves don’t really have much of an impact on the overall plot.

This book would have benefited from a more consistent structure with the characters, and a bit more time spent within their heads. Something I normally love about Romances is how deeply you can come to know the characters, but that’s something that, unfortunately, is not achieved as well as it could be in Kingscastle.

This was an enjoyable Regency romance! The only reason I'm giving it 4 instead of 5 stars is because it did take a while for me to get into the story, but, once it hit its stride, I did find it hard to put down. I'm so glad I kept reading past the first few chapters. Is it a bit predictable? Yes. Is there loads of miscommunication that could have been resolved with a single conversation? Of course. That's par for the course though in this genre. But this is an easily digestible story if you are looking for a quick, clean romance to devour in an afternoon or two.

The writing was witty and proper--Austen-esque. I especially enjoyed Eleanor and William's personalities, both pragmatic and sensible at their core but they could show some heartfelt emotion when the situation called for it. The author took pains to use period appropriate vernacular, but it didn't come across as superfluous. I thought it was just enough for a modern mind to breeze through without getting caught up in too much antiquated language. In fact, a few of the characters' exchanges had me smiling at their cleverness.

It's a romantic story but light on the overall romance. Does that make sense? There's a couple of kisses and lots of angst. If you like happily ever afters (for multiple characters) and seeing sensible people rise above their station in life while they fall in love, I think you might like this novel. It was a fun way to pass a dreary day.

I was provided a copy to review by the publisher/Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A fantastic, well-written regency era book! I read this after watching Brigerton and jonesing for more. This book set up strong world building from the beginning. I loved the premise. The strong willed main character found his footing in his new position and that’s where the book got good! I loved every character that was introduced and the pacing of the story was excellent. I highly recommend this book!

Captain William Hawksmoor was waiting and hoping for a ship. A Mr. Tideswell arrived to speak to him. Both his uncle and his heir were dead. He was the new Marquis of Athlenbry. When he finally arrived at Kingcastle, he was impressed. He settled in for the Night.
His Aunt lived in the Dowager House and he had to pay his respects. Boy, was that a mistake. He found her to be rude, a bully and looked down at everyone.
Miss Eleanor Burgess is the daughter of a parson and has five sisters. She came to be a Companion to his Aunt when she wrote to her parents to see if one of their daughters wanted to come. She is a well-educated, kind, and giving person. But she had no idea what she was getting into.
I thought this was a great book and one I enjoyed. Watching the going on and the misunderstandings, the misadventures, and the confusion was amazing. It involved everyone and his Aunt was to blame for a lot of them. She demanded that he marry her daughter.
That went over like a lead balloon. The characters were wonderful. The interactions, the kindness, and the strength in trying to help each other were inspiring. There are a lot of people and happenings, I have no idea how she kept it all straight.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed this novel.

KINGSCASTLE by SOPHIA HOLLOWAY is a most enjoyable Regency novel which takes place in Somerset at Lord Athelney’s newly aquired country seat, Kingscastle, and the adjoining village of Sittford. The author has portrayed the characters extremely well, from the mousey Charlotte to the absolutely horrible Lady Willoughby Hawksmoor.
When Captain William Hawksmoor inherits the title and holdings of his deceased uncle after the death of his rakish cousin, also called William Hawksmoor, he also “inherits” his aunt who lives in the dower house and makes everyone’s life a misery, especially her companion, Eleanor Burgess. Together with Lieutenant Harry Bitton, who served under him at sea, and his uncle’s staff, he takes up the challenge of running this new “ship”. His aunt, who sees everyone as being beneath her, does not like the way he shows no class distinction and acts honourably towards those for whom he is responsible.
The story is exciting with a fair amount of intrigue, misunderstanding, and romance, a flood and a near drowning.
My only complaint is the frequent use of the exclamation ”Oh God,” which is the reason I have dropped a star.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Allixon & Busby. The opinions in this review are competely my own.

The path to true love was never going to run straight for a naval officer, now marquis, and a paid companion. Especially when you add a difficult aunt used to get getting her own way. In Sophia Holloway's newest novel, Kingscastle, a strong leading man finds himself pitted against formidable opponents on all sides. From sweeping life changes to termagant relatives, Captain William Hawksmoor has begun a journey unlike any before. A beautifully written novel with sympathetic and believable characters, Kingscastle is an enjoyable read.

I love Regency romance, so I thought I’d give Kingscastle a go.

Captain William Hawksmoor unexpectedly becomes Marquis of Athelney, and inherits Kingscastle, with the clause that he must marry to be in full control.

I really enjoyed the first half of this book. It took me a little bit to get into it, as it’s not fast moving. However, it soon resolved into a gentle story of William learning his new place in the world, and there were a number of fun moments with Eleanor. I really enjoyed the sense of connection between them. There’s also a gentle touch of humour.

I found the second half really frustrating, as William and Eleanor believed various things about each other, but didn’t bother to actually communicate to resolve things. Admittedly, they had virtually no opportunity to do so, but I found it irritating.

I loved the subplot between Harry Bitton and Anne Greenham, in fact I think I liked them more than the two main characters! I found William’s attitude towards women occasionally grating (his comment about price, rather than pride, in particular) - though he’s obviously an admirable character in general. I also didn’t feel like I spent enough time with Eleanor to get to know her, and that the two of them didn’t have enough page time together. Charlotte’s character development was excellent though, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing her get the better of her mother!

The last fifth or so of the story was excellent, all the confusions get untangled. This results in happy endings being sprinkled liberally, and with humour.

Overall, this was a gentle regency, with a couple of romances to enjoy.

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

A great read from this author. Romance and mystery well combined. I enjoyed this book enormously, plenty of meaty mystery. Many thanks to the publishers, Netgalley and the author for the privilege of an ARC of this book.

If you're the kind of person who likes books such as Georgette Heyer's The Quiet Gentleman then you might want to give this a go. An unexpected inheritance brings a naval captain to a stately manor where he and his friends must accustom themselves to their new circumstances in life while also navigating romances of their own. It's an intriguing set up that I would have enjoyed much more if it had more of a sense of humor but as it stands, it's a pretty solid slowburn romance.

DNF 30%.

I gave it an honest try but did not enjoy myself and I honestly don't remember the last time I DNFd a historical romance. This book did nothing for me. It's been labeled a romance but the hero and heroine are hardly on the page together and based on the other reviews of the book this doesn't improve. The side characters, some of whom border on cartoonish, have taken over the plot and all of the drama. I'm sure this will be the perfect book for someone but that person is not me.

The story was simple and a callback to another time. I found it to be one note and predictable, not in a charming way. The aunt’s scheming wasn’t very scheme-y and the whole plot hinging on one silly miscommunication was a big let down.

Captain William Hawksmoor has served in the Royal Navy and discovers he has inherited the title of Marquis of Athelney. He struggles with this new life amongst the ton society and their standards. He needs to find a wife and have an heir. The only woman who interests him is Eleanor a paid companion. He sees she is different and enjoys spending time with her. Throw in a manipulative Aunt trying to get in the way of them coming together and there is a tug of war! Pleasant regency and clean read.

The book captured my interest from the first few pages as William Hawksmoor is notified that he is now the Marquis of Athelney. William is a British Navy Captain who lives on half pay now that the war has ended. He also has the exact same name as the previous heir who died after living a debauched life. Their are several side plots where the characters are well written and enjoyable. The heroine is a companion to a self centered woman named Lady Willoughby who has no redeeming qualities. I would have liked to have had more interactions between the main characters as they met only a few times and I think there should have been more romance. I ended up enjoying the side characters more than the main.

I found this lighthearted tale to be a delight. Captain William Hawksmoor finds himself navigating unfamiliar waters when he unexpectedly inherits a title, and he is now the Marquis of Athelney. While this particular plot device is not uncommon in Regency stories, Holloway's narrative is told with humor and charm.

Characters are entertaining and well-drawn. Even though Lady Willoughby Hawksmoor is the villainess here, she's such a shallow and unintelligent woman, it's hard to take her seriously. She's absurd and a legend in her own mind. The main hero and heroine are both lovely people, and there are more romances in play, as well.

Regency manners are on full display here. I avoid bodice rippers at all costs; have those authors never read Jane Austen? Frequently I hear of an author whose writing is comparable to the esteemed Georgette Heyer. This is seldom the case; however, I did see Heyer influences here, from the gentle humor to the witty and clever banter. This is neither a deep nor serious novel. What it is, though, is a delightful and engaging romp in Regency England. I look forward to more books from this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and Allison and Busby for an ARC of this enjoyable novel.

This was a real treat to read. A familiar story to those fond of a regency romance, Hawksmoor inherits the estate rather unexpectedly and must marry, his hideously awful aunt tries to foist his cousin upon him. There is nothing typical about the quality of writing though. This book is clearly written by a talented author and historian.
She cleverly intertwines three separate threads of the story and all culminates within a dramatic event that includes all the characters. It is a “clean” historical fiction and focuses on the story rather than heaving bodices, which is definitely a positive in my eyes.
It was heart warming to see all the “young” characters find happiness and I genuinely enjoyed every page of this book.

I received a free copy of this from NetGalley and this is my freely given review.

This is my first time reading a book by this author, Sophia Holloway. The writing is very well done, flowing, and very engaging. This is a clean historical romance about a naval officer, William Hawksmoor, who became the Marquis of Athelney after the death of his cousin, also named William Hawksmoor. Kingscastle is the name of his main estate, and he is on his way there to take up the reins of his his marquisate.

From the start, we see that there is a marked difference between the characters of the current William Hawksmoor, and the recently departed, and likely not very lamented William. It would appear that the deceased Marquis was a man of poor character and more interested in dissipation than productivity. The first hint of this is when Hawksmoor is accosted at his London hotel by an irate husband seeking satisfaction from the Marquis of Athelney for dallying with his wife; not realizing that the man he is looking for is recently deceased. The current Hawksmoor was not close to his cousin and had no idea of the character of the man, but certainly was gaining that knowledge quickly.

Something to note is that the title of Marquis was also recently held by the uncle of the current and last William Hawksmoor; and as that uncle was aware of the deceased Hawksmoor's poor behaviours and selfish self interests, there was a caveat to the will, that the bulk of his fortune be held in trust; for the monies to be released, the Marquis must marry and produce an heir within 2 years. This was with the presumed intent of forcing for recently deceased William Hawksmoor to toe the line and take some responsibility. It was not expected that he would so quickly follow his uncle, dying a week after the uncle. Regardless, the requirements would still apply to the new Marquis.

So William Hawksmoor, the surviving, and current Marquis of Athelney, travels to Kingscastle feeling a bit out of his element after having been in the Navy for half his life, and not really knowing what to expect as he never expected the title, inheritance or duties of being Marquis.

From the beginning, I have to admit I was taken by the writing style and prose of the author; very well written, with a beautiful turn of phrase. The character detailing was nicely done, and the dialogue felt very appropriate for the era, as well as the relationships.

At Kingscastle, William discovers more about his cousin's character, and that the estate had been falling into some neglect as his uncle was getting older and less able to manage, and the head steward was also elderly and losing his vision. His uncle had thought to let the prior William take more responsibility, but on doing so, found that the cousin was taking the monies for investment and management of the estate, but there was no evidence that work was done. Likely the funds were embezzled for the cousins own use and his debts. To help him manage, he asks for a former Navy compatriot, Harry Bitton, to join him to help decipher the ledgers and perhaps train to be the steward, allowing the aged steward to be pensioned off.

He also meets some of his remaining relations, as the mother of his cousin, the Lady Willoughby Hawksmoor, lives in the Dower House, with her youngest daughter Charlotte, and a paid companion, Eleanor Burgess. Lady Willoughby is a cold hearted, ignorant woman with an incredibly elevated sense of her own importance, and resentful of the fact that a mere navy man is now the Marquis. She presumes that he will marry Charlotte to fulfill the needs of the will and he will do as she wants and says, as she knows how to go on so much more than she does. She is a mean, petty, manipulative witch of a woman with absolutely no redeeming features, contemptuous of anyone she feels is below her standing, including relatives, and jealous of anyone who may be perceived of overstepping themselves and challenging her perceived superiority. Even her charities are at another's expense and to raise her own standing. She stomps on everyone in her way, including cowing her own daughter and using Eleanor very poorly.

I will not go into any more detail, other than to say that this is very well layered story, with a couple of love stories, some mistaken identity, some nefarious manipulation, a bit of adventure and some heart stopping life saving. The current Marquis is shown to be a man of discernment and character who is not overwhelmed by his own consequence and importance, but is a man more concerned by the character of those around him. I grew to like him, and several of the secondary characters - just as much as I hated Lady Willoughby. Really - no redeeming characteristic to her whatsoever - not even the love of a stupid wheezing pug, or some sign of humanity, such as weeping for her dead son, or even tippling at the sherry too much. She is just a cold hearted witch; even to her own daughter.

I found this a very charming book to read, and enjoyed the gentle friendships and relationships that developed, while despising the mechanisms of the villainess, the Lady Willoughby Hawksmoor. It had the feeling of a classic, old fashioned Regency romance, rather than an over the top bodice ripper. I also enjoyed the secondary stories, beyond the story of the current Marquis.

An enjoyable 3.5 stars out of 5.



Minor editing quibble - at one point, when the irate husband is confronting the Marquis at the hotel, there was a misnomer, labeling him as "the earl" rather than the marquis....

'I should simply thrash you within an inch of your life here, you cur,' He advanced menacingly, his large hands forming very serviceable fists.
'I hope you will do neither sir,' remarked the earl, placatingly.

I ended up liking this book more than I had thought I would. I understand why from a marketing perspective comparing this to Bridgerton would be helpful, but it's not really that much like those books (I actually think it's better than some of the ones in that series). I thought the pacing was really well done. It can be a difficult task to pull three storylines into one novel, but the author does a good job of balancing all of them. At first I wasn't sure if this was going to be a series and we were just being introduced to the other potential couples to get us to read additional books, but I liked that it wasn't. I'm not sure any of the storylines had quite enough to be a stand-alone without a lot of padding and drawn out dramatics. As for William and Eleanor there were so many times I wanted to yell at them to just sit and finish a conversation to get all the misunderstandings resolved! Anne and Bitton's story is so sweet and I was definitely rooting for them right from the beginning. And it wasn't that much of a stretch that Eleanor would have thought it was William and Anne who were in a relationship. There could have been a little more about Charlotte, but that may have been a little too much for this one book (I wouldn't mind another story with her as the primary character). Lady Willoughby is a good villain for the story and her meddling partly keeps the story moving and interesting. A must read for anyone who enjoys historical romance stories.

I got this book because the man on the cover is wearing a fine as hell blue coat. I’m a sucker for good tailoring and he’s flapping about in it like a good ‘un. Kingcastle is a delight it’s got everything you want in a regency romance, you very definitely could play regency romance bingo with it.
Reluctant new heir William Hawkswood is just a simple sailor and due to some legal highjinks that were meant to keep his prematurely dead cousin under the thumb he has to get married within the year if he wants to keep his new estate and title. There’s meddling aunts, misunderstandings, multiple acts of heroism, sensible upright females and love at second sight. There’s even full and frank discussions of soft furnishings. I liked this a lot.

This is not a new plot: a navy officer suddenly inherits a title and property BUT only if he gets married in a certain timeframe. His hideous aunt wants him to marry cousin Charlotte but neither of them are keen, His aunt’s companion, however, is another matter. There are a few different characters and a gentle romance, Charlotte is definitely my favourite as she learns to speak up for herself. A pleasant book. Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC.

This story was very nostalgic of my youth when I read the early Regency romances of Mary Balogh, Mary Jo Putney and Dianne Campbell. Thw heroine is a poor relation-companion to her mother's cousin. She lives at a Dower house with the Lady and her daughter. The hero is the Marquis. He was a captain in His royal navy, and was surprised at the inheritance and title, since he was not a direct heir. The heir was the Lady's son and they actually shared the same name. But the Lady's son was a bad example of humanity and the hero refuses to recognize any if his debts or blackmail attempts by the low crowd he consorted with. The Lady's son died one week prior to the Old Marquis and so was never the Marquis, so his debts went dead when he died. The current Marquis, the hero, is not liked by the Lady, but she wants him to marry her daughter, even though they are cousins. The hero doesn't like his cousin in that manner because she is timid and nervous. The heroine, the companion, appeals to him. As he spends more time with her, her realizes that he loves her.
There are no sensual sections in this book. It is sweet, with some kissing. The book was very well written and was very addictive. I read it when we were on the beach and all day until it was time for bed and the book ended. What I liked about this book was the nice people, except the Lady, she was evil. It was a small village and everyone worked together and accepted the new Marquis with few questions. He was a naval captain and used to running and organizing a ship during war time. I felt as if I was in the book, one of the participants. I enjoyed how the characters developed and matured. The story had a beginning and definitive ending. It gave me a happy feeling in my heart. I would recommend this book with 5 stars.