This was a sweet and lovable regency romance. I loved the theme of blessings coming from the worst moments of our lives and that of finding healing both physically and emotionally. Both Ben and Rebecca discovered personal growth through their developing friendship. A little heartache allows for deeper love, and this story was an excellent example of that.

I appreciate the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book from NetGalley.

This is a fascinating romantic read.
What is more looked forward to and planned for than a young woman’s first season in London hoping to meet eligible bachelors? Rebecca is stuck at home with a broken ankle. Ben, her new neighbor is horrified he is the cause of Rebecca’s forced change in plans.
I enjoyed the bit of mystery in the storyline.
It was a bit different, but refreshing, that Rebecca’s many siblings play a large role in the story. In a time when most titles children were raised by a nanny and had very little interaction with their parents, it was a nice twist to read of a healthy family relationship.
You will be cheering for Rebecca and Ben until the last page.

Karen Tuft is definitely a favorite author! I’ve loved her Jennings family series and this book is no exception. With her characteristic slow burn romance, sympathetic characters, and a hint of mystery, I was completely hooked.

This story revolves around Rebecca Jennings, the youngest Jennings sister. She has long awaited her London season which has been put off for several years. While taking a shortcut through the neighboring estate, she’s startled by the new owner causing her to fall off a stile and break her ankle.

Ben Fortescue feels awful about his role in preventing Rebecca from attending her first season. To make it up to her, he visits regularly and soon becomes enchanted with the young woman. He fights against his feelings though because his previous marriage was a disaster ending in his wife’s death in childbirth.

I enjoyed the growth of the characters and themes in the story. Both Ben and Rebecca needed to change. At first, Rebecca was a little immature only worried about missing her season. As the story progresses though, she learns to look outside herself and grows into a more caring, thoughtful, mature person. I loved her musical talents and the way Ben appreciated them.

Hurt by his previous marriage, Ben is still caught up in the past and refuses the opportunities before him. Though he cares for Rebecca, he’s hesitant to give his heart again. He’s willing to let her go so she can fulfill her dreams. I loved watching his attitudes change towards not only Rebecca but others in his sphere.

I loved some of the themes explored in the story: forgiveness, hope, family, loyalty, and second chances. Seeing characters from previous books was also fun and I appreciated the lightheartedness they brought to the story. I loved the ending and romance that blossoms along the way. This book can be read as a stand alone, but is more enjoyable if you’ve read the previous books in the series. Definitely recommend! I received an advanced copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

This was a cute, clean Regency era romance. The characters were good, but I could've used a little more "something" between the main characters. Maybe just some added spark. They felt a little hot/cold at times, but still a diverting read if you are looking for a quick escape. I really liked the first book that comes before this one "The Duke Meets His Match" and the heroine and hero really stood out to me in that book. I'd definitely recommend trying "The Duke Meets His Match" first as there are events in this book that coincide with the previous book, but it's not a requirement to try the other one first. This one can be read as a standalone.

When a broken ankle destroys Rebecca's plans for a season in town, she's very disappointed. Ben, a newcomer to the neighbourhood who is partly responsible for the accident, visits regularly out of guilt to try to cheer her up. As he does, though, she begins to develop feelings for him - but he's still reeling from a disastrous marriage and its tragic conclusion and pushes her away. When an opportunity arises for her to get at least part of her expected season, Ben encourages her to go to assuage his guilt. Will this separation show Rebecca what she's missed and find her a promising suitor or two, or teach her that sometimes it's the unexpected meetings that are the best gifts? And even if Ben overcomes his issues, will he find he's pushed Rebecca away once too often?

A charming and delightful story, this well-written tale grabbed my attention from the start and held it through to the end - which I almost wished didn't have to come! There's a good mix of romance, serious bits and humour, and I appreciate that Ben and Rebecca develop into friends before they move to more. I also appreciated her family's protectiveness - even if it was amusingly over the top at times! All in all, an enjoyable and satisfying story, and I look forward to reading more by the author in future. Recommended.

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.

Such a delightful read. We have two people who have very different paths planned out for them, but fate throws them together in sweet and humorous ways. Their blossoming romance was so sweet and tender. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters growth and development was so well done and believable!

This was a nice story but I just had some problems with it. I adored the last book about Susan (Rebecca's sister). Their stories overlap. I really liked Rebecca's character but I did not like Ben. I felt like he had to many sides. He was super sweet and then he would get angry and reject his feelings. There were sweet moments but the conflict wasn't handled well.

I found this book to be very well written -- I tend to be "grammar police-y" so I was impressed with the correct use of grammar here. The story was adequate and well developed. It was clean, so I was pleased to read a book without insta-lust permeating every encounter. Instead there was a gradual growth of attraction and affection for both MCs as they spent more time together. I look forward to reading the other books by this author. #NetGalley #AnAccidentalRomance

This is a companion piece to “The Duke Meets His Match” this story is about Rebecca Jennings, sister to Sarah “the Duchess of Aylesham“. It also takes place during the same time frame. Rebecca was days away from her first season in London, when she is startled by a stranger, falls and brakes her ankle and dooming her introduction into society. Ben Fortescue, has just in inherited the neighboring estate, and has already made a mess of things. I loved these characters, the chemistry and banter, make it a fun read. I really enjoyed the storyline, it had a lot of twists and turns to keep you engaged to the very end. This can be read as a stand alone, but I would recommend reading both books together. Karen Tuft is being one of my favorite authors.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Poor Rebecca Jennings! She’s been so looking forward to her first London season but ends up breaking her ankle when startled by her new neighbor, Ben Fortescue. Such an unfortunate happening looks brighter when Ben decides he needs to try to make amends. These main characters are perfect for each other, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and change throughout the tale. Secrets about Ben’s past are slowly revealed which cause some problems and add suspense and intrigue and kept me turning the pages.

It was delightful to see some of the characters from author Karen Tuft’s other books in the series show up. Although this book is part of The Jennings Family Series, it can easily be read as a stand alone.

I love Regency stories, and Karen Tuft is one of my favorite authors in this genre. She creates such delicious characters and scenarios, and I can count on a charming story each time. I’m looking forward to reading more from this talented author. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Rebecca Jennings’s first London Season has been absolutely ruined, and one person alone is responsible: Mr. Ben Fortescue. If her new neighbor hadn’t startled her, she would never have broken her ankle, leaving her bored and frustrated at home in the country while her sister enjoys the London Season alone. Although, it was rather gallant of him to carry her home.I
For his part, Ben feels terrible about the role he played in Miss Rebecca Jennings’s accident. In the days that follow their first disastrous meeting, he finds himself inexorably drawn to the surprising young woman—first out of guilt and then out of a stirring affection. But Ben hides a secret: he has not been completely forthright about his identity or about the dark secrets of his past that would make it impossible for romance to blossom with Miss Jennings. Despite his love for her, he knows he must let her go. With her ankle finally healed but her heart now broken, Rebecca is left with little choice but to throw herself into the Season. With eligible men circling this late addition to the Marriage Mart, it seems that Rebecca will have no shortage of suitors. If only her heart were free to give
This is a convoluted tale of inconvenience and love.
It is the first time I've read a book by this author but it won't be the last.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily . .

This book was unusual. It was definitely a romance but it wasn't necessarily romantic in the traditional sense of the romance novels I read. It had a few good kisses, a few good lines and some solid jealousy but it was almost more a story of personal growth and overcoming adversity. It was good, I liked it, I just don't know exactly how to categorize it.
It was lovely to revisit old friends. It was fun to learn a tiny bit of history. It was fun to spend time with such a boisterous family. Susan and Aylesham were fun and dripping with adoration of each other. Aunt Margaret is a character to keep coming back for. The brother and Ruby, whose names I can't recall right now were fun to see again.
Anyhow, if you like light romance, family stories, a titch of intrigue and a "want to but can't" love story, I'd highly recommend.

Will he be able to let the past rest …

So this is my second read by the author, and while it has no series’ name, this book is linked to the first one I have read.
After Susan’s ( the older sister of the present heroine) story, here is the one about the Jennings siblings who broke her feet just at the beginning of the season.
I do not remember reading her age but a coming out delayed by two years would mean a 20 something young woman.
I first thought her rather childish in her reaction about her failed season, yet she had been raised to envision it as the accomplishment in a young lady’s life. Success would means normally a happy future. Yet, here she is, stuck at home while her spinster of a sister will experience all the entertainments of the city.
So she matures along the page, coming to realize her selfishness and getting to learn more about her new neighbor, a man who went through much more than a delayed season.
Ben hoped for a few weeks to only be simple Mr Fortescue, and leave behind the mantle of the Earldom which only brought him deceit and pain. He is a man living for his duty, he is reliable and a hard worker, his people come first. So when he felt responsible for his new neighbor’s injury, he believes he must entertain her to pass the boredom of being left behind.
Yet, will their burgeoning feelings be enough to tempt him again or will his past’s scars always come between them as he still struggles with his present circumstances and mentally rehearses his failed first marriage.

While I much loved Susan’s story, I took time to warm to Rebecca, is it because we share the same plight as I broke my foot last summer, and while I was sad to have all my projects for the months to come canceled, I made do quietly. I excused part of her reaction to her youth, thus why I need med more time to be at ease with her. Ben might be a bit adamant but he has real reasons to be thus.
3.5 stars rounded up.

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

This was a really sweet story. I really liked Rebecca and Ben and the rest of the Jennings family. They had some obstacles to overcome, but they remained likeable.
My only suggestion (and this has nothing to do with the author or her writing) is that even though the book is a standalone, it would be nice to have a series name and book number since there are other books about the Jennings family. I did't realize that there were books about the siblings as well until I started reading.

#BookReview: AN ACCIDENTAL ROMANCE by Karen Tuft

I really liked The Duke Meets His Match. If you have read that book, Rebecca was Susan’s younger sister who couldn’t go to London due to an accident. Well, that accident apparently had something to do with Ben, the Earl of Winton.

Ben was very sweet to Rebecca while she was healing. His help was always welcome by the Thurlby family. I liked Rebecca’s happy character but I wasn’t a fan of Ben’s irate attitude at times. I did enjoy their conversations and the balls. I came across some modern tones in the book that had me pause if I was really reading a regency book. They didn’t bother me though. It always pleases me when a book talks about the importance of family. The Thurlby’s are a loud bunch but fun nonetheless. With eight children plus in-laws and grandchildren, it was definitely a loving chaos. I could feel their love for each other.

4 stars

Thank you @covenant for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Pub Date 06 Dec 2021

I read a lot of regency romance and sometimes I just need a solid, sweet regency like An Accidental Romance by Karen Tuft. Filled with wonderful characters, both familiar and new, this book was delightful because I got to watch the couple fall in love. This book isn't insta love, instead readers get to join Rebecca and Ben as they shift from acquaintances to friends to something more. (Sometimes I wished the love came a little quicker because I really wanted them to kiss already! But also, the kissing scenes are worth the wait!) I loved how Rebecca's position as youngest child informed her character. I loved how Ben grows and overcomes past heartache throughout the book. This book was a good read and a great addition to Tuft's other novels.

*Thank you to Netgalley, Covenant Communications, and Karen Tuft for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This was a fun read, It's always interesting to read a parallel story and this was to another of Karen Tufts books. I love how the author continues to grow and build her characters.

A sweet romance from Karen Tuft! An Accidental Romance is an entertaining story that fans of Regency romance (and Tuft’s other novels) will enjoy. People who have read Tuft’s other novels featuring the Jennings’ family may appreciate portions of the story more—there were a lot of characters to keep track of, from the perspective of someone who has read only one other novel of Tuft’s. Some parts were a bit slow, but I liked both Rebecca and Ben. Definitely worth the read! 3.5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rebecca Jennings is on her way home from shopping. She has two days until she goes to London for her come-out party and she is so excited. As she was about to step up onto the stile between the two yards. She hears an "Oye!", it startles her, she loses her balance, packages fly everywhere, and she falls. She can't stand on her ankle and it seems broken.

Mr. Benjamin Fortesque is the new owner. His Uncle died and left it to him. He has also been in mourning, his wife died almost a year ago. He also has a baby girl but he left her at Winton Manor. His marriage had been so bad, well you can imagine. He was here hoping to heal from that disaster.

I have never read this author before but I did enjoy it very much. The story had enough of a difference to keep your attention. It also was quite entertaining. The actors were funny and were part of one of the families that made up the Jennings gang. So many kind people made up the Jennings family. It was a fun book, you had trouble putting it down. I am so glad I got the chance to read it.

I received this Arc from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

An Accidental Romance

by Karen Tuft

Covenant Communications

Rated: 4

Back of the Book: “Rebecca Jennings’s first London Season has been absolutely ruined, and one person alone is responsible: Mr. Ben Fortescue. If her new neighbor hadn’t startled her, she would never have broken her ankle, leaving her bored and frustrated at home in the country while her sister enjoys the London Season alone. Although, it was rather gallant of him to carry her home.

For his part, Ben feels terrible about the role he played in Miss Rebecca Jennings’s accident. In the days that follow their first disastrous meeting, he finds himself inexorably drawn to the surprising young woman—first out of guilt and then out of a stirring affection. But Ben hides a secret: he has not been completely forthright about his identity or about the dark secrets of his past that would make it impossible for romance to blossom with Miss Jennings. Despite his love for her, he knows he must let her go. With her ankle finally healed but her heart now broken, Rebecca is left with little choice but to throw herself into the Season. With eligible men circling this late addition to the Marriage Mart, it seems that Rebecca will have no shortage of suitors. If only her heart were free to give.”

Impressions: I really enjoyed this sweet historical romance. The characters were well written and had good chemistry throughout the book. I think the tensions and characters' thoughts were spot on. It had me daydreaming of when I was dating my husband. I remember having some of the same thoughts of uncertainty and self-doubt. The ending was a bit wordy but it was a wonderful read for those who enjoy historical romance. I usually don’t comment on the cover of a book but I really think the stile needed to be on the cover; it was such a significant part of the story. Although this is not posed as a series the characters are from Karen Tufts, “The Duke Meets His Match.” I hope there are more books coming to highlight some of the other characters' stories!

Quotes: I was so caught up in reading I didn’t highlight!

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review shared here.