Emmeline and William Pershing have been married for eight years. Sure it was a marriage of convenience, but they've been pretty good partners all this time, supporting each other in their goals. Everything they've worked for is threatened when they fail to have children and risk being turned out from the family home (it was part of the agreement that allowed them to live there). They start to hatch a plan to get around that issue...and it's crazy enough that it just might work.

I'm going to be honest, I had a hard time getting into this one. Their motives just seemed so terrible, I hated the time jump from Emmeline and Will deciding to marry to when they'd already been together for eight years, and their lack of communication drove me nuts. BUT, the more I read, the more I got into it. Was it completely over the top and fantastical? Absolutely. But by the end I was completely onboard and along for the ride.

I enjoyed seeing both Emmeline and Will find their way back to each other, but also grow in their new role as parents. You knew there was always another hiccup to their plan just around the corner and it was fun to see it all unfold. Plus, having a five-year-old daughter myself I found the parts with Rose particularly endearing...and accurate.

I was really excited for this title but unfortunately this story wasn’t for me. I was expecting more of a romance but it doesn’t come across that way. Obviously, the main characters weren’t the greatest, but I had a difficult understanding their motivations. Didn’t understand why they would do so much for a house. The children of the story felt realistic but weren’t enough to save the story. A decently written book but I didn’t connect with me.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC.

The plan is to marry so that Emmeline can keep the house she has always lived in. She chooses to approach her friend Will with this idea; they will be partners in advancing his political ambitions. Eight years later, Grandfather is having a party and invites them. He wants to meet the children. Well, there aren’t any. Emmeline made up a couple to appease Grandfather. From here, the story becomes one filled with secrets and humor. Where will they get two children? Will they be able to fool Grandfather? Will this experience teach them realize there is more to their relationship that a political partnership? This is a bit different, but I found it entertaining and enjoyable.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Something in the Heir by Suzanne Enoch was a fun and charming read about a marriage of convenience that turns into more than either William or Emmeline ever considered! They have been married for years and live their lives content, yet separately. Everything changes when Emmeline’s grandfather asked for them to come for this birthday with their family. A family Willian did not know about. Enter two young orphans and so begins all the shenanigans! I loved watching these two with their kids, family, and their ever-changing feelings. I enjoyed this delightful story and am excited to read more from this author.

Happy reading!

At first, I was charmed by the witty dialogue and rapport between the two main characters. But then the implications of what they were doing dawned on me.... kidnapping children? Showing said children the life of the rich and powerful without a plan for them afterwards? That just seems cruel. They would get all excited, their heads full of dreams for the future, only to have it ripped away and sent back to a live of poverty... and this from a protagonist who is a politician and his supposedly brilliant wife.
It's all wrapped up in light, funny banter and without thinking too hard it's an enjoyable read. But once you realize that the poor orphans are there only to have the adults realize something about themselves... it leaves a bad taste.

A little unnecessarily long but all in all a pretty cute story. Characters were okay none of them were particularly memorable in a positive or a negative way. Not the next great novel but it’s a cute romance novel.

Thank you to Suzanne Enoch, NetGalley, and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to receive an ARC for Something in the Heir. This book was so fun. I think it seems common for Historical Romances to be more stuffy and romance focused. While this book is definitely centered in the past, it had an element of fun that a lot of books seem to be missing. There were hijinks galore and I really had fun reading it. I really enjoyed the way that the romance blossomed between Emmeline and Will. It would definitely be a jump to go from a partnership marriage to a love marriage, but I think they did so beautifully. I will say that the book is not entirely about their romance but also focuses on their familial relationships. I really walked about from this book with a happy disposition. I look forward to reading more books by Suzanne and I will definitely read her older books.

Will and Emmeline have been married for 8 years. For her it’s just a marriage of convenience so that she can keep living in the family home but for him it’s a bit more. He’s been in love with her for years and had hoped the marriage would lead to more. One of the conditions of living in the home is that the couple must have children. Emmeline has been lying to her family the entire time she and Will have been married and when her grandfather summons them to his birthday party and insists that the children come they have a problem. Their solution is to “rent” some orphans and pass them off as their children. Of course this doesn’t go as planned and much angst ensues.
The premise of this book was interesting but I really could not like the main characters. They came across as clueless and users of less fortunate people. Why didn’t Emmeline tell Will about the made up children? Why didn’t any family members ask to visit in the eight years of the marriage? Very confusing.

If you are looking for laugh out loud moments and some farcical fun then this is your book. Suzanne Enoch never disappoints and this book is a testament to her ability as an author. I loved the two impossible orphans. “Oh what tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.” That quote sums up Emmeline's disastrous machinations. I highly recommend this fun book.

Every once in a while a book comes along that sneaks up on me and makes me cry. This book was so unassuming, so cute looking. But it lacked a punch! Our heroine and hero are married in a very typical Regency-era marriage. It’s not romance, it’s companionship. When our heroine is caught in a lie (now I have seen reviews where people find this cringy, but as someone who struggles with infertility, I fully understand and sympathize), she and her husband make an outlandish scheme to keep up the lie. They “rent” children. Yup. Borrow some cute orphans to pretend to be their heirs and no one will be the wiser…:right?! As you would expect, the “found-family” trope is GOOOOOD in this book. The children’s outlooks gutted me. The author captured childhood innocence and hurt and trust in a perfect way. And while the premise may not be your cup of tea, the outcome is happy and honestly the reality of orphans in the 19th century is far worse than the plot of a book in which they ultimately find a happy home.
Throughout the story our hero and heroine find things in each other they hadn’t seen before, or in a very long time. They rekindle their adorable in a light and sweet way. If you’re looking for a sweeping romance- butterflies in the stomach- this isn’t it. But this is what surprised me most: I wasn’t mad about it. I hate when I read a book categorized as romance and it ends up being women’s lit. It’s not what I came for, you know? This however still checked a box for me. I was reading and waiting for more romance. Waiting but not missing it. I was laughing and crying and chortling and smiling and when it was over I realized that it was so thoroughly entertaining that I was left fulfilled. Really worth the read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this arc!

1/5 stars
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press in exchange for my honest review.

I do not know how this ended up being one of the most anticipated books of the fall by Publishers Weekly- embarrassing for them.

There was no chemistry and very little actual romance. Very much had the vibe of Christian Fiction, which is great if that’s what you’re looking for.

I found the way they acquired the children to be extremely problematic. Even if they aren’t exploiting the children in a sexual nature, they’re still exploiting the children. I do not care that they ended up keeping them. The premise was not cute and quirky to fit the comedy theme like the author intended.

I also found the husband to also have a weird relationship with his wife. The whole infertility thing is whatever but how do you not attempt to woo her if you’re so into her. She was also an extremely unlikeable character.

Overall I found it very repetitive and could not get invested in the book or it’s characters. I will not be reading anything else this author writes.

Something in the Heir is the story of Emmeline Hervey who is wanting to keep the home she grew up in. The home belongs to her grandfather but her parents who live there now are planning to vacate the home to live in a cottage in Bath due to her father's health issues. There is a rule her grandfather uses when deciding who will next move into the home. The first of his descendents to marry will have use of the home for 5 years and if they have children they can remain in the home for their lifetime. Emmeline is not married and she desperately wants to keep the home so she comes up with a marriage of convenience with her friend and neighbor, Will Pershing. After trying for a couple of months to get pregnant, Emmeline was having no success and after seeing a doctor recommended by her mother, she learned she couldn't have children. After being married and living in their home for 7 years, her grandfather invited them to his 70th birthday party. He invited all of his descendants to present themselves to his estate to celebrate with him. The invitation throws Emmie into a tizzy because now she has to come up with a plan to meet the requirements of her grandfather's agreement or she and her husband will have to vacate the house and her cousin, Penelope will inherit it. What a laugh out loud adventure. I have been wanting to read this book since I initially saw the early announcements of its release. Ms. Enoch didn't disappoint. It was enjoyable to read how Emmeline and Will became closer to each other as they worked together to keep their home and came to realize that home is truly where your heart is.

I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley and McMillan but I am leaving my honest review

I can see this book being really popular with your average historical romance reader but to be quite honest, it just didn't do it for me. The premise was interesting enough. I don't think I've read a historical romo where to family members were in a rush to marry in order to inherit an estate in quite this same way. But other than that the story didn't really hold my attention. There wasn't necessarily anything wrong with it, I think I've just read so many in this genre that it's getting harder to appreciate them. But as I said, I think most people are going to like this. The writing itself is good and the story is fine. I've just read too many at this point I think.

This book was not quite what I expected. From the synopsis we get a romcom vibe, but this is a romcom in the way a movie like The Parent Trap is a romcom. It mostly revolves around shenanigans with the children with minimal romantic encounters between the main couple. I did like seeing their partnership change throughout the story. I did find it weird though that they were supposedly good friends but lived basically completely separate lives and it wasn’t because of any kind of fall out. It is hinted at that Will has always been a bit in love with Emmie, but with very minimal romantic interactions between them the I love yous seemed very out of the blue. I did like watching them each grow their relationships with Georgie and Rose and gain their trust, but the way that they “borrowed” the kids left a weird taste in my mouth. I honestly thought maybe they would just run into the perfect kids for the plan on the street or something rather than just basically buying off the nun at the orphanage to use them for 8 weeks. It was very weird, but so was their other attempts to find kids for the plan. If I put that aside and focus more on the story after the kids are in their home, it’s a better story. I think it took way too long to get to the party and it was over way too quickly for all the build up.
The writing was good. It was readable and it was easy to distinguish when we were following the POV of a different character (of which there are quite a few in this book). I think the marketing of this book might throw some readers off because it is not a traditional romance. There is very little romance on page and a handful of chaste kisses between our main couple and the side couple. Personally, I think this would be better marketed as a Historical Comedy. I could see this as a comedic movie for the whole family to go see in theatres (a la The Parent Trap. I am referencing this movie a lot and while the stories are quite different the feel of them is very similar). With the exception of Emmie reminiscing on her wedding night, this is a very PG book. Which is fine, just not what I expected.
The last thing I’d like to mention is there is the use of the g slur in this book multiple times. I understand “historical accuracy” or whatever but it’s 2022. We don’t need to have that word in our historical romances anymore. It could have easily been replaced with like workhouse snatchers or something or just not even used.
Overall, this book was okay. I enjoyed the middle section but the beginning and end were not as strong. I would be interested in trying other books by this author as I enjoyed her writing style. This book was just not a favorite; I’d give it a generous 2.5 stars from me (rounded to 3 bc there’s no half stars).

Emmeline loves the house and estate she grew up in, so when her parents move out, and her grandfather declares that he will give the house to whichever grandchild next marries, Emmie rushes into a marriage arrangement with an old friend. Will Pershing was a good childhood friend, and agrees to a convenient partnership that will help further his career. This arrangement works splendidly for years, until Emmie faces the second part of her grandfather’s stipulation: she must have a child in order to keep the house. Since her grandfather & other family live a distance away and only communicate by mail, Emmie was able to pretend she had children. But when her grandfather requests their presence at his grand birthday bash, Emmie and Will are in a quandary. Without children, they lose the house and their respect. Can they borrow a set of children and manage to pass them off as their own without anyone the wiser?

This was a lighthearted found family novel with a side dish of romance. Emmeline’s & Will’s lives were set and orderly, as they each did their part in furthering Will’s political career. Bringing George and Rose, two young orphans, into their home for a few weeks completely uprooted their lives.

The kids, used to fending for themselves, are not interested in playing pretend rich kids for a few weeks before being thrown back into an orphanage. They have plans of their own, which might have something to do with how often valuables seem to disappear from the estate. But they are cute spunky little cherubs that can surely pass as little angels in time for the party.

There were plenty of light humorous moments, tangles of lies, and bits of romance. Mostly, I loved how everyone, from the servants & staff, to Emmeline & Will, and George and Rose, all came together over the course of the book. Despite their differences, saving the house becomes a joint project. Without intending to, they all became a family.

I liked the story of Will and Emmeline, but I dislike and have a hard time reading when characters start using old English slang. For some reason, it pulls me out of the story. The characters were good, but not exactly believable for their actions. There were several situations alluded to but never explained. I've enjoyed Suzanne Enoch's books in the past, but this one wasn't as enjoyable for me. Thank you for the advanced copy.

I continue to try to branch out my reading. And this one was definitely outside of the comfort zone of books I normally would pick up.

This one was definitely a cute and light story. I feel like this one does have a pretty standard set up given the regency era and that it was done pretty well.

The POV does bounce around quite a bit and we’re perspectives that I didn’t feel were needed being included into this story that didn’t help it progress and ended up making this one longer than I think it really needed to be.

This was a well-written, entertaining book. It was fun, sweet and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

This is not a typical Suzanne Enoch romance. The main characters are Emmeline and Willian Pershing. They get what they want out of their marriage partnership. She gets to keep the family home she loves and he gets the perfect hostess helping him further his government career. But the house only goes to Emmeline if she has a child within five years. She didn’t but claims she did to her grandfather. But when her grandfather the Duke of Welshire calls everyone to his 70th birthday, they must bring the children or risk being thrown from their home. They decide to take to orphans for eight weeks hoping to pass them off as their own.

The writing at the beginning is slap stick funny. The turn of phrases are clever. The children are adorable as street tough little urchins tying to be proper. And it’s pretty obvious how things are going to end up. But the story bogs down in the middle. I dislike the mayhem caused by James. Because it takes so long to get the Duke’s gathering there really isn’t a chance for the MCs to be caught for most of the book. While I like that Emmeline and Will realize they want more from their marriage. It really isn’t a romance. There is no heat, steam or passion. And I was dismayed that at over the 80 percent point they are still actively planning on finding another family to raise the children. So it made it hard to cheer for them. And then comes a rushed ending putting everything in place.

I can say there is humor and it is a light, clean read. And three stars from me is respectably good. But it needs something more to move it to a higher rating. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a fun, unique ad refreshingly light period piece read! Something in the Heir is pure delight. All characters are beautifully written and explored. Pure and funny writing leads the way in this story, and I absolutely loved it. The Children absolutely made their appearances known and I absolutely loved them (they kind of stole the show). Once i began reading, I didn't stop. While there is no steam, the attraction and sweetness of the characters are there, and the story is satisfying. I love that it isn't the typical historical romance piece, and the story is refreshing and new. A spirited read that I thoroughly enjoyed!

Thank you to netgalley and St Martin's Press for a copy in exchange for review