Easily flit from Sandra Brown, Nora Roberts, Lisa Gardner, and Jude Deveraux to Julia Justiss who in my opinion is the grand dame of her genre of books and stories. Regaling the era of tons and seasons Julia Justiss has educated millions of her fans and followers about an era way beyond our ken. My eclectic taste in reading mimics mine in music from Les Mis to Meatloaf.
A SEASON OF FLIRTATION BY JULIA JUSTISS is the opener of a new trilogy series by Julia Justiss, Least Likely To Wed. Filled with humor and guile A SEASON OF FLIRTATION contains some exquisite characters whose dialog and situations are ripe for entertainment. So welcome to what promises to be a magical trilogy.
A SEASON OF FLIRTATION centers on Lady Laura Pomeroy. Somewhat new to the titled world Laura and her father have carved out their own path in society. A society that is not truly inclusive by any means. So to keep in society one must bow to their idolatry and snobbery. Certainly not in the nature of Laura although to keep her father happy and upbeat she tries. Laura is a doting daughter, charismatic and bright woman, and staunch supporter of those she includes in her circle as friends. New to this circle just may be Susanna who has asked for Laura’s help in conquering her lack of self confidence and shyness.
Susanna is hoping to enjoy this coming season which means learning how to meet, greet and comport with those at the ton. Her brother Miles is reticent about having his gentile sister in the focus of those he knows to be rather callus. And at first glance Miles definitely does not trust this lady Laura whom Susanna treats as her new best friend. From his own experience the folks of the ton and society are anything but courteous and caring. Miles takes his brotherly duties very seriously. And it seems he now has to be watchful of Laura.
Problem is Laura proves to be quite extraordinary. Not really like the ladies of the ton. For one thing she is really brilliant and speaks her mind. He worries about just what type of influence she will be. So needless to say Miles starts to play a rather active part in Susanna’s training.
Let the fun begin. As always Julia Justiss likes to poke holes in the fabric of refined society. Never better than in A SEASON OF FLIRTATION which is the first of three books in a series called The Lease Likely To Wed. We get to meet Laura’s circle of friends and face down some detractors as well.
Practically speaking Miles and Laura do not make an ideal couple. The two of them will definitely assess just how far polite society will bend, if at all. Julia Justiss reminds us once again that polite society is an oxymoron. A SEASON OF FLIRATION is a grand, entertaining introduction to this new series. Miles and Laura will definitely find a place in your heart.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

When Lady Laura Pomeroy meets Miss Susanna Rochdale, she offers to help her navigate the ton, and give her lessons on how to act when in society. As the daughter of a banker, Susanna hasn't had the same training as most debutantes, and Laura likes her new friend too much to allow her to fail. The only sticking point is Susanna's overprotective older brother, Miles, who was burnt by the aristocracy, and doubts Laura's intentions. He wants to see what Laura is telling Susanna, and is surprised by how witty and smart she is. But he's the son of a banker, and she's a marquess's daughter, they'd never be able to marry.

This was a surprise to me at times. I liked both Miles and Susanna, and thought their chemistry was great. Initially, I was expecting them to be very different people, and that the romance would be a little forced, but they really gelled well with each other. Miles' first foray into society had not gone well, and it had coloured his thoughts on members of the ton. He wanted Laura to be like the other women he had met, but she was kind and open in a way that other society ladies never were. I do wish they had spoken a little more, but I understand why both were guarded. A lovely Regency read.

I liked the set up for this with the different classes and learning and wanted to enjoy it but it didn't do it for me sadly!

Lady Laura offers to take the shy banker's daughter under her wing. She doesn't have a title, but she has a lot of money. It's her first season and it's not going so well. She teaches her how to talk with the ton, how to flirt and how to get a husband.

There she meets her brother, a banker Miles Rochdale, who doesn't trust the ton and doesn't trust Laura with his sister. But there is something brewing between them, something that could never happen.

It's a lovely story, but I wished it more focused on romance.

This is the first Julia Justiss book I read and won't surely be the last as I had fun and rooted for the characters.
Humour, well plotted story, fleshed out characters with a strong chemistry.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Disclaimer: I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

I am always a little nervous when receiving books from authors I have not read before. Sometimes they delight and sometimes they do not. This one however was a joy.


I was very impressed with how clever the author was. She created characters I enjoyed and found myself very interested in how their story would play out.


I enjoy the idea of people not following the path the world has laid before them but rather creating their own path.


The journey that Laura and Miles took to find their happiness was one that brought time much joy. I felt the author gave these characters depth and that their story was one I could relate with.


Though the book was a quick read as most Harlequin romances are I found was very captivated by it and would highly recommend it to anyone wanting a weekend read.

When Lady Laura offers assistance to her new friend, Susanna, on how survive the season, it brings her into close proximity to Miles, Susanna’s brother. The two butt heads from their first meeting. Miles sees Laura as a shallow schemer and Laura is fine letting him think that of her. As the two spend more and more time together, Miles begins to see Laura’s wit and is delighted to learn of her mathematical prowess.

This book was fine but lacked sparkle. I have not read many Harlequin historical’s so I’m not sure where I should have placed my expectations. I wish there had been more banter and more excitement throughout the whole book. Absolutely nothing happens until the last quarter of the book which means that it has to be resolved extremely quickly and the romance was bogged down in the middle with superfluous side plots and tedious etiquette lessons. I did like that Laura was the one with the title whereas Miles was a commoner. Overall this book was fine, but not one that I will be returning to over and over again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harelquin for the eBook and Harlequin for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

A Season of Flirtation by Julia Justiss is the first in the new series, Least Likely to Wed. This is a story about finding true love by crossing class divisions. Lady Laura Pomeroy is a darling of the ton, but her life began as minor gentry, until her father unexpectedly became the Marquess of Carmelton. She is in no rush to marry as she fears her husband would stifle her enjoyment of mathematics; so she is taking her time and enjoying her season. She agrees to help her new friend, Miss Susanna Rochdale, an heiress of a banker, overcome her shyness by learning to flirt and be more confident; so she can ignore the disapproving attitudes of some of the ton. Susanna's brother, Miles Rochdale, is not fond of the ton after a heartbreaking affair with a debutante one who toyed with his emotions, and wishes his sister would marry someone of their own class. Miles attends the lessons that Lady Laura is giving to his sister, just waiting for her to condescend to his sister, so that he can put an end to the lessons. Much to Miles' chagrin, he realizes that he has judged Laura incorrectly, especially when he sees his little sister blossoming under her tutelage. He soon discovers that Lady Laura is a sweet, loving person, just trying to help. From the first, a spark exists between Miles and Laura, but both know that nothing can come of it. When Laura's father suffers a financial disaster, Laura realizes that love is what truly matters. This is a beautifully written love story with a range of emotions and some unique secondary characters. I definitely recommend A Season of Flirtation to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Lady Laura Pomeroy is a talented mathematician and the daughter of a Marquess. She has recently befriended Susanna Rochdale, the wealthy daughter of a banker. As Susanna is not part of the aristocracy, she fears that the ton may not accept her as she enters her Season. Laura has promised to show her how to act and react during her conversations with the ton.

When Laura calls on Susanna, she meets her brother, Miles. When he learns what Laura and Susanna have planned, he is skeptical of it as he very protective of his sister and doesn’t want her to turn into a flirt.

As Laura and Miles get to know one another better, they realize that they have a lot in common especially with both of them interested in mathematics as Laura yearns to learn more. However, even though Miles finds himself attracted to Laura and she to him, he knows he cannot pursue that course of action because her marrying him would mean she would lose her status in society.

I really liked this book and I feel like the author showed great research in her writings of mathematics as well as the background of music she so well-described in this book. It is a very interesting story of two people faced with following their hearts or the dictates of society. It is so nice to see how far we have come in this world where people are equal. A delightful love story and especially important to me is that it is clean and sweet. Enjoy!!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Good book about the perils and hypocrisy that face those who find love outside their approved social class. Lady Laura didn't grow up as nobility, but when her father unexpectedly became a marquess, she learned to navigate the ton. Laura has no interest in marriage at this time. She prefers to care for her ailing father and spend time indulging her love of mathematics and numbers. A husband would only get in the way of those pastimes.

When Laura meets the shy banker's heiress, Susanna Rochdale, she offers to teach her how to deal with the less pleasant members she's sure to encounter. Susanna is a sweet young lady and feels overwhelmed by the idea of facing Society. She and Laura quickly become friends, and Laura's lessons give Susanna the confidence she needs. I loved Laura's down-to-earth and practical advice. The only fly in the ointment is Susanna's brother, Miles.

Miles has a very poor opinion of the aristocracy thanks to a failed romantic relationship several years earlier and the attitudes of those he encounters at his bank. He is suspicious of Laura's intentions and attends many of Susanna's lessons, determined to stop them if he sees anything he doesn't like. It doesn't take long to realize that Laura is a sweet and honorable woman.

I enjoyed watching the relationship between Laura and Miles develop. The sparks are evident between them from the moment they meet, though both try to resist them. Miles is a commoner who is (gasp!) in trade, and Laura is a Society lady. While an aristocratic man may marry a well-dowered commoner woman without repercussions, the same doesn't go for the reverse. A woman who marries "down" will be shunned by Society. But over the course of Susanna's lessons, Laura and Miles become friends, discovering that they have much in common. I loved Laura's excitement at finding someone who understands her love of numbers and her relief at her ability to be herself with him. Miles is captivated by Laura's intelligence and beauty.

I ached for both as they realized that their feelings would have no happy resolution. Then Laura's father suffers from a financial disaster, and Laura's future looks bleak. I loved how Miles's protective instincts were aroused. The ball scene drove home the hypocrisy of the ton, and I loved the effect it had on Miles. His actions showed how deeply he cared for Laura but still denied his feelings to protect her reputation. I loved the ending and seeing Laura take her happiness into her own hands. The scene at the bank was fantastic, and the epilogue was great.

Lessons in flirtation...

Lady Laura Pomeroy is in her second season, the daughter of a marquess, she is in no hurry to marry as she has other mathematical pursuits. She has also befriended Sussanna, a wealthy daughter of a banker. She genuinely likes her and wants to help her learn to flirt and navigate the treacherous waters of society so that she may choose her match well.

Miles Rochdale, is Susamma's older brother who has been burned by Arabella, his first love, who burned him badly in his first foray into society. Now, he is making Laura pay that price by being mean and not trusting Laura on first sight. Though they definitely like the loolks of each other and are very attracted to each other, theirs is an adversarial relationship, as Miles tags along to ensure Laura doesn't turn Susanna into Arabella. Miles also plans to marry is long time friend, who is a sensible match and of the same class.

So, a vast class difference (lady and a banker), a burning attarction and mistrust and dislike...all set in regency ballrooms,.
What's not to like? Math and bankers make excellent companions.
Recommend.

Lady Laura gives a merchant heiress lessons on flirting. The heiress's brother Miles worries that his innocent sister will be turned into a calculating coquette. He clashes with Laura, assuming she's empty-headed and superficial. When he discovers she's a secret mathematician, he's intrigued. Can a merchant and a marquess's daughter make a viable match?

This is a cute book focusing the manners of Regency high society. The characters are well drawn, while the plot is low-angst without much conflict until late in the novel.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Lady Laura Pomeroy has taken a shy heiress, Susana Rochdale, under her wing to tutor her in the art of flirtation and improve her confidence during the Season. Susana’s brother, banker Miles Rochdale, is jaded from a former failed romantic encounter and doesn’t trust the motives of a lady he’s sees as a flighty, emptyheaded society miss. He joins their lessons to keep watch on Lady Laura and they end up falling for each other over math, plants, and their efforts to aid Susana.

This dragged for me. While there were cute moments, I wasn’t super swept up in the romance. Could have used less time spent on the side plots—the marry rich scheme and some of the flirtation lesson plans were a bit more in depth than I cared for. Didn’t love Miles having an almost-betrothal with another woman that was conveniently resolved at the end with no hard feelings.

Highlights were the playful prime numbers game that Miles eagerly joined after Laura explained it and them bonding over math/investments in general. I see a lot more Lady Scientists than Lady Mathematicians and enjoyed that novel element. I do like when a character initially misjudges another and ends up falling for them, as happens here.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and honestly review this ARC. Review will be up on Goodreads through 2023 at least.

Very cute, very sweet enemies-to-lovers. A comforting, cozy read on a sub-zero degree temperature day.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

Lady Laura Pomeroy befriends merchant heiress Susanna Rochdale. She knows what it is like to navigate in an unknown world. Her father was fifth in line to his title never expecting to inherit. She grew up in the countryside. Now in her second season, she is giving a helping had to someone like herself. The biggest difference is Laura is also vey intelligent and has a fascination with numbers. Her father is a scolar, studied nearly to be a clergyman, and loves botany. So Laura's life has gone from lower gentry to nobility with all the ups and downs. Her friends, Lady Margaret D’Aubignon banished to the country and Eliza Hasterling more often dealing with family concerns, all want independence and the right to choose what happens in their life. Laura currently does not wish to wed after an accident claimed her beloved mother and left her father injured and lonely missing his much loved wife. Now with helping Miss Susana Rochdale it gives her some meaning.

If only it was not for her brother Miles Rochdale, son of a banker, commoner extraordinaire. He is tall, handsome, arrogant, opinionated, and snobbish. Having be made a fool of by a debutant once he does not like the idea that his sister get involved with the nobility. He believes marrying within you own class sphere is best. Reluctantly he agrees to join the lesson Lady Laura wants to give his sister to prove his point.

As you can imagine this sets off as combatants with the two trying to prove the other wrong. Along the way they become somewhat friends. With his almost betrothed keeping them neutrally respective of boundaries.

Can those boundaries be breached? will class really be an issue? Does love really concur all? Join the lesson to find a fun, witty, lively bunch of characters travel the drawing rooms to ballrooms and Hyde park. Enjoy laughing, drama, and friendships that bring all of this to life.