The cast of characters in this book is large! The main pair are extremely likeable and well written. The path to happily ever after isn't as straight forward as one might expect. This story is full of twists and turns before the happy ending arrives for more than just our main couple. I enjoyed the insight into Regency England's societal expectations. An easy & fun afternoon's read.

As much as I wanted to enjoy this book, it just didn't keep my attention. If you like an accidentally titled scientist who is figuring things out and a girl who accepts an engagement she doesn't really want, and falls for the wrong guy, it may be right up your alley. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the story, it just didn't click for me.

"The Reluctant Baronet" by Elizabeth Watkins is a historical romance that follows the story of Scottish chemist Russell Parkinson, who unexpectedly inherits a British aristocratic title. Determined to make a difference in society, Russell immerses himself in the ton's circles, where he encounters Selina Clifton, a resilient woman with a scarred past.

Selina, faced with the responsibility of saving her family's estate, reluctantly agrees to court a suitable suitor but finds herself drawn to Russell's charm and sincerity. As their feelings deepen, they must navigate the complexities of society's expectations and the risks of forbidden love.

(I received an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review)

I enjoyed the Regency setting with two unique main characters. Their background and history influence them greatly in their current circumstances. I admired Russell's determination and purpose in making a difference, yet floundering as to how to accomplish his goals. He and Selina both have valuable friends that guide them and provide support in a society that can be a harsh judge. There are elements of mystery, layered throughout the story building to reveal more than what meets the eye. Plenty of historical details as well for those who are intrigued by how different life was back then and how improvements were made.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

I really liked this regency, was a fun spin on a traditional novel! I thought the characters had really good chemistry, excited to see what the future holds for this author!

Such a great story. I loved the characters, tension and settings in this book. I believe this book to be one of the finest I've ever read and brings new twist into the clean regency romance genre. I was on the edge of my seat wondering how the HEA would come for the couples in the book and the ending is more than I could have imagined myself.

I ended up mostly skimming to finish. I didn’t care for the story here, and when the very fibers of his being were brought up in the first chapter, I was done for. It just wasn’t to my liking.

*Review copy from Covenant Communications. Opinions are my own.*

I wanted to love it but I will be honest, I had a hard time following what was going on. I’m sure I was just the problem though and it’s actually a wonderful book. Sometimes books just miss the mark for me.

This is a sweet Regency romance featuring Russell Parkinson a well educated gentleman chemist whose recipe for boot-blacking has left him comfortably well off and thus able to follow his exploration of the early days of chemistry as a science. A friend arranges for him to be given a baronetcy specifically so that Russell can take a seat in the House of Lords where his scientific and forward-thinking attitude will help those seeking reform. As in the title, he's reluctant to do this, but is persuaded anyway.

Selina needs to marry and produce an heir to save her family estate. She's at a disadvantage on the marriage mart, being scarred from an attack of smallpox which killed most of her family. She has a potential suitor, but she really isn't all that smitten with him... and then she meets Russell. But her potential suitor isn't quite what he seems to be, and there's a side plot about him, his brother and their strange uncle.

All in all it's an interesting plot, the characters (most of them anyway) are well drawn and the main romance plot is engaging. The whole baronet thing is played down but the chemistry comes in handy.

This is a sweet Regency Romance. It fell a little flat for me and I got frustrated with some plot lines half way through and had to put it down for awhile but when I picked it back up I was happy with the way the book finished.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for sending me a copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Elizabeth Watkins is a new to me author but I really enjoyed this regency romance. The main characters are different than the usual titled gentleman meets debutante looking for a man with title. Unlike most men, Scotsman Russell Parkinson doesn't want a title. He'd rather be in his lab, but his friend has gotten him a title so he can help pass laws in Parliament that will help save lives.

Due to some smallpox scarring Selina Clifton doesn't have very many prospects, and after several unsuccessful Seasons she's willing to marry "an insufferable, prancing peacock" to help save her father's estate. That is until she begins to have feelings for a certain Scottish chemist.

I admit I was a bit confused at first with all of the characters, especially the mysterious brothers, but once I got them all straight I was able to thoroughly enjoy this story. I really liked Russell and Selina, I loved her spunk. Theirs isn't the only love story--there are a couple more--and there's also a mystery to be solved.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.

The story of Russell a man who becomes a Baronet, not if his own will but his friend who talks him into it. He has an interest in Chemistry. And of Selina who has been scarred by smallpox. She needs to marry and produce an heir quickly so she agrees to a courtship with a man who is in love with someone else. Then Russell and Selina meet and things take a turn.

This was a cute story! However the beginning is a little confusing, but after the confusion it is a great story. Russell is very caring, helpful, and blunt. Selina is outspoken at times, cares for her friends and is relived at Russell not caring about her scars. They are very cute together. I also liked all the side characters. Overall are good story. Clean read.
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I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I am glad I took my time to enjoy this sweet, clean, regency romance. I adored the intro as it was quick to pull me in. I was immediately hooked on the premise as well as the characters. I personally love when science and medicine make it in to regency stories, as well as women with a brain, strong personality, and inclination to stand up for themselves. Russel pulls off the role of a reluctant baronet perfectly. I love his backstory, his arguments, and his reason for consenting. Selina is a great compliment to him in many ways. She’s compliant, but not too yielding. She is loyal and loving and wants to honor her family. I enjoyed the slow build and tangled mess of things along the way. It made the resolution so much sweeter.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

I finished this book, but just had a hard time connecting with any of the characters. The story was pretty slow moving for the first half, but it did get better towards the end.

This book tackled so much. The poison that is Mercury, vaccinations, power, control, and wallflowers. Selina and Russell were excellent characters. The story was truly delightful and different from others in this genre, I say that a lot sometimes but it is truly lovely when the story holds new surprises and isn't just another season in London.

I love that Russell is an inventor and encouraged by his friend Garrett who could have had a story all his own. Add into it a mystery that kept me wondering and I found myself thoroughly entertained as well as concerned with how everything was going to work out as it should,

This story was well-written and the characters were well developed. Selina was a force as was her friend Emma. If only more of the ton were like these young ladies, maybe they wouldn't be so insufferable. Speaking of insufferable, the villain and eventually how he was thwarted was creative and intelligently written. Clues dropped early on and thought of as insignificant resurfaced in the most delightful way,

I received an early copy on NetGalley and this is my honest review.

The writing was rough and the plot was kinda all over the place. It definitely had potential - I liked the main characters and the good storyline was there, but it just got lost in all the extra unnecessary side plots, an overly wordy way of writing, and way too much historical information presented in a dry manner.

This story is well written. and after reading the author’s notes well researched. The romances were well done. I felt I knew the characters intimately and I was cheering for their happily ever after. The intrigue with the brothers and their uncle added to the story and kept me reading seeing what was going to happen. Overall a great book.

I struggled to get into this story. I was able to finish and found I enjoyed it overall as a subtle and sweet romance.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

This was very different from what I usually read from this genre but it was definitely a good different! There were some interesting personalities, plot twists and intriguing historical facts that made for quite the immersing read. It started out strong, with a very captivating and fun romance. Or rather several romances since there were plenty characters falling in love and finding their happiness at the same time, which wasn’t a bad thing. And amongst all the romantic entanglements there a good amount of chaos and misunderstandings that make everything all the more entertaining. The romance takes a bit of a seat to this aspect of the story as everything develops and comes to light. But the conclusion of this story is incredible. It all intertwined and gripped me to the very end. I am so glad I read it!

The Reluctant Baronet is labeled as a "Regency Romance" but this Regency Romance felt more like a regular historical novel. The romance part was not the strongest part of the novel, even though the elements there were pretty good. It seemed that a lot was always going on in many different directions. At times it seemed kind of confusing to keep everyone and everything straight. There was also a strange plot line with two mystery men that didn't make sense until the very end.

Now some good things: There are many interesting historical facts from the time period around 1811 having to do with politics, medical knowledge, and social designs. I'm a history buff, so many things were fascinating to me. I feel that many people will like this novel. For me, I just wanted it to pick a lane and stay there. If you don't mind a book that drags at times but has some inspiring themes, some sweet, clean romance, and interesting historical and social facts, then you will enjoy reading The Reluctant Baronet.