This was an interesting novel by a new to me author. I'm having a hard time finding words for this one, because in some ways I really enjoyed it, and in some ways it fell flat for me.

It's telling that it took me about a week to get through this. On the plus side, we had a sharp, exciting introduction with some really unique pieces. Sir Russell's commitment to science and making the world better was definitely refreshing, as was information on smallpox and the newly-made vaccine for it. However, I think this suffered from a lack of showing.

For example, we're told, rather than shown, that Russell and Selina have deep, sweet conversations every afternoon in the garden. We're told that he's trying to be accepted by the upper crust so he can make changes, but never really shown that awkward transition or the missteps. If it was just this, I think it would have been alright.

It's not just that. While the mystery of the nameless brothers was an intriguing element that got me through the 'telling' parts, it quickly took a hard-to-believe turn. The middle especially dragged. Not just that, but the storylines muddled too much to really enjoy either plot thread.

Overall, I think there was a lot of story here that kind of got lost in itself. I think it would have been better to focus on one plot- either the brothers or Sir Russell's efforts for reform- and flesh out the characters more. I would have loved to SEE more of Selina's friends and Lord Kersey instead of getting told how their stories ended in the epilogue. It was definitely different, but not one of my favorites.

The Reluctant Baronet follows the meeting and love story of Selina Clifton and Russell Parkinson. The story took a bit to get into, but once I was, I was hooked. I liked reading about the growing relationship but was slightly confused at parts in the beginning (they are explained later on, but up front it was confusing). The middle was good and the ending went too fast. The wrap was too quick and the beginning was a little too slow. I would recommend this book to a friend or anyone who enjoys Regency Romances.

Thank you to Elizabeth W. Watkins, Covenant Communications, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This story had many plot twists I did not expect and felt well-researched. I was happy to see the tangled storylines of three friends were all resolved in one volume on a very satisfactory ending!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

I like Austenesque or Heyeresque books, and this book certainly reminds me of Austen and Heyer. However, this is a book that is a little hard to get into, a little slow, and doesn't get to the point fast enough. But I believe this book will appeal to Regency romance writers

I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review. Thank you, Covenant Communications.

What a fun book with all the happily ever after!

Love the little messages in this book, like what we may think as flaws are beautiful to those around us.

A cute story!!

I absolutely loved this story. Beautifully written and wonderful characters. I am so pleased I found this book and will definitely look for more by this author. I am finding I love the independent publishers where the books are not written by “formula”.

I just reviewed The Reluctant Baronet by Elizabeth W. Watkins. #TheReluctantBaronet #NetGalley

I liked the premise of this story and I enjoyed the historical tidbits about fashion. However, I had a difficult time connecting with the characters so I chose not to finish the book at 30%. I felt like some of the narration was too heavy-handed, which made it hard for me to get lost in the story. Even so, I think the positive aspects of this book will appeal to many Regency romance readers. Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communciations for providing an ARC.

I loved this cover!
The Reluctant Baronet was a 3.5 ⭐️. I believe this was the author first regency romance and I liked it very much. A charming story told with interesting topics. Small pocks, balls, duels and a bit of science. I wanted more of a romance between the MC but overall I’m happy with the HEA!
Thanks Covenant Communications via NetGalley.

Elizabeth Watkins found an incredible way to merge in vaccines, disease, chemistry, National Treasure vibes, acts of charity, and the effects of losing a mother all into a beautiful romance. Once I got a third of the way into the novel I had a hard time putting it down. One of the most touching themes in the novel was seeing Selina's father step up to fill some of the roles that would have traditionally been filled by a mother. I'll be rereading this one for sure!

Yes - read it.

I enjoyed the read. I don't think the story description does the story justice. The description is accurate but it only tells a small part of what the story is about.

There are certainly more interesting characters that move the story along. Some surprising twist and turns in the story that I enjoyed. And I always like learning more about what life was like during the Regency.

I received an ARC from Netgalley to help me prepare my honest review.

The Reluctant Baronet is a clean historical fiction with a little romance throw in. From the description I was excited to read this book and was really expecting to enjoy it. The bool in parts was really good. I loved when the book focused on the main characters and their story line, unfortunately that didn’t always happen. Their were a lot of side stories going on that made it confusing.

I appreciate the effort the author put into research for the story but there were a number of really slow moments in the story that I really had to push to get through. I lost internet when it had long passages about the dangers of quicksilver and a really long section about Scottish New Years tradition.

Overall it was a cute story. If you are reading this book for the history I think you would really enjoy it. I personally would have enjoyed less detailed explanation of the history and more focus on the main characters.

3.5 stars. I had a hard time getting into the story. There were parts that were slow and I didn’t feel a connection at first. It got a lot better in the second half. I wish we had more scenes with Russell and Selina, our main couple. It was still an interesting story and I enjoyed reading it.

I wanted to like this one but couldn’t get into the writing style. It was hard to keep up with who was who. I would have also preferred one couple to focus on instead of 3. There was just too much going on and hard to keep up with all the details.

This book was just divine! I truly enjoyed all the events that brought our hero and heroine together. I was enamored with all the details of the time in the Regency Era! I rejoiced that she brought out the harder times of living in those years and yet the subtle beauty of the times shown through! It was well balanced and truly enjoyable. I loved all the the side characters as well! And she left no open ends! I loved that! The romance was lovely and we even had a couple different romances interwoven throughout! Loved it!

Who in Regency times didn't want a title? Why, that would be Scotsman Russell Parkinson, of course. I loved the elements of chemistry and medicinal progress that were displayed in this book, as well as the delivery of strong and solid characters.

I'll admit that I got a little confused at the beginning with the vast cast of characters, but once I sorted out who was who and how they fit into the plot, I was ready to settle into this sweet and entangled tale. Entangled it sure was! Not only is the reader treated to one love story, but to several, and the miscommunications, misunderstandings, assumptions, and secrets nearly finished me off, but I couldn't put it down. There are some mysterious to be unraveled and some happy endings to be found and the journey to these discoveries was purely entertaining.

I enjoyed reading about some of the historical issues of the times, but I especially liked the character interactions. I know a story is great when my heart is stolen.

Content: very mild romance; mild medical descriptions (poison, leeches, etc)

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for making this available to review.

I thought this title was very sweet and thoughtful. It was a proper romance with no spice. It had angsty moments as well as some mysterious actions by some of the characters. My only critique is that this could have been done even better as a series of novels. I wanted more from the romance of each of the three couples.

#TheReluctantBaronet #NetGalley

Selina, scarred from a childhood disease, of smallpox, finds herself becoming a wall flower at social events,
Russell is a misfit among society, a chemist trying to make society aware of the danger of mercury and beaver hats. This book was a little on the slow side but started picking up. I liked Selina and how brave she was.

I found this book beautifully written.
Obviously a lot of research and thought has gone into it and it shows!
The main characters are willful, intelligent and compassionate. Overcoming many hurdles in their lives to come to a happy ending.
Anyone that loves a bit of drama in their historical fiction will love this.

3.5. I love the Regency period and decided to take a chance on a new to me author. Well done for the time period with a good storyline, I was eager to settle in. I will look forward to more by this author. My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book.

Selena, a small pox survivor, is looking to marry to save her father’s estate. Russell, a chemist, has just been given a baronet, something he’s not very happy about. They meet at a ballroom, having an instant connection. The question is, to follow their hearts or their duty?

This book has a few things that I loved: first, how reluctant Russell was to accept the barony, and the hilarity of it. Second, Selena’s physical scars that made her who she was. And lastly, the themes covered in the story. Russell was first and foremost a chemist, not a member of the aristocracy, which made his perspective all the more fun to read. Selena always felt set apart because of her scars, fearing a happy future for herself. Yet, her compassion and kindness kept shining through. Her friends were hilarious and offered a relief to the seriousness of the story.

One of my favorite parts of this book was the topic covered. I can’t remember many regency books that heavily covered the struggles of the time such as small pox, working conditions, and medical advances that were received both negatively and positively by the population. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book and all the research that was done.

I really liked how the love story developed between Selina and Russell. Their sense of duty really shone through and their friendship was so much fun! Both witty and honest, it really helped getting to know both characters! Overall, a great book!

**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.