2 1/2 elevated to 3.

This is more historical fiction than historical romance. It also has mystery elements, but the romance takes second place. The main couple's relationship is one of three, with the three young ladies who are friends and the gentlemen they like.

There are a lot of historical details, some relating to the story more than others, which made some parts of the narrative a bit tedious. The mystery kept the story going and kept me interested in reading it.

Readers who like more historical details and social depiction than romance will be a good fit for this story.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed this story! This is my first experience with Elizabeth Watkins and I look forward to read more of her work. I loved the story line and I loved that you really had three love stories in one! While there were times when I felt the writing and storyline was a little too much, there was a little too much information sometimes and some was not needed. Overall, it was a wonderful, well-written story.

THE RELUCTANT BARONET by ELIZABETH W WATKINS is a romance novel set in Regency England with an interesting array of characters and a great deal of intrigue. The rigid expectations of the ton and the unkindness of those who see themselves as superior are a real challenge.
When Mr Russell Parkinsn becomes Sir Russell, he is ready to fight his best friend, Garrett Browning, Earl of Kersey, until he realises that, as members of the House of Lords, they can work together with some other like minded men towards reforms in society. He is a chemist who is scarred from the experiments he is always undertaking in order to prove the dangers of substances that are freely used. His surgeon uncle, Tor,, has a big influence on him and they are especially close.
Selina Clifton is scarred from having had small pox. Her father also bears the scars of the disease that killed his beloved wife and sons. Selina goes into her third London season, not holding out much hope that she will find a husband because of her scars, but she needs to provide her father with an heir or her Uncle Charles will take over their home…….
There are many twists and turns in this most enjoyable novel, but I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling the read for you.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Covenant Communications. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

The Reluctant Baronet by Elizabeth W. Watkins, 192 pages. Covenant Communications, 2023. $15.
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Entering her third season, Selina is desperate to marry so that her beloved home doesn’t fall to the current heir – a cousin who wants to tear the house down. Selina has agreed to be courted by Mr. Hallett, but he starts to pale in comparison to the new Sir Parkinson, First Baronet of Oakhurst Park. However, lurking under the surface are plots of greedy men that threaten these unwitting members of the ton.
Watkins’ attention to details shows her great dedication to research and accuracy, and I appreciated it at some points of the story more than others. Admittedly, I skimmed a few pages of those historical details, but the overall story was enjoyable. I liked the mystery and intrigue woven throughout the book as well as the requisite happily ever after.
Selina and most of the characters are English, except for Russell and his uncle who are Scottish. The mature content rating is for alcohol use and drug abuse. The violence rating is for medical malpractice, attempted murder, and attempted suicide.
Reviewed: Carolina Herdegen

This was very different from what I usually read from this time period, and it was a good different! There were some interesting personalities, plot twists reminiscent of The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins, and intriguing historical fact that made for quite the immersing read.

While there is an air of solemnity throughout much of the book, there are also some laugh-out-loud moments, thanks to some ballroom mayhem!

There was one plot thread I wasn't the world's hugest fan of, but it was rather miniscule as far as page time goes. The rest easily made up for that.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Russell Parkinson finds himself in high society unintentionally, and a bit forced by his best friend. Selina Clifton is scarred (literally). A complicated but satisfying love story begins.

This was a surprise find for me. In a great way. I started reading thinking it would be a nice comfortable "Bridgerton" type read. It was so that, but so much more. I loved the historical fiction part, in a lot of ways more than the society, love story part. This book brought attention to the lower class in a way I had not contemplated before. Smallpox and its devastating effects are explored. And a good ole fashioned duo may or may not take place! It touched my heart in ways i was not expecting and where I grew to love each and every character, even those I perceived would be bad...

I would highly recommend to those who enjoy love stories in the 1800's, historical fiction (based on a lot of non-fiction events), and anyone who is looking for a well-told story, easy on brain but not too easy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for a truthful review.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.

This was a great little story and it had me invested from start to finish. I enjoyed the world building and historical context, and the characters were well fleshed out. I find elements of the plot unrealistic but enchanting at the same time. I’m a big fan of the medical and engineering advancement conversations that were held, and how well informed the FMC was about them- women in STEM for the win! Not quite a 5 star read for me, but solid enough for me to recommend it for a fun, sweet, relatively quick read.

Three couples and the shenanigans standing in their way to love. This was only okay for me. I just didn't buy the plot. The odd announcement at the ball seemed unlikely (why would a random person make an announcement at a ball like that?) and the nefarious uncle had no real play other than being a simple villain, his connection to another character at the 11th hour felt shoe horned in. I liked the Halett brothers, but everyone seemed too willing to just acquiesce with their lot and be sad. I just kept thinking, if neither of you want to go through with this arrangement, why are you? The threat of scandal? I'm a bit sad I didn't like it more, but there it is.

This was slightly more adventuresome than romantic, and it did feel like kind of a fresh approach within the Regency category of historical fiction. With its interesting and deft insertion of historical details, its mix-and-match heroes and heroines (shades of A Midsummer Night's Dream), and just a dash of mystery, it moved right along at a pretty quick clip. Nice to see another skilled author in this genre!

An earl finds a place for his gifted friend as a titled baronet - against his wishes. But he convinces him of the ability to greater use his influence as a titled lord for the betterment of the country in politics. He reluctantly agrees. Awkward and not at all socially refined, he has no thoughts of marriage, until he encounters Selina Clifton. She's survived smallpox and as the last of her family feels the pressure to make an advantageous match quickly as her scheming cousin seeks to take her inheritance.

Blunders mark the romances in this story, until you're not quite sure how it will all end. Duels, reputations, and an evil uncle make for a winding story.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review.

The Reluctant Baronet by Elizabeth W. Watkins is a nice story, engaging, interesting, fun and easy to read. Likable characters, smart, witty and brave women who are stronger through their friendship. Follow the story of Russell and Selina and her friends, Emma and Vivienne.
Puts on the spotlight how people feels about their appearance, specially when you’re scarred and your skin is marred, and people pointing at them with disgust and repulsion.
This is a well written and well researched story.

A twist on Pride & Prejudice, this book finds two people meeting at a ball. The problem isn’t them falling in love but falling out of love. The problem isn’t wealth or status keeping them apart but something else entirely: an unexpected and unwanted engagement.

One of my favorite things about this book was how Russell was attracted to Selina because of scars she had from small pox. How she stood out from the crowd rather than fitting in with society. It was such a beautiful representation of true beauty. And Russell was just so sweet and protective and thoughtful 🥹

My only qualms with this book is some of the plot threads. Some of the story dragged, and other parts felt a bit incomplete due to how it played out, and I would have loved more scenes with Russell and Selina. But those are personal dislikes and no complaints against the content itself—this book was squeaky clean!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC of The Reluctant Baronet. A positive review was not required, only my honest opinion. All thoughts are expressly my own.

This is well written it is just not my style. I like a lot of romance and learning through what the characters say. I love interaction. This book is more about the times these characters live in. More about the history. Pages of description of hats, the poor, holiday traditions, immunizations and things that didn't matter to the plot of the story. Overall the storyline was a good one. The way she keeps you guessing was what kept me reading. The love story's took a back seat to everything else going on.

I really enjoyed this book! I especially appreciated the historical authenticity and research. I felt truly immersed in the Regency period. Looking forward to more books from this author!

"The Reluctant Baronet" was an okay read - it started well, but I didn't like the middle.
Both characters were quite original. On one hand, we have Selina, a young lady affected by smallpox, a disease we never hear about in Regency romances, but that could be quite deadly. On the other hand, we have a Scottish chemist who has just earned the title of Sir Russell thanks to the "help" of a friend of his, intent on furthering his political agenda thanks to Sir Russell's newfound access to Parliament. It was interesting to learn how a person could earn an honorific, rather to inherit it.
As the characters come to know each other, they slowly develop an affection for each other. However, an unexpected announcement comes and shatters their dreams. I really didn't enjoy that part of the book and skipped further ahead as I was looking for a light read, and not a story of a disastrous engagement. Thankfully, the book gets better by the end.
I enjoyed our H/h's depth and well developed characters, as well as their strong backstory, but I didn't like the secondary characters (Emma and Vivienne) so much, I found them to be too stereotypical.
Overall, not quite the read I expected.

There are certain characters and tropes that are common in stories set in the regency period and while many of them are found in The Reluctant Baronet, there is one that is unique (at least in this reader's experience) and presented in a way that is authentic and touching. Our heroine, Selina Clifton, is a small pox survivor. Starting a review with breathy enthusiasm for a contagion might be a bit odd, but it was an intriguing aspect of the story and an essential part of Selina's character. Selina's physical appearance makes your feel for her. Seeing Selina's personality unfold in the early scenes makes you root for her. She is a wonderful leading character.

There are a couple points where the rigidity of society is uncomfortable, but I think that's the point. You empathize with the difficult positions our characters are placed in and hope for a positive conclusion. For those who don't see the base material, there's a theater trip to see A Midsummer Night's Dream to drive it home.

Reviews rarely go as granular as to highlight a specific scene, but one dance at the ball where our lead characters meet is such delightful that it warrants mention. First of all, I had to smile at the inclusion of the detail that the dance set lasted 30 minutes, which is a notable bit of historical accuracy. Second, the interactions of the characters being segmented due to the movements of the dance was beautifully done. Lastly, the set down of catty ladies who previously insulted Selina, Emma, and Vivienne was delightful.

A pleasant read! Russell is given a title he never wanted and in the process meets the lovely Selina. Selina is easily won over by the new baronet, Russell. Its a journey for these two lovebirds but well worth the read!

This book has it all, historical fiction, romance, and mystery
When you start this book you will be engaged immediately and as each character and secondary storyline gets introduced it will pull you in deeper. Russell was more than a little disturbed when his friend Garrett, Earl of Kersey, arranged for him to become a baronet. He was a landowner, scientist, and inventor, he had no time for politics or the ton. However, Garrett soon convinces Russell that he can help make England better by bringing his skills and discoveries to the parliamentary floor. But that also requires mingling in society to make the needed connections. That mingling was onerous until he meets Selina. Selina is an only child and must marry and produce a male heir to allow the family estate to continue. If she doesn’t the estate goes to her father’s cousin who wishes to destroy it. Just as Selina and Russell’s attraction begins to grow an unexpected engagement for Selina is announced shocking both her and her father. The man she is to marry, is not what he seems and also is shocked by the engagement. As they begin to work together to figure how to move forward not only are secrets revealed but mysteries must be solved, not only for their happiness but to stop lives from being lost. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy. This is my review and all thoughts are my own.

The Reluctant Baronet by Elizabeth W. Watkins was billed as a Regency romance, but I'd much more closely liken it to a Regency mystery, with some romance elements. Although Sir Russell and Selina Clifton are billed as the main characters in this story, it read more like an ensemble, with Selina's friends Emma and Vivienne and their romantic interests Lord Kersey and Matthew Hallet all being quite important to the narrative.

I enjoy a Regency romance, so I was a bit bummed that this didn't quite fit the bill. It was impeccably researched (with a very information author's note at the end) and there were elements that were a welcome twist to what I've come to see in Regency novels, but I do wish it had been marketed more as a mystery. In fact, I think it could gain a wider audience, were it to highlight the mystery elements.

For a reader who enjoys a somewhat cosy mystery, this was an enjoyable read. And there were definitely elements of romance, but it certainly was not the main draw. Three stars for a well-plotted novel, for interesting and well-developed characters, and for a well-described atmosphere. Again - for the right audience, this very well could be a five star read - it just wasn't what I was expecting or what I was hoping for! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.