I honestly tried connecting with the characters and this book, but something seemed off. The book appears to not be written like the other romance novels under this drama. The story was to light and airy. Everyone was happy and the main couple kissed in the first chapter. The book really didn’t have a romantic plot to engage me with as the reader.

Juliet is enamored of diplomat Val, but she believes that her scandalous family and poor prospects would make a poor political wife. But when Val's fiancée reveals that she's in love with another man, she supposes it wouldn't be too bad to pretend to be engaged to him for the length of a state dinner.

This is the second book in the Brazen Burrells series, about a trio of sisters who take Regency-era London with their beauty, wits, and little else. This is the story of Juliet, the middle sister, who is overshadowed by her more celebrated sisters, and Val, who we first met in the previous book as the Burrell ladies' landlord. I had enjoyed the camaraderie between the pair in the previous book, and was looking forward to seeing how their romance bloomed - but ended up rather disappointed.

The strengths of this book, similar to the previous one, lie in the strong relationship between the members of the Burrell family, and their acknowledgment of their precarious situation. While Viola and Bianca's marriages have secured their financial safety, the Burrells are still considered somewhat low in the step. I enjoyed the way reading about the strategies they employ throughout the book to control the narrative around them. I also liked the historical backdrop of the story, and how historical figures were woven into the plot.

However, while there were scenes and sequences that enjoyed throughout the book, I found myself sadly disappointed by the meandering plot. Though the summary sells this as a sort of marriage-of-convenience plot, there isn't much conflict stemming from there, and the idea of Juliet being an unsuitable bride doesn't come up too often. The trouble is that a lot of the book, perhaps to set up Bianca's sequel, concerns itself with the Whistons' marriage - indeed the most striking scenes are a part of this plot. With an already low-angst central couple, there was really nothing left to pull it all together.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book and this is my freely given opinion.

This is the second in the series about the Brazen Burrells, by Lynne Connolly, and while it likely can be read on it's own, it is helpful to have some of the background as it gives more history and fullness to the relationships of the secondary characters and storylines, such as the relationships between the sisters and their mother, their history, and especially the relationship between the youngest sister, Bianca, and her husband. It is a secondary storyline, but a significant one that sets up what I presume will be a third book, and also impacts the actions of and between the two main characters of this story, Val and Juliet.

With their mother's bold plan and ambitions for for Juliet and her sisters, last Season, it is not surprising that Juliet was instructed to hide her bluestocking tendencies. She has a love of reading, and not just novels, but keeping up to date on politics and news, which unfortunately is looked down on by the Ton, in women, and debutantes especially. Mrs. Burrell was hoping to make her daughters a triple threat launch on Society and garner good marriages for them, betting everything they had on it. After all, they had pretty much lived hand to mouth for years with the death of her husband and having been cast off by her father in law as he disapproved of his son's wife and marriage. So despite being the granddaughters of a Viscount, the young Burrell sisters had nothing to recommend them other than their beauty, grace, and their mother's bold ambitions and strategies.

She had succeeded quite well, with the marriage of Viola to Gerald, the Earl of Knowsley (the Only Honest Man in London) and the marriage of her youngest, Bianca, to the Duke of Whiston. Now she and Juliet are living in the Duke's townhome.

Juliet has less ambitious plans in that she did not seem to enjoy the notoriety of the Burrell's, and wants more simple things. She does not appreciate the gossip and snobbishness of the Ton, and has no real plans to marry, but just seems to appreciate the simple things such as being able to read and have a real friendship with another woman, like Maria, the daughter of Lady Rotherham. However, what she does not know, is that Lady Rotherham fostered the friendship so that Juliet would unwittingly coach Maria about foreign relations and politics to foster the interest of Val, Earl of Langston, who is deeply involved with the Foreign Office and now in the search of an appropriate wife to bolster his ambitions of being a diplomat, with a possible placement in Russia.

Juliet and Val are drawn into relationship drama fostered by Lady Rotherham's scheme, and while Maria does not want to marry Langston, she is not strong enough to withstand her mother's will on her own. Val and Juliet act to help her, which forces them into a faux betrothal, which Val, when realizing that Juliet truly has the intelligence and character he thought he saw in Maria, works to make real. As they work on their relationship together, they are also drawn into the various intrigues and dramas around them, including the crumbling friendship and relationship woes of Maria, and the vindictiveness of her mother when her plans to marry Maria to Val are thwarted. Also the profligate behaviours of the Duke of Whiston, and his toxic relationship with Juliet's sister, Bianca. Also Val's efforts to gain the notice of Lord Castlereagh and the FO to be given the post of diplomat are thrown into jeopardy when dangerous secrets are potentially leaked through a theft of a sensitive portfolio under his care. It is also suggested that his relationship with a Burrell is frowned upon and thwarting his advancement in the FO, with her dubious connections, scandalous history, and being too free with her knowledge and opinions.

So many things against them, but being a romance, there is obviously a happy ending... at least for Val and Juliet. I liked their characters and how they engaged with each other and the people around them. Val was a bit dictatorial at times, but it seemed in keeping with his character and past, and came from a place of caring and concern rather than power and control, which he was willing to speak about with Juliet. I enjoyed the characters as they were all rather nicely fleshed out and I could connect with them. I loved the Countess of Langston - Val's mother, and his relationship with her, and think she and Mrs. Burrell could be an interesting duo if they ever decided to join forces to help their children, or face Society. Even the very flawed Duke of Whiston had positives I could find connection and empathy with, despite his horrible treatment of Bianca. The secondary relationships and story lines in the book were very interesting and really drew me in, and made an interesting world around which Val and Juliet formed their relationship with each other.

But definitely don't get me wrong, this is not a happy, sunny love story. There is a lot of sad drama including emotionally abusive relationships, and loss of friendships, betrayal, and death. But it made for an interesting story that I quite enjoyed, and I look forward to seeing how things will turn out for the Burrells.

4 stars out of 5

This is Book 2 of the Brazen Burrells and a wonderful addition to the series. I was pulled into the story from the start and remained captivated till the end. Valerian (Val), Earl of Langston, is a diplomat and is looking for the perfect bride that will keep him far from scandal and further his career. Val is attracted to Juliet, but she is forever surrounded by scandal and gossip, something Val should steer clear from. But he can't seem to get her out of his mind. When he becomes engaged to Juliet's best friend, he thinks he's found the perfect wife, except that she is in love with someone else. Juliet seems to be the only one who can help with that situation. They join forces to help Juliet's friend and her beloved and end up in a betrothal themselves. As they get to know each other better, they fall deeper in love with each other, but is Val willing to give up his career to be with her?
The author did a nice job of bringing the characters and story to life. Val and Juliet's feelings for each other were strong, and easily came through with in the writing. The story was well-written with an engaging and entertaining storyline that kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading more of this series.
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

The Adventuress and the Diplomat

He kissed her and then went to her friend's house to propose. Would she forgive such a betrayal? Val and Juliet's relationship was complicated from the beginning. He was a diplomat who must marry a woman who would allow him to advance his career. Juliet came from a scandalous family with no fault of her own. Their hearts got involved, and hearts cared nothing about diplomacy and reputation. This story has romance, intrigue, scandal, and a few surprises. It is my favorite in this series thus far. I would recommend it to those who like Regency romance with scandal and intrigue.

A wonderful, will they or won't they romance. Juliet unintentionally falls for her best friends' intended. Val, although attracted to Juliet, feels she would not be an acceptable choice as a wife. He flirts with Juliet while neglecting to tell her that he is on his way to propose to her best friend the same day. Loved the book!
Thank you Lynne Connolly, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

I have read the first books in the series. Having said that I dont think it necessary to do so to understand what's going on. She covers the history and the relationships. I had hoped that the problem would be resolved the way it was but after get to the end I was disappointed that it did. I was rooting for reconciliation and a happy ending but alas not everyone gets a happy ending. You must make the bed you lie in I suppose. This does end in a happy ending for main characters just not for some secondary characters.
I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book.

Interesting story that I enjoyed very much. Lynne Connolly threw in some very unusual twists and turns I wasn't expecting which I feel really added to the story.
Juliet Burrell and her family always seem to be surrounded by scandal. Valerian, the Earl of Langston, is a diplomat for the Home Office and is involved in espionage, secrets, and lies for the government. He hopes that with the right wife he is appointed Ambassador to Russia.
Juliet runs into Valerian at a Bookshop where they share a memorable kiss. Valerian then leaves with that kiss on his mind and goes to reluctantly propose to Maria as she seems the perfect wife for an Ambassador.
Loved all the surprises in the story. I enjoyed the characters, especially Valerian's Mom.

I didn't read the previous book but I was able to jump right in with this one. Juliet let herself get walked all over in the beginning of the book (which let's face is part of the lot of women in historical romance) but then she comes kind of into her own. She's more assertive about what she wants. But it's the trope of a fire that feels just so....convient that really brings the rating down in this book for me. The romance was sweet, a little descriptive but nothing to get that bashful about. But the fire is what brings this down to a three. I probably would not reread this book, but I enjoyed most of it the first time.

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

As both an Earl and diplomat, Valerian, Earl of Langston, knows that he needs the perfect wife who can support him in his endeavours. And when he thinks he's found her, it's perfect. Now he can stop thinking about the beautiful and smart Juliet Burrell, who plagues his dreams. However it seems that his fiancee is in love with someone else, and Juliet is the one who can help him. But tragedy and scandal follow the Burrells, and when they once more fall from grace, will Val be willing to give up on his hopes of an overseas placement to be with the woman he loves?

This was such an enjoyable book. From the moment I started it, I didn't want to put it down. Val and Juliet's feelings for each other was palpable, and though they tried to fight it, they had been in love for quite some time. Val thought he needed the 'perfect' society miss to be his wife and countess, but Juliet, though her family had scandal attached to them, was right for. She was smart, beautiful, and brought out the best of him. However, Val's overseas placement was not guaranteed, and when a treasonous plot is discovered, it takes them both to solve it, but not without tragedy. I'm really looking forward to the third book, and seeing if Bianca can finally have a happy ending.

Lord Valerian, Earl of Langston, is set to propose to a young lady who will make a most excellent diplomatic wife. Nevermind he can't forget the kiss he stole from Miss Juliet Burrell on his way to propose to another lady. Oh, well what's done is done...or is it? The first deception begins and leads to scandal. Once Val is no longer committed to one lady, he's determined to have the one he can't forget, Juliet Burrell. More scandal, missing government documents and the death of a duke. Val's appointment as an ambassador to Russia looks as if it will fall through. Some may say Juliet maybe the wrong wife for Val, but he thinks she's perfect.
Heat Level 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

An Unusual Courtship by Lynne Connolly is the second in the Brazen Burrells series. Juliet is the only one left and that may be because she is something of a bluestocking. She is meeting her friend, Maria, at the bookshop to select their next book, although to be fair, Juliet does most of the reading and most of the discussing. While at the bookshop waiting for Maria she runs intoLord Valerian, Earl of Langston to whom she is very attracted. After a positive meeting she returns home and Val goes to Maria’s home, to propose. She accepts but truly is in love with his secretary. She had hoped that it had all been worked out in some fashion. Another problem on the horizon is Juliet’s sister, Bianca who was married to the Duke of Whiston. She had thought all was well, but lately had caught tremors of anxiety running through her sister. It turns out Whiston is head-over-heels in debt and easing his anxiety by drinking and seeing other women. His is not physically abusive, but certainly belittles Bianca.

There is plenty going on in this story. Turns out Val woks for the Home Office and is privy to government secrets. He is hoping for a posting as ambassador to Russia and so needs a wife at his side. In his rush to select one, he lost leave of his senses for a bit. In offering to help Juliet he regained them. These are interesting characters and more, using an age-old trope and injecting new meaning into it. The plot was good: multi-faceted and interesting. It seems the British government had as many employees as England had dukes. She had an interesting way of Whiston getting out of his debts and Bianca moving forward. Val had an interesting mother and a very interesting way of looking at her. It was a good book. I suggest you try it!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of An Unusual Courtship by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #LynneConnolly #AnUnusualCourtship

The opening chapter of the book quicky draw me in giving me that feeling of wanting more. The characters were lovely, really well built and relatable in some aspects which is what everyone wants to see in a book. It seems like your tipical cliche but the author managed to twist things making us see beyond what is usually the end of these stories. The balance between fiction and reality was perfect with the right amount of history and the perfect amount of romance.

I received this arc from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Valerian, the Earl of Langston is looking for a bride, who will bring honour to his role as a diplomat. Yet when he meets Juliet Burrell, their attraction is immediate, but her background is full of scandal. Added to this, Val is engaged to be married to Juliet’s best friend. However, Val soon discovers that his fiancée is in love with someone else so together with Juliet, they try to end the betrothal but in doing so, find themselves engaged. Soon, what they had hoped for their future, is clouded by the attraction between them.
This book had me engrossed from the very first chapter. Again, the Burrell sisters bring scandal but entertainment, in their wake. This is a well-paced book with plenty of well developed characters, including more on the other sisters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When Juliet Burrell meets Valerian, Earl of Langston, their attraction is immediate. Val is a diplomat, looking for a well-connected, scandal-free bride to help further his career. Juliet is surrounded by constant scandal, even though none of it is of her making. And Val is engaged to be married to Juliet’s best friend. But when Val discovers that his future bride is in love with someone else, he and Juliet join forces to help them and end up in a betrothal themselves. As Juliet gets to know Val better, she tumbles further into love with him, but she’s acutely aware that she is the exact opposite of what he needs. Val wants Juliet, though he knows he might have to give up his treasured diplomatic career to have her. It’s not long before trouble and tragedy plunge the Burrells into the mire once again, and Val may be the only one who can rescue Juliet from a situation that goes beyond scandal and into treason.
The second book in the series & it’s easily read on its own. A well written book with strong characters & a very well paced story. One of the things I love about the author’s books is her attention to detail & the delicious mix of fact & fiction. I loved both Val & Juliet & found myself caught up in their story. I loved their obstacle strewn journey to a HEA & read well into the small hours to finish it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This is one of those books where I found I did not want to miss a word, which is always the mark of a well-crafted story. I was drawn into the novel from the opening chapter and although not dramatically suspenseful, the romance nevertheless kept me riveted so that I resented any time I have pulled away from reading. The Burrell ladies have been honed by circumstances, not of their own making and although scandal has followed them, it is their survival skills that set them apart and have made them stronger. With two of her sisters seemingly successfully married, Juliet is in no rush to follow them, although she does have feelings for their erstwhile landlord, the Earl of Langston, although he keeps disappearing. Bumping into Val once again does stir her heart but she feels betrayed when she discovers that he has offered for her best friend instead. Val quickly comes to the realization that the sweet but malleable Lady Maria is not at all who he thought she was, leaving him with conflicting thoughts. Falling in love with one of the Burrell ladies is inconvenient at best, but Val quickly comes to see that Juliet is more than his match. Unfortunately, nothing is going to plan and with a number of sub-plots simmering and about to boil over, Val and Juliet discover that they have to use their wit and intelligence to navigate the rocky path ahead of them. Despite disaster and misfortune, the novel comes to a happy conclusion with justice being served. I received a copy of this enjoyable and intriguing romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

An unusual courtship is the second book in the Brazen Burrells series. I haven’t read the first installment but this book can be read as a stand-alone, although you want to get the first book and read that as well. It makes you curious about the first book, and the next one to come.
This book has a great start. It is the story of Juliet Burrell, one of three sisters. She and her mother live with her sister Bianca, who has become the duchess of Whiston. Their other sister Viola is a countess, so she and her relatives are elevated in the eyes of the ton, and thus attracting more stares when she goes out. Juliet actually prefers a much more quieter life, and enjoys hiring a cap and visit a bookshop unnoticed. So she goes to the bookstore to find a new book to discuss with her best friend Maria.
At the bookstore she is reacquainted with lord Valerian, the Earl of Langston, with whom she connected during a dance last year. They both enjoy their acquaintance and both remember their special connection. Unfortunately Val was talked into offering for… Maria’s hand in marriage! Although he has doubts, his honor prevents him to go back on his word, so his fate seems set.
When Juliet visits Maria, she learns that Maria actually is in love with Val’s secretary Walter, and mistakenly thought Val came to speak on his behalf. Her scheming mother though wanted her daughter to make a good match so manipulated Val to propose, and now Maria is miserable. When she tries to elope, the betrothal is broken and Val is in need of a fiancee for an important meeting, so he asks Juliet. What you then have, is all kinds of people tiptoeing around conventions, status and reputations. I found that very ingeniously written. There are so many more dimensions involved in all the handling and manipulation of arranged marriages, reputations, gossip, etcetera and all of this is very cleverly told in a very interesting way. Not an easy feat! So I was very enthusiastic about that.
After this the excitement died down a bit, because the story is shifted towards the emotional abuse that Bianca experiences, and Val’s work for the Foreign Office. The abuse is very well handled, despite it being such a very sensitive topic. Kudos to the writer!

Juliet is an intelligent, bold and honorable woman, not shying away for difficult situations. I like that despite the fact that it breaks her heart to hear of the betrothal of her friend and Val, she doesn’t manipulate her to cry off. Val is also a very clever man, as is his mother. I love that Val only needs to glance at his mother and she immediately understands what is unspoken. Marvelous! I would love to read a book about Val’s mom.

The characters are well written, the storylines are believable and realistic, with the exception of the big tragedy, I found it really farfetched. I won’t spoil what happened, but I don’t think things could progress that quickly.
The issues are all addressed and the ending is satisfying but I was disappointed to see Val & Juliet move abroad. I always like to have nice people living close to each other and have them pop up in future books.

I received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and I am grateful for this opportunity. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Will they be able to reconcile with what could keep them apart …

The previous book gave some insights about Val and Juliet relationship, they were drawn together but his occupation led him elsewhere for a time.
Yet upon them meeting again, he goes straight from Juliet’s company to engage himself to another woman.
I understand how painful it was for her when she was informed her present friend used her to further her education to snare the man she longed for. In some way, this issue was never really addressed.
Juliet is less conspicuous of the three Burrell sisters, shorter, not blond nor black haired, with a working mind and a wide knowledge. She has been attracted to Langston from their first encounter, all the while aware that to carry on his path, he might need a more connected eligible woman than herself.
Langston believes he is doing the right thing, to advance his career. But near immediately he realizes he might have been lured. Yet he chose duty over his heart’s desire. Because Juliet is the woman occupying his thoughts, she is everything he longs for but in an unsuitable package.

From there, they will have to rebuilt what he damaged by proposing to another. I loved his mother and the love they have for one another, she is his voice of reason, seeing past his acts and rattling him when he behaves badly according to her. They understand one another and she in some way voices his conscience and helps him atone for his errors.

This book was more than only a romance as despite the hurdles on their path they find some unexpected twist a way to get together, but it is also an intriguing portrayal of a moment in time, with a bit of crown and politic intrigue and a glimpse of the third sister’s fate.
4 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

An Unusual Courtship is the second book in The Brazen Burrells. I didn't read the first book, but this one can be a stand-alone there is enough information woven in to this one that makes it easy to read. As always series are meant to be read one after the other.

Juliet Burrell meets Valerian, Earl of Langston, their attraction is immediate, but soon after their meeting he disappears. It has been a year and he appears in a bookstore as they are both attempting to reach the same book. As they get reacquainted, he steals a kiss as he helps her into his carriage. After he drops Juliet off, he steels himself to go settle his arrangement to Lady Maria once and for all. Determined that Maria will be a perfect wife for a diplomat he puts his feelings for Juliet aside and asks Maria to marry him. Hoping she would decline but has not, his fate is set.

Juliet still daydreaming about her meeting with Val, decides to visit Lady Maria, her friend. Maria is shocked to discover Lady Maria Rotherham has accepted the Earl's offer of marriage, and even more so after Maria reveals she is in love with another. Juliet counsels Maria to do the right thing and honor her agreement. Disappointed about the turn of events she returns home.

Juliet receives a note from Maria a few days later, she races to her friend to try to stop her from eloping, only she is not at home. Lady Rotherham reluctantly receives her and blames her for Maria's stupid mistake. While defending herself, Val turns up with the missing couple and refuses to marry her.

Val needs to bring his betrothed to an important dinner and Juliet agrees to be his fiance. The more time Juliet spends with Val the more she cares about him. A series of unfortunate events will urge Val to marry her in order to rescue her from danger. But trouble continues to follow them as they realize how important they are to one another.

I really enjoyed the story of Juliet and Val. Juliet is kind, honest and loyal. Val wears several masks to hide who he really is from others. Neither had a great childhood but are better people because of it. It was a wonderful story not the typical story one often finds.

The imaginative and inventive characters kept me engaged while the steamy scenes enhanced the story without overshadowing plot. I recommend reading this lovely regency romance.