Since her mother died, Corinna Ormesby has lived a quiet life in the country with her cousin however, in order to escape a tedious marriage Corinna sets off for London cleverly disguised as a boy. On her adventurous and rather scandalous journey for a young woman in Regency England, Corinna meets three dashingly handsome young men who come to her rescue on more than one occasion. Quickly immersed in London's high society Corinna must keep up the pretence of being a young man about town but this proves harder than expected especially when she learns something important about her past.

This is a really lovely Regency story. I especially enjoyed getting to know Corinna, she's a feisty heroine, and the young beaus who surround her with so much eloquence, grace and good humour bring a real sense of fun to the story. There are twists and turns aplenty which bring to life all the subtle nuances of Regency life. The freedom afforded to young men is especially detailed especially when men seem to have all the fun whilst young women are seen either as a scandalous diversion or as suitable marriage material. There's a more serious side to the story which develops well and I enjoyed understanding a little more about Corinna's past and the revealing of her relationship with a father she thought she had lost is done with a nice gentle touch.

An Unsuitable Heiress is a fun-filled romp through Regency England, with a smattering of romance, a sense of adventure and a wonderful heroin at its core. What's not to like

My heart went out to Corinna, otherwise known a Cory. She had a hard life growing up... not knowing her father, losing her only parent who truly cared about her, finding a home with distant relatives none too happy about another mouth to feed... but she never let it truly get her down. Whether it was simply her self reliance, or the easy friendship she struck up with the neighbor's son, I couldn't really say... but I will say that her sunny demeanor went a long way. In fact, her look on the bright side of things attitude and sheer determination are what lead her to become more Cory than Corinna, taking matters into her own hands, in an all or nothing search for her father.

She makes some truly good friends along the way, discovers more than just her family ties, and, in time, will grow to know what love truly is. Of course, that didn't mean her course runs smoothly. No siree. There are the naysayers, there are those that would take advantage of her, there are those that would manipulate (and try to!) her future for their fortunes, leaving her as a friendly casualty of war. Yes, times may have been different, but not SO different... and yet, and yet... those friends she made? That makeshift family until she might find her blood? Yeah, they'll stand by her, protect her when needed, and demand retribution if wrongs occur. Good friends to have... even if one might just have unexpectedly, and unknowing stolen your heart.

Oh how I loved getting acquainted with Cory! She was such a gem. She had a heart of gold, a sharp mind, was quick on her feet, and never let others tell her it couldn't be done. True, those feelings were easier to stand tall with when her fortunes changed, but that was just an aftereffect not the start up. Watching her go after what she knew in her heart to be true was inspiring. Seeing her grow her family along the way, heartwarming. I was holding out hope for her happy ending until the bitter end, and shed a few tears along the way as heartache was known. Still, by book's end, you feel like you really know the young woman she's become, through her thoughts, actions, and overwhelming heart... and can't help but be glad of all that the future may hold for her.

A great pick for Historical Romance fans and a wonderful addition to your summer reading!

An Unsuitable Heiress by Jane Dunn is the story of Corinna Ormesby, a daughter born on the other side of the blanket to the Earl of Ramsbury. He had lost touch with her mother when she was five although he sent gifts and money with his man of business until her mother died when she was twelve and she went to live with her aunt. She had never known who her father was but dearly longed to. The time had come and she had cajoled her best friend, the son of the local squire, to give her a set of his clothing. She was going to dress as a young man and travel to London, hopefully safely. There, ideally, to obtain a position as a teacher in a dame school as she searched for her unknown father. At one of the stops on the journey, the driver of the mail coach started whipping one of his horses. Always an advocate for any animal, Cory stepped in and nearly got herself killed. It was only when three young gentlemen stepped in that she/he was saved. They took her/him under their wings and left off for London where they convinced her/him to stay with one of them. They offered clothing and an education on how to become a man. At this point everyone thought she was well on her way to being one.

This was a decent Regency romance wherein the three young gentlemen, all good men, gradually became aware that she was not what she seemed. The tiger of one of them had spotted her immediately but kept his suspicions to himself. They were all pretty much decent guys, all with startlingly different personalities. Well written and interesting. Cory was a charming young woman who felt deeply for those around her and was always available to help someone in need. Sometimes that got her in trouble. The plot was a good one, although finding her father proved to be much easier than it might have been. There was the standard kidnapping, which has become a common trope in these sorts of romances, and a reluctant lover. It was a good plot, well thought out and interesting. The characters were likable and sympathetic. The vocabulary was a touch above the normal romance but the traveling as a man trope didn’t work as well as it might have. All-in-all, it was a decent read.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of An Unsuitable Heiress by Boldwood, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions were mine. #Netgalley #Boldwood #JaneDunn #AnUnsuitableHeiress

I didn't read this genre much until I read The Marriage Season and I loved this just as much. Corinna was a wonderful main character, she gives the story so much heart and depth. I love the plot of this story, it felt really different to other Regency romances I really can't wait to read the next in the series.

This story started off well, had a dip in the middle and then finished on a high. Corinna was a brave and quite fearless woman. For someone who hadn’t travelled far, to venture out on her own would have been quite daunting. The friends she meets on her travels include Alick Wolfe. They do feel a connection but it takes a while for them to realise what it means. I did like the character of Louisa, she is very practical and knows exactly how to treat Darius, Alick’s temperamental brother. There are a number of interesting characters including the tiger. This made for an entertaining read. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Regency winner!

Shades of Georgette Heyer! Oh my! This is the second book I have read by Ms Dunn and I certainly hope it won't be the last! I adored Georgette Heyer books as a child and this regency romance has the same characteristics! Young woman escaping a forced marriage by running away, dressed as a young man.... Recued from an untimely confrontation by a group of young bucks.... Finding her father who, of course, has a title... And finally, after various plot details, falling in love! Note that there aren't any super hot steamy scenes, in case it matters to you. Myself, I can't wait for Ms. Dunn's next book!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time-constrained e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

1815

The Earl of Ramsbury is mourning the loss of his only son who was killed on the last day of the war with Napoleon. His heir will now be Darius Wolfe, a man who gambles heavily and wenches.

However, the Earl has an illegtimate daughter, Corinna, whom he has not seen since she was age 5. He regrets not knowing her more and wants to find her.

Corinna is now age 19 and after the death of her mother, has been living with a relative who wants her to marry an odious man. Therefore, she dresses as a man and heads off to London to find her father.

By chance, she is rescued from a fight by three young, wealthy men heading to London. Convinced she is a young man, she stays with one of them as they take her “under their wing." As she has always had a talent for painting portraits, she begins to paint one of them. Overhearing some conversations, she now realizes that her father is the Earl of Ramsbury and living close by. Now, she wonders if she can approach him.

I liked this book and found that the author’s wonderful descriptions of clothing, scenery, and the characters themselves were excellent. A lot of what the wealthy young men got up to is amusing. I really liked Corinna, Suze, and Louise. I can’t help but feel that Darius will always be a terrible person. I only wished that the side stories could have been wrapped up more. However, this may be because the author means to write follow-on books for these characters. Enjoy!

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

My Review: I had an amazing time reading this book. I read it in 48 hours. We follow Cory/ Corinna's journey trying to find her long lost father, by which she goes through great lengths to get to London. Her life takes a positive turn when she happens upon a trio of young men who take her under their wing and give her friendship, a home and inspiration. After working out that her father is non other than Lord Ramsbury who has recently suffered a significant loss and is trying to find her too. We meet Darius and Alick Wolfe and a number of other amazing characters, such as Laura Flowerdew, Suze, William Swift etc.

I fell in love with Piro the dog and Eclipse the horse. We have babies, kidnapping, love, fights. It's so engaging that I wouldnt mind seeing this televised. I was totally immersed in the romanticism of the story and wouldn't mind an Alick/ Will Swift type in my life too. I absolutely recommend this book. 5 shiny stars.

A Regency romantic drama set in 1815 after the Battle of Waterloo. 19 year old Corinna Ormesby has been living with her Cousin Agnes since her mother died. With her cousin planning to marry Corinna to a man she hates Corinna feels her only hope is to find her father. The only problem is she doesn’t know who he is. The book is well written and carefully, if predictably, plotted and is an enjoyable read.

Briefly, dressed as a young man Corinna (Cory) heads for London. But when she gets into an altercation she is rescued by three young blades who befriend her (thinking she is a man) and take her to London to live with one of them. The three introduce her to the darker side of the young wealthy mans life. But when she finally discovers who her father is her true identity can be revealed.

This book had a bit of everything romance, deception, friendship, debauchery all woven into an eminently compelling Regency drama. The narrative of the period was interesting and resulted in a bit of Googling, and the attitudes of the time, particularly towards women, were quite shocking. The ending was pretty much what I expected and very satisfying. A good read.

This is my second novel from this author and I loved it as much as the first! The attention to detail is fantastic and the plot is so well-paced. Corinna was a great protagonist and it was a joy to follow her on this exciting journey!

Thankyou so much to @janedunnauthor @bookandtonic @rachelsrandomresources for the opportunity to take part in this fun book tour in exchange for an unbiased review 🎉

#blogtour

I’m always a sucker for stories about women masquerading as men, probably a remnant of my teen-hood when I was at that time entranced by The Rose of Versailles manga. After this story at the beginning reminded me a bit of These Old Shades from the original plot to the historical slang, such I needed some times to get accustomed to the language.
I do not remember this about The Marriage Season, it still had the Heyer’s vibe without so much of the era fop cant.
Cory reminds me of Leonie, so naive, innocent and not very well disguised outside the fact people see what they want instead of what there is before them.
The group of three young blades is fun, they have all their peculiarities, from fop, vigilante to rake, they enjoy the idle life they are allowed but are innerly good like Alick who treats every woman with respect whatever their ranks. A direct opposite to his elder brother a profligate who schemes his path for his own gratification, whatever or whomever he walks on on his way is of no significance for him.

I did suppose it would not be a tale of secrets and revenge like in TOS, more one of unraveling the villain’s course of action; but I had hoped that Cory would impersonate a man bit longer than the first third of the story. As it is often in this trope the most entertaining part.
Instead once she is “discovered”, there is no bad blood with the young men who took her under their wings, nor when she reconnects with her sire, a man who just forgot about her for years, only remembering he has a daughter on the aftermath of the loss of his heir.

I would recommend this book to any Heyer’s lover, as for readers expecting a modern regency tale, they will find themselves lost among actions from a different time, a parlance not of these present days.
3.5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kiss

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

This was a fascinating read. Super enjoyable, never dragged and is perfect for fans of this period. It kept me guessing throughout and was a real page turner.

I enjoyed this author's first foray into fiction earlier this year and this next book is even better! I absolutely adored Corinna's (Cory's) friendship with Ferdy, Alick and Lord Purfoy and found their adventures to be interesting and unexpected. It was a twist I hadn't read before in a regency romance and I loved it. Indeed, there were lots of surprises in this book but in the best way -- I definitely recommend this author if you're a fan of Jane Austen and the regency period in general!

An Unsuitable Heiress comes out next week on May 22, 2023, and you can purchase HERE! I really liked this one!

What was happening to her? She could hardly bear the turmoil in her heart. The flame of hope she might have found her father at last now combined with the shock of unexpected emotion for a man who only thought of her as a brother, a friend.

An Unsuitable Heiress draws readers into an authentic Regency world with its characters, culture and settings. Corinna is determined to succeed and live her way, a courageous undertaking for a woman without family and living with a distant relative on sufferance. Disguised as a young male, her life is adventurous, leading her to form lasting friendships—a tale of convention, friendship and romance, full of humour and witty dialogue. The romance is gently written but builds believably, and the characters keep the reader entertained.

I like the historical ethos, the dynamic between the characters and the romance.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Thanks to Jane and NetGalley for allowing me to read An Unsuitable Heiress before the publication date.
I enjoyed Jane’s previous book, The Marriage Season and was pleased to be offered this book.

It is set in 1815 as the Napoleonic Wars draw to an end at the Battle of Waterloo.
The aristocracy have continued to enjoy the galas and balls in London throughout the war. It is at one such ball that it is announced that the British have won the battle at Waterloo, together with a list of the dead.
The Earl of Ramsbury learns that his only son and heir, Lord Oakbourne, has been killed in the last hours of the battle.
Already in poor health, the earl now has to put his affairs in order whilst grieving his son and regretting his own youthful indiscretions. Can he find his illegitimate daughter who he has lost touch with?
Meanwhile, Darius, the new heir is furious when he learns the details of the earl’s will and vows to overturn it at any cost.
Corinna’s story of searching for the father whose name she does not know is artfully, if predictably, interwoven with the actions of Darius.

Jane continues to entertain the reader with a story which highlights the attitudes and lifestyles experienced by the different social classes in the Regency era.
The vernacular of the time can be puzzling yet it adds to the story.
Don’t try to compare this story with current times and values, just sit back and enjoy the journey

Another good book by Jane Dunn. A young woman looses her mother and now wants to find her father again. Set in Regency London this is Corinna's story of breaking down boundaries, finding what is missing in her life and kind of starting over to a point.

This is a good story but is not overly enthralling. Fairly easy to read with a few patchy moments I enjoyed it but can't say it is a favourite. It just didn't have the oomph I wanted from a story like this one. There are parts of this book where I wanted more a parts were I wanted less but overall it wasn't too bad.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

3.5/5: I did not find anything new. I liked the use of language though. I am not sure if it’s historical correct or not but I do not think Lords married their mistresses during that time. Would have wished for more romance. Overall okay book

I tried, I really, really tried to like this book, I tried to stay interested and finish it. I could not, no matter how much I hate not finishing a book this one simply could not keep me interested. I am not really certain of the reason why, but there was just nothing that really snagged me and held on. I just was not invested in the characters, their relationships or anything. The plot seemed good when I read the description but the actual reading of the story left much to be desired. I am sorry but I can not recommend this one.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

I absolutely loved the first book in this series, so I was excited when I got the opportunity to read and review this one as well. This book started out as a slow burn, and I was afraid I wasn't going to enjoy it, but it just took a chapter or two to really get into it. It started with the war ending and Napoleon being captured and everyone in London either celebrating or waiting anxiously to hear news of their loved ones who were off fighting in it. Once we got past all of that, though, that is when the book starts to pick up the pace. Corinna Ormesby, who has been living with her disagreeable cousin ever since her mother died, decides to go to London and try to find her father. Her parents never married, and she doesn't even know his name, but she has several gifts that he has sent her over the years on her birthday that she hopes will help aid her in her search. She wants nothing more than to find her father and to become a portrait painter. She has no interest in getting married off, and if she stays at her cousin's house, that is exactly what is going to happen to her. Because she can't venture to London un-chaperoned, she cuts her off her long hair and dresses as a man. Once there, she is befriended by three dashing blades, handsome and capable Alick Wolfe, dandy Ferdinand Shilton and the incorrigible Lord Purfoy, Corinna now has access to the male-only world of Regency England. She also meets Alick's turbulent brother Darius, who is bitter and angry, because he has just found out that as the closest heir to the estate of Earl of Ramsbury who is of poor health, he will not be getting all of the estate after all. This book was full of passion, love, anger, retribution, gaiety, friendships, and families of all types - the ones you are born into and the ones you forge. I am thoroughly enjoying this series, and hope there will be many more books to come . This book gets a well deserved five stars.

I really liked the story. The characters are interesting and I liked the glimpse in the ways of man. Mostly the scenes, when the men realise that the main character is a girl, were funny and informative. I think the author managed it perfectly to show the awkwardness of these situations. The story was well developed and in some situations even suspenseful.
The style is well fitting the era and I learned quite a lot new vocabulary. It was interesting even though I had to google some meanings.
I highly recommend this book.