Member Reviews
Cover: Beautiful color palette!
Chiara’s Choice is 100% pure Regency energy. It starts with the meeting between Chiara and Abraham, her willfulness and manipulative ways crashing against his steadfastness. She’s the daughter of Baron Madero, looking for a suitable match; he’s not the firstborn, unsuitable by default.
Of course they’re going to fall for each other :D
Overall, as I said, the Regency energy is on point, and developed well. Maybe the beginning feels a little slower than the ending, but it’s a minor issue as the pacing picks up soon.
Both Chiara and Abraham work fine as main characters. The story structure, which includes a double point of view, isn’t my preferred style—there are occasional slips into omniscience—but the author does a good job with the cast of characters. The spotlight is on Phoebe here, at least in my opinion, because she has a well-defined characterization.
The I don’t understand Italian subplot falls a little flat, instead. Yes, it’s a bad idea; yes, secrets are going to drive a wedge between people; yes, Chiara is going to be angry at Abraham. I mean, I understand the reasoning behind this writing trick; I just think it’s too basic to really deliver. Abraham is not a stupid man. He must know it’s going to blow up in his face.
From a technical standpoint, the grammar is spot on. Kudos to the editors. They did a spectacular job!
3.5 stars on GR.
Regency Romance/Clean romance
Cute story! Our FMC is a fiery/spunky Italian daughter of a Baron who knows how to keep suitors on their toes. She wishes for a life where her decisions can be her own and not controlled.
Our MMC is the 2nd son and trying to figure out what he’ll do with his life. He’s loyal , kind and very close to his family.
A friendship is formed after a rocky start and as romance starts to bloom a few blockades appear. Can they make it through together?
I enjoyed this fun storyline!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me a copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
I love Chiara's character. Feisty, fiery, not afraid to fight for what she wants. And she doesn't want to be manipulated by her family, she wants to make her own choices, especially when it comes to love.
Abraham comes from a close-knit, loving family - something that is unusual among his peers - and he is baffled at Chiara's attentions towards him.
I enjoyed watching from the sidelines as these two strong characters broke through each other's defenses, and gradually formed a friendship and even more. The ending wasn't what I was expecting, but I was cheering them on the entire way.
I really enjoyed this book with an opposites attract and friends to lovers romance. Chiara, the fiery daughter of an Italian baron, meets Abraham, the second son with no prospects. Sparks fly when Chiara discovers that she likes pushing Abraham out of his comfort zone. I found Chiara fascinating and really enjoyed the book as a result. The ending elopement made the book even more intriguing.
THank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
Chiara is such an interesting character! I loved how the author challenges our first impressions of Chiara by peeling back her layers, revealing the vulnerable young woman behind the facade she has learned to use. Abraham is instrumental in provoking Chiara and making her see past the games of society. I enjoyed her sense of humor, and how she did her own provoking to get Abraham out of his reserved and often grumpy shell. They are both at an important crossroads in their lives, with the pressures of career and marriage. They seem like an unlikely couple, but their opposite natures compliment each other and their chemistry is palpable. The pace felt unhurried, which allowed me to enjoy the nuances of all the characters and the situations they find themselves in. Recommend to fans of sweet Regency romance!
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.
As the daughter of an Italian baron, Chiara has very little say in her life, and she gets tired of being unseen and ignored by her parents. When she, her brother, and her mother visit England, Chiara meets the Jamison’s. She is intrigued by Abraham and wants to dance with him, only to be rebuffed when he’s embarrassed by her usual outlandish tactics. Abraham doesn’t know what to think of her at first, but he wants to know the real Chiara, the one who comes through when she says things in Italian, not realizing he is fluent in the language.
I really enjoyed this book! I love a good romance where you know these people have to end up together, but you don’t know how they are going to manage it, and this story does just that. I love Chiara’s personality, and I can relate to her not wanting to be ignored. It was also fun to see characters from some of Chalon’s other books show up in this one.
Chiara comes from a rich and powerful Italian family. She’s expected to marry well and is sent to England to make a grand match. Chiara likes to shock people with her brash and confident personality but in truth, she’s vulnerable and longs for control over her life. Abraham, an untitled second son, knows that he needs to pick a profession soon. He’s a honest man and a rule follower. When he meets Chiara, he’s taken aback by her outspokenness and seemingly rude behavior. When circumstances keep bringing them together, Abraham begins to see past Chiara’s selfish facade.
Chiara was a hard character to like at first, but I slowly began to understand her as the story progressed. Abraham is a good man. I personally wish he had more gumption and assertiveness. Their romance was a true opposites attract. I enjoyed the different social status romance and how they had to fight for a life together.
Overall this was a very enjoyable read. I’d recommend it to any sweet regency romance fans!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishes for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
This book was so beautiful! I loved the characters and the slower pace of the book! I love to really just enjoy a Regency book and this one was delightful!
First of all...where can I get a Regency dress like that? It's gorgeous!
This sweet romance had a bit of a forbidden romance vibe to it that made it intriguing. Chiara is Italian and is in England to find a match, but Abraham is NOT it because he has a "list of things wrong with him," namely being a second son and untitled. I was a little shocked by Chiara's very selfish and outspoken nature, but the edges soften as the pages turn. She is definitely spirited and knows her mind, wanting only what's best for her with no one's interference.
Abraham is a really good man--but he does go about some things in a slightly backward and backhanded way, only causing himself problems. He's a very caring character and I loved the banter and attraction, as well as respect, between this couple.
It was an interesting blend of Italy and England in this time period and was so much fun to watch, especially as they navigated different customs and expectations.
This is a match made in a fiery inferno and while slow-burn, has those necessary sparks and connection.
Content: mild romance
I enjoyed this book by Chalon Linton. I liked how Chiara put on a mask for society but really felt lonely and only expressed her real feeling in her native tongue. I liked how Abraham’s fluency in Italian allowed him to get to know the real Chiara. I liked how Chiara and Abraham brought out the best in each other and allowed each other to be vulnerable. I also like how Chiara encouraged Abraham to take risk when it was for something important. I thought this was a sweet romance and I loved seeing characters from the previous books.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I've been so excited to read this one by Chalon Linton! Her books are always so good. And I was hooked on this one from the very beginning.
I loved Abraham. He's such a steady guy. I love the way he watches out for his sister, Phoebe. And the way he's a man of honor. He's even great to Chiara's little brother Mattias. One thing about Abraham is that he isn't really sure what to do with his life, nothing has ever felt right.
Then there's Chiara. It took me a little bit to really understand her and get to like her. At first she comes off really demanding. And with the way she's been treated her whole life, that makes sense. But as the Abraham gets to know her better, and the reader as well, I learned that she was a determined young woman, willing to work hard to get what she wanted.
I loved the way this book ended. I was surprised with how it ended. But it was just great! And now I need the rest of the stories for the Jamison brothers!
I was sent a copy of Chiara's Choice as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I loved the theme of trust in this book. It was really well written and I loved watching the characters learn to trust and love each other! This was my first book from this author and I’m really looking forward to reading more from her!
This book has been in my TBR for a couple of months now, but I am so glad I finally got to it.
This book was such a great story. I loved the plot and all of the witty banter between characters. I love how it shows so many great family elements with the Jamison family (siblings).
The characters in this book were also amazing. Chiara is such a stubborn and witty person that is so fun to read about. Abraham is also stubborn but much more rigid, which makes the pairing of these two so entertaining.
Phoebe is also such an entertaining character as well. I always love a good, matchmaking sister. 😂
I really appreciated the storyline with Chiara's half-brother, Mattias. He is such a great character and added so much to the book.
I highly recommend this book! I absolutely loved it! (For all of the reasons listed above, and many, many more!)
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More Memorable Quotes:
❤️"But he has inherited his sister's proclivity for blackmail."
❤️"Fortunately, Lord Landon is not the only eligible bachelor."
"Indeed, he is not," Miss Jamison said. "Shall I introduce you to my brothers?" she asked. "I have three."
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EXTRA:
- I received a copy of the book via NetGalley. All thoughts, views, and opinions are my own. ❤️
What a lovely book! I thoroughly enjoyed this whole story. Abraham and Chiara were perfection. It is a major enemies to lovers trope and I was here for it! She needs a a title, he just wants to be seen for who he really is. She comes from a tough background with very strict parents and he comes from a loving family. The dynamic was so sweet and lovable!
This is the second book of the Jameson family. We first met Phoebe in Forever Phoebe. This story is about her brother, Abraham, a soft-spoken, trustworthy, humble gentlemen. He is the second son and has yet to choose his vocation.
Chiara is the daughter of an Italian Baron. Her mother has brought her to London to find a titled peer to marry. Upon her first meeting Abraham, sparks flew, but not the romantic kind. Chiara is stubborn, determined and usually gets her way. But when Abraham would not bow down to her demands, she became more determined to get what she wanted.
Chiara was not my favorite character in the beginning. I applauded Abraham for keeping his distance. But as their interactions continued, I began to see how their personalities would suit each other. I loved the banter and back-and-forth trials that came up against them. I. especially loved the Jamison siblings, they were competitive and ridiculous, but had each other‘s back when necessary. Eventually as you learn of Chiara and her brothers background and situation, you have more compassion for their plight. I thought the story was very well paced with a variety of twists and turns and intriguing situations. I feel like the romance was on the lighter side. I didn’t feel as many heart flutters as I like to feel during a regency romance. I do hope the author continues with more stories of the Jamison’s. I would love to hear Geoffrey and Peters love stories, as well as Lord Landon. This can be read as a standalone, but it’s fun to read Phoebe‘s story as it continues in this book. This is a clean, wholesome Regency Romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Oh Abraham. What a proper man you are. I'm so glad a woman who likes to shake things up came into your fictional life. Chiara was a firecracker, but I appreciated the balance of the two MC.
When Chiara comes to England she has the goal of finding a man to marry. A titled man, if her parents have anything to do with it. But she just wants something better that what she has seen in her parents marriage. She is a master manipulator, but not with much tact. When Abraham meets her, he tells her he knows his place, not by her side.
But how can one say that when they don't know their own place in the world? As second son, he struggles to find the right path for his life. He doesn't have a home to call his, and isn't sure what profession would befit him. All while figuring that out, he finds he quite likes figuring out Chiara. He sees through her fiery personality and refuses to bow to her whim. A battle ensues, but as they go tit for tat, a friendly rapport takes its place, all the while falling in love.
She is being manipulated by her family to pick a certain type of man and Abraham doesn't fit that mold. But they both want that, together. They just have to get past her mother.
I liked the softening of Chiara as she let someone in, even with the fear that they may leave her. I appreciated the humility Abraham had, but I'm so glad he is seen for who he is and what he can be, by the people that love him.
Once again Chalon Linton proves to be a great writer. This was a different pace than the other books in this connected world. It wasn't as danger involved, but there was still plenty of tension thanks to Chiara's mother. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I will probably read it again, I actually will probably listen to it too.
I loved being back with the wonderful, fun and loving Jamison family. This family is a stark contrast to Chiara Madero's who don't show much love or affection toward one another. Abraham and Chiara meet at a ball and sparks fly when she tricks him into accepting her as a dance partner but he refuses to be manipulated into dancing with her. This doesn't sit well with Chiara, who is used to getting what she wants.
It took me quite awhile to like Chiara, but as I learned more about her upbringing I started to understand her and why she acted as she did. Her parents run most of her life--what she does, who she associates with, etc--and she's just trying to control a small portion of it. Chiara, her younger half-brother Mattias, and her mother are in England because her mother's determined to marry her off to a titled gentleman, but Chiara doesn't want an arranged, loveless marriage--she wants what the Jamison family has.
There were so many things I loved in this story: the Jamison siblings, Abraham teaching Mattias English, the enemies to lovers/opposites attract vibe, the Italian murmurings that let us and Abraham know Chiara's inner thoughts, Abraham and Chiara's growth as people and the best plot twist ever!!!
This story is a standalone but goes with Forever Phoebe. After reading this one you'll want to read Phoebe's story. I hope we get Geoffrey's story next. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All comments and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is my first experience reading something by this author and it certainly won't be my last. It's a delightful story of forbidden love - two people from different stations connecting with each other and falling in love. Chiara is the daughter of an Italian Baron and has come to England to find a suitable match. She is full of fire and spice and has suitors falling at her feet. She wants only to marry for love, and as she picks her way through the Marriage Mart, she comes across Abraham, and they instantly clash. Abraham is a gentleman to be sure, but he is not a first-born son, and therefore not someone Chiara's parents would approve of. But Chiara likes the way he challenges her and is drawn to him nonetheless, despite his unsuitability. Abraham begins to see through Chiara's machinations and the tough exterior she displays. He also helps her brother learn English, which also endears him to her. I found it cute and heartwarming when Chiara talks to herself in Italian and lets her true feelings come out, not realizing that Abraham is quite fluent in Italian. He then begins to see the real Chiara and her true feelings, and begins to deeply care for her. But in order to be together, the pair must face some obstacles and challenges along the way.
A very lovely and charming first time read for me and great introduction to this author's work. I will definitely be seeking out more of her books. The characters were well-developed and endearing and I enjoyed following their story. If you are a lover of clean Regency romances, then this will be right up your alley!
I received a complimentary copy from Covenant Communications and Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I have enjoyed this standalone series since the very beginning and this story is a delightful addition! Chiara is such a fun character. Something I think sets this story apart is that Chiara and Abraham actually work through some of their shortcomings. They aren't perfect at them by the end, but they are trying and that's a beautiful bit of writing. Very enjoyable read!
There were some aspects of this I liked but I think that Chiara’s blatant and admitted willingness to manipulate people to get what she wanted ruined the rest of the story for me. I didn’t really like her character and I think that contributed to my dissatisfaction with the rest of the plot