A couple rebel at their parent's plan, but their secrets are in place. A very clever romance that will leave you reeling with surprise.
One of my favorite Balogh books.

A Matter of Class is a re-release of Mary Balogh's regency romance, originally published in 2009.

25 year old Reginald (Reggie) Mason is disillusioned in life. His father is a self-made man, making Reggie an outcast in the ton, but his father is determined to arrange a marriage that will gain him entry to the highest society. Reggie's father arranges for him to marry Annabelle, Reggie's childhood friend of sorts, and the daughter of his father's arch enemy.

Annabelle Ashford is ruined in the eyes of society after attempting to run away to Scotland with a coachman. As a result, her father agrees to marry her off to Reggie, even though he comes from a less than acceptable background.

I really enjoyed this story, I'm not sure how I missed it originally, as Mary Balogh is one of my favourite historical romance authors, but I'm glad I caught it this time around.

Reggie and Annabelle were a wonderful couple, and the flashbacks to their childhood encounters, few though they were, really added to the story. As their story unfolds it becomes clear that all is not as it first seems, but to tell more would ruin the story, so that's all I'll say.

I highly recommend A Matter of Class for any fan of historical romance. Mary Balogh's books are always enjoyable, and I consider her books some of the best in the genre. This book is no exception.

Reginald, a wealthy but untitled gentleman, receives an ultimatum from his father: marry the disgraced Lady Annabelle to elevate his family’s social standing, or lose his inheritance.

This novella is a joy from start to finish. I loved Reginald and Annabelle, and the way their romance unfolded. What a wonderful couple!

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This is a rather short book compared to Balogh’s full novels. The book mixes stories from the present plot with flashbacks to the two main characters’ childhood. Reginald Mason comes from a wealthy nouveau riche family and Annabelle is the daughter of a snobby earl who refuses to allow his family to even acknowledge their neighbors, the Masons. Due to a scandal Annabelle has involved herself in, her father is forcing her to marry Reginald while his father is forcing him to marry Annabelle. Their story plays out interspersed with stories about the secret friendship between the two neighbors from when Annabelle was just five years old to when she had already come out in society. The story is sweet and leads to a surprise at the end.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

When Reginald “Reggie” Mason incurs the wrath of his father by spending money foolishly and losing even more by gambling, his father puts his foot down and demands that Reggie settle down and marry or be cut off without a shilling. His father, Bernard is a self-made man who made a fortune in coal, but despite his enormous wealth, has never been accepted into the ton. He had high hopes for Reggie, and by sending him to schools with the ton’s sons, he gained connections as well as a great education. Reggie refuses to marry saying he is still young and hasn’t done anything ruinous, unlike their neighbor’s daughter, who ran off with the family coachman and was seen by half the ton before she was dragged home, ruined and jilted by her betrothed. Upon hearing that tidbit, Bernard hatches a plan – after 30 years of being snubbed by the ton, and especially his haughty neighbor the Earl of Havercroft, the tide has turned, and Bernard sees a way to marry his son into the nobility – he will make Havercroft an offer he can’t refuse!

Lady Annabelle “Anna” Ashton, the only child of the Earl of Havercroft is in a world of trouble. Thanks to an ill-advised elopement with Thomas Till, she has found herself ruined and her father is threatening to send her into exile. He is especially upset that her betrothed, the Marquess of Illingsworth cried off, which will ensure the financial ruin of family, which is in dire straits thanks to some poor investments and unwise spending. But even knowing this, Anna could not bear the thought of marrying the marquess when she was madly in love with another. Now it seems she is ruined and unless she agrees to marry Reginald Mason, the son of the man her father hates, she will be sent away. Could things get any worse?

This is a re-release of a previously published story, which I read years ago and was delighted to learn that it was being given a second life – I loved this story when I first read it and I think I actually loved it more today – it is fresh, fun and an utter delight to read. I loved Anna and Reggie, they are both likable and both care deeply for their families. This story doesn’t have a lot of action, drama or angst – but it has love, friendship, hope, and a lovely happy ending. It is not the story you think it is going to be – it is better! It has earned a spot on my very small keeper list and I happily and highly recommend it to my fellow historical romance lovers!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *

I loved watching Reginald and Annebelle's story slowly unfold while switching back and forth between their perspectives. A solid entry from Mary Balogh and a unique Regency love story.

A Matter of Class is a short and engaging novel. It features a marriage of convenience between the adult children of two neighbouring enemy families, Reginald Mason and Lady Annabelle Ashton. The story involves class conflict and the “ruination” of the heroine. It is a well-written and engrossing read that is both unique and charming.

What I loved about this book was the dual timeline that takes place in the present, and in the past during the years when the two main characters were children living at home. Seeing the innocence of their relationship and the open-mindedness that came with it worked well. Both main characters are endearing and likable. The fathers in the story are one-dimensional, but this static characterization serves the theme of the book well in showing the absurdity of the class conflict. Reginald’s father is a man without a title who made his vast fortune through work, while Annabelle’s father is an earl. Reggie’s father is desperate to have his son accepted in high society and wants him married into the peerage or gentry; the Earl of Havercraft just wants to save his daughter from ruination. Although, there are some puzzling and seemingly inconsistent details in the story, these are cleverly explained by the end, and the surprise ending was delightful. Some parts of the plot feel a bit far-fetched, but they’re part of the charm of this book and don’t diminish it.

First published in 2009, this edition features a beautiful new cover, an interview with Mary Balogh, and book club discussion questions. A great read that’s low on angst and steam but high on entertainment and emotion.

I read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this courtesy of Hachette publishing, the author and netgalley. I absolutely loved this historical fiction and it was a break in what I typically read. I found the forced marriage trope to be good and will seek out more of those as I had not read one yet. I thought this was a classically written novel and would love to read more of Mary’s backlist novels.

What a clever twist in writing in this story!

WIth her debt ridden father trying to marry her off to a wealthy suitor, Annabell decides to take matters in her own hands and runs off with a stable hand. Only to be discovered and returned home, after he vanishes. Reggie is from a hard working family, new into money, but his father decides he and Annabell should marry - getting revenge on his neighbor that they don't speak with.

Sounds like an easy story - but there is a fantastic twist in the end and makes reading the book totally worthwhile.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh was a sweet historical standalone novel. Reginald Mason is wealthy, refined, and, by all accounts, a gentleman. He is the son of a wealthy coal merchant, with his father not considered to be part of the regency society. Reginald has made friends in the society, using money and gambling for his fun. Mr. Mason is not thrilled with Reginald’s constant playboy fun, and he is determined for Reginald to get married and have children. The Masons and the Ashtons have been neighbors for 20 years, but do not speak or interact in any way.

Annabelle is the daughter of nobility, well known for her incredible beauty, but after being caught running away with a carriage man, in a compromising position with all of her beaux having withdrawn their proposals, leaving her in a disgrace with no dowry available. Upon hearing about Havercroft’s daughter’s disgrace, Mr. Mason goes to Lord Havercroft to offer a solution; he will marry his son to Annabelle, with a sizable dowry and redemption from her fall from grace.

There are a number of flashbacks, when Reggie and Anna would occasionally meet by the lake between the two homes. It started when Anna was around 8, and the banter between them even at a young age was cute. As they get older and years pass, they would accidently see each other again; with both talking or bickering about their lives. I got a kick out of their distant entertaining friendship, that no one knew about. I did like both mothers, who like each other, but the fathers were never willing to talk, even though they wanted Reggie and Anna to marry. Both Reggie and Anna consent to the marriage, even if they are somewhat antagonistic to each other. As the wedding approaching, I really did care about both of them, as they slowly learned to accept the marriage.

Matter of Class was a very good historical story, with a wonderful couple, even though the families were distant to each other. Reggie and Anna were great, and after the wedding, some secrets are revealed; I loved the ending. Matter of Class was very well written by Mary Balogh.

This was a great short story with a twist. I figured it out about 1/2 way through the book. Loved the characters and the forced marriage troupe. 5 stars.

This is such a sweet Regency Romance. I loved the duel timeline in this one. I don’t always love a duel timeline, but it really worked with this story. You also get the POV of both the FMC and the MMC in both timelines, it was a fun way to tell the story. I really liked Anna and Reginald and loved their interactions. I don’t feel like I can say too much without giving something away. If you love a spunky FMC that is not scared to say how she feels and is great at giving back as much attitude as she is given then you should enjoy this book. If you like reading Mary Balogh you will definitely want to read this one. If you have not tried one of her books yet this is a great one to pick up to give her a try.

Mary Balogh is one of my favorite authors. A Matter of Class did not disappoint. This novel had so many twists and turns and had a surprising ending. Two families living next door to each other. One family titled and the other wealthy through trade. The heads of the families hate each other and forbid any communication between the two families. The Earl of Havercroft has made some poor investments and is counting on his daughter, Lady Anabelle's marriage to save the family's lands and standing. Reginald Mason, Senior sees an opportunity to get back at the Earl of Havercroft by forcing his son to marry the Earl's daughter. So many endearing and funny scenes throughout the story.

Thank you to the author, and NetGalley for the ARC my honest feedback.

Reginald Mason is a true gentleman, missing only a title who finds himself wrapped up in social intrigue. Enter Lady Annabelle Ashton, the disgraced daughter of the Earl of Havercroft, labeled as "damaged goods." Her father is desperate to marry her off, but Reginald's carefree bachelor life clashes with his father's plans. The ultimatum is clear: marry Annabelle or forfeit the family fortune.

Why I Loved it:

Regency Drama: Think Bridgerton- imagine ballrooms, whispered gossip, and scandalous secrets.

Enemies to Lovers Trope: The sharp-tongued banter between Reginald and Annabelle is not only entertaining but makes for a steamy romance.

Lots of twists, turns and very surprising revelations

A Matter of Class is an enjoyable and sweet Regency Period Romance Novella by my favorite Author who, in my opinion, writes the most interesting and likeable characters. In this book we have two neighboring families that are on opposite sides of social status, but due to the actions of the daughter of one of the families, are now forced to join forces. I loved the way the story was told, in dual timelines. A very clever ending had a smile on my face!

I received an ARC for free and gave my honest opinion voluntarily.

When Lady Annabelle finds herself scandalized in the eyes of the ton, her father has no other option than to find a husband for her, and fast. Mr. Mason sees an opportunity to advance his status in society, and offers his son, Reginald, as the answer to everyone’s problems. It is a marriage of convenience, but as with any good story, it should not be judged by how it appears.

A Matter of Class was a short but sweet Regency tale about two families, an ages long feud, an arranged marriage, and unexpected friendship. It is a story that must be gone into blindly, so as not to spoil the plot, but it is perfect for readers who are fond of romance novels or the Bridgerton series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Books for an ARC of this story. I enjoyed it.

This is short story that warms the heart...a true romantic historical fiction that is well written and completely enjoyable. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a sweet love story. Born in 2 vert different social classes, the unlikely childhood friendship that springs up between Reggie and Anna seems doomed from the beginning, bit, as the tone of their relationship shifts to something deeper as they grow into adulthood, so to does their dedication to finding a way to be together. A Matter of Class is a truly lively read full of relatable characters and an interesting plot.

Whew I forgot why this author was so amazing!
We have two people Reggie Mason and Lady Annabelle neighbors and friends for most of their lives! In secret because their parents despised each other (fathers)!
Reggie reeked of coal according to Annabelle father the Earl of Havercroft is a financial crises with some bad investments!
His only daughter has run away with a coachman and is not ruined! The entire Ton saw them leave a ball together!
No decent man will have her? Maybe indecent because Reggie’s gambling and exploits are known around town!
When Annabelle is ruined it is the perfect opportunity for Mr Mason Reggie father to rub his coal dust in the Earl face!’
Buying Reggie an entry into aristocratic spear by marrying the ruined chit of an Earl!
There are snippets that lead up to the ending which is quite spectacular! All is not as it should be and revealed on the last few pages!
Bravo well done! Couldn’t put it down!

Mary Balogh is such a great romance writer. She combines classic Regency romance (like Georgette Heyer) with more modern sensibilities (including sex).

A Matter of Class seems like a standard marriage of convenience romance, but there's a lot more to it. The ruined daughter of an earl (Annabelle) and a rakish not quite gentleman (Reginald) are pushed into marriage by their respective parents and they have to get to know each other on an accelerated schedule.

A standard historical romance plot is elevated by Mary Balogh's lovely writing. This book went in a very different direction than I expected, and I really enjoyed it. It's a short book, and it's a great introduction to Balogh's delightful books.