Member Reviews
After reading and loving Lakeshire Park and Miss Newbury’s List by Megan Walker, I was so excited to read her latest release. Highcliffe House did not disappoint! It was so much fun to read and I enjoyed every minute of it!
Anna and Graham were wonderful main characters! Their banter and enemies-to-lovers story was so much fun! It was both fun and sweet to watch them go from despising each other to becoming friends to falling in love.❤️
Anna was a bit like Emma Woodhouse. I didn’t immediately like her but I did find her interesting. As the story progressed and I came to understood her better, I really liked her! I especially liked her desire to be genuine in a society where everyone was taught to be fake.
I really liked Graham’s character pretty much from the start. He was kind of adorable (particularly the fact that he was self-conscious about having to wear spectacles! I was smiling so big when I found that out!🥰) I also really admired him for taking care of his sisters and mother.❤️
Tabs was hilarious and so much fun! I loved having a cute kid in the story, especially since she’s Graham’s little sister. I loved her immediate bond with Anna! They were the quite the pair!🥰
I also loved the family dynamics in this story! I loved seeing how Graham took care of his mother and sisters. It was incredibly sweet and made me love his character even more. I also loved Graham’s friendship with Anna’s father so much! It made me a little emotional after learning about Graham’s hard life.🥺
Content wise, the romance was clean and there was no language. There was one kiss that was a little more detailed or intense than I prefer but it was very brief and didn’t interfere with my enjoyment of the story.
In conclusion, I loved this book! It was lighthearted but also had enough emotional moments to add depth to the story and characters which I loved! It’s the perfect summer regency read since it has a seaside setting. If you’re fan of regency romance with:
-enemies-to-lovers
-a seaside setting
-family dynamics
-a cute (and hilarious) kid
-witty banter
I think you’ll love this one!🥰
*Thank you to the publisher for sending me a complimentary copy! All opinions are my own.
I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put it down until I finished it! My favorite book by Megan to date!
I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
Beautifully written story about misperceptions, misunderstandings, family, friends, young love, learning to see beyond face value, loving yourself, forgiving yourself, trust, hope, seeing beauty around you, friendship and sweet love (yes I mentioned friends and love twice on purpose)!
I love this book! It is definitely one I highly recommend! Especially for Regency readers. Megan Walker is a very gifted and talented writer in developing characters and relationships and placing them in beautiful settings. I was transported to Brighton and imagined myself in Highcliffe House as well as strolling along the beach, at the pavilion and enjoying a happy day with Graham's family.
You're going to absolutely love Graham's mom and sisters! They were such a delightful addition to the story! The many emotions and navigating the developing relationships were splendid! I giggled over their antics and my heart was thoroughly warmed at their acceptance and joy of having Anna with them.
And the banter and developing relationship between Anna and Graham had my heart soaring. I loved every minute of it! They had me laughing, cringing and sighing. Love, love, love their story so much!!!
Content: Clean and wholesome.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Such a truly delightful book! It’s not always that I feel connected to both of the main characters in any story, but Anna and Graham had me from the start in Highcliffe House.
Graham is a man who is intrinsically a gentleman, even though he has struggled much and tries so hard to maintain respect. In circumstances that demanded little more than a boy to take on the responsibility of a man, he has shown iron to his core while lovingly caring for his mother and sisters.
Although Anna can appear outwardly snobbish initially, it quickly becomes evident that she has her own insecurities and heartache to bear.
Anna deeply resents Graham for taking so much of her father’s precious time to discuss business, leaving her feeling forsaken.
As Anna and Graham are thrown together through a business arrangement made by her father, their truer selves and personal lives are revealed to one another and circumstances lead to trust and friendship and quickly to a deep abiding love.
It was delightful to see how “Tabs” initially and unexpectedly win Anna’s affection. Through his family, Anna truly gets to see the real Graham and learns to respect him. (I wonder if perhaps Ginny and Tabitha will wind up with her own stories?)
I wholeheartedly give this one five stars!! My hope is that it may come out in audiobook version so that I can share it with my daughter and other family members who primarily read through audiobooks.
I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. I had requested it because I have so enjoyed Ms. Walker’s books previously. The opinions expressed above are most definitely my own.
I absolutely loved this book!!! I always like a good enemies to lovers story. I enjoyed both Graham and Anna’ characters and the banter between them kept me laughing! It is such a fun story! I highly recommend reading it!
Graham Everett has found a fabulous opportunity to purchase land in Brighton for development, but he needs extra capital. Turning to his mentor, he asks for him to invest in this project. Little does he realize that Mr. Lane would only consider it if his daughter, Anna, go with Graham in order to give him an assessment as to the wisdom of the investment. That would be fine, but Anna and Graham detest each other. This humorous and poignant story of realizing that impressions are just that until you get to really know someone. Watching Anna’s walls of self-preservation come down was the sweetness of the story. Both Graham and Anna had to let go of their judgements of each other to see the true nature of each other.
Eight year old Tabitha was such a fun character and a delight to have in the story. She is a wild child who loves the outdoors and is fascinated with animals. I loved how she met Anna and couldn’t help but laugh!
Things to love about this book:
Forced proximity
Dual POV
Brighton
Twist on Pride and Prejudice
Graham’s family
Beach adventures
Fishing surprise
Humor
Enemies to more
Clean romance
One of my favorite quotes:
“True to form, she turned her nose up at me, took her father’s arm, and smiled the most innocent and gracious, helpless, and hopeful smile that could turn any man’s heart to utter mush. A smile that would one day trick some poor hapless man into marrying her.”
I highly recommend this Regency romance. Readers from teens through older readers will enjoy this story. I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.
What made this book so excellent? Well because I felt like Graham and Anna were two regular people and this is a situation that could definitely have played out. There are a lot of books where it feels a bit too convenient and just not real, but this story isn't like that! I loved the enemies-to-lovers theme. Sometimes that theme doesn't work well, but this time Megan successfully used that theme. And in a brilliant way! Will definitely read again!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Graham needs to secure a business deal with Anna’s father. Anna sees Graham as a threat to her relationship with her father. Forced together for a week, each is trying to get what they want. Their old opinions of each other start to change as they see one another in a different light. I loved this book and the sweet romance between Anna and Graham. The banter and teasing were so perfect!
Megan Walker has become a must-read, five-star Proper Romance author for me. Highcliffe House has all of my favorites: clever, relatable characters, unique premise, and a heartwarming love story. It made me laugh and cry. To top it off, this is a truly believable enemies-to-lovers tale. Not only do they start out basically hating each other, for valid reasons, but as their hearts and minds awaken to other possibilities, I was amazed to find that their hatred wasn't at all what it had initially appeared. The characters' introspection, their insecurities, their uncertainty about inevitable life changes, were all superbly rendered. And the happily-ever-after was sweetly satisfying.
3.5 stars
This is one of those books that you want to devour in only a few sittings!
Enemies to lovers, witty banter, found family, a setting by the sea and multiple swoony scenes made this book very enjoyable.
For years Anna and Graham have allowed their assumptions and pride to colour their opinions of one another, but when the pair is thrust into forced proximity, their opinions are repeatedly challenged.
Brighton made for a refreshing backdrop for this love story and the family–in particular the little sister–were endearing.
My biggest critique would have been to have given Anna more gumption at a few key points in the plot. She is a strong character however, a few of her decisions didn’t feel entirely believable.
This ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing.
This book has been getting a lot of love and it is well deserved. First, we have 2 characters that really can’t stand each other. But what happens when they are forced to spend time together?
I really loved the set up of the book - yes, they don’t like each other, but WHY? And how accurate is the WHY? And once they uncover more attributes about each other, will that opinion continue to be valid?
I loved their sweet moments together and the way they analyzed the choices before them. Tabitha was definitely a favorite side character. I loved what she brought to the story.
I thought the differences in the 2 families was an interesting contrast as well. I loved how it really showed that backgrounds and influences do change who we are, how we view things, and the choices we make.
Most of all, I loved watching Anna and Graham change and try to be better throughout the story. Such a lovely read and one that can be re-read again and again.
Where do I even begin with this review? I absolutely loved loved loved this book. This is my second book from Walker and I loved it just as much as Miss Newbury’s List. Every character was so well done and the setting was so lovely in this enemies to lovers regency.
Graham and Anna, they are such memorable characters and I really enjoyed their journey to HEA. Many characters stood out, especially Tabs. I was laughing out loud many times and her and Anna’s relationship was enduring. The dual POV was perfect and I appreciated being in Anna and Graham’s head. I had many favorite quotes and parts I highlighted.
I received a Netgalley approval and a paperback ARC from the publisher. All views are my own.
"Surely you know by now...all I want is you."
Beautiful quote. I really didn't think the main characters would get to this point. There was so much animosity between them, but gradually over the entire book they changed when they really cared to look at each other. Layers upon layers were discovered and it was just a beautiful experience. I could not recommend this book more.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Dear Megan,
Thank you for writing, again, another perfect novel. I adored this book from beginning to end. It's the love story I want to reread over and over again.
I love historical romance by the sea. Brighton was a gorgeous setting and I enjoyed learning about it along with Anna.
True enemies to lovers. The angst. A story of first impressions gone wrong. The beauty of forced proximity and vulnerability that brings such delightful characters together.
I adored Graham and his determination, generosity and hardworking nature. A man after my own heart. And pair him up with a fun, sweet and salty heroine, you have a match made in heaven. Tabitha gets all the credit! (Psst I love that child!)
The ROMANCE was pure perfection. Have I said perfect too much? Perfect. Perfect. Perfect.
Thank you @authormeganwalker for writing one of my top reads this year. I already want to read it again!
Xoxo,
Kira
I loved this proper romance book! I love a good enemies to lovers romance, and this did not disappoint. I loved the banter between Anna and Graham! I haven’t read many books that take place in Brighton, and it was a nice change from London. Anna hates how Graham takes up so much of her father’s time, time that should be spent with her, especially during this time when Anne really needs him. Graham is so grateful for Mr. Lane’s advice and trust in his business investments, but he can’t stand his friend’s uppity daughter. Graham has a great idea for some property in Brighton, but since Mr. Lane is needed in Bath, he sends Anna ahead to decide if it’s a worthy investment. And Anna is determined it won’t be in the hopes of stopping Graham from coming around so often
This book is perfect for fans of regency romance! It’s got the stress of needing connections and good matches, drama of society, but then also the quaint life of the country and seaside and the epiphany of work ethic appeal 😏😏
I loved everything about the relationship between Graham and Anna’s relationship. The authenticity of their dislike for each other, and the organic way they learned more about each other and truly came to care for one another was absolute perfection! But I also loved how their banter and pranks didn’t end *chef’s kiss*😘
After reading this book, I’m going to have to add Brighton as a destination when I finally travel to England. Megan made it sound so lovely! Though I don’t really want to catch any fish… IYKYK
Definitely pick this one up if regency romance is your thing. And while you’re at it, make sure to read Megan’s other books. They are all in my top favorite regencies!
Thanks Megan and @properromanceseries for the advanced copies and the gifted finished copy. So happy to have this book on my shelf to stare at and reminisce about Brighton and the sea.
(All thoughts are my own and unbiased.)
Love love LOVE this book!! I knew I would because I loved her others, but it still just made me happy smile and laugh the whole way through. This book was one that will have you thinking about it between each sitting, and will have desperate to pick it up again.
I loved the easy banter between Anna and Graham. The thin line between enemies and love is quickly crossed as they are forced to spend time with one another. They learn to see the good in one another but still give each other a hard time along the way.
There was so much to love but some highlights for me:
🐚 enemies to lovers
🐚forced proximity
🐚goat cheese
🐚poppies
🐚wavy hair
🐚witty banter
🐚Tabs
🐚fishing
🐚family above all
🐚 sacrifice for those we love
I seriously adored this book and will cherish their story! Read it. Seriously, you will love it and I’m here to chat with when you do 💙
Thanks to the author and publisher for an advance copy, all opinions are my own.
I absolutely adored Highcliffe House by Megan Walker! It’s the first novel I’ve read by the author, but it won’t be the last. I’ve already added all of her others to my TBR! If you are a fan of Regency romance with an enemies to lovers trope, you’ve got to read Highcliffe House!
There are so many things to love about this novel. The setting moves from London to Brighton when Anna Lane wants to leave the ton to their gossip about her recent humiliating romance. Unfortunately, her father needs to travel to Bath and can’t take her to their country house. However, he has another plan for Anna. He asks her to accompany his friend and business partner, Graham Everett, to decide whether her father should invest in land in Brighton. You’d think this would be an excellent suggestion, but Anna cannot stand Graham. He’s taken her father’s attention away from her for years, and she can’t see anything worse than spending a week with Graham in Brighton. Yes, the enemies to lovers notion is set in motion.
Graham’s family makes up some of the wonderful characters you’ll find in Highcliffe House. His youngest sister is a precocious child who automatically takes to Anna. Fortunately, Anna takes to her as well. It’s through this instant friendship between Anna and Graham’s sister that Anna and Graham get to know each other’s true personalities. The author is exceptionally talented at bringing these characters to life. I really felt as if I knew them personally.
Highcliffe House is a page-turning romance. I couldn’t stop reading it! I swooned and laughed and even cried a bit. I highly recommend this delightful romance!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
This was such a good book! I am such a fan of Megan Walkers books so I was excited for this one. It didn’t disappoint, I loved the storyline and the characters! Highly recommend!
Gosh this was an enjoyable read. I've been craving a good regency romance, and this one was just right.
The enemies to lovers trope was well done, and at first I was so frustrated with Anna (not Graham - he was a favourite from the start). I loved Anna's growth, and that the story did not rely on miscommunication tropes to progress. Graham was grounded, kind, and interesting - I loved that he was willing to forgo his pride for the sake of his family. His sisters rounded out the cast wonderfully, particularly Tabby, and the Brighton setting was another featured character.
Most of all, I enjoyed the authenticity and emotional maturity of the characters as they worked through challenges in a relatable and determined way that was truly a joy to read. Would highly recommend.
Thank you Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.