Graham and Anna were both well-developed characters, with totally valid reasons for why they did the things they did and had the insecurities they did. I did find Graham to be a bit more likable than Anna initially (I mean, I get that she was upset that her father was busy spending time with Graham ...but that's not entirely Graham's fault; why wasn't she more upset with her father for choosing to spend that time with him instead of her?) , but once they were in Brighton and started to see Graham for who he truly was, then I liked her more. I thought the ending was really sweet as well.

I read an ARC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Highcliffe House, you have my heart! I couldn’t stop smiling while I turned the pages. Like Megan Walker’s fantastic Miss Newbury’s List, this book features some of my favorite story traits wrapped up in one swoony read: clever banter, great romantic chemistry, colorful side characters, heartfelt emotions, strong family bonds, and a cozy wish-fulfillment setting (a Regency era seaside house in Brighton).

The enemies-to-lovers romance is perfection! Anna and Graham can’t stand each other, but are forced to spend a week together with his family at Highcliffe House. Graham is determined to prove his business plan is a worthy investment for her father, but Anna is eager to ensure her father stops spending all his time with her least favorite person (a.k.a. Graham). The journey from hate-to-love unfolds with Megan Walker’s signature blend of fun and emotional depth. I was so invested in the characters, I honestly didn’t want the story to end.

I loved Anna’s bold personality and stubborn, sassy determination. Her funny comments and verbal sparring often made me laugh out loud. She’s fiercely caring, too, and her personality made a great counterpart to Graham’s nurturing, protective side—a side hidden behind an equal amount of stubbornness and clever banter. Graham’s love for his mother and sisters is just the SWEETEST. His backstory was surprisingly moving and complex. And, speaking of Graham’s sisters…Megan Walker writes the BEST side characters! Graham’s little sister, Tabatha (better known as Tabs), is my new favorite. Her precocious, quirky personality is absolutely hilarious and endearing. I adored the way Tabs brought out Anna’s playful inner child and it was too cute watching them bond.

Highcliffe House is a definite must read for anyone who wants to curl up and feel swept away by the magic and comfort of a sweet Regency romance!

***Thank you to Megan Walker and Shadow Mountain Publishing for providing an early copy of Highcliffe House to review.

Another well-written book by Megan Walker. It is a story that has deep connections with family and overcoming preconceived ideas.

Graham is a hardworking gentleman that is very conscious of his responsibilities toward his mother and sisters.

Anna is a daddy's girl struggling to navigate society, especially after an unfortunate incident.

The two main characters are rivals of a sort that must figure out how to work together.

I really enjoyed the character development and the way that everyone learned and grew to be better. There is humor and quick banter along with deeper connections as well. A well rounded book indeed!

4.5 stars rounded up.

Sincere thanks to Shadow Moutain Publishing and Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Megan Walker has done it again! I loved every single second of this book!!! It had me smiling and squealing the entire time. I adored every moment with Graham and Anna together.

Their enemies-to-lovers banter was stellar and their chemistry was off the charts! It was really a true ENEMIES to lovers and I appreciated how well my favorite trope was executed.

I loved how everyone communicated well with each other and avoided misunderstandings and miscommunication. It was just so witty and fun with an entertaining plot that kept me smiling.

Megan is so good at adding realistic conversations, relatable characters, and hilarious dialogue. I laughed so much and highlighted entire pages at a time. Megan Walker has never let me down with her incredible writing. Highcliffe House is a new favorite, for sure!

🔥: Kissing

4.5* I loved the vivid descriptions of the sounds, sights, smells, and tastes of the seaside at Brighton in this story. The enemies-to-lovers trope is well explored and I appreciated the themes of rising above poverty and challenges, disregarding gossip and finding someone to love who will not fundamentally change who you are.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Megan Walker is one of my favorites when it comes to clean regency / historical romances. I've only been a fan of hers for a couple of years, but every time she releases a book I get excited and I have to read it.

I'd love to thank NetGalley and the publisher for granting me my wish! I was so involved in this story that I finished it within a day.

Our female lead is a single child, and is doted heavily on by her father. Her season has come and gone (she's twenty-one and at the tail end of it), and due to her father constantly traveling and what not, she feels a bit neglected and miss her dad.

Her father has been traveling and making money on land he has purchased, thanks to the help of a gentleman he has raised over the last couple years like a son. Enters our ML, who is poor, but with help of FL's father, he has become wealthy and is able to provide for his single mom and his two sisters. The FL has no idea of his backstory, just that this man is robbing her of her time with her dad and she wants it back.

We already know by chapter one she dislikes him and they are rivals for his attention. ML has brought to her father a new investment in property that if bought could see them with fortune in the returns. Problem is, they have to act now on it (within the week). FL would like to go with her father out of the city due to a disasterous falling out with a man who lead her on (he was engaged and after her money). Father has been dating a woman on the side and hasn't come clean to FL about it yet and he has been asked to visit his lady. Sooooo. Dad comes up with a plan to have his daughter go in his stead with the ML and find out if he should invest in the property and he will meet up with them and give an answer given her observations over a week.

Cue: forced proximity, barbs flung at one another, navigating the family / trying not to have the family embarrass him, new perceptions of one another, soft understanding, love, kisses, gallantry, and a problem or two that arise.

I love that the problem that does arise at the end isn't due to either of them falling out of love or hating one another due to a misconception. They are fantastic supporters of one another, and their love for each other is pretty evident by the end of the week. Though, it can be said that a strong love / relationship doesn't really come about in one week, but this is a feel good romance and fiction.

I liked it enough to give 5 stars because it was enjoyable, the leads were level headed / intelligent, and the love story was sweet.
5 likes

Anna Lane is a force to be reckoned with, and everyone who knows her knows it as well, even Graham Everett.

Graham and Anna detest each other but through circumstances beyond their control, Mr. Lane has Anna travel with Graham to Brighton to look for some land for her father before he can meet them there in a week.

Graham wants to provide for his mother and sisters and securing this investment with Mr. Lane is integral to that but Anna isn’t something he expected he would have to contend with and she isn’t going to make the next week easy for either of them.

It is in Brighton that Anna gets to know Graham in a way that she hasn’t before, and it is the same way for Graham regarding Anna. He learns that she is brave and she learns that he is surprising. She delights in his family especially Tabs, who speaks her mind.

This was just delightful in so many ways, and I couldn’t get enough of Highcliffe House. Highly recommended.

My gratitude to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain. All opinions are honest and mine.

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Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam Level: 🔥 (kissing only)

Graham Everett has a perfect proposal for his investment partner, Mr. Lane. By combining their funds to purchase a parcel of land in the seaside town of Brighton, Graham will finally make enough of a profit to secure his family's future. Unfortunately, he must spend six days convincing Mr. Lane's daughter Anna of the investment, and the two have never agreed on anything before. As Anna spends time with Graham and his family, she begins to peel back the mask he always presented in London. Perhaps their time together will lead to an investment of the heart as they uncover each other's true character.

This was another enjoyable read from Megan Walker. Anna and Graham enjoyed getting a rise out of one another, but I liked watching them break down each other's walls and admit to being too judgmental in the past. I did think they were a bit stiff in the beginning and changed their opinions rather quickly, but I still enjoyed the progression of their romance. I especially loved how they communicated with each other. There were multiple moments when things could have gone very badly, but they talked and were honest and understanding with each other. That was excellent! I enjoyed their moments at the beach, dancing together, and fishing for unexpected creatures. I also have to mention how much I loved Graham's sister, Tabitha. She was so delightful and had some of my favorite moments in the book. Be sure to add this to your historical romance TBR!

Anna and Graham are true enemies to lovers and I am here for it. At first I thought Anna was a little petty but after some time I really felt for her. The characters and arc of the story flowed at the perfect pace and they slowly learn about each other and shift from enemies to friends to lovers. The banter was top notch! Graham is trying to "sale" the seaside town of Brighton to Anna because her approval comes with her father's investment. Well I was sold! I want to visit. I adored so many things in this story: goat cheese, the milking, the alphabet game, the Waltz, and her notebook to name a few. Easily a favorite of the year!

This is a lovely Regency-era romance, set mainly in a developing Brighton. Anna and Graham have had a long and contentious relationship as Graham works closely with Anna’s father, a wealthy investor. A romantic betrayal and a looming investment decision send Anna to Graham’s hometown of Brighton, where she must help her father decide the fate of a financial deal while recovering from her own misfortune and the resulting gossip. She discovers more in Brighton and with Graham’s family than she expected, and she and Graham must see if their past differences and social divides will keep them apart. The characters are very well drawn so that you understand their past acrimony but still believe their changing feelings. The growth in the relationship feels very genuine, unlike in some books with that enemies-to-lovers theme. The setting is done beautifully and will make you want to book a seaside trip. Just a lovely, enjoyable story.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own.

“She looked up with an instant grin that sent teeming waves of astonishment all through me. Her delicate, silkgloved hand fit perfectly in mine.”

This is a beautiful, lovely, completey wonderful story that I fell in love with! The beach side scenes, the amazing family, the heart stopping kisses, the banter, the change of heart, the falling in love, the beautiful writing! It was all so wonderful; I couldn’t put this book down. I read into the wee hours of the morning.

The setting made this story so exciting and unique. I could feel the ocean breeze, see the gorgeous sunset, and I didn’t want to leave Highcliffe house.

The family really stood out to me in this book. I love all of them, but Tabitha the precocious little sister stole my heart right along with Graham and Anna. They are the cutest couple and their story is one for the ages! The way their hatred and animosity slowly melts away as they really truly see each other was my favorite!

Read for:
🤍enemies to more
🤍Dual POV
🤍fun scenes
🤍seaside setting in Brighton
🤍wonderful forced proximity
🤍the dance
🤍the family relationships
🤍Heart pounding kisses
🤍Sweet, touching story
🤍So romantic!

This book had my heart racing, swooning melting, it warmed my heart and gave me happy tears! It’s amazing guys! A new forever favorite. The ending had me grinning from ear to ear! Everything ties up so perfectly and it was an absolute joy to read! Graham and Anna will completely steal your heart!

A beautiful, romantic, proper (clean) Regency romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this enemies to lovers romance. Miss Anna Lane’s family comes from old money but not titled. Her father manages investments and has a young business partner, Graham Everett, that he has befriended and mentored. Graham brings his latest investment proposition to the older man. For Graham it would bring the wealth and solvency his family needs. Anna on the other hand is wanting her father to take her away from the London gossip. Instead the father suggests that Anna go with Graham to Brighton and look at the potential investment property. She can stay with his family for the week and then her father will join them and make his decision.

Anna doesn’t care for Graham, thinking him cunning and always too polite and proper. They are used to trading gentle barbs, not confidences. But he needs her endorsement to the deal. I love that they go to Brighton and are away from London. Being in his family home allows for more familiarity. His youngest sister is a delight and I enjoyed how the author slowly allows Anna to see Graham for who he really is and not how he presents himself to the world. Anna’s arc is different. She is always kind, but he hasn’t understood that his time spent with her father has taken time that she needed him around. It impacted her season and more. A week spent going to the beach, to the lending library or even fishing allows barriers to drop. And one thing that for me pushed the story to a full five stars is that she makes the move for the first kiss and finds a way for a HEA.

This is a wholesome romance and appropriate for any romance reader. Thank you to Shadow Mountain for the ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving an honest review.

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE ALL THE STARS this was so good I LOVED IT SO MUCH I already want to reread it 🥹🫶🏼 I was legit grinning like a FOOL at some points cuz it was SO. GOOD. 😁🤓

The plot was unique, pacing perfect, and I absolutely loved the Brighton/seaside location. The banter was top notch and I loved how romantic and swoony it was, while still being realistic!

I seriously cannot rave about this book enough. One of my fave regency romances now!

Holy moly. All the stars. I just read this entire book in one sitting with the giddiest smile on my face. And now I’m wiping happy tears.

Anna & Graham are everything. I was immediately hooked by their animosity and banter. The reasoning behind their dislike for one another actually makes sense, and the eventual resolution is so so beautiful. There were striking moments of honesty, which is so rare to find in books lately and was so refreshing!

The pacing was perfection. The setting in Brighton was lovely. The time spent with Graham’s family brought so much levity and relational depth to the story.

I loved it. I didn’t want it to end. I know this is one I will come back to again and again.

Spoiler free list of scenes stuck in my head:
*alphabet game
*waltzing
*fishing
*first kiss 🔥
*goat cheese

Thank you Megan for the chance to review an advance copy. I can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on it.

Thank you Shadow Mountain Pub for the gifted book

Megan Walker is one of my auto buy authors and I was counting down to this book! Her debut novel, Lakeshire Park, is what got me back into ready historical romance and it’s still a favorite of mine. Highcliffe House lived up to what I expect from a Walker novel - well formed characters, witty banter, strong settings, and great chemistry!

Our female MC, Anna, took a bit for me to warm up to, but she eventually won me over! But I adored our male MC, Graham, from page one. The Brighton setting was so fun and made me crave a trip to the coast!

I highly recommend this delightful book (and any of Walker’s backlist!).

Oh this book was a delight! I read so many historical romances and sometimes all the characters just sort of blend into one another, and often the characters feel repetitive — but Graham and Anna really stand out! Their relationship dynamic is not ordinary and we witness a power imbalance where the FMC is wealthy, and the MMC is working hard to stay financially afloat.

There is the classic “enemies-to-lovers” element in this book where I actually felt they were disgusted with each other. Not secretly madly in love but pretending to be mad, as we see often in other enemy/Lover plots.

I really loved Graham’s pursuit to be worthy of Anna, and his pride in working hard and earning her father’s approval, despite their vast societal differences.

Walker has continued to impress me with each book she writes and I think I’m an automatic buy reader now!

Thank you Netgalley for this advanced copy!

Anna and Graham are certainly not friends or are they?

I enjoyed these two so much! I totally think they didn't really ever "hate" each other but they liked to try to be the most irksome they could be when in the presence of one another. The way they banter is 👌 top notch

I also think Anna's dad might have been playing a little matchmaker (even unconsciously) when he sent Anna in his stead to look at Graham's investment opportunity in Brighton.

I love how Graham thinks all things through in regards to his family - who he's been the head of ever since his dad abandoned them- even in regards to Anna. I cannot express enough of my love for Graham's little sister Tabitha. She was so fun and a big champion of her brother.

I think my favorite scene was when Graham took Anna fishing with an acquaintance of his. Great scene, just so good and full of squeals from me! I liked the little epilogue to see the payoff of all aspects of the story.

*cue happy sighs* I just adored this story! Highcliffe House has all the elements of a great Regency romance, and I’m SO happy that Megan Walker took a shot at dual POV. It definitely enhanced my reading experience to have both Anna and Graham’s perspectives, especially in an enemies to more story. I couldn’t put this one down, and I highly recommend it to all! 4.5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

High cliff house reminded me why I love the proper romance books. I absolutely loved it!

Anna wants to spend time with her father and get away from society. With beloved childhood memories spending time with her father on the shore, her wish is to relive those quieter times with him. Unfortunately he’s busy with business and she is often left alone. When her father is home his annoying business associate Graham is there imposing on their family time together. The tables are turned when her father suggests she visit Brighton with Graham and determine if the area would be a good area to invest in. Anna is determined to talk her father out of investing with Graham again. Meanwhile Graham needs this investment. He’s been working hard to bring his family out of poverty.

Forced proximity is one of my favorite things in romance books. It often forces two characters to truly get to know each other. A foundation of understanding often leads to trust. And if we are lucky, which let’s face it, we are lucky in romance novels, that trust and understanding leads to some pretty special connections. This forced proximity did not disappoint. I loved Anna’s strong will and love of family and meaningful relationships. I loved the softer side of Graham and his hard working unrelenting spirit. These two were perfect for each other and I absolutely loved following their journey towards figuring that out. Don’t miss this one!

Oh my word, this story held me captive. It was just amazing! Highcliffe House is written by Megan Walker and it was just lovely. The characters drew me in and I couldn’t put it down.
Anna and Graham were fighting but they had to learn to get along as they were both together at his family house. Graham was trying to help Anna see the beauty of Highcliffe house and Brighton. Anna was just trying to make it through the week.
I loved Anna, she was so strong and fiery. She was stubborn but she was also learning to let others in and consider them. It was sweet to see her interacting with Graham and his family. Anna had to learn to let go of her mistakes as she spent time with Graham and his family.
Graham was fun. He was just trying his best to support his family and overcome the obstacles that stood before him. He never expected that Anna would interrupt his life. I adored his relationship with his family, it really helped you get to know him. Graham had to learn that he didn’t need to do everything on his own and that he could let others in.
The romance between Graham and Anna was a perfect slow burn, at least for me. They had to learn to truly see each other before they were able to fall in love. There was much that they had to overcome. The story was interesting and Graham’s family was so fun, especially his youngest sister. I adored Tabs.
I would totally recommend Highcliffe House! It exceeded my expectations and it is definitely worth a read. Highcliffe House is a clean historical romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.