An auto buy author for me. This has all of Eloisa’s style. I admit I had difficulty connecting to the Viscount. He was conflicting in his behaviour. Torie is a classic heroine. Overcoming challenges and looking for love from others and giving plenty in return.

Their relationship was quite frustrating for me. Not my favourite Eloisa James, but always worth reading.

London, England - 1800

Miss Victoria Sutton, known to friends and family as Torie, is not impressed with the viscount that her sister has been betrothed to for two years. He's stern, and clearly shows no real passion for his future bride. However, knowing her sister, Leonora, Torie is pretty sure that there isn't any need for him to be in love with her. He's a viscount, and Leonora is all about being ladylike, and there is certainly no need for passion. Torie wants to wed for love, and so far, as she moves into her third Season in London, things aren't looking promising. To make matters worse, Torie can neither read nor write - something she seems to have inherited from her late mother.

Lord Dominic Kelbourne is known for his strict, solemn behavior, and for losing his temper in the House of Lords. He chose Leonora because she seems to be exactly the kind of wife that a viscount should have. She is quiet, well bred, and doesn't seem to be a needy woman who will demand that he give up his vivacious mistress. But when Dominic's sister and husband die suddenly, leaving behind their eleven year-old twins, he finds himself in the new role of being their guardian. And that could be a problem for both children are eccentric, to put it mildly. Pretty much relegated to a nanny their entire lives, Florence has chosen to write horror stories, and Valentine considers himself smarter than everyone.

Introduction of the twins to Leonora does not go well. She finds them untrained and rude. But Torie immediately falls in love with them, understanding their uniqueness. The twins welcome Torie with open arms.

For Dominic things come to a head when Leonora elopes with another man! He's stunned, but knows he must find a wife soon. With Torie visiting the twins frequently, he soon realizes that, despite her coldness towards him, she adores Florence and Valentine. And Dominic is also more and more attracted to her frankness. But would she consider marrying him? That is a tall order for the brash, independent Torie.

The first book in the Accidental Brides series, VISCOUNT IN LOVE is a delightful beginning. Torie and Dominic couldn't be more different from one another. But they do share a love for the orphaned twins. Is that enough for both of them in a marriage, though?

A great summer read, VISCOUNT IN LOVE will entertain readers.

as someone who loves historical romance, it is shocking to me that it has taken me so long to read an eloisa james book! i am astounded that i would wait so long because it seems this book was made for me!!! i will be working my way through her extensive back log asap°

I loved this book. In this story, Dom, Viscount Kelbourne is set to marry Leonora Sutton, and meets her sister Victoria (Torie). The wedding is not planned/been postponed for years, until Dom's sister dies and he is given care of her 11 year old twins. Torie enjoys being with the twins, while Leonora on some level refuses to deal with them even though she is engaged to their "second father". Right before their wedding, Leonora runs off with another man. There is some ongoing discussion about how Dom needs a nanny for the kids, who are brilliant but hard to handle, but Dom is also attracted to Torie.

A main conflict in this story is that Torie can't read or write. Of course in this day and age we can assume she has dyslexia and dysgraphia, but interestingly enough, her issues never do get solved in the book. She is also a brilliant artist, forced to downplay her talent because of women's roles in this time and place.

The kids are hilarious, adorable characters in the book. They're precocious and don't seem to be all that sensitive to the fact that their parents just died. Both Torie and Dom love them, and she agrees to marry him because she's attracted to him but also to be around the kids.

There is a lot of discussion over their relationship and getting over how their parents have treated them over their lifetime. Dom's father wasn't affectionate and was demeaning. Torie's family didn't take her seriously because she couldn't read or write and weren't particularly nice about it. They have an overwhelming attraction, and enjoy being together but Dom doesn't like being told what to do, and Torie holds her own in negotiating what she will and won't do as his wife.

There isn't really a big conflict in the book, it's mostly about the personalities of the main characters and learning how to take care of each other (and the kids). I liked the characters and it was nice to see Torie stand up for herself and Dom try to change to make their relationship better.

In the current romance reading world this book was attempting a "grumpy/sunshine" trope and the spice level was kind of mid-range. I read the summary that James wrote about the backstory in England in the time of the book, and that was a mistake. On some level James can be a bit more "academic" than others (you know, she went to Ivy League schools...) but using the word "tool" (you know where) in the book was an odd choice for an academic such as herself.

I received an advanced copy and am giving an honest review.

Torie and Dominic’s chemistry was soo good!! I loved how nuanced these characters were and how they grew together. The writing as always was engaging and kept me entertained from start to finish!

Eloisa James has once again proven her mastery in the realm of historical romance with her latest novel, "Viscount in Love." In this captivating tale, James deviates from the conventional trope of the grumpy viscount and delves deeper into the complexities of mental health and societal expectations.

Contrary to popular belief, the viscount in question isn't merely a curmudgeon; rather, he grapples with profound mental health challenges. James skillfully navigates the intricacies of his struggles, shedding light on the masks individuals wear, particularly those with titles in society. Through her characters, she explores not only physical disabilities but also the often overlooked realm of mental health and the effects of past traumas.

One of the strengths of "Viscount in Love" lies in its portrayal of characters who face obstacles beyond the superficial trappings of aristocratic life. James deftly illustrates the daily struggles of those with disabilities and abusive pasts, imbuing her narrative with empathy and understanding. The novel serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength exhibited by individuals navigating such challenges.

Fans of James's previous works will delight in the appearance of familiar characters, adding depth and continuity to the story. The inclusion of a special character, whose significance spans multiple books, adds a layer of nostalgia and continuity to the narrative.

Furthermore, James tantalizingly hints at future developments by introducing a name from her earlier works, sparking anticipation for potential future storylines. This subtle nod to her past works demonstrates James's adeptness at crafting interconnected narratives that keep readers eagerly anticipating each new release.

In conclusion, "Viscount in Love" is a standout novel that firmly establishes itself as one of the best of 2024. Eloisa James's adept storytelling, combined with her exploration of complex themes such as mental health and societal expectations, makes this a must-read for fans of historical romance. With its memorable characters and engaging plot, "Viscount in Love" is sure to captivate readers and leave them eagerly awaiting James's next literary offering.

I was sad to finish this book! The characters were so perfectly imperfect yet admirable (no spoiler here). Mistakes were made and overcome with the foundation of any promising relationship; understanding and forgiveness. Both protagonists evolve as individuals and as a couple. The details of their time were described with clarity,
Torie's superpower was patience, humor, and the capacity to forgive her loved ones despite their human failings towards her. But she was no pushover! She is a wealth of hidden depths, Dominick is not what he seems either. If she was "still water running deep", he was the seemingly impenetrable rock; guess who changes with time. While some characters are less than likeable, the author keeps them in their places. However, Florence and Valentine are delightful. They truly are a conduit between Torie and Dominick, and we as readers can love them too.
I have many books by Eloisa James in my library. This one has earned its place as well.

It is no surprise to me that this story is such a wonderful journey. The author does a great job of writing a story that is entertaining and has enough twists and turns to keep one on their toes while reading it. I felt so sorry for Torie’s affliction, but her attitude about it was so very refreshing. The reason she has the issue is not of her own doing, but to be constantly reminded of it in a negative fashion by her own family is just plain cruel. Dominic has his own issues, trying to get his dead father’s voice out of his head that was so abusive, the wall he built up allowed for no real life lived. Watching Torie bring down those walls with wit and banter was adorable. They both had growing to do, and it was satisfying to watch them do so. The last twist I NEVER saw coming and it is a doozy! The twins reminded me a little of the Addam’s family kids (am i aging myself) They were adorably funny and so precious, I just wanted to hug them! It is amazing what families can do to their children/siblings that causes such horrible issues later in life. I would DEFINITELY recommend this story…you will love it!

I received the book for free and these are my own opinions

Viscount in Love
By Eloisa James
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First off, let me say that Eloisa James is one of my favorite authors. I adored this book and Dom and Torie. The twins, Florence and Valentine, were little scene stealers and quite possibly stole the show!

Eloisa James always crafts such memorably engaging characters, and Dominic and Torie are no exceptions. While engaged to one sister, Dominic bonds with another sister, so when his fiancée runs off with another suitor, Torie and Dominic get married after harried circumstances. As the two explore the intricacies of marriage, James weaves a tale of romance, adoration and connections.

good story. a little slow moving at times. I love the kids. Dom is a very different man with Torie. It's shocking the change in him and the things he says to her once they are a couple

I downright adored Viscount in Love; each page was a pleasure to read. I was utterly charmed by Valentine and Florence, Torie was magnificent, and Dom was, while a little dense in places, an ultimately terrific MMC.

This was a purely fun read. I really enjoyed this series starter and am already looking forward to the next book 😍



Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the DRC

Eloisa James is a brilliant writer and this book is a great representation of that skill. The characters are very well-written and made this a riot of emotions for me. I loved Tori and my heart went out to her. She is definitely a new favorite heroine. I was thrilled she connected so well with the twins. Viscount Kelbourne on the other hand had me wanting to plant him a facer quite a bit. He was able to redeem himself, and like Tori, I did see his better side at times throughout the book. The eccentric personalities of the twins made a great addition to the book. I do hope that they one day get their own hapy ever after.

This book has a good pace throughout and very entertaining. It is also on fire with the passion Tori and Dom create when together. I didn't want to put this book down. Enough so that I lost track of time and that rarely happens. Highly recommend this book and look forward to other books by Eloisa James.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishes for an honest review.

ARC REVIEW (Thanks NETGALLEY!)

This plot was so murky it was hard for me to get a feel for who “Dom” & Torie were. Dominic is originally engaged to Tories sister and she’s a snooty bitch. Dominic’s sister dies and gets custody of his sisters twins. They’re little nutty children who talk about farts and beheadings. Torie loves the kids, her sister doesn’t. Anywho, sister fucks off and married some other dude because she doesn’t want to play mama to the weird kids. While Torie has been babysitting the twins Dom realizes she’s pretty hot and wants to marry her. She says no a bunch of times until he takes off his shirt and Torie’s like whoa those shoulders I guess I’ll marry you. Some shit happens with his old mistress she gets mad. Some other shit happens with a painting tutor. Random scene at the market Dom stabs someone with his fancy sword. Torie couldn’t read or write, it was mentioned like 400 times. Idk I didn’t care for them or the story.

I loved this book. To be honest, I haven't enjoyed the last couple of her books but this one turned it around. Torie and Dominic were both likeable characters with sizzling chemistry. Torie was vulnerable but strong, Dom was vulnerable but strong. And they actually seemed to like each other!

The absolute stars were the twins though. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of their dialogue and interactions with the other characters.

This was fun! It's been a bit since I have read Eloisa James, and I was not sure what to expect, but this was very much in keeping with her style. Quick and fun, a nice romance with some sturm and drang but ultimately low stakes. A quick and light read.

Another great romance from Eloisa James! Her books are an “auto buy” (or borrow from the library!) for me. I love that the characters have depth to their personalities and deep motivations for their actions. She also often includes a characteristic that is considered a normal difficulty or disability today and gives us a glimpse of what it would be like to struggle with this in the past. Her female characters were all a step beyond the typical debutante looking for a lord trope and I really enjoyed getting to know them all.

I enjoyed this book through I think the hero’s character arc could’ve used a little more building out in the first half (and the misunderstanding middle felt a little too over the top to be believed—hit that man over the head with a rock)but I really enjoyed that Torie couldn’t read.

So many historical heroines have a little “not like other girls” about them because of the way we perceive the past. Women were barred from higher education and their mental capacity poo-pooed, but THIS heroine is different! She’s a bluestocking and thinks fashion is silly and Of Course can converse on any topic. But Torie isn’t like that. It is never explicitly stated in the text but she cannot read and has something akin to dyslexia, where the words run off the page. And as a result everyone thinks she’s a fool. But she’s not, she is brilliant at her chosen art. She’s also never “fixed” or miraculously taught. She just has people read to her.

The children were also the bright part of this book; they were hilarious and I enjoyed them on page so much. I just think that the book felt a bit uneven arc-wise for the main characters. It took a while to get going and then all of the heavy character stuff came later. But an enjoyable read.
3.75 stars.

Heat level: 4

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this arc.

Victoria Sutton will not lust after her sister’s fiancé. No matter how handsome he may appear to be. He’s terribly mean, well suited to her beautifully cruel sister, and she’s thought more than once how lucky she is that he’s betrothed to Leonora and not her. She won’t sacrifice her happiness for a loveless marriage, and she could never be with a man like him. Her sister likes to list off all the reasons Torie isn’t suited for marriage, but no one could predict how Leonora would react when the Viscount suddenly becomes the guardian of his niece and nephew. As much as Leonora likes to boast that she’s the more sought after woman, it couldn’t be clearer that Torie is more fit for motherhood.

Viscount Dominic Kelbourne is a man obsessed. Nobody has after described him as being lovestruck until his wife steals his heart. She’s feisty, eccentric, and his perfect match. She also refuses to marry him. He doesn’t know the first thing about raising two (absolutely wild) children, but he won’t be doing it alone. Not if he can help it.

These books are laced with something addicting. I couldn’t put this one down. I couldn’t stop giggling. I had actual BUTTERFLIES reading this book. To the point where my stomach physically hurt. This man is so attractive!!! And Torie is the cutest human ever. I was so immediately invested in these characters and desperately needed them to find their happily ever after.

All the characters were fun in their own way but the kids really stole the show. Because, of course, Dominic couldn’t just gain custody of your run of the mill kids… Instead he got two absolute characters! The twins are obsessed with death and hilariously misbehaved.

I love how Dominic became a champion for his wife and wouldn’t stand for anyone making fun of her. This book had great disability rep for dyslexia, in a time where there wasn’t a word for it. It was so interesting to see how Torie was treated, and the way her struggles were handled. I especially liked that it doesn’t stop her from being successful.

I want to extend a huge thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for the copy of this eARC. It was excellent and reminded me why I love historical romance so much. I truly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read more from this series. I loved that even though we know which characters are endgame from the start, it was still a fascinating journey to see how the plot drives them together. I need more YESTERDAY, but I’m so happy that I have plenty of Eloisa James books to catch up on while I wait.

I love an Eloisa James book so I was thrilled to get approved for an ARC. This book started out with a “how will they get together” story with Lenora being engaged to Dom, and sister Torie being our female lead. Once Lenora is finally dispatched off to her unhappy marriage, Dom realizes he chose the wrong sister, and ends up engaged to Torie. Then we move to a “who will fall first” story, with couple troubles because of some not understanding each other. He’s a yeller/insulter when he’s upset because of his father and his job. She’s illiterate and sensitive about it, so takes things personally easily.

I enjoyed the addition of the twins as cute side characters that brought Torie and Dom together. They were beneficial to the story.

Hopefully Clara’s story is coming soon and I hope her mouse bag continues to stab random strangers.

Editing note: Chp 28, a line ends with an “XX” which has no meaning in the text.