If there was ever an underdog to root for, Henry Northcutt is it! He is a quiet, misunderstood young man who lives under a cloud of the past that isn’t of his own making. While I admired him for not wanting to burden anyone else with his family’s past and his name, I was happy to see that he had Arabella and his childhood friend to see he is not bound to repeat those things himself.

Arabella Latham is impetuous, open to a challenge, and not one to back down in the face of danger. I laughed a couple of times over the things that she does and the excusal papers she gives to her staff in the event things do not go according to plan. I loved this book with its intrigue and secrets. There was a twist that I did not anticipate that made this book a five star read for me.

Things to Love:
Shakespeare games
Disguises
Daring rescue
Shocking villains
The “spark” of love
Meddlesome matchmaker
Carriage drive
He / she loves/ loves me not
The best childhood friends
Suspense
Family Secrets

I highly recommend this book to you who enjoy Regency stories. You will love the characters, the story, and the romance. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalleys. I voluntarily reviewed this book, and all opinions are my own.

I had been looking forward to this book ever since I read and loved Games in a Ballroom, and it was everything I was hoping it would be!

I loved the characters so much! Arabella’s love of Shakespeare was one of my favorite aspects, especially as an English major myself. Her game of quoting different Shakespearean lines was so much fun! I appreciated how Arabella drew Henry out of his shell, and I thought the character arcs were beautifully written. I swooned over the romance, laughed over the banter, and I enjoyed every moment spent reading this beautiful book. I also really liked the brotherhood aspect of this book; seeing the friendship and support between the men was heartwarming, and it also made me laugh when they were teasing each other.

I felt like this book was perfectly balanced. It does deal with madness and the fear of being mad, but it’s balanced beautifully with humor and romance. I appreciated that it had deeper layers to it, while also being an entertaining book.

I’m a mood reader, and this book kicked off a regency fiction mood for me because I would have happily read more about these characters. I can’t wait for the next book!

CW: Asylums

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is one of the most surprising and intriguing reads I've had this year!

This book is so worth taking the time to read. It was seriously, so intriguing that I couldn't put it down. There was a hint of suspense thrown in that is making me really wish this author would consider a romantic suspense novel!

'Every horrific thing the gossips ever said about his family was true. But what they didn't know--and what his aunt could never discover--was that, just like his mother and sister, he, the Brooding Baron, was mad.'

Seriously, how can you not be hooked on a book that has this in it.

It was a case of, 'Tell me more, because I want, scratch that, NEED; more, More, MORE!!!'

I loved the inserts of Shakespeare and the trivia games our two main characters played throughout. I loved the FMC who has a penchant for pranks like her brother that we met in book 1. I loved a brooding MMC who is good to his core and has a heart of gold. I loved the character arcs and romantic storyline. I absolutely LOVED learning more about the asylum/hospitals and characters who see people as people.

If you're looking for a book that will take you by surprise in the best way possible-here it is!!!

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

Content: murder and suicide (no descriptive details and all about characters who are already passed), insane asylum/hospitals, controlling family members, slight suspense, pranks, Shakespeare, romance-kisses only.

“Shakespeare was always the answer.”

All the stars! I absolutely adored this book! Jentry Flint has created a memorable, endearing, captivating sequel in her Brooks’ Brotherhood series. I loved this opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, delightful yet poignant Regency romance! There were not only funny, swoon worthy moments that I can’t wait to relive again, but also a bit of a gothic mystery which I loved.

Lord Henry Northcott has long admired Arabella Latham, his best friend’s little sister. From the first moment he met her and heard her quoting Shakespeare, he determined to read everything by the Bard just so he could understand her. But, two things preclude him from making his feelings known, she’s his best friend’s little sister, and the horrible scandal attached to his family that’s made him vow never to marry. Though he’s known as the Brooding Baron, there’s a witty, thoughtful, kind person hiding underneath his taciturn, grumpy facade and Arabella’s just the one to bring him out of his shell.

Arabella’s answer to everything is found in Shakespeare. I loved her funny, mischievous, daring personalty. From her Twelfth Night escapade to her Battle game, to learning to drive a phaeton, I adored all her schemes. Like her parents’ and brother’s marriage, she wants to find her spark and marry for love. I enjoyed watching her fall for Henry and how she genuinely cared for him and wanted to help him. Henry has a dark past, yet Arabella’s unfazed by it and is willing to do whatever it takes to show him that she can handle whatever haunts him.

I loved Arabella’s & Henry’s romance. From their Shakespeare quoting to the billiard lesson scene, this book touched my romantic loving heart. Along with their swoon-worthy romance is the scandal attached to Henry’s name. Mental illness plays a role in this story and I appreciated the way the author portrayed those struggles in a realistic, sympathetic way. Asylums like Bedlam were horrific in the Regency era and while the author doesn’t shy away from some of the awful treatments employed, she does manage to draw attention in a respectful, non-graphic way. I thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Stafford & Sarah and hope that we get more of their stories.

Some of my favorite moments were: Henry’s inner voice, the witty banter, Bradbury’s friendship and antics, Beasty & Goosey, the phaeton ride, ironing a billiard table, all the Shakespeare quotes, and the infamous aquatic theater visit.

Highest of recommendations! This is definitely a must read for Regency & gothic romance fans. Now I can’t wait for Mr. Bradbury’s story. Though it’s the sequel to Games in a Ballroom, it can easily be read as a standalone. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

Flint's writing skillfully evokes the atmosphere of the era, immersing readers in the opulence and intrigue of Regency society. The characters are beautifully drawn, with Charlotte's determination and Jonathan's vulnerability creating a compelling dynamic. As their paths converge, they must confront their own fears and insecurities while navigating the complexities of love and desire. Although I wasn't super invested in some chapters, I appreciated the satisfying conclusion. Readers who enjoy clean romance, suspense, and emotional depth will find this book both heartwarming and enthralling.

4.5* This story dealt with some fairly heavy topics with a healthy helping of humor to keep things light. The characters portrayed had depth of personalities that helped me connect to them in their challenges. I recommend reading Games in a Ballroom before To Love a Brooding Baron, as they connect thematically, in plot and overlapping characters.

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

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Sweet Romance, Historical Romance, Romance, Proper Romance, Regency Romance
Spice Level: Kissing

This is the second book I've read by this author—and TO LOVE THE BROODING BARON is very different than her first even though both are historical.

In this book, the characters—especially the male interest, Lord Northcott, are troubled, as in Heathcliffe level of angst. (He has mental illness.) I actually enjoyed seeing mental health represented in a Regency novel. He is withdrawn and suffering in silence. I really felt for him and his predicament. There is a strong mystery in this thread. I would even categorize this novel as gothic romance.

Arabella is outgoing, loves company, and is really what many men would love in a wife. Her brother has asked Lord Northcott to keep watch over her as he is on his honeymoon. I can't really seeing any Regency woman performing some of the antics Arabella gets involved in, but I enjoyed it so much, it didn't matter.

I think all romance lovers are going to adore this book. If *Wuthering Heights* or *Jane Eyre* are your cup of English tea, I think you'll drink this book in one sitting.

Happy reading!

High-spirited Arabella Latham has been drawn to the stoic Lord Henry Northcott for some time. Society has dubbed him "The Brooding Baron," but she enjoys his quiet demeanor and intelligence. When she learns the truth about the family scandal looming over him, Arabella is determined to show Henry that life is meant to be enjoyed. As she breaks through his walls, they both discover that true love might be enough to overcome his troubled past.

This one took me a long time to get through. I was sympathetic to Lord Northcott and how hard he tried to hold himself to a high standard to avoid the recurrence of scandal. Arabelle, on the other hand, irritated me every time the narrative followed her. I found her antics immature and incomprehensible.

Overall, the book is well paced. I appreciated the details about Bedlam Asylum. By the end, however, Arabella’s actions came across as downright stupid and I was ready for the book to be over. I wavered between 3 and 4 stars, and I’m rounding up to be generous.

I would recommend this to readers looking for a clean Regency romance with a bit of a darker edge.

This was such an enjoyable read! I love how perfectly suited they were, and the revelations had my heart in my throat. Jentry Flint does such an amazing job of creating high-stakes moments in her books that feel truly unique - and their first kiss was beautifully swoon-worthy. The main characters in this one are huge Shakespeare fans and I think Flint has created the perfect love letter to his writing in this book, combining both impeccably selected quotes and a grand finale that wouldn’t be out of place in one of his plays. This book was just wonderful, and much like the first I can’t recommend it enough!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Henry, the Brooding Baron, is in love with Arabella. Unfortunately family and personal secrets keep him from acting on his feelings. Arabella has come to love the Brooding Baron and she won’t let anything stand in the way of her chance at love.

I loved the characters in this book and the sweet romance between Henry and Arabella. I loved side characters and their stories. I am excited to read the story of Emerson and Olivia! I would highly recommend this book!

This is a sequel to Games in a Ballroom (May 2022) by Jentry Flint. It isn’t necessary to read the previous book but this story takes up immediately afterwards. Arabella Latham’s brother elopes with her best friend in the first story. Arabella and her mother are in London while her brother is settling into marriage. Arabella is outgoing and searching for a love match, with her mother’s approval. She has always liked her brother’s friend, Lord Henry Northcott. He is called the “Brooding Baron” because of his more stuffy, quiet nature. He is drawn to Arabella’s liveliness but harbors a secret. He fears madness runs in his family and isn’t certain if he will marry.

I have the same mixed feeling about this book as I did in the first novel. The author provides a proper (clean) Regency Romance but adds a darker edge. The previous book included a tyrannical father. This one has a major side story about bedlam and treatment and care of the mentally ill. It goes from lightheartedness of posing as a man to win a bet to endangering life to get inside an asylum. The mix felt muddled to me. And all the Shakespeare quoting that began as clever felt tiresome by the end. Others are enjoying it more so maybe the author is just not a good fit for me.

The Brooding Baron (Henry)is friends with Arabella’s brother. The more time Arabella spends with Henry, the more she starts to wonder if there’s more to his gloomy mood. Can she get him to crack and let her in?

Henry likes Arabella. He likes her enough that he would never hurt her with his or his family’s troubles. That’s why he must put some distance between them. The only problem is that Arabella seems to know just how to reach him. Just how to get him to open up a little and reveal himself more and more.

This regency is different than a lot of others. It highlights some of the misconceptions people had at the time in regards to those struggling with mental health. I always love when an author can tell a story as well as show me a period in history that I don’t know much about.

I also loved the whit Arabella and Henry display as they banter in their own language of Shakespeare. It was a fun little addition to this story that kept me smiling.

It you like regency don’t a little differently, this one is for you. I love that this author always surprises me and makes me love her characters.

Oh, this was okay. The author tried to tackle the issue of insanity and women being unjustly sent to institutions, but I didn’t find that the story really worked. As soon as I heard that the Brooding Baron’s mother killed his uncle, I knew it wasn’t a case of insanity. An imprisoned sister was almost an afterthought (although she may be getting her own book and romance in the future). I didn’t sense any chemistry between the leads, and the constant quoting of Shakespeare was intrusive. I love Shakespeare as much as the next person, but I don’t think I could stand to date someone who can’t stop quoting Shakespeare and expecting me to get every reference. The cross-dressing ala Twelfth Night was forced. Also, the stupid decision made by the heroine at the end? Give me a break.

There were some good passages, which is why I gave it three stars instead of two, but on the whole I just found this – mediocre. Another round with an editor and another rewrite might have done it a lot of good. If you are looking for a good book in which a woman is institutionalized against her will, I recommend The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews.

I read an advance reader copy from Netgalley.

Readers might pick this book up expecting a light, witty Regency Romance, but what they'll get is so much more than that. At times this story felt heavy because the characters deal with deep trauma, but that is one of the things that makes To Love the Brooding Baron so spectacular. It deals with deep topics in such a way that they feel managable while still leaving the reader with an increased awareness and understanding of a problematic piece of history. In today's world of mental health awareness, we are blessed to have resources and the ability to talk about the hard things we carry, but that was not the case for Brooding Baron, Henry. I can't imagine learning to deal with the mental health struggles my family has experienced in a Regency time period. I'd probably have ended up in an asylum, which made reading this novel scary, heartbreaking, and enlightening.

I really hope we get to see more of these characters, especially the side characters of Sarah and Dr. Stafford! I also felt like I was left wondering about some of the plotline with Henry's aunt and I think there is more to tell here.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an advanced electronic copy to review. All opinions are my own.

Ooooh, this book is SO CRAZY GOOD!!!

Henry may be secretly in love with his best friend's sister Arabella but there are reasons he can never be with her -or anyone - despite falling for her a little more every time they are together. His family's secrets are too dangerous and he is determined not to taint the lovely Arabella with his darkness.

Arabella's brother has tasked his friend Henry with keeping an eye on his sister while he is away. As she spends more time with Henry, Arabella senses attraction and a deep connection to him but while the feel seems to be mutual, the man keeps pushing her farther and farther away. In order to get him to face his past and open a door for future together, Arabella may just have to do something desperate.

What you'll love:
Regency era
Brother’s Best Friend
Double POV
Broody MMC
Gothic vibes
Driving lessons
Family secrets
Spunky FMC
Sooo much chemistry and tension
Mental illness reform
Billiards
Swoooony kisses
“Shakespeare is always the answer.”

This is not your typical Regency romance! Thought it has lots of lighthearted, fun moments and so much witty banter (the Shakespeare lines were brilliant!!), the story has a bit of a gothic vibe. While not scary at all, there were moments when I got goosebumps and the story had me on the edge of my seat.

The treatment of mental illness has a dark history and while the story stays away from anything extreme, it had enough to give a taste of what it may have been like during that era. Kudos to the author for not shying away from a difficult subject but handling it with grace and respect.

And oh my, the absolutely swoony romance. So much tension and chemistry between Henry and Arabella! Like there are so many sparks shooting between them a smoke alarm should be going off somewhere. The build-up to the first kiss AND the first kiss was all *chef's kiss* perfection.

This is the second book in a series but can easily be read as a standalone. I plan on re-reading it as soon as possible - this is an absolute must-read for any fan of Regency romance!

TW: mental illness, suicide (mentioned as past event), mental hospital, infidelity (mentioned in the past)

This was a stunning read with plenty of twists and turns. At one point I even said
"no!" Out loud.
Henry is a baron who society stays far away from as his mother killed his uncle several years earlier. Many recall he had a sister but don't remember what happened to her.
Arrabella comes in to the story without pre judgements and with a Shakespeare comment for everything .
Henry is scared of committing to anyone or anything as he believes he is going insane like his mother did . What if you found out the story wasn’t as it seems ? That family was family however all appearances aren’t as they seem ? Throw into this falling in love and it makes for a perfect story. I will read this again!!! Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

This book was an absolute delight! My goodness I pretty much devoured it and now I’m wishing I could go back and start over again. There is so much to love about this story!
Going back to the Brooks’s Brotherhood was so much fun, I was so excited for this next book. Henry and Arabella are phenomenal main characters, I loved everything about them and their journey.
My heart absolutely broke for Henry and what he’s been through, and what he continues to struggle with. He’s so strong, and yet has a hard time seeing the strength, kindness, and overall gentle goodness in himself. Thank heavens he has Arabella! With her hilarious wit, generous heart, boundless stubbornness, and adoration of Shakespeare, Arabella is able to guide Henry towards the light he so desperately needs. And while her impatience can get her in trouble, the ideas Arabella comes up with are hilarious and just crazy enough to (mostly) work. These two were so great individually, but having them work together created a unique and memorable story.
Just a few of the things I absolutely loved about this book were:
* Twelfth Night shenanigans
* Shared smiles
* Billiards lessons
* Ironing a billiards table
* Mother Goose, or Goosey
* Driving lessons in Hyde Park
* The MANY Shakespeare references
* Sadler’s Wells Theatre
* The secret, and not so secret, glances
* Best friends who give advice

Essentially this regency romance was perfection. Everything from the various games, a bit of mystery, righting wrongs, and the absolutely swoony romance combined to make an unforgettable and charming love story you can’t help but fall in love with.

“You have always had my love. . . From the first day I met you. . . [m]y heart knew then that I needed you in my life.”

* Ahh there’s a whole world that goes on inside Henry’s head!
* And Arabella is delightfully mischievous
* The Shakespeare is too good 😂
* Please can we stop with these daily encounters that turn into scorching touches and glances 🥵 (jk, don’t stop hehe)

If you can’t tell, I loved this book! The story was amazing and the characters were delightful.

Arabella is so spunky. She’s so full of life, funny, and gets into so many scrapes. I love how she knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it!

Henry is truly such a sweetie. My heart felt for him throughout the entire story! He had so much to carry and I’m so glad that he ended up with Arabella to help him carry it!

This story deals with lunacy and mental health issues that weren’t often addressed in this time. I loved how these characters had heartaches and struggles but they didn’t give up!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC! All opinions are my own.

A lot deeper then I expected. This is like a beauty and the beast story but so much more. This is deeper and more in-depth then I expected. I really liked both of these characters and enjoyed this romance. There were some really nice swoon moments between these two. He was so in love with her it was so cute! The author does such a good job letting us know how much he wants her without going over board. This story has talk of insanity and incudes talk of the famous Bedlam hospital and the corruption there. I would still let my 12 year old read this.

There’s something scandalous about Lord Northcutt’s family. He dares not encourage a woman’s interest in him. Arabella Latham likes him. They can match each other in quoting Shakespeare, and she longs to set him free from his brooding nature.
Includes a frightful look at the treatment of mental illness in the Regency era.
I did not realize this was part of a series. Reading the first book first may have helped me get into this one faster.