Although I was ready to read St Albans story, I was a bit disappointed. As a reader I appreciate a backstory when the read is part of a series, but there were sections I had to make sure I was reading the third book. The dialog, in sections, was word for word. I would of liked a bit more story about Alice and Giff rather than rehash the previous book.

The premise of The Groom List seemed right up my alley and the stunning cover drew me right in.

Unfortunately, this was quite confusing and I couldn’t enjoy it no matter how hard I tried. Maybe it’s the writing style that didn’t work for me (the conversation was so STIFF and everyone felt like starched cardboard)? But for a book that’s supposed to be a standalone (the series is supposedly interconnected standalones), it didn’t really….stand alone. I think Quinn tried to remedy this by giving us information on the previous books, but it doesn’t work here. It’s info dumpy in the first 20% and throws too many characters at us at once.

Plus the MCs had next to no chemistry. I have to buy the characters as a romantic couple to enjoy a romance and this didn’t convince me they knew each other, much less loved each other.

I was a big fan of the original Worthington series, so I was excited to pick this one up, not realizing that it was the third (and final) book in the spin-off series. And to be honest, there were some issues with it, but on the whole I enjoyed it.

So we can end on a positive note, let me start off with the things I didn't enjoy. To begin with there are so many characters from the previous novels, and I was not expecting each and every one of them to make an appearance in this one. There were so many people constantly in and out of the main story-lines that I often became confused forgetting who is who. It would have been nice to have a family tree or something to refer back to.

Was it weird to anyone other than me how Alice's guardian didn't seem to do proper research into her perspective suitors? I found it to be very odd that between her guardian and all of the men in her life that were related to her, not a single one of them knew anything was amiss? Yet Giff's mother had no trouble whatsoever obtaining the information? Also, in what world does it make sense that Giff would have no training whatsoever in estate management, or account books when he was the heir? I understand his father wanted him wed and wanted to force his hand over it, but to leave your heir completely unprepared? What if his father had had a tragic accident and died before Giff married? He still would have been the heir.

I'm also very tired of the kidnapping in order to force a marriage that isn't wanted trope that I see happening a lot in this genre (a trope that this author herself uses in the original series as well). Instead of this, I would have loved to have learned more about why St.Alban's English father and Scottish grandfather hate each other so much if his father was allowed to wed his mother. What happened to cause the rift between them? Or did his mother marry his father for love despite her father's objections? I will also admit to some curiosity about the fate of Alice's other suitor especially when it comes to light that his bride-to-be has her own agenda. I would have loved for a glimpse into their future.

Now on to what I did like, I liked how Alice was quick to shut Giff down when she thought they weren't going to be a good match despite how attracted she was to him, yet she was also open to giving him a second chance when he started showing her his true personality. And as time went on, she was able to be honest with him about the way he had messed up with her the first time around. In that, I liked her directness and the way they were able to form a friendship in which she was able to help him learn more about things pertaining to his estates. And despite their rocky start I also loved the little tests she threw out to him (especially breakfast with her family, and then the way he later went on to try and include the children in other things).

This author has been the author of some of my favorite historical novels in the past, and I have no doubt I will read more from them in the future.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

I'm excited every time a new book in the Carpenter/Vivers/Worthington/Stanhill blended family comes out. I've read them all and intend to keep going as long as the author does. This time it's Lady Alice Carpenter, twin to Lady Eleanor. The Groom List is a good standalone book with enough details to give an idea of what's come before. As part of a series, it carries on the family matrimony ups and downs. Alice is the last of three girls close in age to find love. Twin Lady Eleanor and stepsister Lady Madeline have both recently wed leaving Alice feeling abandoned, lonely, and wondering when her turn will come. The groom list is something the girls came up as a way of judging if a gentleman meets requirements to be a good husband and father. Alice adds to it after St. Albans disappoints her. Actually, a smart move I wish I'd done when I was a teenager. Her intended, Gifford St. Albans has no idea how to court a lady. He takes advice, bad advice, from his friends & almost messes up his HEA. Thankfully he's set straight, and their wedding makes it a hat trick in record time. The preacher makes a comment about so many marriages in such a short time, he's awed.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance readers copy of this story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#TheGroomList #EllaQuinn #TheWorthingtonBrides #KensingtonPublishingCorp. #historicalromance #romance #ZebraBooks

This one won me with the summary but lost me somewhere along the way.

I didn't enjoyed the romance and for a historical romance this isn't good. The heroine is all over the place, she isn't in to the hero for most of the book and is after another man.

The chemistry is missing even after they move on to their romance and unfortunately it's was not my cup of tea.


* I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

I requested this book because I have loved some of Ella Quinn's other books and thought this would be a fun one to try. I quickly became confused - not about the storyline - but because the writing felt so stilted. It felt so choppy and I struggled to want to read the story and it dulled everything to me.

I'm sure others will enjoy this but it just wasn't for me.

Fun story. Alice is a strong female who knows what she wants in a husband. She enjoys her first season with her twin and another family member. They quickly marry leaving Alice lonely and confused. Giff is struck by his first sight of Alice, but isn't sure how to gain her attention. His attempts are very humorous.

Rating: 3 Stars ⭐️

Spice: 1
Characters: Alice and Gifford. I couldn’t connect with them.
Chemistry: missing
Plot: There was a lot of information dumping in the beginning which I found confusing and couldn’t keep up with it. Maybe it was me problem since I haven’t read the other books in the series.
Overall: The writing style didn’t work for me.

Thank you to the publisher for providing the ARC.

The Groom List by Ella Quinn takes us back to the world of the Worthingtons. This is Lady Alice's search for love, and her suiters include the Earl of St. Albans and the Marquis of Normanby. When St. Albans get off on a decidedly wrong foot with the lady, Lord Normanby is there to sweep her off her feet. But some of Lady Alice's family come to St. Albans aid and he is able to befriend the lady he hopes to wed. Normanby may be what Alice really wants... and has her rechecking the list she and her sisters made at the start of the season.

And because it is a Worthington season, the path does not run sooth.

I love the Regency world Ella Quinn has created and loved seeing Alice find her way to her happily ever after. The world of London comes alive and may of the characters from her other novels take part in the Season. It was a delight to read and I look forward to the next installment.

This series has been a delight to read. Lady Alice is very sure of the type of man she will marry and Giff is not the type. But he makes a wonderful friend. Giff has a plan to woo Alice. It's working to a point. He just had to figure out how to change the type of relationship that they have. In steps a bad man for Giff to take down and safe Alice in the process. I love a happy ending.

I’m a huge fan of Ella Quinn and this book did not disappoint!! This story is about Giff and Alice. Giff tries to woo Alice but fails and almost loses her to a liar and cheat. I thought this book was very romantic, it’s really about the too of them getting to know each other and building a romance- very sweet. A must read!

The Worthington Bride books are happening simultaneously, and it was so fun to see crossovers from each girls perspective. The Groom List is Lady Alice Vivers book and her search for a husband that matches her list of what she thinks she wants in a husband. Her sisters by marriage found their loves, now it's her turn. Her list includes intelligent., kind, he must like children, passable good looks. He is able to support a family, and he can make her laugh. A love match, a Worthington family must. Once she realizes she is a little lonely after both sisters marry, she adds "friend."

Enter Gifford, Earl of St Albans, heir to the Duke of Cleveland. He has a list of his own fin his search of a bride: must be able to stand up to his father, able to hold her own and he does not want a love match (too messy). They meet during a morning ride in Hyde Park and it's all downhill from there. He finds her lovely,, and Alice finds him shallow, without purpose and impossible. to avoid.

I loved this book. I laughed, cried, got angry and laughed until I cried. The entire Worthington clan comes together to support the three young ladies, and Ella shares just enough back story that a new reader doesn't feel lost or left out if this is their 1st Worthington book. Lady Mary and Lady Theo steal the attention in their sneakiness and I can't wait for their debuts. But first I'll wait patiently for Charlie, Walter and Phillip's story.

The Groom List was a fun read and gave me a chance to revisit the Worthington's. This year sees the ladies Alice Carpenter and her twin, Lady Eleanor and their cousin, Lady Madeline Vivers make their debut and all three come armed with a list of requirements for their suitors.

While out riding early one morning, Lady Alice and her fellow companions’ chance upon Gifford (Giff), The Marquis of St. Albans and his friend and there is an instant attraction between them. Unfortunately, Giff's approach to attract Lady Alice lacks finesse and he comes across as extremely arrogant and not someone Alice would be interested in. She decides to look elsewhere instead.

After assistance with useful information on how to engage Alice’s mind, do things turn around and work in his favour. The relationship starts afresh as friends and goes from there.

All in, a lovely, fast-moving story that kept my interest in seeing this couple come together and have their HEA.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing and am voluntarily submitting my honest review.

thank you for the review copy! while inloved the basis for this story, i felt the plot was left a little bland for my liking. Lady Alice and Griff cohld have avoided so much awkwardness by speaking to each other like normal humans. i wanted the characters to be more fleshed out but unfortunately i felt that none of them were memorable aside from theo and molly. i had my expectations set a little to high and ultimately was let down

A quick read. It sticks to known tropes and executes them well, with characters that are just good enough to carry the story.

Having not read any of the other books in the series, but understanding that romance novels can usually be read as standalones, I was excited to dive into this extremely fun new novel from Ella Quinn. However, as much as I enjoyed so many elements of this story, I'm afraid I did get a little lost in the extent information. I'll have to go back and read the others, because I had a lot of fun with this one!

PITCH: Bridgerton meets Emma

⭐️⭐️⭐️

So much dialogue with little character development. The plot is outlined at the beginning. At times, the book seems to be just a list of character names. The middle third is quite good. I didn’t quite understand how the last third lost focus of the main plot.


#netgalley #thegroomlist #arcreview #readerofinstagram #bookrevidw #bookstagram #historicalromance

I've said it once and I'll say it again- there's nothing I love more than a historical romance!

This was a fun book, I did it enjoy it a lot. It's part of a series so I suggest reading the previous books prior to this once, a lot of characters show up and will confuse you.

I would recommend this book to my friends and followers that enjoy closed door romance, while that's not my personal favorite it didn't take away from the book or plot.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another chance to visit with the amazing Worthington family!

The season has arrived for Lady Alice Carpenter, Alice’s sisters, Lady Eleanor Carpenter, Alice’s twin, and Lady Madeline Vivers to make their debut. The thought of having three young ladies out for the first time gives me a hradache, but the Worthington crew have a system of mass participation of the whole family. I love the interactions with all the various family members. The young ladies have a list of what they are looking for in a husband and they have excellent examples of what they want.

Alice. keeps looking at her list thinking that there is a trait missing from her list. She realizes what it is after spending time with Giff, the Marquis of St. Albans,friendship. Unlike the other women in her life, Alice has not found her passion, her cause. There are several things she feels strongly about, but nothing specific and it frustrates her.

Gift is looking for a wife, but his approach lacks finesse and his attitude is a bit arrogant. He believes his title alones enough to recommend him to any young woman. It isn't until he breaks his fast with Alice and the other Worthingtons that he starts to reconsider his approach.

Together they form a friendship that creates a good foundation for their HEA. It was fun, as always, to see the family help the young ladies bring their chosen man up to scratch. Ms. Quinn continues to bring us characters we have come to love, appreciate and enjoy spending time with. I enjoy that the young children are included in breakfast, occasionally tea and other outings. The younger set are amazing and I am excited to see Mary and Theo when they hit the marriage mart!!!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.

Another chance to visit with the amazing Worthington family!

The season has arrived for Lady Alice Carpenter, Alice’s sisters, Lady Eleanor Carpenter, Alice’s twin, and Lady Madeline Vivers to make their debut. The thought of having three young ladies out for the first time gives me a hradache, but the Worthington crew have a system of mass participation of the whole family. I love the interactions with all the various family members. The young ladies have a list of what they are looking for in a husband and they have excellent examples of what they want.

Alice. keeps looking at her list thinking that there is a trait missing from her list. She realizes what it is after spending time with Giff, the Marquis of St. Albans,friendship. Unlike the other women in her life, Alice has not found her passion, her cause. There are several things she feels strongly about, but nothing specific and it frustrates her.

Gift is looking for a wife, but his approach lacks finesse and his attitude is a bit arrogant. He believes his title alones enough to recommend him to any young woman. It isn't until he breaks his fast with Alice and the other Worthingtons that he starts to reconsider his approach.

Together they form a friendship that creates a good foundation for their HEA. It was fun, as always, to see the family help the young ladies bring their chosen man up to scratch. Ms. Quinn continues to bring us characters we have come to love, appreciate and enjoy spending time with. I enjoy that the young children are included in breakfast, occasionally tea and other outings. The younger set are amazing and I am excited to see Mary and Theo when they hit the marriage mart!!!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.