It is a truth universally acknowledged that love is never smooth sailing.
Captain William Hawksmoor of the Royal Navy never expected to inherit Kingscastle, his family’s estate, and finds himself all at sea when he does so. Especially when he learns that he must marry within a year or be forever dealing with trustees.
As the new Marquis of Athelney, the captain takes command of Kingscastle and discovers much to be done to set it in order. He must also contend with his aunt, Lady Willoughby Hawksmoor, who is determined that her daughter will be his wife. When she discovers he is far more interested in Eleanor Burgess, her underpaid and much put-upon companion, Lady Willoughby shows she will stop at nothing to keep them apart.
Title : Kingscastle
Author : Sophia Holloway
Format : Physical
Page Count : 320
Genre : Historical Romance
Publisher : Allison and Busby Books
Release Date : November 18, 2021
Reviewer : Micky
Rating : ★ ★ ★.5
Micky’s 3.5 star review
I would call this a bit of a slow but building historical romance (clean). I adore the ‘striding’ cover and would have appreciated more of a stride in the pacing. However, this book had some good characters and a cross-class romance.
Captain William turned Marquis gave me a bit of a Persuasion feel with his naval roots and plan to settle in his new title and land. He was totally fair-handed, lacked any kind of snobbery and loved how he treated the servants and locals alike, that is, like equals. The heroine came in the form of a paid companion who was treated terribly by her mistress.
The connection between William and Eleanor felt a bit stop-start but it was worth hanging in for their hesitations, self-esteem issues and eventual team work.
Overall, this was pacey but worth pursuing.
A Take from Two Cities 