4.5 Stars

Sophia Holloway’s Kingscastle is a sumptuous Regency romance written in the grand tradition of Georgette Heyer that is simply enchanting.

Being the younger son of a youngest son, Captain William Hawksmoor of the Royal Navy never imagined that he would one day find himself inheriting a marquessate. When he is informed that he is the new Marquis of Athelney, he is not exactly overjoyed and his ever-diminishing enthusiasm for his new role continues to decrease when he finds out that he is required to wed within a year or else spend a lifetime dealing with Trustees. William would sooner fight the enemy on the front line than have to deal with the mind-numbing business of choosing a wife, however, little does he realise that he is about to find what he is looking for in the most unusual and unexpected of places.

Taking charge of Kingscastle, the family seat, William initially begins to wonder whether he has bitten off far more than he can actually chew. The estate has gone to rack and ruin and there is great disarray wherever he turns. But all that pales into insignificance thanks to his aunt Lady Willoughby Hawksmoor who has found the perfect candidate to fill the vacant post of his marchioness: her timid daughter. His aunt does not lose an opportunity to extoll the virtues of her daughter – even if William is finding himself intrigued by Eleanor Burgess, his aunt’s under-paid and much put-upon companion.

As William and Eleanor find themselves getting closer and close, his aunt vows to do whatever it takes to tear them apart. Will Lady Willoughby Hawksmoor be successful in her quest to install her daughter as Kingscastle’s next marchioness? Will William and Eleanor ever manage to make their home in Kingscastle? Or can they kiss goodbye any hope they might have of building a future together?

Sophia Holloway’s Kingscastle is a superb Regency romance that sparkles with delightful humour, high society intrigue, evocative period descriptions, emotional intensity and wonderful characters that will steal readers’ hearts from the moment they set foot on the page. Kingscastle is an immersive, engaging and enjoyable historical romance that sweeps the reader back to the 19th century with elan, style and flair. Sophia Holloway knows the Regency period so well that she effortlessly brings it to colourful life for the reader who will feel as if they are living the story alongside her characters.

Witty, captivating and wonderfully romantic, Sophia Holloway’s Kingscastle is a fabulous treat for Regency fans everywhere.

DNF 53%

I could finish this book but I feel like I won't give it more than 2 stars and reading it has been very tiring and boring.
We have a very good concept here, a captain who sees himself as an heir and doesn't know anything about the life of an aristocrat, I thought this part of following him learning and questioning things was really cool.
But the rest of the book was not so good, the writing was tiring and too detailed, really there is so much unnecessary detail, besides being confusing, we change characters without warning and we go from one scene to another without any cuts (but this can be because of my e-copy).
The definitive point for me to abandon this reading was the romance, it was very poorly constructed, the couple Don't even have 3 direct interactions and are already in love.
I thought they have chemistry but lack development.
When I read a period/romantic novel, I read for the romance.
I knew I wouldn't want to continue this reading, mainly because I came to a part where the author brings an unnecessary plot to not leave the couple together.

Thank you to Netgalley and Allison & Busby for access to this arc.

Even though there are actually two romances in the book, the feel of it is more a historical fiction rather than a romance. It’s very period, there is no sex, just holding a loved one’s hand is thrilling, and wow the MC ought to have considered the source when taking comments about another person to heart. I had thought that there would be more tension around the terms of the will but frankly this soon faded into the background and wasn’t referred to very much.

One thing that I liked is that even though Athelney proposes to Eleanor fairly quickly, he is honest about not having fallen in love with her then and she is honest in not expecting it. Her main reason for refusing him though, is that she doesn’t feel herself equal to his new rank and doesn’t want to be thought of as an encroaching woman-on-the-make. After that, sadly, these two allow the poisoned words of someone they should realize doesn’t have their best interests at heart to direct their behavior. There are some other reasons given but sheesh, I wanted to shake Eleanor especially. Athelney maintains his cool but Eleanor often descends into peevishness and would cut her nose off to spite her face.

I found myself enjoying the other romance far more. Harry Bitton is an honest, hardworking man who is determined to give good value for his salary. He takes his responsibilities seriously and is delighted to discover in the vicar an old friend from his school days. In Anne Greenham, Harry finds the delight of his heart. Anne is sweet but also capable and proves herself worthy of heroine status. Harry is so overcome with self doubt that he is deserving of her that it takes the combined effort of Athelney resorting to sounding like a post captain on his quarterdeck and the vicar exasperatingly giving his blessing to reach a charming proposal scene.

Another nice aspect to the story is how Athelney takes to his new status. He is no mere gadabout Lord but someone who is determined to learn his new duties and who views them seriously. When he is fed certain misinformation, he also never changes his view of Eleanor either unlike some romance heroes I’ve read. Kudos that the servants and villagers are written as real people with concerns rather than just mere shadowy background figures.

I wish I had liked the main romance more but here it is the “secondary” one that carries the story. There were hints of a possible third relationship brewing – that ultimately led nowhere – which I wished had reached fruition. I did heave a sigh of relief that there weren’t historical errors or at least none that I noticed. This is the first Holloway book I’ve read but I will be keeping my eye open for more. B-

It is a truth universally acknowledged that I am completely in love with so many books in this genre, and KINGSCASTLE by Sophia Holloway is no exception!

When Captain William Hawksmoor finds himself swapping his independent life of the Royal Navy to become a Marquis, it alters his world in so many ways - the right clothes he must wear, the right places he must frequent, and having staff to cater to his every need. But none of those things shocked him as much as the stipulation in the will that states he must marry to keep his inheritance. With his formidable Aunt who is determined that her quiet daughter must be his bride, William has no doubt that they would make each other miserable, and when he cannot help but be captivated by his Aunt's companion, Eleanor, trouble is on the way.

With a stunning setting, engaging characters, and plenty of charm and wit to capture your imagination, KINGSCASTLE by Sophia Holloway is sure to please historical romance and Regency fans everywhere.
William is quick-witted, sharp, and likeable, and Eleanor is intelligent and feisty which I loved. There are plenty of characters in this story and they really add that something extra to the overall feeling and depth of this romance, and I became connected to their stories too.
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​I thoroughly enjoyed KINGSCASTLE and I look forward to reading more from Sophia Holloway.

This is classically styled historical fiction with a historical romance thread that is integral but not the main emphasis of the plot. A naval officer becomes an unexpected Marquis after several deaths in the family line. The legacy has a marriage and heir clause that the incumbent must fulfil within a given time. There is a good sense of period and place in this story. The historical details and dialogue are authentically written and draw the reader into the Regency world.

The romance is engaging but shares the plot with the ambitious aunt. Whilst this reflects the society of the time, it is frustrating for true romantics. If you enjoy classic Regency romance and pertinent exploration of Regency society, this story does this well.

I received a copy of this book from Allison and Busby via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I liked both the main characters William Hawksmoor and Eleanor. But for me the show was stolen by the secondary characters and their romance. Which built nicely and we were with them every step of the way. Whereas the main two spent too much time apart or at odds with each other. It was nice to read about someone who didn't want to be a Lord for a change as well and the awful Lady Willoughby who was almost comical at times.

I received this ebook from netgallery in exchange for an honest review as given above

The younger son of a youngest son, Captain William Hawksmoor of the Royal Navy never expected to inherit a marquisate, and is none too pleased when he does so, especially when he learns that the he is required to marry within a year or be forever dealing with Trustees. As the new Marquis of Athelney, he takes command of Kingscastle, the family seat, and discovers much to be done to set it in order. There is also his aunt, Lady Willoughby Hawksmoor, determined that her timid daughter should be the next marchioness. When she discovers he is far more interested in Eleanor Burgess, her under-paid and much put-upon companion, Lady Willoughby will stop at nothing to keep them apart.
This is the first book I’ve read by the author & I thought it a well written enjoyable book. The characters were well portrayed & had depth, the pace was good & kept my interest all the way through. I did feel that I didn’t get to know William & Eleanor as much as I wanted to & felt they took bit of a back seat, I also felt a little chemistry was missing but they only met on a few occasions. The secondary characters were interesting & in some ways became the lead. I found Lady Willoughby very meddling, but she was supposed to be. There were misunderstandings, manipulations & I enjoyed the roads to HEAs
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

A fresh, yet old fashioned read.

Yes, its an oxymoron, but its true. There is a lovely old fashioned historical sense to this book and it works, yet its fresh as well. Captain William Hawksmoor just unexpectedly inherited a title (and all that entails). His dissolute cousin of the same name, sans the Captain. Captain William is the most decent sort of chap and while he must wed, he will make his own choice (not his aunt, who is horrible). I really thought William was a great character, navigating new waters, and props for not being a rake.

Eleanor is the paid companion to William's aunt. She is the sort that is over looked, But William wants a strong woman as a wife (in an ode to Persuasion) as his navy background has taught him. They are a good match.

This book was a quick and engaging read and its a recommend with lot's of nods to Jane Austin. I will look for more books by this author.

Kingscastle was a novel I was hoping to love more than I actually did. The first few chapters hooked me then left me to drift slowly through an incredibly dull romance. I would have preferred more interactions between Athelney and Eleanor and some swoon worthy moments. Instead, they were often at odds which did not feel very romantic. The secondary characters romance overshadowed the main love interests. Also, Lady Willoughby cruelness took up too much conversation in the story.

Eye catching cover and the Bridgerton reference in the description drew me to this novel.

Thank NetGally and Allison & Busby for the complimentary copy.

Kingscastle is a story about William, a naval officer who has gained a title, and Eleanor a companion. I was really looking forward to this book, the description sounds like something I would absolutely adore. However, there was so much jumping around from everyone's POV that it was a struggle to keep up. The chemistry was was also nonexistent. I really wanted to like this story, but it just didn't do it for me.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I liked this book, It focused around a Naval Officer becoming a Marquis and how he tries to get a wife. He needs this wife to fulfill the demands of his uncles will.

For me this book was incredibly slow moving. Some books are easy to read but honestly it took me about a week to get to 50% and then after that it started picking up. It was a great period piece and there was some interesting parts but overall I would not read this again or recommend it.

I love Regencies, and this has been one on my to-read list for a long time! I like the unique plot, and am just thankful that Netgalley continually has very well-written Regency novels posted here. Thanks!

I, absolutely could not put this down once I started. Yes I did receive this book early in exchange for an honest review. Best historical fiction I’ve read all year. Yes I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a goodhistorical fiction with a bit of romance.added.

A typical regency romance, and a first introduction to this author for me. I found the story a bit slow but was worth persevering with. Good storyline and character interaction.

From the navy to being a Lord and a marriage stipulation.

This book had a bit of a Cinderella story component to it. Evil Mrs. Willoughby basically locking up Miss Burgess and threatening pretty much everyone.

I liked the overall plot and especially liked seeing the humility of the characters in their interactions with the townfolk (minus the evil Aunt). Lord Athelney really proved himself to be a good man throughout.

I think the start and ending of the book was strong, but I felt like the middle dragged on a bit with too many Mrs. Willoughby escapades.

Overall I enjoyed the slow burn romance and cast of characters.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

As promised, this Regency romance is 100% in the style of Georgette Heyer. However, it lacks Heyer's sparkling engagement. I wasn't getting very clear connections from Athelney or Eleanor; they didn't prompt me to care one way or another about their lives or romance. Everything was very mild except for the aunt, who was over the top villainous. It was actually too much for the otherwise simple storyline. Love the cover and the premise, not so happy with the execution.

A well done Jane Austen-esque romance filled with too much pride, prejudice, sense and sensibility and a really horrible villain that will make every reader wish for a beat down. The hero is really well done. A sensible military man who is elevated to a title and the main heroine that reminded of all my favorite Jane Austen heroines in all the best ways. The plot is very self contained which allows the readers to get to know that characters and root for their love stories. The story is swoony and fun and everyone gets their HEA! I look forward to reading more from this author.

Never a dull moment with this witty Regency literary dish full of ingredients straight out of the best of Jane Austen & Georgette Heyer's recipes, a scintillating comedy of errors brilliantly written and cleverly plotted.

William Hawksmoor, a naval captain, inherites unexpectedly of a vast estate (Kingscastle), a title (marquis of Athelney) but unfortunately everything comes with a caveat:
Our hero must find a wife within a year in order to keep his inheritance....

Well as you can easily imagine mayhem ensues with lots of mistaken assumptions, an old cantankerous aunt with a nasty tongue & a treasure trove of evil intentions, lots of virginal desires & plenty of tears, appalling winter weather with lots of snow and some unforgettable scenes from a memorable flood, and last but not least, lots of laughing out loud moments😂😂😂 for the lucky reader!!

It was obvious from the start that the author had spent a really marvellous time writing this very entertaining and joyful romp. With a cast of very colorful characters and loads of hilarious verbal pyrotechnics, Kingscastle made my day, keeping me at times in stitches and brightening up a very dreary November day!

Higly recommended, this delicious and funny comedy deserves to be enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Allison & Busby for this terrific ARC

I didn't quite end up enjoying this as much as I hoped I would based on the reference to it being similar to Bridgeton. It moved a little too slowly for me and I didn't find myself particularly invested in any of the characters. That said, I did enjoy the writing style and it was fun to see each of the characters fall into new, unexpected roles as the novel progressed. A decently entertaining read for anyone who's into historical fiction, especially romances.

I received this book from publisher Allison & Busby via NetGalley – views remain my own.

I really, really wanted to like this more than I did. I’ve been picking up more and more Romance recently, and largely really enjoying them. I just love a book that gives you those warm feels and a desperate desire for a HEA between the characters.

This book didn’t quite reach that point for me.

Captain William Hawksmoor inherits Kingscastle after the deaths of his cousin and uncle. As part of the Royal Navy, he takes to the role as Marquis of Athelney as if he were commanding a ship, even with the condition he is to marry within a year of the inheritance, put in the will in an attempt to force his unruly cousin to settle down. But William finds himself contending with his aunt, Lady Willoughby Hawksmoor, determined her daughter will be his wife, and desperately trying to keep William away from Eleanor Burgess, her companion. Surrounded by a cast of characters, including William’s long-suffering cousin, the local vicar and his sister, and an old navy friend, the setup for the romance and William adapting to his role made me keen to check this out.

The book jumped around a lot, shifting from one character’s POV to another so much it became hard to keep track. It also meant a lot of the characterisation was disjointed, and there were moments when it felt like we were reading things from one character’s POV only to realise we’re actually in another’s. There was also very little interaction between the main couple, which meant their romance felt a bit flimsy, especially in contrast to the secondary couple, who had some excellent moments together. Eleanor is portrayed as an intelligent woman, undeserving of the treatment she gets from her employer, and yet despite knowing – quite blatantly – that said employer is trying to keep her and William apart, she still takes Lady Hawksmoor’s word for any situation involving him?

The ‘misunderstandings’ between the pair err on the side of forced, and pretty much all stem from the same source, and it’s really difficult to understand why any of the characters even believe anything Lady Hawksmoor says. As a villain, too, she’s extremely over the top, completely without any real nuance, and she’s just evil and nasty for the sake of being evil and nasty.

Like I said, the secondary characters were much more entertaining to read, and there were some really, truly tender moments between them. William comes across as way too ‘nice’ most of the time, almost too good, and again, he lacks nuance. The only time he seems not to be is when dealing with echoes of his cousin’s past, the people who approach him regarding this, in which case he is eager to judge and shame, and these scenes themselves don’t really have much of an impact on the overall plot.

This book would have benefited from a more consistent structure with the characters, and a bit more time spent within their heads. Something I normally love about Romances is how deeply you can come to know the characters, but that’s something that, unfortunately, is not achieved as well as it could be in Kingscastle.