Lisa H. Catmull

Cowboys and Jane Austen! Loved this second book in the Jane Austen Vacation Club series! This book takes enemies to lovers to a whole new level. The “bickerflirting” was amazing and had me grinning with each witty barb! It’s a funny, sweet romcom that sizzles.

Lucy is a Regency romance writer headed to a writing retreat at an exclusive new Jane Austen themed resort in Loveland, Colorado. On the way, she meets a handsome cowboy who intrigues her from the start, until she figures out that he’s her chief writing rival who works for the same publishing company.

Ryder Hawk and his fellow cowboy Western writers are headed for a writing retreat at a dude ranch next to the Hartfield resort. Carole, the owner of the publishing company has a devious plan to put the two writing groups together with plenty of activities at both resorts ranging from Regency dances to fly fishing. As the writers compete for contracts, the competition brings out the best and worst.

Lucy & Ryder are flirty enemies who make the sparks fly! I loved their banter. Ryder’s playful use of various terms of endearment had me laughing and smiling. He rarely calls Lucy by her first name, it’s always darling, sweetheart, etc. just to get under her skin. They also come up with swoonworthy bets that push them both to their limits.

This fun, clean romcom had me laughing, blushing at some of the antics, and swooning with passionate kisses under the stars. There’re also plenty of Jane Austen references & allusions to Pride and Prejudice and other favorites to please historical romance fans.

Highly recommend! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Though it’s the second book, it can definitely be read as a standalone. I received a complimentary copy from the author, but also purchased a copy through KU. All opinions are completely my own & voluntarily given.… (more)

Regency Therapy by Lisa H. Catmull might be the flirtiest book ever. Do not read it unless you are in the mood for all the romance. I enjoyed the sharp banter between Ryder and Lucy. Like the Jane Austen inspired setting, the phrases had a smart wit that felt Austenesque. The snappy flirtation held my attention from the beginning and introduced me to the term “bickerflirting” which aptly described Lucy and Ryder’s communication, especially in the early part of their relationship.

Aside from the flirting, Regency Therapy held good romantic tension while staying in the swoony-but-wholesome category. The story was extremely enjoyable as the writers interacted and competed to secure book contracts. I found the big climax a bit confusing (as did Lucy, who is the first-person POV narrator). What actually happened was explained later. Still, Lucy and Ryder eventually found their way to the expected happily-ever-after which made me close the book with a smile in my heart.

Regency Therapy by Lisa H. Catmull is the first full-length novel in The Jane Austen Vacation Club series and worked fine as a standalone story. I read the prequel novella, Matchmaking Therapy, which detailed how the Hartfield Regency Resort came to be, but the prequel is not necessary to read prior to Regency Therapy. I enjoyed so much about Regency Therapy, including aspects I did not have space to discuss here. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series. Four Stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.… (more)

I enjoyed Lisa Catmull’s historical romances and was excited to give one of her romcoms a try. I was not disappointed! This cute, sweet novella is the prequel to The Jane Austen Vacation Club series. It introduces Britni and Axel and shares how the Hartfield Regency Resort got started.

On the eve of graduating from her prestigious Colorado drama school, Britni is embarrassed and heartbroken when her boyfriend Kirk and supposed friend Ashley announce their engagement. Devastated, upset, and wanting to get revenge, she announces that she’s starting her own Regency resort based on Austenland in Loveland, Colorado.

When her ex-boyfriend calls her bluff and suggests a party at the resort, Brit has to scramble to make it a reality. She finds the perfect location, but the only problem is the owner. When she meets the surly, handsome guy giving off major skater vibes, there’s definitely an attraction there, but “Axel” doesn’t want to sell. Will she be able to convince him in time to get her resort up and running before her classmates and ex-boyfriend come to visit?

Thoroughly enjoyed this peek at a clever new series. I’m a sucker for all things Jane Austen and I enjoyed this modern romcom novella based on her characters. It’s easily read in one sitting and really made me look forward to the first book in the series.… (more)