Ashtyn Newbold

If you're a fan of this genre, let me just tell you that this book is the real deal.

I absolutely couldn't stop reading it from about the halfway mark clear to the end.

I loved what Ashtyn Newbold did with her plot. It subverted my expectations, because I don't always enjoy the trope where the guy and the girl are at odds. But in this story, instead of watching a widening gulf between two people who proudly snipe at each other, you get really beautiful themes of forgiveness and friendship and show more transformation. A book that leaves you happy.

Plot outline:
Michael Cavinder is eager to prove his worth as a painter, taking over his dying father's business. And Patience Hansford is desperate to be valued within her own family, despite being "less beautiful" than her sister. Patience commissions Michael to paint her portrait, in hopes that it will be deemed worthy enough by her father to be displayed next to the other family portraits. Everything seems promising... until a series of chance events leaves Michael with the rejected portrait on his hands and a failed business, and Patience the object of virtually everyone's derision, including her fiance.

At first glance, they've ruined each other's lives. Or, maybe, some captivating storytelling will reveal that just the opposite is true... show less

A compelling story in the marriage of convenience category, with a dose of "reforming the bad boy" thrown in. (Except he's not really that bad.)
I stayed up way too late reading this one.
The journey towards a marriage of convenience becoming all but imperative to Jack and Louisa is entertaining, but also unlikely and crazy (in the best way). There's lots of potential peril, a marked chemistry between them, and plenty of light-hearted moments and humor to take the edge off the dramatic bits. I show more found the villains to be rather stock characters that exist for the sole purpose of causing trouble, but fortunately they don't get to monopolize the story.
I did have to laugh at Louisa's de facto guardian and friend Matthew immediately deciding that Jack would be the perfect husband for her, completely brushing aside his unsavory reputation, rumor-laden past, and um, problem with alcohol. Matthew, at least make an attempt to vet this guy! (Just kidding. The plot needed it. I am happy to occasionally give a pass to Regency-love-story-logic when it creates an interesting setup!)

My favorite in the Larkhall Letters series so far, and possibly my favorite Ashtyn Newbold book. show less

There’s no telling how many times I laughed out loud while reading Mischief & Manors by Ashtyn Newbold. Flowing humor integrated into the family atmosphere at Kellaway Manor whether it was banter between Owen and Annette, the mischief of Annette’s young brothers, or the antics of Grandma.

Beyond the humor, the steady romance between Annette and Owen kept me turning the pages of Mischief & Manors. I loved the witty teasing, delightful flirtation, and swoony moments. As their growing show more affection faced obstacles from within and without, tension mounted until the beautiful blossoming of their love.

Mischief & Manors stands as Ashtyn Newbold’s debut novel, but it is my personal favorite out of the ones I have read by her. I found the book highly enjoyable and look forward to reading more novels by this author. 4.5 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. show less

This was an easy one to get pulled into, with an endearingly unlikely marriage of convenience popping up almost immediately. The ensuing complications of a groom who is "guaranteed" to die soon and leave his bride a wealthy widow are not exactly surprising. But it's enjoyable escape reading, and if it sounds like your kind of thing, it probably is.

I do have to laugh a bit at the fact that the plot hinges on the opinion of a doctor who, clearly, should in no way be practicing medicine.