The Unwanted Suitor by Michelle Pennington

Synopsis:

When Cornelia Greystock received a proposal from Sir James Hawkston, she couldn’t bear it. It had been inspired, she knew, from pity and remorse—not love. Unable to face him afterward, she leaped at an offer of employment from the Countess, Lady Du’Breven. Serving as her companion, Cornelia struggles to adjust to the change in her social status, but the hard work distracts her from her broken heart. That is, until the Countess decides to hold a summer house party at her family estate and invites Sir James.

Sir James has never recovered from his disappointment when Miss Greystock refused his proposal and then fled, according to her family, to live with an unheard-of aunt in Ireland. When he grudgingly accepts an invitation to Lady Du’Breven’s house party, however, he is astounded to find Miss Greystock there. One thing is certain—this time he’ll court her the way he always should have. He is almost certain she returns his feelings, but he must tread carefully. If she refuses his proposal a second time, it would not be gentlemanly to ask a third. As time grows short and she continues to hold him at arms-length, will he find a way to at last win her hand?

My Review: 5 Stars

Miss Cornelia Greystock has secretly been in love with her neighbor, Sir James Hawkston for a long time. She did not think that she would ever catch his eye, so she set her sights on his younger brother. But when Timothy professed himself to be in love with her, Sir James made arrangements for him to be betrothed to a wealthy heiress from Bath and ruined her hopes of marriage. So imagine Cornelia's shock when Sir James proposes to her out of pity. She turns him down and flees her home, unable to face him every day. 

She finds herself employed as a companion to Countess Du'Breven. Struggling to adjust to her new social standing, she throws herself into her work in hopes that someday her broken heart will heal. When the Countess decides to throw a summer house party, Cornelia finds herself splitting the duties of hostess with her. While reading the names of who'll be attending, Cornelia is shocked to see Sir James' name on the list. She will need to do her best to keep her feelings from showing. He cannot know that she still loves with him. 

Sir James Hawkston does not know what in the world possessed him to say yes to attending Countess Du'Breven's summer house party. He's still trying to recover from his rejected proposal. He can't believe how bad he messed everything up. When he arrives at Somerstone, he's shocked to see that Cornelia is employed with the Countess and not off living with some distant aunt like he was told. 

Things are starting to look up for Sir James. Now he'll have a second chance at courting Cornelia and showing her just how much he loves her. But with her new social standing, it's not going to be easy. He'll have to convince her that being a Lady's companion is not what life has in store for her. She deserves a happily ever after and he won't stop until he gives it to her.  

*dreamy sigh* 

Oh my gosh! You guys! I absolutely LOVED The Unwanted Suitor! I was sucked in from the very beginning and devoured it in just a couple of hours! I adored both Cornelia and James. They were perfect for each other! I did NOT want the book to end! I knew going in that it was a novella but I was secretly hoping it would magically turn into a full length novel! A girl can dream, right?! If you're looking for a cute, fun afternoon read and are a fan of regency, then I highly recommend this one! You can thank me later... ;) 

This was the first book in the Regency House Party Somerstone series and I already know I will be reading the other books! I want to know what other scheming the Countess Du'Breven has been up to! 

Ms. Pennington has quickly become a favorite of mine! I'm definitely looking forward to what she has in store for us next!

And my review just wouldn't be complete without my casting! I adore these two! What do you think?!