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Goode's Guide to Misconduct #0.5
Nice Earls Do
The prequel novella to a new series that offers a modern twist on the genre, from Susanna Craig, one of the most acclaimed voices in Regency romance. Will appeal to fans of Ella Quinn, Sabrina Jeffries, and those who love faster-paced, innovative historical romance featuring strong women.
Award-winning author Susanna Craig launches a new Regency series, based around a daring new ladies’ magazine, with this sparkling novella about old friends—and new secrets...
To readers of her popular magazine, Goode’s Guide to Misconduct, “Mrs. Goode” is an expert in all domestic matters. Household management, home décor, entertainment... there is nothing about which she lacks an opinion. Who better to assist the Earl of Bennett, newly appointed guardian to his niece and nephew, in turning his house into a home?
The widowed Lady Manwaring is the farthest thing from a domestic doyenne, so when asked to pose as Mrs. Goode on behalf of the book’s true author, she warily agrees. On arrival, she’s surprised to discover that Lord Bennett is actually her childhood friend, Kit Killigrew. Tabetha might be an imposter, but her attraction to Kit is all too real...
After years separated from the woman of his dreams, Kit’s eager to do more than play house. Will Tabetha’s big reveal ruin everything, or lay the foundation for true love?
Award-winning author Susanna Craig launches a new Regency series, based around a daring new ladies’ magazine, with this sparkling novella about old friends—and new secrets...
To readers of her popular magazine, Goode’s Guide to Misconduct, “Mrs. Goode” is an expert in all domestic matters. Household management, home décor, entertainment... there is nothing about which she lacks an opinion. Who better to assist the Earl of Bennett, newly appointed guardian to his niece and nephew, in turning his house into a home?
The widowed Lady Manwaring is the farthest thing from a domestic doyenne, so when asked to pose as Mrs. Goode on behalf of the book’s true author, she warily agrees. On arrival, she’s surprised to discover that Lord Bennett is actually her childhood friend, Kit Killigrew. Tabetha might be an imposter, but her attraction to Kit is all too real...
After years separated from the woman of his dreams, Kit’s eager to do more than play house. Will Tabetha’s big reveal ruin everything, or lay the foundation for true love?
91 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2022
About the author
Susanna Craig
22 books473 followersAlmost as soon as she could hold a pencil, Susanna Craig began writing stories. Today, she pens award-winning Regency-era romance novels that blend history and heart with a dash of heat. An English professor, wife, and mom, she’s currently finding her happily ever after in Kentucky while holding onto her Midwestern roots. Find her online at http://www.susannacraig.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
December 27, 2022
Nice Earls Do by Susanna Craig
Prequel novella, 0.5, to the upcoming series, Goode’s Guide to Misconduct. Historical romance novella.
Beth agrees to pose as Mrs Goode, a decorator, to help her step-son keep his identity a secret from the publisher and public. Neither expected that Lord Bennett is her childhood friend and lost love. He knows Beth couldn’t care less about drapery and furniture
An adorable second chance romance for the couple that didn’t have a choice in their youth. Their situations are very different now and their love is still alive. Oliver is so sweet and obviously knows his craft.
This romance series sounds promising with a bit of humor. Maybe a bit of a take away from the mysterious writer of Bridgerton fame, with a nicer intent and slant from the writing perspective. I look forward to trying this new upcoming series.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Prequel novella, 0.5, to the upcoming series, Goode’s Guide to Misconduct. Historical romance novella.
Beth agrees to pose as Mrs Goode, a decorator, to help her step-son keep his identity a secret from the publisher and public. Neither expected that Lord Bennett is her childhood friend and lost love. He knows Beth couldn’t care less about drapery and furniture
An adorable second chance romance for the couple that didn’t have a choice in their youth. Their situations are very different now and their love is still alive. Oliver is so sweet and obviously knows his craft.
This romance series sounds promising with a bit of humor. Maybe a bit of a take away from the mysterious writer of Bridgerton fame, with a nicer intent and slant from the writing perspective. I look forward to trying this new upcoming series.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
January 2, 2023
A fun little series starter from Susanna Craig! We really enjoyed the mature couple (he's 45, she's 41) and the setup. This is short even for a novella, and we would have loved just a little more development of the conflict, but it does its job and we're ready for the next books in the series.
16-Word Summaries:
Laine: Hints from Heloise but sexy and Heloise is your former love but it's actually her stepson.
Meg: Beth is pretending to be someone she’s not. Of course Kit sees through ALL her disguises.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
16-Word Summaries:
Laine: Hints from Heloise but sexy and Heloise is your former love but it's actually her stepson.
Meg: Beth is pretending to be someone she’s not. Of course Kit sees through ALL her disguises.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
October 30, 2022
I didn't realise this was a novella when I requested the ARC. I tend to avoid them as they lack details and depth that I usually value. Even by novella standards, this one is low in both. The second-chance romance developed over a matter of hours, from the time they meet again after 2 decades apart to the misunderstanding to the declaration of love and eventual consummation. It would only have taken a few more pages to spread the action over a couple of days at least. The author's prose is more superior than most so for that, I have marked it up.
ARC from Netgalley.
ARC from Netgalley.
November 17, 2022
What a wonderful introduction to a new series! I loved these characters so much I would’ve devoured a full-length novel. This take on a second chance romance was superbly done. Both MCs fell for each other growing up, but circumstances pulled them apart at no fault of either party. When the FMC showed up at the doorstep of the MMC (and a new unlikely heir) some 20 years later, they were quickly and irrevocably inseparable. The love story was tender and the immediate family both acquired pulled at my heart strings!
Steam: 🔥
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the advance reader copy. All thoughts are my own.
Steam: 🔥
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the advance reader copy. All thoughts are my own.
November 28, 2022
Tabetha, Dowager Viscountess Manwaring is certainly no expert in the rules of homemaking and domesticity, but when she's asked to pose as the famed expert Mrs. Goode to protect the true author's identity, she agrees. When she arrives at the home Mrs. Goode is meant to redecorate a nursery for, she is flummoxed to find that the Earl of Stalbridge, the client, is her childhood friend, Kit Killigrew. Beth is pretending to be someone she's not, but she can't hide her attraction to Kit.
Kit has spent half a lifetime apart from the woman he's always loved. Now that they're reunited, he's keen to do much more than just redecorate his home.
This was a great take on second chance for me. Likely because this is a short novella to set up a new series, there is very little time spent dwelling on the past or missed time and Kit and Beth waste no time getting together and discussing their feelings. Our hero and heroine are older and not keen to spend any more time apart and I just ate it up. I also adored Beth's relationship with her stepson, Oliver, and I can't wait to see more of him. This was a fun, low angst read and I'm excited for the new series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Kit has spent half a lifetime apart from the woman he's always loved. Now that they're reunited, he's keen to do much more than just redecorate his home.
This was a great take on second chance for me. Likely because this is a short novella to set up a new series, there is very little time spent dwelling on the past or missed time and Kit and Beth waste no time getting together and discussing their feelings. Our hero and heroine are older and not keen to spend any more time apart and I just ate it up. I also adored Beth's relationship with her stepson, Oliver, and I can't wait to see more of him. This was a fun, low angst read and I'm excited for the new series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
November 18, 2022
Thank you, Kensington Books/Zebra Books and Netgalley, for a free copy of the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ms Craig is another new-to-me author. This is a sweet, second-chance romance novella. I like her writing style; it's easy to read, and it has concise wording. The characters could be more fleshed out, but it's still good, considering the min word count. The whole premise tends to be modernized, though ( a peer of the realm as an interior designer?). It's the norm, I suppose, when it comes to new offerings in historical romance.
This prequel novella is an excellent set-up for the next book in this series.
Would I consider reading another book by Ms Craig? Definitely. This was a pleasant read.
Ms Craig is another new-to-me author. This is a sweet, second-chance romance novella. I like her writing style; it's easy to read, and it has concise wording. The characters could be more fleshed out, but it's still good, considering the min word count. The whole premise tends to be modernized, though ( a peer of the realm as an interior designer?). It's the norm, I suppose, when it comes to new offerings in historical romance.
This prequel novella is an excellent set-up for the next book in this series.
Would I consider reading another book by Ms Craig? Definitely. This was a pleasant read.
January 1, 2023
Tabetha “Beth” Cantwell, the widowed Viscountess Manwaring is finally free after twenty years of marriage to a difficult man, she isn’t sure what she wants to do with the rest of her life, but is pretty sure marriage isn’t something she needs. She is pondering her choices when her beloved step-son Oliver, the new Viscount Manwaring reveals a shocking secret, he is the wildly famous author of Mrs. Goode’s Guide to Homekeeping and his publisher is demanding that Mrs. Goode help a bachelor gentleman prepare his nursery for the unexpected arrival of his new wards. Beth doesn’t understand the problem until Oliver reveals that his publisher believes that Mrs. Goode is a real person and has no idea that Oliver is actually the author. If he refuses to go, his publisher is threatening to refuse to publish the companion guide Oliver has been writing. Without a second thought, Beth offers to go to Hertfordshire as Mrs. Goode and Oliver can accompany her under the guise of her assistant.
Kit Killigrew never expected to become an earl, he grew up the eldest son of a land steward and studied law. But as with so many things in his life, things didn’t go as planned. First, he lost the only woman he ever loved – without ever telling her, then his father died, leaving Kit with the care of his mother and younger brother Edmund. After one too many stunts, Kit exiled Edmund to Italy, where he died and now almost a year later, Kit learns that his wife also passed and Kit is the guardian of his niece and nephew. Never having married and spending the last few years trying to sort out the mismanaged earldom, Kit is unprepared for children, but his housekeeper has a plan – she reached out to the publisher of Mrs. Goode’s Guide to Homekeeping and begged for help. And to Kit’s complete shock, not only is Mrs. Goode in his home, but she is Beth Holt – the woman he loved and lost. He can’t believe his luck, to have a second chance at love is something he never thought would happen, but could Beth ever return his feelings, or is it too late?
This was a well-written, fun novella featuring a sweet, second-chance romance. Beth had no idea that Kit had loved her and never really thought of him in that way, especially since his father was her father’s steward and her father would never let her marry him. But she considered him a dear friend and secretly found him handsome. She is thrilled to see him again but has to keep Oliver’s secret – which means she can’t be completely honest with Kit. And that secret will lead to misassumptions that could cost them a HEA. Overall, this was a charming novella that vaguely sets up the new series. I did think the romance was a little rushed, but it was still sweet and I hope to read more about their HEA in future installments of the series.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
Kit Killigrew never expected to become an earl, he grew up the eldest son of a land steward and studied law. But as with so many things in his life, things didn’t go as planned. First, he lost the only woman he ever loved – without ever telling her, then his father died, leaving Kit with the care of his mother and younger brother Edmund. After one too many stunts, Kit exiled Edmund to Italy, where he died and now almost a year later, Kit learns that his wife also passed and Kit is the guardian of his niece and nephew. Never having married and spending the last few years trying to sort out the mismanaged earldom, Kit is unprepared for children, but his housekeeper has a plan – she reached out to the publisher of Mrs. Goode’s Guide to Homekeeping and begged for help. And to Kit’s complete shock, not only is Mrs. Goode in his home, but she is Beth Holt – the woman he loved and lost. He can’t believe his luck, to have a second chance at love is something he never thought would happen, but could Beth ever return his feelings, or is it too late?
This was a well-written, fun novella featuring a sweet, second-chance romance. Beth had no idea that Kit had loved her and never really thought of him in that way, especially since his father was her father’s steward and her father would never let her marry him. But she considered him a dear friend and secretly found him handsome. She is thrilled to see him again but has to keep Oliver’s secret – which means she can’t be completely honest with Kit. And that secret will lead to misassumptions that could cost them a HEA. Overall, this was a charming novella that vaguely sets up the new series. I did think the romance was a little rushed, but it was still sweet and I hope to read more about their HEA in future installments of the series.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
December 23, 2022
A sweet, short novella and a charming intro to a new series from Craig! I really enjoyed that this was about two characters who skew slightly older as well — a refreshing change of pace from other historicals — and wouldn’t have minded if as a longer story, but this lays the groundwork really nicely for the rest of the series too.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 28, 2022
A novella to kick off a new series. Kit, the new Earl of Stalbridge, is now the guardian of his niece and nephew. Lady Manwaring’s stepson Oliver is actually the author of the Mrs. Goode household management books and has been ordered by his publisher to help Kit prepare for the arrival of his wayward brother’s children. Tabetha agrees to pose as Mrs. Goode and it turns out the earl is the one who got away.
It’s sweet but ultimate flat and simple, even for a novella. There is zero conflict. Brevity is expected in a novella, but this could’ve had more depth. Or any depth. The writing is good, so I’d skip this and just jump into the new series.
I received an arc from NetGalley
It’s sweet but ultimate flat and simple, even for a novella. There is zero conflict. Brevity is expected in a novella, but this could’ve had more depth. Or any depth. The writing is good, so I’d skip this and just jump into the new series.
I received an arc from NetGalley
December 24, 2022
To readers of her popular book Mrs. Goode’s Guide to Homekeeping, “Mrs. Goode” is an expert in all domestic matters. Household management, home décor & entertainment . Who better to assist the Earl of Stalbridge, newly appointed guardian to his niece and nephew, in turning his house into a home? The widowed Lady Manwaring is the farthest thing from a domestic doyenne, so when asked to pose as Mrs. Goode on behalf of the book’s true author, she warily agrees. On arrival, she’s surprised to discover that Lord Stalbridge is actually her childhood friend, Kit Killigrew.
A quick, well written read which is an introduction to a new series. Things moved quickly, the characters had good depth & were likeable. No mystery just a charming second chance romance which sets up the series very well indeed
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A quick, well written read which is an introduction to a new series. Things moved quickly, the characters had good depth & were likeable. No mystery just a charming second chance romance which sets up the series very well indeed
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 16, 2023
I can’t wait for this series….
If this novella is any indication, Goode’s Guide to Misconduct is going to be another great series from Susannah Craig!
I absolutely adored this story. It’s second chance romance between two friends who meet again after 20 years apart. It’s quick moving and so very lovely. I want more of Tabetha & Kit!!
If this novella is any indication, Goode’s Guide to Misconduct is going to be another great series from Susannah Craig!
I absolutely adored this story. It’s second chance romance between two friends who meet again after 20 years apart. It’s quick moving and so very lovely. I want more of Tabetha & Kit!!
March 24, 2023
Short but fun. 3 ⭐ RTC
May 7, 2023
This was a ⭐️short, ⭐️quick second chance romance with ⭐️older MCs. The exposition at the beginning and the foundational groundwork for the series toward the end was a bit disruptive, but it managed to end on a sweet note.
December 28, 2022
⚜️Nice Earls Do 📔
Goode's Guide to Misconduct #0.5
✒️ Susanna Craig
https://www.facebook.com/susannacraig...
Release Date 12/27/2022
Publisher Kensington Publishing / Lyrical Press
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YKXGMCH?...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
The prequel novella to a new series that offers a modern twist on the genre, from Susanna Craig, one of the most acclaimed voices in Regency romance. Will appeal to fans of Ella Quinn, Sabrina Jeffries, and those who love faster-paced, innovative historical romance featuring strong women.
To readers of her popular book Mrs. Goode’s Guide to Homekeeping, “Mrs. Goode” is an expert in all domestic matters. Household management, home décor, entertainment . . . there is nothing about which she lacks an opinion. Who better to assist the Earl of Stalbridge, newly appointed guardian to his niece and nephew, in turning his house into a home?
The widowed Lady Manwaring is the farthest thing from a domestic doyenne, so when asked to pose as Mrs. Goode on behalf of the book’s true author, she warily agrees. On arrival, she’s surprised to discover that Lord Stalbridge is actually her childhood friend, Kit Killigrew. Tabetha might be an imposter, but her attraction to Kit is all too real . . .
After years separated from the woman of his dreams, Kit’s eager to do more than play house. Will Tabetha’s big reveal ruin everything, or lay the foundation for true love?
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
A sweet introduction to a new series and a second chance romance.
What not to love about long time estranged childhood friends cross path again with the purpose of making a home for one to orphan children and for the other to protect her stepson’s name.
Kit and Beth never had the time to let the feelings burgeoning between them to come to fruition.
Circumstances and others’ demands tore them apart. Now some two decades later, a chance encounter might the opportunity to explore what was just brewing when they were twenty.
It is a quick read setting the background for the new series with a romance to cement it.
I am still curious about Oliver, the miracle worker, (I so love a beta or omega hero) and if he will appear again in the upcoming series.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scene
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cmrnuk...
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?stor...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #susannacraig #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
Goode's Guide to Misconduct #0.5
✒️ Susanna Craig
https://www.facebook.com/susannacraig...
Release Date 12/27/2022
Publisher Kensington Publishing / Lyrical Press
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YKXGMCH?...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
The prequel novella to a new series that offers a modern twist on the genre, from Susanna Craig, one of the most acclaimed voices in Regency romance. Will appeal to fans of Ella Quinn, Sabrina Jeffries, and those who love faster-paced, innovative historical romance featuring strong women.
To readers of her popular book Mrs. Goode’s Guide to Homekeeping, “Mrs. Goode” is an expert in all domestic matters. Household management, home décor, entertainment . . . there is nothing about which she lacks an opinion. Who better to assist the Earl of Stalbridge, newly appointed guardian to his niece and nephew, in turning his house into a home?
The widowed Lady Manwaring is the farthest thing from a domestic doyenne, so when asked to pose as Mrs. Goode on behalf of the book’s true author, she warily agrees. On arrival, she’s surprised to discover that Lord Stalbridge is actually her childhood friend, Kit Killigrew. Tabetha might be an imposter, but her attraction to Kit is all too real . . .
After years separated from the woman of his dreams, Kit’s eager to do more than play house. Will Tabetha’s big reveal ruin everything, or lay the foundation for true love?
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
A sweet introduction to a new series and a second chance romance.
What not to love about long time estranged childhood friends cross path again with the purpose of making a home for one to orphan children and for the other to protect her stepson’s name.
Kit and Beth never had the time to let the feelings burgeoning between them to come to fruition.
Circumstances and others’ demands tore them apart. Now some two decades later, a chance encounter might the opportunity to explore what was just brewing when they were twenty.
It is a quick read setting the background for the new series with a romance to cement it.
I am still curious about Oliver, the miracle worker, (I so love a beta or omega hero) and if he will appear again in the upcoming series.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scene
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cmrnuk...
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?stor...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #susannacraig #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
December 29, 2022
A lovely prequel to what I am sure is another fantastic series from Susanna Craig. Her Love and Let Spy series is a favorite of mine and I’m excited to see the next book in this story.
April 28, 2024
4.5 stars
Read
March 22, 2024Nice Earls do WHAT though
November 13, 2022
*I was able to read this book early via NetGalley thanks to Kensington Books!*
Nice Earls Do is a quick, lovely novella, the perfect little appetizer to a brand new series.
When Tabetha agreed to help her stepson by posing as the fictional housewife-helper, Mrs. Goode, she didn't count on being thrust into the path of her first love, Kit. And Kit, whose newly orphaned niece and nephew are due to arrive at his home any day, isn't sure he can deal with having Tabetha burst back into his life when everything has been turned upside down. But the pull of a second chance at love might be too difficult for both of them to resist.
Kit and Tabetha are a lovely leading couple. It's not often that you get two characters in their early 40s in romance, and it was a nice change of pace to see them rediscover each other after so many years had passed. Add to that Tabetha's lovingly meddling stepson, Oliver, and this book is fun as well as tender.
The downside to a novella, of course, is that there isn't often time to really dig into the characters, and I would have loved to spend more time with everyone. But all in all, Nice Earls Do is a sweet morsel of a story and has left me excited for the series to kick off in earnest!
3.75/5
Nice Earls Do is a quick, lovely novella, the perfect little appetizer to a brand new series.
When Tabetha agreed to help her stepson by posing as the fictional housewife-helper, Mrs. Goode, she didn't count on being thrust into the path of her first love, Kit. And Kit, whose newly orphaned niece and nephew are due to arrive at his home any day, isn't sure he can deal with having Tabetha burst back into his life when everything has been turned upside down. But the pull of a second chance at love might be too difficult for both of them to resist.
Kit and Tabetha are a lovely leading couple. It's not often that you get two characters in their early 40s in romance, and it was a nice change of pace to see them rediscover each other after so many years had passed. Add to that Tabetha's lovingly meddling stepson, Oliver, and this book is fun as well as tender.
The downside to a novella, of course, is that there isn't often time to really dig into the characters, and I would have loved to spend more time with everyone. But all in all, Nice Earls Do is a sweet morsel of a story and has left me excited for the series to kick off in earnest!
3.75/5
October 17, 2022
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and publisher, Kensington Books, Zebra Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Publishing: December 27, 2022
Series: Goode’s Guide to Misconduct #0.5
Pages: 91
“Nice Earls Do” is the prequel novella in this series. It is also a first time read by Susanna Craig, new author to this reader. This novella started off a bit slow for me but picked up and became a very good start to this series. There is Lady Manwaring who is widowed who has a son, Oliver…of all people is the author of “Good’s Guide to Misconduct”. When she decides to assist her son in a ruse to provide expertise in domestic matters, she ventures to the Earl of Bennett and discovers her childhood friend, Kit Killigrew. A lovely story with a secret and missed opportunity for love…but can uncovering the truth and admitting one’s true feelings amount to love and a HEA?
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Publishing: December 27, 2022
Series: Goode’s Guide to Misconduct #0.5
Pages: 91
“Nice Earls Do” is the prequel novella in this series. It is also a first time read by Susanna Craig, new author to this reader. This novella started off a bit slow for me but picked up and became a very good start to this series. There is Lady Manwaring who is widowed who has a son, Oliver…of all people is the author of “Good’s Guide to Misconduct”. When she decides to assist her son in a ruse to provide expertise in domestic matters, she ventures to the Earl of Bennett and discovers her childhood friend, Kit Killigrew. A lovely story with a secret and missed opportunity for love…but can uncovering the truth and admitting one’s true feelings amount to love and a HEA?
October 22, 2022
I received a copy of this from Netgalley and this is my freely given opinion.
This is a prequel novella to a new series by Susanna Craig.
This is a very short novella and does what it is suppose to do, by whetting the appetite for the new series. I was left feeling a bit dissatisfied by the story and wanting more.
Kit Killigrew, Lord Bennet, inherited his earldom from a distant cousin 4 years prior. This was rather unexpected for a man who grew up the son of a land steward and working as a lawyer. He is a bachelor in his 40s, and it sounds like he is having some mid-life difficulties, having lost his chance at love, and now dealing with the death of his younger brother. He is having some difficulty coping with that as he was estranged from him, and had regrets about that, when he finds out that not only is his brother dead, but he was married, and his wife died not long afterwards, leaving Kit the guardian of two young children, who were on their way to England, to his estate.
Kit is overwhelmed and relies on his housekeeper to help him get his nursery and home ready to receive the children. The housekeeper seeks inspiration in a popular book written by a domestic genius, Mrs. Goode.
Mrs. Goode is actually the alias of Oliver, Lord Manwaring, a young viscount. When his publisher contacts him about helping the Earl with setting up the nursery, he conspires with his widowed stepmother, Tabetha, to act as Mrs. Goode, and he can be her secretary, so they can revamp the space, while keeping his identity a secret.
It is only when they arrive that Tabetha finds out that Lord Bennet is Kit, her childhood friend and son of her father's land steward, and Kit finds out that Mrs. Goode is apparently his lost childhood love, because her family wanted her to wed a title. She ended up in an abusive marriage to a viscount, who was apparently just as abusive to his child, Oliver. As such, she and Oliver formed a lasting bond. However, now that she is widowed, a relationship with Tabitha is within Kit's reach.
This is a sweet second chance love story that has to carry a lot of weight because it is also a convoluted way to start a series about how a scandalous revolutionary female oriented magazine is birthed. I liked the base story and both Tabetha and Kit, but there was a lot of leaps of acceptance because there were gaps in the story because of it's brevity. But it does the job and serves to whet the appetite for what could be in the future... a bit of a stretch, but I am willing to see where it will go.
I do hope there will be some continuity though, because I like the characters and would like to see a bit more to their stories in the future, including more about Oliver and some happiness in his future.
3 stars out of 5
This is a prequel novella to a new series by Susanna Craig.
This is a very short novella and does what it is suppose to do, by whetting the appetite for the new series. I was left feeling a bit dissatisfied by the story and wanting more.
Kit Killigrew, Lord Bennet, inherited his earldom from a distant cousin 4 years prior. This was rather unexpected for a man who grew up the son of a land steward and working as a lawyer. He is a bachelor in his 40s, and it sounds like he is having some mid-life difficulties, having lost his chance at love, and now dealing with the death of his younger brother. He is having some difficulty coping with that as he was estranged from him, and had regrets about that, when he finds out that not only is his brother dead, but he was married, and his wife died not long afterwards, leaving Kit the guardian of two young children, who were on their way to England, to his estate.
Kit is overwhelmed and relies on his housekeeper to help him get his nursery and home ready to receive the children. The housekeeper seeks inspiration in a popular book written by a domestic genius, Mrs. Goode.
Mrs. Goode is actually the alias of Oliver, Lord Manwaring, a young viscount. When his publisher contacts him about helping the Earl with setting up the nursery, he conspires with his widowed stepmother, Tabetha, to act as Mrs. Goode, and he can be her secretary, so they can revamp the space, while keeping his identity a secret.
It is only when they arrive that Tabetha finds out that Lord Bennet is Kit, her childhood friend and son of her father's land steward, and Kit finds out that Mrs. Goode is apparently his lost childhood love, because her family wanted her to wed a title. She ended up in an abusive marriage to a viscount, who was apparently just as abusive to his child, Oliver. As such, she and Oliver formed a lasting bond. However, now that she is widowed, a relationship with Tabitha is within Kit's reach.
This is a sweet second chance love story that has to carry a lot of weight because it is also a convoluted way to start a series about how a scandalous revolutionary female oriented magazine is birthed. I liked the base story and both Tabetha and Kit, but there was a lot of leaps of acceptance because there were gaps in the story because of it's brevity. But it does the job and serves to whet the appetite for what could be in the future... a bit of a stretch, but I am willing to see where it will go.
I do hope there will be some continuity though, because I like the characters and would like to see a bit more to their stories in the future, including more about Oliver and some happiness in his future.
3 stars out of 5
May 14, 2023
Heroine: Tabetha Holt Cantwell, 41. Nickname: Beth. Alias: Mrs. Goode. Widow of Viscount Manwaring. Has a stepson but no biological children after a 21-year marriage.
Hero: Kit Killigrew, 45. Earl of Stalbridge. Unexpectedly inherited the title. His father had been the steward for Beth’s father.
Date: unknown
How they meet: Met off-page as children. Beth’s father forced her to marry a man with a title despite her relationship with Kit.
What happens: Kit’s younger brother dies leaving his young children orphans so Kit agrees to take them in. They have grown up in Italy, so while waiting for their arrival he needs to prepare the nursery. His housekeeper suggests Mrs. Goode, a popular author, as the expert on such matters. Without Kit’s knowledge she writes to the publisher to request Mrs. Goode’s assistance. Mrs. Goode is the pen name of Beth’s stepson. When his publisher pushes for Mrs. Goode to make an appearance, he tells his stepmother. She offers to step in to play the role of Mrs. Goode and her stepson will accompany her as her secretary so he can do the actual designing of the room.
Verdict: This is a cute second chance novella designed to set the stage for a new series. It is pretty short, so there isn’t a ton of character development and only one intimate scene. I appreciated the older hero and heroine as a nice change of pace from the typical very young heroines. I just wish there had been more to this story.
Steam-level: some steam and moderately explicit
Rating: 4 stars
Hero: Kit Killigrew, 45. Earl of Stalbridge. Unexpectedly inherited the title. His father had been the steward for Beth’s father.
Date: unknown
How they meet: Met off-page as children. Beth’s father forced her to marry a man with a title despite her relationship with Kit.
What happens: Kit’s younger brother dies leaving his young children orphans so Kit agrees to take them in. They have grown up in Italy, so while waiting for their arrival he needs to prepare the nursery. His housekeeper suggests Mrs. Goode, a popular author, as the expert on such matters. Without Kit’s knowledge she writes to the publisher to request Mrs. Goode’s assistance. Mrs. Goode is the pen name of Beth’s stepson. When his publisher pushes for Mrs. Goode to make an appearance, he tells his stepmother. She offers to step in to play the role of Mrs. Goode and her stepson will accompany her as her secretary so he can do the actual designing of the room.
Verdict: This is a cute second chance novella designed to set the stage for a new series. It is pretty short, so there isn’t a ton of character development and only one intimate scene. I appreciated the older hero and heroine as a nice change of pace from the typical very young heroines. I just wish there had been more to this story.
Steam-level: some steam and moderately explicit
Rating: 4 stars
December 14, 2022
Barbara’s rating: 3.7 of 5
Series: Goode’s Guide to Misconduct #0.5
Publication Date: 12/27/22
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 91 (Novella)
This short novella provided a nice set-up for the series by explaining how the magazine comes to exist and also the infrastructure behind it. I really liked the characters because they were interesting and were people I would have liked to know in real life. I’ll be really interested to see what role Oliver will play in the future because, to me, he is the most interesting character in the book.
Remember, this is a short book whose main purpose is to set up the rest of the series and to provide us with a bit of romance. I just couldn’t give it a full 4 or 5-star rating because it just wasn’t long enough for the romance to be believable. The two main characters Tabetha and Kit, grew up together as children and each regarded the other with affection but never told the other. Tabetha and Kit were from two different worlds and would never have been allowed to have a life together.
Twenty years later, Tabetha is a widow and Kit has never married but has unexpectedly inherited a title. To me, that has all of the makings of a grand romance. However, since it is a novella, it loses a good deal of that. For instance – though the two of them had never declared their feelings for each other when they were younger – and they haven’t seen each other in over twenty years – they are madly in love and betrothed in less than twenty-four hours. I’m sorry – I love romance, but if I hadn’t seen somebody in over twenty years, I’d want to know more about the sort of person they’d become and the things they’d done in their life before I decided to become betrothed to them. So, for me, the romance was a bit too quick.
Still, it was a very nice read with a good setup for the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Goode’s Guide to Misconduct #0.5
Publication Date: 12/27/22
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 91 (Novella)
This short novella provided a nice set-up for the series by explaining how the magazine comes to exist and also the infrastructure behind it. I really liked the characters because they were interesting and were people I would have liked to know in real life. I’ll be really interested to see what role Oliver will play in the future because, to me, he is the most interesting character in the book.
Remember, this is a short book whose main purpose is to set up the rest of the series and to provide us with a bit of romance. I just couldn’t give it a full 4 or 5-star rating because it just wasn’t long enough for the romance to be believable. The two main characters Tabetha and Kit, grew up together as children and each regarded the other with affection but never told the other. Tabetha and Kit were from two different worlds and would never have been allowed to have a life together.
Twenty years later, Tabetha is a widow and Kit has never married but has unexpectedly inherited a title. To me, that has all of the makings of a grand romance. However, since it is a novella, it loses a good deal of that. For instance – though the two of them had never declared their feelings for each other when they were younger – and they haven’t seen each other in over twenty years – they are madly in love and betrothed in less than twenty-four hours. I’m sorry – I love romance, but if I hadn’t seen somebody in over twenty years, I’d want to know more about the sort of person they’d become and the things they’d done in their life before I decided to become betrothed to them. So, for me, the romance was a bit too quick.
Still, it was a very nice read with a good setup for the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 21, 2022
My Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5
I have to give this author credit. Starting off their new series with a prequel novella takes guts. In my experience, these types of novels typically come later on once a series is developed.
Sadly, there is a reason they are often done this way and it (in my humble opinion) is because novellas rarely give the reader what they need in terms of story and character development. Take this novel for instance, Kit and Tabetha were childhood friends who may have at one point fancied each other. We don't know for sure because we are given no real backstory showing where they may have fallen in love when they were younger (although we are told that they did). We aren't even sure of the details surrounding her marriage other than she was "unhappy" and she had to "protect her step-son" (and given the fact he is old enough in this novel to pass as her lover and is the one to act upon certain things makes me wonder just what she was protecting him from).
I will say that I enjoyed Kit and Tabetha together, I just wish there had been more depth to this novel (or at least a bit of drama or some potential problem for them to overcome). Oliver was the real star of the show and (for me, at least) the most interesting. I hope we get to see more of him as the series progresses.
Speaking of the series, I am interested in reading at least the first one when it releases, as I have read other novels by this author and enjoyed them immensely. She has a strong writing style and a solid concept in her characters, and overall plots, but as I said, this one just needed to be longer in order for it to really work for me.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
January 17, 2023
This introduction to Susanna Craig's new series may be a quick read (92 pages) but it brings all the emotional feels I expect from a full-length novel. There's a second-chance romance for Beth (the widowed Lady Manwaring) and Kit (Lord Stalbridge), new - and unexpected - professional opportunities for Beth and her stepson, Oliver, and a newly-formed family with two orphaned children. All things that pique my interest and touch my heart.
It takes skill to pull a reader in and then give them a full reading experience in only 92 pages. It's a skill that Craig has in spades. I really cared about these characters, and not only the two leads. I loved that Kit and Beth had life experience to bring to their adult second-chance romance and I loved that even with those twenty years apart, the yearning in Kit's heart had never lessened. I could feel each of his emotions with a visceral intensity. Oliver's secrets and family history about broke my heart but his relationship with Beth, and her steadfast support of him filled my heart. Kit's response to the unveiling of those secrets made me love him even more. And then there are the children, who arrive near the end of the story. Even with scant page time, Craig gives readers a clear picture of these two that stole my heart.
I won't give away any spoilers about what's to come for these - and more - characters. I'll only say that my interest has been captured and I have already pre-ordered the first full-length book in the series, The Lady Knows Best (April 25, 2023). The books will feature new heroes and heroines but I do hope we'll be treated to occasional glimpses of Kit, Beth, Oliver, and the children. I feel like they've become my friends and I am very much invested in their futures.
4.5 Stars
Advance copy received for fair and unbiased review
It takes skill to pull a reader in and then give them a full reading experience in only 92 pages. It's a skill that Craig has in spades. I really cared about these characters, and not only the two leads. I loved that Kit and Beth had life experience to bring to their adult second-chance romance and I loved that even with those twenty years apart, the yearning in Kit's heart had never lessened. I could feel each of his emotions with a visceral intensity. Oliver's secrets and family history about broke my heart but his relationship with Beth, and her steadfast support of him filled my heart. Kit's response to the unveiling of those secrets made me love him even more. And then there are the children, who arrive near the end of the story. Even with scant page time, Craig gives readers a clear picture of these two that stole my heart.
I won't give away any spoilers about what's to come for these - and more - characters. I'll only say that my interest has been captured and I have already pre-ordered the first full-length book in the series, The Lady Knows Best (April 25, 2023). The books will feature new heroes and heroines but I do hope we'll be treated to occasional glimpses of Kit, Beth, Oliver, and the children. I feel like they've become my friends and I am very much invested in their futures.
4.5 Stars
Advance copy received for fair and unbiased review
January 4, 2023
Nice Earls Do is a prequel to the ‘Mrs Goode’s Guide to Misconduct’ series. Mrs Goode is an expert in domestic matters, so when the Earl of Bennett becomes guardian of his orphaned niece and nephew, his housekeeper writes to Mrs Goode’s publisher for help. What nobody knows, is that Mrs Goode’s guide is actually written by a man, who has good taste in decorating a house, etc. Of course nobody can know, so his widowed stepmother Beth agrees to accompany him and pose as Mrs Goode. But what Beth doesn’t know, is that the earl is actually her childhood friend, who was crushed when her father married her off to the awful lord Manwaring. So both Kit and Beth are in for a surprise when they meet again. They quickly reconnect and have their HEA, after deciding to start a magazine for young girls, on how not to behave. And that’s the start of the series.
I liked the little story. It was a very short and quick read, the main characters reconnected quickly, no time was wasted but they soon talked things over. Oliver, the stepson, was a decisive and very creative person. I wonder if he’ll return in the series. Kit has loved Beth his entire life, and Beth has tried to protect Oliver from an abusive father. She clearly longed to write this magazine so I’m sure we will see her back in the series. I am curious about the series and am eager to see what happens next.
I received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and I am grateful for this opportunity. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I liked the little story. It was a very short and quick read, the main characters reconnected quickly, no time was wasted but they soon talked things over. Oliver, the stepson, was a decisive and very creative person. I wonder if he’ll return in the series. Kit has loved Beth his entire life, and Beth has tried to protect Oliver from an abusive father. She clearly longed to write this magazine so I’m sure we will see her back in the series. I am curious about the series and am eager to see what happens next.
I received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and I am grateful for this opportunity. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 14, 2023
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Finding out that her stepson Oliver was the lauded Mrs Goode might've been a shock to Tabetha, Lady Manwaring, but she promised she would protect him from the moment they met. So when 'Mrs Goode' is needed by a bachelor gentleman to design a nursery for his orphaned niece and nephew, Tebetha decides she will pretend to be the lady, and Oliver will come along as her 'secretary'. Everything is perfect, until Tabetha sees the gentleman, and realises he is her childhood best friend, Kit Killigrew. Kit never forgot about his Beth, the woman he's always loved. Seeing her again after twenty years, now widowed, and he now an Earl, it's as if fate has played a hand. And he'll do whatever it takes to make sure he doesn't lose her once more.
I hadn't realised this was a novella/prequel to Susanna's new series when I first requested it, but it was a great introduction to the Goode's Guide to Misconduct series. Both Tabetha and Kit are in their 40's, and they are different people to the ones they once knew. Even so, the connection is still there, as are the feelings which once were simmering, and now are bubbling over. Yes, this book was very short, but seeing the way Tabetha and Kit came together, and embraced Edmund's children as their own, was lovely. I'm really excited to read this series, properly, and Nice Earls Do has definitely whet my appetite!
Finding out that her stepson Oliver was the lauded Mrs Goode might've been a shock to Tabetha, Lady Manwaring, but she promised she would protect him from the moment they met. So when 'Mrs Goode' is needed by a bachelor gentleman to design a nursery for his orphaned niece and nephew, Tebetha decides she will pretend to be the lady, and Oliver will come along as her 'secretary'. Everything is perfect, until Tabetha sees the gentleman, and realises he is her childhood best friend, Kit Killigrew. Kit never forgot about his Beth, the woman he's always loved. Seeing her again after twenty years, now widowed, and he now an Earl, it's as if fate has played a hand. And he'll do whatever it takes to make sure he doesn't lose her once more.
I hadn't realised this was a novella/prequel to Susanna's new series when I first requested it, but it was a great introduction to the Goode's Guide to Misconduct series. Both Tabetha and Kit are in their 40's, and they are different people to the ones they once knew. Even so, the connection is still there, as are the feelings which once were simmering, and now are bubbling over. Yes, this book was very short, but seeing the way Tabetha and Kit came together, and embraced Edmund's children as their own, was lovely. I'm really excited to read this series, properly, and Nice Earls Do has definitely whet my appetite!
December 26, 2022
Nice Earls Do by Susanna Craig
Goode’s Guide to Misconduct #
This second chance for happiness twenty years later is a quick read that sees to deserving people find a future together that should provide the happiness they both deserve.
What I liked:
* Kit: the son of a steward, inherited an earldom that required his attention the past few years, loved one woman and lost her to a man with a title, expecting his niece and nephew who have been orphaned
* Tabetha/Beth: unhappily married for over twenty years, stepmother, widow, bored, agrees to play a part to help her stepson and in so doing meets up with Kit again after over twenty years
* Oliver: Tabetha’s stepson, author of popular book, unconventional, Viscount, intriguing and would like to see more of him
* Isabella and Luca: Kit’s niece and nephew
* The happy ending with introduction to the series that will follow
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about how difficult it must have been to be expected to marry for position rather than for love
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Goode’s Guide to Misconduct #
This second chance for happiness twenty years later is a quick read that sees to deserving people find a future together that should provide the happiness they both deserve.
What I liked:
* Kit: the son of a steward, inherited an earldom that required his attention the past few years, loved one woman and lost her to a man with a title, expecting his niece and nephew who have been orphaned
* Tabetha/Beth: unhappily married for over twenty years, stepmother, widow, bored, agrees to play a part to help her stepson and in so doing meets up with Kit again after over twenty years
* Oliver: Tabetha’s stepson, author of popular book, unconventional, Viscount, intriguing and would like to see more of him
* Isabella and Luca: Kit’s niece and nephew
* The happy ending with introduction to the series that will follow
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about how difficult it must have been to be expected to marry for position rather than for love
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Zebra for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
December 29, 2022
“Mrs. Goode” is an expert in all domestic matters when it comes to espousing all things to do with managing a household. So when publishers of the popular magazine, Goode’s Guide to Misconduct, decide to send Mrs Goode to furnish the house of the Earl of Bennett, with a nursery for his newly appointed guardian to his niece and nephew, she has no choice but to go. The only issue is that Mrs Good is actually widowed Lady Manwaring’s stepson. So with no ability to give advice about design, she finds herself at odds when she realises that the Earl is actually her childhood friend, Kit Killigrew. Tabetha might be an imposter, but her attraction to Kit is all too real. Soon they must be honest with their feelings if this second chance love is to actually happen.
The attraction between the couple is quickly reignited upon seeing each other. What I did struggle with was how intensely it blazed, in what seemed like a few hours. It is difficult to cram everything into a novella, but I would have like this to have been spread a bit more over time to make it more believable. However, a well told story from a great author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The attraction between the couple is quickly reignited upon seeing each other. What I did struggle with was how intensely it blazed, in what seemed like a few hours. It is difficult to cram everything into a novella, but I would have like this to have been spread a bit more over time to make it more believable. However, a well told story from a great author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 18, 2023
This is a lovely prequel to Ms. Craig's new series and sets the stage for the upcoming books. Kit has had some challenges and disappointments in his life, one of which was losing the woman he loves, without having the chance to actually tell her. Beth and Kit were childhood friends and fell for each other growing up, but circumstances pulled them apart and she ended up marrying another. She is now widowed and in a position to help her step-son out a bit of a jam. He has been publishing work as a decorator under the secret identity of Mrs. Goode, and now his publisher wants him to appear in person to help the Earl of Stalbridge, Kit, prepare a nursery for his unexpected wards. She warily agrees, and when she arrives, Kit cannot believe his eyes. Beth is the one that got away, and having her in his home now, he sees that as a second chance. Can he convince her they are meant to be together?
This was a well-written and entertaining story and it has gotten me excited to see what great stories the series will bring. I will definitely be looking forward to future installments!
Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for providing a complimentary copy. This is my voluntary and honest review.
This was a well-written and entertaining story and it has gotten me excited to see what great stories the series will bring. I will definitely be looking forward to future installments!
Thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for providing a complimentary copy. This is my voluntary and honest review.
December 27, 2022
Nice Earls Do by Susanna Craig is a prequel novella to a new series. However it is also a lovely second chance historical romance. The Earl of Bennett, Kit has just found out that he is going to be raising his niece and nephew. Being a long time bachelor and quite frankly one who doesn’t really care about the appearance of his house, he knows he will need help - although really it is his housekeeper that will need help. She contacts the writer of the “Mrs. Goode” to help her organize and update.
AHHH but the catch is that there is no Mrs Goode. The name is a pseudonym for a young lord who has great decorating tips. However, he convinces Tabetha, Lady Manwaring to masquerade as Mrs Goode, while he is the secretary and does the work.
Too bad that thought isn’t really workable for them. The Earl of Bennett, Kit and Lady Manwaring, Tabetha are old friends who - given a chance - will reconnect and…. Yep, fall in love.
I enjoyed reading this novella and I found the whole premise interesting. I will look forward to more books by Susanna Craig. Nice Earls Do was a quick, interesting read.
AHHH but the catch is that there is no Mrs Goode. The name is a pseudonym for a young lord who has great decorating tips. However, he convinces Tabetha, Lady Manwaring to masquerade as Mrs Goode, while he is the secretary and does the work.
Too bad that thought isn’t really workable for them. The Earl of Bennett, Kit and Lady Manwaring, Tabetha are old friends who - given a chance - will reconnect and…. Yep, fall in love.
I enjoyed reading this novella and I found the whole premise interesting. I will look forward to more books by Susanna Craig. Nice Earls Do was a quick, interesting read.
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