Review: Never Fall For Your Fiance by Virginia Heath

Never Fall For Your Fiancé by Virginia Heath

Published by St. Martin's Griffin on November 2021
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance
Pages: 368
Format: eBook
Source: Publisher
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The first in a new historical rom-com series, a handsome earl hires a fake fiancée to keep his matchmaking mother at bay, but hilarity ensues when love threatens to complicate everything.

The last thing Hugh Standish, Earl of Fareham, ever wants is a wife. Unfortunately for him, his mother is determined to find him one, even from across the other side of the ocean. So, Hugh invents a fake fiancée to keep his mother’s matchmaking ways at bay. But when Hugh learns his interfering mother is on a ship bound for England, he realizes his complicated, convoluted but convenient ruse is about to implode. Until he collides with a beautiful woman, who might just be the miracle he needs.

Minerva Merriwell has had to struggle to support herself and her two younger sisters ever since their feckless father abandoned them. Work as a woodcut engraver is few and far between, and the Merriwell sisters are nearly penniless. So, when Hugh asks Minerva to pose as his fiancée while his mother is visiting, she knows that while the scheme sounds ludicrous, the offer is too good to pass up.

Once Minerva and her sisters arrive at Hugh's estate, of course, nothing goes according to his meticulous plan. As hilarity and miscommunication ensue, while everyone tries to keep their tangled stories straight, Hugh and Minerva’s fake engagement starts to turn into a real romance. But can they trust each other, when their relationship started with a lie?

There are some really charming things about this book and I happily lost myself reading it for a few days.

I enjoyed the situational comedy (Minerva on a horse is a lot of fun) and their “mother” maybe not controlling herself the way she should. This is a lighthearted story that is very entertaining and throws in a bit of romance too.

Hugh is of course, determined to stay a bachelor and has concocted this elaborate plan to fool his mother. He has hired Minerva to play his fiancé for a week or two until his mother leaves the country. And sparks fly. Hugh was a fine leading man, but I have to admit, there wasn’t anything that stood out about him. I like him fine, but I really loved his best friend who came in and out of the story (and who I hope will be the focus of book two!)

Minerva and her sister Diana is where all of my love and attention lay. Minerva is strong and capable, having taken care of herself and her two younger sisters since her mother died and her father left. She is practical and level headed, someone you would want as a friend and confidant. Diana has a strong personality, willing to say things as she sees it and isn’t afraid of telling you what she thinks, regardless station. I am really hoping for a Diana book next! (eh-hem, yes.) And I want to mention that the actress they hired to play the mother was so fantastic in her scenes, she stole the show. I don’t want to give anything away, but I would be pulling my hair out and grinding my teeth whenever she opened her mouth. OMG what a lady!

While the story is predictable, the comedy and warmth of the story really propels it forward. The dynamic of the three sisters is a fun addition to the relationship between Hugh and Minerva. Overall, it’s a fun romantic comedy that I think is perfect for the beach and to satisfy some historical romance buffs.