The Best-Laid Plans

By: Sarah M. Eden

Narrated by: Luone Ingram

Newton Hughes has long dreamed of pursuing a career in law, an acceptable choice for a gentleman of status and wealth. His parents, however, disapprove of his ambition, urging him instead to take his rightful place as a gentleman of leisure - with a suitable wife of their choosing, of course.

Ellie Napper would like nothing more than for her parents to abandon their incessant efforts to marry her off to the greatest possible advantage. Her lack of matrimonial enthusiasm drives her family mad, but she refuses to feign frivolity in order to make herself more palatable to potential suitors.

When Ellie and Newton are introduced through their mutual acquaintance, Charlie Jonquil, they commiserate over their shared plight. In desperation, they hatch a plan: Ellie and Newton will feign an interest in each other - enough to convince their parents not to push them toward unwanted matches but not enough to cause whispers or expectations. Their plot quickly spirals out of control, but the greatest complication is the one they didn’t see coming: their plan never included falling in love.

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Loved it

I really enjoyed the battle plan for social interactions and combating mean spirited people without losing my poise

An Enjoyable Novella

I really enjoyed this novella, which begins the Huntresses series. It contains a handful of the characters from the author's beloved Jonquil Brothers and Lancaster Family series, as well. I have actually already read the book that comes after this one, but that did not diminish my enjoyment of this introduction.

Poor Ellie was treated horrendously by her family, especially her mother and sister. It was so delightful to see Artemis and her friends step in and offer her their friendship and even their protection. Newton and Charlie were great characters, as well, and I liked seeing the bond grow between Newton and Ellie.

I listened to this novella as an audio book and it was excellently read. It was a sweet story that I enjoyed from start to finish.

(4.5 stars)

Kisses only Regency Era romance novella

This is a novella introducing the Huntresses series. These are a group of girls that are friends with Artemis Lancaster.

Artemis and Charlie Jonquil play prominent roles in this story and other characters from those respective series are mentioned.

I didn't connect overly much with this story. It was fine just not captivating. I do realize that deep connection is difficult in novellas often times.

Again, Luone Ingram narrates the audiobook. She doesn't pull me in to most stories with her narration.

3.5 rounded up.

A Fun Jonquil Spinoff

Ellie and Newton are individuals who are each dealing with overly controlling parents. Historically, during the Regency period, this would have been the case for a great many people of the upper class. Much of the story revolves around Ellie’s growing friendship with Artemis (who becomes somewhat of a champion for her), and Newton’s good friend, Charlie Jonquil. For purposes which are Mutually beneficial, Newton and Ellie begin a friendship which cannot quite be called a courtship. Ultimately, of course, this leads to romance and a HEA.

One of the really fun things about this book is a peek into the interactions between Charlie and Artemis and I really can’t wait to hear their story, which is soon to be released.

The narration on Audible was also well done.

Cute novella

I adored this book! I purchased it on audible and listens to it within a few days time. It’s a short novella that follows Newton and Ellie’s usual courtship. If you are fans of the Jonquil Brothers (especially Charlie) then this books is a fun aside to his and Artemis’ story as they are the supporting characters in this book.

I wish I could tell you more about how I liked this book, but alas, it was so good I literally have one quote written down in my notes and that is it.

Basically, you just need to read it. Period. Take my word on it 😏😉

I really enjoyed this.

I hate that I read it out of order, but I didn't realize this was probably the fifth story. I read this one first and was hooked on the style of writing and the general lightheartedness of the story. I have gone on to read the second and enjoyed it as much if not more. the only complaint I have about this story is that it wasn't long enough. I wanted to know more and see more about the characters. so I was thrilled to find there was so many in the series.

Not worth it

Normally I love Sarah Eden’s books, but this one was boring, in so many ways. No romance or “spark” whatsoever. The narrator is not suited at all for the story, it may have even made the story worse.

Nice and clean

My daughter and I listened to this on a road trip and enjoyed it. The narrator is engaging however there's not much to the plot. Kind of like the popular Hallmark movies but written in a regency time period. It's squeaky clean which we appreciated.