Synopsis:~

He stole her inheritance. She stole his heart. 

Daphne Windham has depended upon one thing her entire life: inheriting her beloved great-aunt’s estate, Cheriton Hall. With her mother desperate to marry her off to the highest bidder, Daphne is relieved to escape to Cheriton for the summer—until she learns that her aunt has decided upon a different heir entirely. Cole Everard, the steward’s son and Daphne’s childhood friend. Former friend, that is. 

Raised on the grounds of Cheriton, Cole Everard never imagined he would be named heir, but he is determined to prove himself worthy of the position. Unfortunately, that is easier said than done, especially when Daphne arrives claiming he is anything but worthy. Instead of their close friendship, Cole is met with cold indifference—which would sting much less if he wasn’t entirely in love with her… 

Hurt and betrayed, Daphne believes her only choice is to undermine her new rival and reclaim what is rightfully hers. But that plan becomes increasingly difficult, what with Cole’s infuriating charm and kindness. When fate offers Daphne a second chance, will she take it or risk it all for the promise of love?

Romancing Her Rival is the second in a series of books about five friends. The other four novellas will be written by authors Sally Britton, Megan Walker, Heidi Kimball, and Arlem Hawks. 

My take:~

Another new to me author who has me searching her back list with enthusiasm! Joanna Barker has penned a gorgeous Regency romance novella in Romancing Her Rival and I was enamoured from start to finish.

Sweet, warm, and engaging, Cole and Daphne’s story unfolds as the childhood friends find themselves at odds when her long anticipated inheritance ends up in the his hands, merely the son of Cheriton Hall’s steward. I was most taken with Cole’s earnest manner and kind heart.

Easily read in one sitting, Joanna’s way with words, understanding of Regency mores, and delightful characterisation ensures a complete reading experience with the shorter length having little impact on enjoyment of the story.

I highly recommend Romancing Her Rival and the previous novella in this linked collection, Letters for Phoebe by Sally Britton. Clean and uplifting Regency romance is undoubtedly in safe hands!

I purchased my own ebook copy of Romancing Her Rival.

​Joanna Barker was born and raised in northern California. She discovered her love for historical fiction after visiting England as an eleven-year-old, and subsequently read every Jane Austen book she could get her hands on. After graduating college with a degree in English, she worked as an acquisitions editor before devoting herself full-time to writing. She enjoys music, chocolate, and reading everything from romance to science fiction. She lives near the mountain and is just a little crazy about her husband and two wild-but-loveable boys. 

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