Highcliffe House ~ Review

Highcliffe House

Proper Romance

By Megan Walker

Highcliffe House is a story of first impressions and misjudgments as Anna Lane and Graham Everett are forced to work together when Anna's father has her fill in for him when researching a potential investment opportunity. An opportunity that could be the making of Graham as he seeks to find a permanent means of earning an income to provide for his mother and sisters.

For the last three years, Anna and Graham have been polite to one another but dislike each other. A week spent together in one another's presence is something to endure. At least that seemed to be the case until Graham's little sister Tabs (Tabitha) befriended Anna. Suddenly, the two see one another in a new light.

But new light or not old feelings and old grievances are hard to change, especially when money is involved.

This was a delightful addition to the Proper Romance collection from Shadow Mountain. This book has a Regency setting with an enemies-to-friends-to-something-more feel to it. I loved how the story progressed in a back-and-forth between Graham and Anna's POV. It was interesting to see how they both changed. And then disaster strikes, and all seems lost. I love how challenges arise, and one is left wondering just how everything will be put to rights or if despair will take hold. Highly recommended to fans of clean reading Regency and Historical Romance.  

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

The daughter of a wealthy investor and a handsome young businessman clash in this enemies-to-lovers romance from the author who brought you Lakeshire Park.

1813, Brighton, England
When Anna Lane offered her heart to Alexander Lennox, she did not expect to learn he had secretly promised his suit to another. Hurt and embarrassed, Anna begs her father to take her to the seaside where she can escape the gossip of the ton and recover, but her father insists they remain in London so he can attend to some business. Feeling the sting of rejection again, Anna longs for the day when she can dictate her own future and find a companion who will love her for who she is.

Born into modest circumstances, Graham’s hard work and ability to spot a good investment has allowed him to provide for his mother and younger sisters. Now, with a new opportunity in his sights, Graham approaches Mr. Lane, his business partner and mentor, hoping to persuade him to travel to Brighton to close the deal. Graham must act fast or else he might lose his chance to turn his meager earnings into permanent financial stability.

To Graham’s relief, Mr. Lane is interested in his proposal, but he counters with one of his own. He has business elsewhere, so Anna—whom he trusts with his business affairs—will accompany Graham to Brighton, and if she gives a good report, he will invest. Both Anna and Graham hesitate. Though they have a passing acquaintance through Anna’s father, the two have never truly got along. Anna feels that Graham is only interested in money, while Graham feels that Anna is stubborn and self-absorbed.

The two reluctantly travel to Brighton together, and Anna is determined to find fault with every inch of the seaside town—including Graham. She is tired of feeling like a pawn being moved about by other people’s desires. But while staying at Highcliffe House and seeing the kind and gentle way Graham treats his family, Anna wonders if there is more to her rival than she thought.

But it will take more than a day at the beach for these two headstrong hearts to admit that if they set aside their misconceptions about each other and be vulnerable enough to share their true selves, they might have a chance at real love