I loved this!!!! Solid story about a plain heroine in unrequited love with her handsome friend. He hurts her numerous times and is very slow to realize his feelings, and I enjoyed every moment of angst! My only complaint is that he struck me as rather shallow and I couldn’t understand what the heroine saw in him, but then I didn’t read the first book in the series so I might have missed something there. I’m off to comb the author’s books for other tropey reads! I only wish there was any steam at all, I think the author is a Christian romance writer, but it’s not too preachy.

Also, regarding the angst, I appreciated that the heroine did not just passively accept the hero’s change of heart, especially after he had been so hurtful towards her, even if it were unintentional. I hate books where all it takes is two sentences from the hero to suddenly resolve things. I was vaguely annoyed that the fact that she didn’t immediately acquiesce was treated like a failing in her part. I thought it was rather sensible of her, and the hero should have to work to earn her trust! ( )

Maryann Morrington knows that she isn't the ideal woman for marriage. She's a little too old at twenty-two for most men looking for a bride. The one thing she has in abundance is the one thing she doesn't want anyone to know about, wealth. Maryann is an heiress and does not want a man that only wants her for her monies. She'd prefer someone that wants her for her mind, her wit, her humor, and her sensibilities. She knows that is a bit of a longshot, but it's what she desires even if it is unattainable. The one male acquaintance that she's made during this London season that she likes, is Timothy Mayfield. Timothy is looking for a bride and knows that due to his lack of finances he'll most likely need to find a bride that is an heiress, but he also wants to find a woman that he loves or at least can come to love. Timothy's list of attributes is long and seemingly superficial and, needless to say, Maryann doesn't fit any of the qualities Timothy is seeking in his perfect mate. Knowing that she'll never fulfill Timothy's desire for his "perfect women," Maryann does the only thing a true friend can do, she sets out to help him find her. Luckily, Maryann does find a woman that seems to meet all of the items on Timothy's list, Miss Rachel Shaw, and she goes out of her way to introduce Timothy to this paragon of virtue and beauty. Timothy feels he must reciprocate Maryann's matchmaking abilities and introduces her to one Colonel Charles Berkins. Superficially, Colonel Berkins and Miss Shaw are the perfect matches for Maryann and Timothy, but appearances can be deceiving. Can a relationship be built on superficialities? Will Maryann and Timothy recognize the folly of their efforts before it is too late?

I found Daisies and Devotion to be a fast-paced and engaging read and one that I started (okay, started anew) and finished in just a few hours. For those of you that have been following my blog for awhile now, you know that I enjoy reading romance just as much as I enjoy reading mysteries and thrillers. Daisies and Devotion is the first romance that I've read by Ms. Kilpack, but it won't be my last. I enjoyed this regency romance and all of the historical and social amusements. I loved the exchanges between Timothy and Maryann, as well as Maryann's relationships and exchanges with her sister, her brother-in-law, her maid, and the Callifours. Yes, this is a romance and yes, it has a happy-ever-after, but it is also a story of self-discovery, acceptance of self in a time when conformity is praised, friendship and love. If I had to classify Daisies and Devotion it would be as a wholesome, historical romance and one I wholeheartedly recommend it to readers of romance and/or historical romances. Ms. Kilpack was able to craft characters and scenarios that I found wholly believable and kept my attention from the first page to the very last. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read Daisies and Devotion and can't wait to read more of Ms. Kilpack's books in the future.

I received a print review copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. This review will post on 06/11/2019 at www.thebookdivasreads.com ( )

I so enjoy everything I read from Josi S. Kilpack, but her audiobooks are an even better treat!
Timothy Mayfield has been open and honest with Maryanne Morrington from the get-go. He needs to marry well and she’s his choice. But when his circumstances change, he’s free to find his ideal woman. As Maryanne introduces him to society ladies who meet the criteria on his list, Timothy finds fault with all of them.

The friendship these two have formed often falls into rock territory and it takes them a bit to get back on solid ground, all while Marianne struggles to hide (and at one point overcome) the love she carries for Timothy.

Daisies and Devotion is a testament to love knowing no bounds, unconstrained by plans and checklists, and best grown when rooted in friendship. Kilpack once again delivers a book that I couldn’t put down.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )

Timothy Mayfield is ready to marry. He knows he needs to marry for money but is hopeful he can marry for affection as well. Maryanne Morrington is not a beauty but is an heiress. Both are willing to pursue a relationship, but then Timothy's uncle changes everything.

This was a charming and fun read. My biggest gripe would be the whole "he loves me, he loves me not" that happened through most of the story. This made Maryanne my least favorite character so far in this series. I liked her, but by the climax of the story, I was tired of her. But at least she gets a happy ending.

Timothy was enjoyable. He is a bit silly but mannerly. His outlook for his future when we first meet him was reasonable. It is only after he learns what his uncle has planned for him that his imagination takes him a little overboard.

The plot moves at an excellent pace. We get to see characters from the first book and even the gentleman who I suspect will be the focus of book three.

For those looking for a Regency Romance series, this is an excellent choice. ( )