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An Unsuitable Suitor
When an unsuitable gentleman appears to court a baron's daughter, it's an older sister's duty to stand in his way. And, of course, not fall in love with him herself.Matilda Rayment is determined to protect her sister's interest and her family from ruin, which means she must marry off her flirtatious younger sister before the Season ends. When the Rayments cross paths with Oliver Bolton, the nephew of their steward, his interest in Miss Beatrice threatens all Mattie's plans.
For as long as he can remember, Oliver has dreamed of courting Miss Beatrice Rayment, but never dared reach above his station. He hasn't been a gentleman long, but owning his estate - however small in size - gives him access to new rungs on Society's ladder and finally, his chance has come.
It is up to Mattie to steer Oliver away from making an unhappy match with her sister, but before long she finds herself losing her heart to the steward's nephew. Oliver finds he cares less and less about winning Beatrice the more time he spends in Mattie's company. Can such an unsuitable match take place, or will all their plans be ruined?
For as long as he can remember, Oliver has dreamed of courting Miss Beatrice Rayment, but never dared reach above his station. He hasn't been a gentleman long, but owning his estate - however small in size - gives him access to new rungs on Society's ladder and finally, his chance has come.
It is up to Mattie to steer Oliver away from making an unhappy match with her sister, but before long she finds herself losing her heart to the steward's nephew. Oliver finds he cares less and less about winning Beatrice the more time he spends in Mattie's company. Can such an unsuitable match take place, or will all their plans be ruined?
146 pages, Paperback
Published August 8, 2021
35 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Sally Britton
43books1,206followersSally Britton is sixth generation Texan, received her BA in English forever ago, and reads voraciously. She started her writing journey at the tender age of fourteen on an electric typewriter, and she’s never looked back.
Sally lives in Oklahoma with her husband, four children, and their overly energetic Australian Shepherds, cat, and snake named Nancy. She loves researching, hiking, and eating too much chocolate.
Sally lives in Oklahoma with her husband, four children, and their overly energetic Australian Shepherds, cat, and snake named Nancy. She loves researching, hiking, and eating too much chocolate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
April 20, 2024
reread 04/2024
It was lovely listening to this while exercising.
I'm happy I found Sally Britton's audio books for free on youtube.
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read 02/2023
Sweet, beautiful novella, I loved everything about it!
The characters, the storyline, the feelings!!!
Maybe my new favorite by Sally Britton.
5 stars.
It was lovely listening to this while exercising.
I'm happy I found Sally Britton's audio books for free on youtube.
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read 02/2023
Sweet, beautiful novella, I loved everything about it!
The characters, the storyline, the feelings!!!
Maybe my new favorite by Sally Britton.
5 stars.
might-read
April 9, 2022the bridgerton season 2 comp sold me
February 12, 2024
Matilda deserves the world and Oliver is going to give it to her😭❤️
August 23, 2024
4 stars
Such a sweet, charming novella! I am impressed. Smooth writing and storytelling, nice plot with some tingling angst, sympathetic characters and a beautiful cover to boot. A clean romance (and a tiny bit Christian at the edges). Overall, a good book. An author to follow!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2022
I love how this is a short but sweet read. Made me pull out the tissues 🤧 I love Mattie's Character, if you see yourself in her, let's be friends 😂. I want to have a friend like her so I could shake her and tell her what an amazing person she is and to tell her that you do not need to be loud and shiny to be worth someone's attention.
Oliver's character is just too perfect. I just cannot not like him. Where can you find a guy like this? Any mail order grooms around here? 😂
Funny how both Mattie and Oliver's plans did not go the way they wanted but they got the ending they wanted. �
Oliver's character is just too perfect. I just cannot not like him. Where can you find a guy like this? Any mail order grooms around here? 😂
Funny how both Mattie and Oliver's plans did not go the way they wanted but they got the ending they wanted. �
October 8, 2022
3.5 :) Short and sweet!
December 24, 2021
This is so cute and sweet 🤧 I love how the main characters and even the side characters blended well together! Mattie is so kind, sweet, and gentle and my heart breaks for her whenever she’s being recognized only as a sister :( Oliver is also a kind soul and I can’t help but feel giddy whenever he interacts or remembers Mattie 🙈
Definitely worth a reread!
Definitely worth a reread!
March 28, 2022
This was a really sweet novella.
In typical Sally Britton form, she pens a delightful story about a girl living in the shadow of her beaux-collecting, flirty, younger sister. Upon reacquaintance with a man the sisters knew in childhood, Beatrice bats her lashes and doesn't remember Oliver but Matilda remembers him well, even small details left forgotten. Oliver chooses to pursue the lively Beatrice, leaving Mattie second best, as usual. But Mattie truly likes Oliver and when circumstance removes Beatrice for a few days, Mattie tries to make him see how he and her sister wouldn't be a good match. Just when Oliver starts to see Matilda for who she really is, Beatrice reappears with those eyelashes batting away, and leaves Oliver questioning his choices.
Such a lovely story!
In typical Sally Britton form, she pens a delightful story about a girl living in the shadow of her beaux-collecting, flirty, younger sister. Upon reacquaintance with a man the sisters knew in childhood, Beatrice bats her lashes and doesn't remember Oliver but Matilda remembers him well, even small details left forgotten. Oliver chooses to pursue the lively Beatrice, leaving Mattie second best, as usual. But Mattie truly likes Oliver and when circumstance removes Beatrice for a few days, Mattie tries to make him see how he and her sister wouldn't be a good match. Just when Oliver starts to see Matilda for who she really is, Beatrice reappears with those eyelashes batting away, and leaves Oliver questioning his choices.
Such a lovely story!
July 12, 2023
Fun regency reverse twist on Sabrina!
June 26, 2024
LOVE the new audiobook. Ive never been an audiobook person always prefering to read the book on my own but it was so well done and the story kept me captivated that i finished it all!
September 23, 2022
Oliver Bolton has just returned to his uncle's business, from his inherited country estate. He has worked hard to make the estate make a profit. He learned most of it from his uncle, who has been a steward all his life. The first people he run into are Beatrice, and Matilda. They are above him in rank, for his uncle works for their father. Beatrice is the younger one, and very beautiful. Maddie as he used to call her is the kind, and practical one with her own form of attraction, especially her eyes. Beatrice is a flirt by nature, and charms Oliver, as she does most gentlemen. He is sure she is perfect, but with their father ailing, and their property entailed to a distant cousin, Maddie knows that her friend could not support her sister's wishes, or needs. Luckily her mother, and sister are off to stay at a house party for a week, and she will try to help Oliver see it would not be a good match for either of them. I really enjoyed both Oliver's, and Matilda' s characters. He is not a rake, nor selfish in any way. He admires Maddie for her dry humor, and smart mind, plus he loves her laugh, and the pleasure she gets from doing simple things. Plus she is devoted to her parents. The mystery is what will happen when Beatrice returns. Will she be engaged to a wealthy gentleman, who has been sending her flowers daily, and give the family hope if they should loose their father ? Will Oliver still prefer Beatrice, even though in a short time neither would be happy. The book also touches on the beginning stages of Alzheimer's disease in their father. I found it to be a lovely book. The slow forming romance gives it a wonderful ending, and the epilogue six months later finds happiness for the other sister, and security for the family. Their are religious passages that are discussed that talk about treasures in heaven, and each of them have an interesting thought on it. Even though the sisters are a few years apart, and totally different, they still love each other. plus their parents are loving to both. No favorites in this book. It was a clean romance with just a few kisses. No violence , or Bad language. It shows you how very precariously women had to watch everything they did, especially those of titled families. Sadly most young ladies had to aim for the title, and not the love, or lack there in. Some parents were rich enough to let their children marry for love, but good bloodlines, and breeding still counted. I truly enjoyed this book, and gave it 5 stars.
July 3, 2022
So...This was...wow. An unexpected short little treat. And why? Simply this: the main couple knew each other growing up, they weren't right away thrown into revelations of love. In fact, I was curious for a quick moment who Matilda would end up with. Then it settled and I loved it.
And when it got to the end, it wasn't an immediate: hey we're in love after a week! Let's get married! Time flowed well in this book and I've never been more proud of a historical romance novella. It felt like a full story despite being shorter and had actual problems in it besides romance. (The father's health). Beautiful all of it can't even get mad at the ending cause home girl deserved it.
And when it got to the end, it wasn't an immediate: hey we're in love after a week! Let's get married! Time flowed well in this book and I've never been more proud of a historical romance novella. It felt like a full story despite being shorter and had actual problems in it besides romance. (The father's health). Beautiful all of it can't even get mad at the ending cause home girl deserved it.
September 11, 2021
Sweet ❤️
This was an ADORABLE book!
Sweet, yet perfect amount of humor!
I couldn’t even stop reading this before going to WDW, so I took an hour to myself while I was in Animal Kingdom (in WDW) and finished it😂😂
This was an ADORABLE book!
Sweet, yet perfect amount of humor!
I couldn’t even stop reading this before going to WDW, so I took an hour to myself while I was in Animal Kingdom (in WDW) and finished it😂😂
February 24, 2025
3.5 stars
A sweet, lovely story
A sweet, lovely story
July 30, 2022
Cute story! Moral of the story: understand yourself first.
October 17, 2021
I felt for Mattie as she struggled with her feelings for Oliver knowing he wanted her sister. And the slow sweet romance was perfect. I loved the “Sabrina� regency storyline, I couldn’t put it down!
I do wonder what was added from the previous version. This was a sweet and full love story in a novella. Sally has shown me time and again that I’m a fan for life and will read whatever she writes.
I received a advanced copy from the author. These are my own thoughts and opinions.
I do wonder what was added from the previous version. This was a sweet and full love story in a novella. Sally has shown me time and again that I’m a fan for life and will read whatever she writes.
I received a advanced copy from the author. These are my own thoughts and opinions.
August 29, 2021
Sweet Novella
I always enjoy a good story by Sally Britton! I believe this novella was previously released in a collection, but is the first time I have run across it.
I always enjoy a good story by Sally Britton! I believe this novella was previously released in a collection, but is the first time I have run across it.
April 26, 2025
Content:
Profanity: None.
Violence: None.
Sexual: Mild. Chaste kissing, temple kissing, hugs, and hand-holding.
Triggers: Deals with a parent with Alzheimer's disease and the distress that can cause. The author was very respectful and it wasn't a severe version, just early stages.
This is one of those stories where I wanted to smack a character so hard. Mattie's sister is portrayed as a flirt with nothing much going on in her head than making men fall for her then moving on to the next man. That rubbed me wrong so much I wasn't sure I could handle this book. Especially since Mattie is the opposite. Sincere, reserved, respectful, kind, and responsible. There were some hints that Beatrice (the sister) was deeper than that, but I was hoping to see more from her than being an empty-headed inconsiderate flirt.
But! Oliver and Mattie's romance made up for it. Oliver, thank heavens, realized his mistake in pursuing the wrong sister pretty quickly. I kept wanting him to be more forthright in his admiration of Mattie, who is so used to being shunted aside, it was hurty to read her resignation at times. I loved him when he started to really see her. And that's what the best romances do; make the reader fall in love right along with the protagonist.
I loved the little details, like the feathers thing, and their shared memories of their childhood. Neither one of them loved each other while growing up together, but that shared commonality made them understand the others' character, which made falling in love pretty easy once they both admitted how well they were matched.
This was a perfect short read. Took me about two hours, and well worth it.
Profanity: None.
Violence: None.
Sexual: Mild. Chaste kissing, temple kissing, hugs, and hand-holding.
Triggers: Deals with a parent with Alzheimer's disease and the distress that can cause. The author was very respectful and it wasn't a severe version, just early stages.
This is one of those stories where I wanted to smack a character so hard. Mattie's sister is portrayed as a flirt with nothing much going on in her head than making men fall for her then moving on to the next man. That rubbed me wrong so much I wasn't sure I could handle this book. Especially since Mattie is the opposite. Sincere, reserved, respectful, kind, and responsible. There were some hints that Beatrice (the sister) was deeper than that, but I was hoping to see more from her than being an empty-headed inconsiderate flirt.
But! Oliver and Mattie's romance made up for it. Oliver, thank heavens, realized his mistake in pursuing the wrong sister pretty quickly. I kept wanting him to be more forthright in his admiration of Mattie, who is so used to being shunted aside, it was hurty to read her resignation at times. I loved him when he started to really see her. And that's what the best romances do; make the reader fall in love right along with the protagonist.
I loved the little details, like the feathers thing, and their shared memories of their childhood. Neither one of them loved each other while growing up together, but that shared commonality made them understand the others' character, which made falling in love pretty easy once they both admitted how well they were matched.
This was a perfect short read. Took me about two hours, and well worth it.
November 21, 2021
Matilda is one of those characters that I would want as my friend. She is beautiful in an understated way - for those looking for the typical "blond bombshell." Her thoughtfulness and maturity make her the sort of person people can rely upon. At first, I was not too fond of Oliver. At all. I knew that he would end up with Matilda, but I didn't feel he deserved her. Why should she have to play the second choice love interest? However, Sally Britton changed my mind as she helped the characters recognize what would be most desirable for each other. The book is entertaining, sweet, and worth the read.
January 9, 2022
I read this first in the Evening at Almacks collection but this is a little longer and perhaps more fleshed out. I liked having an epilogue added. I love Ms. Britton's writing style which makes reading anything she writes delightful. Having experienced this with my loved one, my heart went out to this family as they deal with dementia and the unknowns it brings in life. The inclusion in the story was delicately done but could be a possible trigger. It wasn't for me though, so that tells me it was well written. My heart ached for them but I didn't relive my own trauma.
The story is short and perfect for just an evening read.
No sex, language or violence
The story is short and perfect for just an evening read.
No sex, language or violence
October 9, 2024
Awww this was super cute. Poor Oliver starts out his romantic journey in love with the wrong lady. It's plain to see that Beatrice would never make him happy, nor could he make her happy. But not to worry, Matilda is determined to keep them from courtship. I love stories where the matchmaker (or in this case, the anti-matchmaker? Is that a thing? It should be a thing XD) falls in love with the person they're trying to help. That so shift to realizing they're in love and the dilemma of helping them into a relationship (or convincing them out of one) with someone else. Always great tension. Such a sweet short read!
May 4, 2025
This sweet little Novella was a simple but endearing story set in London during the start of a new Season. Mattie is the eldest sister who takes responsibility for the affairs of the family because of her father’s failing health. Her younger sister Beatrice is the one set to find a match this Season, with her good looks and coquettish flirtation. However, when she puts her attention to Oliver, Mattie starts to realise that it’s one suitor she doesn’t wish Beatrice to claim. This wasn’t very deep in its storytelling, or a complex courtship that had to ensue, but still charming nonetheless and solidly written.
May 4, 2025
This novella was originally included in the Timeless collection An Evening at Almack's, but Sally has now been able to market it as an individual story. I really like the bright colors of this new cover. I enjoyed this story about Matty and Oliver. Matty's father is showing signs of dementia, which is hard for the entire family. It is interesting what he will remember, though, and he does remember Oliver from boyhood. Oliver is interested in Matty's sister, but Matty is trying to spare him the inevitable heartbreak, since her sister is very fickle. I was glad when Oliver finally realizes what has been right in front of him all along.
January 26, 2024
Cute regency romance novella! The title is adorably fitting. It's very short, but manages to have a full arc to the romance even so. Mattie (Matilda) and Oliver reconnecting in adulthood after being childhood friends is such a fun premise, and it worked really well for the novella format. I loved the relationships within Mattie's family as well.
I listened to this as an audiobook, and the narrator did a lovely job!
Thank you to Sally Britton for the audiobook copy -- it was a fun prize to win! All opinions are my own.
I listened to this as an audiobook, and the narrator did a lovely job!
Thank you to Sally Britton for the audiobook copy -- it was a fun prize to win! All opinions are my own.
December 25, 2023
“An Unsuitable Suitor� by Sally Britton Narrator Andy Garcia-Rose
A Fun Sweet Regency Romance Novella
I did love my time in this story. It nearly broke my heart and also had me laughing.. Life has some truly tough circumstances that test ones strength to persevere and requiring one to learn when to alter ones plans. Happy Reading ! !
Note: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received my audio copy of this story as a Christmas gift via bookfunnel from the author.
A Fun Sweet Regency Romance Novella
I did love my time in this story. It nearly broke my heart and also had me laughing.. Life has some truly tough circumstances that test ones strength to persevere and requiring one to learn when to alter ones plans. Happy Reading ! !
Note: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received my audio copy of this story as a Christmas gift via bookfunnel from the author.
March 2, 2024
Something was missing, not sure what, even the narrator wasn’t as good as usual. Most of the characters are well written, especially Matilda’s father. Making a character lose interest in one character and switch to another is a challenge that the author was successful in writing, but I couldn’t feel the usual emotional romance that I felt in her previous books. It felt as if the happy ending was needed only to save "the family finances", not love.
April 9, 2024
Cute! Sally Britton knows how to write dialog. My favorite part of it is its logical. I know that doesn't sound like the best compliment, however, nothing frustrates me more than when a character(s) don't ask the most obvious, logical question that most people would have in the given scenario. Britton delivers witty, logical, funny dialog and I don't have to sit here screaming at the audiobook, "why is no one asking this?!!".
February 15, 2024
Mattie and Oliver
An Unsuitable Suitor is a sweet and gentle friends to more romantic story. I enjoyed getting to know Oliver and Mattie. I enjoyed the family dynamics and cherishing long standing friendships. I enjoyed reading as Oliver discovered his true feelings and as Mattie accepted hers. I recommend this book to readers of historical romance.
An Unsuitable Suitor is a sweet and gentle friends to more romantic story. I enjoyed getting to know Oliver and Mattie. I enjoyed the family dynamics and cherishing long standing friendships. I enjoyed reading as Oliver discovered his true feelings and as Mattie accepted hers. I recommend this book to readers of historical romance.
October 31, 2024
This was a cute, clean regency novella that I would totally recommend for multiple ages. I listened to the audio version, narrated by Vicki-Jo Eve, and at times her voice made me think of Emma Thompson's voice. The plot line is the same as Sabrina, but in reverse, and was well done in that it was it's own story but also had major elements the same as the plot in Sabrina.
April 21, 2022
What a sweet story- it snuck up on me and I had tears! Thank goodness for Oliver, to help Mattie since she can't seem to help herself. Content to settle but really wanting to be loved like her father loves her mother.
Oliver was perfect and I was glad to hear his voice in this story.
Oliver was perfect and I was glad to hear his voice in this story.
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