Love at Last
by Michelle Helen Fritz & E.A. Shanniak
Publication Date: February 14, 2022
Genre: Regency Romance
Series: Bramley Hall Regency Romance, Book One
As the Parson’s daughter, Mariah Morten has spent much of her life inside the stone walls of Bramley Hall. Before tragedy struck, she had fond childhood memories made alongside her two brothers and the Earl’s son: Harrison Pembroke.
Years later, she has done her best to ignore the yearning of past memories and futile dreams of becoming the next countess. If only she could secure her own happiness and let her heart have it’s one true desire.
Harrison Pembroke is the seventh Earl of Bramley. He’s spent the last four years trying to reconcile his heart after being jilted so that he can focus his energy on those under his care. Except no matter how much he wishes to keep his walls up, the draw he feels toward a certain set of sparkling sapphire eyes can’t be ignored.
An invitation arrives, sweeping Mariah and Harrison into the midst of balls, soirees, family meddling, and one memorable night under the stars. Will outside forces keep them separated forever, or will their own wants persevere allowing them to find Love At Last?
Love At Last is a clean Regency Romance and the first book in a three-story series that will entertain and delight you with its swoon-worthy heroes and the compelling leading ladies that capture their hearts. Each book can be read as a standalone, but are best read in release order.
My Review
Disclaimer: Although I received a copy of this book from the authors, the opinions below are my own.
I often find self-published books to be hit or miss affairs, and yet the self-publishing world is growing ever more complicated. Some traditionally published authors are now finding it difficult for their works to be published, while new authors are finding it difficult to break through. Had this been a decade ago, I probably wouldn’t have gone near a self-published novel, but the times they are a-changing.
Love at Last takes many of its cues from previous Regency romances. We have the spinster who believes her only duty is to look after her parents as they grow older, and a brooding hero who merely wants to do right by his tenants. There’s a trip to the seaside made possible by family, an awkwardness as the heroine tries to mingle in society, and a mother who reminded me of Alison Steadman’s Mrs. Bennet in the well-known BBC production of Pride and Prejudice.
The novel is easy to read, although I felt some of the language was repetitive. For example, Harrison wonders more than once if there’s too much of a social difference between himself and Mariah, and Mariah too often has a “wan smile” on her face. All is seemingly resolved part way through, so I also wondered what could possibly happen in the remainder of the book. Notice I said “seemingly.”
I did smile at the first mention of the Old Ship Hotel in Brighton. This was a hotel my family would stay at when we were on holiday in the seaside resort.
Love at Last is described as “A Bramley Hall Romance,” and the first in a trilogy presumably about Bramley Hall. No information is available regarding the other two books.
Rating: 4/5
About the Authors
Michelle Helen Fritz was born and raised in Maryland and Arizona with lots of traveling throughout the States. She began her literary career as a personal assistant to Indie authors and loves to see the process of an idea turn into a finished book. Michelle loves to write about dashing heroes, and the compelling women that tempt them, with a dash of intrigue, an abundant amount of romance, and scenes that hopefully make her reader’s swoon. She is the mother of four children whom she homeschools and currently resides in Maryland with her own jaunty hero who makes all of her dreams come true.
Author Facebook Page | Twitter | Instagram
E.A. (Ericka Ashlee) Shanniak is the author of the successful fantasy romance series – A Castre World Novel. She is hobbit-sized, barely reaching over five feet tall on a good day. When she wears her Georgia Romeo’s not only does she gain an inch, she is then able to reach the kitchen cabinets. Ericka loves to write at her desk that her daughter’s cat destroyed. Fortunately for everyone, she can see over it.
Ericka resides in the small town of Coldwater, Kansas with her husband, two kids, two dogs and two grumpy cats. The cats were her kids’ idea.
Author Facebook Page | Instagram
Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, February 14
Review at Books, Cooks, Looks
Tuesday, February 15
Review at Ms Darcy Reads
Wednesday, February 16
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books
Thursday, February 17
Review at McCombs on Main
Review at Jorie Loves a Story
Friday, February 18
Review at Bookworlder
Saturday, February 19
Review at Reading Is My SuperPower
Sunday, February 20
Review at Carole Rae’s Random Ramblings
Monday, February 21
Review at Older & Smarter
Tuesday, February 22
Review at Momma Doc Reads
Giveaway
Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!
The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on February 22nd. You must be 18 or older to enter.
McCombs on Main 
I had some of my own issues reading the novel – also on the tour, which I disclosed on my blog today. For me, it was just too neat and tidy; best way to express it and just not my cuppa when it comes to Regency Rom. I agree on the repetitiveness of it too – as it just felt too wrapped up and resolved before we ever had the chance to feel anchoured into their lives. You held on longer than I did and I applaud you for it.
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Thanks.
Hope you don’t mind that I only approved your post today. I wanted to wait until the tour was over. I took a look at your site, and saw you chose to do a spotlight instead. I’ve often thought about doing that but, thankfully, I’ve usually been able to finish a novel and resist flinging it across a room, lol. I also want to say, I love your blog and the amount of info and detail you provide. You may have inspired me to work a bit more on developing mine!
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