The Inns of Devonshire (Timeless Regency Collection Book 18)

ANTHOLOGY: In the first of these three novellas, “The Seventh Star Inn”, Susan Baxter and her mother view their neighbors in Totnes as family, but when a new landlord inherits the leases, they worry Collin Stonecroft will overlook the history and focus on change. Then in “The Truth About Mr. Blackmore”, Mattias McGrady comes to the Old Grey Inn in search of inspiration, he little expects to find it in Leigh, who doesn’t realize the guest that intrigues her is the same man who writes her favorite novels. Then an urgent letter arrives, and the resulting invitation might change them both forever! Finally, in “The Coachman’s Choice”, Mary Thorne knows better than to fall for a coachman. Her future running The Golden Mermaid Inn requires a reliable man, not one known for flirting with women and rushing off to grander routes. Robert Northcott loves being a coachman, but the only woman who’s immune to his charms is the one who might threaten his carefree life.

An anthology of sweet regency romances, this collection features various couples falling in love, set at various country inns. A welcome addition to this series, these novellas stand alone and present their characters from guest, to worker, to owner, in fun ways. As such, each of the romances finds traction through the inn and their relationships to it. Further, all three couples are distinct, and the casts of side characters complement each tale, which allows the reader to fully enjoy all three stories at once or one at a time. Since the romances are predictable with minor conflict, readers won’t be left wishing the stories were longer. Further, there are a few loose ends in the second tale. However, readers looking for a little more happily ever after in their lives, but in a short time frame, will find plenty to enjoy here!

Sarah E Bradley