Wit, Wiles, and Courtship by Jennie Goutet: Book Review (ARC)

Details

• Genre: Historical fiction
• Series: The Earl’s Sister (Book #3)
• Length: 343 pages (EPUB)
• Publication Date: August 28, 2026

Tropes

• Secret crush
• Friends to lovers

My Rating

Book Description

“He never noticed she loved him — until she stopped letting him take her for granted.

Lady Camilla Rowlandson has enjoyed an intimate friendship with Lord Pembroke ever since his cousin married her sister two years ago. But after overhearing that the earl intends to pursue another lady, Camilla resolves to set aside her feelings and find a husband who offers peace rather than heartache. If that means meeting Pembroke’s effortless charm with cool indifference, so be it.

Accustomed to winning every heart, Lord Pembroke is baffled when the one woman who always understood him suddenly grows distant. Camilla’s sharp wit, quiet reserve, and refusal to flatter him captures his notice, and his determination to win back her friendship quickly becomes a temptation he cannot ignore.

Amid the glittering London season, every dance, conversation, and stolen glance becomes another move in a game of pride and longing. Under Society’s watchful eye, Camilla must decide whether protecting her heart is worth losing the man she loves, while Pembroke must discover that love cannot be won by charm alone.”

— from Goodreads

My Review

She’s certain he’ll never return her feelings.  He’s about to prove her wrong.

I don’t blame Camilla for wanting to keep Rowe at arm’s length. She believed (with good reason) that her feelings were unrequited and always would be.

And Rowe wasn’t ready to settle down yet, anyway.  However, he eventually realizes there is one young lady whose company and conversation exhilarates rather than bores him.

While Camilla was determined to avoid embarrassment and heartbreak again, Rowe was equally determined to recover their previous camaraderie. But in doing so, finds himself developing romantic feelings for her. 

Although, I do think Rowe had some kind of affection for Camilla, he just didn’t know it at the time. She captured his attention in a way none of the other eligible young ladies ever could.

Meanwhile, Rowe is the standard Camilla would compare her other suitors to.  And none of them ever measure up.

I also enjoyed Rowe becoming a mentor for Evo.  The young earl certainly needs it.

Thank you to Jennie Goutet for the gifted ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

Favorite Moments

🍐 tending Camilla’s cut 
🪭 at the theater
🍐 scavenger hunt
🪭 love confession and proposal 
🍐 Epilogue

Favorite Quotes

“He turned to meet her eyes, and although he smiled, a tiny furrow had appeared in his brow. ‘Because I am the unreliable sort, is that it?’
…There was a hint of sincerity, even vulnerability, which was a side he rarely showed. It prompted her to answer him warmly and without guard. ‘From what I can see, you are most reliable on the things that matter.’“

Jennie Goutet

“‘I never claimed not to suffer a setback. Only that I never lose. He grinned as he felt her breath come unevenly, and only when he was sure of having made his point did he pull away.’
…’He almost missed what Camilla replied — for it was said in a soft voice and not at all at him — except that he had been listening. ‘Perhaps you have not yet encountered an opponent who is your match.’“

Jennie Goutet

“She stood frozen, watching Pembroke’s retreat and scarcely able to believe what had just happened. His lips spoke of friendship but his eyes and the kiss he placed on her hand spoke of something more.“

Jennie Goutet

“She speared him with her look of indignation, but he had already bowed and was turning to leave. Apparently, if she did not give him her attention willingly, he intended to tease it from her.“

Jennie Goutet

“Without his becoming aware of it. Lady Camilla seemed to have secreted away a portion of his heart.“

Jennie Goutet

“‘You must not think me overly curious about where you decide to give your attention, Lord Pembroke.’
He gently but firmly gripped her elbow and steered her away from the books to face him. ‘Then you should be curious about the state of my heart, Lady Camilla, for it concerns you very nearly.’“

Jennie Goutet

“‘Careful. Before long you will find yourself hitched.’
‘Perhaps. Although I am not likely to be so easily caught.’ He did not say aloud what he was thinking. Except that I have been caught by another woman — and most willingly.”

Jennie Goutet

“It was love. Love that blew his aversion to marital commitment to pieces, sending them flying into the wind. It was that revelation that kept him rooted in place. He loved her.“

Jennie Goutet

“You will not care about such things, I know. But I have a very pretty gown to wear tomorrow that you have never seen me in before. I hope you will find me becoming in it, and that you will be happy with your choice of a bride.’
‘I cannot help but find it becoming and will most assuredly be happy to marry you,’ he said promptly. ‘Everything on you is becoming. Everything about you is becoming.’“

Jennie Goutet

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