Book Review: To Catch a Coronet by Grace Hitchcock

About the Book:

Sometimes the only way to outsmart a scandal is to find a crown big enough to silence it.

Muriel Beau, country baker turned heiress, can't stop instigating outrage. She discards two arranged engagements, then further antagonizes Kent society by publicly proposing to a baron at a ball. His rejection leaves her with no choice but to flee to the city and to secure a coronet so splendid that her peers will forget her debacles. The glitter of the London courts convinces Muriel that it's possible to find the future she dreams of, until she finds herself entangled in yet another escapade—one that may cost her more than her crumbling reputation.

After years of serving as a privateer under an assumed name, Captain Erik Draycott, heir to Draycott Castle and soon to assume his uncle's title of Earl, returns to his London home to find it in disrepair thanks to his longtime nemesis. A staunch bachelor intent on returning to his ship, the captain is shocked when his mentor encourages him to take a wife. But while his alleged pauper status causes the potential London brides to turn their noses up at him, the ladies of Kent have no such qualms and are eager to fill his coffers with their fathers' wealth.

Caught in a whirlwind of high society and high seas, Muriel and Erik navigate a risky undertaking that threatens their futures and creating stakes that soar above the masts of Erik's ship. Will Muriel's bold charm and Erik's daring bravery be enough to outsmart the scandal and secure a future as glittering as the crown Muriel seeks?

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My Thoughts:

With a flowing plot and likable characters, To Catch a Coronet by Grace Hitchcock was easy reading. It entertained from the start and quickly ushered me into the world of its characters. Erik’s strength, devotion, and good looks made him an ideal Regency romance hero. Muriel stared out a silly and immature but learned important lessons. Their romance made me smile. With the addition of suspense and secret identities, the plot clipped right along. This story was more average than outstanding, but it was easy to escape into this Regency Romance.

Overall, To Catch a Coronet by Grace Hitchcock was a fun diversion with the expected happy ending. It commences Grace Hitchcock’s Best Laid Plans series, and I’m open to reading subsequent novels in this series. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.