Synopsis

If you can’t join them, beat them.

Marigold Cartwell has only one goal: to defeat her long-time rival on the archery field. She knows she can outshoot irritating, cynical Tristan Gates, but the local bowmen’s society—the one he belongs to—refuses to allow women to compete. Spurred on by their rejection, Marigold decides to start a new society. Naturally, it has only one rule: no men.

Tristan Gates is used to Marigold Cartwell always getting her way, so he is far from surprised when she forms her own society. He knows how relentless she can be, something he learned firsthand facing her at the targets. But Tristan has enough worries of his own, what with his bachelor uncle falling in love with a fortune hunter. He has no time to entertain Marigold’s ambitions.

However, after a visit to the seashore ends in disaster—and scandal—Marigold and Tristan soon realize how little they know about each other. The strained tension between them quickly turns to simmering attraction, but an important archery competition looms ahead. Lines are drawn all around them, with Marigold and Tristan on opposite sides, and neither can afford to lose. Yet winning might be the very thing to tear them apart. (via Amazon)

Review

This was my first book from Joanna Barker and definitely not my last. I really need to get through some more of my TBR that I have been sitting on for months, since there are some great reads in there!

This book takes place in the beautiful country side of England in the early 1800’s. As always in great regency books, I enjoyed the different grounds and abodes the characters visit. Particularly with the theme of archery and how the sport effected both the background and behaviors of the characters. In fact, the majority of the setting takes place outdoors which was a welcome change to most other regency novels I have read.

Archery has always been an interesting sport for me, particularly how different cultures take part in this pastime. In this book, we see how archery seems to be classified mainly as a high class activity. Even amongst the players, there were those who competed solely for social reasons and those that had a genuine passion for the game. I enjoyed experiencing this whole new culture through these pages!

Marigold Cartwell is the eldest daughter in her close knit family. When we first get acquainted with her, she seems to exude a very spoiled brat mentality, becoming overtly upset with her initial loss to Tristan. As time goes on however, we realize her disappointment did not come from a place of ego, but one seated in her intense passion for the game. Granted, she is a very stubborn young lady. Said stubbornness finds her in quite a bit of hot water throughout the story. That being said, she truly has a soft spot for her true friends and family that shines through her flaws.

Tristan Gates is the broody neighbor and closest competitor to Marigold. Once again, my initial opinion of his character was not the best. He was quick to spite Marigold at every turn, as well as instantly taking rumors as fact. Unlike Marigold, he was orphaned and taken in by his uncle when he was a young boy. This dark past not only changed his view on love but society as a whole, leading to his disheartened nature. Putting his flaws aside, once he finds genuine connection to somebody, his loyalty remains steadfast even at his own detriment.

The relationship between Marigold and Tristan was very much the epitome of enemies/rivals to lovers. One of the more special characteristics of their relationship was the fact they had known each other since they were children. After all, Tristan’s uncle’s estate neighbors that of the Cartwell’s, so needless to say they basically grew up together. Their competitive natures as well as their equally stubborn selves led to a great amount of tension throughout. The main reason I took a star off, was due to the risky decisions they both make due to their stubbornness. After all, Tristan’s reserved personality did not clash too well with Marigold’s outspokenness. I will say, their snippy banter with each other was quite hilarious to me. Something akin to sibling rivalry.

It was not until an unfortunate event occurred to them both, that they were forced to reevaluate their true feelings for one another. Once the truth began coming out, that lovely romantic tension started taking off. They had moments of genuine humility when it came to their evolving feelings that I thought was incredibly realistic and healthy. By the end, the true strength of their relationship was solidified.

All in all, this was a lovely first read from Joanna Barker. The sequel, To Charm a Lady follows Marigold’s eldest brother and a mutual friend, Cora. To be honest, I was rooting for them in the background so I am happy to see they have their own story. If you enjoy regency romantic reads with a sports oriented theme, I think you will enjoy this book 🙂