The Recluse of Wolfeton House (Ladies of Devon #4) by Kasey Stockton

The Recluse of Wolfeton House (Ladies of Devon #4) Reviews

• 
  Julie Carpenter

  I love when I pick up a book and am completely pulled into. When the characters are just delightful and charming. When the setting is described in such a way as to have me feel as if I am right there alongside the characters. When I laugh, cry and cheer for the happy ever after to come. This book definitely had all of those components for me. I loved it!!! My only complaint is that it ended. Lol! But that really isn't a complaint because I was able to see the resolution of Hattie's journey and having Bentley be there throughout her journey and especially at the finish was perfection.
  
  You don't need to have read the previous books in this series as the author does a nice job giving the reader enough relevant info for what we need to know about our heroine. I haven't read the first two books yet and have only read,
  The Widow of Falbrooke Court. Which was a great story as well. Both that book and this one start the same way, only from different characters point of view. Which I loved reading both openings. Hattie just needs to find her fox, which of course brings about lots of fun in both books, but especially this one. I loved how the author used Hattie's search for the elusive fox throughout the book. I smiled and giggled several times over her antics.
  
  I really want to go back and read the first two books and see more of Hattie's character because she was just delightful. I loved her sass and strength. She has some frustrations throughout this book and I really liked how the author wrote her character growth in regards to those frustrations as well as just her character in general.
  
  And some of my absolute favorite parts of this book...any scene with Hattie and Bentley in them. Seriously loved these two together. They really did have me laughing and sighing. The banter and the budding friendship. The frustrations. The different encounters and planned and unplanned meetings. The scheming of family and others and how that played into their relationship. The chicken. The window. The cat. Oh, how I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
  
  If you can't tell, I highly recommend reading this one. Like, a lot! ;-)
  
  Content: Clean and delightful.
  
  I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
  
  Happy Reading!!!
• 
  Melissa

  Stockton consistently puts out books I like. This was such a sweet romance. I loved the mystery and how unapologetic Hattie is about who she is. She really made the story for me. Just really enjoyed this one. Proper romance with a sweet kiss.
• 
  Lori

  I was eagerly anticipating the release of this one, and I don’t think I could have loved it more! ❤️
• 
  Stacey Ulferts

  I absolutely loved The Recluse of Wolfeton House! I really enjoyed Bentley and Hattie as characters and their scenes together are so much fun. This is a great conclusion to the Ladies of Devon series.
• 
  Erin

  Loved this one so much!
  
  
  
  Hattie is soooo lovable! And Bentley! Ugh! Give me a handsome recluse any day! And then how they both loved painting so much! They were everything I needed! Honestly, probably my favorite of the series.
  
  Hattie is a real free spirit. She goes her own way in life and says the oddest things. Giulia, from the first book in the series, is a bit similar. They speak their mind and often say wacky things. I don't know how to describe the feeling this book gave me, but it was pure happiness.
  
  
  
  Now I am just sad it is over! I know there will be a book later about Mabel's sister, but our 4 women of Devon are all married now. I will just have to find more of Kasey Stockton's books.
• 
  Susan

  First time reading this author’s work. Really enjoyed it, sweet romance.
• 
  Kiley

  Book 4 of the Ladies of Devon series had a slow burn. First, let me say how very much I detest meddlesome busybodies...especially those of the familial type...but all busybodies who think they know what's best for another person, regardless of how that person feels. Book 4 was about Haddie Green and the Duke of Bentley. Hattie, a 25-year-old, unmarried young lady who wanted to marry for love. The Duke of Bentley had a secret that had him removing himself from Society for over seven years. He rarely, if ever, ventured outside of his home and avoided everyone as much as possible.
  As with the first three books in the series, this was another long, drawn-out story that left the reader wishing it wasn't so long and drawn-out. While the Duke and Hattie kept their rendevous secret, there wasn't really any chemistry between them. Hattie wasn't even looking at the Duke as a potential suitor so the lack of passion and romance wasn't even an option for most of the book. There was angst, drama, frustration, anger...and a whole lot of ... nothing. It fizzled more than it sizzled, to be honest.
  I seriously wanted to knock some heads with a heavy cast-iron skillet due to the way they treated Hattie, especially her blasted sister-in-law who wanted to control and manipulate her at every turn. But I also wanted to hit Hattie with it as well for allowing people to control and manipulate her. It was odd though how fast the scenario changed. One minute there was all angst, anger, and people ready to walk all over each other. The next everyone was rooting for the other and on good terms. I couldn't wrap my head around it most of the time.
  Having finally made it to the end, I had to admit that, out of the four books in this series, this was the second-best of them all. However, I am glad to be done with this series. Most of it was almost torturous to read.
  That being said, this story squeaked in to find a place with the Keeper for the Shelves...barely.
• 
  Ashley

  Great conclusion to a great series
  
  I really enjoyed this last book in the series. Hattie was such a fun character—sweet and caring but also carefree and down to earth. Bentley was not my favorite type of hero but I still loved him. Loved how much they interacted together!
• 
  Joelle

  Hattie has watched her friends one by one get married and now she's the last of their group who has yet to get married. And that is ok. She's seen a fox so he is most definitely out there. The timing just hasn't been right. But a chance encounter with her recluse neighbor the Duke sets everything into motion.
  
  I loved the dialogue in this book. Kasey Stockton is such a talented writer and knows how to put witty, swoony and down right fun all into a story. I laughed out loud at multiple parts throughout, especially when Hattie was involved, she is such a fun character. I knew I would like her from the other book in the series, but this book proved that I love her character. She seems so real and genuine. I love this outspoken, determined, caring and freckled character and I'm so happy she got the love story she did.
  
  And the recluse Duke? Bentley? Well he is just down right wonderful as well. Your heart hurts for him and all he has been holding inside all these years. His dedication to keeping his family name clean and honoring his father is heartwarming, it's no wonder Hattie slowly falls for this handsome, man who never has his cravat on. Their chemistry is the best and I love all the different pieces that bring them together and strengthen their friendship.
  
  This is a wonderful conclusion to the Ladies of Devon series and Hattie's Story is one of my favorites from Kasey Stockton. Can't wait to read what she writes next!
  
  *I received a complimentary copy from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
• 
  Sandra Barker

  I really like this book! I'm not a big romance reader, so it has to be different and delightful to keep my interest and gain 5-stars. This one was. The plot-line was very different and the characters were very interesting and - different. I like the main character Hattie, who is 25 years old in Devon, England in - perhaps the early 1800s. Although she wants to get married, she is not working to find a husband, but rather waiting on fate to bring the right man to her. She enjoys painting, riding her horse and visiting with her friends and living quietly with her father. She is spunky and king without being annoying as some heroines tend to be. Of course, we know a man will appear early on in the book and a relationship will develop. How it happens is refreshing and enjoyable to watch. I liked everything about this book and, even though I was eager to watch it all happen, I was sad to see it end. This is a stand-alone book, even though other characters in the book seem to have their own "Ladies of Devon" books.
• 
  Jennifer Reiser

  This was given to me by the Author herself! I absolutely LOVED this book! It was a perfect level of sweetness, mystery, loneliness, forgiveness, love,and hope❤️And battering of course!Which was SPOT on! Definitely would recommend, BUT..... One major thing tho....... do NOT drink anything while reading it😂 you will end up laughing so hard that your drink will go everywhere!😂
  Plus, I didn’t find corrections needed!
  A++++++++
• 
  Melissa Hayford

  I really enjoyed Hattie and Bentley's story. Hattie is such a fun character. I loved her spunk and sass. She also has a big heart. Bentley was such an interesting character. I really enjoyed getting to know him better. This was the perfect wrap up to this series, although it feels like Pippa may get her own book too. The book was sweet and the epilogue even sweeter.
• 
  Nari

  I really enjoyed this book. Hattie is a fun combination of sweet and unpredictable. Bentley is a bit intense but it matches his creative personality. I loved how the friendship grew between Hattie and Bentley. I loved the epilogue since this is the last book in the series.
• 
  Jenna Killpack

  Great love story! I enjoyed this whole series and would definitely recommend it. I’m so happy Hattie found her fox!
• 
  MaryEllen

  I loved everything about this story!
  The characters were fantastic. The friends and family stand by each other, for the most part, even doing things they are uncomfortable with for the benefit of another.
• 
  Bess

  This was another quick, cute read in the series. I'm fairly certain this one concludes the series.
  Hattie was the oldest of the four women and the last to get married. I thought her competent, albeit impatient. I get it though. Waiting for the right man to show up isn't easy. Still waiting over here. But her "dabbling" in "white" magic crossed a line. The books were clean and not Christian even with the mention of G-d scattered here and there. I didn't like it in Amelia's story with the hemp seed and I didn't like it in this one either. But that's my opinion.
  I liked Bentley enormously. Although, the "event" wore on me. Just say it already and then it ended up being a HUGE misunderstanding. He finally forgave his parents (all 3 of them). And he reentered society wiser and more confident. He was a recluse and I found that and his long hair wildly attractive. But I have been on some serious medication recently...so...you probably can't rely on my opinion. I wasn't a fan of Mr. Warren or Lucy. I liked Jeffrey as big brothers go.
  Overall, the series was a nice read for lazy, medicated days. :) Give it a try!
• 
  Tasha (the_clean_read_book_club)

  Hattie’s story is by far my favorite in this series! Her personality is SO fun and refreshing. I love her strong will and hopeless romantic ways. The writing in this book was exemplary, even for the high standards I‘ve set for Kasey’s books! The pacing, the characters, the scenes ALL of it was incredible! Bentley’s character was the perfect brooding hero that all of us Darcy fans are always wanting to read about; but written in a way that was not predictable. His personality peeks through his brooding behaviors in all the right times and made this book one of my favorites! Each time Hattie and Bentley meet is more entertaining and swoony than the last. I think I could read this book over and over for the rest of my life and never get tired of it. I highly, highly recommend this book! These books could definitely be read as a stand alone, but to fully appreciate Hattie’s story I would recommend reading them all, and in order!
  
  Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
• 
  MK

  I loved this book! I may have to work late tonight, but I just had to finish once I started. I didn’t necessarily connect and like Hattie in the other books. She seemed a little out there for me. Now that I understand her better, I love her! The character development for both main characters was done so well! I loved the theme of being yourself and surrounding yourself with kind friends. The plot was paced well. The author did a good job of keeping some mystery while revealing the duke’s character and background slowly. It was so nice to have a good book to get sucked into so thoroughly. I loved both main characters. I will be going back to read over my favorite parts tonight.
  
  I received an ARC for my review. The opinions are my own.
  
  
• 
  RD

  I loved this story from beginning to end! The prologue at the start is a great way to remind those that read the previous book, the fun place that Hattie’s story left off. For those not reading the books in order, this is a perfect introduction. The simple and sweet way Hattie’s relationship with Bentley is created and developed is lovely! It is a pleasure to “watch”. I am also happy about the way that Bentley’s family issues are resolved. This was a delightful, romantic story that I will read again!
  
  I received a digital copy of this story to review. This is my honest opinion.
• 
  Pris

  I think I just may have found my new favorite duo: Kasey Stockton and Victoria Brazier. Kasey's stories are simply beautiful and delightful, while Victoria brings them to life in such a way I'm not sure I could have enjoyed them had I only been reading the story by myself.
  
  I'm reading this series out of order but that didn't lessen my enjoyment of Hattie and the Duke of Bentley's story. I loved all the details, (from her fox hunt ;) to the fact that they're both painters, to their love for animals), each one just added another deeper layer to the story. I really liked Hattie's personality as well as loved her first two encounters with the Duke. Their chemistry was off the charts, and I eagerly looked forward to the next time they'd meet (the painting classes, the barn scenes, they're all just swoon).
  Of course, this was all the more enjoyable thanks to the narrator's skills in bringing every single character to life, along with *all* the emotions and nuances (from longing to anguish, hurt, contentment, and so on), she nailed every single moment, having me longing to keep on listening while at the same time not wanting the story to end.
  
  Swoony/Favorite quote: He didn't want to be her fox. He wanted to be her Bentley.
  
  Overall, even though this is the fourth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone (or out of order, as is my case), and still be enjoyed. Perfect for fans of the author and/or the Sweet Regency Romance, this book will keep you turning the pages (or looking for time to keep on listening) till you reach the much satisfying ending (which includes a fantastic epilogue to the whole series). Completely recommended!! ~ 5 stars
  
  PS: I loved listening to this one after watching the author being interviewed in the SRRF book club and picturing Ben Barnes with silver eyes after she mentioned that's who she pictured for Bentley (swoon + sigh).
• 
  Jessica

  
  Dear Mrs. Stockton,
  
  How very happy your books make me! Each time I finish one, I find myself smiling and feeling all the warm, fuzzy, happy feelings (please excuse my modern terminology) that come from finding something truly wonderful and making it a part of your life. You have certainly done it again with another amazing book and to make it even better, you’ve finished this wonderful series with your best yet! *sigh* I am simply so very happy.
  
  Hattie is a darling character and I loved her so much. A most delightful thing about a book series that follow several characters is that one is given the opportunity to love the recurring characters even more as one reads. By the time I got to this book, I already loved your spunky Hattie. She’s warm, honest, thoughtful, independent, and witty. And so much fun! Then you go throw Bentley into the mix and I was positively swooning! The handsome, broody, reclusive, mysterious man. Finding out more about him in the piecemeal fashion we were given kept me engaged in the book and ultimately drew me in to his character even more. Is there a way to schedule some painting lessons of my own with the mysterious and talented Duke? For that would quite possibly complete my life.
  
  Then the way things ended! And that wonderful epilogue! *more happy sighs*
  
  Please imagine me, your most ardent admirer, dramatically clutching my hands to my heart as I sigh ever so deeply and you will begin to see how I feel about this book. The whole series, really. It is simply, positively, amazingly superb and I loved every minute of every single one.
  
  Your most captivated supporter,
  Jessica
  
  Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️���️⭐️
• 
  Mel

  I wavered
  
  I went back and forth on a 3 or 4. Because of how Bentley was written I ended at a 4.
  Hattie is 25 and the last of a group of friends to be unmarried. She is holding out for love but is getting impatient so gets a spell from a local "white witch" to learn a hint of his identity. She sees a fox and believes it to be tied. A spell for fun I could tolerate but the blind faith she had in it was annoying. To the point when she found that she was falling in love, she discounted it because of the stupid fox.
  The love story unfolds naturally which took it back to a 4 for me. Then when Bentley shares finally why he has been a recluse for 7 years she hugs him in an intense moment. She then tells him too bad he's not a fox. Back to a 3 for me....utterly stupid. The author could of had her just think it and not hurt him. He is keeping from her his Christian names Silas Fawkes for obvious reasons. He wants to be loved for himself.
  I confess that I skipped to the ending before this because the hinted at secret was starting to annoy me. That was dragged out for too long, keeping it at a 3.
  On the night his father died he found out he wasn't his father's son. Because he looked so much like his natural father he went into seclusion out of respect for the man that raised him. His mother married his natural father after the mourning period and they lived in the duke's home. Another reason Bentley stayed away.
  In the end, he returns on his step-father's death bed and learns the truth.
  Like I said, because of the Duke I ended up with a 4.
• 
  Emily Pennington

  Such a Delightful Story !! . . .
  
  I enjoyed this story very much. It had a sort of light, happy feeling that made me smile though most of it. Hattie Green is 25 years old, still unmarried, and perhaps losing hope that Fate will bring her the soul mate she believes she deserves. She doesn’t want “help” finding just anyone, because one’s fate should not be rushed, rather it should happen naturally.
  
  The Duke of Bentley is an honorable gentleman who avoids Society to prevent any scandal from touching the family name. He isolates himself to make sure of this. So, of course, Hattie bursts into his life, fascinated with their shared love of painting, and wanting some lessons. He, in turn, is fascinated with his neighbor, but he tells her the lessons must be kept a secret, again to prevent any whispers of scandal or impropriety. As they get to know each other, it finally occurs to him that he should probably come to a decision – should he give in and ask Hattie to marry him? He has fallen in love with her and can’t imagine being without her. Does she feel the same? One thing for certain, life will never be dull with the delightful, freckled Hattie around!