As You Are

Corbin is my favorite of the Jonquil brothers and I just loved his story! His quiet confidence is so appealing, and his uncertainty around women and Clara in particular is endearing. I love how protective he is of her and the way he helps her son through his horses. Loved the tension between Corbin and Clara and the sweet romance.

This is a nice addition to the <i>Jonquil Brothers</i> series. It's not my favorite in the series, deals with some serious issues so its not as light as I usually like. It was fun seeing the Jonquin's come together to help out Clara and Corbin. They're both likable characters and you cant help turning the pages to see how these two will ever come together. <br><br>Overall, a great series and one I would recommend.<br><br>Content<br>Romance: Clean, just kisses<br>Language: None<br>Violence: Moderate, talks about abuse, mild violence<br><br><b>Similar Books You May Enjoy...</b><br><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/53271632.What_a_Spinster_Wants__The_Spinster_Chronicles___6_" title="What a Spinster Wants (The Spinster Chronicles, #6) by Rebecca Connolly" rel="noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1587938527l/53271632._SY75_.jpg" alt="What a Spinster Wants (The Spinster Chronicles, #6) by Rebecca Connolly" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/18944824.A_Perfect_Secret__Rogue_Hearts__3_" title="A Perfect Secret (Rogue Hearts #3) by Donna Hatch" rel="noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1420764566l/18944824._SX50_.jpg" alt="A Perfect Secret (Rogue Hearts #3) by Donna Hatch" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/19039713.The_Black_Widow" title="The Black Widow by Charlotte Louise Dolan" rel="noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1385718166l/19039713._SX50_.jpg" alt="The Black Widow by Charlotte Louise Dolan" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a>

The Jonquil brothers just keep getting better and better! I really liked As You Are. :)<br /><br />Saying Corbin is extremely shy is kind of an understatement. He not only has a hard time talking and expressing himself with his peers but also his family... which, in my opinion, is really sad. Poor Clara has been put through the wringer WAY too many times throughout her life. She doesn't trust men at all... which is totally understandable considering her past. Corbin and Clara were perfect for each other. They each balanced and strengthened one another... both knowing exactly what the other needed. :) I do have to say I'm curious to know what's going to happen with them in the future. I have no doubt that Clara will only blossom from Corbin's love but will he ever be able to overcome his shyness?! One would think that would be extremely hard on a marriage... never being able to express your thoughts and feelings?! Hopefully her love will be what helps him as well.<br /><br />Edmund and Alice are totally adorable and you instantly fall in love with them. I loved seeing them become more confident and happy because of the love Corbin showed them. It made my heart smile seeing how good he was with them. He was just what they needed as well. :)<br /><br />I really enjoyed seeing all the other characters in previous books. It was like a reunion and made me want to read all of their stories again. Looking forward to reading more from this series. :)

Corbin is in love with his new neighbor. He fell in love with her at first sight and is willing to do almost anything to court the beautiful young widow. Problem is . . . he can’t talk to her. Has never really been good at talking to anyone; and with Clara, the process is utterly impossible.<br /><br />Clara is afraid of men, with good reason. Every man she has ever known—her father, her husband, her husband’s brother—has treated her with disrespect. And violence. She has <i>no</i> interest in being courted, especially by a man who treats her with such disdain he refuses to speak to her.<br /><br />Fortunately, Clara has two children. Alice, who at age two really doesn’t need conversation to catch onto the fact that Corbin’s courting antics are really . . . hilarious. And Edmund, who wants more than anything to ride a horse. A dream for which Clara Bentley is willing to walk through fire in order to make a reality.<br /><br />So happens Corbin breeds horses.<br /><br />Wow! I started this novel around 6:00 p.m. and stayed up until 3:00 a.m. to finish it. The obstacles are incredible, the children are fabulous, and you just can’t help yourself from rooting for Corbin. Add to that a serious depiction of the almost powerless position women in the 18th century faced, particularly with regard to the law, when dealing with violence; and I could not put this down. I’ll definitely be splurging on my own copy. <i>So good.</i><br />

I can't help it. I love Sarah Eden's books. They just fill up that favorite historical clean romance place that I love. The male lead, Corbin, isn't your usual "type" of lead but he is a gentleman in every sense of the word and I loved that. Painfully shy, can't string together two sentences let alone one most of the time but gentle and full of love and loyalty. Love Corbin, love his family, love this series.

<i>As You Are</i> was another delightful regency romance read from Sarah Eden. I loved how it centered around an unconventional hero. Corbin is such a good, gentle man, and his incredible shyness made the development of his and Clara’s relationship adorably awkward yet so endearing. Despite him finding it difficult to express himself through words, I loved how he showed his tenderness and love through his sweet actions as he helped Clara and her children heal from their years of abuse. <br /><br />I really liked Clara as well. Although she went through difficult times, it was wonderful how she didn't let her trials define her; instead, she relied on her inner strength to do what she thought was best for herself and her children. Edmund and Alice are totally adorable, and it was delightful watching them blossom under the loving influence of a good man. Corbin's difficulties in communicating and Clara’s distrust of men made for some interesting tension in their relationship. They were perfect for each other, each balancing and strengthening one another. <br /><br />Although the book focuses on some dark themes (abuse), there was so much sweetness in it, as well as humor. Watching Corbin's attempts to change himself (due to the urgings of his brothers and their poor advice) in order for Clara to notice him was amusingly awkward, but with it came the wonderful message that we don’t have to change who we are to find love. Our perfect match will fall in love with us, just as we are. &lt;3 <br />

<b>3.75 stars... for the darkness</b><br /><br />Corbin Jonquil has always been the quiet brother. He struggles to get words out and has always been more comfortable with horses than people. Then he spies the beautiful young widow, Mrs. Bentford at church and he's smitten. While it's easy to play peek-a-book with her young daughter, it's a lot harder to actually make conversation with the lady. Clara Bentford isn't sure what to make of Mr. Jonquil's attentions. He seems disapproving and taciturn, probably because he's so far above her station. She finds it easiest to avoid him if possible, just as she has plans to avoid ALL men. When her nephew, Edmund, asks for a horse, Clara knows she can't afford it, but it's the only thing he's ever asked her for. How can she deny Edmund? Clara strikes a deal with Corbin and Edmund soon finds a loving home in the stables of Havenworth . Through Edmund, Corbin glimpses hints of Clara's horrific past. Clara is overwhelmed when the Jonquils descend en masse upon Corbin's estate but when someone from her past shows up at her door, she has no one to turn to but Corbin. The Jonquils always stick together, no matter what. Can they save Clara and help Corbin find happiness? <br /><br />This story is a little darker than I prefer. It didn't turn out to be as dark as I expected though. The plot is a little slow and tough to read until about the 40% mark. After that I had a hard time putting it down. The romance is sweet. Corbin has never loved a woman before and doesn't have any experience with women at all. Because of his shy nature, the romance is a slow burn. I wanted to shake Corbin at the end though. I wondered why no one asked whether he had "put it to the touch." He's shy but surely after all the drama he could make his wishes a little more clear? I thought that part dragged the story out a little too long. There's one minor plot point left unresolved. Why does Clara think the maid's name Fanny sounds familiar? That was odd. Thank you to the GoodReads reader who was paying attention and answered the question.<br /><br />Corbin is my second favorite of the Jonquil brothers, behind Philip. I like Corbin for who is is and wished his brothers had butted out and not given advice. Jason's advice is the absolute worst, especially for the lady in question. Corbin's interpretation of it, however, is hilarious. Corbin has the kindest heart of them all but when the people he loves are threatened, he turns into a different man. He isn't shy in confronting villains. Clara is an admirable heroine to survive all she's been through. I gather, reading between the lines, her father was abusive and sold her off in marriage to a man just like him, probably a crony. Mr. Brentford and Mr. Brentford are the worst sort of bullies. While Clara's husband was within the law, his brother is not. However, I'm uncertain he can disinherit a girl child just because. Mr. Finley is cut from the same cloth and my heart went out to Clara. She's been so strong for so long, holding on and doing what she can to survive. I'm sure there were more unendurable horrors in her past she hasn't shared with Corbin. <br /><br />Corbin's relationship with the children is very sweet, especially little Alice. Alice is younger and less precocious than Caroline. She's actually kind of sweet. I like her weekly peek-a-boo games with "Mister." Edmund is a good kid. He's been through a lot, losing his parents, putting up with the most horrendous of men who don't care to look out for him and it has caused him to withdraw into himself. I think Corbin sees a lot of himself in Edmund- quiet, shy and lacking in confidence. What he does for Edmund is very kind. <br /><br />I loved catching up with the Jonquils. It's a little silly to have them ALL suddenly arrive on Corbin's doorstep. I'm so glad to know what happens with Sorrel but I still worry about her. Can she have children safely? It's not as if Philip really NEEDS an heir, not with all those brothers, but I think he'd make a great father. I absolutely loved how Layton is now telling stories. He doesn't tell them right, the way Marion does, but it's very sweet how he seems to have adopted her way of giving advice. I did not like Caroline. She's super bratty and obnoxious in this book. Crispin and Catherine also play a large role in the story. She alone knows what Clara has been through and is still going through. I thought she would have been a good choice to join the family meeting but when it was revealed why they chose Marion, that made sense too. Also, Marion is so cheerful and soothing. She can help anyone overcome anything.<br /><br /> I LOVED meeting Mariposa! Sanctimonious Jason has met his match in her. Good! He needs someone as intellectual and cerebral as he is and someone who will keep him on his toes. <br /><br />Wise and loving Mater wants what's best for her boys and isn't above meddling if she needs too but I thought she should have left Corbin's love life alone. She scared off Clara. Lord Lampton sounds like he was a wonderful and loving father. I can feel how much the brothers miss him and wish for his wisdom. He would be a doting grandfather to Caroline and spoil her dreadfully. We get to know Charlie a little better more too. He's full of the high spirits of youth but I don't think he's a BAD kid- just young and stupid. He has all those older brothers to compete with and hasn't found his own way yet. He's very young and will figure it out soon enough. <br /><br />I like this series a lot. It's similar to <a href="https://goodreads.com/author/show/15367090.Mary_Kingswood" title="Mary Kingswood" rel="noopener">Mary Kingswood</a>'s Sons of a Marquess but a little more squeaky clean. I'm eager to see what happens next for the Jonquils. SOMEONE "stole" my library e-book away from me and I have to wait until they're done. I hate waiting. <br /><br /><b>Content:</b><br />church going but no preaching<br />Minor violence <br />This story needs to come with a warning. I suspect that some women, like Clara, will find this story a PTSD trigger. <br /><input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="a82ca722-5cbb-4363-ada7-050633d982b6" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="a82ca722-5cbb-4363-ada7-050633d982b6">Clara's past is filled with domestic violence and her present finds her under assault from two predators.</label><br /><br /><b>Reread March 2022</b><br />I intended just to skim only the end for the Duke of Kielder but once again found myself sucked into the story and loving every minute. Corbin is the best of the Jonquils. He's shy but sweet and caring. He can rally himself when it counts. I think he just feels overwhelmed by all his brothers! I love the way Corbin courts Clara through the children and how he stands up to bullies. Clara is lovely and strong-willed enough to recognize she won't stand for bullying. For herself, she's strong enough to withstand it but she will protect her children at all costs. Her story is heartbreaking and illuminates how few choices women had. <br /><br />The whole Jonquil clan, including Crispin and Catherine, appear in this book too. Sorrel is so good for Philip and he for her. He adores her and would do anything for her - except change his style. He still acts like a fop but when she rolls her eyes and says "Oh Philip!" he laughs WITH her and then dotes on her. He's still my favorite. Marion is so sweet and comforting. She's soothing and kind. Charlie is more insightful than he realizes. He's bored to death stuck in the country and lacks impulse control. His youthful hijinks are charming but I can see why his mother is frustrated. He's like a kid with ADHD! <br /><br />That Finley is one nasty dude. He needs a good thrashing- again. The Duke of Kielder also puts in a cameo. On this first introduction, not knowing Adam and his story, he seems terrifying and formiddable! How did he get those scars? I'm surprised Adam hasn't killed Finley in a duel yet. He must have promised someone he wouldn't. Finley deserves it though. The slimeball.

Corbin Jonquil is a man who has a hard time expressing himself. He becomes awkward and speaks in broken sentences. His condition is amplifies when a lovely widow moves in to the residence closest to his home. She immediately catches his attention and his interest.<br /><br />Mrs. Clara Bentford is fleeing her past. She wants to begin a new life away from the memories and the presence of a man who wants to hurt her, her daughter, and her nephew. She hopes that this town will provide the shelter and peace that she desires.<br /><br />I loved the advice that Corbin's family gave him to get Clara's attention. It was funny when he tried things he wasn't comfortable with. I appreciated the message that it's best to be yourself. People will like you when you are your true self and not trying to be someone else.<br /><br />This book is very easy to read. It pulls you into the story and keeps your mind there. It was fun to catch up with the Jonquil's. This is the third book featuring a member of the family. While it is part of a series, they can be read alone. I have only read the first and now the third and didn't feel lost or that I was missing keys to the plot.<br /><br />If you want a great book to read, you can't go wrong with reading one by Sarah M. Eden. She does a great job at writing the story and leaving you feeling satisfied when you finish.

1.5 stars.<br /><br />I adore a good, clean read and actually prefer no smut, but that can't be all a book offers me. While I appreciate the author's attempt to offer a story that's very wholesome and sweet, the MCs were woefully underdeveloped. When I feel I can adequately describe either MC with one word, it's not a good thing. For most of the story, the H was awkward and the h was scared. He stuttered and stammered a lot; she had to constantly remind herself not to be scared. I had hopes that this would be as charming as <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/29457615.The_Sheriffs_of_Savage_Wells" title="The Sheriffs of Savage Wells by Sarah M. Eden" rel="noopener">The Sheriffs of Savage Wells</a>, but it missed the mark.

4.75 stars - pg/mild pg13<br /><br />I loved it! (Surprise! Surprise!) Sweet story, except.... I was holding my breath throughout, just waiting for the villain to finally show up around the next <s>corner</s> page. Love this author! Love this large fictional family of well-raised, true gentlemen who can always be counted on to support each other and to show respect to the women around them, starting with their mother! I rarely re-read books; Sarah Eden's books are one of the exceptions (along with Georgette Heyer) -- I will gladly re-read hers for years to come. So far I've read this one twice and loved it just as much both times.<br />