An Affair by the Sea

Erica Ridley

Mar 2022 · Erica Ridley

About this eBook

What happens when a wallflower's extremely make-believe fake suitor appears in the flesh just in time to ruin all her spinsterly plans? Find out in AN AFFAIR BY THE SEA!

Orphaned pianist Allegra Brown is a poor relation with nothing much to recommend her, save a minuscule dowry and a very big imagination. She has spent the past several years as governess to her younger cousins, who are now ready for their come out—and want Allegra to marry, too. Specifically, they eagerly await the return of Allegra’s dashing, handsome, swashbuckling, conveniently absent and secretly fictional fiancé, the dread pirate Captain L’Amour.

The only place Mr. John Sharp strikes fear is in the courtroom, where his neat, ordered mind is renowned for winning every case he presents. John loves predictability and longs to be a chef. Unfortunately, every time he puts on an apron, the entire kitchen catches fire. Much like passion burning between him and a certain wildly unpredictable spinster, who seems to have confused him for a dashing, exciting pirate. By fulfilling her fantasies, can his dreams come true…together?

Ratings and reviews

I really enjoyed this book, and I thought that the story was awfully cute. Allegra and John were quite charming, and I genuinely liked them. heir chemistry was easy to feel and so was the heat that they generated. There was a wonderful balance here between fun and heartfelt, and that made this book delightfully entertaining while offering the feels and swoon I always need. I am electing to post a candid review.

For years governess Allegra has entertained her charges with stories of her fictional sea-captain lover. After a misunderstanding, disgraced solicitor-turned-chef John agrees to play the role for the summer. Afterward, they'll go their separate ways—unless they fall in love for real. This book has all the humor, charm, and vivid characters I expect from Erica Ridley. It's a quick, fun read that will melt your heart. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Fun, fresh and fanciful. Erica Ridley delivers with her latest book. John is a solicitor, a wealthy, successful one who ironically would like nothing more to be a pastry chef. His recent failure and humiliation finds him in the seaside town and meeting Allegra. At almost thirty, Allegra has made up fantastical stories about her fictional captain, whom John resembles to the letter. They are instantly attracted and aware of the other. They both have their own agendas, Allegra to be independent with access to her dowry and freedom. John to nurture and feed people (with a prim and proper kitchen). I enjoyed this book so much. Recommend.

About the author

Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of witty, feel-good historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, starring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?

In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!

Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England. 

When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Central America, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.