Highcliffe House - (Proper Romance Regency) by Megan Walker (Paperback)

About the Book

"The daughter of a wealthy investor and a handsome young businessman clash in this enemies-to-lovers romance from the author who brought you Lakeshire Park. 1813, Brighton, England When Anna Lane offered her heart to Alexander Lennox, she did not expect to learn he had secretly promised his suit to another. Hurt and embarrassed, Anna begs her father to take her to the seaside where she can escape the gossip of the ton and recover, but her father insists they remain in London so he can attend to some business. Feeling the sting of rejection again, Anna longs for the day when she can dictate her own future and find a companion who will love her for who she is. Born into modest circumstances, Graham's hard work and ability to spot a good investment has allowed him to provide for his mother and younger sisters. Now, with a new opportunity in his sights, Graham approaches Mr. Lane, his business partner and mentor, hoping to persuade him to travel to Brighton to close the deal. Graham must act fast or else he might lose his chance to turn his meager earnings into permanent financial stability. To Graham's relief, Mr. Lane is interested in his proposal, but he counters with one of his own. He has business elsewhere, so Anna-whom he trusts with his business affairs-will accompany Graham to Brighton, and if she gives a good report, he will invest. Both Anna and Graham hesitate. Though they have a passing acquaintance through Anna's father, the two have never truly got along. Anna feels that Graham is only interested in money, while Graham feels that Anna is stubborn and self-absorbed. The two reluctantly travel to Brighton together, and Anna is determined to find fault with every inch of the seaside town-including Graham. She is tired of feeling like a pawn being moved about by other people's desires. But while staying at Highcliffe House and seeing the kind and gentle way Graham treats his family, Anna wonders if there is more to her rival than she thought. But it will take more than a day at the beach for these two headstrong hearts to admit that if they set aside their misconceptions about each other and be vulnerable enough to share their true selves, they might have a chance at real love"--

Book Synopsis

Love ignites when two rivals vie to secure a possible fortune at the seaside town of Brighton.

Brighton, England, 1813

When a romantic entanglement leaves her humiliated and reeling, Anna Lane wants nothing more than for her father to whisk her away from the gossip of the ton. Unfortunately, he has obligations elsewhere, leaving her stuck in London.

Graham Everett's financial security depends on an investment with Mr. Lane, his long-time friend and business partner. He'll do just about anything to secure it for his family, even if it means fighting spoiled, embittered Anna for her father's attention.

Luckily, Mr. Lane concocts a plan that will give everyone what they want, with one stipulation: Anna must accompany Graham to Brighton in her father's stead and make a decision to invest--or not--based on a thorough report.

But it will take more than a day at the beach for these two headstrong hearts to admit that they've been wrong about each other. If they are willing to invest a little time working out their differences, they might have a chance at real love.

Review Quotes

Foreword INDIES 2024 Finalist - Romance Category-- "Foreword Reviews" (3/6/2025 12:00:00 AM)

"This is another agreeable Regency-era romance novel by Megan Walker. Brighton in the 1800s comes alive before our eyes. The dialogue and the banter between Anna and Graham are delightful. This is a charming enemies-turning-into-lovers story, and an ideal beach read."-- "Historical Novel Society" (5/3/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"Walker (Miss Newbury's List, 2023) returns with a charismatic novel about taking risks, second chances, and the price of keeping up appearances, both social and personal. Highcliffe House is an entertaining Regency proper romance whose picturesque English seaside setting is a charming backdrop to its classic enemies-to-lovers plotline. The novel sparkles with Walker's signature humor and wit, and her characters' banter is delightfully tormenting, from the ruthless exploitation of triggers to the persistent smolder of unrecognized desire."-- "Booklist" (4/9/2024 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Megan Walker was raised on a berry farm in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where her imagination took her to times past and worlds away. While earning her degree in early childhood education, she married her one true love and started a family. But her imaginings of Regency England wouldn't leave her alone, so she picked up a pen. And the rest is history. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband and three children.