To Catch a Coronet - by Grace Hitchcock (Paperback)

About the Book

"Chilham in the County of Kent to London, Spring 1813 After breaking off two arranged engagements, country baker turned heiress Muriel Beau takes matters into her own hands and asks the visiting baron she loves to marry her in a very public proposal and is met with an emphatic rejection. With no other course but to flee Kent society, Muriel knows the only way out of this debacle is to out stride it by securing what every society matron dreams of obtaining-a coronet with a sumptuous title to match. And after a glittering reception in the courts of London, Muriel's dreams might come true after all. After years serving as a Privateer under another name, Captain Erik Draycott, the recent heir to Draycott Castle and his uncle's title, returns home to find his London House in disrepair thanks to his nemesis, Requin. Erik soon finds while his rumored pauper state has kept most potential London brides away, the country brides of Kent have no such qualms and are more than willing to fill his coffers with their fathers' wealth, despite his desire to remain single so he may return to his ship unfettered as soon as his arm is healed from his skirmish with an elusive French smuggler. But, when he encounters the unconventional Muriel Beau and she becomes inadvertently entangled in his failed mission, he is torn between protecting this enchanting country lady by staying at her side and his calling back to the high seas as privateer captain of the Twilight Treader"--

Book Synopsis

Sometimes the only way to outsmart a scandal is to find a crown big enough to silence it
Muriel Beau, country baker turned heiress, can't stop instigating outrage. She discards two arranged engagements, then further antagonizes Kent society by publicly proposing to a baron at a ball. His rejection leaves her with no choice but to flee to the city and to secure a coronet so splendid that her peers will forget her debacles. The glitter of the London courts convinces Muriel that it's possible to find the future she dreams of, until she finds herself entangled in yet another escapade--one that may cost her more than her crumbling reputation.
After years of serving as a privateer under an assumed name, Captain Erik Draycott, heir to Draycott Castle and soon to assume his uncle's title of Earl, returns to his London home to find it in disrepair thanks to his longtime nemesis. A staunch bachelor intent on returning to his ship, the captain is shocked when his mentor encourages him to take a wife. But while his alleged pauper status causes the potential London brides to turn their noses up at him, the ladies of Kent have no such qualms and are eager to fill his coffers with their fathers' wealth.
Caught in a whirlwind of high society and high seas, Muriel and Erik navigate a risky undertaking that threatens their futures and creating stakes that soar above the masts of Erik's ship. Will Muriel's bold charm and Erik's daring bravery be enough to outsmart the scandal and secure a future as glittering as the crown Muriel seeks?
"To Catch a Coronet by Grace Hitchcock is perfect Regency! This hilarious novel has it all: sparkling dialogue, a spunky heroine with a penchant for baking, and a dreamy hero who loves her in spite of her antics. I loved it and highly recommend!" --Colleen Coble, USA Today best-selling author of Fragile Designs

Review Quotes

"To Catch a Coronet by Grace Hitchcock is perfect Regency! This hilarious novel has it all: sparkling dialogue, a spunky heroine with a penchant for baking, and a dreamy hero who loves her in spite of her antics. I loved it and highly recommend it!"--Colleen Coble, USA Today best-selling author of Fragile Designs (1/19/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"A fast-paced tale that sees a privateer and lady baker engage in all manner of Regency exploits as they attempt to unmask a Napoleonic spy. This sweet confection is sure to appeal!"--Carolyn Miller, award-winning author of the Regency Brides and Regency Wallflowers series (1/19/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"An endearingly unorthodox heroine and a dashingly secretive hero provide the perfect recipe for a delicious romance seasoned with smart wit, swoony kisses, and surprising twists. Muriel and Erik had my heart and my allegiance from their adorable meet-cute to the sweet epilogue--and all the intrigue in between. Grace Hitchcock's first foray into the Regency era is a smashing success, and I look forward to what the rest of the series has to offer!"--Carrie Schmidt, ReadingIsMySuperPower.org (1/19/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"What a fun story that's filled with sweet romance and tinged with adventure. An unexpected heroine and a dashing hero take the strangers-to- friends-to-more trope in a delightful direction, complete with some near-death experiences, friendly banter, embarrassing escapades, and a teensy bit of piracy . . . of the heart and otherwise. A romantic romp for Regency and historical romance readers alike."--Pepper Basham, award-winning author of Authentically, Izzy (1/19/2024 12:00:00 AM)

"With ingredients of charm, romance, danger, and her signature humor, Grace Hitchcock has baked up a delectable treat with her debut Regency novel. Long-time Regency fans will devour this fresh take on ballroom romance as eagerly as Captain Draycott did Muriel's creations. Picking this up won't add to your waistline, but it will leave you pleasantly satisfied and craving the next Hitchcock Regency romance."--Crystal Caudill, Carol Award finalist and author of Counterfeit Love (1/19/2024 12:00:00 AM)

Hitchcock has once again crafted a delightful dance between intrigue and romance that I couldn't put down. Muriel Beau, with her irrepressible spirit and penchant for societal uproar, is a heroine for the ages--bold, unapologetic, and utterly captivating. In Captain Erik Draycott, Hitchcock has crafted a hero who is as complex as he is honorable, a man torn between the call of the sea and the pull of his heritage. The chemistry between Muriel and Erik crackles with every encounter, their interactions a delightful blend of humor and heat. For anyone who loves their historical romances with a dash of daring escapades and a heroine who carves her own path, To Catch a Coronet is a must-read!--Misty M. Beller, USA Today bestselling author of the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series (2/6/2024 12:00:00 AM)