I really enjoyed this. It was the right book at the right time. I liked all the female characters - the grandmother was the best - but Charity, Sophie and May were well developed too. The romance between Hugh and Charity was highly amusing and swoon-worthy at the right points. I liked the focus on music and Charity being a composer in her own right. It seemed short, although I know it was over 300 pages but I flew through it - it was lighthearted easy read. ( )

I must be on a damaged hero kick... This is the first book in a series, about Charity and her two friends with whom she plays in a trio for a music program. I assume the next two books are about the two friends. Charity also seems to be a side character from another book/series so there are some possible spoilers if you haven't read that book with some of her backstory. According to the author, people so loved Charity that they wanted to know what happened to her after the other book, and so this series was born. I've never read anything else by Erin Knightley, but I think I'll need to go track down some of her other books now.

Hugh Danby, Baron Cadgwith - Charity's next door neighbor for the summer - suffers from debilitating pain resulting from wounds sustained in the war. Charity lives for her music, which happens to trigger a whole nightmare of pain for Hugh. You can probably see where the hate in this love-hate relationship comes from...

I love how you get to see such great character growth from both leads through this book. I also really appreciate that Hugh continues to suffer from his episodes, and they find a way to make their relationship work in the face of this very real problem. There is no magical fairy-tale ending where her music heals him, or some nonsense like that. Hugh continues to suffer from his wounds for the rest of his life, though he does get somewhat better and they're able to find ways to help make them less intense and more manageable. It's a realistic outcome instead of a perfect one, and it makes the entire story all the more special because of it. ( )

THE BARON NEXT DOOR by Erin Knightley is an exciting Regency Historical Romance. "A Prelude to a Kiss" novel #1. What a beginning!

Meet, Charity Effington and High Danby, Baron Cadgwith! A fun, witty, and entertaining tale of romance, struggles, and finding love.

You will not find fault with Ms. Knightley's "The Baron Next Door". Well written, with engaging, and fun characters. The romance is sweet, not over the top. The storyline is charming, and endearing. A tender love story with a few twists and turns. Oh, did I mention, music? Well, let me tell you, we have lots of music, involved, in fact, a trio of music-lovers! And one, not so music lover!

Hugh, has an affliction to noise, you see, it gives him terrible headaches. Enter....Charity, who plays the piano, beautifully.

Oh, trouble!....your middle name is Charity!

Charity, is determined to overcome the scandal that brought her to Bath, for a music festival, in the first place. She refuses to marry for anything but love, pure and simple! Rather gentry or commoner, she cares not, but love she MUST have.

A fun and charming tale that will have you smiling. Received for an honest review.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING:

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More ( )