A Sham Betrothal (Georgians in Paris) (2025)

Super fun, full review to come!

As I sit here in the afterglow of this delightful story I remember why I love Jennie Goutet’s writing. She’s so adept at revealing the feelings and POVs of both MCs. She really knows how to build the tension and deliver a satisfying conclusion.

Basile and Sophie had such a sweet and whimsical meetcute! It was amazing how bold and daring Basile was and how adept Sophie was at meeting his overtures as if she can read his mind, concealing her surprise and giving a convincing performance.

The villains in this story were so well done. The kind you love to hate!

I throughly enjoyed this story. (Fake relationships are my favorite). I really didn’t want to it to end.

A Sham Betrothal: Georgians in Paris by Jennie Goutet is a delightful book that made my week. Sophie Twisden has come to Paris with her grandmother and Sheldon Cholmeley’s protection. But, Sophie does not really want his protection and when Basile de Gervain offers a solution through a sham proposal that benefits them both she accepts. But what happens when you decide that you do not want it to be a sham anymore?

Oh là là ! This was a true delight with romance, great banter, Paris, and a worthy hero! The characters were endearing and I fell in love with Sophie and Basile. The setting of Paris, France in the 1770’s was enchanting, and the historical details made the story come to life. It was so much fun to read and I thoroughly enjoyed.

The author did a great job with this clean romance and in my mind, it sparkled with fabulous characters, a beautiful setting and wonderful historical details. A Sham Betrothal should be added to your TBR so your future self will thank you! I highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This was such a cute story! I love that it was set in Paris. Sophie is from London and when she meets Frenchman, Basile, he acts like he knows her and she goes along with it. Sophie has an unwanted suitor and she tells Basile of this. As they get to know each other a little, Basile’s old flame enters the scene and he announces his and Sophie’s betrothal much to Sophie’s surprise. But again she goes along with it. As they keep up their ruse to keep unwanted suitors away they find it may not be so fake after all. I really loved Sophie and Basile. They are both great characters and the chemistry between them is so great! I also loved that Marie Antoinette is in the story! Overall a great clean fake betrothal story and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

#BookReview : A SHAM BETROTHAL by Jennie Goutet

I've always loved the author's endearing characters, and this one continues the trend. Even though it's my first book in the series, I had no trouble following along.

An Englishwoman in Paris, Sophie, is eager to enjoy the city with her grandmother. Her first encounter with Basile at the bakery is fascinating. I liked that Sophie was fluent in French. Their sudden engagement surprises everyone in Paris, including me. Even if they had to keep the truth from the public, it's good that they at least tried to contain the situation internally and ultimately wanted the truth to be revealed.

This fake engagement takes interesting turns, with a love triangle which I can do without. It made things interesting nonetheless. The chemistry between Sophie and Basile is really enjoyable, as their unrequited love blossoms into something real. The inclusion of the queen of France and some historical details adds a delightful touch. I liked that Basile's friends were a great source of support, both kind and helpful. Historical romance readers will surely enjoy this book!

Rating: 4 ⭐

Series: Georgians in Paris Book 4

Pub date: 15 May 2024

Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

“And yet, whenever she sat beside him, her reason seemed to evaporate like her breath in his nearness. It was as though the very particles of air that flew around them ceased in their orbit.”

This was such an adorable book that was so fun to read! I love Sophie and Basile! Basile was such a charismatic hero and Sophie was just lovely in every way! Their meet cute was soooo cute, and I looked forward to every moment they were together. The chemistry between them, the wit, the romantic tension, the joy of watching them fall for eachother was all so wonderful!

I loved getting a taste of 1774 Paris. I loved getting a glimpse into the different social classes and the royal court. Another fun aspect to this story was seeing the differences in the English and French cultures.

This book has such a fun storyline! One of my favorite parts of this story was when Basile and Sophie had to make their sham betrothal seem more convincing! So many swoony moments!

Read for:
🤍Paris 1774
🤍A fake engagement
🤍lovable main characters
🤍fun side characters
🤍amazing setting
🤍the falling for each other
🤍That meet cute
🤍The sweet happy ending!

This book is beautifully written, it’s entertaining and it really pulled me in! The ending gave me happy tears! Such a wonderful book and couple!!! I think you’ll really enjoy Basile and Sophie’s sweet story!
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Thank you to the author for the arc copy. All opinions are my own.

The final book in this series! I’m sad to see it end!! It has been so fun having a new one to read each month. I absolutely loved the Georgian time period and French setting. I learned so much about the differences between the French and English during this time.

This book was so much fun! I love fake dating and marriage of convenience, and this was the perfect mix of both with a fake proposal to aid one another. Their meet cute was so fun and I loved their instant chemistry.
They both have teasing personalities, and they like to play, but what happens when flirting in a teasing manner leads to very real feelings?! Lots of fun, that’s what! 😉

I would absolutely recommend this book, as well as the rest of the series. It is book 4, but they are all stand alones. It was a very quick, easy read, and I loved it.

Thanks to the author for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

This was my first Jennie Goutet book, and I was so captivated by the story! It took me a little bit to get into it - I'm not always a fan of the time period this was set in, but once I understood the characters more, the story came more alive and enjoyable.
The fake engagement made it very interesting and hard to put down, and brought a lot of humor and a friendship between them that makes me love a book even more. 🩷
I absolutely loved Sophie, her sweet personality went so well with Basile, and her kindness and care to her grandmother was so endearing. 🩷

*I received an e-ARC copy, all opinions are my own

Jennie Goutet's books are always so beautiful and calming to me, while providing a hint of humor. With this book, I joined the characters in Georgian France, and enjoyed myself immensely. Basile was a delight, Sophie endearing and witty, Cholmsley and Claudia all too easy to despise, and Basile's friends a delight. Just going back and reading the quotes I took are making me smile, and if that isn't the mark of a good book, I don't know what is.

~I received a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~

Sophie and Basile can communicate with just a look from the time they meet, but probably not as well as they thought they could.

I enjoyed this fast-paced story. The main characters were charming and complex.

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.

“Oh, she was in grave danger of giving her heart to the man if she was not careful. For he could never be anything more to her than a charming acquaintance she once knew in Paris.”

📚•Lovely Sophie Twisden and her dear grandmother travel to Paris along with the arrogant Sheldon Cholmeley, who has appointed himself as “Sophie’s protector.” He is more like an unwanted and selfish tormentor. When Sophie’s dear grandmama is laid up with an unidentified illness, they need to withdraw from the social scene. However, hope shines bright when Sophie’s new loyal friend, Basile de Gervain offers her the protection of his name and promises that he will not allow harm to come to her reputation and will stand by her, as friend. Even if it’s rather unconventional, Sophie takes this offer. But as time goes on, the pretending gets even trickier when it comes to matters of the heart. Basile can win Sophie’s freedom but, the question remains if Sophie can win Basile’s heart?…

“Love removes all obstacles.”

@jenniegoutet , A Sham Betrothal is such a delightful clean and darling Georgian Romance story! There is so much to love! You beautifully weaved this story with such endearing and intriguing characters, with such lovely wit and banter, with wonderful swoony romance, the right touch of chemistry, and the lovely setting! Oh my goodness, I did it want this story to end but, that last chapter steals the show! From start to finish, my heart was along for the lovely journey and had my complete attention! You have amazed me with the love and care you so delicately and precisely integrated into this story plot! I am here for this story, you, and eagerly look forward more to come from you in the future! This book friends, is worth the read, anytime!❤️

“And yet, whenever she sat beside him, her reason seemed to evaporate like her breath in his nearness. It was as though the very particles of air that flew around them ceased in their orbit.”

#ashambethrothal
#jenniegoutet
#worththeread

“Truth is never wasted.”

•I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

I always jump at the chance to read a Jennie Goutet novel. I thoroughly enjoy her gorgeous writing & endearing characters. A Sham Betrothal was so much fun! Fake engagement tropes are definitely a favorite especially when one or both of the participants wishes it were real. Throw in a gorgeous French setting, a handsome Frenchman, & all the glitz & glamour of the Georgian era & you have one deliciously enjoyable romance!

Sophie Twisden’s visiting Paris with her grandmother who’s recently become ill. When an overbearing, unwanted suitor takes it upon himself to care for Sophie & her grandmother, a veritable stranger steps in. The handsome Frenchman Basile de Gervain declares himself to be Sophie’s betrothed, but, he’s no ordinary Frenchman, he’s a marquis. Assuring Sophie that she’ll not suffer any repercussions when they break their engagement, she reluctantly accepts his offer.

Basile seizes the opportunity to be Sophie’s betrothed not only to protect her, but to stave off the unwanted attention of a former love. But, spending time with Sophie may lead to something more than just friendship. Is he willing to give his heart to make their fake engagement real? And what happens when Sophie must return home to England?

I loved this story so much! Jennie Goutet knows how to write delightful romantic tension. Basile’s a flirt, but when Sophie decides two can play at that game, watch out! I loved the opera scene! Not only is there all the drama of a fake betrothal, but there’re a couple of nasty villains in the story, ones you love to hate. I couldn’t wait to see them disappointed in their machinations.

If you’re a fan of historical romance, this is a must read! Though it’s part of the Georgians in Paris series, each novel is easily read as a standalone. Highly recommend this fun, delightful romance! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

What an absolutely darling romance!!

Sophie's visit to Paris with her grandmother is meant to be filled with soirees and operas and sightseeing, not a pompous escort who will not take no for an answer. When Sophie is given the chance to show Sheldon she is indeed unavailable, even if it is unconventional, she takes it.

Basile is intrigued by his new acquaintance Sophie, but when he impetuously decides that a fake betrothal between them is just the thing to ward off her unwanted suitor and a woman from his past, he cannot bring himself to regret it.

Because every dance, every touch of the hand, every glance only causes him to fall deeper in love with Sophie. It's just too bad he has no plans to marry soon or he might be tempted to ask her to stay.

What you'll love:
Georgian Era
Set in Paris
Fake betrothal
Novella
Dual POV
Swoony romance!!!
Witty banter
A bonus side romance
So much chemistry
The opera
The entire last chapter

It is hard to believe that so much fabulousness is packed into less than 200 pages!

I loved everything about this book - the endearing characters, the wit and humor, the gorgeous Parisian setting, the fashion, and of course, the swoony romance filled with so much tension! I love the fake relationship trope in a historical setting and this one did not disappoint!

I could not get enough of this story! Another absolute winner from this author and a perfect end to a delightful series.

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

As soon as my eyes caught sight of the cover of this little treasure, I was mesmerised. How could I not read A Sham Betrothal? My dreamy heart enjoyed this novella immensely!

Why? Because the pretty wrapping mirrors exactly the gorgeous content. The beautiful language, the elegant and lively dialogues, the lavish balls and the swooning manners envelop a plot that entrapped my romantic spirit.

From the very playful way the characters meet to the farce they end up pretending even to themselves, this little romance set in the times of Marie Antoinette never ceases to stir smiles and some complicit encouragement from the reader. After all, the French marquis and the humble Englishwoman are deceiving society with their game. Is it really all pretending or their subterfuge is a veiled courtship that they allow themselves in the haste of their appeal to each other? It's all very exciting and properly improper!

It's like Jane Austen being geographically moved to Paris with all the gossip and social manoeuvres and intricate class etiquette, and dusted with an unexpected love blossoming amidst denial and very well crafted obstacles. I found the story so charming. I enjoyed the interactions between Basile and Sophie, the fashion, the court and the suitably sweet and clever ending. Fait accompli!

Reasons to read:
- Fake Bethoral
- Clean & wholesome romance
- He falls first
- Dual POV
- French Court politics
- Detailed writing

My Thoughts:

A Sham Bethroal is a sweet conclusion to the Georgians in Paris series.

The historical notes, side characters and settings were all described and allowed for a clear imagine to form while reading. I enjoyed Sophie and Basile as characters. Sophie, despite her challenging circumstances, was graceful and held her own against unwanted advances and gossip, it was easy to see why Basile was taken with her. Basile was a great lead, willing to help whenever needed, no matter how unconventional. Their romance was one found in friendship an trust, and it was fun to watch the emotions change or become clearer, the more time they spent together. I also enjoyed how their fake bethoral happened, and how it played into the overall plot. The final act was my favorite and incredibly wholesome.

Georgians in Paris is a series of stand-alone novellas that can be read in any order. Each features a unique story, and a clean romance, and is set in the iconic city of Paris.

Disclaimers: I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

a word, this beautiful story was ENCHANTING!
Basile and Sophie are so fun together, and I loved the flirting between these two! The setting, like the other books in the series, really brings Paris to life and I loved it! I've read so many books that take place in London or other parts of England in this time period, but this series has really made me fall in love with France!
The different style of dress, the sky high hair arrangements, all of it really makes the setting so real and brings Paris to life as the background for this swoony take engagement love story!
Basile loves his life as a bachelor, and is surprised at the instant attraction and connection he feels for Miss Sophie Twisdon. When he pretends a previous acquaintance in order to save her from a tedious gentleman, neither one of them has any idea that series of events that will follow.
This story is full of romance, flirting that begins playful but quickly becomes real, French Society, friendships, and so much more!
Make sure you add this to your TBR and at the top of your list because you don't want to miss such a charming love story!

This is a delightful historical romance set in Paris during 1774, in all its finery. This was prior to the French Revolution. Sophie had lost her family except her grandmother who desperately wanted to visit Paris before she was too old to enjoy it. She had made arrangements to have a fine Englishman escort them to Paris from London. Little did Sophie know that there were some unspoken expectations from this arrangement. Upon one of their first days in Paris, she realized just how unsuited she was with Sheldon their English escort. Basile was stricken by this beauty he saw in front of the patisserie, he could see that she was embarrassed by her escort and he couldn’t help himself, but to intercede. This is just the beginning of their delightful escapades and schemes. I thought the storyline was Intriguing, and the characters were engaging. It is a fun clean historical read. It is part of the series, but can be read as a standalone.I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book brought back some wonderful memories of my visits to Paris. It would have been lovely to visit Paris during this time period and see all the places and fashions described by the author. I enjoyed watching the hero, Basile, go from a casual flirtation with Sophie to having his heart become engaged in spite of his desires otherwise. He initiates the sham betrothal to extricate himself and Sophie from unwanted attention, but it soon goes dreadfully wrong. Sophie was a delight with her quick wit, humor, and playful demeanor at the beginning only to have her weighed down with her grandmother’s illness and navigating the difficulties that came with the fake betrothal. Without giving away too much, the ending gave a perfect resolution to all the dilemmas they faced. Highly recommended for a fun, quick read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

First, the cover of this book is delightful. It makes me happy every time I look at it.

Second, I loved the voice and flavor of the book. The whole series is set in France, but I have only read this one. And I realized I don't often read books set in France. But it was really fun and unique. I loved learning more about the fashion of the time period as well.

Lastly, I really enjoyed the story! Our heroine is struggling with life - being poor, a sickly grandmother (and no other living relations), and an overbearing suitor. Of course, our hero can't help but be drawn by her witty remarks, her beauty, and her grace under pressure. And the shenanigans he gets them into! Good thing he falls in love while he's at it...

Being a novella doesn't give as much time to delve into all the things, but this one does a great job within the bounds set. Highly recommend picking up this sweet story.

A Sham Betrothal is a genuinely delightful story. Set in Paris during the Georgian era (1774), it was a bit unfamiliar to me in both time and location. The author does a fabulous job acquainting the reader with the culture and customs of the time. We are introduced to the dressing style--complete with powdered hair and beauty patches, the bowing style of the time, as well as some history, with Marie-Antoinette herself making an appearance. The fake engagement includes some witty banter and entertaining encounters. Basile and Sophie are a cute couple with great chemistry. There is a bit of the French language in the story. Context clues most often allow the non-French speaker to follow along. Overall, an enjoyable, clean romance.

I received an advanced reader copy but a positive review was not required.

When you read a Jennie Goutet book you know you’ll get an elegantly written story full of sweetness and fun.

This book was like taking a step back in time strolling through Paris. I loved all the historical bits mixed in.

I loved Sophie and Basile’s instant connection. There was ease and understanding. Their sham betrothal worked so well because of it.

Basile, a determined bachelor, only knows of unrequited desperate love or marriage in name only “love”, while Sophie believes only a true love will bring her to marriage.

A bit of fake dating and mayhem ensues when they try to fend off unwanted advances from two particularly enthusiastic suitors. This is a charming and sweet Georgian romance.

Thanks to BookSprout and the author, I received a complimentary copy, but a positive review was not required.

I must admit, I haven't read the rest of the series, but the topic called to me. I love a good Georgian or Regency romance, so I was intrigued to see what this book would be like. I enjoyed the two main characters, their development, and that Goutet switched us between their perspectives seamlessly while remaining in the third person - no mean feat! While her research into Parisian Georgian fashion seems very accurate, her descriptions of the clothing felt cumbersome at times; it could have been worked into the story in a subtler fashion, especially towards the beginning of the novel. The plot, while adapting the fake dating plot intriguingly for a historical time period, was a bit fast for my taste. I would have liked for the misunderstanding and resolution to have played out more slowly, giving us more time to savor the emotions. Overall, however, it was a fun amuse-bouche of a novel.

"All rational thought dictated that he keep her at arm's length, thus shielding her from false promises. Yet, the irrational beat of his heart did not care to create distance, not when the unexpected glimpse of her staring out over the city of Paris caused his feet to stop dead in their tracks."

I loved this romantic and enchanting tale! This is the first book I've read by Jennie, and I'm already looking forward to reading more. I felt entirely swept away into Georgian Paris. I just couldn't get enough of the imagery, famous locations, and descriptions of fashion.

The two main characters were easy to fall in love with! Sophie was so brave in the face of change and I loved how Basile lept at the chance to care for her. He was so in love and didn't know it, which I think is super fun to read about.

Read if you Enjoy:
Historical Romance
Flirty Banter
Fake Engagement
Royal Politics

*I received a complimentary ARC from the author. All opinions expressed are my own!

I enjoyed reading this novel as I have very little knowledge of Paris as depicted in the era in which this novel is set. The fashions, political climate, and landmarks are as distinct today as they were in the 1770's. The accidental meeting between Sophie and Basile was both amusing and enchanting as they obviously made a connection right away. The novel has a certain amount of tension given the circumstances of their sham betrothal, but it becomes very obvious to their friends, if not to the main characters, that there is far more to their relationship than they anticipated. The novel comes to a delightful conclusion as Sophie and Basile thwart their conniving enemies and find their way forward. I received a copy of this romance through Booksprout as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

When I saw that the audio for this was available on Jennie Goutet's YouTube channel, I paused my current audiobook and listened to this one instead. (Not because I didn't enjoy the other one, but I was only 10 percent in and I was going to be near wifi and a charger long enough to finish this one. That's the biggest downside to YouTube audio.)

I am glad I did. I am loving this 4 author series Georgians in Paris. I love Paris as the setting and am enjoying the Georgian time period and it's differences to the Regency England books.

Sophie and Basile find themselves accidentally engaged, as the title suggests. It's not your typical "fake dating" trope because hello... 1774!

I really enjoy Ms. Goutet's books and this was no exception. The audio narrator was a familiar voice and did a nice job with the story and accents.

Pranks, fake engagements, love at first sight? Yes please! I really liked this sweet book!

Basile and Sophie matched so well! Who takes up a false story and continues to embellish it without proper introductions to that person you’re creating the false story with first? These two! I loved the banter and all of the “fake engagement” proceedings. Things spiraled out of control quickly but it served to bring our characters together and realize the feelings they had for each other. Basile’s sweet gesture at the end was a nice touch.

This was a fun, sweet story with a very satisfying ending!

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I listened to the audiobook and it was an enjoyable story with a great narrator. The meet cute is quite entertaining. The story takes place in Paris so there is some French in there but it usually also gives some indicator to what the word means so that isn't an issue for non French speakers. The problem I did have was with the names. I am terrible at remembering names and if I hear names in a language or dialect that is not recognizable to me, I will never remember. And reading the book instead wouldn't have helped much with frustration because I hate when I don't have any idea how to pronounce them. Despite my own failings in French I enjoyed the story very much. The hero is charming and the heroine is a delight. I recommend.

No sex, language or violence

A Sham Betrothal draws the reader in with likeable characters that go against the expected and do the unexpected. This fun romance will keep readers on their toes as they watch the main characters navigate their relationship and deal with the foes around them. The story is cute, clean, and well-researched. The story also shares what was fashionable during the time, history of the time, and favorite iconic shops and locations. I love the "French" vibes in this book and the mention of iconic places like the Cafe Procope, the Palace of Versailles, visiting gardens, pastry shops and more. I enjoyed the romance, but the setting and its descriptions were also well-worth the read.

I received a free ecopy book to review, but this is my honest opinion.

This was a sweet romance set in a fun setting (Paris and Versailles). The main characters were likeable and easy to root for. Sophie was kind and intelligent, and Basile was charming and good-hearted but sometimes a bit reckless. Both main characters were pursued relentlessly by terrible would-be suitors, hence the need for the titular sham betrothal. They were so well suited for each other, though it took them a while to discover that. This was a sweet read, the time and setting were well rendered, and I enjoyed the historical details.

Though my review is based on an E-ARC, I enjoyed this and have pre-ordered my own copy.

I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Sophie Twisden and her grandmother travel to Paris with Sheldon Cholmeley and he expects to marry her, but she isn’t interested in the match. She meets Basile de Gervain who offers protection from Sheldon in the offer of a sham engagement to help both of them since he isn’t interested in getting married, but a widow he was once engaged to is now wanting to get back in his good graces. Quite an interesting book about Paris and French nobility, and an engaging tale of things not turning out as expected.