What begins with an excellent concept falls apart because of weak writing. Sadly, I think my expectations for this one were far higher than what was inevitably delivered. I think this was adapted from a screenplay that was then turned back into a screenplay for the film - and I have a feeling the film is going to be much better.

An enjoyable, often humorous story that was light hearted and enjoyable.
The plot was interesting to a point, but I did find it somewhat lacking to fully grasp my attention.
The book itself was written brilliantly, unfortunately though this book just wasn't for me.

This is a silly, and sometimes, funny historical romance. It's quite superficial with underdeveloped characters (although Selina was a quite enjoyable character) and it definitely lacks the quality of Jane Austen or Georgette Heyer but, overall, a pleasant read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Please note that this book is not for me - I have read the book, However I had to DNF and because i do not like to give negative reviews I will not review this book fully - there is no specific reason for not liking this book. I found it a struggle to read and did not enjoy trying to force myself to read this book.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused and thank you for the opportunity to read this book

If you’re looking for a fun and frothy Regency romance, then Mr Malcolm’s List will fit the bill perfectly!

When handsome bachelor Mr Jeremy Malcolm offends Julia Thistlewaite by rejection her based on measuring her marriageability against a list of strict criteria, she comes up with a plan – ask her old schoolfriend Selina Dalton to pose as the perfect woman, win his affections, and then humiliate him publicly with a rejection. Obviously, when sparks fly between Selina and Malcolm, the plan starts to go a little awry… It’s a well-worn story and one we all know the ending to, but it’s an extremely fun ride!

This is a really quick read – at just over 250 pages, it’s not particularly short for a Regency romance, but it races along without ever pausing. Not a moment is wasted on long self-reflections or extraneous descriptions; Georgette Heyer this is not. It feels more modern in its construction and style than a lot of historical romance, and puts me in mind of nothing so much as the Austenland movie and Ten Things I Hate About You. It’s a fairly irreverent take on the Regency that really focuses more on the rom com side of things than the details of the setting, and I wasn’t at all surprised to find out that it is, in fact, a novelisation of a film (Sort of. There appears to be a short film already, and a feature film on the way – I’m not sure whether book or script was written first, but it’s clear that the book suits a film style first and foremost). It’s not inaccurate in the details it does include (though characters are very quick to move to first-naming!), it just doesn’t seem very interested in them except as a way to move the story along – I enjoyed the lightness and quick pace, but if you’re after something a little more historical feeling, this may not be the book for you.

Selina and Mr Malcolm themselves are pretty much what you would expect – she’s a smart, feisty, idealistic woman the wrong side of twenty, and he’s a softer Mr Darcy with high boots and standards who ends up unexpectedly floored by love. They have plenty of chemistry (though the book never gets steamy) and their conversations sparkle with wit and a real connection. I liked that they fell for each other fairly early on – the drama is pretty low, and hinges more on mishaps and funny scenes than on anything particularly angsty. The secondary characters in this book also really make it amusing, from frenemy Julia (who’s out for vengeance, but has a heart somewhere in there), to droopy lord Cassie (who provides one of the most entertaining scenes in the book when he decides to ‘help’ Selina and Malcolm’s relationship along), to sweet cinnamon roll Mr Ossory. We hit all the tropes of the genre, including a masquerade ball, and it’s all these oddball characters that bring so much joy into what could otherwise be quite paint-by-numbers. There’s one scene that had me absolutely cackling and desperately wishing I had more friends who were familiar with the genre so I could share the hilarious play on the ‘caught being compromised’ trope!

Essentially, Mr Malcolm’s List will suit you if you’re looking for something light-hearted and fun with its tongue firmly in its cheek! It suited me down to the ground – sweet, romantic, witty, and on occasion, laugh-out-loud. It’s a perfect summer read for fans of the genre who don’t take it too seriously, or for those who wish there were more books that read like classic rom coms! It’s a huge amount of fun, and I’ll be very happy to watch the film when it’s out (though at least partly because Sam Heughan’s in it…). Four and a half stars, rounded up to five for NetGalley!

A light and entertaining read with a host of distinctive characters that really brought the book to life.

I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into but who doesn't love a Historical Fiction eh? The story played out really well with a few surprising twists thrown in there.

It's a fast read and you're not likely to be disappointed.

Historical romance which follows a usual pattern. Characters were interesting but the story was predictable.

Really enjoyed this story. I have recently started reading historical romances and I must say this one is just perfect. Really enjoyed the authors writing style and can’t wait to read more from them in the future.

This was pretty much exactly what I was expecting - a lightweight, fluffy Regency romance. I was expecting something along the lines of a Julia Quinn novel and it was - JQ is definitely a better author though, and funnier. I liked the main character, although didn't really like the romantic hero. Characterisation was a bit thin and it wasn't really clear what any of them saw in each other, except for their good looks (and that's one of my pet peeves about Regency romance - every character is always exceptionally goodlooking!)

A highly enjoyable and fun read, well written and engrossing. I loved the well thought characters, the charming plot and the vivid historical background.
It's the first book I read by this author and won't surely be the last.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

This was a lighthearted read with some likeable characters. Selina was an intelligent and kindhearted vicar’s daughter but although she was of good birth, her family was not wealthy. Julia was a different story, she was wealthy but very selfish and not terribly intelligent. Julia wanted to use Selina to act out her revenge on Jeremy Malcolm as she felt he had slighted her. Selina and Jeremy were attracted to each other but Selina had her own requirement, that of love. There are a number of misunderstandings and spiteful actions before a happy ending is achieved. This was an entertaining read that I enjoyed. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A quick, easy and delightful read. Flew through this book in a few hours. Definitely a book for fans of historical fiction.
Mr.Malcolm is definitely a Mr. Darcy style character which I loved. I enjoyed reading how the relationship with himself and Selina unfolded throughout the book.
I would love to see a follow up following Cassie. His character was rather entertaining and I felt quite sorry for him.

Julia Thistlewaite had set her sights on Mr Malcolm, one accompaniment to the opera and she was sure that this was heading to courtship and marriage. However, after not hearing from him for a week she enlists her cousin Mr Cassidy (Cassie) to find out what is going on.

Mr Malcolm is a weathly son of an Earl, who has his fair share of interested ladies. However, none of them seem to meet the standard he has set on his list. Something he shares with Cassie when he is asked about Julia.

After hearing about his list Julia invites a friend, Selina Dalton, she knew at school to London on an attempt to gain payback on Mr Malcolm. Selina is reluctant to get involved after hearing the plan after her arrival in lon but goes ahead with it as she feels Mr Malcolm would never fall in love with her.

A brief meeting in a darkened library Mr Malcolm and Selina make quite the impression on each other before they are formally introduced. What follows is a series of miscommunications, silly schemes and a big dose of pride.

A light, comic dose of Jane Austen style romance - although with the odd embrace and kiss thrown in for good measure.

This book had a bit of a slow beginning and it took a while for me to get into but I did find it a pleasant read. If you’re looking for a clean, wholesome historical romance this would be a good fit.

I will admit that I did miss out on some of the chemistry between Malcolm and Selina. Their attraction happened very quickly and I felt that they could have done with some more, longer scenes with one another to let things progress a bit slower. I also like a bit more steam in my romance, but that is entirely my own preference.

I loved Selina, she truly gave as good as she got with Malcolm. Our hero I had a bit of a longer time to warm up to. Compared to some of the other characters he just seemed a bit boring, but I think that’s because some of the others had such big personalities. Especially Selina’s ‘friend’ Julia, who I really wanted to smack during the first half of the book. She did improve, but my gosh she was annoying!

If you’ve read historical romance before you won’t find much new here, but it is a sweet, light read with some very cute characters.

{Many thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review}

Mr Malcolm has very definite ideas. An amusing romance as we read about him meeting his match and having worked through his list, deciding he doesn’t need it.

Mr Malcolm's List is a funny, mischievous and light read.
'A trifler, a heart breaker, a destroyer of young lady's dreams' is a heavy description for Mr M to carry but his pride allows him to dismiss it.
Mr Malcolm is the most eligible bachelor about town who unwittingly, due to his own pride, offends Julia; the spoilt and vengeful queen of scheme!
Cue Selina, who is supposed to play Mr M at his own game on behalf of Julia but the instant connection and attraction between the pair and the ensuing sparks, only serves to infuriate Julia more!
I thought there were a whole host of strong, funny characters and some amusing antics!
The story is full of manipulation, pride, romance and humour, it is a easy read, ideal for a quick giggle.

Mr Malcolm's List is a fun and captivating regency romance with an original plot that keeps you wondering what will happen next. A quirky and enjoyable read that is perfect for the summer.

I enjoyed this book but I feel like it went on for a little bit too long. The characters were well written and I loved the inclusion of the secondary characters, I just just think it could have ended much sooner than it did, without going all around the houses about it.
I would definitely read this author again, however, and look forward to doing so.
If you're looking for a clean, original historical romance, then this is for you!

I loved this book, full of twists and turns, with lots of humour and witty dialogue in a clean regency romance. Not just one happy ending. Great holiday read, looking forward to the next novel from this author.

I hugely enjoyed Mr Malcolm's List. It's a gleeful regency romp with occasional serious moments and a cast of genuinely interesting and touching characters.