Title:  The Most Eligible

Author:  Meredith Green

Published:  February 19th 2025 by Hawes & Jenkins Publishing, Inc.

Source:  ARC received in exchange for a review

Type:  e-copy

Blurb: 

After the death of her father, the earl of Southampton, Lady Sophie Woodwright is confronted with the financial ruin of her family. With no marriage prospects in Europe, Sophie’s brother sends her to New York City to find and marry a wealthy tycoon before the news of their ruin reaches America. Subject of much gossip in New York City, Lady Sophie’s every move is reported in New York’s leading gossip column, The Town.

Although she is quickly aligned with the eligible, wealthy, and handsome Archie Baker III, Sophie finds herself daydreaming about a handsome stranger with whom she had a chance encounter one evening. When this handsome stranger turns out to be Archie’s best friend and notorious millionaire rake, Matthew Albouhrne, Sophie’s world becomes more complicated.

Forced to manage her growing passions for Matthew with her developing courtship with Archie, Sophie finds herself caught between two of the most eligible American tycoons.

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Introduction

I am not even sure with what to start. I love the cover, I loved the story and I am so happy I got the opportunity to read this book!

Summary

Lady Sophie Woodwright is sent by her brother, the new earl of Southampton to America, to secure an advantageous marriage that would save the family from debts. After the death of their father, the family is left with no financial support and, with no prospect of marriage in London, there is no other way but to find salvation on a different continent.

The young Lady has to face a completely new society, with its own particularities, a different city with modern architecture, all the while keeping her reputation intact and securing a husband. One gentleman in particular raises her interest and seems to be the best match. However, someone else is always there when she needs help. Who will win which heart?

Characters

Sophie is your typical English Lady. Coming to America, from a strict society, in which every curtsy has to be done a certain way to show the proper amount of respect and every word is strictly measured, she faces a more libertine way of addressing. She is brave enough to face the new environment and respects her duty, regardless of what her heart desires.

Archie and Matthew are two amazing gentlemen as well. While the first seems to be Sophie’s opposite, because he’s not that willing to do his family’s bidding, the second is much more profound. The two men will have their friendship put to the test and what a beautiful outcome we will have.

Themes

There are several themes addressed by the author, but I think the most important one is having the courage to love, actually to love again. Even if Matthew is not willing to love again, the feeling has a way of cracking walls and bursting in beautiful sparks. Devotion to family and the willingness to perform one’s duty is at the core of the plot, but we have as well loyalty (between the two best friends, but also between Sophie and her maid) and the importance of one’s reputation. All these themes are beautifully wrapped in this sweet novel.

Writing

Meredith Green did a wonderful job portraying the differences between London and New York society, as well as the architecture and overall environment. She managed to catch with her words Sophie’s innocence and how this is perceived by American men and women. The differences in behavior between Archie and Matthew, as well as how Sophie reacts to each of them are also well described.

Reflections

While I loved the story very, very much, I would have wanted more plot and less ending, if it makes sense. After we find out how the love triangle is solved, there are still a good number of chapters and to me it felt like the ending was dragged. I also would have liked to see more emphasis on the fashion differences between the two cultures, but that’s a personal preference.

I must mention one line in the book, where it is mentioned that American men worked, while English men with certain position in society did not. I am not sure how true this is because even Earls had to oversee the family business.

Conclusion

To summarize, I enjoyed my time with Meredith Green’s “The Most Eligible”. The story was entertaining and it kept me rooting for Sophie until her choice is made obvious. The characters are likeable, there is no unnecessary drama and no superficial complications. It’s refreshing to see comparisons between English and American society and in this story, the author did a good job presenting both.

Until next time, let me know in the comments below if you plan on reading the book, or let me know your opinion if you already have. Also, do you know any other romances comparing the two societies?

Happy Reading!