Not Exactly Mr. Darcy

Author: Carolyn Miller
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: The Silver Teapot #1
Pages: 256
Release Date: December 1, 2025
Publisher: Barbour Publishing

When history-loving Olivia Bennett’s teaching contract isn’t renewed, she is considered her family’s logical choice to care for her ailing grandmother in a tiny English village. While there, she soon finds additional work at nearby Hartbury Hall—one of England’s great houses once used as Pemberley in a filmed production of Pride and Prejudice. The head gardener there, however, proves to be anything but the gentlemanly hero of that famous book. Little does she know that behind Liam Browne’s brusque exterior is both a family tragedy and a legacy that demands truth and honor, creating a crisis that only Liv’s vivacious determination can resolve. Along the way, she may just learn that appearances count for naught. . .and that love can be found in unexpected ways.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

Not Exactly Mr. Darcy by Carolyn Miller is a book that is a contemporary romance, but also feels a bit like stepping into a Regency romance novel. So it is the best of both worlds.

Olivia Bennett is a history teacher without a job, and when her Grandmother needs help after recovery from hip surgery, she is asked by her family to travel to England to be with her. While there, she helps use her expertise to save Hartbury Hall, the location of the filming of a Pride & Prejudice movie. Hartbury Hall needs repair and saving before it is sold and its owner loses his home forever.

While there, Olivia meets a rather grumpy gardener, Liam Browne. Liam has a tragic story and has a few other secrets to hide as well. Suffice it to say, he is just like Mr. Darcy in character, making this an excellent read as the two sort out their feelings for each other. 

I loved the atmosphere of this book. I could see the house and gardens as Olivia went to great lengths to get it ready for tourists. And the planning of the Regency Ball, plus leaning into Jane Austen's novel, made this feel almost like historical fiction rather than a contemporary one. It was easy to get lost in the history and era of the house, while constantly wondering if "Mr. Darcy" would eventually declare his intentions.

If you like contemporary romance novels with a taste of historical fiction, you will enjoy Not Exactly Mr. Darcy. 

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for my honest review.

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