RK

RACHEL KNOWLES

Regency romance author


He must wed to keep his dream alive. Her dream will die if he doesn’t choose her.

Lord Beaumont has only one love in his life—horses. Constantly upbraided by his overbearing mother, Beau’s desperate to break free from her control and prove himself by breeding a winning racehorse.

Eliza Merry has secretly loved the reckless Viscount ever since she was a girl. Forced to restrain her unruly behaviour to attend the London season, the timid, tongue-tied lady she becomes is nothing like the lively girl she is inside.

Compelled to seek a wife to realise his inheritance, to pay for his horses and keep his dream alive, Beau is drawn to the adoring Eliza, who sees in him a kindred spirit. She believes he’s the one man who can make her happy and accept her as she really is.

As love blossoms between them, it seems as if they’ll both get what they want—but Beau has a secret that threatens to shatter Eliza’s faith in him. And secrets have a nasty habit of coming out at the most inconvenient times…

Set in London and Hampshire in 1811, this novel by the co-author of the popular Regency History blog is rich in historical detail and includes a glossary and historical notes. 

This is a clean and wholesome, faith-based romance, with witty dialogue, a Georgette Heyer-inspired plot, a heroine who masquerades as a man, and a cameo appearance of Jane Austen. 

The third book in The Merry Romances series, it can also be read as a standalone romance with its own happily ever after.

Buy now

Characters in this book

Lord “Beau” Beaumont

Eliza Merry

Anthony Warren

Harriet Whitlow

Earl of
Harting

Countess of
Harting

Countess of
Castleford

Earl of Castleford

Charlotte
Merry

William
Merry

Alicia
Merry

Christopher Merry

Duchess of Wessex

Hetta
Merry

Charles Whitlow

Lady Frances Whitlow

Reviews of A Single Obsession

  • “Wow! What a fantastic romp that was! By the time I got to the end I was ‘obsessed’ with A Single OBSESSION. You will enjoy it too. Not only is there a Jane Austen cameo (I wish there was more of her), but the characters are three dimensional. You HAVE to read the entire series.”

  • “The settings are authentic and convincing, the storyline compelling and the characters powerfully portrayed. I loved Beau and Eliza, even with - or maybe because of - all their foibles.”

  • “This is an exceptionally well-researched Regency romance.”

  • “If you love reading Georgette Heyer or Jane Austen you are sure to enjoy this book. ”

The Merry Romances

The Merry Romances 1

The Merry Romances 2

The Merry Romances 3

Explore the series

Stay in touch

Sign up to Rachel’s newsletter for book news, special offers, and a dash of Regency History

Subscribe

RACHEL KNOWLES

Rachel's books
About Rachel
Contact Rachel
Regency History blog

© Rachel Knowles 2025