To Lure a Proper Lady
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3.6 • 17 Ratings
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- $5.99
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
In this steamy novel from bestselling author Ashlyn Macnamara—“a born storyteller” (Jennifer McQuiston) who “brings all the elegance and romance of the Regency to life” (Tessa Dare)—a dutiful young lady tries to resist the charms of a rogue from the legendary Bow Street Runners.
When Lady Elizabeth Wilde and her sisters are summoned once again to their chronically anxious father’s deathbed, she’s shocked to find that his worries are at last justified. He’s terribly ill, and Lizzie suspects poison. But when she seeks help from the Bow Street Runners, her request is answered by a rough-hewn rogue known only as Dysart. Though his irreverent charm by turns shocks and captivates her, a man of Dysart’s background is an altogether inappropriate choice for a duke’s daughter—isn’t he?
Although Dysart has his reasons to disdain polite society, the promise of supplemental income from a noble’s coffers is too tempting to deny. But if Dysart means to apprehend the culprit who poisoned the duke, he’ll need to avoid any and all distractions—like the delicious swish of Lady Elizabeth’s hips. Yet as the investigation begins to unearth secrets he’d rather remain hidden, Dysart must decide at a moment’s notice whether to hold Elizabeth at arm’s length . . . or pull her dangerously close.
Praise for the novels of Ashlyn Macnamara
“Ashlyn Macnamara weaves tales rich in angst, humor, and history as she treats readers to the steamier side of Regency. Her inventive prose has secured her a place on my auto-buy list, and her memorable characters have secured a place in my heart. Don’t forget to set your morning alarm, though. You’ll be reading long past your bedtime!”—New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer McQuiston
“A witty, sexy historical romance . . . Pain, scandal, forgiveness, honor, intrigue, passion, clever banter, romance and love all play a part in this delightful tale, which will keep readers turning the pages.”—Romance Junkies, on What a Lady Craves
“An intriguing, dramatic, and sexually charged novel that is recommended for most historical romance lovers.”—Library Journal, on What a Lady Demands
“A wonderful tale depicting an intelligent heroine who speaks her mind, and a misguided hero who is struggling with his past.”—Fresh Fiction, on What a Lady Requires
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
Customer Reviews
More troublesome is the sketched in secondary characters that didn’t allow for much
3.5 stars, rounded
In this book we are introduced to the three sisters Lizzie, Caro and Philippa, daughters of a hypochondriacal duke who is determined that they all shall marry, and marry well. But, chronically claiming illness, this time when summoned the girls are shocked to see their father is wan and unusually haggard. Suspecting poison, Lizzie decides that she needs help in finding who the culprit is, she sets out to find a Bow Street Runner.
Dysart is less trusting of the tonne, but finds the case intriguing. While his own backstory is a bit muddled and one may instantly see that he is more confident and comfortable in the shadowy areas, his intelligence is easily discovered, and we learn (as does Lizzie) about his story and his honorable, if rather rigid, stance on his place in the world.
Quickly the twists and turns happen with much discussion of ‘who could’ be the culprit, but I don’t think that much investigating really happened. The chemistry between the two, so well suited, was the highlight, and all else fell to the side. While introduced, Lizzie’s sisters were merely drawn and lightly colored in, but enough interest is sparked, I think, to wish to know more.
Lizzie was a woman of her time: sheltered from the world but able to plan a soiree for 100 and a 12-course meal as easily as putting on stockings in the morning. This does come into play in the story where her natural curiosity and naiveté contrast with an almost overeager side that appeared in more sensual scenes, showing some unevenness in her character that is to be noted, but not necessarily takes from the overall arc of their romance. More troublesome is the sketched in secondary characters that didn’t allow for much of the familial feel that one would expect, nor a sense of danger or menace from the villain. An intriguing read that should give readers of historical romance some diversion and a new story.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility
Funny
At first I didn't think I was going to enjoy this book. I felt the beginning stumbled along and didn't flow well at all. When I did start to flow my first thought was Im really going to like these sisters. Lady Elizabeth and her sisters Caro and Pippa had great banter and sarcasm that they reminded me of my own sisters. Dysart is not my favorite hero but he was likable. Lady Elizabeth just had way more personality and whit.
I would like to see where the author takes this series so I'm looking forward to the next book.
Fun and Enticing from the start
This is a very intriguing story. It has all the elements that will keep you glued to your seat to get to the outcome. I really enjoyed how detailed the characters were and how the settings were placed throughout. The book maintains the time period references accurately and transports the reader back in time to watch over the shoulders of the fascinating characters as they traverse the through the mystery at the heart of the story. This book introduces us to the Wilde sisters who didn't really have the typical noble upbringing. They all have a mind of their own and aren't afraid to share what is on their minds. At times the story is funny, exciting, mysterious and above all romantic while two very different characters fight an attraction that is too strong to overcome.