Lady Anne’s Lover

The London List #3

by Maggie Robinson

Lady Imaculata Anne Egremont has appeared in the scandalous pages of the London List often enough. The reading public is so bored with her nonsense, she couldn’t make news now unless she took a vow of chastity. But behind her naughty hijinks is a terrible fear. It’s time the List helped her. With a quick scan through its job postings and a few whacks at her ridiculous name, she’s off to keep house for a bachelor veteran as plain Anne Mont.

Major Gareth Ripton-Jones is dangerously young and handsome on the face of it, but after losing his love and his arm in short order, he is also too deep in his cups to notice that his suspiciously young housekeeper is suspiciously terrible at keeping house. Until, that is, her sharp tongue and her burnt coffee penetrate even his misery—and the charm underneath surprises them both. Trust the worst cook in Wales to propose a most unexpected solution to his troubles…

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction, British Literature, Fiction

346 pages, Paperback

First published July 30, 2013

About the author

Maggie Robinson is a former teacher, library clerk and mother of four who woke up in the middle of the night, absolutely compelled to create the perfect man and use as many adverbs as possible doing so. A transplanted New Yorker, she lives with her not-quite perfect husband in Maine, where the cold winters are ideal for staying inside and writing hot historical romances and her latest venture, the Lady Adelaide Mysteries. Her books have been translated into nine languages.

She also wrote two erotic historical romances as Margaret Rowe.

Reviews

[♥ℳelody · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Maggie Robinson read. Wow. What a little gem this is. Was really impressed with the writing quality and attention to detail. Superb! Very well-rounded flawed characters. And very realistic portrayal of alcohol addiction and the PTSD dealings of a sexually abused victim. Very real, the author captured every nuance on the page beautifully. So much so that I wanted to take the hero and heroine and hug them to my chest. Really well done.

I'd definitely recommend this to HR fans, Lisa Kleypas fans in particular who like dark gritty stories with a passionate couple. I couldn't help but see some similarities between Gareth and Annie with Evie and St. Vincent from Devil in Winter (my babies <3). Not just in physical traits but characterizations as well. You have a stammering flame-haired freckled beauty who tames a brooding handsome rakish ex-soldier who has nothing to live for. Sound kinda familiar? My kind of recipe. ;P The light humorous moments in here are hysterical and fun, Gareth certainly isn't afraid to show how he feels. lol There was a real nice balance of comedic humor and dark angst that just pulls you in. I was really delighted with the amount of depth the story had, from the setting, to the characters, to their individual hardships and personal demons they try to battle and overcome.

And this is my first read with a Welsh hero, loved the Welsh backdrop and language barriers. I found it enchanting. Everything just leaped off the page from page 1. Wonderful read!

[Preeti ♥︎ Her Bookshelves · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly well done regency with dashes of humor, sweetness and yes, some icky business.

The plot is good. A misunderstood, scandalous miss flees her vile parent to hide till she reaches her majority and inheritance and thus, freedom. She answers an ad for a housekeeper to an ex-soldier in the wilds of Wales. If she's a fraud and with no talent or inclination for housekeeping or even cooking, then her employer is a bigger disappointment - a slovenly drunk with a crumbling establishment that she has to put to right - somehow.
The H is a disabled soldier (one-armed) licking his physical wounds (not of war, no, nothing so heroic but a fall from the roof) and the more disagreeable wounds caused by his unfaithful lady love/ex-fiancee, since dead. And not to forget the cloud of suspicion of her murder on his head.

Pretty early, they decide on a moc so that she could overrule the age clause with marriage and he'd get funds to repair and restore his farm/estate. Technically, this is not a slow burn romance as the mcs immediately hone in on each other - emotionally and otherwise. (The H's falling for her is more surprising - it's as if he was just waiting for a soft touch.) But it's a slow novel with 20 plus chapters. Yes, they have a murder to solve but that happens only later on. The H helps awaken/heal her sexually while the managing and capable h pulls him out of his drunken morass. He's a super sweet guy but still only a man! So, a bit of last minute asshattery is unsurprising.

Few other compelling characters. The dead ow looms all over, as the h fumes disapprovingly. Her (ow) other lovers definitely intrigue - one is ott besotted and stupid, the H lies midway while the third earned my respect with his smarties.

[Janga · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third and final book, following Lord Gray’s List and Captain Courant’s Countess, in Maggie Robinson’s series featuring a London tabloid. Lady Anne’s Lover reveals Robinson’s knack for combining humor and heat with a heart-stirring tale. I loved Anne from the opening sentence. Despite the real horror of her situation, she displays ingenuity, strength, and courage and maintains a sense of compassion for her fellow human beings. Her bumbling attempts at housekeeping are funny, but it says much about her character that she is tenacious in her efforts. She is also straightforward in expressing her views about the major’s surrender to self-pity and alcohol. It took longer for Gareth to win my heart. I thought he could have used more of Anne’s strength of character, but I will admit that if his victory over alcohol had been won speedily, I would have complained about that. He comes through in the end, and much can be forgiven a man with sapphire eyes. I should also note that although Gareth defends her honor, Anne is just as much her own savior in the penultimate scene. Thank you, Maggie!


If you haven’t read the London List books, you are missing a rare treat. Lady Anne’s Lover can certainly be read as a standalone, but why deny yourself the pleasure of a stellar trilogy. If you’re a fan of historical romance that sizzles and scintillates and satisfies, you’ll become a fan of Maggie Robinson.

See full review at Just Janga:
http://justjanga.blogspot.com/2013/07...

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Starts out fine, ends as a ridiculous mess.

[Tin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received the ARC through Netgalley. (Thank you to Maggie Robinson and to Kensington for accepting my request.) Yes, this is an honest review.

* * *

The only other person to sell more copies of The London List than Baron Benton Craig is Lady Imaculata Anne Egremont. But while the baron had never wanted to be the subject of such publicity, Lady Imaculata had planned out all of her wild schemes and crazy antics on purpose -- to escape her father. As the stunts get more reckless and as Lady Imaculata's reputation gets more shredded, she resorts to desperate measures and answers an ad she had found in The London List.

Now Mrs. Anne Mont is in Wales to work as housekeeper to Major Gareth Ripton-Jones, a man she expects to be ancient, senile and manageable. Gareth isn't what Anne expected him to be. Instead of a kindly old man in need of companionship, she meets a gin-soaked, one-armed veteran in a house that is riddled with dead vermin -- but this little hiccup isn't going to stop Anne. She needs to hide in Wales and expects to make her home here for the next two years before she reaches her majority and gains control of her inheritance and independence, so, armed with a battered copy of The Compleat Housewife, Anne is determined to restore the house and reform the owner.

So much wrong had been done to Anne by her father but, instead of cowering or surrendering, she's been fighting back with all the resources at her disposal. I love that she never seems daunted by the challenges she faces. She has an amazing attitude that it is impossible not to love her.

"...We'll have three weeks to get to know each other better. Maybe by then you'll feel more comfortable with me and tell me what is troubling you so."

"I'm not troubled, not at all."

He gave her a wry grin. "You may not drown your troubles in spirits like I do, Annie, but I recognize a fellow traveler."
- loc 608

Anne contains a duality in her nature: she is outrageous, which has ruined her reputation but it has also helped her come up with ingenious solutions to her problems and survived. She is desirable, which is the core of Anne's struggle with Gareth, who makes her feel so wanted, so loved, so desired, but the same emotions bring back the shame and the betrayal she felt with her father. All her life, people have wanted to bend her, to break her, to get her to say "yes" to their demands -- it was only fitting that, when it finally came time for her to consider a marriage, she was the one who did the proposing. And the "yes" she finally says to Gareth isn't one of surrender or submission -- but one of agreement and consent. (Read Chapters 18 and 19)

Gareth, on the other hand, has had his heart and hope ripped out from him and trampled. When Anne first meets him, he is a man who has been drinking himself into oblivion -- it was heartening to see the change in Gareth when Anne comes into his life. From a man with a bleak future to a man making plans.

He was too honest. She needed to be, too. "Perhaps I won't leave," she said softly. "I might not want to after all. Not after -- this. What we've just done. But I cannot be sure yet. I don't want to give you false hope."

He gave her a crooked grin. "I'll take any sort of hope I can get, Annie. I'm not particular at this point."
- loc 1545

There is humor, yes -- but there is also a sadness in how these two people with no reason to hope or dream have fought against convention and conformity to find love and happiness for themselves. As I was reading Gareth and Anne's stories, the word that came to mind was "survivors" --

For readers who have been following this series, this is the book that ties everything together -- and proves what Evie boldly claimed in Lord Gray's List . The London List is an essential part of the everyman's life and has touched people as far away as Wales. It was built on the scandalous lives of the wealthy but it moves and breathes on the hopes and dreams of people who read it.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

LADY ANNE'S LOVER by Maggie Robinson is an exciting Regency Historical Romance set in 1820-1821 Wales. #3 and final in the "London List" series, but can be read as a stand alone with re-appearing characters. See," Lord Gray's List" and "Captain Durant's Countess". Fast paced and filled with murder,scandal,fear,misery,betrayal,regrets,healing,forgiveness and love. Oh yea, passion! Join,Lady Imaculata Anne Egremont,a runaway,a scandalous young lady who poses as a housekeeper. When you learn her true reasons for the scandals, you will be amazed. Oh, I forgot to mention, Lady Anne,is a heiress. And Major Gareth Ripton-Jones,a wounded, penniless, tortured soul who has scandals of his own. Together they will navigate their passion,find truth among so many lies, learn to trust each other and find true love after all. A truly HEA story! Once again, Ms. Robinson has written a story filled with passion and romance,one where the characters are not just characters but you feel as though they are a friend. The storyline is interesting as well as intriguing. A not to miss story! I love this series! I would recommend reading all three,you do not have to read in order,if you have not read them, you really should,you will not regret it.

Received for an honest review from the publisher.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: HOT

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a terrific ending to this series. I'll be honest, I'm sad that this series is ending. It was one of my favorites from the last year. I so enjoy the way Maggie Robinson tells a story. She writes about some serious matters while keeping me entertained as a reader. I easily fell in love with the flawed characters of Lady Anne and Major Gareth. I must be honest-I wasn't a big fan of 'Lady Anne' in the other London List stories, but came to love her as her own story was revealed. What makes the author's writing wonderful for me is the odd tidbits that make me howl with laughter. For example, I will never forget the mouse droppings scene. I found myself hooked into a story that was serious and bittersweet while never losing the touch of humor that I enjoy so much when reading. I loved it, and can’t wait for the author's next story. IMHO you don't need to read the other two in the series, but you're missing out if don't. Loved it! BTW, it doesn't hurt that the cover model looks like Brad Pitt-just saying!!Lady Anne's Lover

[Lucina · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars

Oh my, I made it through! I never thought I would manage that. The premisse was nice, but it was just about sex and lust. The characters weren't likeable either and I disliked the explicit language. I'm quite sure the hero used words like "cunny" and "cunt". I can live with cock (I got used to it... still hate it in German) but "cunt" is a definite no-go for me (because I think of the German equivalent and that word screams "porn" very loudly). So yeah, not my type of historical romance. I probably won't read a novel by the author again.

[Lyn Midden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I won from Goodreads. Lady Imaculata Anne Egremont has a notorious past but for good reason. When trying to escape her past and her abusive father she goes to work for Major Gareth Ripton-Jones who also is trying to escape the loss of his arm and the woman he loved. Together they find the solution to their troubles and a great love story ensues. A wonderfully written story that I found hard to put down. I cannot wait to read more novels by Maggie Robinson.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A steamy, enjoyable read. Both main characters were believable and interesting. The minor characters could have been more fleshed out, especially the one who was eventually unmasked as the villain. I really didn't get that there was any motivation behind the actions until the explanation at the end.

I read this as an ebook that I received from NetGalley in return for my honest review.

[Maria Almaguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last (sob!) London List from the always sparkling and humorous Maggie Robinson. For my full review on my blog: http://bit.ly/15lvG39

[Dabney · Rating 3 out of 5]

this review was originally published at Dear Author

Dear Ms. Robinson:



Lady Anne's Lover is the first of your books I've read. It's the third in your London List series but works fine as a stand-alone read. I enjoyed reading it although it left me a bit bemused. The mood of your book is light and humorous and yet your hero struggles with alcoholism, your heroine is on the run from her father who has been molesting her, a woman in the book has been raped and viciously murdered, and the villain responsible for that crime tries several times to kill again. You don't belittle any of these issues as much as you treat them casually; there's no angst, no gloom and doom in your prose. Lady's Anne's Lover worked for me but I can see other readers being distressed at its tone.



 Nineteen year-old Lady Imaculata Anne Egremont, in a last-ditch attempt to escape her father (he both beats and attempts to rape her), has answered an ad in the back of the tabloid The London List placed by a Welshman who needs a housekeeper. Based on the ad, she assumes the man, Major Ripton-Jones, is an elderly gent who won't notice her utter lack of housekeeping skills. When she arrives at his filthy home, Ripton Hall, she discovers that the Major is actually a one-armed man of 33, who spends virtually all his time plastered on gin. Imaculata, who has renamed herself Mrs. Anne Mont, doesn't let this bother her. She needs to stay hidden from her father for the next two years at which point she can come into her inheritance and be free of his control.

Gareth, though three sheets to the wind, is taken aback when Anne introduces herself.

“Good afternoon,” Anne had said briskly, masking her surprise and keeping her chin high. She was bound to get a crick in her neck if she had to address him for any length of time. 

“I believe Mi-uh, Mr. Ramsey from The London List sent word to you that I was coming.” 

He looked down at her, way down as he was so very tall, with bloodshot blue eyes. “You can’t be the housekeeper.”

He did not slur a word, although his breath nearly knocked her over. She would light no matches anywhere near him or he’d go up like a Guy Fawkes effigy. 

“I can indeed, sir. I have a reference from Lady Pennington.” She pulled the forged letter from her reticule. 

“How old are you, Mrs. Mont? Twelve? And where is Mr. Mont?” 

Evangeline had wanted her to lie and say she lost her husband at Waterloo—which would have made Anne a fourteen-year-old bride—but the man in front of her had probably lost his arm to war so that did not seem at all sporting. Anne knew she looked young—she was young, her freckles forever marking her just a step from the schoolroom. She had decided to be reasonably honest. If Major Ripton-Jones dismissed her, she’d go back to Evangeline and try for something else. Tightrope walker, street walker, it really didn’t matter as long as she escaped her father’s predatory attentions and beatings. 

“Housekeepers are always addressed as ‘Mrs.,’ Major Ripton-Jones. Surely you know that. And I am old enough. I’ve been in service for—ages.”

Ever since she had walked into his house, anyway.

Anne is wrong about how Gareth lost his arm. He served fifteen years in the Royal Welch Fusiliers and survived unscathed. He shattered his arm when he fell off a tenant's roof a year ago and had to have it amputated at the elbow.



The last year has not been kind to Gareth. His father died and left him mortgages against Ripton Hall Gareth can't pay, the love of his life whom he was to marry dumped him when he lost his arm, she was then murdered and everyone thinks Gareth did it. He has coped with all this by letting Ripton Hall fall to pieces as he remains constantly drunk.



Gareth allows that Anne may stay though he tells her he probably can't pay her and returns to his gin. Anne begins to clean house. The two have several amusing encounters over the next few days and then Anne gets a brilliant idea.

The fork she was holding dropped to the slate floor with a clang. Lord but she was a nitwit. The major needed a rich wife, and she needed her money to become independent. Major Ripton-Jones could marry her! Not a real marriage, of course. She hardly knew the man and what she did know did not bode well for any Mrs. RiptonJones. Who wanted a sot for a husband? For all his assurances that his habits were harmless most of the time, she was suspicious. He had a melancholy look about him quite apart from any depression he felt over the loss of his house. He was too lean (and wouldn’t be apt to fatten up from her ministrations unless she studied her cookery book with more diligence) and darkness hung over him like one of the ever-present Welsh clouds.

Anne presents her proposal to Gareth with one condition: he must give up drinking. She also tells him this will be a sex-free arrangement. Gareth agrees to the former condition and decides he'll try to seduce her out of the second.



Anne and Gareth work as a couple despite the difference in their ages and backgrounds. Although Anne hasn't told him about her father, Gareth realizes something has made her afraid to be touched by a man. He does work to seduce her, but does so with gentleness and intelligence. He allows Anne to reclaim her sexual self (her father just groped her; she left before he could take her virginity) slowly and on her terms. Their love scenes are sweet and sexy.



I also enjoyed their partnership outside the bedroom. Anne can't cook to save her life, so Gareth takes over that responsibility. The two talk and argue, always treating the other with respect and often humor. It's easy to see them as a couple who could share a life--they develop an easy rapport and work together to make Ripton Hall a safe, clean, pleasant place to live.



Neither of them is portrayed as perfect. Gareth does not completely give up drinking and, when in his cups, says some rather snotty things to Anne. For her part, Anne doesn't tell Gareth about her past (she behaved scandalously in London in a failed attempt to make herself less attractive to her father) even when she knows she should. I liked that they were flawed and that the problems in their relationship stemmed from their behavior rather than from some outside force.



I admired the romance in this book more than the mystery. The identity of the villain wasn't hard to deduce and the motive for murdering Gareth's old lover and attempting to kill Anne is rather thin.



Lady Anne's Lover is entertaining as long as one doesn't think too hard about the serious subjects it handles so lightly. I give it a B- or 3 1/2 stars.



Dabney

[Olga Godim · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book, a regency romance, is steeped in lust and sensuality, which is a serious flaw for me. I know many readers love such stories, but I prefer cleaner romances, where smut is held to a minimum required by the publisher. Not so here. Almost every page boasts some lusty thoughts or steamy bed calisthenics.
But the plot seemed interesting and the characters unusual, so I kept on reading. I shouldn’t have bothered. I must be a prude, but I don't like it when an erotic dance takes over a story. I read for the story, not for descriptions of her 'silky thighs' or his ‘straining cock’. I want to know what happened to the characters, not to their sexy bits.
Besides, when the characters’ sex life overrides every other consideration, the author just doesn’t have enough page space to deal with character development or conflict exploration. As a result, the characters are flat, the conflict sketchy, the tension non-existent, and the plot points just serve as excuses for more sex.
Obviously, this writer is not for me.

[Julia B. · Rating 1 out of 5]

The good: I am finally free of this novel after it (paired with the state of the world) put me in a 2-month reading slump.

The bad: I still had to read it. The premise has so much promise and this novel somehow delivers on none of it. What is the point of having a reckless heroine with a scandalous past if she's going to act like a shy, retiring maiden the whole novel? The huge age gap -- particularly with the way the male lead always addresses the protagonist like she's a child -- also came as an unwelcome slap in the face. There is a murder mystery subplot that nobody actually solves, the murderer just randomly confesses. 🙄 The pacing is monotonous, the setting is the same old drab house for 98% of it.

The writing is actually pretty solid for a romance novel; it just lacks so much structurally that it ends up being horribly dull. I feel like there could be a version of this plot I would like in another universe.

[Nessa]

DROPPED.

Pleasant, but I was bored.
This story read quite nicely if you're not looking for excitement, lusty passion or adventure. It was a story about domestication, overcoming fears or trauma, and learning to love or trust once again. There was even a bit of murder mystery. I didn't quite know where the story was headed, but the characters were nice.

I'm more on team Gareth, who was a big softie after we get over his drunken state. I liked how he could make fun of himself, and despite having lost an arm, he's wasn't the typical grumpy or moody hero. In fact, he was fun and down to earth. Obviously he liked our dear heroine first, while Anne took longer to warm up to him and eventually fall in love.

Not the kind of slow burn I'm interested in, but it's not bad either. Just not for me today.

[Cassidy J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

There was something about the writing in this book, that I just didn't love. I would also say there's not a whole lot of tension in the romance between Anne and Gareth - all the problems that arise in this story are owed to the plot itself, rather than any troubles between the two lovers (barring one drunken night).

There were certainly aspects I liked; I enjoyed that it was set in Wales, and Anne and Gareth were likeable and unique protagonists.

Overall, it was an alright read. Enjoyable, but not terribly stimulating.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basically a 2 hander (no pun intended) about 2 misfits who talk dirty and have hot sex. Three stars only because of raising the issue of the heroine's father sexually abusing her. This rich seam of possibilities was not used well. The filthy language not appropriate to the setting and just bored me. Skipped a lot of it including the much contrived "mystery" element. Don't recommend. Two and a half stars in reality

[NatalyaVqs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the writing, the flawed characters, their interactions. Engaging, entertaining and humorous. 34%

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very sweet and touching story about healing and the power of trust. I liked Gareth and Anne as main characters and enjoyed their deepening intimacy as the story continued.

[SidneyKay · Rating 3 out of 5]

"You and me, we're gonna be pardners
You and me, we're gonna be pals
You and me, we'll do and dare alike
We'll share what there's to share alike
That goes for money, pleasure or gals
You and me will be the greatest pardners, buddies and pals." From the Jerry Lewis, Dean Martin movie Pardners.

Hopefully, the marriage in this book doesn't go the same way that the Lewis and Martin partnership went. Lady Anne's Lover is the last in The London List series by Maggie Robinson. Our heroine is Lady Imaculata Anne Egremont, a nineteen year-old on the run from her sexually abusive father. With the help of Evangeline from Lord Gray's List, Imaculata has managed to land a job as a housekeeper in the remote wilds of Wales. She thinks she will be perfectly safe with some old codger, but as it turns out there is no old codger. Nope, just a drunken one-armed man who turns out to be our hero, Gareth. Even though Gareth spends his time drowning his sorrows in whatever alcohol he can get his hands on, it doesn't take him long to see through her disguise (she's an aristocrat who doesn't know the first thing about cooking or cleaning, so it isn't really that difficult). Anyway, Gareth's home is falling down around his ears...he needs money and he needs it fast. Anne (Imaculata) has money but no access to it - she either needs to come of age or marry. She solves her problem by suggesting to Gareth that they marry and in short order the banns are being read. Of course this is a romance novel so things are not as simple as that last sentence implied. Anne isn't too keen on marriage or me; she wants her money and her freedom. She also wants a marriage of convenience. Gareth feels sorry for himself - he lost an arm and a fiancée - so now he drinks. And, this is not a small drinking problem; if he were in this time period he would be called an alcoholic. He has promised Anne that he will not drink, but still proceeds to imbibe ale because as all people with a drinking problem know, drinking ale isn't really an issue. He also has agreed to the marriage of convenience but plans on seducing Anne anyway. We also have the complication that the village people blame him for the death of his former fiancée, the town floozy. So, yes there is also a murderer meandering through the pages of this story.

Before you think that this is some dark, angst-filled book, let me assure you that the lighthearted moments far outweigh the darker side, and that's what makes this book a pleasant read. I enjoyed the moments Anne and Gareth were together. Their dialogue was genuine. They are both imperfect people who form a perfect partnership. Even when Gareth falls off the wagon, (and he falls with a bang), the resolution is quick and reasonably painless.

Did I have any quibbles? Sure. I'm not a big fan of vast age differences and there was one in this story - she was nineteen and he was thirty-three. However, at times, she seemed the more mature of two. I also thought the resolution of both the murder and her father was glossed over, almost an afterthought - getting those loose ends tied before the last page. Her father especially, deserved more punishment than he was actually given.

Overall, this was a nice ending to a pleasant series. I'm looking forward to Maggie Robinson's moving forward from the Regency time period to the Edwardian with her next series, Ladies Unlaced. Love the Edwardians.

KaysBlog

[BRNTerri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm sorry to say this was a letdown. It started out interesting enough. The heroine, nineteen year old, red-haired, hazel-eyed Imaculata aka Anne/Annie, is escaping her father, who's tried to molest her for the past four years, since her mother died. She flees England for Wales and is employed by the hero, dark haired, blue-eyed Gareth, thirty-three.

Gareth is an alcoholic who lost part of his left arm after it wouldn't heal properly after he broke it. People also think he's guilty of killing his lover, Bronwen. She was raped and strangled. He's also destitute and Anne comes along at the right time- he's about to lose his home.

Anne comes up with a plan to help them both out of a bad situation. They say I love you far too soon and marry too soon. Once the plan is decided upon I lost interest in them (it happened so early on) but not in finding out who really killed Bronwen. That subplot was desperately needed because the main story wasn't enough to hold my interest. Everything just went too fast with them and there was nothing left for the author to talk about.

Both lead characters were likeable and there was no conflict, which I feel is necessary. I hate when they get along so well right from the start. We learned nothing about Gareth before he went off to war. I need backstory on Gareth that goes back more than a year, which was how long it had been since he'd lost part of his arm. The only thing we learned about his past was Bronwen, who turned out to be a not so great person. We learned nothing about his childhood.

The author switches between calling the heroine Anne and Annie far too often. I also didn't like his cousin Ian at all nor the cast of characters who were involved with the wedding. I think he was written into the story for one reason only.

The ending with her father was so unbelievable that it left me shaking my head. The story could have been so much better, darker and deeper, what with the alcoholic hero and almost-molested heroine. That dark subject matter wasn’t handled well at all. The story just ended up being bland.

I received this from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The London List is an intriguing series with interesting characters that are thrown together by the newspaper The London List. This is the third in the series and I believe it is my favorite.

Lady Imaculata Egremont is an Earl’s daughter in hiding. With the help of her friend, Evangeline and The London List, she has found a place safe from her father’s spies. Everyone thought her father was a saint, however since her mother died, he has tried to sexually assault her and when he fails she is still beaten by him. To thwart her father, she has caused havoc for several years, she has danced naked in the fountain, eloped to France (they came and got her) sold chestnuts on the street, anything to create news to make the scandal sheets and get to her father.

Gareth Ripton-Jones placed an advertisement in The London List for a housekeeper; she applies for the job under the name of Mrs. Anne Mont hoping no one will notice that she is untrained in anything domestic. Anne was unsure of what she is getting into and as she walks into his house it is a disaster and smells of gin, she is going to make the best of it because she needs this job until she turns 21, yet the more she knows the less sure she is, was Gareth the local hero coming back from war or a murderer who killed his former fiancé. As they get to know each other, they realize that they can help each other out and make plans to marry, unfortunately someone is trying to stop the marriage and Anne is in danger and her past may make things more difficult.

I really enjoy this author’s voice; she always has interesting characters that seem to go against conventional wisdom. Gareth is a true beta hero, such a nice guy that was hurting from several mishaps since he came back from war. He is definitely not perfect as he struggles with alcohol and feelings of inadequacy because he is missing his arm. There is something about how he is drawn to her and although he thinks her money would be useful, he wants her presence even more.

There is a bit of mystery that they need to untangle about his former fiancé and trust is also an issue both because of his drinking and because strange things are happening around them. This is a very enjoyable story from an author that I will definitely be reading more from.

Copy from NetGalley for an honest review

[Melody May (What I'm Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Posted on What I'm Reading

All right everyone, I just finished the last book in The London List books. I must say that I that I enjoyed Lady Anne's Lover by Maggie Robinson. Now if you have read the first book in The London List books you would remember Lady Imaculata Anne Egremont. I mean her reputation is notorious. However, there is a reason for all her antics, which you got a glimpse of the reason in Lord Gray's List. So, sometime time in the book you see Lady Imaculata leaving London and heading to Wales. This is where Lady Anne's Lover picks up.

So, we know that Lady Imaculata has fled London and has gone in disguise as a housekeeper. Oh dear, that's just trouble waiting to happen. When she gets to Wales she meets new employer Major Gareth Ripton-Jones. When she meets him, he's not in the best of shape. Basically is wallowing in his self-pity and drink his life away. Every good housekeeper knows to ignore what the master does, since Lady Imaculata (now goes by Anne Mont) isn't a housekeeper she tells it how she sees it.

I actually enjoyed the story, because Gareth and Anne need each other. One really can't survive without the other. I love how they come to the realization that they need one another, even when tho they need to trust each other. I actually enjoy how Ms. Robinson always to add a little danger to her story. You would think it would be the obvious one, but it never is.

Overall an enjoyable story. Yes, you will find a bit intrigue and mystery on who is trying to hurt Lady Anne. Not only that, you also find strength in both Gareth and Anne even after all they have been through life. Plus, Ms. Robinson does know how to write some pretty sensual love scenes. So, if you have a thing for heroine's trying to escape from there past, you might enjoy Lady Anne's Lover.

Copy provided by the author

[Diane Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Anne's Lover is the third and final book in the London List series. Characters from the previous books briefly appear in this one, but it will work as a stand-alone. The story has many dimensions including murder, sexual abuse, loss of a limb, alcoholism, and mystery. In spite of all of these issues it is a well written, straight forward romance that works on many levels.

Nineteen year old Lady Imaculata Anne Egremont has run away from her abusive father and plans to work as a housekeeper until she reaches her majority. She takes a job in the household of Major Gareth Ripton-Jones. He is an impoverished war hero that lost an arm in an accident and is accused of murdering his fiance'. When the renamed Mrs. Anne Mont arrives she finds the house a complete mess and Gareth wallowing in alcohol. The two gradually form a relationship and decide to marry and use her dowry to rehabilitate his property. But troubles complicate things before they say “I do.” Anne has several suspicious “accidents.” Gareth struggles to give up alcohol. And Anne hesitates to tell him about her scandalous past in London (described in the previous books). These two wounded people have a rough time getting to their happily ever after.

I really enjoyed Lady Anne's Lover. Maggie Robinson is a skilled writer and she made me understand both the hero and the heroine. I liked the setting in Wales (1820-21); it was a little different. There was plenty of steam, but it was sweet and sensitive. Robinson doesn't spend a lot of time dwelling on the serious issues. This is not a deep, angsty book. But she does allow the characters to find their own way to deal with their troubles. The mystery was not too mysterious and the resolution with her father was a little too easy, but this is a very likable story that any historical romance reader would enjoy.

[Charlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

With a pair of decidedly mis-matched lovers and a dark secret to put them in danger, this light-hearted historical romance mixes mystery and screwball comedy into an entertaining read.

To keep her nasty father from marrying her off to some equally lascivious old lord, Lady Imaculata Anne Egremont has done her best to ruin her own reputation, keeping the London scandal sheets busy with her wild adventures. But even scandal only goes so far in keeping determined fortune hunters at bay. With an assumed name and a copy of Mrs. Eliza Smith's "The Compleat Housewife", Anne travels to Wales to assume the role of housekeeper to Major Gareth Ripton-Jones, who has a plateful of troubles himself.

Short of an arm, suspected of murdering his lover, and flat broke, Gareth expects to lose his home and lands in short order--if he doesn't break his neck first in some drunken accident. Anne's arrival brings a breath of freshness to his unkempt home and life, along with terrible coffee. It also brings a crazy, desperate scheme to save them both from their troubles. Anne stands to receive a substantial amount of cash upon her marriage. Gareth needs money to save his home, and Anne needs a husband, at least on paper, to put an end to her father's greedy machinations. Once she proposes marriage, however, things really get complicated.

Anne and Gareth are lively, charming characters, and the setting, in slightly damp and desolate wintertime Wales, makes a great contrast to the growing heat between them. Despite a rather anti-climatic ending (No spoilers here, beyond saying it involves Anne's father), this is a fun read with a neat balance of sensuality, humor, and mystery.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Please know that the author sent me an ARC of Lady Anne's Lover in exchange for an honest review.

Lady Imaculata Egremont was an earl's daughter and was raised as a lady. However, she had not behaved as one lately for a good reason. Her Mom had passed away and the earl, her father, lusted unnaturally for Imaculata. There had been too many close calls... and she had tried to escape from him by tarnishing her reputation but that hadn't worked. So... now she was going to run away from home and masquerade as a housekeeper. She only needed to lay low undiscovered for 2 years as then she would become eligible for funds that would allow her to live on her own. However, there were a few problems with this new solution. One... she didn't know anything about housekeeping. Two... her new "elderly" employer wasn't elderly at all and, third, his home was sorely in need of a housekeeper who knew what she was doing.

Maggie Robinson is one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint. I had a bit of trouble connecting with the characters in this story but I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good historical romance. 3 1/2 Stars!

[Jo (My House of Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lady Imaculata Egremont is a valuable commodity to The London List. Her scandals are notorious, yet they make for great reading (and great profit). When Imaculata is in danger, she turns to Evangeline Ramsey, who turns Imaculata into Anne Mont.

Anne arrives in Wales with very little property and even less knowledge about how to be a housekeeper. Major Ripton-Jones, however, is struggling also. He's literally drowning in filth and alcohol. Anne convinces him of her real identity, and they agree to help each other and help themselves in the process.

I was a bit surprised by how quickly Anne proposes the scheme for she and Gareth to marry so Anne would inherit and Gareth could restore his home and lands, and how readily Gareth agreed. He didn't seem like a desperate man, just a broken one. The murder mystery subplot with all speculation pointing to Gareth as the culprit was an interesting one and offset the romance between Anne and Gareth nicely.

Lady Anne's Lover is a fine ending to The London List series, and I will admit I'm going to miss what problems Evie manages to solve next.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romance Regency. Historical fiction.

First of all, I didn't know that this is the third in a series. Looking at the other reviews, it's the last book. I thought it was okay, not great. Anne has a ridiculous name -- Lady Imaculata Anne Egremont. Fleeing from her father who wants to commit incest, she changes her name and takes a job as a housekeeper in Wales. Lo and behold, she is expected to actually work -- cook and clean! she has no idea how to cook, can't even make coffee.

She offers to make a marriage of convenience with her drunken employer. When she marries, her trust becomes hers (well, actually, her husband's). She plans to pay him off, and then escape from England.

And so on and so forth.....

Good, not great.

[Mary Dallenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I liked that our Hero character started out as a putz. He was wallowing in self pity and drinking himself to an early grave. Of course considering what he had gone through few could blame him. I liked that our Heroin was strong but not overbearing. She had her own issues she was dealing with and together they helped each other become even stronger. This was a very sweet (and rather steamy) read. I've added the rest of the London List series to my want to read shelf. If you're looking for a fast fun loving read this one is right up there.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

After fending off her father's immoral touches and more, Immaculata disappears into Wales. An inept housekeeper to a drunken estate owner, hides her well until Gareth notices that she is young, can't cook and is red-haired. "Anne" after hearing of his destitution proposes marriage-he gets her money, and she is protected from her father. While I liked the story, the age difference was a little off-putting and after a really great story, the ending seemed rushed.