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Audra
Audra Kingsley, a wealthy heiress, may not have seen much of the world, but she knows exactly how she wants her future to play out—and a coming out ball held at her country estate, Kingsley Manor, would suit her just fine. Her father’s wish that she be presented at St. James in London seems silly since she is to marry her neighbor and childhood sweetheart, Lord Crispin Brighton, but she obliges him.
Audra travels to London with her patroness, the eccentric Lady Sutherland, intending to return home as soon as she has curtseyed to the Queen. Unknown to her, Lady Sutherland is in no rush to leave London before the Season is over and intends to show Audra she has more options in the suitor department than Lord Crispin, a second son.
Audra finds herself surrounded by few friends and is forced to attend parties, balls, and operas—all while becoming the object of a secret admirer’s obsession. As Audra struggles to make her way home to her beloved, plans to compromise her into an unwanted marriage are underway.
Audra travels to London with her patroness, the eccentric Lady Sutherland, intending to return home as soon as she has curtseyed to the Queen. Unknown to her, Lady Sutherland is in no rush to leave London before the Season is over and intends to show Audra she has more options in the suitor department than Lord Crispin, a second son.
Audra finds herself surrounded by few friends and is forced to attend parties, balls, and operas—all while becoming the object of a secret admirer’s obsession. As Audra struggles to make her way home to her beloved, plans to compromise her into an unwanted marriage are underway.
194 pages, ebook
First published April 29, 2013
9 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Amanda L.V. Shalaby
5 books74 followersAmanda L. V. Shalaby is the author of the English historical romantic mystery novels, Rhianna, Audra and Bleddyn Hall . Amanda lives just outside of New York City with her husband of 10 years, Matthew, her two Shih Tzu dogs, Huntley Rochester and Isabella Jane, and a Persian cat named Sebastian.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 1, 2013
Mystery, intrigue, and Regency era romance combine for a shocking and exciting sequel to Amanda Shalaby's Rhianna.
Audra has known since she was a young girl that she would one day marry Lord Crispin Brighton and the only thing standing in her way is to be presented at St. James in London. She accompanies her patroness, and Lord Brighton's aunt, to London with the intention of coming out and then immediately returning home to marry her true love.
Audra's patroness, Lady Sutherland, has no intention of letting her leave so quickly and informs Audra that they should stay for the season so she has every opportunity to meet any other potential suitors she might prefer to Lord Brighton.
While it is obvious from the start that Lady Sutherland is conniving and has her own interests at heart in keeping Audra in London, the reader is left on the edge of their seat as to what her ulterior motives are. Add a suitor trying to woo Audra for himself, a secret admirer who leaves notes and appears to be stalking Audra, and a murder at one of the balls, and I was more than ready for Lord Brighton to swoop in and save the day.
While I really came to enjoy Audra as a heroine and really respect her steadfast feelings for Lord Crispin and her resolve not to lead on any other guys, I felt like I wasn't as immersed in the story as I was with the first book in the series. Perhaps it was because Audra had already fallen in love with Crispin before this book took place and the majority of the time they were forced to be away from each other, but without getting to experience the two falling in love myself, I always felt like I was reading the story rather than experiencing it.
The mystery and suspense aspects of the story however were spot on and, combined with a very honest approach of what this all would be like for a girl in Regency England, the story is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seat until the very last page.
**Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
**Reviewed by preppea on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.
Audra has known since she was a young girl that she would one day marry Lord Crispin Brighton and the only thing standing in her way is to be presented at St. James in London. She accompanies her patroness, and Lord Brighton's aunt, to London with the intention of coming out and then immediately returning home to marry her true love.
Audra's patroness, Lady Sutherland, has no intention of letting her leave so quickly and informs Audra that they should stay for the season so she has every opportunity to meet any other potential suitors she might prefer to Lord Brighton.
While it is obvious from the start that Lady Sutherland is conniving and has her own interests at heart in keeping Audra in London, the reader is left on the edge of their seat as to what her ulterior motives are. Add a suitor trying to woo Audra for himself, a secret admirer who leaves notes and appears to be stalking Audra, and a murder at one of the balls, and I was more than ready for Lord Brighton to swoop in and save the day.
While I really came to enjoy Audra as a heroine and really respect her steadfast feelings for Lord Crispin and her resolve not to lead on any other guys, I felt like I wasn't as immersed in the story as I was with the first book in the series. Perhaps it was because Audra had already fallen in love with Crispin before this book took place and the majority of the time they were forced to be away from each other, but without getting to experience the two falling in love myself, I always felt like I was reading the story rather than experiencing it.
The mystery and suspense aspects of the story however were spot on and, combined with a very honest approach of what this all would be like for a girl in Regency England, the story is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seat until the very last page.
**Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
**Reviewed by preppea on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews and The Romance Reviews.
July 1, 2013
Originally published at The Rookie Romance Blog.
Audra is a wonderfully written and sweet romance, with an element of mystery that adds danger. I really enjoyed it, and I felt like the style of writing was great for the time period. It was detailed and obviously well researched.
Audra is a young, pretty and wealthy heiress, so in theory she could have her choice of man, but she is in love with Crispin and has been most of her life. She is persuaded to visit London and make her curtsy to the Queen, with Crispin's aunt as her patroness. She is somewhat reluctant to leave at first, but is reassured that her engagement to Crispin can be made official upon her return.
In London, the amusements of town soon wear thin for Audra who just wishes to return home. A secret admirer starts to make his ardent regard for Audra apparent, and Audra is disheartened that she has received no mail from home. Soon it becomes clear that the secret admirer is disturbingly determined to gain Audra's attention,and that there is some kind of scheme afoot to keep her from home.
I loved Audra's character, I admired her a lot. She was young and I was expecting her to have her head turned by the delights of London, but she remained loyal and steadfast to Crispin and their love. She's very innocent, but sensible and just very likable.
Crispin is also a wonderful character, you can feel how much he loves Audra. He trusts her but is also very protective and worries when he doesn't hear from Audra. The interactions between Crispin and Audra were very innocent, but they had a strong chemistry. They were just very sweet together!
The mystery part of the plot caught my interest, and I was surprised by many of events that unfolded! I certainly never expected it to become rather sinister, but it definitely added to the drama.
I also though it was rather refreshing to read a romance that starts with the hero and heroine already openly in love. A very enjoyable and authentic feeling historical romance!
*I received a review copy from the author, for my honest review. Thank you!
Audra is a wonderfully written and sweet romance, with an element of mystery that adds danger. I really enjoyed it, and I felt like the style of writing was great for the time period. It was detailed and obviously well researched.
Audra is a young, pretty and wealthy heiress, so in theory she could have her choice of man, but she is in love with Crispin and has been most of her life. She is persuaded to visit London and make her curtsy to the Queen, with Crispin's aunt as her patroness. She is somewhat reluctant to leave at first, but is reassured that her engagement to Crispin can be made official upon her return.
In London, the amusements of town soon wear thin for Audra who just wishes to return home. A secret admirer starts to make his ardent regard for Audra apparent, and Audra is disheartened that she has received no mail from home. Soon it becomes clear that the secret admirer is disturbingly determined to gain Audra's attention,and that there is some kind of scheme afoot to keep her from home.
I loved Audra's character, I admired her a lot. She was young and I was expecting her to have her head turned by the delights of London, but she remained loyal and steadfast to Crispin and their love. She's very innocent, but sensible and just very likable.
Crispin is also a wonderful character, you can feel how much he loves Audra. He trusts her but is also very protective and worries when he doesn't hear from Audra. The interactions between Crispin and Audra were very innocent, but they had a strong chemistry. They were just very sweet together!
The mystery part of the plot caught my interest, and I was surprised by many of events that unfolded! I certainly never expected it to become rather sinister, but it definitely added to the drama.
I also though it was rather refreshing to read a romance that starts with the hero and heroine already openly in love. A very enjoyable and authentic feeling historical romance!
*I received a review copy from the author, for my honest review. Thank you!
March 27, 2013
I'm a lover of historicals -particularly the Regency era - so this was a no-brainer for me when it came to choosing what to read. AUDRA did not disappoint! Our heroine, the Audra of the title, is a sweet mixture of innocence and independence, and despite her tender age (just 16), she shows a maturity that is so true to the era itself, when young debutantes were sent to the 'Marriage Mart' as soon as they left the schoolroom.
Audra is a different heroine from the usual Regency fare, though, as she already has her husband-to-be firmly secured. Sent to make her curtsey to the Queen, Audra is resigned to being away from her beau, Crispin, but is eager to get back and plan their wedding. This is where the plot also veers away from traditional historicals, as there is an evil plot afoot. Someone - I won't say who! - wants to marry Audra off to another man, and conspires to keep Audra and Crispin apart.
This is a beautiful, romantic tale of two young lovers-to-be, who just want to get married and live happily ever after. There aren't any steamy scenes, but I defy anyone not to be affected by the underlying chemistry between this young couple - who knew that scent could be so evocative!
A beautiful read, and highly recommended!
Audra is a different heroine from the usual Regency fare, though, as she already has her husband-to-be firmly secured. Sent to make her curtsey to the Queen, Audra is resigned to being away from her beau, Crispin, but is eager to get back and plan their wedding. This is where the plot also veers away from traditional historicals, as there is an evil plot afoot. Someone - I won't say who! - wants to marry Audra off to another man, and conspires to keep Audra and Crispin apart.
This is a beautiful, romantic tale of two young lovers-to-be, who just want to get married and live happily ever after. There aren't any steamy scenes, but I defy anyone not to be affected by the underlying chemistry between this young couple - who knew that scent could be so evocative!
A beautiful read, and highly recommended!
July 25, 2013
Wow....Thank goodness for Goodreads. Without this site, I might have missed out on some fantastic authors. One of them being Amanda Shalaby. I read her first book, Rhianna and was blown away at how incredible her writing style is. Audra is a great followup to Rhianna. Again, she throws in little twists and surprises and keeps the reader fully engaged with her characters. I recommend this book highly!
August 16, 2014
Audra is a mystery within a romance, with great characters and a plot that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Read full review in the 2013 May issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2013 May issue of InD’tale Magazine.
July 1, 2013
Looking for a sweet, touching historical romance? Audra might be exactly what you need. Different in many ways, not the least of which is that the hero and heroine are already madly in love and promised to each other ... at least until fate (or an underhanded patroness) steps in.
Audra reluctantly agrees to a brief season, unwilling to leave her home in the country and her beloved Crispin, but she knows certain formalities must be met before she can be wed to him. When her patroness, Lady Sutherland, decides they will stay in London for the season, and thrusts the unhappy Audra into the whirl of parties and balls, it's clear she has something up her sleeve.
I enjoyed reading this story. While a bit unremarkable, it's enjoyable and well-written. The main characters are delightful, and it was refreshing to see how devoted they were to each other. Their love was never in doubt, at least not to us (though Crispin begins to believe Audra may have opted to select a new suitor). The whirl of the ballrooms, the mores of the times all make for an interesting historical read. Though not entirely shocking, since the conflict is mentioned in the blurb to the story, it still was an interesting twist.
The author has a strong ability with her words, and that was the main reason I kept turning pages. The characters were well developed, the descriptions crisp and clear. Really, that's what took this story from the mundane to the enjoyable. I'd happily pick up another story by the author and recommend this to fans of historical romance.
Audra reluctantly agrees to a brief season, unwilling to leave her home in the country and her beloved Crispin, but she knows certain formalities must be met before she can be wed to him. When her patroness, Lady Sutherland, decides they will stay in London for the season, and thrusts the unhappy Audra into the whirl of parties and balls, it's clear she has something up her sleeve.
I enjoyed reading this story. While a bit unremarkable, it's enjoyable and well-written. The main characters are delightful, and it was refreshing to see how devoted they were to each other. Their love was never in doubt, at least not to us (though Crispin begins to believe Audra may have opted to select a new suitor). The whirl of the ballrooms, the mores of the times all make for an interesting historical read. Though not entirely shocking, since the conflict is mentioned in the blurb to the story, it still was an interesting twist.
The author has a strong ability with her words, and that was the main reason I kept turning pages. The characters were well developed, the descriptions crisp and clear. Really, that's what took this story from the mundane to the enjoyable. I'd happily pick up another story by the author and recommend this to fans of historical romance.
May 17, 2013
Amanda L.V. Shalaby once again deposits her readers, light as a feather, into Regency England. This time, young 16-year old Audra has to endure the ritual of being presented at court in London. Her only wish is to get it over with and return to the country, where she can then wed Crispin, the man who stole her heart four years previous.
But a young woman who is heir to a considerable fortune is a prize among the ladies being presented, and Audra finds herself with any number of suitors, and a scheming relative who holds her a virtual prisoner in London. For someone so young and innocent, she is also intelligent and refined, and manages to weave her way through the maze of social obligations that 19th century England puts upon itself.
Amanda’s lyrical style continues in this book, and her description of the finest drawing rooms and ballrooms in London make a reader feel right at home, as if we’re the ones having tea and conversation. This is a sweet story of true love, and I highly recommend it.
But a young woman who is heir to a considerable fortune is a prize among the ladies being presented, and Audra finds herself with any number of suitors, and a scheming relative who holds her a virtual prisoner in London. For someone so young and innocent, she is also intelligent and refined, and manages to weave her way through the maze of social obligations that 19th century England puts upon itself.
Amanda’s lyrical style continues in this book, and her description of the finest drawing rooms and ballrooms in London make a reader feel right at home, as if we’re the ones having tea and conversation. This is a sweet story of true love, and I highly recommend it.
June 13, 2013
In Audra by Amanda L.V. Shalaby, Audra Kingsley is a wealthy heiress in age to be presented in St. James in London. While she may have dreamed about that since she was a child, all she dreams about and wants now is to marry friend, neighbor and sweetheart, Lord Crispin Brighton. But until she is presented she won’t be able to marry him.
Crispin and Audra have known each other for years, Now as she is to go to London for her presentation, he can’t stand the thought of being separated from her and declares his love for her and asks her to declare her love too to keep him until her return. Read More...
Crispin and Audra have known each other for years, Now as she is to go to London for her presentation, he can’t stand the thought of being separated from her and declares his love for her and asks her to declare her love too to keep him until her return. Read More...
July 22, 2013
They have waited four long years, but Audra and Crispin are finally ready to be married. All she has to do is take a trip to London so she can officially be out in society. She knows her mind, she just wants to get on with it already. But her sponsor has other plans. Audra is such a fun character. She is not happy at being kept away from Crispin and isn't afraid to let people know about it. I loved this as much as I loved Rhianna. Both books stand alone, but it is in Rhianna that Audra and Crispin first get together, though they are too young. I recommend both books if you love sweet historical romances.
June 14, 2013
When I read the above description I was immediately interested in the story and wanted more. It is very well written and due to the engaging dialog and descriptive scenes I was swept away to 19th century England. This was a great read! I couldn’t put the book down and ended up reading it in one sitting.
Please read the rest of my review at http://romantichistoricallovers.wordp...
Please read the rest of my review at http://romantichistoricallovers.wordp...
November 11, 2013
Audra is a happy hybrid. The bildungsroman style of Rhianna is softened. With full back stories given in a previous book, the reader lands smack dab in a romance that’s been kindling for a while. And it’s warm indeed. In places it smolders as the young couple is surprised by their own growing passion. In yet other places their faith and love for each other is a tender burning. The love and sexual tension between these characters give the modern-day reader enough to satisfy while still pleasing the reader who wants a more true-to-the-era experience.
The narration this time around is more what the modern romance reader is used to, spending much of the time in the head of its young and sprightly heroine, one placed refreshingly between girlhood and becoming a woman. Lucky for us, Audra is immensely likable, especially surrounded by such nefarious characters as those she meets in London. There is a solid mix of the standard romance point of view and the Shalaby touch in lines like this one: “Audra insisted she be present for the birth of the child, against Miss Mauvreen’s advice. Se was glad to find, despite their reservations, that both Miss Mauvreen and Rhianna were honoring her request. Even if the experience threatened to leave her forever scarred and wishing no part in having any children of her own.”
The plot is distinctively Shalaby this time, too. The lovers seem all but settled in the novel’s opening scenes. How then is there to be a novel at all? I was fascinated again by the way this writer does the surprising thing, adapting and changing the formulas and cliches of the genre to create the new. And all this while still keeping me invested in a romance. There are villains and plots, but there is a greater realism than is typical. I found Audra’s boredom with London a refreshing change. I also enjoyed that Shalaby used historical realities such as physical distance from London, social class, and fortune as plot devices in a way that was much more more true to the period.
The narration this time around is more what the modern romance reader is used to, spending much of the time in the head of its young and sprightly heroine, one placed refreshingly between girlhood and becoming a woman. Lucky for us, Audra is immensely likable, especially surrounded by such nefarious characters as those she meets in London. There is a solid mix of the standard romance point of view and the Shalaby touch in lines like this one: “Audra insisted she be present for the birth of the child, against Miss Mauvreen’s advice. Se was glad to find, despite their reservations, that both Miss Mauvreen and Rhianna were honoring her request. Even if the experience threatened to leave her forever scarred and wishing no part in having any children of her own.”
The plot is distinctively Shalaby this time, too. The lovers seem all but settled in the novel’s opening scenes. How then is there to be a novel at all? I was fascinated again by the way this writer does the surprising thing, adapting and changing the formulas and cliches of the genre to create the new. And all this while still keeping me invested in a romance. There are villains and plots, but there is a greater realism than is typical. I found Audra’s boredom with London a refreshing change. I also enjoyed that Shalaby used historical realities such as physical distance from London, social class, and fortune as plot devices in a way that was much more more true to the period.
May 7, 2013
I think Ms. Shalaby must be able to channel Jane Austen. Granted, I’m not a JA expert by any means, but this author’s voice, her style of writing and scene setting are amazing. Often when I read stories about this era (early to mid-1800’s) I feel as though the “correct verbiage” (reticule and the like) comes across somewhat stilted, as though the author has a list of words they must employ, no matter what! Not so this author. She weaves a tale, and formulates her story with such a deft touch, such a fine voice, that one might almost think it was written in that era, instead of now. For all you Regency fans out there – this is a must read. You will love it! Very well done.
This reviewer received an ARC from the author in return for an honest review, which is given as a professional courtesy and without monetary compensation.
This reviewer received an ARC from the author in return for an honest review, which is given as a professional courtesy and without monetary compensation.
July 5, 2013
Amanda Shalaby's Audra is a charming, refreshing and authentic historical romance. The young heroine, Audra, knows what life has in store for her. She will marry her neighbor, Crispin and they will live happily ever after in her beloved country. Her family has different plans. Soon, the wealthy heiress is introduced to society during London's high season. Making the best of a bad situation and a painful lack of word from home, Audra develops new friendships in London. When the attentions of a Secret Admirer get to be too much, will Audra seek comfort from the dashing Lord Everton? Or will she remain true to Crispin? I won't spoil the story, but the answer is worth reading.
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July 14, 2013Not as good as Rhianna as I thought that the plot was similar what with seemingly not evil yet predicable villain. I think the shock value was just a little ruined for me by the first book. Still quality writing with strong hero and heroine.
October 3, 2016
Unreadable.
Before writing a novel featuring the British aristocracy it would be well to learn a few rules on how titles are used. I read only a few pages before giving up because of the misuse of every name and honorific.
Before writing a novel featuring the British aristocracy it would be well to learn a few rules on how titles are used. I read only a few pages before giving up because of the misuse of every name and honorific.
August 10, 2013
Review Rating: 4.5 Stars
Review by: Sabrina
Link to Review: http://romantichistoricallovers.wordp...
Review by: Sabrina
Link to Review: http://romantichistoricallovers.wordp...
February 7, 2016
Review
Great read. Held your interest to the end. Wish it gave us a future glimpse of their happiness and that of the other major characters.
Great read. Held your interest to the end. Wish it gave us a future glimpse of their happiness and that of the other major characters.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews