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Lady Jane
With her bright, sherry-brown eyes and her dazzling smile, little Jane Coombes was irresistible to men. This was her downfall. It caused her to lose her position as a maid in the prestigious household of the Montmorencys. It thrust her alone into the cold, cruel world.
But fortune gazed kindly on Jane. She was taken into the household of a gracious and forgiving woman whose son fell in love with Jane. She married him. A few years later both son and mother died, and Jane was left not only with a fortune, but a title as well, Lady Payton. Now these become the weapons which little Jane Coombes will use to avenge herself on a world that had tried to destroy her.
But fortune gazed kindly on Jane. She was taken into the household of a gracious and forgiving woman whose son fell in love with Jane. She married him. A few years later both son and mother died, and Jane was left not only with a fortune, but a title as well, Lady Payton. Now these become the weapons which little Jane Coombes will use to avenge herself on a world that had tried to destroy her.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
60 people want to read
About the author
Norma Lee Clark
20 books6 followersPseudonym: Megan O'Connor
Born in Jefferson City, Missouri, Clark began her career in show business with the Pittsburgh Children’s Theater and later acted at the Rochester Arena Theater. In the late 1940s, she moved to New York to take the female lead in the Buck Rogers TV series, “Captain Video and His Video Ranger,” which ran 1949 to 1955.
Her marriage to lighting designer David Clark ended in divorce.
She is survived by husband, Dimitri Vassilopoulos, her two daughters, Megan Clark and Emily Carvajal, and two grandchildren.
Born in Jefferson City, Missouri, Clark began her career in show business with the Pittsburgh Children’s Theater and later acted at the Rochester Arena Theater. In the late 1940s, she moved to New York to take the female lead in the Buck Rogers TV series, “Captain Video and His Video Ranger,” which ran 1949 to 1955.
Her marriage to lighting designer David Clark ended in divorce.
She is survived by husband, Dimitri Vassilopoulos, her two daughters, Megan Clark and Emily Carvajal, and two grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 5, 2021
I decided to bump this review on my home page to the top because many of my new GR friends enjoy old-skool bodice rippers or romances with a darker theme.
4.5 stars
Wow. Lady Jane. What can I say except that I would like to have met Norma Lee Clark. As far as I've read, she was an actress before delving into writing twisty historical romances. And Lady Jane was probably her most disturbing romance.
If you haven't read anything by this author: Don't. Start. Here. Try one of my other favorites: The Perfect Match or The Marriage Mart. For the most part, she writes about dysfunctional people but I found these two stories entertaining. Some of her other books, less so. And I mention 'books' because I have none of her stories released in an e-format except on Open Library.
Okay, back to Lady Jane. The setting took place during the early 1800s. It began with the tale of fourteen-year-old orphaned Jane Coombs. She was well-developed for her age and beautiful. She worked as a serving girl for Lady Sarah Montmorency.
Sarah was a vain and selfish teenager and Jane was a normal girl. A bit envious, she was caught trying on Sarah's clothes by her older brother, 18-year-old Lord Jaspar and an event transpired.
Fast forward to Jane being turned away because of this issue and their butler, Mr. Leach -as in leech, a bloodsucker-, offered to assist her. Yeah, right. Leach was a truly nasty piece of work. If I had to go back and research the 1000+ romances I have read over the years, he would rate as one of my top 5 villains.
She escaped her imprisonment but not before the damage was done. I mentioned this because all of it happens within the first few chapters. On its own I would have stopped here and marked it as DNF but my GR friend, Lyuda, gave the story five stars and her review warned me of its darkness. I knew the story had to get better.
Jane was saved by Lady Payton and her disabled 40ish adult son, Lord Sebastian Payton. The gentleman had an accident as a child and it caused him to stop growing along with other health issues. He was shorter than Jane. They eventually married after a Pygmalion-style relationship. He had offered her a diverse education and helped to remove her Cockney accent. The amazing feature was that they honestly loved each other: age difference, disability and all, and Ms. Clark did a wonderful job depicting it. T
There is so much more to Jane's life: some good, some bad. But let me assure you, there is an HEA!
Consider reading it if you want a really angsty vintage historical romance. And a big thank you to Lyuda for recommending this to me. My only regret is that we didn't do this as a buddy-read.
4.5 stars
Wow. Lady Jane. What can I say except that I would like to have met Norma Lee Clark. As far as I've read, she was an actress before delving into writing twisty historical romances. And Lady Jane was probably her most disturbing romance.
If you haven't read anything by this author: Don't. Start. Here. Try one of my other favorites: The Perfect Match or The Marriage Mart. For the most part, she writes about dysfunctional people but I found these two stories entertaining. Some of her other books, less so. And I mention 'books' because I have none of her stories released in an e-format except on Open Library.
Okay, back to Lady Jane. The setting took place during the early 1800s. It began with the tale of fourteen-year-old orphaned Jane Coombs. She was well-developed for her age and beautiful. She worked as a serving girl for Lady Sarah Montmorency.
Sarah was a vain and selfish teenager and Jane was a normal girl. A bit envious, she was caught trying on Sarah's clothes by her older brother, 18-year-old Lord Jaspar and an event transpired.
Fast forward to Jane being turned away because of this issue and their butler, Mr. Leach -as in leech, a bloodsucker-, offered to assist her. Yeah, right. Leach was a truly nasty piece of work. If I had to go back and research the 1000+ romances I have read over the years, he would rate as one of my top 5 villains.
She escaped her imprisonment but not before the damage was done. I mentioned this because all of it happens within the first few chapters. On its own I would have stopped here and marked it as DNF but my GR friend, Lyuda, gave the story five stars and her review warned me of its darkness. I knew the story had to get better.
Jane was saved by Lady Payton and her disabled 40ish adult son, Lord Sebastian Payton. The gentleman had an accident as a child and it caused him to stop growing along with other health issues. He was shorter than Jane. They eventually married after a Pygmalion-style relationship. He had offered her a diverse education and helped to remove her Cockney accent. The amazing feature was that they honestly loved each other: age difference, disability and all, and Ms. Clark did a wonderful job depicting it. T
There is so much more to Jane's life: some good, some bad. But let me assure you, there is an HEA!
Consider reading it if you want a really angsty vintage historical romance. And a big thank you to Lyuda for recommending this to me. My only regret is that we didn't do this as a buddy-read.
January 3, 2016
h is a 14 year old servant employed in the household of the Montmorency family. Along the way, Jane is almost seduced by H1, loses her job, tries to find a job, is tricked by the Montmorency butler, and is brutally raped by him. She is eventually rescued by Lady Stanier and whisked away to Kent, where she becomes a part of the Payton household. There are two H in this book, and he loves both men equally, without any of that "I never knew what I was missing till you."Great story, not your traditional regency but much darker
December 10, 2025
Definitely not a typical Regency romance. The author is worth exploring for the fan of the genre.
It wasn't a light, delightful story (at least not all the time). There was darkness. The pace was steady, with occasional time jumps forward.
I wouldn't call it an amazing romance, but I am going to read more by the author for sure.
It wasn't a light, delightful story (at least not all the time). There was darkness. The pace was steady, with occasional time jumps forward.
I wouldn't call it an amazing romance, but I am going to read more by the author for sure.
August 21, 2017
This is not an average regency romance. Jane is 14 years old at the begining, an orphan, dismissed maid, searching for work in a very hostile London. She is horribly handled by a very villainous villain. She is though one of the most sympathetic and self healing heroines and she meets eventually several good people who appreciate her character and help her.
I have to refer anyone who is interested in reading this book to Linda's review which made me try to find this book, read it and enjoy it.
I have to refer anyone who is interested in reading this book to Linda's review which made me try to find this book, read it and enjoy it.
February 17, 2016
Your traditional regency with a bit of darkness thrown in.
Jane goes from being a lower servant to becoming a wealthy and titled lady through the friendship and care of the Paytons, a family she goes to work for after she loses her position in H2's family home. Jane is raped at 14, in case that is a trigger for anyone. Lord Payton, who is 40ish, is stunted from a riding accident as a child and thus he and his mother live in the country and never go to London. Jane comes and livens up the quiet somber place with her smiles and attitude, Lord Payton falls in love and from there the Paytons educate and train Jane.
Disaster strike, and it really is very sad. I would have been fine with the book just stopping with Jane having a HEA with Lord Payton but noooooooo. Then we see Jane transform into a mature woman and see her dip her toes into London society. Her feelings and reactions are all so natural and well done.
I don't want to spoil the rest of the book but I do want to point out that no where does Jane go to London with the intention of avenging herself on those who harmed her/brought about her downfall (as the description here says). She is never so calculating or cold.
I still don't think I'm sold on the h getting to have two loves (within a space of 6 years), it feels like it lessens her first marriage. But it is stated that her love for H1 was based on her respect and admiration of him, so I guess her love for H2 was more of a romantic love. It seems like a lot of story packed into one book but the pacing is alright, and the characters are still well shaped.
Jane goes from being a lower servant to becoming a wealthy and titled lady through the friendship and care of the Paytons, a family she goes to work for after she loses her position in H2's family home. Jane is raped at 14, in case that is a trigger for anyone. Lord Payton, who is 40ish, is stunted from a riding accident as a child and thus he and his mother live in the country and never go to London. Jane comes and livens up the quiet somber place with her smiles and attitude, Lord Payton falls in love and from there the Paytons educate and train Jane.
Disaster strike, and it really is very sad. I would have been fine with the book just stopping with Jane having a HEA with Lord Payton but noooooooo. Then we see Jane transform into a mature woman and see her dip her toes into London society. Her feelings and reactions are all so natural and well done.
I don't want to spoil the rest of the book but I do want to point out that no where does Jane go to London with the intention of avenging herself on those who harmed her/brought about her downfall (as the description here says). She is never so calculating or cold.
I still don't think I'm sold on the h getting to have two loves (within a space of 6 years), it feels like it lessens her first marriage. But it is stated that her love for H1 was based on her respect and admiration of him, so I guess her love for H2 was more of a romantic love. It seems like a lot of story packed into one book but the pacing is alright, and the characters are still well shaped.
September 24, 2017
4,5 stars. I have to read more of Clark
July 7, 2018
Ive always been a fan for Mz Clark's romances, this one was worth the wait to find a copy. It takes one ginormous bound out of fluffy regency straight into gritty historical fiction. It's a Cinderella story, but not all fairy tales are charmed, our heroine survives a brutal rape and flat out destitution to reach her happy ending. But it's worth the read. If only we could all have an Aunt Stanier.
October 2, 2020
Jane is een jong maar beeldschoon meisje wat als dienstmeisje werkt voor de Montmorency’s. Wanneer ze op een dag het negligé van haar meesteres aantrekt wordt ze betrapt door de heer des huizes. Ze weet te ontsnappen aan zijn avances maar hierbij scheurt het negligé en wordt Jane op staande voet ontslagen. Wanneer ze de verkeerde mensen in vertrouwen komt Jane nog dieper in de problemen. Gelukkig komt ze een oude bekende tegen die haar verzorgt en helpt.
Jane heeft een erg leuke persoonlijkheid. Ze is erg vrolijk en probeert in alles het beste te zien. Ze verzamelt mensen om zich heen die ze volledig vertrouwt en die voor haar door het vuur gaan. Ook de overige personages waren leuk neergezet. Alle handen in eigen dingen wat het tot een leuk gemêleerd gezelschap maakte.
Wat ik wel een groot minpunt vond was de overdreven schoonheid van Jane. Alle mannen vielen als bosjes voor haar en dit vond ik zelf wat ongeloofwaardig. Ze hoefde maar iemand aan te kijken en deze was zowat verliefd op haar. Ook de vrouwen deden zomaar van alles voor Jane.
Het verhaal zelf was niet echt ontzettend bijzonder. Hoewel het leuk was om te lezen is het niet echt een verhaal wat blijft hangen denk ik. Ook de schrijfstijl vond ik soms wat moeilijk. Het was mij niet altijd even duidelijk vanuit welk personage er werd verteld.
Het leven op een kasteel en de manieren en gewoontes die hier bij horen is iets wat mij wel erg aanspreekt. Hierdoor heb ik het wel met plezier gelezen.
Jane heeft een erg leuke persoonlijkheid. Ze is erg vrolijk en probeert in alles het beste te zien. Ze verzamelt mensen om zich heen die ze volledig vertrouwt en die voor haar door het vuur gaan. Ook de overige personages waren leuk neergezet. Alle handen in eigen dingen wat het tot een leuk gemêleerd gezelschap maakte.
Wat ik wel een groot minpunt vond was de overdreven schoonheid van Jane. Alle mannen vielen als bosjes voor haar en dit vond ik zelf wat ongeloofwaardig. Ze hoefde maar iemand aan te kijken en deze was zowat verliefd op haar. Ook de vrouwen deden zomaar van alles voor Jane.
Het verhaal zelf was niet echt ontzettend bijzonder. Hoewel het leuk was om te lezen is het niet echt een verhaal wat blijft hangen denk ik. Ook de schrijfstijl vond ik soms wat moeilijk. Het was mij niet altijd even duidelijk vanuit welk personage er werd verteld.
Het leven op een kasteel en de manieren en gewoontes die hier bij horen is iets wat mij wel erg aanspreekt. Hierdoor heb ik het wel met plezier gelezen.
September 3, 2023
Found this amongst my physical collection. I found the age gaps between Jane and the romance interests, especially at the beginning of their romances, concerning. A gross abuse of power is never addressed, and doesn't seem to bother anyone. The only purpose of one of the minor characters seems to be to create a negative, stereotypical caricature of a lesbian woman, which I found highly disturbing and completely unnecessary.
I enjoyed the banter between the characters, but couldn't get past the concerning, and often ambiguous, age gaps between Jane and her beaux and the homophobia.
Trigger warnings for rape, physical/sexual abuse, homophobia, and sexual harassment in the workplace
I enjoyed the banter between the characters, but couldn't get past the concerning, and often ambiguous, age gaps between Jane and her beaux and the homophobia.
Trigger warnings for rape, physical/sexual abuse, homophobia, and sexual harassment in the workplace
October 7, 2021
I bought a box of vintage regencies on eBay. This is the first one I have read. This could turn out to be one of the best purchases of my life.
February 24, 2016
the story of jane has very bad moments but there ars good moments reading this book was like i was in a movie and it was breathtaking i won't spoil details about the book
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews