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My Notorious Aunt #1
Lady Fiasco
Can a lady with a reputation for disaster, stumble into love?
An unusual heroine, Fiona Hawthorn grew up running free. Without a mother to restrain her, she spends her days riding her horse neck or nothing across her father’s fields and swimming like a sea nymph. But inside a prim and proper Regency sitting room Fiona is bound to overturn the teapot or accidentally trip the footman. Her illustrious Aunt Honore decides to take the hoyden in hand, but amidst the strictures of the Beau Monde, Fiona is a fish out of water.
When she was younger, Lord Wesmont was her hero. Sadly, he came home from fighting Napoleon a hardened man. Nothing can breathe life back into his cold heart, nothing except, perhaps, the love of an unusual young woman who regularly turns his life upside-down.
Lady Fiasco is a Sweet Traditional Regency Romance.
An unusual heroine, Fiona Hawthorn grew up running free. Without a mother to restrain her, she spends her days riding her horse neck or nothing across her father’s fields and swimming like a sea nymph. But inside a prim and proper Regency sitting room Fiona is bound to overturn the teapot or accidentally trip the footman. Her illustrious Aunt Honore decides to take the hoyden in hand, but amidst the strictures of the Beau Monde, Fiona is a fish out of water.
When she was younger, Lord Wesmont was her hero. Sadly, he came home from fighting Napoleon a hardened man. Nothing can breathe life back into his cold heart, nothing except, perhaps, the love of an unusual young woman who regularly turns his life upside-down.
Lady Fiasco is a Sweet Traditional Regency Romance.
256 pages, ebook
First published September 1, 2004
434 people are currently reading
1700 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Baldwin
19 books894 followersGet ready to fall in love with the heartwarming humorous novels of Kathleen Baldwin, a Wall Street Journal, #1 Barnes & Noble, and Amazon bestselling author. Delighting readers around the globe, her stories have been translated into several languages, and more than 650,000 books sold worldwide. Baldwin's unique plots even captured the attention of a Japanese publisher who adapted her Regency Romance, LADY FIASCO, into a manga.
#1 USA Today bestselling author Meg Cabot raves that Kathleen’s A SCHOOL FOR UNUSUAL GIRLS is “completely original and totally engrossing.”
The New York Times Book Review called it “enticing from the first sentence.”
Kathleen’s love of adventure isn’t limited to her writing. She taught rock climbing in the Rockies, survival camped in the desert and in the snow, slept beside a mountain lion, and lost an argument with a rattlesnake. Later, she married her very own hero and raised four feisty children.
Kathleen is also an avid reader and adores the wit and humor of Oscar Wilde, P.G. Wodehouse, and Jane Austen. Her eclectic reading interests range from Frank Herbert to Meg Cabot, and on to the incredibly imaginative tales of Diana Wynne Jones.
News and other fun stuff at: Website, Newsletter,Instagram, Twitter, Facebook
A School for Unusual Girls , was her first historical romance for Young Adults. It is a Junior Library Guild selection, and Texas Librarians gave it the 2016 Spirit of Texas reading program award. Publisher’s Lunch listed it in their 2015 Young Adult BookBuzz. Kansas State NEA Reading Circle gave it a starred review in their 2016 “Best of the Best” for High Schools. Scholastic licensed it for book fairs. The Stranje House series is currently under a renewed film option.
#1 USA Today bestselling author Meg Cabot raves that Kathleen’s A SCHOOL FOR UNUSUAL GIRLS is “completely original and totally engrossing.”
The New York Times Book Review called it “enticing from the first sentence.”
Kathleen’s love of adventure isn’t limited to her writing. She taught rock climbing in the Rockies, survival camped in the desert and in the snow, slept beside a mountain lion, and lost an argument with a rattlesnake. Later, she married her very own hero and raised four feisty children.
Kathleen is also an avid reader and adores the wit and humor of Oscar Wilde, P.G. Wodehouse, and Jane Austen. Her eclectic reading interests range from Frank Herbert to Meg Cabot, and on to the incredibly imaginative tales of Diana Wynne Jones.
News and other fun stuff at: Website, Newsletter,Instagram, Twitter, Facebook
A School for Unusual Girls , was her first historical romance for Young Adults. It is a Junior Library Guild selection, and Texas Librarians gave it the 2016 Spirit of Texas reading program award. Publisher’s Lunch listed it in their 2015 Young Adult BookBuzz. Kansas State NEA Reading Circle gave it a starred review in their 2016 “Best of the Best” for High Schools. Scholastic licensed it for book fairs. The Stranje House series is currently under a renewed film option.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews
August 2, 2013
This is the first book in the trilogy featuring Aunt Honore. The other two being Mistaken Kiss and Cut From the Same Cloth. In this book Tyrell, Earl of Westmont has returned home from the wars to take up his duty upon his father's death. His mother is determined it's high time he marry and give her a grandson. Tyrell is angry at the world for he feels that he should still be on the battlefield in Spain and not in the ballroom. He's determined not to even look at any of the young ladies his mother forces on him but then he encounters his childhood playmate Fiona Hawthorn. Fiona was always an adorable elf and Tyrell soon discovers that the little elf has grown into a beautiful minx. Fiona tries to warn Tyrell of her reputation for disaster. The villagers all think she's cursed and even her stepmother doesn't want to be around her. Tyrell cares little for curses and pursues Fiona. However, Tyrell refuses to be leg shackled and when he always gets carried away with Fiona he storms off in anger. Fiona's Aunt Honore comes to the rescue and brings Fiona to the attention of the ton first in Brighton and then in London. Aunt Honore's eccentric ways and Fiona's accident prone nature make Fiona the belle of the ball. Soon Aunt Honore's stepson Marcus becomes jealous of Fiona and is determined that her reputation will keep him in his inheritance. Tyrell soon follows Fiona to London raging with anger and jealousy. He's determined that Marcus should not have Fiona but he doesn't seem to want her himself - or does he?
Obviously this is a romance novel and the plot is pretty obvious. It follows a bit of a different path though since the hero and heroine already know each other. Fiona is likable enough and I felt sorry for her that everyone thought she was cursed. I loved Aunt Honore in the previous two books I read. She's outrageous and shocking but in this first novel she's not quite as funny. I did not like Tyrell at all. He's hot tempered, jealous, brooding and uncontrollable. We never really learn his whole story and he never talks to Fiona about why he refuses to be married. I do not like heroes with anger management problems. This is an average read. The other two books are better, with Cut From the Same Cloth having the most depth. Each book stands alone so you do not need to read them all or in order.
Obviously this is a romance novel and the plot is pretty obvious. It follows a bit of a different path though since the hero and heroine already know each other. Fiona is likable enough and I felt sorry for her that everyone thought she was cursed. I loved Aunt Honore in the previous two books I read. She's outrageous and shocking but in this first novel she's not quite as funny. I did not like Tyrell at all. He's hot tempered, jealous, brooding and uncontrollable. We never really learn his whole story and he never talks to Fiona about why he refuses to be married. I do not like heroes with anger management problems. This is an average read. The other two books are better, with Cut From the Same Cloth having the most depth. Each book stands alone so you do not need to read them all or in order.
April 24, 2023
This book could have been better but the secondary characters dominate too much with their puzzling and mercurial behavior. So I found it difficult to concentrate on the h/H.
We get flashes of entertaining talent and it is well written but there are times when the cute, the whimsical and the bizarre take center-stage.
We get flashes of entertaining talent and it is well written but there are times when the cute, the whimsical and the bizarre take center-stage.
January 11, 2015
I thought this was pretty enjoyable. I'm sad Badlwin has only written three books, I would enjoy more of her stories. I think this was the first in the series and it was intersting to see a little more background on Aunt Honore, who is a main character in each story. I have mixed feelings about Honore. At times I rather like her, she is quite meddlesome, but has good intentions. She is a little more on the brazen side however, especially in this story.
Anyway, this story is about Fiona and Tyrell, both of which I really liked. Fiona was a fun character and easy to like. Tyrell was your brooding hero with a good heart. Together they have good chemistry and there are some great moments between the two.
Overall, I thought it was a fun story and was well written. I enjoyed the whole triology and it's one that I would re-read again in the future.
Conent: Clean romance between Fiona and Tyrell. Honore has some questionable moments. Probably PG.
Anyway, this story is about Fiona and Tyrell, both of which I really liked. Fiona was a fun character and easy to like. Tyrell was your brooding hero with a good heart. Together they have good chemistry and there are some great moments between the two.
Overall, I thought it was a fun story and was well written. I enjoyed the whole triology and it's one that I would re-read again in the future.
Conent: Clean romance between Fiona and Tyrell. Honore has some questionable moments. Probably PG.
July 11, 2017
Can a lady with a reputation for disaster, stumble into love?
Lady Fiasco is the first in a series of companion books. I did not read these in order. I read book 2, Mistaken Kiss first. Book 3, Cut From the Same Cloth second, and this book I read third. Out of the three this one was the one I liked the least. The series features Aunt Honore in all three books. In each book she "helps" along the romantic relationship of one of her nieces or nephews. I felt like she was a little inconsistent throughout the books. In this book she is pretty outrageous and some of the things she did would have been pretty shocking for the time period. In book two she just seems like a meddlesome busybody and was not featured nearly as much, and in book three she schemes but is not nearly as outrageous as she was in book one and I liked her the most in that one.
This is a humorous regency romance, but for the most part the humor fell flat in this one. I thought Mistaken Kiss was the most humorous of the three and that one is my favorite. A couple of things that annoyed me about this book were the foot stamping the main character does several times, and the aunt and love interest keeping something from the main character that they could have let her in on. As far as the foot stamping goes, I didn't notice it so much in the other two books, although I think it happened once or twice. I have a hard time picturing a grown woman stamping her foot like a little girl when shes upset. It's a childish and unattractive thing for a grown woman to do. I don't know if there will be more books in the series, but for the most part I've enjoyed the ones I've read. They have been a fun diversion and I would be willing to read more.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
Lady Fiasco is the first in a series of companion books. I did not read these in order. I read book 2, Mistaken Kiss first. Book 3, Cut From the Same Cloth second, and this book I read third. Out of the three this one was the one I liked the least. The series features Aunt Honore in all three books. In each book she "helps" along the romantic relationship of one of her nieces or nephews. I felt like she was a little inconsistent throughout the books. In this book she is pretty outrageous and some of the things she did would have been pretty shocking for the time period. In book two she just seems like a meddlesome busybody and was not featured nearly as much, and in book three she schemes but is not nearly as outrageous as she was in book one and I liked her the most in that one.
This is a humorous regency romance, but for the most part the humor fell flat in this one. I thought Mistaken Kiss was the most humorous of the three and that one is my favorite. A couple of things that annoyed me about this book were the foot stamping the main character does several times, and the aunt and love interest keeping something from the main character that they could have let her in on. As far as the foot stamping goes, I didn't notice it so much in the other two books, although I think it happened once or twice. I have a hard time picturing a grown woman stamping her foot like a little girl when shes upset. It's a childish and unattractive thing for a grown woman to do. I don't know if there will be more books in the series, but for the most part I've enjoyed the ones I've read. They have been a fun diversion and I would be willing to read more.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
April 12, 2017
I normally read series in order, but this time I went off reviews and started with a later book - I found that good advice. I liked this one much less than the other I've read so far.
Aunt Honore is more than just notorious here - she's scandalous. Her soiree was just a bit too much for me. In the later book, she's feisty and unconventional, but not crude. I found myself really being turned off by several episodes. I would not classify this as a 'clean' romance because of them, even though it had nothing to do with the actual couple's interactions.
The romance was also just all right. If the couple didn't have a history of knowing each other since childhood, it would have been a terrible case of instalove. There wasn't really any development of their feelings for each other. It was just an on switch and then a lot of running away and denial in between kisses. I didn't find their relationship very satisfying, especially when the main character was being a jerk whenever he wasn't kissing the girl.
Aunt Honore is more than just notorious here - she's scandalous. Her soiree was just a bit too much for me. In the later book, she's feisty and unconventional, but not crude. I found myself really being turned off by several episodes. I would not classify this as a 'clean' romance because of them, even though it had nothing to do with the actual couple's interactions.
The romance was also just all right. If the couple didn't have a history of knowing each other since childhood, it would have been a terrible case of instalove. There wasn't really any development of their feelings for each other. It was just an on switch and then a lot of running away and denial in between kisses. I didn't find their relationship very satisfying, especially when the main character was being a jerk whenever he wasn't kissing the girl.
October 4, 2020
3.5 stars
April 10, 2021
Enjoyable read
April 4, 2016
Delightfully fun read,pulled me out of my reading slump!
This review is from: Lady Fiasco: A Humorous Traditional Regency Romance (My Notorious Aunt Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
I had been suffering a reading 'slump' where I just wasn't finding anything appealing enough to even finish.
I came across the synopsis of the Regency comedy trilogy and thought I would give these Kindle 'freebies' a try.I am so glad that I did,as this book proved again how sometimes Kindle freebies are treasures.
I had such fun reading this book.Totally loved the hero~ Tyrell, Earl of Wesmont, the heroine~Fiona Hawthorn, and her aunt Honore.
Finally a book that captivated me again,from the first chapter to the book's end.
LOVED this book and highly recommend it for lovers of romantic comedy and Regency Romance.
I am already reading the second book in the trilogy~Mistaken Kiss: A Humorous Traditional Regency Romance (My Notorious Aunt Book 2) and it is also proving to be a fun read. One more to go~Cut from the Same Cloth: A Humorous Traditional Regency Romance (My Notorious Aunt Book 3)by Kathleen Baldwin.
This review is from: Lady Fiasco: A Humorous Traditional Regency Romance (My Notorious Aunt Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
I had been suffering a reading 'slump' where I just wasn't finding anything appealing enough to even finish.
I came across the synopsis of the Regency comedy trilogy and thought I would give these Kindle 'freebies' a try.I am so glad that I did,as this book proved again how sometimes Kindle freebies are treasures.
I had such fun reading this book.Totally loved the hero~ Tyrell, Earl of Wesmont, the heroine~Fiona Hawthorn, and her aunt Honore.
Finally a book that captivated me again,from the first chapter to the book's end.
LOVED this book and highly recommend it for lovers of romantic comedy and Regency Romance.
I am already reading the second book in the trilogy~Mistaken Kiss: A Humorous Traditional Regency Romance (My Notorious Aunt Book 2) and it is also proving to be a fun read. One more to go~Cut from the Same Cloth: A Humorous Traditional Regency Romance (My Notorious Aunt Book 3)by Kathleen Baldwin.
August 5, 2017
Very humorous Regency romance that develops in surprising directions. Fiona Hawthorn's reputation for being "cursed" is exaggerated by her nasty stepmother and stepsister Evangeline. Dad doesn't live with them, presumably because even he can't stand his second wife. Tyrell (the Earl of Wesmont) and Fiona have known each other since they were children. Tyrell has returned from service to the crown in the war with Bonaparte and believes himself unsuited for marriage. After the horrors he's experienced, he believes he has no heart to give a wife. When he finds himself attracted to Fiona, his reaction is immediate disgust with himself.
Fortunately(?) for Fiona, her very wealthy and very eccentric Aunt Honore (Lady Alameda) steps into the role of fairy godmother to her Cinderella. Honore decides the gel has grown old enough to be an interesting project and brings Fiona to live with her, much to the great happiness of Evangeline and Mrs. Hawthorn. Honore's stepson, the rakish Lord Marcus Alameda, is also in the household.
Fiona makes a splash when she enters London society, but not necessarily in a good way. The story recounts Fiona's misadventures among the haute ton as well as her confusing interactions with Tyrell, who continues to vacillate between longing for and rejection of his childhood friend. Mrs. Hawthorn and Evangeline also show up in London, and I love how Honore forces them to help Fiona despite their obvious dislike for her. Fiona's accidents start to take a more dangerous turn, and Tyrell becomes convinced someone is trying to kill her. The book doesn't make the villain and the motive much of a mystery to either Tyrell or the reader, but the way Honore deals with it is very satisfactory.
Fiona has unusual attributes, especially her love of swimming, and her sense of being overwhelmed by both her strange aunt and London society is nicely portrayed. Tyrell has a touch of PTSD and can be a bit curmudgeonly, but his intentions are always honorable even when his actions aren't. His frustration over his inability to overcome his fascination with Fiona gets comical, too. Honore is just a riot; you never know what she's going to do next and she just about steals the book. Marcus is a typical titled gentleman who thinks he can charm the pantaloons off of any lady. Mrs. Hawthorn and her daughter Evangeline work well as contrasts to the guileless Fiona.
The writing is light and flowing, the conversations are wonderful ("Just so." Can hear Tyrell saying it in my head every time!), and the characterizations are especially well done. Happily, I also can report that the editing is flawless. I particularly enjoyed the well-developed plot. Great story!
Fortunately(?) for Fiona, her very wealthy and very eccentric Aunt Honore (Lady Alameda) steps into the role of fairy godmother to her Cinderella. Honore decides the gel has grown old enough to be an interesting project and brings Fiona to live with her, much to the great happiness of Evangeline and Mrs. Hawthorn. Honore's stepson, the rakish Lord Marcus Alameda, is also in the household.
Fiona makes a splash when she enters London society, but not necessarily in a good way. The story recounts Fiona's misadventures among the haute ton as well as her confusing interactions with Tyrell, who continues to vacillate between longing for and rejection of his childhood friend. Mrs. Hawthorn and Evangeline also show up in London, and I love how Honore forces them to help Fiona despite their obvious dislike for her. Fiona's accidents start to take a more dangerous turn, and Tyrell becomes convinced someone is trying to kill her. The book doesn't make the villain and the motive much of a mystery to either Tyrell or the reader, but the way Honore deals with it is very satisfactory.
Fiona has unusual attributes, especially her love of swimming, and her sense of being overwhelmed by both her strange aunt and London society is nicely portrayed. Tyrell has a touch of PTSD and can be a bit curmudgeonly, but his intentions are always honorable even when his actions aren't. His frustration over his inability to overcome his fascination with Fiona gets comical, too. Honore is just a riot; you never know what she's going to do next and she just about steals the book. Marcus is a typical titled gentleman who thinks he can charm the pantaloons off of any lady. Mrs. Hawthorn and her daughter Evangeline work well as contrasts to the guileless Fiona.
The writing is light and flowing, the conversations are wonderful ("Just so." Can hear Tyrell saying it in my head every time!), and the characterizations are especially well done. Happily, I also can report that the editing is flawless. I particularly enjoyed the well-developed plot. Great story!
October 29, 2017
Kindle freebie. Fine book, this one. Although some parts are humorous, it is not a laugh riot. The eccentric aunt is cool. The hero is an angry young man but likeable and the heroine is spirited and I found her cute. The writing is nice along with the story play and plot. It was not boring and kept me going on. Wouldn't mind reading other books by the author.
May 16, 2018
This really doesn't contain any spoilers, it's more of my annoyance of some things that happened in the story (but if you're super sensitive to anything reminiscent of a spoiler, don't read):
I wish there would have been more backstory for the characters, because while we know that they have known each other since they were kids, it really doesn't mention what happened to make Fiona love him since she was five years old.
I really did enjoy this story, but the thing that made me not give this book a higher rating was the fact that some trashy/stupid things happened, which to me ruined the story. In particular, the part where the crazy Aunt Lady Alameda tells Tyrell the love interest, "Either bed the girl or marry her!" Even though it turns out the Aunt never actually meant it and it was all just part of some scheme of hers, stupid damn Tyrell while shocked at first, then begins to entertain the idea! He actually convinces himself that sleeping with Fiona and having her as a mistress for two or three years, and then giving her a bracelet afterwards as some kind of payment would be the best course of action. I could not believe it. Then, immediately after he decides that this is what he is going to do, Fiona is thrown off a horse and gets hurt and THEN he proclaims his love for her.
Um... WHAT? How could someone be about to make someone their mistress, on the sole basis that he ONLY wants to have sex with her, and then decide a second later, "Oops! My bad. Turned out it was love." NOOO! You can't go from wanting to use a person just to satisfy your disgusting lust, to loving them. You were planning on using her and then buying her out with a damn bracelet! You were essentially turning her into a prostitute!!! Lust is NOT love, and if I were Fiona and I had learned about what he was thinking and planning on doing, I would have *** *** *** ***** and thrown it in the river! He is disgusting for even thinking of such a thing. Then by marrying her in the end, it makes me think that he is still using Fiona only to fulfill his lust.
This whole episode made me even more mad because it was found in a "Traditional Regency." Sorry, but no other regency novels I have read included parts about dresses failing to cover up Aunt's nipples (kid you not), and lines including, "...increased the unbearable pressure in his groin." No thanks. Could've gone without all of this lusty bullshit and it would've made the book better.
I wish there would have been more backstory for the characters, because while we know that they have known each other since they were kids, it really doesn't mention what happened to make Fiona love him since she was five years old.
I really did enjoy this story, but the thing that made me not give this book a higher rating was the fact that some trashy/stupid things happened, which to me ruined the story. In particular, the part where the crazy Aunt Lady Alameda tells Tyrell the love interest, "Either bed the girl or marry her!" Even though it turns out the Aunt never actually meant it and it was all just part of some scheme of hers, stupid damn Tyrell while shocked at first, then begins to entertain the idea! He actually convinces himself that sleeping with Fiona and having her as a mistress for two or three years, and then giving her a bracelet afterwards as some kind of payment would be the best course of action. I could not believe it. Then, immediately after he decides that this is what he is going to do, Fiona is thrown off a horse and gets hurt and THEN he proclaims his love for her.
Um... WHAT? How could someone be about to make someone their mistress, on the sole basis that he ONLY wants to have sex with her, and then decide a second later, "Oops! My bad. Turned out it was love." NOOO! You can't go from wanting to use a person just to satisfy your disgusting lust, to loving them. You were planning on using her and then buying her out with a damn bracelet! You were essentially turning her into a prostitute!!! Lust is NOT love, and if I were Fiona and I had learned about what he was thinking and planning on doing, I would have *** *** *** ***** and thrown it in the river! He is disgusting for even thinking of such a thing. Then by marrying her in the end, it makes me think that he is still using Fiona only to fulfill his lust.
This whole episode made me even more mad because it was found in a "Traditional Regency." Sorry, but no other regency novels I have read included parts about dresses failing to cover up Aunt's nipples (kid you not), and lines including, "...increased the unbearable pressure in his groin." No thanks. Could've gone without all of this lusty bullshit and it would've made the book better.
June 5, 2016
This review is of “Lady Fiasco”, book #1 in the “My Notorious Aunt” series by Kathleen Baldwin.
The Story: The book begins at a party. It is here that we meet the the hero of the book, Tyrell, Lord Westmont, who has just returned from the Continent and fighting Napoleon, and the heroine of the book, Fiona Hawthorn. Among the derisive nicknames given to Fiona is “Lady Fiasco”, due to a tendency for mayhem to occur in her presence, which does happen several times in the book.
Later, after Tyrell and Fiona kiss passionately, Fiona’s aunt, Honore, Lady Alameda-the “Notorious” aunt mentioned earlier-arrives. Honore takes Fiona from living with her stepmother-Fiona’s father is also on the Continent fighting in the war- and stepsisters to London to live with her as Honore’s understudy, protegee, essentially, her daughter.
While living with Honore, Fiona finds herself pursued by Honore’s stepson, Marcus, Count de Alameda. Marcus’ attentions are not romantic; he resents Fiona’s presence in Honore’s life. As time goes on, Tyrell and Fiona find themselves become attracted to each other, although Tyrell in particular fights the attraction. Later, however, Tyrell comes to the realization that he does, indeed, love Fiona, proposes to her-very awkwardly-and they have their Happily Ever After.
Upside: Not much.
Downside: Pretty much everything. The characters are shallow, the storyline-such as it is-lurches in different directions, without actually arriving at a destination. Although the book is classified as “humourous”, some of that “humor” is derived from malicious, mean-spirited comments about a supporting character.
Sex: None beyond a few kisses.
Violence: Several attempts are made against the lives of both Fiona and Honore; none are successful, although Fiona does break her arm in one of these attacks. Westmont beats up a man who tries to rape Honore.
Bottom Line: I love Regency romances, and I can usually find something to recommend in most of them, but there is little to like about “Lady Fiasco”.
The Story: The book begins at a party. It is here that we meet the the hero of the book, Tyrell, Lord Westmont, who has just returned from the Continent and fighting Napoleon, and the heroine of the book, Fiona Hawthorn. Among the derisive nicknames given to Fiona is “Lady Fiasco”, due to a tendency for mayhem to occur in her presence, which does happen several times in the book.
Later, after Tyrell and Fiona kiss passionately, Fiona’s aunt, Honore, Lady Alameda-the “Notorious” aunt mentioned earlier-arrives. Honore takes Fiona from living with her stepmother-Fiona’s father is also on the Continent fighting in the war- and stepsisters to London to live with her as Honore’s understudy, protegee, essentially, her daughter.
While living with Honore, Fiona finds herself pursued by Honore’s stepson, Marcus, Count de Alameda. Marcus’ attentions are not romantic; he resents Fiona’s presence in Honore’s life. As time goes on, Tyrell and Fiona find themselves become attracted to each other, although Tyrell in particular fights the attraction. Later, however, Tyrell comes to the realization that he does, indeed, love Fiona, proposes to her-very awkwardly-and they have their Happily Ever After.
Upside: Not much.
Downside: Pretty much everything. The characters are shallow, the storyline-such as it is-lurches in different directions, without actually arriving at a destination. Although the book is classified as “humourous”, some of that “humor” is derived from malicious, mean-spirited comments about a supporting character.
Sex: None beyond a few kisses.
Violence: Several attempts are made against the lives of both Fiona and Honore; none are successful, although Fiona does break her arm in one of these attacks. Westmont beats up a man who tries to rape Honore.
Bottom Line: I love Regency romances, and I can usually find something to recommend in most of them, but there is little to like about “Lady Fiasco”.
April 4, 2015
I loved Fiona and Tyrell's story. Tyrell has PTSD coming home from the Napoleonic war. He has no desire to have any more responsibilities bear down on him, so he's not interested in marriage. I love Fiona, who has been raised by her father without worrying about the conventions of the time - she must have had a wonderful childhood riding horses, swimming, hunting with her father, and running around. She's listened to so many people say she's cursed with causing accidents that she believes it. It's almost a Cinderella tale with a stepmother who tolerates her and her father away. Her aunt arrives and saves her from her disappointing life and keeps things very interesting, especially knowing why Tyrell followed Fiona to London even though he can't figure it out. I did not like how scandalous her aunt is or pretends to be, but I still enjoyed the story. A lot. Their relationship gets a little steamy at times, so you're forewarned.
February 6, 2016
Lady Fiasco is a charming, farcical, regency romp as advertised. This rerelease is a quick read - with a slight bogging down in the middle - that evokes the sense of a one act operetta as it has the same style and pacing and is replete with colorful characters just on the edge of bawdiness. Be prepared to be generous in overlooking false start typos where wording was reordered, but didn't get completely cleaned up. Also, numerous references seemed anachronistic or slightly off, but not worthy of pulling oneself out of a lighthearted read. Enjoy it in the spirit of fun!
January 12, 2014
She has done it again!!! Ms.Baldwin has captivated my imagination, sending me back to an age where chivalry and pomp and circumstance rein supreme! Lady Fiasco is an amazing blend of romance, intrigue, and comedy, that will have you vexed one moment and swooning the next. Once I picked it up I could not put it down! I look forward to reading anything Kathleen writes, and I recommend this book as well as her others highly.
May 31, 2017
This was a cute little read. I loved both of the main characters who are well developed, and it was an enjoyable adventure to watch them realize they loved each other. The plot wasn’t anything ground breaking but I was more interested in the couple than any actual plot.
September 20, 2018
Fiona and Tyrell
Fiona Hawthorn lives with her stepmother and stepsister. Most of the villagers think she is jinxed or cursed. Fiona is known by several names: Lady Fiasco, Duchess of Doom and Countess of Calamity. Tyrell, Lord Wesmont, has known Fiona since she was a little girl jumping her mare over hedges. Tyrell's mother throws him a ball to celebrate his return from the battlefields of Badajoz and Salamanca in Spain. Tyrell is displeased with his mother's motives. He watches Fiona hiding behind a column. He approaches her and ask her to dance. She tries to warn him about her curse, but he won't take no for an answer. They are doing well until she twists up her feet, however, Tyrell recovers saving them from disaster.
The next day he rides out to the lake to confront Fiona on how she left the ball. He finds her swimming in the lake. Soon she gets out to dry herself in the sun. He approaches her and talks about the danger to her person being out at the lake by herself. Fiona tells him she can out swim anyone. The challenge is issued. Tyrell takes off his caveat, jacket and shirt and follows Fiona into the water.
The story of Fiona and Tyrell is charming. It's about a man who believes he is broken by the war and a women who believes she is cursed. We get to know some of the background of these two characters. Fiona's family is not ideal and Tyrell's flashbacks are tempered by Fiona's face flashing before his eyes. The plot is simple. The settings are beautifully written. I will read the next book in the trilogy.
Fiona Hawthorn lives with her stepmother and stepsister. Most of the villagers think she is jinxed or cursed. Fiona is known by several names: Lady Fiasco, Duchess of Doom and Countess of Calamity. Tyrell, Lord Wesmont, has known Fiona since she was a little girl jumping her mare over hedges. Tyrell's mother throws him a ball to celebrate his return from the battlefields of Badajoz and Salamanca in Spain. Tyrell is displeased with his mother's motives. He watches Fiona hiding behind a column. He approaches her and ask her to dance. She tries to warn him about her curse, but he won't take no for an answer. They are doing well until she twists up her feet, however, Tyrell recovers saving them from disaster.
The next day he rides out to the lake to confront Fiona on how she left the ball. He finds her swimming in the lake. Soon she gets out to dry herself in the sun. He approaches her and talks about the danger to her person being out at the lake by herself. Fiona tells him she can out swim anyone. The challenge is issued. Tyrell takes off his caveat, jacket and shirt and follows Fiona into the water.
The story of Fiona and Tyrell is charming. It's about a man who believes he is broken by the war and a women who believes she is cursed. We get to know some of the background of these two characters. Fiona's family is not ideal and Tyrell's flashbacks are tempered by Fiona's face flashing before his eyes. The plot is simple. The settings are beautifully written. I will read the next book in the trilogy.
September 3, 2017
Well this was sort or an annoying story for sure. Good narration by Beverly Crick (audible review)
The Aunt was not very funny for the most part, she had her moments but not that great. The characters were okay, the story line and plot was kind of boring. It was a struggle to get through for sure. I am glad it is over.
The story did not flow well. It had potential but the writing was lacking. I can't say I would listen to the next book in this series, This was also a rated G story so for those of you looking for a clean story this may be for you,
As for the narration, it was good, I like Beverly Crick's narrations she has gotten much better over the years and I enjoy her narrations. The men sound like men and she does read with emotion as called for, yelling, crying, laughing etc.. That was what kept me listening.
The Aunt was not very funny for the most part, she had her moments but not that great. The characters were okay, the story line and plot was kind of boring. It was a struggle to get through for sure. I am glad it is over.
The story did not flow well. It had potential but the writing was lacking. I can't say I would listen to the next book in this series, This was also a rated G story so for those of you looking for a clean story this may be for you,
As for the narration, it was good, I like Beverly Crick's narrations she has gotten much better over the years and I enjoy her narrations. The men sound like men and she does read with emotion as called for, yelling, crying, laughing etc.. That was what kept me listening.
July 28, 2017
It is a well~written comedy romance written by one of the more reliable authors of the genre. I thought it was ingeniously crafted but because of my erratic short~term memory I can't say I will remember much after this review. All I can say is, it was real Good Fun while it lasted.
August 15, 2017
As I've stated many times before, I adore historical romance novels. Unfortunately, this novel did not work for me.
Check out my full review on my blog For the Love of Words.
Check out my full review on my blog For the Love of Words.
March 11, 2019
Fun read with very character driven story. No steam, but I didn't miss it a bit.
July 17, 2021
Another quick, light read. This book wasn’t as humorous as the second (Mistaken Kiss-my favorite 😍) but I did enjoy it. The scheming and shenanigans were a bit much, however, things worked out well I’m the end. Seeing that I obviously read these books out of order, it’s safe to say that all three books can stand on their own.
Content: Clean, innuendo throughout
Content: Clean, innuendo throughout
March 7, 2017
Feel the heat
I loved this story and the characters but admit there are very suggestive moments. He is tortured by the horrors of war and she has been labeled cursed for so long that she is beginning to believe it. Neither desire to burden anyone with marriage. I especially love Aunt Alameda and her cunning. I hope there are more books that will include Roberts story. My only disappointment being the stepmother and daughters not being reined in. ...but maybe in the next book?
I loved this story and the characters but admit there are very suggestive moments. He is tortured by the horrors of war and she has been labeled cursed for so long that she is beginning to believe it. Neither desire to burden anyone with marriage. I especially love Aunt Alameda and her cunning. I hope there are more books that will include Roberts story. My only disappointment being the stepmother and daughters not being reined in. ...but maybe in the next book?
July 27, 2016
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
Lady Fiasco hails back to the early days of the Regency romance with all the fancy dialogue, over the top situations, and vibrant characters. I’ve recently had the pleasure of reading a couple of Georgette Heyer’s novels, and Kathleen Baldwin does a great job conveying that same feel. Like Heyer’s, this is also a sweet romance.
The story begins with a decorated soldier’s return from war. Tyrell, Lord Wesmont, has seen the darker side of life, is suffering from battle fatigue, and really just wants to retire into obscurity. Instead, his mother has arranged a ball to re-introduce him to the neighborhood and help him find a bride. She demands he behaves like the gentleman he is. Forced to dance, Tyrell chooses the one young lady everyone else avoids and one he remembers from before the war as a friend.
Fiona Hawthorn is considered a disaster largely because she’s been raised by a father who did little to restrain her wild tendencies. Around her, trouble happens, and to the minds of every member of their small community, the only explanation is that she’s bad luck. In reality, it’s a combination of her own clumsiness and her beauty, which tends to make klutzes of any nearby gentleman. The situation has grown so bad, even Fiona believes she’s cursed.
Despite Tyrell’s attempts to convince her it’s nonsense, when his underlying feelings for her provoke him to share a kiss with her, even he accuses her of being trouble and thinks she’s attempting to trap him into a marriage he doesn’t want.
Already, you have hints of the serious in a wounded warrior hardened by war and with no interest in the main pastime of the young and old of society in this era: finding a spouse. Add to that a profound ridiculousness in the way disaster seems to follow in Fiona’s wake, and there’s a great number of entertaining moments.
Enter Lady Alameda, Fiona’s outrageous aunt who decides to take a hand in Fiona’s upbringing. Swept from her home, Fiona is thrust into the complexities of high society, complexities which include Marcus, Lady Alameda’s previous favorite who is far from pleased to discover he’s no longer the first in Lady Alameda’s eyes, especially when, as her step-son, he had always assumed he’d be her heir. This aspect to the story didn’t work as well for me with Marcus as the incompetent villain, but even he had his moments, and his actions led to a lovely bit of revenge I quite enjoyed.
Tyrell, of course, chases after her, honor bound to apologize for his unfounded accusations, only to discover her circumstances even worse than he could have imagined. Lady Alameda is all he’s been led to believe and worse, while his heart is not as hardened as he’d thought.
I’ve told more of the story than I usually do, but believe me when I say this is only the tip of the iceberg. Lady Fiasco offers a fun romp with wonderful dialogue and a few serious moments looking into the impact of war on soldiers. I liked both Tyrell and Fiona a lot, and found most of the secondary characters enjoyable, especially the scandalous ones. Fiona’s aunt, the Lady Alameda, is just wonderful. This is well worth the read.
Note: This is a re-release of an early title published by Zebra
Lady Fiasco hails back to the early days of the Regency romance with all the fancy dialogue, over the top situations, and vibrant characters. I’ve recently had the pleasure of reading a couple of Georgette Heyer’s novels, and Kathleen Baldwin does a great job conveying that same feel. Like Heyer’s, this is also a sweet romance.
The story begins with a decorated soldier’s return from war. Tyrell, Lord Wesmont, has seen the darker side of life, is suffering from battle fatigue, and really just wants to retire into obscurity. Instead, his mother has arranged a ball to re-introduce him to the neighborhood and help him find a bride. She demands he behaves like the gentleman he is. Forced to dance, Tyrell chooses the one young lady everyone else avoids and one he remembers from before the war as a friend.
Fiona Hawthorn is considered a disaster largely because she’s been raised by a father who did little to restrain her wild tendencies. Around her, trouble happens, and to the minds of every member of their small community, the only explanation is that she’s bad luck. In reality, it’s a combination of her own clumsiness and her beauty, which tends to make klutzes of any nearby gentleman. The situation has grown so bad, even Fiona believes she’s cursed.
Despite Tyrell’s attempts to convince her it’s nonsense, when his underlying feelings for her provoke him to share a kiss with her, even he accuses her of being trouble and thinks she’s attempting to trap him into a marriage he doesn’t want.
Already, you have hints of the serious in a wounded warrior hardened by war and with no interest in the main pastime of the young and old of society in this era: finding a spouse. Add to that a profound ridiculousness in the way disaster seems to follow in Fiona’s wake, and there’s a great number of entertaining moments.
Enter Lady Alameda, Fiona’s outrageous aunt who decides to take a hand in Fiona’s upbringing. Swept from her home, Fiona is thrust into the complexities of high society, complexities which include Marcus, Lady Alameda’s previous favorite who is far from pleased to discover he’s no longer the first in Lady Alameda’s eyes, especially when, as her step-son, he had always assumed he’d be her heir. This aspect to the story didn’t work as well for me with Marcus as the incompetent villain, but even he had his moments, and his actions led to a lovely bit of revenge I quite enjoyed.
Tyrell, of course, chases after her, honor bound to apologize for his unfounded accusations, only to discover her circumstances even worse than he could have imagined. Lady Alameda is all he’s been led to believe and worse, while his heart is not as hardened as he’d thought.
I’ve told more of the story than I usually do, but believe me when I say this is only the tip of the iceberg. Lady Fiasco offers a fun romp with wonderful dialogue and a few serious moments looking into the impact of war on soldiers. I liked both Tyrell and Fiona a lot, and found most of the secondary characters enjoyable, especially the scandalous ones. Fiona’s aunt, the Lady Alameda, is just wonderful. This is well worth the read.
Note: This is a re-release of an early title published by Zebra
May 22, 2022
I read Mistaken Kiss, the second book in the “My Notorious Aunt” series about Honore de Alameda, the self-styled notorious aunt and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought I would go back to the first in the series since each book can be read in any order – I like that – and I was curious about how it all started.
I did not care for this book as much as I did the second. The romance between Honore’s niece, Fiona Hawthorne, and Tyrell, the Earl of Westmont, did not really take hold in my mind. Fiona was a weak character and Tyrell was simply confused during most of the book. I kept waiting for Fiona to grow a backbone and occasionally there were flashes that appeared this might be happening, but her character did not change, and she stayed a weak and shaky heroine. The book began and ended with her in hiding at different balls.
Aunt Honore is incomprehensible. We are given that she is smart, with lots of little schemes used to manipulate people into bettering their lives. However, her actions serve only to titillate the reader. The bedlam and chaos seem driven. Her plotting is forced. And in the end, it feels false. I did like the outcome she oversaw for her evil nephew, however.
I also like the way Ms. Baldwin writes. Hers is an easy-to-read style. I believe this is a first book, and her writing is an evolving process; in the second book, the plot and the romance are improved and much better developed. I will have to read the third in this series, Cut from the Same Cloth, to gauge how the writer’s style progresses; that will be an enjoyable pursuit.
There were very few errors which further made this an enjoyable book. For example:
“Fiona glanced at him quizzically, not have heard his mumbled words.” I believe it should be, “…not HAVING heard his mumbled words.”
“She shook opened the ruddy fan….” I’m not sure what the writer meant but possibly, “She shook OPEN the ruddy fan…” or “She shook the ruddy fan…” or “She opened the ruddy fan….”
I rated this book 3 stars because it held my interest even through some questionable scenes and I look forward to reading more by this writer.
I did not care for this book as much as I did the second. The romance between Honore’s niece, Fiona Hawthorne, and Tyrell, the Earl of Westmont, did not really take hold in my mind. Fiona was a weak character and Tyrell was simply confused during most of the book. I kept waiting for Fiona to grow a backbone and occasionally there were flashes that appeared this might be happening, but her character did not change, and she stayed a weak and shaky heroine. The book began and ended with her in hiding at different balls.
Aunt Honore is incomprehensible. We are given that she is smart, with lots of little schemes used to manipulate people into bettering their lives. However, her actions serve only to titillate the reader. The bedlam and chaos seem driven. Her plotting is forced. And in the end, it feels false. I did like the outcome she oversaw for her evil nephew, however.
I also like the way Ms. Baldwin writes. Hers is an easy-to-read style. I believe this is a first book, and her writing is an evolving process; in the second book, the plot and the romance are improved and much better developed. I will have to read the third in this series, Cut from the Same Cloth, to gauge how the writer’s style progresses; that will be an enjoyable pursuit.
There were very few errors which further made this an enjoyable book. For example:
“Fiona glanced at him quizzically, not have heard his mumbled words.” I believe it should be, “…not HAVING heard his mumbled words.”
“She shook opened the ruddy fan….” I’m not sure what the writer meant but possibly, “She shook OPEN the ruddy fan…” or “She shook the ruddy fan…” or “She opened the ruddy fan….”
I rated this book 3 stars because it held my interest even through some questionable scenes and I look forward to reading more by this writer.
May 16, 2015
Clean historical English romance with a returning titled war vet finding love with his childhood neighbor and (possibly) cursed friend.
I liked the Lady Fiona Hawthorn because she is really interesting. Sure it would be easy to just blame a silly curse on the fact that whenever something goes wrong, it is Fiona's fault, or we could just see that it is a mix of being clumsy and coincidence. Aunt Honore sees right away what is going on with her neice and quickly gives her choices and a new life in London. Honore is probably the smartest person in the story although she doesn't catch on about her stepson until it is almost too late. Marcus was stupid and spoiled and really we could cut out all his moments in the book as still have a good romance with Lord Wesmont.
I liked the other books better in the series that I've already read, Cut from the Same Cloth and Mistaken Kiss which were more fun to read then this book although each is well written and edited. Totally read the series out of order and they all stand alone so it was no problem following the stories.
256 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
I liked the Lady Fiona Hawthorn because she is really interesting. Sure it would be easy to just blame a silly curse on the fact that whenever something goes wrong, it is Fiona's fault, or we could just see that it is a mix of being clumsy and coincidence. Aunt Honore sees right away what is going on with her neice and quickly gives her choices and a new life in London. Honore is probably the smartest person in the story although she doesn't catch on about her stepson until it is almost too late. Marcus was stupid and spoiled and really we could cut out all his moments in the book as still have a good romance with Lord Wesmont.
I liked the other books better in the series that I've already read, Cut from the Same Cloth and Mistaken Kiss which were more fun to read then this book although each is well written and edited. Totally read the series out of order and they all stand alone so it was no problem following the stories.
256 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
May 25, 2015
Lady Fiona Hawthorn is a mess. So much so that she is labeled "Lady Fiasco" because disasters seem to follow her so much so that the community in which she lives thinks she is cursed.
Her wealthy, eccentric and improper aunt, Lady Honore Alameda, thinks she needs another season in London and takes her in. Lady Fiona soon thinks her aunt is crazy but Honore is a lot sharper, wiser, and more savvy than anyone in the ton is aware of.
Enter Lord Westmont, her childhood friend and neighbor, who has recently returned from the battlefields of the Spanish peninsula a hardened and bitter man. Fiona has always loved this handsome gentleman but fears he is avoiding her because of her so-called "curse."
To stir the pot, lady Alameda's wicked step-son arrives from Portugal, bent on wresting an inheritance at any cost, up to and including murder.
Can the beautiful but bumbling Lady Fiona soften Lord Westmont's heart? Read for yourself this delightful and humorous regency romance, full of sight gags, suspense, outrageous situations, and throbbing romance.
For those of you who avoid profanity and overt sexuality in your reads, this is just the ticket, although it is still full of subtle erotic innuendos and romantic longing.
Her wealthy, eccentric and improper aunt, Lady Honore Alameda, thinks she needs another season in London and takes her in. Lady Fiona soon thinks her aunt is crazy but Honore is a lot sharper, wiser, and more savvy than anyone in the ton is aware of.
Enter Lord Westmont, her childhood friend and neighbor, who has recently returned from the battlefields of the Spanish peninsula a hardened and bitter man. Fiona has always loved this handsome gentleman but fears he is avoiding her because of her so-called "curse."
To stir the pot, lady Alameda's wicked step-son arrives from Portugal, bent on wresting an inheritance at any cost, up to and including murder.
Can the beautiful but bumbling Lady Fiona soften Lord Westmont's heart? Read for yourself this delightful and humorous regency romance, full of sight gags, suspense, outrageous situations, and throbbing romance.
For those of you who avoid profanity and overt sexuality in your reads, this is just the ticket, although it is still full of subtle erotic innuendos and romantic longing.
February 19, 2015
This was a cute book. I enjoyed the romance between the two Fiona and Tyrell. It's always nice to read a book that doesn't have to resort to sex to give some heat. I really like the Notorious Aunt. She was a very entertaining character.
I would say this book edged closer to the steadier side of clean. There were several steamy kisses, a incidents of cleavage ogling, and even a nipple slip (not the main character). None of these went over the line I have set. One small detail was questionable in its historical accuracy. There were several times when it seemed the characters didn't wear gloves when they probably would have. Regency ladies and Gentleman wore gloves a lot, especially at balls. I am more then willing to forgive the small historical inaccuracy because it was very helpful to the plot.
I would say this book edged closer to the steadier side of clean. There were several steamy kisses, a incidents of cleavage ogling, and even a nipple slip (not the main character). None of these went over the line I have set. One small detail was questionable in its historical accuracy. There were several times when it seemed the characters didn't wear gloves when they probably would have. Regency ladies and Gentleman wore gloves a lot, especially at balls. I am more then willing to forgive the small historical inaccuracy because it was very helpful to the plot.
January 17, 2015
Within its rather particular genre, "Humorous Regency Romance," this one is aces. Thus, five stars. Because if that's what you're looking for, that is exactly what you'll get from this story. What I particularly liked about it was that while most of the characters are badly behaved or funny in some way or other, breaking social rules, etc., yet it was not anachronistic. It held firmly to its own internal logic, and to the general "Heyeresque" idea (and setting and language) some of us are always seeking out.
This is part of a trilogy, so it remains for me to see if the other two stories have a freshness that holds my attention or if the theme that binds them becomes overdrawn, but because I enjoyed this one, I'm looking forward to finding out.
This is part of a trilogy, so it remains for me to see if the other two stories have a freshness that holds my attention or if the theme that binds them becomes overdrawn, but because I enjoyed this one, I'm looking forward to finding out.
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