Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

A Lady Most Untamed: A Grimm Regency Tale

Rate this book
Arthur Fairhurst is a terrible duke. Jumpy and nervous around others, he prefers hiding away in his Northumberland forest collecting, sketching, and researching all the wildlife he can find, trying to satiate his inexhaustible curiosity. So when his gamekeeper informs him of a gypsy girl and her dog hiding away in his woods, curiosity demands he find out everything he can about her before telling her to move on. Dressed as a plain woodsman, Arthur gains her trust little by little, and is surprised by the things the gypsy girl, Mara, brings out in him.

Mara Boswell discovered long ago that she cannot depend on anyone but herself. Driven by tragedy, she has roamed here and there all around England, always on the move, running from those who would find her and hurt her once more. Thinking she has found a safe haven at last the dense forests of Northumberland, she is informed by a woodsman that she is trespassing, and not just on any lands, but a duke’s.

Loath to move on again, she agrees to a bargain with the talk about her gypsy life in exchange for permission to stay in the forest unmolested. The opportunity is too good to pass up, and Mara begins to see that not everyone is out to do her harm. That certain people would love and protect her if she would only let them.

145 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2024

13 people are currently reading
50 people want to read

About the author

Amanda Panhorst

12 books44 followers
Amanda writes clean regency and contemporary romance. She was raised along the Wasatch Front on a hearty diet of Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen novels. She firmly believes that the Three Rs: Reading, Riding and wRiting are a great recipe for happiness. Other ingredients include her family of three boys, a fantastic husband, and their pets, Ginny and Darcy, and Flint.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
48 (43%)
4 stars
47 (42%)
3 stars
11 (9%)
2 stars
4 (3%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Lover of books.
266 reviews9 followers
September 22, 2024
I absolutely loved this book!! I loved seeing the different approach to the MMC. And I loved the descriptions. Would highly recommend if ya love short regency romances to give it a shot.
Profile Image for Amanda Mantonya.
592 reviews4 followers
November 6, 2024
This was a very sweet story. I really enjoyed the sweet friends to more romance between the odd science minded Duke, and a traumatized gypsy girl.

The fact that it was a retelling of brother and sister makes it stand out amongst fairytale retellings as it is not often retold.

I think the main struggle for me was the believability of how a Duke could possibly marry a gypsy?! The ingenuity of the solution for this was helped by the side characters, such as Fanny and Ben and while still not wholly plausible was at least believable.

I think where it lost stars for me was because of Fanny being a scandal-seeking woman of the ton without any shame about it. Though she was still loving and kind to her brother, and he obviously adored her, the fact that everyone simply overlooked it was difficult for me even if it is an accurate portrayal of some regency women.

The second place was where it lost stars is a bit of a spoiler, so stop reading now if you don’t like those.

When Mara offered to be with Arthur without him having to marry her made my jaw drop. I understand that mistresses were common place back then but I don’t like being reminded of it in my fairytales. Though Arthur’s answer to her was oh so swoony and helped make up for it.
Profile Image for Natasha.
368 reviews
September 21, 2024
Whimsical, magical, and witty!

Set in the Regency period, this retelling of the Brother and Sister fairy tale is full of surprises, fun encounters, and delightful moments. The MMC is so lovable in his quirkiness, you just can’t help but hope for a HEA for him. And Mara is definitely the one who makes it happen.
You can always rely on humor being a character of its own in all of Ms. Panhorst’s novels, and this one does not disappoint. The story is sweet and light, but deep. The plot is well-developed. And the dual POV gives a glimpse into the hearts and minds of the characters.

I was given an advanced copy to read but my positive review is wholly my opinion because I truly enjoyed this sweet read.
Profile Image for Hannah The Awkward.
269 reviews20 followers
September 20, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Lady Most Untamed is a charming story of a traveller and a Duke falling in love. The pair may seem at odds from the surface, but deep down they are meant for each other. The pacing as well as the coziness of novella were wonderful. If you enjoy opposites attracting, dogs, regency social scandal, and a cozy little love story then this is for you.

I had the pleasure of ARC reading. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sunny Lovestories.
Author 21 books36 followers
November 8, 2024
Sweet and innocent friends to more. Very light and whimsical path to trusting complete strangers and learning it’s ok to be vulnerable.
Profile Image for Regency_Fan_ Michelle.
560 reviews12 followers
September 22, 2024
I adored this Grimm Regency Romance novella. Beautiful cover, great characters and happy endings
I received a complimentary arc and all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Lauren C.
139 reviews
October 1, 2024
I am a big fan of reimagined or perspective shifted stories, so when I got the opportunity to read A Lady Most Untamed I was excited to see a tale I wasn't familiar with. Apparently the main source of my enjoyment comes from comparing the original to the new tale. While this wasn't a story I enjoyed, the author is talented. My main issue was with the use of the term gypsy. Romani people don't typically use that term to self-identify. I would've thought since a large portion of the story is from the Romani perspective and that of a person wanting to learn about their culture we would've had that discussion. Even though this is a Regency era tale it still would've come up that most Romani don't like being called gypsy. It felt like the author did not want to get too deep into the subject and it made me wonder why bother including it. There are lots of people who move constantly because of their work, Mara did not have to be Romani. The fairy tale elements did not take up very much of the story and none of the characters except one believed in magic. It made me sad for Mara that people acted like her lack of skepticism made her dumb when believing in magic shouldn't be scorned. Fairy tales should remind us that magic is worth believing in not that we should feel silly for trusting.
Profile Image for Rachel.
258 reviews3 followers
October 10, 2024
This is the third book in this series that I've gotten the chance to ARC read for, and it was yet another lovely little novella.

POV: third person limited
POV Character(s): Arthur Fairhurst and Mara Boswell
Verb Tense: past
Triggers: none

Another Grimm Regency Tale down! This one is based on a fairy tale I'm not familiar with: The Brother and the Sister. So that actually made it much more fun for me as I had no idea where this was going. Granted, I might have still felt that way if I was familiar, but hey, this is just how it worked out this time.

Like all the novellas in this series, it's a quick and easy read and gives you cozy, comfy vibes as you make your way through the fast-paced story. And like all the novellas, it made me a little sad not to have a bit more time to indulge in the romance and have more of a build-up, but given the page-constraint, I understand why it has to feel a bit rushed.

Arthur is another of our favorite types of Regency characters: an unwilling, disinterested Duke who would rather spend his time exploring the forest on his lands and identifying and drawing the many unusual insects and amphibians he catches. Talking to ladies and trying to interact socially with others makes him fumble over his words and feel a fool, so he has spent quite some time just staying on his own property and avoiding interactions with the rest of society, despite knowing he must someday marry to carry on the legacy of his family with children.

Mara is a gypsy, which I know could create some upsetting feelings for some readers. There's an author's note at the back that acknowledges the author took the time to research how gypsies were perceived at this time in history, different stereotypes and even incorrect ideas about their origins that were bandied about, and the author tried to create a character who is not a caricature of the gypsy we've all seen in books and shows. I think she did a good job, though I also admit Mara's situation is rather unique. Instead of living with a traveling band of gypsies, she's built a small camp in the middle of Arthur's forest (unknowingly living on his lands) with her only companion, a dog named Ben. Anxious to remain hidden from others, Mara keeps to herself except on days she goes to the local town to trade her woven baskets for money and to purchase things she needs.

When Arthur's groundskeeper discovers Mara and makes her presence known to Arthur, the unusual Duke sees her as first a bit of a specimen to examine before realizing she's much too intriguing to treat as he does his insects and frogs. So he begins to find ways to engage her and to create a relationship with her, going so far as to pretend to be the head groundskeeper to the duke rather than reveal his much higher title in his quest to earn her trust and learn why she's parted from her caravan and what her purpose in hiding out in the forest might be.

The two develop an interest in one another, and though the romance feels rather rushed, especially toward the end, I loved the innocence and naivety with which Mara treats so much of her life. It's her ignorance, unfortunately, that has her in such a terrorized position, however, and her ignorance leads to her desperate attempts to escape the people who have turned her brother into a dog (at least, this is her belief).

I'll leave the rest spoiler-free so you can enjoy this story. It's a delightful little palate cleanser, the handling of sensitive topics like gypsies is done well, and the overall story is--while less believable than many Regency romances--a fun one to explore.
Profile Image for Jesse.
182 reviews5 followers
May 27, 2025
The weakest of the set in my opinion. I really loved that she chose a story that I had never heard of and the idea of a romance between a Romani and a wealthy Englishman was so enticing.

For me the story fell down in the chemistry. I found Arthur to be a little possessive and controlling - something I'm used to reading in rake based stories but not in those that lean to sweet. Mara, I don't know, I wanted to love her - the story about the brother I did like but it felt like her "feeling" for Arthur was because she felt she owed him.

The romance just fell flat. At no time did I feel these two were in love. At no time was my heart beating faster thinking they wouldn't be together.

Another thing I really didn't like in this book was Arthur's sister. She's brass and almost gutter like in her speech and behaviour. Again, in a rake book I would totally accept that but not in sweet romance. I know she wasn't the main character but it felt icky. It made feel like Arthur had put it about too just like his sister and considered flings okay

I wanted to love it as this was a really solid set of stories with the most gorgeous covers, but this one missed the mark. I would recommend reading Jenni Ward's (has a nice common people focus vs everyone being upperclass/wealthy), Amy Newbold's (delightful characters), and Sienna Peake's (it's sugary super sweet but still enjoyable) if you wanted to start somewhere with the set.
Profile Image for Meagan Myhren-Bennett.
Author 29 books162 followers
October 2, 2024
A Lady Most Untamed
A Grimm Regency Tale
By Amanda Panhorst

I loved this story. I loved Arthur Fairhurst's character, who was uncomfortable with the public expectations of his role as a duke and being in the public eye, in contrast to his sister Fanny, who seemed to revel in public spectacle.

All Arthur seems to enjoy is studying nature, which he can observe in the isolation of his estate. But all that ends when a young woman is found trespassing on his estate. Worse, she has decided to take up residence in the forest. Why would a single woman who is obviously a gypsy take up residence in his forest? Being who he is, Arthur decides to "study" the situation.

Mara Boswell has taken refuge in a hidden area of a forest. She is hiding from those who have caused her great pain. She is wary of anyone who approaches. The only one she lets near is her deerhound. This young woman and her unusual ways intrigue Arthur, and he wants to get to know her better, but not as the duke but as himself, as Arthur.

What follows is a delightful story of discovery and friendship. However, I have to be honest: the fairy tale it was based on was one I was unfamiliar with, so I can't compare the original with this story. But regardless, I have no qualms about recommending this sweet story, which I feel is appropriate for tweens and up.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations, but to provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Gwen Shafer.
2,199 reviews39 followers
October 6, 2024
This is another cute book to the Grimm Regency series. Arthur is a unique shy prince. He would rather keep to himself then go to balls and events. He is enjoying his peace and quiet until one day he learns there is a gypsy living on his land.
He travels out to find out just who exactly this woman is and why she is there. But before he can do that, he sees something in her that he has never see or felt before. Arthur wants to get to know Mara and figure her out.
Mara is on the run from her life. She has finally escaped from the horror of her life and just wants to be able to survive and stay hidden. She ends up meeting Arthur and getting to know him, but he is keeping a huge secret from her.
The past will come back to get her, and Arthur's secret will come out. Will these two be able to find happiness?
This was a lovable quick read.
Profile Image for Melissa.
183 reviews22 followers
October 12, 2024
This is the third book I read in the Grimm regency tale series. A lady most untamed is based on the brother and sister fairytale. It follows Mara - a Gypsy - who ran away from her family after her brother got turned into a dog. She ends up in the Alwyn forest, where Arthur the Duke of Alwyn lives. The Duke is not a regular duke and likes the spend his time in the forest catching small insects and learning about them. He finds Ben the dog and follows him back to where Mara and he are staying. He observes them from afar first and tries to win them over by leaving food in their clearing. Mara doesn’t trust the food and throws it out. He can’t believe she does that so after a couple of days he approaches her and tells her he wants to learn more about her way of living. However Mara is still being hunted by her family. Will she be able to trust Arthur and will he be able to save her? Will she be able to turn her brother back to human? If you want to know how it ends read this short cute regency tale now!
Profile Image for Sara.
611 reviews26 followers
October 10, 2024
I believe this was my first retelling of the "Brother and Sister" fairytale. It wasn't a tale I was familiar with so I did look it up beforehand which I would reccomend so you can find all the connections. It's a regency romance with no magic so the tale was quite cleverly tied in. I would have considered giving this five stars except I very much disliked the tooth pulling scene.
Favorite quote: “Yes, Fanny, for nothing quite says ‘I burn for you, my love. Come away with me and be mine forever more’ better than a net and pins to push through a butterfly’s thorax.”
Favorite scene: the ending with the reunion with you know who
Favorite character: Mara
Profile Image for Megan Barnes.
131 reviews
October 21, 2024
Intriguing, whimsical, sweet, witty, entertaining. This retelling of the classic Brother and Sister fairytale is all of the above in a magicless regency setting. I’ve never read the original, but fell in love with this retelling.

The plot was intriguing and kept me reading for more. I love mystery and “magic” involved. The budding relationship between our main characters is sweet and heartwarming to watch.

Things I loved:
Hidden identity
Feisty independent FMC
Smart, awkward MMC
Regency setting
Dual POV
In hiding

Violence: mild talk of abuse (being put in a trunk), someone caught in rope trap with rocks being thrown.

Spice: no spice, just sweet kisses

Strong Language: none
Profile Image for Fay Gaskin.
108 reviews4 followers
September 20, 2024
I rated this 4.5, but of course that doesn’t really work on here, but it was solidly a 4.5⭐️

“No, Mara, you are the only one who knows me as I truly am.”

I had a really fun time reading this one. It followed the tale of a duke and a gypsy (Arthur and Mara) and the majority of the book is spent in the forest within Arthur’s estate. It was both funny and sad. It was also really easy to read with how short the books in this series are. If you like forests, dogs, drama, hiding and romance then this is for you.

🌸I received an ARC for this book and am leaving an honest review voluntarily🌸
Profile Image for caitlynn (aelin’s version).
100 reviews13 followers
September 29, 2024
i really really liked this book. like the other i’ve read in this series, it was a shorter novel but honestly it makes it so it’s not super redundant. there’s just enough plot and side characters without being overbearing. the story is whimsical but grounded in historical fiction. i enjoyed hearing about the romani people and honestly would have liked to learn even more!

i think the best part of this book was the writing. the author has a way with words that I really really enjoyed. i look forward to reading more from them.

i received an arc of this copy and very grateful!!
Profile Image for Angela - Enjoy Life With Me Podcast.
171 reviews7 followers
October 1, 2024
A fun regency novella, part of a multi-author, fairytale retelling, stand alone series.

Felt unique as I’ve never seen the Gypsy “get” the Duke. While that felt a bit unrealistic, it’s a fairytale retelling of Brother and Sister which was woven into this story extremely well. The ending was just lovely!

Content:
Style - Dual POV Regency Fairytale Retelling
Intimacy - Mild (kisses, mention of mistress)
Language - None
Violence - Mild (“bad guys” caught)
Potential Triggers - childhood abuse, neurodivergent, mention of mistress
Profile Image for Karen B.
1,451 reviews24 followers
October 1, 2024
A delightful take on the Brother and Sister fairytale by the Brothers Grimm (I looked up this fairytale after reading and I wished I had done this prior. It makes the story even more sweet!) Mara, a whimsical gypsy in regency times, watches from afar a quirky scientist in the field and becomes wary said scientist tries to befriend her. Their relationship grows and of course, has a HEA. A lovely opposites attract, magical short story that is beautifully written.
Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read early.
100 reviews
October 29, 2024
Clean Read
The chokehold this series has on me! 😍 These are the cutest/quickest reads, and I love them love them love them! The Lady Most Untamed is based on the Brother's Grimm Brother and Sister tale. I'm not familiar with the original unfortunately. However, this was enjoyable. The world build was a little slow and redundant at first as we kept revisiting the Duke's love of nature. I would read it all over again for the ending that followed Mara and Arthur's slow burn though. Heart eyes all around 😍🥰
Profile Image for Tanvi.
573 reviews5 followers
September 24, 2024
This is a lovely book. The writing is smooth sailing and the characters are lovable.

I liked how the author made the MMC different from the Dukes portrayed in most regency books, and that the FMC was a gypsy. I also liked their character arc, because they grow together and fall in love together.

The length of the book also seemed perfect with focus on the main characters and less on trivial matters.
Profile Image for Joy Parsons.
376 reviews7 followers
October 2, 2024
Loved it! The interactions between Mara and Arthur were really good and really intense. I loved their slow build into trust and affection for each other. Amanda's take on The Brother and Sister tale makes it even more interesting to read.

If you enjoy regency era romances, then this is the perfect book for you!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Alicia Gillispie.
123 reviews3 followers
October 2, 2024
Such a sweet story! I love the friendship between Arthur and Mara and laughed out loud when they first officially met. It was sweet and wholesome and all about love and trust. I wished the ending hadn’t been quite as abrupt and it felt like the complexity of the situation would’ve taken a little longer to resolve. And seemed a little out of order. But I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to read more of the Grimm Regency Tales.
45 reviews1 follower
October 12, 2024
Smooth as Chocolate

I enjoyed reading this book so much. Arthur and Mara were both so unusual as characters, but they were so well suited. The story flowed smoothly and deliciously along. I read over half last night and finished this morning. There was nothing jarring or unreasonable in the author’s description, and it kept my interest for the entire book. The resolution made sense and satisfied this reader completely.
429 reviews14 followers
October 15, 2024
3.5 Stars

The fun in this book is that you get the regency era setting with a fairytale twist. I love that the fairytale element allows the reader to suspend reality and simply enjoy the improbable romance between a Duke and a gypsy. I enjoyed Mara's strength and tenacity in the face of a difficult situation. I adored Arthur's science loving heart and his thirst for knowledge, and how those attributes led to the start of his friendship with Mara.
332 reviews2 followers
September 23, 2024
A Regency era retelling of a Grimm Brothers fairy tale, but not one I'm familiar with. It was a delightful, cosy story with doses of humour and a sweet friendship based romance. The eventual 'Happily Ever After' ending does seem a little unlikely given the societal norms of the time period it's set in, but then it is after all a fairy tale.

I received an ARC and leave an honest review.
409 reviews2 followers
October 3, 2024
Such a cute story!!! It's a short read but I loved it so much. You get to meet Arthur who is a Duke and Mara who is a Gypsy. They love story is so cute! I love how you watch them slowly fall for each other and make each other so much better. Also Mara back story is so sad! I won't say why because that will ruin the book but just know they both get an HEA. Loved this book so much!
Profile Image for Prafulla Kg.
178 reviews2 followers
October 11, 2024
Nice simple cover and simple love story but with powerful message of marriage cutting across status barriers. The whole book is enjoyable and can be read by people of all ages. A strong women oriented theme and I loved every minute of reading. I received a free book from the authoress on bookfunnel and thank her for the same.
Profile Image for Sophie Toovey.
Author 10 books83 followers
October 4, 2024
I enjoyed this blend of regency and fairy tale. Arthur was a sweet character and easy to picture, and Mara's wildness was compelling. I wished there was more but it's a short read, so great for a cup of tea and chilled out evening.
661 reviews5 followers
October 27, 2024
Great!

I was truly enjoying the story and wasn't ready to leave it! So intriguing can I see many adventures for the couple as they meet the real brother and his family. All of the adjustments to becoming a lady!
Profile Image for Judy.
1,792 reviews12 followers
October 30, 2024
Such a fun story!

New to me author! I really enjoyed Mara and Arthur’s story. Two completely different people found each other and life for either of them was never the same.

Squeaky clean with just a couple of kisses and hand holding.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.