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A Lady Would Know Better
Get ready to swoon for this dreamy, forget-me-not romance that’s filled with the delightful tartness of Jane Austen and the sweeping, unputdownable drama of Bridgerton.
There are many things an English lord might encounter on the grounds of his wintry estate. Trees. Birds. Perhaps a wandering gamekeeper. Instead, the Earl of Belhaven finds a woman in the snow, unconscious and nearly frozen to death. Then her luminous gray eyes open just long enough for her to plead, “Don’t let them get me.”
Now Jasper Maycott has his hands full with a woman who has absolutely no memory of who she is or where she came from—to say nothing of her name! Just a gold ring, some fine clothes, and a penchant for pert conversation. But while “Jane” dresses and speaks quite like a lady, Jasper can’t make any assumptions. After all, she could be a crafty fortune hunter...albeit a charming and unutterably beautiful one.
Only there’s no room for romantic love in the Earl of Belhaven’s world. There is just grim duty, a lingering sense of loss, and the knowledge that love—in any form—can only bring heartbreak in its wake.
But while a lady should know better, the heart heeds no rules...even if its every beat portends the danger she was running from.
There are many things an English lord might encounter on the grounds of his wintry estate. Trees. Birds. Perhaps a wandering gamekeeper. Instead, the Earl of Belhaven finds a woman in the snow, unconscious and nearly frozen to death. Then her luminous gray eyes open just long enough for her to plead, “Don’t let them get me.”
Now Jasper Maycott has his hands full with a woman who has absolutely no memory of who she is or where she came from—to say nothing of her name! Just a gold ring, some fine clothes, and a penchant for pert conversation. But while “Jane” dresses and speaks quite like a lady, Jasper can’t make any assumptions. After all, she could be a crafty fortune hunter...albeit a charming and unutterably beautiful one.
Only there’s no room for romantic love in the Earl of Belhaven’s world. There is just grim duty, a lingering sense of loss, and the knowledge that love—in any form—can only bring heartbreak in its wake.
But while a lady should know better, the heart heeds no rules...even if its every beat portends the danger she was running from.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published January 28, 2025
34 people are currently reading
7097 people want to read
About the author
Emma Theriault
4 books320 followersEmma Theriault was born and raised in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, and thus has a penchant for Gothic Revival architecture and a constant craving for Beavertails. She has been everything from an enthusiastic bookseller (who once sold a book to Prime Minister Trudeau) to a purveyor of whitewater rafting adventures in the Interior of British Columbia. She uses both her incomplete history degree and insatiable sense of curiosity to help her write stories for readers of all ages, including her debut novel, Rebel Rose, which was a Canadian Children’s Book Centre starred selection for Best Books for Kids and Teens. When not writing about curses, true love, or the curse of true love, she can be found on adventures big and small with her partner, or cuddling with her cats, Gatsby and Harriet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
February 6, 2025
3.75 Stars.
An unexpected romance unfolds when a reluctant Earl discovers an injured woman with amnesia on his land.
A historical romance with amnesia trope is something I never knew I needed.
An unexpected romance unfolds when a reluctant Earl discovers an injured woman with amnesia on his land.
A historical romance with amnesia trope is something I never knew I needed.
December 1, 2024
This was the longest book ever. 😩
A year ago a family tragedy left Jasper with an earldom and five younger siblings to care for. He’d sworn off love, ghosted his friends and has been busy making himself miserable. While on a walk with his sisters, Jasper finds an unconscious woman in the snow. As it turns out, she has suffered a severe hit on the head and doesn’t remember who she is.
What I liked about this book was that Jasper had been in love before and that was the reason he was holding back. In a world of “safe books” I respect an author writing a hero who had loved and lost, and whose fiancée was a genuinely good person. It gave his character depth and it made him more relatable.
Unfortunately it wasn’t enough to enjoy this book. It started off well and initially I liked the writing, but then it went downhill.
My biggest complaint is that it was way too long. The constant push and pull between Jasper and “Jane” was repetitive, every single scene dragged and it took me forever to finish this book.
Another problem was lack of the historical accuracy. Everyone was on a first name basis with everyone, including ladies with gentlemen and earls with servants (?!). Gentlemen were visiting ladies in their bedchambers, gently bred ladies were calling an earl a “stern bastard” in a polite company etc. It all felt more like a corporate icebreaker team event than a romance set in Victorian England. I’m not sure if it was on purpose, to appeal to readers who never read a historical romance before, or if the author just hadn’t done her homework. In any case it didn’t work for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
——
Thanks NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for the arc, this looks fun! ❤️🥳🎉
A year ago a family tragedy left Jasper with an earldom and five younger siblings to care for. He’d sworn off love, ghosted his friends and has been busy making himself miserable. While on a walk with his sisters, Jasper finds an unconscious woman in the snow. As it turns out, she has suffered a severe hit on the head and doesn’t remember who she is.
What I liked about this book was that Jasper had been in love before and that was the reason he was holding back. In a world of “safe books” I respect an author writing a hero who had loved and lost, and whose fiancée was a genuinely good person. It gave his character depth and it made him more relatable.
Unfortunately it wasn’t enough to enjoy this book. It started off well and initially I liked the writing, but then it went downhill.
My biggest complaint is that it was way too long. The constant push and pull between Jasper and “Jane” was repetitive, every single scene dragged and it took me forever to finish this book.
Another problem was lack of the historical accuracy. Everyone was on a first name basis with everyone, including ladies with gentlemen and earls with servants (?!). Gentlemen were visiting ladies in their bedchambers, gently bred ladies were calling an earl a “stern bastard” in a polite company etc. It all felt more like a corporate icebreaker team event than a romance set in Victorian England. I’m not sure if it was on purpose, to appeal to readers who never read a historical romance before, or if the author just hadn’t done her homework. In any case it didn’t work for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
——
Thanks NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for the arc, this looks fun! ❤️🥳🎉
December 21, 2024
The new Earl of Belhaven, Jasper, and his siblings at Mulgrave Hall have experienced tragedy and have been grieving for the past year. On the birthday of their deceased mother, while out on a walk to her grave, they discover an injured woman unconscious and bleeding in the snow. She briefly wakes up to indicate she is in danger but then passes back out. They discover she is suffering from amnesia, not remembering anything, including her name, so they begin to call her Jane and try to help her recuperate physically and mentally.
Jane is a very mysterious character, and we are left guessing most of the story as to who she is and her background. She develops meaningful relationships with each of the siblings, and with them helping her try to heal, she is also helping them heal from their grief. There is also immediate attraction between Jasper and Jane, but due to decorum, the past, and uncertainty of Jane's status or identity, Jasper is cautious with his feelings and self sabotages to prevent any further exploration of an emotional connection.
I enjoyed this story, and the plot kept me intrigued by wanting to solve the mystery of Jane. There was a budding romance as well, which gave this a slow burn vibe, which I'm very partial to reading. There were also plenty of other characters introduced in which spin-off stories could be created, which makes me excited to see what this writer comes up with next!
Jane is a very mysterious character, and we are left guessing most of the story as to who she is and her background. She develops meaningful relationships with each of the siblings, and with them helping her try to heal, she is also helping them heal from their grief. There is also immediate attraction between Jasper and Jane, but due to decorum, the past, and uncertainty of Jane's status or identity, Jasper is cautious with his feelings and self sabotages to prevent any further exploration of an emotional connection.
I enjoyed this story, and the plot kept me intrigued by wanting to solve the mystery of Jane. There was a budding romance as well, which gave this a slow burn vibe, which I'm very partial to reading. There were also plenty of other characters introduced in which spin-off stories could be created, which makes me excited to see what this writer comes up with next!
December 19, 2024
As always, thanks to Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Historical Regency Fiction is always such a vibe. These books keep me going until a new season of Bridgerton comes around.
This was a cute story. The characters had great personalities and could banter so well. The MMC, Jasper, had so much great depth to him. But the story was way too long. The slow burn burned way to slow. The story was drawn out entirely too much in the middle, too much inner monologue. I skimmed chapters because it just became repetitive. And then the end felt rushed instead of giving us more action that could of enhanced the mystery and give the "ah ha" moment more value.
Historical Regency Fiction is always such a vibe. These books keep me going until a new season of Bridgerton comes around.
This was a cute story. The characters had great personalities and could banter so well. The MMC, Jasper, had so much great depth to him. But the story was way too long. The slow burn burned way to slow. The story was drawn out entirely too much in the middle, too much inner monologue. I skimmed chapters because it just became repetitive. And then the end felt rushed instead of giving us more action that could of enhanced the mystery and give the "ah ha" moment more value.
November 11, 2024
I'm so thankful I got approved for this ARC, because it was there at a time when I really needed the comfort it provided.
A Lady Would Know Better is, at its heart, a story about people learning to live with grief and find the light on the other side.
Jane, even when she has no memory of her past, is strong and full of conviction. Jasper, on the other hand, has let grief consume him so fully that he's lost himself. Watching these two challenge each other at every turn while falling in love was wonderful. The plot also had enough twists and turns to keep me reading for hours. The rest of the characters were wonderful, and I would absolutely love to see more of them in the future, along with updates about the endeavor the women embark on at the end of the book.
I can't recommend this book enough to historical romance fans. It's witty, engaging, and full of heart.
Thank you to Entangled publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.
A Lady Would Know Better is, at its heart, a story about people learning to live with grief and find the light on the other side.
Jane, even when she has no memory of her past, is strong and full of conviction. Jasper, on the other hand, has let grief consume him so fully that he's lost himself. Watching these two challenge each other at every turn while falling in love was wonderful. The plot also had enough twists and turns to keep me reading for hours. The rest of the characters were wonderful, and I would absolutely love to see more of them in the future, along with updates about the endeavor the women embark on at the end of the book.
I can't recommend this book enough to historical romance fans. It's witty, engaging, and full of heart.
Thank you to Entangled publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.
December 15, 2024
Considering that regency romance usually isn’t my thing, this book more than pleasantly surprised me. I loved it! This couple’s love for each other was breathtaking. For someone who has grieved too many, it was wonderful to read about people who work through grief in their own way yet together. After losing the love of my life, reading about Jasper finding love again even if fictional gives me hope. Thank you to Emma Theriault for gifting me this ebook in a giveaway. It was truly my pleasure to read it!
May 12, 2025
Where are the romances with substance? Why does everything newly published feel so flat and unemotional? Am I the only one feeling this way?
November 13, 2024
Bridgerton lovers this book is perfect for you. Jasper comes upon “Jane” in the snow, having fallen from her horse. After muttering a vague plea, Jasper jumps to help her.. in the most cool and collected way. That is who he is, collected and caring for others, not always himself. Having dealt with so much loss in a short time, Jasper is weary, not wanting to do things to make himself happy. Which can be seen as a problem because Jane begins to break down his walls. They are both very cautious, especially since she has no recollection of who she is/what she has going on. Jasper (and family) and Jane kept working through exercises to help jog her memory, some proving successful! The excitement of learning her story kept me reading and it did not disappoint. I couldn’t put this down!
December 8, 2024
A Lady Would Know Better by Emma Theriault
4.3⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 1.0/5
Cursing: mild--
Genres/Tropes: Historical romance, amnesia, grumpy and sunshine
Format/Source: ebook ARC from EntangledPublishing and NetGalley
Audience: NA
Setting: 1877 England
Characters: Jasper, Helena, "Jane," Viola, Isobel, Adelaide, August, Aunt Celia, Claremont
👍 short chapters, multi POV, amnesia, witty banter, char growth, grief rep, book loving FMCs, very little cursing
👎 predictable at times (but cute)
Description:
The Earl of Belhaven finds a woman in the snow, unconscious and nearly frozen to death. Then her luminous gray eyes open just long enough for her to plead, “Don’t let them get me.”
Now Jasper Maycott has his hands full with a woman who has absolutely no memory of her name or who she is or where she came from! Just a gold ring, some fine clothes, and a penchant for pert conversation. But while “Jane” dresses and speaks quite like a lady, Jasper can’t make any assumptions. After all, she could be a crafty fortune hunter...albeit a charming and unutterably beautiful one.
Only there’s no room for romantic love in the Earl of Belhaven’s world. There is just grim duty, a lingering sense of loss, and the knowledge that love can only bring heartbreak in its wake.
But while a lady should know better, the heart heeds no rules...even if its every beat portends the danger she was running from.
My opinion:
Fairly fast-paced storyline with amusing and intriguing main characters that grow throughout the novel. The short chapters and multiple POVs make for easy reading. I love that the female main characters love reading. I always appreciate when personas enjoy books like I do. I delighted in the witty banter in this story. I appreciated the very little cursing in this novel. The romantic plot is predictable but cute and delightful. The rep of people grieving makes the novel more realistic and heartfelt. I enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance.
#bookstagram #arcreader #booklovers #romancebooks #booktok
4.3⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 1.0/5
Cursing: mild--
Genres/Tropes: Historical romance, amnesia, grumpy and sunshine
Format/Source: ebook ARC from EntangledPublishing and NetGalley
Audience: NA
Setting: 1877 England
Characters: Jasper, Helena, "Jane," Viola, Isobel, Adelaide, August, Aunt Celia, Claremont
👍 short chapters, multi POV, amnesia, witty banter, char growth, grief rep, book loving FMCs, very little cursing
👎 predictable at times (but cute)
Description:
The Earl of Belhaven finds a woman in the snow, unconscious and nearly frozen to death. Then her luminous gray eyes open just long enough for her to plead, “Don’t let them get me.”
Now Jasper Maycott has his hands full with a woman who has absolutely no memory of her name or who she is or where she came from! Just a gold ring, some fine clothes, and a penchant for pert conversation. But while “Jane” dresses and speaks quite like a lady, Jasper can’t make any assumptions. After all, she could be a crafty fortune hunter...albeit a charming and unutterably beautiful one.
Only there’s no room for romantic love in the Earl of Belhaven’s world. There is just grim duty, a lingering sense of loss, and the knowledge that love can only bring heartbreak in its wake.
But while a lady should know better, the heart heeds no rules...even if its every beat portends the danger she was running from.
My opinion:
Fairly fast-paced storyline with amusing and intriguing main characters that grow throughout the novel. The short chapters and multiple POVs make for easy reading. I love that the female main characters love reading. I always appreciate when personas enjoy books like I do. I delighted in the witty banter in this story. I appreciated the very little cursing in this novel. The romantic plot is predictable but cute and delightful. The rep of people grieving makes the novel more realistic and heartfelt. I enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance.
#bookstagram #arcreader #booklovers #romancebooks #booktok
March 30, 2025
DNF'd at 52%. I had such high hopes for this book. It's a debut historical in a year where many seasoned, excellent historical romance authors have been dropped by their publishers. I was hoping this was going to be something wonderful since it was published in this historical romance downturn. It absolutely is not.
The biggest issue I had that made me want to DNF from pretty early on was the heroine's absolutely rude attitude toward the hero. He is less than a year into mourning the passing of his older brother, his parents and his fiancee. He's been thrown into the role of earl and now has to care for his five siblings. And what does the heroine call him over and over? A "stern bastard." She says it to his face, even after she knows of the family's losses. Add on to that the overwhelming number of characters, the author's lack of understanding of Victorian etiquette and a plot that won't move and I had to tap out.
I'm really sad that this is what Entangled is putting out for historical romance. I'm going to go back to my classic medieval romances now...
The biggest issue I had that made me want to DNF from pretty early on was the heroine's absolutely rude attitude toward the hero. He is less than a year into mourning the passing of his older brother, his parents and his fiancee. He's been thrown into the role of earl and now has to care for his five siblings. And what does the heroine call him over and over? A "stern bastard." She says it to his face, even after she knows of the family's losses. Add on to that the overwhelming number of characters, the author's lack of understanding of Victorian etiquette and a plot that won't move and I had to tap out.
I'm really sad that this is what Entangled is putting out for historical romance. I'm going to go back to my classic medieval romances now...
January 31, 2025
4 ⭐️
A Lady Would Know Better was a really sweet historical romance. A woman with amnesia is rescued by a handsome Earl and his family, and proves that love can help overcome grief. The banter between Jane and Jasper was top notch, and their tension was as tight as a bow string for so much of the book. It made their HEA even better! And I really loved the respect that they showed each other - respect for their families and loved ones they’d lost - instead of jealousy.
Jasper’s sisters, especially Isobel, were great side characters. I’d really love a second book where Isobel gets to find her own true love, someone who can handle her sass and wits and discerning Aunt Adelaide.
I was lucky enough to receive a NetGalley ARC of this book from Entangled Publishing to participate in their Insiders read along. Thank you Entangled Amara! This review is my honest opinion.
A Lady Would Know Better was a really sweet historical romance. A woman with amnesia is rescued by a handsome Earl and his family, and proves that love can help overcome grief. The banter between Jane and Jasper was top notch, and their tension was as tight as a bow string for so much of the book. It made their HEA even better! And I really loved the respect that they showed each other - respect for their families and loved ones they’d lost - instead of jealousy.
Jasper’s sisters, especially Isobel, were great side characters. I’d really love a second book where Isobel gets to find her own true love, someone who can handle her sass and wits and discerning Aunt Adelaide.
I was lucky enough to receive a NetGalley ARC of this book from Entangled Publishing to participate in their Insiders read along. Thank you Entangled Amara! This review is my honest opinion.
December 30, 2024
I received this book as an ARC
This was such a fun romance read, I loved the time period and characters.
While out for a walk, the Mulgrave siblings come across a women who is injured after falling off her horse. When she awakens she has no memory or who she is or where she has come from. The family tends to her injuries and tries to help her recover her memories.
The Mulgrave siblings are also still in mourning over losing their parents and brother, but the mysterious guest helps to heal in many ways and brings some new life into their home.
This was such a fun romance read, I loved the time period and characters.
While out for a walk, the Mulgrave siblings come across a women who is injured after falling off her horse. When she awakens she has no memory or who she is or where she has come from. The family tends to her injuries and tries to help her recover her memories.
The Mulgrave siblings are also still in mourning over losing their parents and brother, but the mysterious guest helps to heal in many ways and brings some new life into their home.
July 5, 2025
3.5 rounded up
This was a fun, lighthearted wintry Regency dual POV romance between an Earl and the young lady he stumbles on who has lost her memory and seems to be on the run from something. Good on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Julia Quinn and Martha Waters. I enjoyed this new book from a new to me Canadian author and was lucky enough to get to meet her in person. Looking forward to more of what she writes next!
This was a fun, lighthearted wintry Regency dual POV romance between an Earl and the young lady he stumbles on who has lost her memory and seems to be on the run from something. Good on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Julia Quinn and Martha Waters. I enjoyed this new book from a new to me Canadian author and was lucky enough to get to meet her in person. Looking forward to more of what she writes next!
December 19, 2024
A historical romance with a young lady with amnesia. It reminded me of another favorite of mine called Until You. That was a really good book. Unfortunately, I couldn’t help comparing the two of them. It wasn't the same. The beginning of this story was a bit slow. And it lagged for a bit . I have to be honest the mystery of her identity was the only thing keeping my interest for the first half of the book. Jasper lost his parents and Fiancée a year ago to scarlet fever. He didn’t believe he could love again. Jane had no memory of who she was but knew she lost someone as well. When Jasper found Jane injured on the road he had to rescue her. Jasper and Jane were good characters and their first kiss was nice. I liked his siblings and best friends. They added humor to the story. The mystery of Jane was solved but wasn’t unexpected. The ending was cute and definitely needed. Overall, it was a nice romance. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.
February 11, 2025
1.5
When Bridgerton does historical accuracy better than you, you know you're screwed.
Look, I am willing to give a lot of leeway in HR about accuracy but here it kept bothering me. "My lady" is not an usual adress, it would be "Miss -- " or "Miss First name" depending on situation, no one ever is on first name basis so quickly, certainly not people who just met, certainly not men with a woman they don't know, certainly not aristocrats with SERVANTS, even if "we don't stand on ceremony", just no. Don't get me started on why a gentleman wouldn't compromise a gentlewoman the way they repeatedly did in this book. So yeah, aside from that we had a lot - and I mean A LOT - of a discourse about feminism, the lack of power of women at the time, yada yada yada but how funny that this blatant feminism didn't really extend to the female characters. Sure, on paper they're all very independent and bad ass, except they're also all very 2D and cliché and we're not even going to talk about the dead fiancée whose only purpose was being dead.
If the plot had been compelling I could have gotten over all of that, unfortunately, that wasn't the case. The romance is insta, that has to be said. So, I don't know about you, but if I woke up without my memories, my first preoccupation maybe wouldn't be the (handsome) earl and if he truuuuuly loved me. The danger element could have been written off entirely. It comes too late and it's completely ridiculous. It's rushed, underdevelopped and honestly wasn't worth the bother. The danger didn't feel real at all. The constant back and forth where Jane and Jasper changed their mind depending on the way the wind was blowing was also supra annoying. It felt like reading the same scene all over again and again.
The writing wasn't awful however the way they kept repeating each other's name every two seconds really took me out of the narration. "yada yada, Jane." "yada yada, Jasper." "Oh, Jane." "Oh, Jasper". It's just not natural.
It has to be said that a quarter into this book, something was bothering me and I couldn't put my finger on what so I checked out the author and it turns out I had already dnf her other book for the exact reasons listed here (historical innacuracies, characters who make no sense etc) so maybe she's simply not for me. I don't think I will try her again in the future. Although, if she does keep writing historical fiction... Perhaps she could finish that history degree they're talking about in her bio... Just a thought.
When Bridgerton does historical accuracy better than you, you know you're screwed.
Look, I am willing to give a lot of leeway in HR about accuracy but here it kept bothering me. "My lady" is not an usual adress, it would be "Miss -- " or "Miss First name" depending on situation, no one ever is on first name basis so quickly, certainly not people who just met, certainly not men with a woman they don't know, certainly not aristocrats with SERVANTS, even if "we don't stand on ceremony", just no. Don't get me started on why a gentleman wouldn't compromise a gentlewoman the way they repeatedly did in this book. So yeah, aside from that we had a lot - and I mean A LOT - of a discourse about feminism, the lack of power of women at the time, yada yada yada but how funny that this blatant feminism didn't really extend to the female characters. Sure, on paper they're all very independent and bad ass, except they're also all very 2D and cliché and we're not even going to talk about the dead fiancée whose only purpose was being dead.
If the plot had been compelling I could have gotten over all of that, unfortunately, that wasn't the case. The romance is insta, that has to be said. So, I don't know about you, but if I woke up without my memories, my first preoccupation maybe wouldn't be the (handsome) earl and if he truuuuuly loved me. The danger element could have been written off entirely. It comes too late and it's completely ridiculous. It's rushed, underdevelopped and honestly wasn't worth the bother. The danger didn't feel real at all. The constant back and forth where Jane and Jasper changed their mind depending on the way the wind was blowing was also supra annoying. It felt like reading the same scene all over again and again.
The writing wasn't awful however the way they kept repeating each other's name every two seconds really took me out of the narration. "yada yada, Jane." "yada yada, Jasper." "Oh, Jane." "Oh, Jasper". It's just not natural.
It has to be said that a quarter into this book, something was bothering me and I couldn't put my finger on what so I checked out the author and it turns out I had already dnf her other book for the exact reasons listed here (historical innacuracies, characters who make no sense etc) so maybe she's simply not for me. I don't think I will try her again in the future. Although, if she does keep writing historical fiction... Perhaps she could finish that history degree they're talking about in her bio... Just a thought.
November 19, 2024
*I received an ARC of this book thanks to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley.*
This book was wayyyy too long to just be reiterating the same internal dialogues of both main characters. The chapters were extremely long and the time frame was quite confusing. It felt like weeks had passed and then you come to find out it has only been three days. In a span of a few days Jasper goes from swearing off love to professing his love of Jane and wanting to marry her, I’m not into insta love books and that is exactly what this is. I understand the time period difference but I don’t think courting back then is as different as it is today, the book was just highly unrealistic. Jane did not act the way she should have for the time period, there was talk about how she should behave but I didn’t get the ah ha moment when the author ties in the book title into the actual book itself because it never happened. The first 80% of the book was just rehashing the same ideas over and over again. The last 20% of the book was when something actually happened but was quickly resolved and anticlimactic. There was not much sustenance to the story. I found the book very lackluster and disappointing. It was just very hard to get through and I did not enjoy the book.
This book was wayyyy too long to just be reiterating the same internal dialogues of both main characters. The chapters were extremely long and the time frame was quite confusing. It felt like weeks had passed and then you come to find out it has only been three days. In a span of a few days Jasper goes from swearing off love to professing his love of Jane and wanting to marry her, I’m not into insta love books and that is exactly what this is. I understand the time period difference but I don’t think courting back then is as different as it is today, the book was just highly unrealistic. Jane did not act the way she should have for the time period, there was talk about how she should behave but I didn’t get the ah ha moment when the author ties in the book title into the actual book itself because it never happened. The first 80% of the book was just rehashing the same ideas over and over again. The last 20% of the book was when something actually happened but was quickly resolved and anticlimactic. There was not much sustenance to the story. I found the book very lackluster and disappointing. It was just very hard to get through and I did not enjoy the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up. This book was full of excitement and intrigue and tension with the added stakes of the society standards and rules that come with historical romance.
Without saying too much about the intrigue surrounding Jane’s amnesia mystery so as not to give anything away, it was such a great element to lend additional tension to the already forbidden-by-the-times attraction between her and Jasper. Also along the lines of not saying too much, I do love a headstrong heroine who can save herself.
Jasper and his family had faced an extreme amount of loss and hardship in their pasts and were doing their best to muddle through. Jane brought a breath of fresh air into their home that impacted not only Jasper but his sisters as well. I loved the relationships she formed, especially with Viola.
With all the discourse around the historical romance genre lately, this book is a reminder of how great it is and how the naturally higher stakes of society make it that much more exciting to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Without saying too much about the intrigue surrounding Jane’s amnesia mystery so as not to give anything away, it was such a great element to lend additional tension to the already forbidden-by-the-times attraction between her and Jasper. Also along the lines of not saying too much, I do love a headstrong heroine who can save herself.
Jasper and his family had faced an extreme amount of loss and hardship in their pasts and were doing their best to muddle through. Jane brought a breath of fresh air into their home that impacted not only Jasper but his sisters as well. I loved the relationships she formed, especially with Viola.
With all the discourse around the historical romance genre lately, this book is a reminder of how great it is and how the naturally higher stakes of society make it that much more exciting to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2024
A Lady Would Know Better by Emma Theriault
The Maycott family has endured so much heartbreak, losing loved ones one after another. But one fateful evening, everything changes when they come across a woman thrown from a horse. With no memory of who she is, they name her “Jane,” and she is the perfect distraction for Jasper, who can’t decide if she’s saving his sanity or driving him mad.
As Jane works to piece together scraps of her past, the bonds she forms with the Maycott family are nothing short of beautiful. The found family dynamics are heartwarming, and the story pulls you in as Jane faces the ultimate question: Will she uncover her true identity, and if so, will she choose to leave the family she’s come to love?
This book had me hooked from start to finish, with every page delivering a delightful mix of heart, intrigue, and romance. And yes, there are a few steamy moments to spice things up!
The Maycott family has endured so much heartbreak, losing loved ones one after another. But one fateful evening, everything changes when they come across a woman thrown from a horse. With no memory of who she is, they name her “Jane,” and she is the perfect distraction for Jasper, who can’t decide if she’s saving his sanity or driving him mad.
As Jane works to piece together scraps of her past, the bonds she forms with the Maycott family are nothing short of beautiful. The found family dynamics are heartwarming, and the story pulls you in as Jane faces the ultimate question: Will she uncover her true identity, and if so, will she choose to leave the family she’s come to love?
This book had me hooked from start to finish, with every page delivering a delightful mix of heart, intrigue, and romance. And yes, there are a few steamy moments to spice things up!
November 17, 2024
I was honored to get this arc! This reminds me of Bridgerton and a lot of great historical romance I've read this year. I love the banter, and the whiticisms between the main characters are amazing! I would read this multiple times just to get the warmness of the book. I love it. It truly is a page turning book that makes you want to know what happens next ! Highly reccomended.
December 7, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and the story and it talking about women’s rights at that time. A lot of people probably don’t think about that.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC | Entangled: Amara for this book. ~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC | Entangled: Amara for this book. ~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~
December 15, 2024
I read this preview of 50 pages on Netgalley and loved every page! Cannot wait til I get my hands on the rest of this truly wonderful gem!
The banter was superb, the romance swoony and the mystery had me hooked from the start...
5 stars!!!
Read this; I'm sure you'll love it too!
Thanks to Netgalley!
The banter was superb, the romance swoony and the mystery had me hooked from the start...
5 stars!!!
Read this; I'm sure you'll love it too!
Thanks to Netgalley!
July 9, 2025
The challenge is how subtle and diverse the nods to classic literature are, like when she says “I’m naming myself Jane because I like Jane Austen” and “(LI) is like an Austen hero” and “I’m naming this cat Darcy, because I love Pride and Prejudice,” “I’m totally a Brontë heroine right now, etc.
Takes a real cultured eye to catch those discrete homages.
A real keen-eyed reader may catch the subtle twist on Pride and Prejudice’s obstinate headstrong Lizzie overhear the LI talking shit about her and deciding to maintain her dignity and enjoy the party without him…
but instead this novel’s “Amnesia Jane” runs directly into a snowstorm to freeze to death because she got her feelings hurt by a rich stranger. What a fun modern twist to a classic scene!
Incredibly boring, all telling, nothing happens between “I’m so embarrassed I’m going to commit suicide by snowstorm” at around 30% and “I’m going to wander off with this stranger that says he knows me” at 75%, except for what seems like several identical conversations to Define the Relationship and eschew any possible knowledge of Victorian social conventions by having the characters constantly sneaking off alone and touching or embracing or making out.
It ends charmingly when the LI’s family drops him off to go into a shady home to find Amnesia Jane and see if she’s been murdered during her 2 week kidnapping, and he fucks her in a bathtub while his entire extended family parks the carriage.
Takes a real cultured eye to catch those discrete homages.
A real keen-eyed reader may catch the subtle twist on Pride and Prejudice’s obstinate headstrong Lizzie overhear the LI talking shit about her and deciding to maintain her dignity and enjoy the party without him…
but instead this novel’s “Amnesia Jane” runs directly into a snowstorm to freeze to death because she got her feelings hurt by a rich stranger. What a fun modern twist to a classic scene!
Incredibly boring, all telling, nothing happens between “I’m so embarrassed I’m going to commit suicide by snowstorm” at around 30% and “I’m going to wander off with this stranger that says he knows me” at 75%, except for what seems like several identical conversations to Define the Relationship and eschew any possible knowledge of Victorian social conventions by having the characters constantly sneaking off alone and touching or embracing or making out.
It ends charmingly when the LI’s family drops him off to go into a shady home to find Amnesia Jane and see if she’s been murdered during her 2 week kidnapping, and he fucks her in a bathtub while his entire extended family parks the carriage.
February 2, 2025
'Jane' fell off her horse, lost her memories and was taken in by Jasper and his sisters. They care wonderfully for her and try to help her get her memories back. Of course there are feelings between 'Jane' and Jasper. Alas, it's complicated.
Liked the writing and characters and hope this'll be a series. There are a lot of family members who need a HEA.
Liked the writing and characters and hope this'll be a series. There are a lot of family members who need a HEA.
January 19, 2025
I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
I was hooked by this book from the first few chapters. The amount of trauma that the poor Earl of Bellhaven and his family have been through is almost funny, but unfortunately, not improbable or impossible. I thought the way that the grief that many of the characters are facing and their physical and emotional scars were handled was incredibly graceful and empathetic. I loved the development of the main characters' relationship, though at times the pulling back frustrated me. The depth of understanding they each had of the other and the clarity of their communication (most of the time) more than made up for it, though. The tropes and inversions thereof felt incredibly modern, but also respectful of the story and the time period - they didn't feel gratuitously radical. The ending had a few twists in store that truly surprised me, all wrapped up in a very happy ending. A very enjoyable read.
I was hooked by this book from the first few chapters. The amount of trauma that the poor Earl of Bellhaven and his family have been through is almost funny, but unfortunately, not improbable or impossible. I thought the way that the grief that many of the characters are facing and their physical and emotional scars were handled was incredibly graceful and empathetic. I loved the development of the main characters' relationship, though at times the pulling back frustrated me. The depth of understanding they each had of the other and the clarity of their communication (most of the time) more than made up for it, though. The tropes and inversions thereof felt incredibly modern, but also respectful of the story and the time period - they didn't feel gratuitously radical. The ending had a few twists in store that truly surprised me, all wrapped up in a very happy ending. A very enjoyable read.
March 13, 2025
3.5⭐️
I was very excited to read Canadian author, Emma Theriault’s first historical romance just published last month! … and when I started reading and found it to be an amnesia romance, I was stoked! (I have a secret weakness for amnesia with my MC’s!)
The story starts off with a brother and his sister find a mysterious woman unconscious on their land. They take her home to care for her and soon find out that she doesn’t remember anything, not even her name!
Soon sparks fly between Jasper, the Earl of Belhaven in the mysterious lady only known to them as “Jane”. Jane is attracted to Jasper, but weary of acting upon this romance when she doesn’t even know who she is, is she a lady or does she belong downstairs?
This was a fun and interesting romance centre around Jane trying to re-cover her memories and find herself all the while residing in the Earl’s home with his sisters and becoming enmeshed in their family life. I liked both the MC‘s, Jane and Jasper and found their connection enjoyable to see play out. The ensemble of Jasper‘s family was also great and I’m hoping there will be more stories featuring his sisters finding their own HEA’s! I also really loved the Viber inspiration. Emma took from classic lit like Jane Austin and Charlotte Brontë (Jane Eyre). You could also see a good likeness to the family dynamic in Bridgerton and other more modern historical romances.
After this fun intro into historical romance, I’m excited to see what Emma Theriault delivers up next! I do love adding another Canadian to my reading repertoire!
I was very excited to read Canadian author, Emma Theriault’s first historical romance just published last month! … and when I started reading and found it to be an amnesia romance, I was stoked! (I have a secret weakness for amnesia with my MC’s!)
The story starts off with a brother and his sister find a mysterious woman unconscious on their land. They take her home to care for her and soon find out that she doesn’t remember anything, not even her name!
Soon sparks fly between Jasper, the Earl of Belhaven in the mysterious lady only known to them as “Jane”. Jane is attracted to Jasper, but weary of acting upon this romance when she doesn’t even know who she is, is she a lady or does she belong downstairs?
This was a fun and interesting romance centre around Jane trying to re-cover her memories and find herself all the while residing in the Earl’s home with his sisters and becoming enmeshed in their family life. I liked both the MC‘s, Jane and Jasper and found their connection enjoyable to see play out. The ensemble of Jasper‘s family was also great and I’m hoping there will be more stories featuring his sisters finding their own HEA’s! I also really loved the Viber inspiration. Emma took from classic lit like Jane Austin and Charlotte Brontë (Jane Eyre). You could also see a good likeness to the family dynamic in Bridgerton and other more modern historical romances.
After this fun intro into historical romance, I’m excited to see what Emma Theriault delivers up next! I do love adding another Canadian to my reading repertoire!
November 4, 2024
Thank you netgalley and entangled publishing for the arc! 4.5 stars! I really enjoyed reading this sweet historical romance book! It was a little bit of a romance mystery style and was overall a very sweet read. Set during the winter time, was a perfect book for the start of the chilly season!
April 21, 2025
This book was such an amazing love story....almost.
Jasper is a broken man - after losing his fiancee, parents, and eldest brother to Scarlett fever, he is thrust into a title and role that was never meant for him. He's been barely surviving this past year.
Then he finds a scared and injured woman on a road on his estate. She can not remember who she is, but neither can ignore the sparks between them.
I greatly enjoyed Emma Theriault's writing, and the story itself was lovely. There was a good amount of mystery and angst to keep you interested in the story, and her examination of grief in both Jane and Jasper had me nearly to tears multiple times.
However, the book was just TOO long - at nearly 400 pages. And it was too long because she spent too much time in the "I must have you" .... "Oh, I cannot. "...."I must have you!".... "Does he like me?" part of the plot. I thought for sure after the storm scene they would just be aware of their feelings, but the waffle around them for like 120 more pages. Why?
I still recommend this book because I enjoyed it. But it's not what it could have been.
I'm hoping this author plans to write more about this family, though.
Jasper is a broken man - after losing his fiancee, parents, and eldest brother to Scarlett fever, he is thrust into a title and role that was never meant for him. He's been barely surviving this past year.
Then he finds a scared and injured woman on a road on his estate. She can not remember who she is, but neither can ignore the sparks between them.
I greatly enjoyed Emma Theriault's writing, and the story itself was lovely. There was a good amount of mystery and angst to keep you interested in the story, and her examination of grief in both Jane and Jasper had me nearly to tears multiple times.
However, the book was just TOO long - at nearly 400 pages. And it was too long because she spent too much time in the "I must have you" .... "Oh, I cannot. "...."I must have you!".... "Does he like me?" part of the plot. I thought for sure after the storm scene they would just be aware of their feelings, but the waffle around them for like 120 more pages. Why?
I still recommend this book because I enjoyed it. But it's not what it could have been.
I'm hoping this author plans to write more about this family, though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2025
i really love regency-era books, and this is the first one I've read that also has the amnesia trope! It is a very tricky trope to do in any genre, but I feel like it is even more difficult to do it for a regency novel. But I genuinely feel like the trope was done very well in this book. After the fall, she knows nothing about her life. However, she does have knowledge of certain feelings like grief, but she doesn't know why she has them. She also does have some general knowledge of books and culture, but she doesn't know why she knows them either.
I do really love 'Jane' and Jasper's relationship throughout the book. There is a bit of an instant connection between the two of them, but they (mostly Jasper) try to deny it until they finally come to their senses. I loved the fact that they were two broken people who healed each other.
thank you netgalley, entangled publishing, and Emma Theriault for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!
I do really love 'Jane' and Jasper's relationship throughout the book. There is a bit of an instant connection between the two of them, but they (mostly Jasper) try to deny it until they finally come to their senses. I loved the fact that they were two broken people who healed each other.
thank you netgalley, entangled publishing, and Emma Theriault for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!
February 5, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance set amongst the Ton. If you enjoy Jane Austen , Bridgerton or period set romances this book is for you. The banter and chemistry between Jasper and Jane are chefs kiss. I enjoyed the characters finding the way to each other and back to themselves. They both healed and grew❤️
Thank you Entangled Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Thank you Entangled Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 30, 2025
i’ve been loving the amnesia trope so much lately and it was done so well in this story! jasper and jane’s romance was so sweet. jasper had seen his share of tragedy so naturally he was closed off and broody. the only thing jane knew about herself was that she felt a sense of loss. i love how they bonded over shared grief and pride and prejudice!
jasper’s family was so much fun. i hope they all get their own stories. aunt adelaide was a hoot. i was unsure of her in the beginning, but she really came through in the end! it’s hard to talk more about this book without giving anything away. the mystery behind who jane was kept me turning the pages. i had a feeling about what she was going through prior to losing her memory, but finding out the truth…GASP! i really loved how everything worked out in the end!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
content: one open door
thank you to entangled publishing for a gifted copy. my thoughts are my own.
jasper’s family was so much fun. i hope they all get their own stories. aunt adelaide was a hoot. i was unsure of her in the beginning, but she really came through in the end! it’s hard to talk more about this book without giving anything away. the mystery behind who jane was kept me turning the pages. i had a feeling about what she was going through prior to losing her memory, but finding out the truth…GASP! i really loved how everything worked out in the end!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
content: one open door
thank you to entangled publishing for a gifted copy. my thoughts are my own.
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