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The Last Lady B
Lady B may have married Bluebeard; she may have fallen in love with a gorgeous, grumpy solicitor; she may have met a ghost and survived to tell the tale! New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Eloisa James delights with witty historical romance with a gothic twist.
In the depths of winter, Lady Genevieve Hughes, her pet piglet, and her septuagenarian husband travel to a haunted abbey in the Scottish Highlands. Evie is excited to meet a ghost (perhaps one of her husband’s three previous wives), but didn’t expect the funny, quirky guests to become the friends she’s never had. And she certainly didn’t imagine meeting Sir Godric Everly, a sardonic, witty solicitor who loathes her husband.
Yet as secrets and lies turn Evie’s world upside down, Sir Godric becomes the one person whom she can trust.
When ghosts, multiple wills, and a shocking marriage certificate bring Lord Burnsby’s past crashing into his present, Burnsby promptly dies, leaving Evie free to remarry…though as a virgin wife, now a virgin widow, she is more unnerved by the marriage bed than a spectral visit.
More importantly, she has to figure out whose identity is false, whose vows are dishonorable, whose truths could destroy her reputation—and where her heart belongs.
In the depths of winter, Lady Genevieve Hughes, her pet piglet, and her septuagenarian husband travel to a haunted abbey in the Scottish Highlands. Evie is excited to meet a ghost (perhaps one of her husband’s three previous wives), but didn’t expect the funny, quirky guests to become the friends she’s never had. And she certainly didn’t imagine meeting Sir Godric Everly, a sardonic, witty solicitor who loathes her husband.
Yet as secrets and lies turn Evie’s world upside down, Sir Godric becomes the one person whom she can trust.
When ghosts, multiple wills, and a shocking marriage certificate bring Lord Burnsby’s past crashing into his present, Burnsby promptly dies, leaving Evie free to remarry…though as a virgin wife, now a virgin widow, she is more unnerved by the marriage bed than a spectral visit.
More importantly, she has to figure out whose identity is false, whose vows are dishonorable, whose truths could destroy her reputation—and where her heart belongs.
384 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 2026
About the author
Eloisa James
102 books9,636 followersNew York Times bestselling author Eloisa James writes historical romances for HarperCollins Publishers. Her novels have been published to great acclaim. A reviewer from USA Today wrote of Eloisa's very first book that she "found herself devouring the book like a dieter with a Hershey bar"; later People Magazine raved that "romance writing does not get much better than this." Her novels have repeatedly received starred reviews from Publishers' Weekly and Library Journal and regularly appear on the best-seller lists.
After graduating from Harvard University, Eloisa got an M.Phil. from Oxford University, a Ph.D. from Yale and eventually became a Shakespeare professor, publishing an academic book with Oxford University Press. Currently she is an associate professor and head of the Creative Writing program at Fordham University in New York City. Her "double life" is a source of fascination to the media and her readers. In her professorial guise, she's written a New York Times op-ed defending romance, as well as articles published everywhere from women's magazines such as More to writers' journals such as the Romance Writers' Report.
Eloisa...on her double life:
When I'm not writing novels, I'm a Shakespeare professor. It's rather like having two lives. The other day I bought a delicious pink suit to tape a television segment on romance; I'll never wear that suit to teach in, nor even to give a paper at the Shakespeare Association of America conference. It's like being Superman, with power suits for both lives. Yet the literature professor in me certainly plays into my romances. The Taming of the Duke (April 2006) has obvious Shakespearean resonances, as do many of my novels. I often weave early modern poetry into my work; the same novel might contain bits of Catullus, Shakespeare and anonymous bawdy ballads from the 16th century.
When I rip off my power suit, whether it's academic or romantic, underneath is the rather tired, chocolate-stained sweatshirt of a mom. Just as I use Shakespeare in my romances, I almost always employ my experiences as a mother. When I wrote about a miscarriage in Midnight Pleasures, I used my own fears of premature birth; when the little girl in Fool For Love threw up and threw up, I described my own daughter, who had that unsavory habit for well over her first year of life.
So I'm a writer, a professor, a mother - and a wife. My husband Alessandro is Italian, born in Florence. We spend the lazy summer months with his mother and sister in Italy. It always strikes me as a huge irony that as a romance writer I find myself married to a knight, a cavaliere, as you say in Italian.
One more thing...I'm a friend. I have girlfriends who are writers and girlfriends who are Shakespeare professors. And I have girlfriends who are romance readers. In fact, we have something of a community going on my website. Please stop by and join the conversation on my readers' pages.
After graduating from Harvard University, Eloisa got an M.Phil. from Oxford University, a Ph.D. from Yale and eventually became a Shakespeare professor, publishing an academic book with Oxford University Press. Currently she is an associate professor and head of the Creative Writing program at Fordham University in New York City. Her "double life" is a source of fascination to the media and her readers. In her professorial guise, she's written a New York Times op-ed defending romance, as well as articles published everywhere from women's magazines such as More to writers' journals such as the Romance Writers' Report.
Eloisa...on her double life:
When I'm not writing novels, I'm a Shakespeare professor. It's rather like having two lives. The other day I bought a delicious pink suit to tape a television segment on romance; I'll never wear that suit to teach in, nor even to give a paper at the Shakespeare Association of America conference. It's like being Superman, with power suits for both lives. Yet the literature professor in me certainly plays into my romances. The Taming of the Duke (April 2006) has obvious Shakespearean resonances, as do many of my novels. I often weave early modern poetry into my work; the same novel might contain bits of Catullus, Shakespeare and anonymous bawdy ballads from the 16th century.
When I rip off my power suit, whether it's academic or romantic, underneath is the rather tired, chocolate-stained sweatshirt of a mom. Just as I use Shakespeare in my romances, I almost always employ my experiences as a mother. When I wrote about a miscarriage in Midnight Pleasures, I used my own fears of premature birth; when the little girl in Fool For Love threw up and threw up, I described my own daughter, who had that unsavory habit for well over her first year of life.
So I'm a writer, a professor, a mother - and a wife. My husband Alessandro is Italian, born in Florence. We spend the lazy summer months with his mother and sister in Italy. It always strikes me as a huge irony that as a romance writer I find myself married to a knight, a cavaliere, as you say in Italian.
One more thing...I'm a friend. I have girlfriends who are writers and girlfriends who are Shakespeare professors. And I have girlfriends who are romance readers. In fact, we have something of a community going on my website. Please stop by and join the conversation on my readers' pages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I LOVE IT!!! This book is so delicious! Elosia James knows how to build a really hot, slow burn romance. And the humor? The humor is truly worthy of a Shakespeare farce or a Knives Out production. I don't get the gothic vibe, but the old Scottish castle in the Highlands with the ghosts and the eccentric relatives are all here. Let the games begin and don't forget your drinky-poo.
Genevive at twenty-five and after three unsuccessful seasons has now been married for seven months when she and her new husband travel to the Highlands of Scotland to celebrate his seventieth birthday and Christmas and meet his family. You read that right Lord Burnsby is seventy. Why, you may ask, would a beautiful young woman choose an elderly man for her husband? The answer is simply: Money. Genevive loves her younger sister and this is the only way to provide an adequate dowry for her. Oh, Evie is the fourth wife for Lord Burnsby. Apparently, they don't last long around him.
Upon arrival at the Abbey, Evie is presented with a truly eccentric cast of relations and others. Burnsby's son, Lance and his French Countess whom Burnsby refuses to acknowledge because, well, she's not white. Aunt Mima, who appears to have what we in the modern era call Alzheimer's. A wonderful, yet opinioned daughter, Ophelia. And Lance's best friend and Crown Solicitor, dour Sir Godric Everley. But the biggest surprise of all and a real game changer for Evie is her husband's loooong time mistress, flamboyant Opera singer Sophonisba Ainsworth.
Evie was raised to be the perfect Lady. Now she is presented with a situation where there are no rules on how to behave. Soooo Evie decides that all bets are off and this situation is not going to be tolerated, but she is stuck here with a ton of snow and no way out. She is fortunate when everyone else at the Abbey agrees with her and she is not alone in this untenable situation. With three dead wives, no one wants to see a fourth, especially Godric who has come to really care for Evie.
My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
Genevive at twenty-five and after three unsuccessful seasons has now been married for seven months when she and her new husband travel to the Highlands of Scotland to celebrate his seventieth birthday and Christmas and meet his family. You read that right Lord Burnsby is seventy. Why, you may ask, would a beautiful young woman choose an elderly man for her husband? The answer is simply: Money. Genevive loves her younger sister and this is the only way to provide an adequate dowry for her. Oh, Evie is the fourth wife for Lord Burnsby. Apparently, they don't last long around him.
Upon arrival at the Abbey, Evie is presented with a truly eccentric cast of relations and others. Burnsby's son, Lance and his French Countess whom Burnsby refuses to acknowledge because, well, she's not white. Aunt Mima, who appears to have what we in the modern era call Alzheimer's. A wonderful, yet opinioned daughter, Ophelia. And Lance's best friend and Crown Solicitor, dour Sir Godric Everley. But the biggest surprise of all and a real game changer for Evie is her husband's loooong time mistress, flamboyant Opera singer Sophonisba Ainsworth.
Evie was raised to be the perfect Lady. Now she is presented with a situation where there are no rules on how to behave. Soooo Evie decides that all bets are off and this situation is not going to be tolerated, but she is stuck here with a ton of snow and no way out. She is fortunate when everyone else at the Abbey agrees with her and she is not alone in this untenable situation. With three dead wives, no one wants to see a fourth, especially Godric who has come to really care for Evie.
My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
May 12, 2026
Eloisa James is one of my favorite historical romance writers and this time there are ghosts! Genevieve’s (Evie’s) father has a title but very little money and after three seasons, she decides to marry an older man who can provide a dowry for her younger sister. She marries Burnsby, who is seventy years old, and has three previous wives. He takes her and her pet piglet to his abbey in the Scottish Highlands in the middle of winter.
There is a group of quirky characters at the abbey, including a daughter, Ophelia, who is snarky and sweet, a son, Lance with his new bride (a lovely French Countess who Burnsby dislikes because of her dark skin), Lance’s best friend, Sir Godric Everley, who has come to meet Lance’s new bride and Aunt Mimi who lives on apple tarts and has memory loss. There is another character that shows up that I can’t reveal but this person causes DRAMA! When someone tries to kill Evie, there are lots of suspects!
This is a lighthearted, gothic romance and other than a slow down in the third act, I really enjoyed it. At first, Godric thinks Evie is a gold digger until he gets to know her, and then he thinks she is loyal, loving and true. She is glad to have Godric as her ally to help protect her from danger. There are secret passageways, ghost sightings, romance and a mystery to solve! My full review is at The Passionate Reader (link is in my bio).
There is a group of quirky characters at the abbey, including a daughter, Ophelia, who is snarky and sweet, a son, Lance with his new bride (a lovely French Countess who Burnsby dislikes because of her dark skin), Lance’s best friend, Sir Godric Everley, who has come to meet Lance’s new bride and Aunt Mimi who lives on apple tarts and has memory loss. There is another character that shows up that I can’t reveal but this person causes DRAMA! When someone tries to kill Evie, there are lots of suspects!
This is a lighthearted, gothic romance and other than a slow down in the third act, I really enjoyed it. At first, Godric thinks Evie is a gold digger until he gets to know her, and then he thinks she is loyal, loving and true. She is glad to have Godric as her ally to help protect her from danger. There are secret passageways, ghost sightings, romance and a mystery to solve! My full review is at The Passionate Reader (link is in my bio).
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
DO NOT READ THE OFFICIAL BLURB BEFORE READING THE BOOK. While it isn't inaccurate, it feels like it refers to a different version of the book (in a different round of editing) and sets incorrect expectations about pacing.
1805. Lady Genevieve enters her marriage with septuagenarian Lord Burnsby with her eyes wide open: she's wife number four, but this will secure a dowry for her younger sister. Plus, who doesn't love moving to an abbey that may have a few ghosts? But the old abbey also comes with an elderly aunt who sputters nonsense, a stepdaughter disallowed from Society, and a former French opera singer/current mistress. With Christmas - and her Christmas-carol-loving husband's birthday - around the corner, Evie wants to establish her place in the abbey hierarchy, which is becoming increasingly unclear. Not to mention her stepson's irritating best friend is actually not irritating and really rather attractive.
The Last Lady B a really delightfully fun novel in Eloisa James's classic humorous style. It's written in first person, which is not generally my preference for a [historical] romance, but works well here for the limited perspective and bubbling curiosity of our heroine. First person perspective is an interesting way for the author to control the narrative, but often in a romance it means we are sorting through feelings and emotion alongside the main character. This may seem counterintuitive, but this often means I have a dampened emotional impact, especially if the narrator is a younger character. I say all of this because one of the things I love in general about Eloisa James's writing is her approach to writing craft as a Shakespearean professor tends towards fun, over the top, and insightful, rather than romantic and swoony. Her humor works really well in this first person limited perspective, and I don't miss any big emotional impact.
As a romance novel, The Last Lady B does have a different structure than readers may be used to, outside of its narrative perspective. Genevieve is married to Lord Burnsby, but it is very clear that he is not the romantic lead. As readers, this means we are shocked at the appearance of the mistress, but not appalled. Because we are in Evie's head, we also get to see her conflict as she starts to fall for Sir Godric Everly.
Thank you to Gallery Books for an eARC. The Last Lady B is out 5/12/2026.
1805. Lady Genevieve enters her marriage with septuagenarian Lord Burnsby with her eyes wide open: she's wife number four, but this will secure a dowry for her younger sister. Plus, who doesn't love moving to an abbey that may have a few ghosts? But the old abbey also comes with an elderly aunt who sputters nonsense, a stepdaughter disallowed from Society, and a former French opera singer/current mistress. With Christmas - and her Christmas-carol-loving husband's birthday - around the corner, Evie wants to establish her place in the abbey hierarchy, which is becoming increasingly unclear. Not to mention her stepson's irritating best friend is actually not irritating and really rather attractive.
The Last Lady B a really delightfully fun novel in Eloisa James's classic humorous style. It's written in first person, which is not generally my preference for a [historical] romance, but works well here for the limited perspective and bubbling curiosity of our heroine. First person perspective is an interesting way for the author to control the narrative, but often in a romance it means we are sorting through feelings and emotion alongside the main character. This may seem counterintuitive, but this often means I have a dampened emotional impact, especially if the narrator is a younger character. I say all of this because one of the things I love in general about Eloisa James's writing is her approach to writing craft as a Shakespearean professor tends towards fun, over the top, and insightful, rather than romantic and swoony. Her humor works really well in this first person limited perspective, and I don't miss any big emotional impact.
As a romance novel, The Last Lady B does have a different structure than readers may be used to, outside of its narrative perspective. Genevieve is married to Lord Burnsby, but it is very clear that he is not the romantic lead. As readers, this means we are shocked at the appearance of the mistress, but not appalled. Because we are in Evie's head, we also get to see her conflict as she starts to fall for Sir Godric Everly.
Thank you to Gallery Books for an eARC. The Last Lady B is out 5/12/2026.
May 7, 2026
This one actually made me put down tomodachi life. I said I’d just read a chapter before picking up my switch but I ended up reading the last half of the book in one go.
Lady B delivered the humor and lovable female characters I expect from Eloisa James. It also offered something new with charming first person storytelling and twists upon twists. This isn’t one of those where the author just puts them in a dark old building and calls it gothic novel inspired. There’s a lot of demented stuff going on in the fringes, while still keeping me laughing.
Reading the book’s description sets a maybe unfair expectation in regards to the pacing of events (yes, That Event doesn’t happen for a long while) —but it didn’t bother me as much as just confused me a little.
Overall a really memorable story worthy of its pretty and eye catching cover. Creative and funny while still within the comforting expectations of the genre I love. My autobuying of Eloisa James novels lives on. 4.5 stars rounded up.
Lady B delivered the humor and lovable female characters I expect from Eloisa James. It also offered something new with charming first person storytelling and twists upon twists. This isn’t one of those where the author just puts them in a dark old building and calls it gothic novel inspired. There’s a lot of demented stuff going on in the fringes, while still keeping me laughing.
Reading the book’s description sets a maybe unfair expectation in regards to the pacing of events (yes, That Event doesn’t happen for a long while) —but it didn’t bother me as much as just confused me a little.
Overall a really memorable story worthy of its pretty and eye catching cover. Creative and funny while still within the comforting expectations of the genre I love. My autobuying of Eloisa James novels lives on. 4.5 stars rounded up.
November 24, 2025
Oh, goodness, this was just so much fun! It feels both a bit unusual for an Eloisa James book (at the moment I can't think of any that are single, first person POV) and also very much an Eloisa James book (such delightful characters! all the LOL moments! so many Shakespeare references!) So many twists and turns in the last third or so of the book--I can honestly say I didn't even suspect ANY of that to happen, but still found it all (mostly) believable :)
I was about to start to say who were my favorite characters, but truly it's all of them save Clifford and Sophonisba. Even poor Mima has a special place in my heart, no matter what she's done. Everyone in this book felt like honest to goodness real people (and pigs) who were sitting here with me as I read. I didn't want to put them down and leave their world. Maybe Ophelia could get a book...?
It took everything in me not to scream, "YES! NORTHANGER ABBEY RULES AND ELOISA JAMES AGREES!!!" when I read the author's note at the end. (I was at work, or I probably would have TBH) I 100% thought of Catherine Mooreland when I discovered Evie's love of gothic novels, and was not at all surprised to discover that Austen's novel was one of her many literary inspirations for this book. Adding Jane Austen's Bookshelf: A Rare Book Collector's Quest to Find the Women Writers Who Shaped a Legend and The Canterville Ghost to my TBR pile right now... <3
Rating: 5 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I was about to start to say who were my favorite characters, but truly it's all of them save Clifford and Sophonisba. Even poor Mima has a special place in my heart, no matter what she's done. Everyone in this book felt like honest to goodness real people (and pigs) who were sitting here with me as I read. I didn't want to put them down and leave their world. Maybe Ophelia could get a book...?
It took everything in me not to scream, "YES! NORTHANGER ABBEY RULES AND ELOISA JAMES AGREES!!!" when I read the author's note at the end. (I was at work, or I probably would have TBH) I 100% thought of Catherine Mooreland when I discovered Evie's love of gothic novels, and was not at all surprised to discover that Austen's novel was one of her many literary inspirations for this book. Adding Jane Austen's Bookshelf: A Rare Book Collector's Quest to Find the Women Writers Who Shaped a Legend and The Canterville Ghost to my TBR pile right now... <3
Rating: 5 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
December 30, 2025
I loved this book, especially the gothic inspired setting. There is a perfect blend of humor, spice, and intrigue. You know you are reading something special when ghosts, a dark brooding hero, and a precious pet piglet are part of the mix that keeps you delightedly turning the pages. The plot is full of intriguing twists. There are some delicious descriptions of fashion and a wonderful cast of characters. While this isn’t a holiday book, much of it takes place during the Christmas season. I highly recommend this historical romance. I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
November 21, 2025
I'm not even sure where to start with this review. Wow! The amount of twists and turns in this book is unbelievable. The creativity and imagination that went into this book is impressive. Let me say I have loved every book I have read by Eloisa James, but I doubted this one a few times in the beginning. Her writing style was a bit different than some of her books I have read. The characters were well-written and the plot was intriguing.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
November 28, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing this book, with my honest review below.
The Last Lady B was a historic novel less concerned by its time period and more about creating the perfect atmosphere the mysteries in its pages. The characters are fresh and engaging, the turns of events extremely entertaining, and the romance that is introduced is the perfect foil to the whodunnit/ghost story/what’s going on here and that could have been a little much without the thread of love throughout.
While I wouldn’t really liken this to Bluebeard it does have a groom turned wrong and plenty of wives, even if they’re not alive. Evie (Genevieve) is quirky and rolls with the punches very well for a new bride in it for the security for her sister who finds out her husband has a lot he’s hidden from her. Naturally my favorite parts involve Peony the piglet, but not just for her cuteness but some great banter she led to.
This is charming, albeit trying to accomplish a lot, and I loved that it takes a few contemporary ideas I enjoy and places them in a great historical setting.
The Last Lady B was a historic novel less concerned by its time period and more about creating the perfect atmosphere the mysteries in its pages. The characters are fresh and engaging, the turns of events extremely entertaining, and the romance that is introduced is the perfect foil to the whodunnit/ghost story/what’s going on here and that could have been a little much without the thread of love throughout.
While I wouldn’t really liken this to Bluebeard it does have a groom turned wrong and plenty of wives, even if they’re not alive. Evie (Genevieve) is quirky and rolls with the punches very well for a new bride in it for the security for her sister who finds out her husband has a lot he’s hidden from her. Naturally my favorite parts involve Peony the piglet, but not just for her cuteness but some great banter she led to.
This is charming, albeit trying to accomplish a lot, and I loved that it takes a few contemporary ideas I enjoy and places them in a great historical setting.
November 24, 2025
The Last Lady B, by Eloisa James, is a fun book full of twists and turns. In this historical fiction, our impoverished heroine Genevieve marries an old rich man to provide her younger sister with a dowry as well as to be done with seeking a husband in London society. Little does she realize that her seemingly beneficent husband is really hiding a lot of secrets. When they retire to his Scottish estate for the Christmas holidays, she finally realizes his hidden past and meets more colorful characters. As a lot of secrets are revealed, Genevieve starts to question the rules of society that she has used to guide her decisions and behavior; eventually she evolves into her more genuine self to find true friends and true love. I enjoyed this book and the characters and highly recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A delight from Start to Finish !! Northanger Abbey vibes ! The First person voice was a sheer delight as was the quotes above each chapter. " if you had the opportunity to meet a ghost , pay attention to her accessories."... ( quote from below chapter 11) .
I had the privilege of winning this book from Eloisa James , this was my first book I've read by this delightful author and I can assure you it will not be my last !
So come join Genevieve and an adoring cast of characters snowed in a haunted Scottish Abbey , and find out the truths of Lindow Castle.
ps. I ✨️ so enjoyed this book and you will too!
I had the privilege of winning this book from Eloisa James , this was my first book I've read by this delightful author and I can assure you it will not be my last !
So come join Genevieve and an adoring cast of characters snowed in a haunted Scottish Abbey , and find out the truths of Lindow Castle.
ps. I ✨️ so enjoyed this book and you will too!
May 12, 2026
Lady Genevieve Hughes (also known as Evie) has recently married the septuagenarian, Lord Burnsby. Shortly after her marriage, she gains a pet pig and lives in a haunted mansion in Scotland. Evie is excited to live in the abbey because it is said that ghosts of Burnsby’s late wives haunt the abbey. When she arrives, she meets Sir Godric Everly, who is a cynical lawyer who has a grudge against her husband. As Evie continues to live in the abbey, she finds out her husband’s dark secrets. Will Evie ever find happiness with her husband or will she find it in Sir Godric?
Evie is a very fun protagonist! I found her to be captivating and compelling! She is very witty and humorous! I love the mischief she gets into in the abbey. I also found her to be very brave and daring! She is also intelligent and very honest! She is also very kind and makes friends easily with the people who live in the abbey! Therefore, I wanted Evie to have her own happy ending!
Overall, this novel is about betrayal, secrets, and second chances at love! I found all of the characters to be very likable, realistic, and well-developed! The only thing I did not like about it was that there were some scenes I found unbearable! However, the story moved at a very fast-paced pace and the writing is very engaging! There were many twists and turns! The Last Lady B was a very thrilling and satisfying read! I did not want it to end! I love the gothic feel in this romance! The Last Lady B is a perfect read for a stormy afternoon! I recommend this novel for fans of The Third Wife of Faraday House, Eleanor and the Iron King, and The Architect of Song!
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley.)
Evie is a very fun protagonist! I found her to be captivating and compelling! She is very witty and humorous! I love the mischief she gets into in the abbey. I also found her to be very brave and daring! She is also intelligent and very honest! She is also very kind and makes friends easily with the people who live in the abbey! Therefore, I wanted Evie to have her own happy ending!
Overall, this novel is about betrayal, secrets, and second chances at love! I found all of the characters to be very likable, realistic, and well-developed! The only thing I did not like about it was that there were some scenes I found unbearable! However, the story moved at a very fast-paced pace and the writing is very engaging! There were many twists and turns! The Last Lady B was a very thrilling and satisfying read! I did not want it to end! I love the gothic feel in this romance! The Last Lady B is a perfect read for a stormy afternoon! I recommend this novel for fans of The Third Wife of Faraday House, Eleanor and the Iron King, and The Architect of Song!
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley.)
May 13, 2026
There was so much to love about this story, but it just didn’t quite measure up. It seemed that our heroine was some flavor of neurodivergent. Her love of math and science, the rules she developed to get through the requirements of her daily life, and the way she masked her true self all felt indicative of someone who is ND. I appreciated the insight into her way of thinking that came from the use of the first person perspective, but it also kept me from actually believing her romance.
For a romance this is the cardinal sin in my book. Without a believable romance the book is just historical fiction. I’m all for a good gothic historical fiction, but I don’t want to be sold a romance and receive something else. Godric was a fine male lead, but there was nothing about him that made me think he was actually interested in Evie, or that she was truly interested in him. I think I missed the yearning and desire.
What I did love was the plot and side characters. Ophelia and Mima are utterly charming. They each brought so much to the story. Sophonisba was a truly delicious villain and I absolutely loved the complexity of her experiences.
All in all I would recommend this and I would definitely read Eloisa James’ other novels.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
For a romance this is the cardinal sin in my book. Without a believable romance the book is just historical fiction. I’m all for a good gothic historical fiction, but I don’t want to be sold a romance and receive something else. Godric was a fine male lead, but there was nothing about him that made me think he was actually interested in Evie, or that she was truly interested in him. I think I missed the yearning and desire.
What I did love was the plot and side characters. Ophelia and Mima are utterly charming. They each brought so much to the story. Sophonisba was a truly delicious villain and I absolutely loved the complexity of her experiences.
All in all I would recommend this and I would definitely read Eloisa James’ other novels.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2025
The Last Lady B
By Eloisa James
Format: eARC
Rating: 4.75/5⭐️
Snowed in at a possibly haunted gothic Scottish abbey at Christmas with a hot man and a baby piglet is exactly the vibes I need in my life. And, my lord, Eloisa James’s newest historical romance is overflowing with duh-RAMA!
In The Last Lady B, the FMC is a bit prickly, a bit lost, and very much sick of her septuagenarian husband’s BS. However, throughout the book, she proves herself to be the very best kind of heroine-loyal, generous, brave, kind, and stout of heart. She stands up for the right things, she embraces the family she chooses for herself, and displays enviable backbone. I love her.
To my recollection, this is the first historical romance I’ve read written in first-person perspective. Although it took a while to get used to, and probably isn’t my first choice, I ended up being okay with it as a change of pace.
However, there were a couple of things that were puzzling to me. Maybe I’m wrong, but when this book was announced, I could’ve sworn it was billed as the next in the Accident Brides series. It certainly fits theme-wise, but, as of this writing, I don’t see anything grouping this book with that series.
Second, in this book, Evie—more than once—says her father is Sir William Sutton. I went back and looked, and that was Torie’s family name in the first book in the series, Viscount in Love. I had initially thought this book was to be Torie’s older sister, Leonora’s, story. It is certainly possible I have completely gotten confused here, but Sutton *was* the family name in book one. As it also seems to be in The Last Lady B. This seems like a strange coincidence, so I kept assuming there was some connection to the earlier books. I suspect the name “Torie” was changed to “Rosie” and “Leonora” was changed to “Genevieve,” but the father/family name still needs changed in the final edit.
That aside, this book is an absolute delight. I struggled to put it down so I could go cook the Thanksgiving meal for my family… 🫠
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
By Eloisa James
Format: eARC
Rating: 4.75/5⭐️
Snowed in at a possibly haunted gothic Scottish abbey at Christmas with a hot man and a baby piglet is exactly the vibes I need in my life. And, my lord, Eloisa James’s newest historical romance is overflowing with duh-RAMA!
In The Last Lady B, the FMC is a bit prickly, a bit lost, and very much sick of her septuagenarian husband’s BS. However, throughout the book, she proves herself to be the very best kind of heroine-loyal, generous, brave, kind, and stout of heart. She stands up for the right things, she embraces the family she chooses for herself, and displays enviable backbone. I love her.
To my recollection, this is the first historical romance I’ve read written in first-person perspective. Although it took a while to get used to, and probably isn’t my first choice, I ended up being okay with it as a change of pace.
However, there were a couple of things that were puzzling to me. Maybe I’m wrong, but when this book was announced, I could’ve sworn it was billed as the next in the Accident Brides series. It certainly fits theme-wise, but, as of this writing, I don’t see anything grouping this book with that series.
Second, in this book, Evie—more than once—says her father is Sir William Sutton. I went back and looked, and that was Torie’s family name in the first book in the series, Viscount in Love. I had initially thought this book was to be Torie’s older sister, Leonora’s, story. It is certainly possible I have completely gotten confused here, but Sutton *was* the family name in book one. As it also seems to be in The Last Lady B. This seems like a strange coincidence, so I kept assuming there was some connection to the earlier books. I suspect the name “Torie” was changed to “Rosie” and “Leonora” was changed to “Genevieve,” but the father/family name still needs changed in the final edit.
That aside, this book is an absolute delight. I struggled to put it down so I could go cook the Thanksgiving meal for my family… 🫠
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
May 13, 2026
It’s a delightful tale full of colorful characters. Genevieve marries an older man to secure a dowry for her younger sister. At first, he seems kind and pleasant, but everything changes when they visit his Scottish abbey for Christmas. There, she discovers he has kept a mistress for 30 years. As his fourth wife, Genevieve realizes two others endured the same insult. Docile until now, she refuses to accept such disrespect. Among those at the abbey are Godric, her stepson’s best friend; Aunt Mima, her husband’s eccentric sister; and his illegitimate daughter. The place is also rumored to be haunted by the spirits of the previous wives. Amid all the chaos, Genevieve finds herself falling for Godric, though she knows she can’t and won’t act on it. As events unfold, countless secrets emerge, leaving the question—how will it all end?
March 6, 2026
A charming, delightful gothic-inspired romp! I loved the ghosts and the found family, and Evie coming into her own. Godric is a classic dry, serious, and deeply down bad Eloisa James hero. I deeply appreciated how much care and empathy Eloisa gave to all the women characters, even the ostensible villains. Jury’s still out for me on whether I like first person POV in historical romance, but Eloisa’s writing is always so witty and charming that it’s a pleasure to read regardless, and given her Shakespeare/professor background, she has the skill to pull it off.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Strap in for the drama because James is bringing it in her newest novel! Genevieve has married a 70 year old man because she wants to secure a dowery for her little sister. She's not really interested in love and marriage, so it's not such a hardship for her. And her new husband is sweet to her, doting on her and even buying her a piglet as a pet. But things change when they read his Highlands home. Shocks abound and the ghosts of his dead wives that haunt the library! But while it will be hard for Genevieve, she's also going to find plenty to love in her new home. But, oh, the drama!
April 27, 2026
I don't think I've read a first person POV in a regency romance before, so this was a new experience for me, but it was a good one.
Honestly, I don't know how to describe this book, because I expected pirates based off the Blackbeard comparison in the blurb (but I guess the comparison comes from the suspicious deaths of multiple wives.) This book was BONKERS in the best way. I REPEAT THERE ARE NO PIRATES. But I had so much fun! Genevieve's little asides, all the characters, the setting...this book was an absolute delight. I devoured it. I will definitely be reading more Eloisa James!
Much like Genevieve, if I never hear 'rumpy pumpy' again, it'll be too soon.
I received an advanced copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to Netgalley and Gallery books for the ARC! This is going in my favorites list for the year.
Honestly, I don't know how to describe this book, because I expected pirates based off the Blackbeard comparison in the blurb (but I guess the comparison comes from the suspicious deaths of multiple wives.) This book was BONKERS in the best way. I REPEAT THERE ARE NO PIRATES. But I had so much fun! Genevieve's little asides, all the characters, the setting...this book was an absolute delight. I devoured it. I will definitely be reading more Eloisa James!
Much like Genevieve, if I never hear 'rumpy pumpy' again, it'll be too soon.
I received an advanced copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to Netgalley and Gallery books for the ARC! This is going in my favorites list for the year.
December 3, 2025
⭐ 5/5 Stars ⭐
The Last Lady B by Eloisa James
Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley, and Eloisa James for the E-ARC!
I loved this book. I went through a huge Eloisa James phase years ago where I read everything she wrote, and then I took a little break from British historical romance / Regency-ish stories. This was the perfect book to pull me right back in.
I forgot how much fun her writing is, and this one is especially comical. I laughed out loud multiple times. Evie was such a fantastic FMC, smart, tough in the best ways, and so easy to root for. The side characters and the found-family vibes were absolute chef’s kiss.
If you’re looking for something with the wit of Jane Austen but even funnier, this book will be right up your alley. I’m honestly excited to catch up on the Eloisa James books I’ve missed over the last few years, because this one reminded me exactly why I loved her writing in the first place.
Loved this one. Highly recommend. 💛
May 13, 2026
This was an entertaining, well-written Regency romance. It was fun, action-packed, suspenseful and I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed this Regency romance and look forward to reading more books by this author.
Did Not Finish
May 2, 2026DNF at 56%. I love an Eloisa James book and I was very excited about this ARC. This desperately needs a trigger warning about child abuse, child neglect, attempted marital rape, and cheating. I know not all readers will need this, but I think the themes are there enough to warrant the tool for reader use.
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A riotous romp through a drafty Scottish abbey — mischief meets the macabre. Witty and brimming with unforgettable characters, this tale is a deliciously absurd adventure that will have you laughing out loud and rooting for the underdog — and the hog.
January 17, 2026
Evie decides to marry a kind, older man to secure her sister a dowry- and then learns that he’s actually not that kind. She finds herself in a secluded Scottish manor filled with possible ghosts, rats, a disrespectful husband and his long term mistress, her new extended family, and a potential new love interest- too bad she’s already married. This was a fun historical romance with a lot of quirky characters. It felt like it ran out of steam towards the last 25% of the book, and sometimes the tone was a little too cheeky for the more serious situations being discussed. Overall a fun read.
Thanks to netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2026
Loved the characters in this one, and I consider myself to be a historical romance elitist.
Perfect if you love:
- BANTER
- Cheeky Quips
- FMCs with a BACKBONE (seriously, she CLAPS BACK)
- FMCs who hate men a little bit, but like, for reasons within reasonable justification
- Ghosts ????
- Equating one’s lover to a Christmas peacock
- Pet pigs
Perfect if you love:
- BANTER
- Cheeky Quips
- FMCs with a BACKBONE (seriously, she CLAPS BACK)
- FMCs who hate men a little bit, but like, for reasons within reasonable justification
- Ghosts ????
- Equating one’s lover to a Christmas peacock
- Pet pigs
Read
February 2, 2026DNF at 45% - quirky 1st POV might work in historical movies but it did not work for me in a book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️
Everything about this book felt like stepping into a snow-drenched fever dream where secrets whisper through stone walls, ghosts may or may not be watching, and one woman realizes—far too late—that she might have accidentally married a walking red flag with a title.
Eloisa James’s The Last Lady B pulled me in with that exact kind of chaos and refused to let me stay emotionally stable. Published by Gallery Books—a huge, heartfelt thank you to Eloisa James for sending me a signed copy, because this one came wrapped in intrigue, wit, and just enough madness to keep me hooked.
This isn’t your typical polished Regency romance where everyone behaves and tea solves everything. This is gothic-leaning, slightly unhinged storytelling where Lady Genevieve—Evie—makes a practical, heartbreaking choice to secure her sister’s future… and ends up in a remote Scottish abbey with a husband whose past is cluttered with more than just old furniture. Watching Evie navigate that reality felt like watching someone slowly peel back the layers of a life she thought she understood. She’s observant, a little awkward, quietly sharp—and honestly? I loved that she didn’t fit neatly into a box.
And then there’s Godric. Sardonic, guarded, and carrying that brooding energy like it’s a full-time job. Their connection isn’t instant fireworks—it’s quieter, more tentative, built in stolen moments and growing trust. The kind of romance that doesn’t shout… but lingers. And when it clicks? Oh, it clicks.
What really got me though was the atmosphere. This book feels like candlelight flickering in long corridors, like something just out of sight, like laughter echoing a little too loudly in a house full of secrets. You’ve got strange relatives, shifting alliances, hidden truths, and a pet piglet casually stealing the spotlight like it’s her personal brand.
“I had always believed fear was something to be managed. I had not realized it could also be something to be lived through—and changed by.”
That line hit me in that quiet, uncomfortable way that lingers long after you close the book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
4.5 stars
Was it perfect? Almost. There are moments where the tone dances between playful and dark in a way that might not work for everyone—but honestly? I was too busy turning pages to care. I was entertained, invested, and just a little obsessed.
This is for the reader who wants something a little different. Someone who loves historical romance but doesn’t mind if it gets a little weird, a little messy, a little unpredictable. If you like found family, morally gray situations, slow emotional unraveling, and a heroine figuring herself out in the middle of absolute chaos… you’re going to vibe with this.
It’s not just a romance—it’s an experience. Moody, witty, layered, and unexpectedly heartfelt.
So tell me—are you here for the safe, swoony ballroom romances… or the haunted abbey, questionable husband, “what is happening” kind of love stories?
#TheLastLadyB #EloisaJames #HistoricalRomance #GothicRomance #BookReview #Bookstagram #RomanceReads #ARCReview #SignedCopy #BooksWithAtmosphere #CozyChaos #FoundFamilyReads #ReadersOfInstagram #BookishVibes
Everything about this book felt like stepping into a snow-drenched fever dream where secrets whisper through stone walls, ghosts may or may not be watching, and one woman realizes—far too late—that she might have accidentally married a walking red flag with a title.
Eloisa James’s The Last Lady B pulled me in with that exact kind of chaos and refused to let me stay emotionally stable. Published by Gallery Books—a huge, heartfelt thank you to Eloisa James for sending me a signed copy, because this one came wrapped in intrigue, wit, and just enough madness to keep me hooked.
This isn’t your typical polished Regency romance where everyone behaves and tea solves everything. This is gothic-leaning, slightly unhinged storytelling where Lady Genevieve—Evie—makes a practical, heartbreaking choice to secure her sister’s future… and ends up in a remote Scottish abbey with a husband whose past is cluttered with more than just old furniture. Watching Evie navigate that reality felt like watching someone slowly peel back the layers of a life she thought she understood. She’s observant, a little awkward, quietly sharp—and honestly? I loved that she didn’t fit neatly into a box.
And then there’s Godric. Sardonic, guarded, and carrying that brooding energy like it’s a full-time job. Their connection isn’t instant fireworks—it’s quieter, more tentative, built in stolen moments and growing trust. The kind of romance that doesn’t shout… but lingers. And when it clicks? Oh, it clicks.
What really got me though was the atmosphere. This book feels like candlelight flickering in long corridors, like something just out of sight, like laughter echoing a little too loudly in a house full of secrets. You’ve got strange relatives, shifting alliances, hidden truths, and a pet piglet casually stealing the spotlight like it’s her personal brand.
“I had always believed fear was something to be managed. I had not realized it could also be something to be lived through—and changed by.”
That line hit me in that quiet, uncomfortable way that lingers long after you close the book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
4.5 stars
Was it perfect? Almost. There are moments where the tone dances between playful and dark in a way that might not work for everyone—but honestly? I was too busy turning pages to care. I was entertained, invested, and just a little obsessed.
This is for the reader who wants something a little different. Someone who loves historical romance but doesn’t mind if it gets a little weird, a little messy, a little unpredictable. If you like found family, morally gray situations, slow emotional unraveling, and a heroine figuring herself out in the middle of absolute chaos… you’re going to vibe with this.
It’s not just a romance—it’s an experience. Moody, witty, layered, and unexpectedly heartfelt.
So tell me—are you here for the safe, swoony ballroom romances… or the haunted abbey, questionable husband, “what is happening” kind of love stories?
#TheLastLadyB #EloisaJames #HistoricalRomance #GothicRomance #BookReview #Bookstagram #RomanceReads #ARCReview #SignedCopy #BooksWithAtmosphere #CozyChaos #FoundFamilyReads #ReadersOfInstagram #BookishVibes
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: 3.75/5
Heat Level: 3.25/5
Pub Date: May 12th
Premise:
Genevieve marries her wealthy, seventy-year old husband to secure her younger sister's dowry. When she arrives at his remote Scottish abbey, she's met with multiple ghosts, strange inhabitants, and her husband's very attractive former ward and solicitor Sir Godric.
My review:
This is a pretty unique historical romance, and there was definitely an experimental vibe to go along with the new cover style (one of the better illustrated historical covers I've seen in terms of realism, though I'd have loved to see both the hero and heroine on the cover). I do think it was a mixed bag in terms of execution, especially as a primarily romance reader... but maybe non-romance readers will feel differently.
First, this is single POV, and it is in the first-person. I loved Genevieve's voice— it's droll and witty, worldly in some ways, naive in others... very early-twenties, basically. That being said, this is one of those single POV romances where I did not particularly get a sense of the hero without his POV. We know Godric is an accomplished jurist, clever, mildly judgmental... and not much more. He's there to act as temptation to the newly-married Genevieve and is a foil to her shitty husband, his former guardian. He's supportive and hot, while her husband is ugly, old, sexist, and rapey. No wonder she falls for Godric almost immediately... and so does he, once he realizes she isn't a gold-digger. While they fall for each other real fast, there is an element of longing the author drags out thanks to Genevieve's shitty, very-much-alive husband.
The actual plot is very murder mystery-centric— like, imagine if Catherine Morland had been RIGHT about the fucked shit happening in Northanger Abbey. And there are LAYERS to this mystery! A remote Scottish abbey, multiple ghosts of dead wives, illegitimate children, a secret will, etc. Eloisa's prose is bright and snappy, and I like how she builds the villains up from unserious assholes to outrightly cruel. Her (good) secondary characters are equally charming— special shoutout to Colette, a biracial Black French aristocrat who Eloisa took care to point out was not based on fantasy a la Bridgerton casting, but rather, the historical realities of the time.
The sex:
The sex is very slow-burn, and that is 10000% thanks to Genevieve's husband being alive, and the author unwilling to cross the line and write physical cheating. Is there an emotional affair brewing within days of Genevieve and Godric meeting? Absolutely. The sex itself is pretty standard stuff, a little less explicit than your average open-door historical, I would say, but that's on par for this author.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Eloisa James for the advanced copies.
Heat Level: 3.25/5
Pub Date: May 12th
Premise:
Genevieve marries her wealthy, seventy-year old husband to secure her younger sister's dowry. When she arrives at his remote Scottish abbey, she's met with multiple ghosts, strange inhabitants, and her husband's very attractive former ward and solicitor Sir Godric.
My review:
This is a pretty unique historical romance, and there was definitely an experimental vibe to go along with the new cover style (one of the better illustrated historical covers I've seen in terms of realism, though I'd have loved to see both the hero and heroine on the cover). I do think it was a mixed bag in terms of execution, especially as a primarily romance reader... but maybe non-romance readers will feel differently.
First, this is single POV, and it is in the first-person. I loved Genevieve's voice— it's droll and witty, worldly in some ways, naive in others... very early-twenties, basically. That being said, this is one of those single POV romances where I did not particularly get a sense of the hero without his POV. We know Godric is an accomplished jurist, clever, mildly judgmental... and not much more. He's there to act as temptation to the newly-married Genevieve and is a foil to her shitty husband, his former guardian. He's supportive and hot, while her husband is ugly, old, sexist, and rapey. No wonder she falls for Godric almost immediately... and so does he, once he realizes she isn't a gold-digger. While they fall for each other real fast, there is an element of longing the author drags out thanks to Genevieve's shitty, very-much-alive husband.
The actual plot is very murder mystery-centric— like, imagine if Catherine Morland had been RIGHT about the fucked shit happening in Northanger Abbey. And there are LAYERS to this mystery! A remote Scottish abbey, multiple ghosts of dead wives, illegitimate children, a secret will, etc. Eloisa's prose is bright and snappy, and I like how she builds the villains up from unserious assholes to outrightly cruel. Her (good) secondary characters are equally charming— special shoutout to Colette, a biracial Black French aristocrat who Eloisa took care to point out was not based on fantasy a la Bridgerton casting, but rather, the historical realities of the time.
The sex:
The sex is very slow-burn, and that is 10000% thanks to Genevieve's husband being alive, and the author unwilling to cross the line and write physical cheating. Is there an emotional affair brewing within days of Genevieve and Godric meeting? Absolutely. The sex itself is pretty standard stuff, a little less explicit than your average open-door historical, I would say, but that's on par for this author.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Eloisa James for the advanced copies.
November 27, 2025
In the interest of full disclosure, I received an ARC of The Last Lady B by Eloisa James from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
As someone who’s read most of Eloisa James’s entire back catalog, this book was a delightful surprise. The first-person, diary-style narration was a real departure from her usual voice, and it took me a few chapters to adjust, but once Evie pulled me into her world, I was fully invested and barely noticed the shift.
So let me just say, I loved Evie. She’s one of those almost-unlikable heroines who somehow becomes impossible not to root for: a little prickly, a little dramatic, and very self-aware of her own flaws. She stands up for herself and what she deserves with admirable ferocity, in a way that feel genuine to the character. Her love interest Godric is everything I want in a historical romance hero: clever, tender, kind, and (not so) quietly yearning, And of course Ophelia absolutely charmed me with her funny and chaotic observations, quickly becoming the kind of side character who enriches every scene she’s in.
The gothic atmosphere is fantastic and really sold the slightly spooky Christmas vibe. Although the late-stage twists felt a bit excessive for my taste, I appreciated them as a deliberate homage to melodramatic gothic fiction. My only real gripe was a few surprisingly modern word choices (“drinky-poo,” “trashy”) that pulled me out of the setting, which I wouldn’t have expected from a historical romance novelist of James’s caliber.
Things I loved: The romance, oh lord the romance. It was aching, it was tender, and you could literally feel Godric fall in love on the page! Reader, I sighed. Also, Collette was wonderful, reminding me a little of Yasmin, another Eloisa James fabulous French character. And of course, Peony the pig deserves a special mention.
Things I didn’t: Remember how I said Evie was almost-unlikable? When some of that unlikability comes from the vehemence with which she defends herself. She was in an untenable situation, sure, but sometimes she went from defending her honor to being just plain mean, which occasionally felt like a bit much after the third or so time it happened. Also, the first 2 chapters or so were a little rough, but again, once the story got going, I hardly cared.
I’m giving this book a 4.5 stars rounded up to 5. It’s atmospheric, romantic, and just plain fun, and I definitely see myself reading it again!
Perfect for fans of: Northanger Abbey, prickly heroines, precocious pet pigs, sexy snow angels (ohmigod, those snow angels), Shakespearean Easter eggs, secret passages, secret wills, secret wives, and found family (in the library! with a crowbar!)
As someone who’s read most of Eloisa James’s entire back catalog, this book was a delightful surprise. The first-person, diary-style narration was a real departure from her usual voice, and it took me a few chapters to adjust, but once Evie pulled me into her world, I was fully invested and barely noticed the shift.
So let me just say, I loved Evie. She’s one of those almost-unlikable heroines who somehow becomes impossible not to root for: a little prickly, a little dramatic, and very self-aware of her own flaws. She stands up for herself and what she deserves with admirable ferocity, in a way that feel genuine to the character. Her love interest Godric is everything I want in a historical romance hero: clever, tender, kind, and (not so) quietly yearning, And of course Ophelia absolutely charmed me with her funny and chaotic observations, quickly becoming the kind of side character who enriches every scene she’s in.
The gothic atmosphere is fantastic and really sold the slightly spooky Christmas vibe. Although the late-stage twists felt a bit excessive for my taste, I appreciated them as a deliberate homage to melodramatic gothic fiction. My only real gripe was a few surprisingly modern word choices (“drinky-poo,” “trashy”) that pulled me out of the setting, which I wouldn’t have expected from a historical romance novelist of James’s caliber.
Things I loved: The romance, oh lord the romance. It was aching, it was tender, and you could literally feel Godric fall in love on the page! Reader, I sighed. Also, Collette was wonderful, reminding me a little of Yasmin, another Eloisa James fabulous French character. And of course, Peony the pig deserves a special mention.
Things I didn’t: Remember how I said Evie was almost-unlikable? When some of that unlikability comes from the vehemence with which she defends herself. She was in an untenable situation, sure, but sometimes she went from defending her honor to being just plain mean, which occasionally felt like a bit much after the third or so time it happened. Also, the first 2 chapters or so were a little rough, but again, once the story got going, I hardly cared.
I’m giving this book a 4.5 stars rounded up to 5. It’s atmospheric, romantic, and just plain fun, and I definitely see myself reading it again!
Perfect for fans of: Northanger Abbey, prickly heroines, precocious pet pigs, sexy snow angels (ohmigod, those snow angels), Shakespearean Easter eggs, secret passages, secret wills, secret wives, and found family (in the library! with a crowbar!)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lady Genevieve “Evie” Hughes, becomes the fourth wife of the much older Lord Burnsby to secure her younger sister’s future. They marry and she moves to her new home in the Scottish Highlands, a remote and possibly haunted abbey, populated with eccentric characters, including an outspoken aunt, a socially exiled stepdaughter, and her husband’s long-standing mistress. Amid the abbey’s wintry halls and ghostly rumors, Evie finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Sir Godric Everly, a sharp-witted solicitor who openly dislikes her husband. As secrets unravel and the shadows of the past close in, Evie must navigate a web of deceit, multiple wills, and a mysterious death that leaves her widowed and free to choose her own path—though matters of the heart and reputation prove just as complicated as the spectral mysteries.
In a social media post, author Elosia James promised that this book was something new and different, and she didn’t lie, this book was nothing like her previous books. This was a quirky, entertaining romance that balances humor, intrigue, and a dash of macabre. While the first-person perspective gives Evie’s voice a fresh, curious edge, I personally found the narrative style difficult to connect with—it often limited my emotional engagement, especially with Godric, whose inner thoughts remain somewhat obscure. The slow burn romance was a bit frustrating for me, as the main characters didn’t come together until very late in the story. I also want to note that the blurb is somewhat deceptive: although it suggests Evie is widowed early on, she is not actually widowed until late in the book, which significantly shapes the pacing and development of the plot. However, I did appreciate that there was no actual adultery on Evie’s part, which made it easier for me to enjoy her journey toward self-discovery. The secondary characters add a sense of found family, and the gothic elements are more playful than chilling. Though the pacing felt uneven with major plot developments occurring late—the book’s charm lies in its witty dialogue, eccentric characters, and the heroine’s growth. Overall, this was a lighter, character-driven historical romance with a twist of mystery and a touch of absurdity which made for an engaging read, but I definitely didn’t care for the first-person narrative style and I don’t think I would read the book again.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
In a social media post, author Elosia James promised that this book was something new and different, and she didn’t lie, this book was nothing like her previous books. This was a quirky, entertaining romance that balances humor, intrigue, and a dash of macabre. While the first-person perspective gives Evie’s voice a fresh, curious edge, I personally found the narrative style difficult to connect with—it often limited my emotional engagement, especially with Godric, whose inner thoughts remain somewhat obscure. The slow burn romance was a bit frustrating for me, as the main characters didn’t come together until very late in the story. I also want to note that the blurb is somewhat deceptive: although it suggests Evie is widowed early on, she is not actually widowed until late in the book, which significantly shapes the pacing and development of the plot. However, I did appreciate that there was no actual adultery on Evie’s part, which made it easier for me to enjoy her journey toward self-discovery. The secondary characters add a sense of found family, and the gothic elements are more playful than chilling. Though the pacing felt uneven with major plot developments occurring late—the book’s charm lies in its witty dialogue, eccentric characters, and the heroine’s growth. Overall, this was a lighter, character-driven historical romance with a twist of mystery and a touch of absurdity which made for an engaging read, but I definitely didn’t care for the first-person narrative style and I don’t think I would read the book again.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The historical romance genre is obviously going through a period of transition (loss of mass market paperbacks, trying to appeal to a new audience, etc.), and this seems to be a product of trying out new things to see what sticks. The shift to a first-person narrative was less jarring here than in other recent historical romances that tried it, and worked in part beacuse Genevieve had some eccentricities that were more fleshed out through her inner monologue (it's not entirely clear if she's meant to be quirky or neurodivergent, but either way her thought process sheds helpful light on some of her decisions). That said, we lost a lot of the yearning and emotion by not having Godric's perspective through 1st or 3rd person. Since Genevieve was somewhat oblivious and very inexperienced, it made Godric's initial declarations feel sudden and more focused on lust than love. I still prefer 3rd person narration, but if the industry insists on 1st person, there should be more dual-POVs involved to capture the other half of the equation.
Style aside, my main issue was with the confusing tone-shifts throughout the story. The story starts out with a sense of humor and a light tone that matches what you'd expect from the cover. However, the story pivots into many darker subjects that were treated almost glibly. Adultery is a major focus (including Genevieve's own contemplations), as is murder, rape, spousal/child abuse, dementia, racism, among other serious topics. Having Genevieve and other characters seem to brush off many of these revelations to keep the tone light took me out of the story frequently. I know Eloisa James was aiming for a Northanger Abbey-inspired book, but this didn't quite achieve that balance of Gothic storytelling with a sense of humor. I actually would have preferred if she had leaned into the darker, angstier side of the story, or dialed back the darker elements to keep the tone consistent.
I still give this 3 stars because there are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged, and the cast of characters is (with some exceptions) largely sympathetic. New romance readers looking to try out historical romance might enjoy this, but for long-time historical romance readers, I'd go in with lower expectations.
Thank you to Gallery Books and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!
Style aside, my main issue was with the confusing tone-shifts throughout the story. The story starts out with a sense of humor and a light tone that matches what you'd expect from the cover. However, the story pivots into many darker subjects that were treated almost glibly. Adultery is a major focus (including Genevieve's own contemplations), as is murder, rape, spousal/child abuse, dementia, racism, among other serious topics. Having Genevieve and other characters seem to brush off many of these revelations to keep the tone light took me out of the story frequently. I know Eloisa James was aiming for a Northanger Abbey-inspired book, but this didn't quite achieve that balance of Gothic storytelling with a sense of humor. I actually would have preferred if she had leaned into the darker, angstier side of the story, or dialed back the darker elements to keep the tone consistent.
I still give this 3 stars because there are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged, and the cast of characters is (with some exceptions) largely sympathetic. New romance readers looking to try out historical romance might enjoy this, but for long-time historical romance readers, I'd go in with lower expectations.
Thank you to Gallery Books and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
A haunted abbey, a pet piglet, more shocking secrets than you could shake a stick at, and a hero who is most decidedly not the heroine’s husband… Eloisa James packs The Last Lady B full of interesting twists and turns. It’s both an ode to romcoms and gothic romance, which sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t, but at least it’s not boring.
Evie married Lord Burnsby in order to secure her sister’s future. It was an unromantic decision and she doesn’t care that she’s the third wife of the lackluster septuagenarian. That is, until she arrives at his Scottish abbey and finds his mistress, some ghosts, a stepdaughter and sister-in-law who have been neglected, and more. If that wasn’t enough of a shock, Evie meets Sir Godric Everly, a handsome solicitor who makes Evie yearn for a marriage that would not be in name only.
The Last Lady B is filled with supporting characters who have a lot of personality, and I enjoyed watching Evie form a family out of this not-so-ragtag group of abbey residents and visitors. Godric is strong, protective, and handsome, and I wish I felt like I learned more about him over the course of the story. I liked him and Evie together, but the chemistry wasn’t as strong as what I’m used to from James’s characters.
There’s a lot going on in the story but the interesting part is watching the twists and turns unspool so I won’t spoil them. And James packs a lot of twists in one story. The overall tone of the book is light and quirky, sometimes leaning into silliness that didn’t work for me (though your mileage may vary). The tone is sometimes at odds with the darker aspects of the story and I felt like some seriousness could have been injected into those parts rather than things being waved away at times.
The Last Lady B was an uneven read for me. I liked that James took some big swings, even though they didn’t always hit. Overall it was an interesting read, even if it’s not my favorite of the author’s work.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A haunted abbey, a pet piglet, more shocking secrets than you could shake a stick at, and a hero who is most decidedly not the heroine’s husband… Eloisa James packs The Last Lady B full of interesting twists and turns. It’s both an ode to romcoms and gothic romance, which sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t, but at least it’s not boring.
Evie married Lord Burnsby in order to secure her sister’s future. It was an unromantic decision and she doesn’t care that she’s the third wife of the lackluster septuagenarian. That is, until she arrives at his Scottish abbey and finds his mistress, some ghosts, a stepdaughter and sister-in-law who have been neglected, and more. If that wasn’t enough of a shock, Evie meets Sir Godric Everly, a handsome solicitor who makes Evie yearn for a marriage that would not be in name only.
The Last Lady B is filled with supporting characters who have a lot of personality, and I enjoyed watching Evie form a family out of this not-so-ragtag group of abbey residents and visitors. Godric is strong, protective, and handsome, and I wish I felt like I learned more about him over the course of the story. I liked him and Evie together, but the chemistry wasn’t as strong as what I’m used to from James’s characters.
There’s a lot going on in the story but the interesting part is watching the twists and turns unspool so I won’t spoil them. And James packs a lot of twists in one story. The overall tone of the book is light and quirky, sometimes leaning into silliness that didn’t work for me (though your mileage may vary). The tone is sometimes at odds with the darker aspects of the story and I felt like some seriousness could have been injected into those parts rather than things being waved away at times.
The Last Lady B was an uneven read for me. I liked that James took some big swings, even though they didn’t always hit. Overall it was an interesting read, even if it’s not my favorite of the author’s work.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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