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The Langley Sisters #3
Lady In Distress
Be swept away by the romance, intrigue, unconventional heroines, and dashing heroes, by USA Today Bestselling Author Wendy Vella’s regency romance series.
Isabella is the Langley sister everyone worries about. Injured in the same accident that killed her parents, pain has changed her, forcing her to observe life from the side-lines, but after several months in a Scottish clinic she is no longer the meek and mild woman she’d once been. Now she wants to live her life, but to do so she must find out once and for all if the only man she has loved returns her feelings. If not, then she will step into society and no one will know she nurses a broken heart, because if pain has taught her one thing, it’s how to hide her feelings.
Luke Fletcher straddles two worlds, and fits into neither. He's amassed a fortune during his travels, but now back in England he struggles against prejudice and finds himself slipping back into his old life in service. Two people challenge his decision, and one of them is the woman he has loved his entire life - Isabella, a nobleman’s daughter who doesn't seem to understand that she is above his reach. Isabella wants him to come out of the shadows and stand at her side, but to do so would be to deny her the life she was born to live. Luke knows he must walk away from her, but nothing can prepare him for the pain of giving up her love.
BOOKS IN THE LANGLEY SISTERS SERIES
Lady In Disguise
Lady In Demand
Lady In Distress
The Lady Plays Her Ace
The Lady Seals Her Fate
The Lady's Dangerous Love
The Lady’s Forbidden Love
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2014
1152 people are currently reading
518 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Vella
96 books831 followersWendy Vella is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of historical romances filled with mystery, intrigue, unconventional heroines, and dashing heroes.
Connect with Wendy in her Facebook reader group facebook.com/groups/wendyvellareaders or sign up for her reader newsletter at WendyVella.com to get goodies, exclusive excerpts and behind-the-scenes peeks.
Wendy also writes small town contemporary romances under the name Lani Blake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
April 30, 2023
Luke and Bella have loved each other for many years. Having left England, because he wanted to forget Bella as she was a Lady and he was a stable worker. He came back a rich man. They both still loved each other, with family and friends support. Will they have a life together.
August 1, 2018
Wendy Vella is really good at creating characters and there dialog together. I really loved Isabella/Bella Langley and Luke Fletcher. The two had been in love since Bella was a young girl. Luke was Bella's brother in law Will from bk1 best friend. The Langley sisters have a real sense of sisterly love and comradery. They always tell each other the truth and stick together.
The only disappointment which kept me from giving Lady In Distress 5 stars was Luke running away from Bella and his best friend Will and the family. I know he thought this would keep them safe but it came across a bit cowardly. The Kidnapping of Bella. I am so sick and tried of the heroine begin drugged, hit or slapped and threatening to be raped and forcibly married. This scene has played out in so many Historical Romances that I am sick of it!!! You know who the villain is and I like to see villains suffer and this one needed to suffer and be humiliated just like he did to Luke or worse because he kidnapped Bella and hit her. He got off to easy!!
So 4 Stars instead of 5 stars.
The only disappointment which kept me from giving Lady In Distress 5 stars was Luke running away from Bella and his best friend Will and the family. I know he thought this would keep them safe but it came across a bit cowardly. The Kidnapping of Bella. I am so sick and tried of the heroine begin drugged, hit or slapped and threatening to be raped and forcibly married. This scene has played out in so many Historical Romances that I am sick of it!!! You know who the villain is and I like to see villains suffer and this one needed to suffer and be humiliated just like he did to Luke or worse because he kidnapped Bella and hit her. He got off to easy!!
So 4 Stars instead of 5 stars.
April 17, 2019
Now I love Wendy Vella and it really bugs me that I have to rank this book so low! Wendy's characters are always relatable and the plots well done, so what happened here? It almost feels like she got up against the deadline and panicked. That would certainly explain the bad editing. There were problems with missing words, extra words, wrong words (some of which weren't even related) and the unforgivable calling a character by the wrong name. Like when we're told Luke and Finn are doing something, but Luke isn't with Finn, he's with Will. This happens several times. Also random punctuation. I could barely continue.
Some spoilers below
But I did, because I fell in love with these characters way back in book 1 (which had some editing issues, but nothing this bad!). Unfortunately, even Luke and Bella seem confused. Especially in the beginning section of the book, when they waffle back and forth between points so quickly my head swam. For Luke it was you can't have me because I'm not good enough for you to how dare you leave me for the season and I'm not going to do anything to improve my social standing, even for you. For Bella it was you're mine but you can't have me because (insert latest reason here). This would happen multiple times in a single conversation, with them each being outraged at the other for every twist and turn. Exhausting.
Things took a turn for the better once they reached London, even if it was a bit predictable. The big villain is literally the only person we're introduced to that would be in a position to do the things he did. And the big danger scene is brought about by a major Too Stupid To Live moment by every single person in Bella's life (including her!). All of these previously smart people know there's been threat made directly on Bella, but have no problem with her running around the park with only her maid. Ugh.
Okay, so I'm coming down hard on this book because I was so disappointed. As I said, I love Wendy Vella and I was expecting a 4-5 star read. I really hope this aberration is not continued in the rest of the series. Because I'm going to keep reading. *sigh*
Some spoilers below
But I did, because I fell in love with these characters way back in book 1 (which had some editing issues, but nothing this bad!). Unfortunately, even Luke and Bella seem confused. Especially in the beginning section of the book, when they waffle back and forth between points so quickly my head swam. For Luke it was you can't have me because I'm not good enough for you to how dare you leave me for the season and I'm not going to do anything to improve my social standing, even for you. For Bella it was you're mine but you can't have me because (insert latest reason here). This would happen multiple times in a single conversation, with them each being outraged at the other for every twist and turn. Exhausting.
Things took a turn for the better once they reached London, even if it was a bit predictable. The big villain is literally the only person we're introduced to that would be in a position to do the things he did. And the big danger scene is brought about by a major Too Stupid To Live moment by every single person in Bella's life (including her!). All of these previously smart people know there's been threat made directly on Bella, but have no problem with her running around the park with only her maid. Ugh.
Okay, so I'm coming down hard on this book because I was so disappointed. As I said, I love Wendy Vella and I was expecting a 4-5 star read. I really hope this aberration is not continued in the rest of the series. Because I'm going to keep reading. *sigh*
July 21, 2024
It was decent my favs Is still book 1 & 2
Like I said these are easy reads.
Poor boy turned rich man/ differences in stations
Age Gap (tabooish vibes as he knew her as a young one)
It's always been you.
Like I said these are easy reads.
Poor boy turned rich man/ differences in stations
Age Gap (tabooish vibes as he knew her as a young one)
It's always been you.
May 16, 2016
much eye-rolling
January 1, 2021
They loved each other since childhood
Belle and Luke were destined to marry, but would it ever happen. He and his best friend, Will had gone to India. While he was gone Belle wss involved in an accident where she injured her leg and spent time at a facility to rehabilitate her leg. When she got home Luke was there but she believed that he only saw her as a girl and an invalid, though she had changed. They wanted to marry but he insisted that she have her season in London. There she met Lord Anthony who fell in live with her and wanted to marry her. This is a very good story of family live and deep friendship. I recommend this book.
Belle and Luke were destined to marry, but would it ever happen. He and his best friend, Will had gone to India. While he was gone Belle wss involved in an accident where she injured her leg and spent time at a facility to rehabilitate her leg. When she got home Luke was there but she believed that he only saw her as a girl and an invalid, though she had changed. They wanted to marry but he insisted that she have her season in London. There she met Lord Anthony who fell in live with her and wanted to marry her. This is a very good story of family live and deep friendship. I recommend this book.
December 28, 2020
His Lady
Bella and Luke have loved each other for years. She the daughter of a peer and her a son of a sable hand. In polite society their love dips forbidden but the Langleys to it different. They marry for love.
After 6 months Will & Luke finally pick Bella up at the Clinic in Scotland. She has finally found the healing she needed.
Luke still wants her to have her season in London before she can be his. Luke also needs to do things for himself before he asks for Bella’s hand. But someone lurks in the shadows to destroy Luke and have Bella for himself.
A beautifully written story with a wonderful ending.
Bella and Luke have loved each other for years. She the daughter of a peer and her a son of a sable hand. In polite society their love dips forbidden but the Langleys to it different. They marry for love.
After 6 months Will & Luke finally pick Bella up at the Clinic in Scotland. She has finally found the healing she needed.
Luke still wants her to have her season in London before she can be his. Luke also needs to do things for himself before he asks for Bella’s hand. But someone lurks in the shadows to destroy Luke and have Bella for himself.
A beautifully written story with a wonderful ending.
November 13, 2018
The story is 4 stars, but the editing and some stilted writing and dialogue are a 2.
I enjoyed the characters of Bella and Luke. There were also several secondary characters, but they were easy to follow and didn't take over the main romance. I have not read the previous two books. This one stood fine on its own for me.
Bella is the youngest of 3 sisters gently born but who've lost their parents. Bella was injured in the same accident that killed her mother and was forced to walk with a cane. This book picks up after she has spent several months at a Scottish clinic learning to walk without pain and gaining more strength. Luke is a commoner who grew up with and is best friends with Bella's gentry brother-in-law. He spent time in India amassing a fortune before returning to England. He and Bella have loved each other for years, but he needs her to be sure she wants to marry him because most of society would not accept him as an equal.
There is plot against Luke that involves Bella. The vilian was easy to figure out well before the climax to the action. That did not take away from the sweet story between the H and h. The bones of a good book are here, predictability aside, and an editor could have made it much better. Still, it will probably go on my reread shelf for those times I want an easy, sweet romance.
I enjoyed the characters of Bella and Luke. There were also several secondary characters, but they were easy to follow and didn't take over the main romance. I have not read the previous two books. This one stood fine on its own for me.
Bella is the youngest of 3 sisters gently born but who've lost their parents. Bella was injured in the same accident that killed her mother and was forced to walk with a cane. This book picks up after she has spent several months at a Scottish clinic learning to walk without pain and gaining more strength. Luke is a commoner who grew up with and is best friends with Bella's gentry brother-in-law. He spent time in India amassing a fortune before returning to England. He and Bella have loved each other for years, but he needs her to be sure she wants to marry him because most of society would not accept him as an equal.
There is plot against Luke that involves Bella. The vilian was easy to figure out well before the climax to the action. That did not take away from the sweet story between the H and h. The bones of a good book are here, predictability aside, and an editor could have made it much better. Still, it will probably go on my reread shelf for those times I want an easy, sweet romance.
July 24, 2016
Great series
This series is a must read......absolutely. I'm a book a day reader and happened upon Wendy Vella as an author whilst looking for a decent book to read. I have read five of her books and am greatly impressed by her writing skill.....just needs a good editor for the typos and misspellings......but I could overlook those due to the consistent solid writing. These books are so different in the way the stories unfold...steamy romance, funny dialogue and situations, no over the top BS or boring detailed descriptions of clothing...Although descriptive just enough to keep you interested. I have never consistently given 5 star reviews to any author until now.....I grade hard. You won't be disappointed....I am surely a fan.
This series is a must read......absolutely. I'm a book a day reader and happened upon Wendy Vella as an author whilst looking for a decent book to read. I have read five of her books and am greatly impressed by her writing skill.....just needs a good editor for the typos and misspellings......but I could overlook those due to the consistent solid writing. These books are so different in the way the stories unfold...steamy romance, funny dialogue and situations, no over the top BS or boring detailed descriptions of clothing...Although descriptive just enough to keep you interested. I have never consistently given 5 star reviews to any author until now.....I grade hard. You won't be disappointed....I am surely a fan.
January 11, 2016
The youngest of the 3 sisters in this series and the one I most wanted to have a HEA. I enjoyed this books a lot and can recommend it.
The editing/grammar errors are back on the minor side so this books flows much better than the second one in this series.
The editing/grammar errors are back on the minor side so this books flows much better than the second one in this series.
October 27, 2016
Entertaining story, a bit predictable, but enjoyable nonetheless
Want to read
December 31, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/18/2019)! 🎁
August 28, 2018
Could have been more
It’s refreshing to read a book where both know do their love, admit their love, and are just waiting before they marry. Of course there are the usual “what if’s” struggles, but their relationship really isn’t the main conflict in the storyline. I was disappointed that there seemed to be so much potential in the climax and resolution of the conflict but it fell short and pretty much swept away without an issue. Why build up so much conflict just to wave a hand and have it all disappear? There were some amazing set ups that promised an amazing conclusion to the villain, yet nothing happened. Of course, this was more about the couple’s love, not giving justice to a fool.
It’s refreshing to read a book where both know do their love, admit their love, and are just waiting before they marry. Of course there are the usual “what if’s” struggles, but their relationship really isn’t the main conflict in the storyline. I was disappointed that there seemed to be so much potential in the climax and resolution of the conflict but it fell short and pretty much swept away without an issue. Why build up so much conflict just to wave a hand and have it all disappear? There were some amazing set ups that promised an amazing conclusion to the villain, yet nothing happened. Of course, this was more about the couple’s love, not giving justice to a fool.
March 17, 2023
Stupid decisions by men annoy me. Maybe it’s the repetitive info. Maybe it’s the lack of communication. This was a 2 star for me. I also dislike conflict or details introduced and never closed. For instance in this story Bella runs into Luke’s mother who is cold to Bella and Bella doesn’t know why. Later Bella again is in Luke’s mothers presence and the mother is all cheery and nice. There is never a conversation or resolution between these exchanges or conflict from cold to cheery. It’s just there, it happened, and we are left not knowing ever if the two characters worked out any issues or if the mother still is mad or detests Bella. Annoying and I hate it.
The villain is obvious in this story also. Bella is almost a doormat. She’s strong apparently, but then really not. Deep sigh.
The villain is obvious in this story also. Bella is almost a doormat. She’s strong apparently, but then really not. Deep sigh.
August 26, 2021
In book one H and h are reunited after H’s 5 year stay in India. Author made it it seem like hero left because he was growing attached to the heroine. The Problem for him being that she was of a higher class and out of his reach. My issue is that she was 11 at the time and he was a grown ass man.
Once he and will(hero from book 1) are back and hero sees heroine again, it is instant love for him. My problem with this is she’s only 15-16 , and he’s still a grown ass man. The age gap is creepy, the fact that he started loving her when she was 11 and he an adult is beyond disgusting.
1 star, Because of this and all the editing errors
Once he and will(hero from book 1) are back and hero sees heroine again, it is instant love for him. My problem with this is she’s only 15-16 , and he’s still a grown ass man. The age gap is creepy, the fact that he started loving her when she was 11 and he an adult is beyond disgusting.
1 star, Because of this and all the editing errors
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2023
creative story of unrequited love
She loved him all her life but she was a noblemen’s daughter and he a servant. This is an engaging storyline continued from past books. Belle is recovering from a leg injury. Luke is wrestling with his status in society and his abilities to succeed. The characters personalities are well defined. New characters are added and past characters come to life. It’s a vivid world. Yes there are typos, pronoun errors and even the wrong name used at times, but the story is solid and compelling. If these bother you then take off a star but if great characters and fun storylines are your thing, and you like true love conquering all then add a star.
She loved him all her life but she was a noblemen’s daughter and he a servant. This is an engaging storyline continued from past books. Belle is recovering from a leg injury. Luke is wrestling with his status in society and his abilities to succeed. The characters personalities are well defined. New characters are added and past characters come to life. It’s a vivid world. Yes there are typos, pronoun errors and even the wrong name used at times, but the story is solid and compelling. If these bother you then take off a star but if great characters and fun storylines are your thing, and you like true love conquering all then add a star.
January 16, 2024
I love this story of Luke and Isabella! Isabella falls in love with Luke when they are children. Luke loves her too but struggles with his belief that she is unreachable. Luke started life as a servant then goes away to seek his fortune. Isabella is in a carriage accident and struggles to cope with the pain. Can Luke get past the prejudice of the ton and marry her? Can Isabella heal from her trauma? Will the scoundrel come between them and force Isabella into marriage with him? Will Luke rescue her before it’s too late? Get the book you’ll love it! Wendy does a masterful job of bringing you into the book and her writing is phenomenal. R. K. C.
August 4, 2018
Bella was injured in a carriage accident and ends up in pain and with a severe limp. After years she goes to a clinic in Scotland for six months and during that time she learned to walk without a cane and how to manage the pain. She has changed quite a bit and Luke , who has loved and cared for her for years is a little in awe of her. She is a lady and he is the son of a stable man. They can’t be together. This is an enchanting story of two people who love but must decide if that is enough. I enjoyed this book.
October 28, 2023
This is perhaps the least historically accurate “family” I’ve ever read, but they’re just so stinking much fun, I don’t really care about accuracy. I’m a sucker for a second chance. And even though Bella and Luke kind of never really had a first chance, they still needed another attempt (or a few) to finally get it right. I loved Bella’s fighting spirit. It was something she desperately needed during this journey. And I loved how deeply and completely Luke loved Bella. I just wished he wouldn’t have been such a hard-headed jerk about admitting it for so long.
April 13, 2024
A love born in two people from childhood to adulthood, that never ceased.
Bella and Luke were destined to be together, yet Luke's "status" made him feel unworthy of her. Bella never cared about that, but getting Luke to see it didn't matter, was another thing.
Bella wanted a season, if only to prove that she would be seen no longer as the invalided Langley sister.
From the moment Lord Anthony was introduced, I did not trust him.
Bella's and Luke's devotion to one another never waned and they erased all obstacles thrown their way.
Bella and Luke were destined to be together, yet Luke's "status" made him feel unworthy of her. Bella never cared about that, but getting Luke to see it didn't matter, was another thing.
Bella wanted a season, if only to prove that she would be seen no longer as the invalided Langley sister.
From the moment Lord Anthony was introduced, I did not trust him.
Bella's and Luke's devotion to one another never waned and they erased all obstacles thrown their way.
September 4, 2020
Fabulous
Loved reading this book. Bella has been character in previous books by this author so was glad to see her recovered from accident that hurt her leg. After much physical therapy she is able to move on with a life that she had wanted. Luke has lived Bella pretty much all his life but felt that she could not be a part of his life since he was a commoner. They have to work to figure out a way to make a life for themselves
Loved reading this book. Bella has been character in previous books by this author so was glad to see her recovered from accident that hurt her leg. After much physical therapy she is able to move on with a life that she had wanted. Luke has lived Bella pretty much all his life but felt that she could not be a part of his life since he was a commoner. They have to work to figure out a way to make a life for themselves
April 4, 2024
Each time I finish one of these books
I think I’ve loved the last one the best and then comes the next…
This is an absolute favorite (as many of the others are as well)!! Luke and Bella are so beautiful in their love for one another. They had to win many battles to be together and theirs is a wonderful story! The rest of the family and friends add additional spice and make each book a delight to read.
pamarella
PRCS
I think I’ve loved the last one the best and then comes the next…
This is an absolute favorite (as many of the others are as well)!! Luke and Bella are so beautiful in their love for one another. They had to win many battles to be together and theirs is a wonderful story! The rest of the family and friends add additional spice and make each book a delight to read.
pamarella
PRCS
March 29, 2018
Another satisfying Langley sister romance.
In this charming, slightly suspenseful, historical romance Bella and Luke struggle with their class differences on a bit of a rocky road to their HEA. A standard plot but with great personalities and really loving relationships that make this novel (along with the previous two in this series) simply shine.
In this charming, slightly suspenseful, historical romance Bella and Luke struggle with their class differences on a bit of a rocky road to their HEA. A standard plot but with great personalities and really loving relationships that make this novel (along with the previous two in this series) simply shine.
August 3, 2018
Loved it
I love the "Langley Sisters" series. I knew Luke and Bella's story would be the sweetest of them. Luke has always loved Bella, even when they were children together. Can they find their way together when she is of noble birth and he is not? You will love it as much as I do.
I love the "Langley Sisters" series. I knew Luke and Bella's story would be the sweetest of them. Luke has always loved Bella, even when they were children together. Can they find their way together when she is of noble birth and he is not? You will love it as much as I do.
August 5, 2018
Good third one
I would have given 5 stars if the story had been better edited. I am sorry that ebooks are not as well scanned as books are, from the to and too to the displaced names. I would love to help authors with final editing if asked. But, nonetheless, keep writing, Wendy Vella. I love your plots.
I would have given 5 stars if the story had been better edited. I am sorry that ebooks are not as well scanned as books are, from the to and too to the displaced names. I would love to help authors with final editing if asked. But, nonetheless, keep writing, Wendy Vella. I love your plots.
August 10, 2018
Good Read!
When I purchased this in the past couple of days I thought it sounded familiar. And I was right I purchased the first three Langley series in a three book deal in 2014. But I reread this and was amazed it still made me laugh and cry. Thank you Wendy Joe I need book 4 &5.ENJOY
When I purchased this in the past couple of days I thought it sounded familiar. And I was right I purchased the first three Langley series in a three book deal in 2014. But I reread this and was amazed it still made me laugh and cry. Thank you Wendy Joe I need book 4 &5.ENJOY
January 13, 2019
Lame no more and in Love
Bella has loved Luke since they were children. It was a hero worship love not the fierce love of a man and a woman! Luke was very humble beginnings and felt he would never be good enough! A jealous admirer, a near miss with death and several adventures later this couple has their long awaited HEA! Beautiful!
Bella has loved Luke since they were children. It was a hero worship love not the fierce love of a man and a woman! Luke was very humble beginnings and felt he would never be good enough! A jealous admirer, a near miss with death and several adventures later this couple has their long awaited HEA! Beautiful!
December 2, 2019
Not the worst, not the best
This is the third in a series and it took me a while to figure out who all the siblings and spouses were, and at the end I still don’t know if I have it right.
It was.. okay. Predictable, but most of these romances are. Needed a good editor to go back through and catch all the mistakes, dropped words, etc.
This is the third in a series and it took me a while to figure out who all the siblings and spouses were, and at the end I still don’t know if I have it right.
It was.. okay. Predictable, but most of these romances are. Needed a good editor to go back through and catch all the mistakes, dropped words, etc.
February 10, 2020
Actually didn’t finish this one. I just couldn’t get into it and I felt like Luke and Bella were having the same conversation with each interaction. A few editing errors, including one where another character (Will) was interjected as being the speaker, when in fact Luke was in the middle of his dialogue, was the tipping point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2020
No greater love
I loved Bella and Luke s story, they've loved each other there whole
Lives, but there stations in life was
Keeping them apart until there love
Could not be contained anymore
This book is full of adventures.
And dangerous incounters
And wonderful characters including a horse named Bill.
Thank you ❤💯%
I loved Bella and Luke s story, they've loved each other there whole
Lives, but there stations in life was
Keeping them apart until there love
Could not be contained anymore
This book is full of adventures.
And dangerous incounters
And wonderful characters including a horse named Bill.
Thank you ❤💯%
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews