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Eligible Lords for Proper Ladies #1
The Persistent Suitor
Juliana Labrook, second daughter of the Earl of Anscom, is no one’s idea of a proper lady. She’s ramshackle, always says what she thinks and prefers riding and fishing over sewing and social graces.
Grayson Lyall, Marquis of Carraway, is Society’s ideal of a perfect gentleman. He’s handsome, wealthy and considered a war hero by everyone but himself.
A gentleman, that is, until he sets eyes on the intriguingly different Lady Juliana, emotionally jilted and humiliated and under pressure to change everything about herself.
For her, he is quite willing to play the hero to a reluctant damsel in distress. But nothing is ever easy with Lady Juliana. It will take persistence.
Grayson Lyall, Marquis of Carraway, is Society’s ideal of a perfect gentleman. He’s handsome, wealthy and considered a war hero by everyone but himself.
A gentleman, that is, until he sets eyes on the intriguingly different Lady Juliana, emotionally jilted and humiliated and under pressure to change everything about herself.
For her, he is quite willing to play the hero to a reluctant damsel in distress. But nothing is ever easy with Lady Juliana. It will take persistence.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2015
88 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 10, 2018
Great
I found this a good book. Lady Juliana is a really strong character and Grayson loves her quirkiness from the start. Their relationship grows over time and they seem to like the same things which helps their relationship.
I found this a good book. Lady Juliana is a really strong character and Grayson loves her quirkiness from the start. Their relationship grows over time and they seem to like the same things which helps their relationship.
January 22, 2017
Historical English romance with a free thinking young lady getting her heart crushed in the same moment that she meets the 'one'.
Sometimes timing really sucks.
Lady Juliana Labrook gets all her hopes crushed when her best guy friend (and unrequited puppy love) declares his engagement to her cousin at the same time that Lord Grayson Lyall, Marquis of Carraway randomly shows up to meet with her father and helps her survive that terrible moment.
So I basically fall in love with Gray at that moment. If you need an example of how an author 'shows' the reader the character of the hero of the story instead of just using an adjective like 'trustworthy' and 'kind'.
I liked this little story an would read more from this author.
142 pages and kindle freebie
3 stars
Sometimes timing really sucks.
Lady Juliana Labrook gets all her hopes crushed when her best guy friend (and unrequited puppy love) declares his engagement to her cousin at the same time that Lord Grayson Lyall, Marquis of Carraway randomly shows up to meet with her father and helps her survive that terrible moment.
So I basically fall in love with Gray at that moment. If you need an example of how an author 'shows' the reader the character of the hero of the story instead of just using an adjective like 'trustworthy' and 'kind'.
I liked this little story an would read more from this author.
142 pages and kindle freebie
3 stars
April 4, 2017
Yay, A New Author (for me)
I loved this bright, fresh story. The good things:The characters seemed realistic and the story didn't have a contrived plot twists. The only problem I saw was that the setting didn't really feel like the early nineteenth century. The language was too modern. Despite that, I'll definitely read all of the books in this series and be prepared to enjoy myself.
I loved this bright, fresh story. The good things:The characters seemed realistic and the story didn't have a contrived plot twists. The only problem I saw was that the setting didn't really feel like the early nineteenth century. The language was too modern. Despite that, I'll definitely read all of the books in this series and be prepared to enjoy myself.
November 17, 2018
It was indeed a romance read but also a growing up story.
In the span of a few weeks, Juliana will have to say goodbye to her childhood sweetheart so mourn her first love then accept to change her way amount society then grow to care for an other man.
She is quite a spitfire, often speaking before thinking, she can be harsh when hurt even if she is a kind soul but she also does not let in general others crush her spirit.
I do liked how she stood up against Grayson’s mother and her choice of a future wife then how she didn’t shy away when she has to persuade Grayson she loves him after everything she tried to tell herself.
Grayson Lyall, the Marquis of Carraway left the war fields to endorse his new status, he has an instant attraction to Juliana, he is drawn to her not so prom and proper personality. But he has his hands full, first convince her the man she thought she loved was not the one for her, then that he is the right one. He was quite a persistent man until the very end when he gave up rather to quickly for me.
Hopefully Juliana took later in hands.
A sweet witty read.
In the span of a few weeks, Juliana will have to say goodbye to her childhood sweetheart so mourn her first love then accept to change her way amount society then grow to care for an other man.
She is quite a spitfire, often speaking before thinking, she can be harsh when hurt even if she is a kind soul but she also does not let in general others crush her spirit.
I do liked how she stood up against Grayson’s mother and her choice of a future wife then how she didn’t shy away when she has to persuade Grayson she loves him after everything she tried to tell herself.
Grayson Lyall, the Marquis of Carraway left the war fields to endorse his new status, he has an instant attraction to Juliana, he is drawn to her not so prom and proper personality. But he has his hands full, first convince her the man she thought she loved was not the one for her, then that he is the right one. He was quite a persistent man until the very end when he gave up rather to quickly for me.
Hopefully Juliana took later in hands.
A sweet witty read.
November 19, 2018
The Persistent Suitor is the 5th book in the Eligible Lords for Proper Ladies series. This short steamy novel takes off when Grayson steps up to protect Juliana’s broken heart from being revealed when her cousin becomes engaged to the man she thought she loved. As a neighbor, they come across each other in an unusual situation which ignites a flames Grayson will explore. Juliana is unsure of this Marquis who could have any girl, but she doubts her heart since it betrayed her before.
Rachel McNeely keeps the reader in suspense as this couple questions the other’s sincerity. I found The Persistent Suitor fun to read and wish it didn’t have to put it down. The characters are not always proper as expected of them, which makes this an appealing read. Juliana’s strong personality and interests is enticing for those who love historical romance.
Rachel McNeely keeps the reader in suspense as this couple questions the other’s sincerity. I found The Persistent Suitor fun to read and wish it didn’t have to put it down. The characters are not always proper as expected of them, which makes this an appealing read. Juliana’s strong personality and interests is enticing for those who love historical romance.
April 27, 2021
OK, OK, Regency romance isn't the most realistic of genres in the first place, but for goodness' sake if you're going to write it, do a *little* research on the period - even if it's only a matter of reading half a dozen Georgette Heyers it ought to equip you with more knowledge than this author displays.
The anachronistic dialogue, I could just about cope with - it seems endemic in the genre, and if the characters are interesting, I can usually bear it - but the point where my suspension of disbelief snapped like a dry twig was when the posh heroine, who has just been sent to Bath for a month to learn proper behaviour for a demure young lady, is handing out plates of food to her relatives, something that would be seen as far beneath her dignity by her social circle. Bad author, no biscuit.
The anachronistic dialogue, I could just about cope with - it seems endemic in the genre, and if the characters are interesting, I can usually bear it - but the point where my suspension of disbelief snapped like a dry twig was when the posh heroine, who has just been sent to Bath for a month to learn proper behaviour for a demure young lady, is handing out plates of food to her relatives, something that would be seen as far beneath her dignity by her social circle. Bad author, no biscuit.
April 17, 2018
2.5/5
It’s ok. It liked the story but there were a few issues with the writing that I didn’t care for. A few contradictions. She’s supposed to be a wild girl who never follows society’s rules but as soon as she meets up with buddy - she’s extremely prim, prude and proper? Until the end where she breaks the rules in a very big way (also surprised me) 👀.... her talks with her family were lame and I could never see myself having such discussions at that age now never mind two hundred years ago. I really wanted to see what was going to happen with Angie and Daniel.... but I guess that will be another book? Anyways so by the end, I was wondering what exactly happened for her to know she was in love with him? Oh well.
It’s ok. It liked the story but there were a few issues with the writing that I didn’t care for. A few contradictions. She’s supposed to be a wild girl who never follows society’s rules but as soon as she meets up with buddy - she’s extremely prim, prude and proper? Until the end where she breaks the rules in a very big way (also surprised me) 👀.... her talks with her family were lame and I could never see myself having such discussions at that age now never mind two hundred years ago. I really wanted to see what was going to happen with Angie and Daniel.... but I guess that will be another book? Anyways so by the end, I was wondering what exactly happened for her to know she was in love with him? Oh well.
October 13, 2017
So romantic
They meet at her home at the announcement of her cousin's betrothal to the man she loved. He shields her from the others vision so she has time to collect herself. When she can get free she goes to the water to be alone with her pain but Grayson shows up and intrudes on her alone time. When she loses her balance and falls into the water he tries to rescue her but she tells him she can swim and doesn't need his help, so he kisses her and tells her that she will be his. Only, she is not amused and is determined to show him he is wrong. Thus begins an interesting path for these two people, full of encounters brimming with romance. Ah, the dance of love.
They meet at her home at the announcement of her cousin's betrothal to the man she loved. He shields her from the others vision so she has time to collect herself. When she can get free she goes to the water to be alone with her pain but Grayson shows up and intrudes on her alone time. When she loses her balance and falls into the water he tries to rescue her but she tells him she can swim and doesn't need his help, so he kisses her and tells her that she will be his. Only, she is not amused and is determined to show him he is wrong. Thus begins an interesting path for these two people, full of encounters brimming with romance. Ah, the dance of love.
April 16, 2018
The Persistent Suitor by Rachel McNeely is a wonderful historical romance. Ms. McNeely has penned a well-written book and loaded it with fantastic characters. Juliana is crushed when the man she grew up with and loved becomes engaged to her cousin. Grayson helps her out of a few spots of emotional overload. Their story is full of drama, humor and spice. I enjoyed reading The Persistent Suitor and look forward to reading more from Rachel McNeely in the future. The Persistent Suitor is part of the Eligible Lords for Proper Ladies Series but can easily be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
September 18, 2017
Military man pursues unlikely lady.
I enjoyed this book. Who will be Lady Melody's intended? Will Angie and her shell shocked war hero find love again? I'm getting ahead of myself. Grayson and Juliana were very prickly to one a other until they. realized that their strong feelings were love. I had to keep turning the page to see what happens next. I'm looking forward to reading more about these proper ladies.
I
I enjoyed this book. Who will be Lady Melody's intended? Will Angie and her shell shocked war hero find love again? I'm getting ahead of myself. Grayson and Juliana were very prickly to one a other until they. realized that their strong feelings were love. I had to keep turning the page to see what happens next. I'm looking forward to reading more about these proper ladies.
I
September 13, 2017
BEAUTIFUL REGENCY ROMANCE
This story was at once, sad and then bursting with the essence of love to come. My wife and I couldn't put it down until we had finished reading. Thank you, Danny and Debbie Scott.
This story was at once, sad and then bursting with the essence of love to come. My wife and I couldn't put it down until we had finished reading. Thank you, Danny and Debbie Scott.
October 26, 2017
Eligible vs Proper
Enjoyed my first read from this author. Interesting characters and plot. Wished that the major players had a smoother interaction felt like something was missing. On to more reads.
Enjoyed my first read from this author. Interesting characters and plot. Wished that the major players had a smoother interaction felt like something was missing. On to more reads.
July 23, 2018
The persistent suitor
Excellent fun fast paced story w/ a splatter of smouldering steam,snark,and dare. Smooth and entertainingly written I felt like I was there watching from the outside in ❣️💃🏻👍🏻
Excellent fun fast paced story w/ a splatter of smouldering steam,snark,and dare. Smooth and entertainingly written I felt like I was there watching from the outside in ❣️💃🏻👍🏻
February 24, 2019
Delightful
I love the care and depth given to each character it made the story even more delightful. This story turned out to be so delicious I can't wait to read more by the author.
I love the care and depth given to each character it made the story even more delightful. This story turned out to be so delicious I can't wait to read more by the author.
October 21, 2022
3.5. It was easy to read but the hero wasn’t my favorite. I also wish we’d gotten some closure on the Angie situation since it appears she doesn’t get a book in this series? Maybe we see more in the background of the other books?
September 14, 2017
Good
It was a good sweet story. Enjoyable read about first and last love and angst in between. Good writing, can't wait for next book.
It was a good sweet story. Enjoyable read about first and last love and angst in between. Good writing, can't wait for next book.
September 27, 2017
The Persistent Suitor by Rachel McNeedy is a very enjoyable, charming story. I had a very good relaxing time reading this marvelous story. My opinion. Thanks
January 1, 2018
Didn't finish this, sorry.
February 13, 2018
A fine and enjoyable romance, good and solid just the way I like it. Reminiscent of those old Silhouette Regencies when the reader gets lost in the Mystique and Romance of those bygone days.
March 31, 2018
Perfect Couple
This book was great if you love romance.The characters are so real,you will feel like you are there watching them fall in love with each other.
This book was great if you love romance.The characters are so real,you will feel like you are there watching them fall in love with each other.
April 4, 2018
Great storyline
It is a well written story. Both characters were likeable and given great personalities by the writer. I enjoyed this book.
It is a well written story. Both characters were likeable and given great personalities by the writer. I enjoyed this book.
August 4, 2018
I enjoyed reading.
January 21, 2020
Lovely story with a strong unconventional heroine and the perfect realistic hero.
November 8, 2015
Not the clean romance I wanted.
March 25, 2017
Writing Style?
Pretty plain and monotonous in the beginning. Doesn't get that much better unfortunately ...
The Marquis? He is intense. And I don't mean in a good way. He is way too demanding and continually tells Juliana what to do and how she feels. I guess I just don't like that he is so improper and that he doesn't really court her but basically talks her into putting up with him...
Juliana?
She is rude in the beginning. Like, really rude. Not cool. And everyone is like, ah that's because she was always around men, because her father allowed her to follow him around... Ahm, no she's just not a very nice person.
I am glad that she then changed in a way. Not too much, though.
I didn't like that she forgave her parents, especially her mother, so easily. Her mother could have just talked to her once. You know, one serious conversation... But no, she chose to scorn her daughter. Unbelievable. And then of course she was the best mom you could wish for. Haha.
All in all, ok book but not for me...
Pretty plain and monotonous in the beginning. Doesn't get that much better unfortunately ...
The Marquis? He is intense. And I don't mean in a good way. He is way too demanding and continually tells Juliana what to do and how she feels. I guess I just don't like that he is so improper and that he doesn't really court her but basically talks her into putting up with him...
Juliana?
She is rude in the beginning. Like, really rude. Not cool. And everyone is like, ah that's because she was always around men, because her father allowed her to follow him around... Ahm, no she's just not a very nice person.
I am glad that she then changed in a way. Not too much, though.
I didn't like that she forgave her parents, especially her mother, so easily. Her mother could have just talked to her once. You know, one serious conversation... But no, she chose to scorn her daughter. Unbelievable. And then of course she was the best mom you could wish for. Haha.
All in all, ok book but not for me...
August 2, 2017
3.5*
An enjoyable historical romance read, with brazen female characters and eligible gentlemen galore!
A short but sweet read by a new-to-me author.
An enjoyable historical romance read, with brazen female characters and eligible gentlemen galore!
A short but sweet read by a new-to-me author.
Read
October 18, 2018Disappointing, but not the worst book I've read. There were lots of grammar errors that jumped out at me as I read, and a few anachronistic slang terms, which made it difficult to stay immersed in the story, but not impossible to overlook. There were also quite a few continuity glitches, where one thing is stated, and then something different is said to be the case, which is confusing to the overall story. However, the basic plot was well laid-out until about the last chapter or two and then it fell apart.
***spoiler***
For such a persistent suitor who seemed to be so well able to read the heroine's moods, he sure did act out of character during the house party. To go from proposals and amorous desire to "I-never-want-to-see-you-again" seemed completely unreasonable based on the development of his character to that point. He would have at least talked to Juliana about it. And for her to go from prim and proper lady to jumping into his bed to force him to honor their secret engagement also seemed like an unreasonable leap. The ending could have been worked out without the high-school type drama.
***spoiler***
For such a persistent suitor who seemed to be so well able to read the heroine's moods, he sure did act out of character during the house party. To go from proposals and amorous desire to "I-never-want-to-see-you-again" seemed completely unreasonable based on the development of his character to that point. He would have at least talked to Juliana about it. And for her to go from prim and proper lady to jumping into his bed to force him to honor their secret engagement also seemed like an unreasonable leap. The ending could have been worked out without the high-school type drama.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews