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Fallen Ladies #1
Luck Is No Lady
"You should not have kissed me," she replied breathlessly.
"I do a lot of things I shouldn't. It does not mean I won't do them again."
Gently bred Emma Chadwick always assumed she'd live and die the daughter of a gentleman. But when her father's death reveals a world of staggering debt and dangerous moneylenders, she must risk her good name and put her talent for mathematics to use, taking a position as bookkeeper at London's most notorious gambling hell. Surrounded by vice and corruption on all sides, it is imperative no one discovers Emma's shameful secret or her reputation-and her life-will be ruined.
But Roderick Bentley, the hell's sinfully wealthy owner, awakens a hunger Emma cannot deny. Drawn deep into an underworld of high stakes gambling and reckless overindulgence, she soon discovers that in order to win the love of a ruthless scoundrel, she will have to play the game...and give in to the pleasure of falling from grace.
"I do a lot of things I shouldn't. It does not mean I won't do them again."
Gently bred Emma Chadwick always assumed she'd live and die the daughter of a gentleman. But when her father's death reveals a world of staggering debt and dangerous moneylenders, she must risk her good name and put her talent for mathematics to use, taking a position as bookkeeper at London's most notorious gambling hell. Surrounded by vice and corruption on all sides, it is imperative no one discovers Emma's shameful secret or her reputation-and her life-will be ruined.
But Roderick Bentley, the hell's sinfully wealthy owner, awakens a hunger Emma cannot deny. Drawn deep into an underworld of high stakes gambling and reckless overindulgence, she soon discovers that in order to win the love of a ruthless scoundrel, she will have to play the game...and give in to the pleasure of falling from grace.
382 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 5, 2016
251 people are currently reading
2362 people want to read
About the author
Amy Sandas
113 books343 followersMy love of romance began one summer when I was thirteen and complained of boredom. I ended up with one of my mother's Barbara Cartland books and an obsessive interest that expanded from there. My affinity for writing began with sappy pre-teen poems and led to a Bachelor's degree with an emphasis on Creative Writing from the University of Minnesota--Twin Cities.
I love pizza, wine, and dark brooding heroes! With a husband, three kids, and two dogs at home, it can be difficult to find the time (and the motivation!) to write. But somehow the words keep showing up on the page. I am endlessly grateful to the many wonderful readers who enjoy my books and ask for more!
I love pizza, wine, and dark brooding heroes! With a husband, three kids, and two dogs at home, it can be difficult to find the time (and the motivation!) to write. But somehow the words keep showing up on the page. I am endlessly grateful to the many wonderful readers who enjoy my books and ask for more!
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 276 reviews
September 18, 2016
I'd like to take a moment to thank the book gods, and express my appreciation of my bookworm instincts... I've been toiling through some unsuccessful reads since Friday night, and its been awhile since I've read a 5 star book. I mean, 4 stars are great but nothing beats the exhilarating feeling you get when you finish a 5 star read! And boy did this book blow me away. It had everything I look for in a memorable book, a tortured hero, a strong heroine, a great romance, sexual tension and a healthy dose of some good old fashioned angst.
What's even more surprising is the fact that this was a flippin' wordy book and I generally don't like those, bit there I was reading those detailed scenes and being aware of the fact that I should be losing interest but enjoying them thoroughly! It was like some kind of out of body experience. Apart from the surprises, I loved the fact that the heroine was a nerd. She loved maths and used it to save herself and her sisters from the trouble the were in. I keep saying this but this is the year for strong heroines for me.
“Numbers never lied or caused disappointment. There was infinite beauty in the consistency of mathematics.
This here was what she understood."
Back to the story.
The heroine, Emma finds herself the guardian to her 2 younger sisters after the death of their father, their mother having dodd a few years prior. Their father left her heavily in debt, the lost worrying of the debt being to a pugilist turned bookie by the name of Hale. Emma's most important goal is to have her sisters marry so that when Hale finally finds her they are unaffected by the backlash.
To help with their financial situation she finds work at a gaming hell as a bookkeeper under an alias . Which brings us to Roderick Bentley, the own of the gaming hell and the bastard son of an earl. Shunned by polite society, he lives in between 2 worlds.
“His voice when he spoke was laden with raw sensuality. “You want to give yourself to me, then you give it all. If we do this…I will not hold back. It is all or nothing, sweetheart.”
What starts an employer and employee relationship between Emma and Roderick quickly becomes so much more. There was so much yearning in this book. Emma who realised her intense feeling for Roderick holds back because she fears any association with him would affect her sisters coming out into society. And while Roderick feels just as deeply for her, he struggles with feelings of unworthiness.
I thoroughly enjoyed this gem of a book and then next book is sounding just as promising as the first. I think I may have found myself an automatic buy author!
January 21, 2022
On Kindle sale today 21 Jan 2022 for USD 1.99.
I am re-reading all my 5 star rated romance novels. There are 62 on my shelf (and counting). This is book 45.
This is how my 45th re-read held up.
Downgraded from 4.75 stars to 4. I skimmed some of the chapters that focused on other characters I did not find necessary.
(Tropes: Disguise/Mistaken Identity, Opposites Attract, Spinster/Wallflower, Unstarched (her), Secret Identity, Work Relationship, Forbidden Love,)
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
I read this book out of turn, so my first introduction to Amy Sandas was the second in the series and I was not a fan. I don’t remember having issues with the prose, but the characters and absurd plot in the 2nd caused me to loathe it. But I had bought both at the same time, so this one has been left in a dusty corner on my Kindle.
Today I read it. In one sitting.
**
With a subtle twitch of one dark eyebrow, Mr. Bentley asked, “You are here to apply for the bookkeeping position?”
**
Quick plot: Emma is considered to be on the shelf and has taken full responsibility of her two younger sisters and their season despite financial difficulties, legacy of their late gambling father. Desperate to make ends meet she manages to gain employment at Roderick Bentley’s gaming hall, as his bookkeeper. Roderick is a by-blow from a ton affair, so while he moves among the them, he is not fully accepted. As luck would have it (for us), imagine their surprise when both meet at the interview and recognise each other from a brief but sizzling interlude behind a curtain at a ball.
This book repaired the damage that Derek in Lisa Kleypas’ Dreaming of You caused me. Roderick does not manhandle or order Emma about. He doesn’t flirt or sleep with other women, or spout endlessly about his conquests. Roderick is kind, open and caring, while being hot as hell.
What I loved about this book is how damn into each other they are, and while circumstances try to keep them apart, they can’t resist the fierce pull since they first met.
It made the book very drama free in a way that made it such a pleasant reading.
It’s not over the top, cheesy or full of clichés.
A Sandas keeps things happening at a very good pace, and when she has to digress from the main characters, it’s kept relatively brief, which I appreciate.
And the sexual tension/relief?
I mean, we all know why we read these books – and it’s not about the mystery, secondary characters or the adorable household puppy.
*****
- “Is your club infamous, Mr. Bentley?”
His lips twitched.
Emma got the impression he detected the sarcasm in her response and it amused him.
“Some would say so,” he replied. “Does that concern you?”
Of course it did. “Of course not.” She kept her tone steady, refusing to show the slightest hint of apprehension.
- Despite the polished appearance of his surroundings and the well-tailored cut of his clothes, the man possessed an air of unpredictability and an almost defiant nonconformity. He was unlike any gentleman she had ever known. Such characteristics should have made her wary. Instead, he fascinated her.
- “This conversation is terribly inappropriate.”
The smile he flashed was quite wicked. “I am not always known for being appropriate.”
“Well, I am,” she countered.
“That fact is as obvious as your innocence.” His stare was bold and unsettling.
“I should go.”
“Yet here you remain.”
- “I treat others only as I would wish for them to treat me.”
Her heart beat swiftly as she heard the things he did not say. She suspected he had encountered a great deal of unfair prejudice in his life.
- He brushed his thumb over her jaw and pressed at the corner of her mouth. When her lips parted, he tilted his head and swept his tongue past her teeth. The deepening of the kiss brought a rush of tingling heat to her core. The sensation was heavy and delicious. She leaned farther into him, bracing her hands on the hard surface of his thighs. When she allowed her teeth to close lightly on his lower lip, he groaned in earnest and drew back. But it was only to grasp her around the waist as he stood, drawing them both to their feet. He wasted no time in enfolding her in a solid embrace. Her breasts pressed wonderfully against his wide chest; his hips bumped against hers.
- “Why does this moment—standing with you like this in the shadows—feel so right?” he asked.
She barely managed to whisper, “I do not know.”
- “What about our personal relationship?” he asked in a raw murmur.
She licked her lips before she replied. “We have no personal relationship.”
“Maybe we should.”
- Emma tipped her chin to look up into his shadowed face. “I thought you wanted to talk,” she challenged in a breathless whisper.
“This first.” He lowered his mouth to hers.
- “You have an amazing ability to shield yourself from those around you. Closing yourself off to scrutiny or interference.” He lifted a hand to brush his knuckles over the curve of her cheek and then along her jaw to the prideful jut of her chin. “You go about life as though you are an island. No one is an island, Emma. Not you.”
He slid his hand around behind her neck. “Not me.”
His lowered his head slowly and brushed his lips across hers with infinite care.
4.75 stars (now changed to 4 stars)
I am re-reading all my 5 star rated romance novels. There are 62 on my shelf (and counting). This is book 45.
This is how my 45th re-read held up.
Downgraded from 4.75 stars to 4. I skimmed some of the chapters that focused on other characters I did not find necessary.
(Tropes: Disguise/Mistaken Identity, Opposites Attract, Spinster/Wallflower, Unstarched (her), Secret Identity, Work Relationship, Forbidden Love,)
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
I read this book out of turn, so my first introduction to Amy Sandas was the second in the series and I was not a fan. I don’t remember having issues with the prose, but the characters and absurd plot in the 2nd caused me to loathe it. But I had bought both at the same time, so this one has been left in a dusty corner on my Kindle.
Today I read it. In one sitting.
**
With a subtle twitch of one dark eyebrow, Mr. Bentley asked, “You are here to apply for the bookkeeping position?”
**
Quick plot: Emma is considered to be on the shelf and has taken full responsibility of her two younger sisters and their season despite financial difficulties, legacy of their late gambling father. Desperate to make ends meet she manages to gain employment at Roderick Bentley’s gaming hall, as his bookkeeper. Roderick is a by-blow from a ton affair, so while he moves among the them, he is not fully accepted. As luck would have it (for us), imagine their surprise when both meet at the interview and recognise each other from a brief but sizzling interlude behind a curtain at a ball.
This book repaired the damage that Derek in Lisa Kleypas’ Dreaming of You caused me. Roderick does not manhandle or order Emma about. He doesn’t flirt or sleep with other women, or spout endlessly about his conquests. Roderick is kind, open and caring, while being hot as hell.
What I loved about this book is how damn into each other they are, and while circumstances try to keep them apart, they can’t resist the fierce pull since they first met.
It made the book very drama free in a way that made it such a pleasant reading.
It’s not over the top, cheesy or full of clichés.
A Sandas keeps things happening at a very good pace, and when she has to digress from the main characters, it’s kept relatively brief, which I appreciate.
And the sexual tension/relief?
I mean, we all know why we read these books – and it’s not about the mystery, secondary characters or the adorable household puppy.
*****
- “Is your club infamous, Mr. Bentley?”
His lips twitched.
Emma got the impression he detected the sarcasm in her response and it amused him.
“Some would say so,” he replied. “Does that concern you?”
Of course it did. “Of course not.” She kept her tone steady, refusing to show the slightest hint of apprehension.
- Despite the polished appearance of his surroundings and the well-tailored cut of his clothes, the man possessed an air of unpredictability and an almost defiant nonconformity. He was unlike any gentleman she had ever known. Such characteristics should have made her wary. Instead, he fascinated her.
- “This conversation is terribly inappropriate.”
The smile he flashed was quite wicked. “I am not always known for being appropriate.”
“Well, I am,” she countered.
“That fact is as obvious as your innocence.” His stare was bold and unsettling.
“I should go.”
“Yet here you remain.”
- “I treat others only as I would wish for them to treat me.”
Her heart beat swiftly as she heard the things he did not say. She suspected he had encountered a great deal of unfair prejudice in his life.
- He brushed his thumb over her jaw and pressed at the corner of her mouth. When her lips parted, he tilted his head and swept his tongue past her teeth. The deepening of the kiss brought a rush of tingling heat to her core. The sensation was heavy and delicious. She leaned farther into him, bracing her hands on the hard surface of his thighs. When she allowed her teeth to close lightly on his lower lip, he groaned in earnest and drew back. But it was only to grasp her around the waist as he stood, drawing them both to their feet. He wasted no time in enfolding her in a solid embrace. Her breasts pressed wonderfully against his wide chest; his hips bumped against hers.
- “Why does this moment—standing with you like this in the shadows—feel so right?” he asked.
She barely managed to whisper, “I do not know.”
- “What about our personal relationship?” he asked in a raw murmur.
She licked her lips before she replied. “We have no personal relationship.”
“Maybe we should.”
- Emma tipped her chin to look up into his shadowed face. “I thought you wanted to talk,” she challenged in a breathless whisper.
“This first.” He lowered his mouth to hers.
- “You have an amazing ability to shield yourself from those around you. Closing yourself off to scrutiny or interference.” He lifted a hand to brush his knuckles over the curve of her cheek and then along her jaw to the prideful jut of her chin. “You go about life as though you are an island. No one is an island, Emma. Not you.”
He slid his hand around behind her neck. “Not me.”
His lowered his head slowly and brushed his lips across hers with infinite care.
4.75 stars (now changed to 4 stars)
July 5, 2017
Just as perfect the second time around *happy sigh*
I L O V E D this book!!!!!! This book is exactly why I love HR. It was fabulous.
“You should not have kissed me,” she replied breathlessly as her thoughts began to reorganize themselves and a raw panic seeped into her bones.
“I do a lot of things I shouldn’t. It does not mean I won’t do them again.”
Roderick Bentley is the bastard son of an Earl. He is one of the wealthiest men in town, known for his knack with investments and his gambling hell. He despises the noble society, and he lives according to his own rules.
Emma Chadwick has spent the last couple of years caring for her family. First was her mother when she was sick, until she died, then her father until he died as well. Now she takes care of her two younger sisters. But because of her father’s gambling debts, she is forced to find a means of income. And once she sees the advertisement for a bookkeeping position at London’s most notorious gambling hell, she risks her good name to apply for the position. Hoping she can keep her real identity hidden. What she didn’t expect was for her employer to be the infamous Roderick Bentley, the man she recently hid with behind a curtain, both trying to hide from unwanted company. Hopefully he won’t recognise her as the woman he shared a kiss with behind said darkened curtain.
“An adventurous heart beats within you,” he murmured. “I wonder what it would take to liberate it. I dream of showing you all the pleasures life has to offer.”
I loved both Emma and Roderick. Emma might be a gently bred lady, but she was no meek woman, she was very strong-willed and she never judged Roderick, and refused to see him as the others of the ton did. She comes across as very reserved and proper, but underneath all that was a woman who is very passionate, and who secretly yearns for love, for a life of her own.
I loved the fact that Roderick wasn’t part of the nobility. He didn’t care for their useless rules, and didn’t try to reform to fit their mould. He was self-assured, ruthless and so very sexy. I also loved that he treated his employees more like a family than just mere employees. And I loved how he made Emma realise that there was so much more to life than what she thought she could have.
“You are not going to make this easy on me, are you?”
“I believe you are up to the challenge,” Emma retorted with a grin.
He leaned toward her to murmur softly against the curve of her ear. “In more ways than one.”
I absolutely adored the romance in this book. The banter between Emma and Roderick was awesome. Their chemistry was so combustible and sexy and intense. I loved how Roderick couldn’t help pursuing Emma, even though he knew he shouldn’t and how he was the only person Emma couldn’t keep her control around. And the sexy times was panty-melting!
“You want to give yourself to me, then you give it all. If we do this…I will not hold back. It is all or nothing, sweetheart.”
This was such a fantastic start to a new series, and after reading the epilogue I cannot wait to read the next books. This was my first book by this author, and I am instantly a fan. After only reading 8% of this book I was already in love, and I stayed that way until the very end. I was so very happy after finishing this book, floating on the euphoria only a great romance can make you feel. A must read for all HR lovers.
October 24, 2016
Ok, so the book itself wasn't that bad. I liked the somewhat unexceptional beta hero, and the story was ok, even if I don't buy the main conflict (big sister sacrificing herself so that younger sisters can make advantageous marriages while she burdens all responsibilities, including finding a blackmailer. I have issues with that because clearly the sisters were mature enough to deal with this, and most importantly I didn't get why she herself wasn't married at 25. It's never explained why she is a "wallflower" despite her beauty and everything.). Really, this book isn't bad.
But what really incensed me enough to write a review was the extract from the second book. In this book, one of the sisters is kidnapped and sold at a brothel. I thought her own story would then be about overcoming that trauma, but boy was I wrong... Her story takes places at the same time at this one, so there are entire passages and short chapters repeated word for word. But what really pisses me off to no end is the way her ordeal was used: I'm sorry, but there is no way in hell I am ever reading that.
But what really incensed me enough to write a review was the extract from the second book. In this book, one of the sisters is kidnapped and sold at a brothel. I thought her own story would then be about overcoming that trauma, but boy was I wrong... Her story takes places at the same time at this one, so there are entire passages and short chapters repeated word for word. But what really pisses me off to no end is the way her ordeal was used: I'm sorry, but there is no way in hell I am ever reading that.
March 27, 2016
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Emma Chadwick, is one of the three daughters of a gentleman. She along with her sisters, were reared to take their part into society when it was their time. But with their mother and father gone, and a mass of gambling debts that their father foolishly created before he died, Emma knows that she will need to seek employment away from the eyes of the Ton. All Emma truly cares about is making sure her two sisters make good matches for husbands, that they are taken care of. She will do anything to protect them, even if that means seeking employment as a bookkeeper at a gambling hell. Her boss however, isn't a man any woman can ignore. At first Emma ignores the attraction she feels toward Roderick Bentley. The infamous owner of he gambling. A man who also understands the workings of the Ton since he was born a bastard and even though he has a brother that is a lord...he is not considered part of that society. Roderick deals with all manner of gentlemen through his business but only once Emma enters his life does he wish for more. Passions ignite the more they work together, and Emma will need to make a difficult choice the love she has for her sisters or the love she has found with Roderick and will she be able to fight for what matters most?
Plot and Story Line
I have to admit I was super excited to read Luck Is No Lady. First off...the cover. When I first saw it I was instantly intrigued and I added it to my wish list before it even had a blurb. But I am so glad that I was able to get a couple to read for a honest review!! Man was this good....very enjoyable. The story sets off a bit slow, the first half is more like a steady rytym....not super engaging but not boring either. It still holds your interest, but once you reach half way, watch out because this story definitely put its hooks into me and wouldn't let go until I finished. I first want to mention, that this is the first book, I am assuming in dealing with the three sisters. Now each sister is unique in their own way, but also will fight to protect one another. Emma is the older of the clan, she is twenty five and is technically on the shelf. So she is endeavoring to aid her sisters find good matches. I really admired her loyalty to her sisters and trying to find some creative ways to get out of their gambling debts. Emma is very smart in mathematics, so she makes a great bookkeeper. I liked her spirit and fighting nature that she has. Our hero is a perfect match for her. He isn't one to hide away from the Ton, and they both tend to meet in dark places where they discover the desire they have for each other. Now the chemistry that these two have is explosive. But what I liked about Amy Sands, is the way she balances it out well with the other various elements of the story and the building of the emotional relationship between Roderick and Emma. The night of gambling Emma takes on was such a blast. I had so much fun reading that scene. Emma is a heroine I really admired, she is bold and daring when she needs to be. I like that she does what she needs to, no matter how nervous or afraid she might be. We are left with a bit of a teaser here at the end that involves the two sisters. I can't wait for the second book....hopefully it will be as fun as this book has been in the reading of it.
The Cover
What a cover...its probably my favorite HR cover made this year!! I love how sensual it is, but displays a connection to the story in a real way. I really like the sun beaming down on the couple...such a nice effect.
Overall View
Luck Is No Lady is a fascinating and riveting romance, guaranteed to give you a ball of fun, excitement, sensual thrills and a bit of mystery and intrigue along the way!! SEXY AS SIN!
Summary
Emma Chadwick, is one of the three daughters of a gentleman. She along with her sisters, were reared to take their part into society when it was their time. But with their mother and father gone, and a mass of gambling debts that their father foolishly created before he died, Emma knows that she will need to seek employment away from the eyes of the Ton. All Emma truly cares about is making sure her two sisters make good matches for husbands, that they are taken care of. She will do anything to protect them, even if that means seeking employment as a bookkeeper at a gambling hell. Her boss however, isn't a man any woman can ignore. At first Emma ignores the attraction she feels toward Roderick Bentley. The infamous owner of he gambling. A man who also understands the workings of the Ton since he was born a bastard and even though he has a brother that is a lord...he is not considered part of that society. Roderick deals with all manner of gentlemen through his business but only once Emma enters his life does he wish for more. Passions ignite the more they work together, and Emma will need to make a difficult choice the love she has for her sisters or the love she has found with Roderick and will she be able to fight for what matters most?
Plot and Story Line
I have to admit I was super excited to read Luck Is No Lady. First off...the cover. When I first saw it I was instantly intrigued and I added it to my wish list before it even had a blurb. But I am so glad that I was able to get a couple to read for a honest review!! Man was this good....very enjoyable. The story sets off a bit slow, the first half is more like a steady rytym....not super engaging but not boring either. It still holds your interest, but once you reach half way, watch out because this story definitely put its hooks into me and wouldn't let go until I finished. I first want to mention, that this is the first book, I am assuming in dealing with the three sisters. Now each sister is unique in their own way, but also will fight to protect one another. Emma is the older of the clan, she is twenty five and is technically on the shelf. So she is endeavoring to aid her sisters find good matches. I really admired her loyalty to her sisters and trying to find some creative ways to get out of their gambling debts. Emma is very smart in mathematics, so she makes a great bookkeeper. I liked her spirit and fighting nature that she has. Our hero is a perfect match for her. He isn't one to hide away from the Ton, and they both tend to meet in dark places where they discover the desire they have for each other. Now the chemistry that these two have is explosive. But what I liked about Amy Sands, is the way she balances it out well with the other various elements of the story and the building of the emotional relationship between Roderick and Emma. The night of gambling Emma takes on was such a blast. I had so much fun reading that scene. Emma is a heroine I really admired, she is bold and daring when she needs to be. I like that she does what she needs to, no matter how nervous or afraid she might be. We are left with a bit of a teaser here at the end that involves the two sisters. I can't wait for the second book....hopefully it will be as fun as this book has been in the reading of it.
No one is an island, Emma. Not you." He slid his hand around behind her neck. "Not me."
The Cover
What a cover...its probably my favorite HR cover made this year!! I love how sensual it is, but displays a connection to the story in a real way. I really like the sun beaming down on the couple...such a nice effect.
Overall View
Luck Is No Lady is a fascinating and riveting romance, guaranteed to give you a ball of fun, excitement, sensual thrills and a bit of mystery and intrigue along the way!! SEXY AS SIN!
January 25, 2016
Netgalley for honest review
4.5 rating
This romance had wonderful and likable characters. This hero was a winner. It's been difficult lately to find hero's that I really like. What's getting old is the jerky hero/man whore type that seems to be permeating books lately (I can handle some but they seem to be everywhere). Well this author delivered a beautiful, wonderful, sexy and caring hero, so refreshing. And the heroine was just as likable, strong and also caring. Thank you Amy Sandas!!!
Emma, our heroine has lost her Mother and most recently her Father. She has two younger sisters that she is taking care of and watching over. Unfortunately her Father had a gambling problem and when he died left a huge debt/loan that is due.
We begin the story with Emma and her Aunt chaperoning her sisters at a ball. Emma spots a very persistent and unwelcome admirer headed her way and believes she needs to elude this certain gentleman and decides to sneak away. Well Emma isn't the only one hiding from an admirer. As Emma sneaks into a room to wait it out behind a set of curtains she finds she's not alone. Roderick our hero is hiding from a women admirer also. I loved this opening scene!!! The hero and heroine exchange some titillating conversation and share very moving and heated kiss. The two part ways and believe they will never see each other again. Emma and Roderick experienced and felt something about the other that they knew would not be easy to forget.
Our heroine has to find some type of work and quickly. Emma knows to sustain her sister's coming out as well as pay the debt she owe's Mr Hale, the man her Father was indebted too, she needs to find a job. She encounters an add for a position that requires someone with knowledge in mathematics and accounting. Emma had a talent, she was exceptional in mathematics. Emma decided to apply.
Roderick was a bastard child and with that came the destain from the haut ton. His Father had been an earl and his Mother a daughter of a marquess. Roderick was blessed with the ability in financial expertise and with that expertise the gentlemen of the ton came to him for advise with investments. Roderick used his talents to open up one of the most successful gaming clubs in London. He was also one of the most wealthiest men in London.
Well as you can guess Emma comes to work for Roderick. And so begins their steady but sure romance. I really enjoyed and appreciated the slow development of their relationship and how it wasn't instant lust/love. The layers of their relationship and attraction was built in such a way that you appreciate how multi demential it was. Their was sexual tension and chemistry was right there from the beginning but also the slow build to their sexual encounters was explosive, sensual and sweet. This author does some beautifully emotional and sensual loves scenes.
I loved both these characters and the depth, caring and strong convictions they both had. Roderick was a mixture of alpha, gentlemen, sexy and caring all wrapped up in one. I want more hero's like this one, pretty please. I also admired and liked Emma. Her love her her sisters, she had character and determination to provide for them.
The reason for 4.5 and not 5 is the pacing was good and steady through most of the book, but not great. I kept reading because of my love of the characters and this was a very character driven book.
The secondary characters (Emma's Aunt was a kick) were very likable. Next is Lily and Portia romance novels, I hope. Highly recommended.
I posted this review a little too early. It wasn't suppose to be posted till the beginning of March. But I hope that this just encourages readers to purchase this book. Sorry Source Books(publisher).
4.5 rating
This romance had wonderful and likable characters. This hero was a winner. It's been difficult lately to find hero's that I really like. What's getting old is the jerky hero/man whore type that seems to be permeating books lately (I can handle some but they seem to be everywhere). Well this author delivered a beautiful, wonderful, sexy and caring hero, so refreshing. And the heroine was just as likable, strong and also caring. Thank you Amy Sandas!!!
Emma, our heroine has lost her Mother and most recently her Father. She has two younger sisters that she is taking care of and watching over. Unfortunately her Father had a gambling problem and when he died left a huge debt/loan that is due.
We begin the story with Emma and her Aunt chaperoning her sisters at a ball. Emma spots a very persistent and unwelcome admirer headed her way and believes she needs to elude this certain gentleman and decides to sneak away. Well Emma isn't the only one hiding from an admirer. As Emma sneaks into a room to wait it out behind a set of curtains she finds she's not alone. Roderick our hero is hiding from a women admirer also. I loved this opening scene!!! The hero and heroine exchange some titillating conversation and share very moving and heated kiss. The two part ways and believe they will never see each other again. Emma and Roderick experienced and felt something about the other that they knew would not be easy to forget.
Our heroine has to find some type of work and quickly. Emma knows to sustain her sister's coming out as well as pay the debt she owe's Mr Hale, the man her Father was indebted too, she needs to find a job. She encounters an add for a position that requires someone with knowledge in mathematics and accounting. Emma had a talent, she was exceptional in mathematics. Emma decided to apply.
Roderick was a bastard child and with that came the destain from the haut ton. His Father had been an earl and his Mother a daughter of a marquess. Roderick was blessed with the ability in financial expertise and with that expertise the gentlemen of the ton came to him for advise with investments. Roderick used his talents to open up one of the most successful gaming clubs in London. He was also one of the most wealthiest men in London.
Well as you can guess Emma comes to work for Roderick. And so begins their steady but sure romance. I really enjoyed and appreciated the slow development of their relationship and how it wasn't instant lust/love. The layers of their relationship and attraction was built in such a way that you appreciate how multi demential it was. Their was sexual tension and chemistry was right there from the beginning but also the slow build to their sexual encounters was explosive, sensual and sweet. This author does some beautifully emotional and sensual loves scenes.
I loved both these characters and the depth, caring and strong convictions they both had. Roderick was a mixture of alpha, gentlemen, sexy and caring all wrapped up in one. I want more hero's like this one, pretty please. I also admired and liked Emma. Her love her her sisters, she had character and determination to provide for them.
The reason for 4.5 and not 5 is the pacing was good and steady through most of the book, but not great. I kept reading because of my love of the characters and this was a very character driven book.
The secondary characters (Emma's Aunt was a kick) were very likable. Next is Lily and Portia romance novels, I hope. Highly recommended.
I posted this review a little too early. It wasn't suppose to be posted till the beginning of March. But I hope that this just encourages readers to purchase this book. Sorry Source Books(publisher).
January 8, 2025
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine and minor page time for the ‘villain’ Mason Hale
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: Almost immediately, chapter 1
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, maybe a few months later?
Format: read an e-book version through my library (Hoopla)
Why I chose this book: Holly and I decided to buddy read together
Mains: This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Sandas’ Fallen Ladies series. (I feel like parts of them, at least the first two books, happen a bit concurrently so that’s interesting – I read book 2 first)
Basic plot:
Emma must take on work to support her family, but being the bookkeeper for Roderick’s gambling hell might be more than she bargained for.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency (1817)
- London setting
- hero is a bastard (though his father was an earl and his mother the daughter of a marquess
- working women – heroine applies for a bookkeeping position
- heroine loves mathematics
- celibate hero (7 months)
- (very) light heroine nurses hero back to health
- bit of a workplace romance vibe (employer/employee)
- wager
- gaming hell owner hero
- low to mid steam – 2ish full scenes but the page count felt a bit shorter?
Ages:
- Heroine is 25, hero is 28
First line:
Emma resisted the urge to press her fingertips to her temples.
My thoughts:
This is my second by Sandas and I think I’m going to have to read them allllll!
She has a writing style I really enjoy – she spends time on emotions and tension building and kisses and little touches and all the things that make me really adore romance. I found myself swooning over so many lines and quotes – it was really delightful.
I read book 2 of this series first – I think it’s fine to kind of read either first because the events happen rather concurrently and you don’t get a ton of info dropped about either couple in the other book. I think I liked this one a bit more but both were really great.
I loved how hard Roderick was falling for Emma in this novel. So sweet.
Endearments
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes: My percentages are going to be off because the book I was reading had 13 chapters preview of the following book in the series (so action is sooner than posted….)
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine and minor page time for the ‘villain’ Mason Hale
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? medium
When mains are first on page together: Almost immediately, chapter 1
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, maybe a few months later?
Format: read an e-book version through my library (Hoopla)
Why I chose this book: Holly and I decided to buddy read together
Mains: This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Sandas’ Fallen Ladies series. (I feel like parts of them, at least the first two books, happen a bit concurrently so that’s interesting – I read book 2 first)
Basic plot:
Emma must take on work to support her family, but being the bookkeeper for Roderick’s gambling hell might be more than she bargained for.
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency (1817)
- London setting
- hero is a bastard (though his father was an earl and his mother the daughter of a marquess
- working women – heroine applies for a bookkeeping position
- heroine loves mathematics
- celibate hero (7 months)
- (very) light heroine nurses hero back to health
- bit of a workplace romance vibe (employer/employee)
- wager
- gaming hell owner hero
- low to mid steam – 2ish full scenes but the page count felt a bit shorter?
Ages:
- Heroine is 25, hero is 28
First line:
Emma resisted the urge to press her fingertips to her temples.
My thoughts:
This is my second by Sandas and I think I’m going to have to read them allllll!
She has a writing style I really enjoy – she spends time on emotions and tension building and kisses and little touches and all the things that make me really adore romance. I found myself swooning over so many lines and quotes – it was really delightful.
I read book 2 of this series first – I think it’s fine to kind of read either first because the events happen rather concurrently and you don’t get a ton of info dropped about either couple in the other book. I think I liked this one a bit more but both were really great.
I loved how hard Roderick was falling for Emma in this novel. So sweet.
Endearments
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes: My percentages are going to be off because the book I was reading had 13 chapters preview of the following book in the series (so action is sooner than posted….)
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
October 16, 2016
Sweet and uncomplicated. There was no silly drama, no meanness between the main characters, it was all straightforward. Sometimes that's just what you want after some of the drama llama situations other books come up with that cause severe eye rolling issues.
Now, this isn't disgustingly sweet or filled with lots of poetry and love sonnets spouted between the two main characters. Their attraction starts by accident, continues at work, and grows through mutual interest and admiration. I liked the romance and both characters. Roderick is on the edges of accepted society and a bastard by birth, but he's kind and not a villain, just a businessman. Emma is the self appointed matriarch and patriarch of her family, shouldering the burden of her dead father's debt and trying to provide a season in the ton for her two younger sisters. She's smart and acts normally.
The only person I disliked was the youngest sister, Portia. She was a bratty brat that lived to be sullen and ungrateful. I wish she'd been a mute.
Now, this isn't disgustingly sweet or filled with lots of poetry and love sonnets spouted between the two main characters. Their attraction starts by accident, continues at work, and grows through mutual interest and admiration. I liked the romance and both characters. Roderick is on the edges of accepted society and a bastard by birth, but he's kind and not a villain, just a businessman. Emma is the self appointed matriarch and patriarch of her family, shouldering the burden of her dead father's debt and trying to provide a season in the ton for her two younger sisters. She's smart and acts normally.
The only person I disliked was the youngest sister, Portia. She was a bratty brat that lived to be sullen and ungrateful. I wish she'd been a mute.
December 8, 2017
Some reviewers criticize this book for starting out slowly but then are happy to say it picks up steam. I criticize it for starting out as a promising read and then fizzling out to a generic and flat read, with no real highs and lows and with an underdeveloped plot and characters. I will say, however, that the writing and editing are better than average compared to several other HRs I've found lately and so I read to the end to check out this new-to-me author.
The H, Roderick Bentley, is the illegitimate son of a peer's daughter who was seduced by a married earl. As a child he was never really acknowledged or supported by his father or by his mother's family so he's bitter towards the beau monde and not obliged to anyone. He's a self-made rich man and owner of a popular gambling establishment.
The h is Emma Chadwick. at 25 on the shelf and struggling, after the recent death of her father (mother deceased years ago), to give her two younger sisters a season and get them married off well. Problem is their father, addicted to gambling, left them with massive debt owed to a loan shark who keeps threatening Emma. What should Emma do? Well, she applies for a bookkeeping job advertised in the newspaper. And guess what, folks? Yep, it's for a position at Roderick's club.
Things progress as any longtime reader of HRs would predict. There's the mutual attraction that must be denied because of their class differences. There's Emma's struggle to come up with the loan repayment on her own, of course too stubborn to accept any help from Roderick. There's the evil villain who becomes too impatient for his money and does something nefarious involving one of Emma's sisters. All will be well in the end, of course, but none of Emma's problems is developed well enough to get me really engaged in the story or worried about its outcome.
Any little crisis here is resolved lickety-split and the romance, which should have been swoony because I liked both H and h and the H was hunky and rather noble, was tedious, IMO. So much mooning over each other, especially Emma getting all hot and bothered over Roderick's sexiness. Then there were the endless pages of overblown sex that I had to skip because of the boredom factor. It's my usual complaint again, that of spending too much time describing an act that most of us have participated in at least a few times in life, instead of developing the plot more.
Too little conflict in the story. Not enough development of the characters. And what happens to the sisters here is very sketchy. It's as though the author became bored with her own story towards the end and just wanted to get it over with. Yes, I know that she's actually saving the details for the rest of the stories in this series but I still found the exposition here full of holes. I believe each book of any series should be able to stand on its own and feel fully rounded out and this one did not.
The H, Roderick Bentley, is the illegitimate son of a peer's daughter who was seduced by a married earl. As a child he was never really acknowledged or supported by his father or by his mother's family so he's bitter towards the beau monde and not obliged to anyone. He's a self-made rich man and owner of a popular gambling establishment.
The h is Emma Chadwick. at 25 on the shelf and struggling, after the recent death of her father (mother deceased years ago), to give her two younger sisters a season and get them married off well. Problem is their father, addicted to gambling, left them with massive debt owed to a loan shark who keeps threatening Emma. What should Emma do? Well, she applies for a bookkeeping job advertised in the newspaper. And guess what, folks? Yep, it's for a position at Roderick's club.
Things progress as any longtime reader of HRs would predict. There's the mutual attraction that must be denied because of their class differences. There's Emma's struggle to come up with the loan repayment on her own, of course too stubborn to accept any help from Roderick. There's the evil villain who becomes too impatient for his money and does something nefarious involving one of Emma's sisters. All will be well in the end, of course, but none of Emma's problems is developed well enough to get me really engaged in the story or worried about its outcome.
Any little crisis here is resolved lickety-split and the romance, which should have been swoony because I liked both H and h and the H was hunky and rather noble, was tedious, IMO. So much mooning over each other, especially Emma getting all hot and bothered over Roderick's sexiness. Then there were the endless pages of overblown sex that I had to skip because of the boredom factor. It's my usual complaint again, that of spending too much time describing an act that most of us have participated in at least a few times in life, instead of developing the plot more.
Too little conflict in the story. Not enough development of the characters. And what happens to the sisters here is very sketchy. It's as though the author became bored with her own story towards the end and just wanted to get it over with. Yes, I know that she's actually saving the details for the rest of the stories in this series but I still found the exposition here full of holes. I believe each book of any series should be able to stand on its own and feel fully rounded out and this one did not.
April 14, 2016
I'm telling you, Luck is No Lady filled me with so much girlish giddiness that you'd think I was a sixteen year-old who suddenly got asked to the prom by the school's main quarterback.
#BRBDying.
It's been so long since I'd had this much fun from a historical romance novel. Not even the recent releases from my favourite writers made me this invested in a story; they'd felt too formulaic and for some, too complicated.
And this is where Amy Sandas comes in. This book of hers was like a breath of fresh air in its simplicity and straightforwardness. Because essentially, the story could be summarised by a few bullet points:
And that was it. The entire story. Everything was that straightforward. There was no hidden plot by some unheard of villain who wanted to assassinate the British royalty, no psychotic gentlewoman who held an unhealthy obsession for the hero, and no spurned ex-mistress who burned down the gaming hell and kidnapped the heroine in a weird twist at the end that didn't really make much sense *cough* Dreaming of You *cough*.
Even the conflict was so minor and was so easily-settled that I'd been relaxed althroughout the characters' "ordeal". Now, some readers may see this as a weakness, and it probably is, but it didn't bother me so much because I was too busysalivating over Roderick enjoying Roderick and Emma's interactions with each other.
God. Those two were so freakin' cute. I loved their exchanges, their banters, their not-so-subtle flirtations.
Take this scene, for example.
Another thing to fangirl about this book is the fact that Roderick and Emma were such lovable characters. Honourable to a fault, he made sure to put her interests over his. He respected her decision and worshipped her intelligence. Really, I'll just make it easy for you and say that Roderick was just downright perfect.
Emma was also a likeable heroine. What I appreciated the most about her was how real and relatable she felt. There were instances in the story when she was torn between her good sense and her desire for Roderick, and I could understand her completely. Hell, if I were in her position, I'd throw caution to the wind and shag Roderick as quickly as one, two, three feel and act the same way.
I do understand that some may see this as inconsistent with how she was established early on: logical, careful and in-control. So yes, this may be a problem.
Moreover, the weird pacing and the info-dumping may also prove to be a burden for those who prefer a smooth, balanced story. Things were slow at the beginning, and were too fast near the end (like I mentioned, the conflict was resolved really quickly).
But I'm a character-centric reader so the flaws I've indicated above didn't stop me from getting swept away by Roderick and Emma's romance.
Overall, I really, really loved this. I highly recommend this for readers who want a simple love story with a cute hero and heroine.
#BRBDying.
It's been so long since I'd had this much fun from a historical romance novel. Not even the recent releases from my favourite writers made me this invested in a story; they'd felt too formulaic and for some, too complicated.
And this is where Amy Sandas comes in. This book of hers was like a breath of fresh air in its simplicity and straightforwardness. Because essentially, the story could be summarised by a few bullet points:
- A gently-bred lady needs money to pay off her father's debts
- She applies for a bookkeeping position in a gaming hell
- Totally hot owner of the said gaming hell is attracted to her
- They fall in love
- (insert conflict)
- (insert climax *wink* *wink*) (Note: Yes, I have the maturity of a five year old. Deal with it.)
- (insert real climax of the story)
- They live happily-ever-after
And that was it. The entire story. Everything was that straightforward. There was no hidden plot by some unheard of villain who wanted to assassinate the British royalty, no psychotic gentlewoman who held an unhealthy obsession for the hero, and no spurned ex-mistress who burned down the gaming hell and kidnapped the heroine in a weird twist at the end that didn't really make much sense *cough* Dreaming of You *cough*.
Even the conflict was so minor and was so easily-settled that I'd been relaxed althroughout the characters' "ordeal". Now, some readers may see this as a weakness, and it probably is, but it didn't bother me so much because I was too busy
God. Those two were so freakin' cute. I loved their exchanges, their banters, their not-so-subtle flirtations.
Take this scene, for example.
Another thing to fangirl about this book is the fact that Roderick and Emma were such lovable characters. Honourable to a fault, he made sure to put her interests over his. He respected her decision and worshipped her intelligence. Really, I'll just make it easy for you and say that Roderick was just downright perfect.
Emma was also a likeable heroine. What I appreciated the most about her was how real and relatable she felt. There were instances in the story when she was torn between her good sense and her desire for Roderick, and I could understand her completely. Hell, if I were in her position, I'd
I do understand that some may see this as inconsistent with how she was established early on: logical, careful and in-control. So yes, this may be a problem.
Moreover, the weird pacing and the info-dumping may also prove to be a burden for those who prefer a smooth, balanced story. Things were slow at the beginning, and were too fast near the end (like I mentioned, the conflict was resolved really quickly).
But I'm a character-centric reader so the flaws I've indicated above didn't stop me from getting swept away by Roderick and Emma's romance.
Overall, I really, really loved this. I highly recommend this for readers who want a simple love story with a cute hero and heroine.
November 23, 2022
A new to me author. It started out strong but became a bit boring halfway through. I guess the major problem would be the hero, Roderick. Can a hero be too beta? For someone who was born on the wrong side of the blanket, you would want him to act like a bastard that he was, yes? He was simply too nice. It was an okay read, not great.
April 13, 2016
I read this courtesy of Netgalley with a promise of an honest review.
I was pleasantly surprised to find how much I enjoyed this book. I was expecting a typical HR and found that in fact it was quite refreshing.
Having spent 7 years caring for her ailing mother through her death then her gambling addicted father shortly after left Emma a spinster at 25. Emma, the eldest of her two sisters, has found herself in a heap of debt and responsible for her younger siblings comming out. Luckily, Emma is well educated and has a gift for mathmatics which aids her in secretly gaining employment to help with the surmounting finacial problems.
Roderick is the bastard son of an Earl and shunned by the ton. He is dashingly handsome, and through his own devices has gained a tremendous amount of weath through his good investments and with his infamous gaming Hall "Bentley's"
Emma and Roderick meet by accident during a Ball while both trying to avoid unwanted admirers, seeking the same hiding spot behind the draperies in a room outside the ballroom.
Needless to say their paths cross again after this accidental meeting throwing them both into a whirl of emotions neither of them expects.
I wont give away anymore, but I will say the writing is fabulous. There is little editing issues, and the love scenes are written most sensually. Their love builds ever so slowly creating a most delicious sexual tension.
I truly loved Emma. She was intelligent, reserved yet so passionate when around Roderick it was just fantastic. Roderick is kind, compassionate, handsome and I truly felt for him as an outscast with no family. He was not a rake, but a true gentleman. A man who was able to see past Emma's strictly controlled facade to her deep passion just waiting to be released.
The antagonists were believable and were given human qualities, making them seem real instead of just evil or insane.
I really enjoyed reading this, it had a steady pace, lovable characters that were written with believable dialogue and actions. We get a HEA and ILY's eventually, and it was nice that it wasn't rushed.
I would highly reccomend this to my friends, and this can be read as a stand alone.
I was pleasantly surprised to find how much I enjoyed this book. I was expecting a typical HR and found that in fact it was quite refreshing.
Having spent 7 years caring for her ailing mother through her death then her gambling addicted father shortly after left Emma a spinster at 25. Emma, the eldest of her two sisters, has found herself in a heap of debt and responsible for her younger siblings comming out. Luckily, Emma is well educated and has a gift for mathmatics which aids her in secretly gaining employment to help with the surmounting finacial problems.
Roderick is the bastard son of an Earl and shunned by the ton. He is dashingly handsome, and through his own devices has gained a tremendous amount of weath through his good investments and with his infamous gaming Hall "Bentley's"
Emma and Roderick meet by accident during a Ball while both trying to avoid unwanted admirers, seeking the same hiding spot behind the draperies in a room outside the ballroom.
Needless to say their paths cross again after this accidental meeting throwing them both into a whirl of emotions neither of them expects.
I wont give away anymore, but I will say the writing is fabulous. There is little editing issues, and the love scenes are written most sensually. Their love builds ever so slowly creating a most delicious sexual tension.
I truly loved Emma. She was intelligent, reserved yet so passionate when around Roderick it was just fantastic. Roderick is kind, compassionate, handsome and I truly felt for him as an outscast with no family. He was not a rake, but a true gentleman. A man who was able to see past Emma's strictly controlled facade to her deep passion just waiting to be released.
The antagonists were believable and were given human qualities, making them seem real instead of just evil or insane.
I really enjoyed reading this, it had a steady pace, lovable characters that were written with believable dialogue and actions. We get a HEA and ILY's eventually, and it was nice that it wasn't rushed.
I would highly reccomend this to my friends, and this can be read as a stand alone.
July 15, 2019
Picked this one up for FREE on June 22, 2019, and couldn't be happier. Freebies can always be a gamble, and like Emma our heroine, I took a chance and won! ;) Found a new author to stalk for book deals, as well as a book worth a re-read. Currently ecstatic and just want to share my good luck with all of you ;)
Thank you MG for posting this Freebie on the "Historical Romance" groups page! Wouldn't have found this gem at the right time without ya ;)
Will post more info about the particulars soon.... I hope >.<
Thank you MG for posting this Freebie on the "Historical Romance" groups page! Wouldn't have found this gem at the right time without ya ;)
Will post more info about the particulars soon.... I hope >.<
February 13, 2018
Emma Chadwick's father was bad at money, so Emma takes a job at a gaming hell in order to make some cash. Roderick Brentley, owner of said hell, has got the burning loins for his new bookkeeper. Eventually they make out on a card table because gaming hell and they realize their mutual boners have grown feelings. Gross.
1. This was a pretty delightful romp.
2. Sure, the prose is a touch purple and could use some editing, but I enjoyed how things developed?? I could have used more of Emma deciphering the hell's books (and also a closure to the case of how and why his former bookkeeper had embezzled monies), but I was overall impressed with the balance of family and 'work' and socializing and secrets and feelings? It just felt interesting, mostly.
3. Also I'm already many chapters into the sequel so.
4. So it appears all three books in this series are intertwined; in finishing the second, it reminded me of more things to say about the first! SO NOW I'M BACK, TO SAY:
In the fury of starting the second book and attempting a review, I forgot to mention how fun the ending of Luck is No Lady is? While at a ball, Emma challenges Roderick to a game of cards and Emma wagers her job at the hell; Roderick wagers for her hand and then Emma has to struggle hard to lose and it was just kind of fun and silly and DELIGHTFUL.
The whole thing is kind of like that, actually: moments of frothy fun with a bit of uneven pacing, some awkward prose, and the need to forgive a few things.
1. This was a pretty delightful romp.
2. Sure, the prose is a touch purple and could use some editing, but I enjoyed how things developed?? I could have used more of Emma deciphering the hell's books (and also a closure to the case of how and why his former bookkeeper had embezzled monies), but I was overall impressed with the balance of family and 'work' and socializing and secrets and feelings? It just felt interesting, mostly.
3. Also I'm already many chapters into the sequel so.
4. So it appears all three books in this series are intertwined; in finishing the second, it reminded me of more things to say about the first! SO NOW I'M BACK, TO SAY:
In the fury of starting the second book and attempting a review, I forgot to mention how fun the ending of Luck is No Lady is? While at a ball, Emma challenges Roderick to a game of cards and Emma wagers her job at the hell; Roderick wagers for her hand and then Emma has to struggle hard to lose and it was just kind of fun and silly and DELIGHTFUL.
The whole thing is kind of like that, actually: moments of frothy fun with a bit of uneven pacing, some awkward prose, and the need to forgive a few things.
September 18, 2016
I've given this a C+ at AAR, so 3.5 stars.
The first book in a new series from Amy Sandas, Luck is No Lady tells the story of a young woman forced to live a double life, attempting to guide her younger sisters through a London Season while at the same time working as a bookkeeper in a gaming house in order to provide the wherewithal to do so. With the added complication of the massive gambling debts left by their late father, Emma Chadwick is constantly looking over her shoulder; how long until the man to whom the debt is owed demands payment? Will her sisters find suitable husbands before their meagre funds run out?
Emma is twenty-five and being firmly on the shelf, is putting all her energies into helping her two sisters to make good matches. Their recently deceased father borrowed a staggeringly large sum of money just before his death – twenty-thousand pounds – in an attempt to cover his losses at the gaming tables, and it’s money Emma knows she has no hope of repaying. But if she can get her sisters settled, they will at least be out of harm’s way and she will have done her best by them.
Our hero, Roderick Bentley, is the son of an Earl, but was born on the wrong side of the blanket. Tainted by his illegitimacy and having no love for the aristocracy, Bentley has made his fortune by a mixture of gambling and canny investment, so much so that his advice is regularly sought by gentlemen who wouldn’t otherwise give him the time of day or acknowledge him on the street. He now owns a select and highly successful gaming establishment, but when his bookkeeper disappears suddenly, he begins to suspect that the man was defrauding him and needs to employ someone to sort out the mess.
By this time, Emma has realized that she needs to find a way to make some money in order to continue to pay for her sisters’ Season – and thinks that the bookkeeping job she has seen advertised might be just the thing. Hoping that the darkly handsome Mr Bentley – with whom she shared a passionate and, she thinks, incognito - kiss at a recent ball – won’t recognise the woman in the dull, workaday gown, she applies for the job at the club and, after an exacting interview, is given the position.
So far, so good. The first part of the book moves along at a steady pace and the chemistry between Emma and Bentley bubbles along nicely and builds to a crescendo in a sensual card-playing scene at around the half way point. But the second half of the book is too drawn out with not much happening other than Emma working at the club during the day, chaperoning her sisters at night and worrying about the fact that she’s fallen in love with a man whose reputation in society is likely to harm her sisters if she were to associate with him publicly. The sub-plot relating to the moneylender from whom the girls’ father borrowed the money doesn’t really pick up until quite late on, when it is quickly shoe-horned into the story; and I found the author’s attempt to evoke some sort of sympathy for that particular character to be rather odd.
There are things to enjoy about the novel, but unfortunately, the sum of the parts is greater than the whole in this case. The premise is intriguing and I rather liked the idea of a mathematician heroine, but while there is no question that Ms Sandas’ prose flows well and the book is well-put together, there is nothing about it that marks it out as different from most of the other historical romances out there. Emma is a likeable, strongly-drawn but flawed heroine, whose desire to do the best for those she loves blinds her to the fact that perhaps there is more than one version of “the best”. She is strong and capable, but willing to admit to herself that sometimes it might be nice to have someone to share some of her burdens, even if only for a little while. Bentley, however, is less well-defined which, for a hero-centric reader like me, led to a sense of disappointment. He’s everything one expects in a romantic hero –handsome, honourable, compassionate and sexy, but I just didn’t connect with him and in the latter part of the book especially, he is rather too passive for my taste. I like beta heroes as a rule, but Bentley is a beta too far, particularly when he so meekly accepts Emma’s dismissal and her return to her self-possessed woman-of-society persona. In fact, I disliked Emma’s willingness to retreat into her shell as much as I disliked the fact that he let her do it almost without a word of protest; and doubly-disliked the way they both seem quite ready to throw love out the window without even thinking about the possibility of fighting for one another.
Overall then, I’m rather ambivalent about< Luck is No Lady. It’s one of that large number of books that’s neither terrible nor outstanding; it’s decent and will pass the time without making the reader want to throw things, but that’s not really enough of a reason to buy a copy. I am certainly not ruling out the possibility of reading other books by Ms Sandas, as I like her writing, but I can’t wholeheartedly recommend this one.
The first book in a new series from Amy Sandas, Luck is No Lady tells the story of a young woman forced to live a double life, attempting to guide her younger sisters through a London Season while at the same time working as a bookkeeper in a gaming house in order to provide the wherewithal to do so. With the added complication of the massive gambling debts left by their late father, Emma Chadwick is constantly looking over her shoulder; how long until the man to whom the debt is owed demands payment? Will her sisters find suitable husbands before their meagre funds run out?
Emma is twenty-five and being firmly on the shelf, is putting all her energies into helping her two sisters to make good matches. Their recently deceased father borrowed a staggeringly large sum of money just before his death – twenty-thousand pounds – in an attempt to cover his losses at the gaming tables, and it’s money Emma knows she has no hope of repaying. But if she can get her sisters settled, they will at least be out of harm’s way and she will have done her best by them.
Our hero, Roderick Bentley, is the son of an Earl, but was born on the wrong side of the blanket. Tainted by his illegitimacy and having no love for the aristocracy, Bentley has made his fortune by a mixture of gambling and canny investment, so much so that his advice is regularly sought by gentlemen who wouldn’t otherwise give him the time of day or acknowledge him on the street. He now owns a select and highly successful gaming establishment, but when his bookkeeper disappears suddenly, he begins to suspect that the man was defrauding him and needs to employ someone to sort out the mess.
By this time, Emma has realized that she needs to find a way to make some money in order to continue to pay for her sisters’ Season – and thinks that the bookkeeping job she has seen advertised might be just the thing. Hoping that the darkly handsome Mr Bentley – with whom she shared a passionate and, she thinks, incognito - kiss at a recent ball – won’t recognise the woman in the dull, workaday gown, she applies for the job at the club and, after an exacting interview, is given the position.
So far, so good. The first part of the book moves along at a steady pace and the chemistry between Emma and Bentley bubbles along nicely and builds to a crescendo in a sensual card-playing scene at around the half way point. But the second half of the book is too drawn out with not much happening other than Emma working at the club during the day, chaperoning her sisters at night and worrying about the fact that she’s fallen in love with a man whose reputation in society is likely to harm her sisters if she were to associate with him publicly. The sub-plot relating to the moneylender from whom the girls’ father borrowed the money doesn’t really pick up until quite late on, when it is quickly shoe-horned into the story; and I found the author’s attempt to evoke some sort of sympathy for that particular character to be rather odd.
There are things to enjoy about the novel, but unfortunately, the sum of the parts is greater than the whole in this case. The premise is intriguing and I rather liked the idea of a mathematician heroine, but while there is no question that Ms Sandas’ prose flows well and the book is well-put together, there is nothing about it that marks it out as different from most of the other historical romances out there. Emma is a likeable, strongly-drawn but flawed heroine, whose desire to do the best for those she loves blinds her to the fact that perhaps there is more than one version of “the best”. She is strong and capable, but willing to admit to herself that sometimes it might be nice to have someone to share some of her burdens, even if only for a little while. Bentley, however, is less well-defined which, for a hero-centric reader like me, led to a sense of disappointment. He’s everything one expects in a romantic hero –handsome, honourable, compassionate and sexy, but I just didn’t connect with him and in the latter part of the book especially, he is rather too passive for my taste. I like beta heroes as a rule, but Bentley is a beta too far, particularly when he so meekly accepts Emma’s dismissal and her return to her self-possessed woman-of-society persona. In fact, I disliked Emma’s willingness to retreat into her shell as much as I disliked the fact that he let her do it almost without a word of protest; and doubly-disliked the way they both seem quite ready to throw love out the window without even thinking about the possibility of fighting for one another.
Overall then, I’m rather ambivalent about< Luck is No Lady. It’s one of that large number of books that’s neither terrible nor outstanding; it’s decent and will pass the time without making the reader want to throw things, but that’s not really enough of a reason to buy a copy. I am certainly not ruling out the possibility of reading other books by Ms Sandas, as I like her writing, but I can’t wholeheartedly recommend this one.
August 24, 2020
Emma Chadwick and her two younger sisters are impoverished after their late father gambled away their money. They're being sponsored by their great aunt so that Emma's younger sisters can find husbands. As for Emma, she needs to figure out a way to pay back a moneylender who keeps sending her reminders about the huge sum her father had borrowed before his death. When Emma sees an advertisement for a bookkeeper in the newspaper, she knows she's qualified for the job and decides to go for an interview. And that's how she ends up being a bookkeeper for Roderick Bentley, the owner of a notorious gaming hell.
Oh, the ROMANCE in this book!!! It is everything I love to read in historical romance. It's not exactly a unique storyline — I've read similar historicals like this one in the past. But it's the hero and heroine and the freaking CHEMISTRY that make this book so damn good. The romance between Roderick and Emma is everything. The pairing is what dreams are made of: Emma is stuffy and restrained, while Roderick is easygoing and wants to see her undone. It is such a fun pairing!! The writing is decent and the dialogues can be anachronistic, but I don't really care. The romance is just so well done. The pining. The feelings. The tension. The chemistry. The banter. And that meet cute!! If you love the meet cute in Do You Want to Start a Scandal, you'll love the meet cute in this book 😍
I quite simply loved this book and I definitely see myself rereading it in the future.
Oh, the ROMANCE in this book!!! It is everything I love to read in historical romance. It's not exactly a unique storyline — I've read similar historicals like this one in the past. But it's the hero and heroine and the freaking CHEMISTRY that make this book so damn good. The romance between Roderick and Emma is everything. The pairing is what dreams are made of: Emma is stuffy and restrained, while Roderick is easygoing and wants to see her undone. It is such a fun pairing!! The writing is decent and the dialogues can be anachronistic, but I don't really care. The romance is just so well done. The pining. The feelings. The tension. The chemistry. The banter. And that meet cute!! If you love the meet cute in Do You Want to Start a Scandal, you'll love the meet cute in this book 😍
I quite simply loved this book and I definitely see myself rereading it in the future.
August 19, 2018
3.5 Stars!
March 29, 2016
Vikki’s Musings
This is the first book I have read by Amy Sandas, but it will not be the last. I received an invitation from the publisher to read Luck is No Lady, via Net-Galley, in exchange for an honest review. I am so glad I accepted.
After the death of her father, Emma Chadwick is saddled with a huge gambling debt. She is racing against a deadline to repay the moneylender or else. What or else entails is a mystery to her, but she knows it will be scandalous for her and her two younger sisters, of that she is sure. She takes a position as bookkeeper for the notorious Roderick Bentley.
Roderick needs an honest bookkeeper. When Emma applies, she manages to pinpoint very quickly how his last man swindled him in the test he has devised. He hires her, even knowing she is the woman he had a clandestine meeting with at a recent ball. His attraction to her is keen, but he knows nothing can come of it. After all, Emma is an innocent, even if she has accepted his offer of employment, since, if word ever got out she worked in his establishment, would surely ruin her and her sisters.
Can each of them bury the growing attraction that threatens to ignite, or will they give into the sizzling passion, throwing caution to the wind?
This book is exactly why I love to read historical romance. Between the witty dialogue and the slow build of sexual tension, it is a shining example of what I expect in this genre. The plot is unusual, not even close to other historicals. The pacing is excellent, keeping me entertained from the first page to the last, and is that not why one chooses to read?
I fell in love with the heroine, Emma Chadwick, from the start. She is an intelligent, feisty, independent woman, yet feminine at the same time. Her nurturing characterization came through extraordinarily well, without having her come across as a martyr. I loved the interaction between the sisters tremendously and hope the future books planned in this series involve Portia and Lily as the heroines!
Roderick Bentley is my kind of hero. From an early age, life did not deal him a good set of cards, having been born a bastard son of an earl. However, he did not let that defeat him. He has become a wealthy and successful self-made man. While he skirts the outer edge of society because of his birth and occupation, he does not let that stand in his way either. Although the owner of a gambling club, he is honest and honorable, especially toward Emma.
Luck is No Lady is very well-written and other than a few modern words that sneaked in, it is true to the regency setting. Also, the intrigue in the story is expertly worked in and very believable. While the love scenes are not overly explicit since they focus more on the emotion than the sexual act itself, they are quite sensual and perfect for this book.
If you are looking for an enjoyable historical romance with excellent characters and a unique plot, then you will find Luck is No Lady as delightfully fulfilling as I. I strongly recommend this wonderful regency romance, and I can’t wait for the other books to come out in this remarkable series. Happy reading!
This is the first book I have read by Amy Sandas, but it will not be the last. I received an invitation from the publisher to read Luck is No Lady, via Net-Galley, in exchange for an honest review. I am so glad I accepted.
After the death of her father, Emma Chadwick is saddled with a huge gambling debt. She is racing against a deadline to repay the moneylender or else. What or else entails is a mystery to her, but she knows it will be scandalous for her and her two younger sisters, of that she is sure. She takes a position as bookkeeper for the notorious Roderick Bentley.
Roderick needs an honest bookkeeper. When Emma applies, she manages to pinpoint very quickly how his last man swindled him in the test he has devised. He hires her, even knowing she is the woman he had a clandestine meeting with at a recent ball. His attraction to her is keen, but he knows nothing can come of it. After all, Emma is an innocent, even if she has accepted his offer of employment, since, if word ever got out she worked in his establishment, would surely ruin her and her sisters.
Can each of them bury the growing attraction that threatens to ignite, or will they give into the sizzling passion, throwing caution to the wind?
This book is exactly why I love to read historical romance. Between the witty dialogue and the slow build of sexual tension, it is a shining example of what I expect in this genre. The plot is unusual, not even close to other historicals. The pacing is excellent, keeping me entertained from the first page to the last, and is that not why one chooses to read?
I fell in love with the heroine, Emma Chadwick, from the start. She is an intelligent, feisty, independent woman, yet feminine at the same time. Her nurturing characterization came through extraordinarily well, without having her come across as a martyr. I loved the interaction between the sisters tremendously and hope the future books planned in this series involve Portia and Lily as the heroines!
Roderick Bentley is my kind of hero. From an early age, life did not deal him a good set of cards, having been born a bastard son of an earl. However, he did not let that defeat him. He has become a wealthy and successful self-made man. While he skirts the outer edge of society because of his birth and occupation, he does not let that stand in his way either. Although the owner of a gambling club, he is honest and honorable, especially toward Emma.
Luck is No Lady is very well-written and other than a few modern words that sneaked in, it is true to the regency setting. Also, the intrigue in the story is expertly worked in and very believable. While the love scenes are not overly explicit since they focus more on the emotion than the sexual act itself, they are quite sensual and perfect for this book.
If you are looking for an enjoyable historical romance with excellent characters and a unique plot, then you will find Luck is No Lady as delightfully fulfilling as I. I strongly recommend this wonderful regency romance, and I can’t wait for the other books to come out in this remarkable series. Happy reading!
August 9, 2017
I thought this was a solid read: (3-3.5)
-A practical yet passionate accountant and committed older sister
-A man who makes his own family and is ultimately sweet, supportive, and loyal
-a well developed relationship
-an engaging enough plot
-well-written sexy times
I'm no HR expert, but I did have fun with this book. I struggled a bit with how this all came together, or the lack of tension. I'm not sure what was missing, but I did enjoy the elements of this book a great deal. You get a great sense of the heroine though it and how she decides to prioritize herself, or is pushed to by her sisters.
-A practical yet passionate accountant and committed older sister
-A man who makes his own family and is ultimately sweet, supportive, and loyal
-a well developed relationship
-an engaging enough plot
-well-written sexy times
I'm no HR expert, but I did have fun with this book. I struggled a bit with how this all came together, or the lack of tension. I'm not sure what was missing, but I did enjoy the elements of this book a great deal. You get a great sense of the heroine though it and how she decides to prioritize herself, or is pushed to by her sisters.
April 3, 2016
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
Luck is No Lady is a historical romance that I was looking forward to because, hey, gambling den!
Emma Chadwick is a woman in dire straights. She's threatened by a moneylender that her father was in debt to when he died. Due to this financially stressed circumstances (it cost a lot to launch your sisters in society) Emma needs to find employment. Fast.
A gently bred woman finding respectable employment is no easy thing in the Regency era. Hence, Emma's eventual employment as a bookkeeper at a scandalous gambling hell. The owner of the club is Roderick Bentley, bastard son of an Earl, who hires Emma in order to discover how his previous bookkeeper was fleecing him out of his money. Emma is up to the mathematical challenge, but is less prepared for her attraction to the handsome owner of the club. The first half of Luck is No Lady is really, really good. The tentative attraction Emma feels towards Roderick is done very well. As is Emma's conflicted feelings about her attraction towards Roderick. As the primary caregiver of her two younger sisters, Emma shoulders a lot of responsibility, despite the fact that her sisters are of an age when they could help and support her. Due to her responsibility, Emma has led a rather sheltered live and is unprepared for her reaction to Roderick. That tension between the two main characters was beautifully done in the first half of the book and I was captivated.
For me, the momentum in the first half of the book did not carry on to the second half of the book and I think a lot of that had to do with the hero himself. I'm sorry to say that Roderick Bentley became a bit of a bore. Don't get me wrong, there's a place for the upstanding hero in the romance genre. However, when you have two rather upstanding and responsible characters like Roderick and Emma there romance can be a bit, well, dull. Both Roderick and Emma were so wrapped up in their responsibilities that their romance kind of lost steam. The romantic tension that started so strong between the two of them faded a bit when the obstacle to their relationship was nothing more than their upstanding natures.
Another element that I found frustrating was Emma's reluctance to share the burdens of her father's debts with her sisters. I could have understood Emma's lone wolf mentality if her sisters were significantly younger than her, but both of them were old enough to be married. Old enough to marry but not old enough to solve a very real financial problem? Emma's insistence on marrying of her sisters and not asking them for help didn't really make sense. Combine Emma's determination to go it alone with Roderick's determination that he wasn't good enough for Emma and you have a duo that lost it's magic.
Luck is No Lady had a lot of potential. The first half was great, filled with great tension between two intriguing main characters. Unfortunately, Emma and Roderick became flat characters that changed little throughout the narrative. While disappointed, I enjoyed the writing style and will check out the author's next book in the series.
April 12, 2021
Thanks so much to Dawn's Super Gorgeous Review of this story. One of the best reads this year. My very first book by Amy Sandas. She's now one of my Top Authors!
I've so fallen in love with Emma and Roderick. In desperation, Emma went to work in a gaming hell, the gentlemen's club, in 1817! She was already a spinster wallflower at 25. But she was determined to give her two younger sisters their Season.
Roderick owned the club. Emma got the job there not because he saw her once before and was attracted. But because she was a wiz at maths and could audit his books! Now you might wonder about Roderick's looks and more. I hope you would pick up this book and find out on your own. The path to their Happily Ever After ending was surprisingly designed & carved out by Emma herself. Did Roderick just go along for the ride? Not likely! He was an "all or nothing" kind of Hero after all.
BTW~ It's now (4/12/2021) Free to borrow 🏃🏽♀️ on KU 😍
I've so fallen in love with Emma and Roderick. In desperation, Emma went to work in a gaming hell, the gentlemen's club, in 1817! She was already a spinster wallflower at 25. But she was determined to give her two younger sisters their Season.
Roderick owned the club. Emma got the job there not because he saw her once before and was attracted. But because she was a wiz at maths and could audit his books! Now you might wonder about Roderick's looks and more. I hope you would pick up this book and find out on your own. The path to their Happily Ever After ending was surprisingly designed & carved out by Emma herself. Did Roderick just go along for the ride? Not likely! He was an "all or nothing" kind of Hero after all.
BTW~ It's now (4/12/2021) Free to borrow 🏃🏽♀️ on KU 😍
May 18, 2016
3,5 stars!
Ps: I can't wait to read Lily's book!
Ps: I can't wait to read Lily's book!
August 23, 2024
4.5 Stars
Spinster, Emma Chadwick becomes a bookkeeper at a gambling hell after learning her decreased father owes money to a dangerous moneylender. Hungers sparks within her when she meets the owner of the club, Roderick Bentley. He is a bastard who is shunned by the ton. The same spark charges within him, as well, when he meets Emma. Drawn to each other, they learn to break down their walls and freely love.
What a great book! I've never read this author before, and I'm so glad I picked it up. Amy Sandas has a way with words — the palpable tension, banter, and tenderness between the two main characters is wonderful! I love Roderick: he's the type of hero I enjoy reading about — strong, protective, and very roguish. I look forward to reading more in this series.
P.S.: This cover is so beautiful. I love her dress, the way they are posing, and the masquerade mask.
Spinster, Emma Chadwick becomes a bookkeeper at a gambling hell after learning her decreased father owes money to a dangerous moneylender. Hungers sparks within her when she meets the owner of the club, Roderick Bentley. He is a bastard who is shunned by the ton. The same spark charges within him, as well, when he meets Emma. Drawn to each other, they learn to break down their walls and freely love.
What a great book! I've never read this author before, and I'm so glad I picked it up. Amy Sandas has a way with words — the palpable tension, banter, and tenderness between the two main characters is wonderful! I love Roderick: he's the type of hero I enjoy reading about — strong, protective, and very roguish. I look forward to reading more in this series.
P.S.: This cover is so beautiful. I love her dress, the way they are posing, and the masquerade mask.
November 2, 2025
this HR started off very promising, and their first interaction was so fun and got me excited. but this just ended up boring me. the fmc did not have much personality other than her spinsterhood and sacrificial nature. oh and she’s good at math. the hero was likable enough, but i didn’t expect for him to be a beta hero. and then the last couple of chapters were so weird??? i knew that the whole kidnapping plot was a set up for the next book(s) but it felt like everything got resolved behind the scenes and i was disconnected.
i have to admit though, the intimate scenes were good. i just wasn’t that connected with the romance.
i have to admit though, the intimate scenes were good. i just wasn’t that connected with the romance.
April 17, 2016
Aww! I loved this one! The characters were so great and I loved the romance! I'm excited for more from this series!
----------------------------------------
FULL REVIEW
I'll be honest, Luck Is No Lady was a book that I added to my TBR because of the beautiful cover. I'm such a sucker for a lovely cover and this definitely had one. Thankfully, the inside of Luck Is No Lady was just as great as the outside and I had a blast reading this historical romance novel.
Emma, the main character in this book, was a complete breath of fresh air for a historical romance heroine. I easily connected with her character and found myself rooting for her happiness early on. She was a sweet and caring young woman, who is trying to give her sisters a life they deserve after their parents' passing. She also was intelligent and was comfortable around numbers, a skill that comes in handy. I admired Emma so much for the strength she showed in the face of so many obstacles. Being a young woman in that kind of situation in those days wasn't easy as you can imagine, but Emma handled every hurdle that she came across with her head held high. I loved her so much! Being the selfless girl that she was, she always put others before her, so when Roderick swept into the story, I was thrilled because I wanted this girl to be loved with the passion she deserved. Roderick, himself, was a bit of an unconventional hero for a historical romance. He was wealthy, but he was still a bastard in society so he never was able to fit in. He was smart though and used his intelligence to open up a successful gaming club. Roderick was a little rough around the edges at first, but he opened up to Emma slowly throughout the book and I grew to really love him, especially when tried to help Emma out. Talk about swoon!
Their relationship was beautifully developed. There was no insta-love here at all. They share a sexy encounter in the dark at a ball, but after that they really got to know each other before they jumped into bed. I loved that they were a couple that talked and became emotionally acquainted with each other. It was a sweet developing romance and I loved the conversations they had. I think what I loved most about Emma and Roderick's romance was how Roderick didn't act all alpha-male when it came to her. Instead, he let her do her thing, and was supportive of her whenever she needed the help. Besides the lovely romance, Luck Is No Lady also portrayed a lovely siblings relationship between Emma and her sisters, Portia and Lily. These girls formed a close-knit family, along with their aunt, who was an absolute riot herself. The subsequent novels in this series will be Portia and Lily's books and I'm excited to get to know them better and also see more glimpses of Emma and Roderick.
This first book in the Fallen Ladies series is one I see many fans of historical romance enjoying. It has a smart heroine, a swoony hero, a sweeping romance and lovely writing. It's not to be missed by fans of the genre.
June 4, 2017
Original review at The Book Portal.
4.50/5.00 stars.
I picked up this book last year. I read a good portion of it then I put it down. Why you ask? Because:
1. School;
2. I've lost interest.
During the school time, a slow burning romance is not a good way to entertain yourself. You need adrenaline. Action. Something that keeps you going. (So that is my excuse.) In other words, I was not in the mood anymore.
Putting my reasons aside, I was 100% sure I will return to this book. And not surprisingly, I did. Oh, boy! I so enjoyed the story. It was a historical, regency romance just up my alley. The romance does not monopolize the narrative and we have conflict. Yes! Three noble orphaned girls in need of money in times when a good marriage is the only solution for young women. Deceased parent with gambling addiction who caused those three girls to be in danger for a bookie. A noble bastard who owns a "gambling hell" becomes a means to an end for the girls get out of dept. The oldest of the sisters risks her family name and reputation in an era where status is everything to save her sister. Falling in love is out of question but it may happen in the darkest of times.
A perfect recipe for an intriguing story despite the cheesy cover. (Please, ignore it!)
The romance is slow burning. Tension is built up for our characters. We have chemistry at first then have that period of flirting, personal exploring, and creating trust. No dominant and overly exaggerated alpha male. No weak female who appears to be strong only because the author tells us so. The main characters feel like real people, relatable people. Both are strong and weak in their own ways. They complete each other like puzzle pieces.
I realized lately that I need meaning and story in my romances not jut plain romance and steam. This was definitely my cup of team. I am going to follow the author and continue the series.
Yes, this is still a read for a more mature audience.
This is my sole opinion. ^_^
4.50/5.00 stars.
I picked up this book last year. I read a good portion of it then I put it down. Why you ask? Because:
1. School;
2. I've lost interest.
During the school time, a slow burning romance is not a good way to entertain yourself. You need adrenaline. Action. Something that keeps you going. (So that is my excuse.) In other words, I was not in the mood anymore.
Putting my reasons aside, I was 100% sure I will return to this book. And not surprisingly, I did. Oh, boy! I so enjoyed the story. It was a historical, regency romance just up my alley. The romance does not monopolize the narrative and we have conflict. Yes! Three noble orphaned girls in need of money in times when a good marriage is the only solution for young women. Deceased parent with gambling addiction who caused those three girls to be in danger for a bookie. A noble bastard who owns a "gambling hell" becomes a means to an end for the girls get out of dept. The oldest of the sisters risks her family name and reputation in an era where status is everything to save her sister. Falling in love is out of question but it may happen in the darkest of times.
A perfect recipe for an intriguing story despite the cheesy cover. (Please, ignore it!)
The romance is slow burning. Tension is built up for our characters. We have chemistry at first then have that period of flirting, personal exploring, and creating trust. No dominant and overly exaggerated alpha male. No weak female who appears to be strong only because the author tells us so. The main characters feel like real people, relatable people. Both are strong and weak in their own ways. They complete each other like puzzle pieces.
I realized lately that I need meaning and story in my romances not jut plain romance and steam. This was definitely my cup of team. I am going to follow the author and continue the series.
Yes, this is still a read for a more mature audience.
This is my sole opinion. ^_^
January 30, 2016
Luck is No Lady began so compellingly. Drama, suspense and great chemistry.
Sadly after the half way point all that made this read interesting imploded and it became a chore to finish.
The problem, the hero was too beta too good too nice. To keep up with the great start the hero should have played a more active role in directing the romance instead the hero became a bystander even toward the end when the romance almost seemed to end due to his lack of action.
There was a class difference as the heroine was from nobility and the hero the illigitimate son of nobility however since the heroine's family was 1 not wealthy and 2 on the fringes of nobility that drama wasn't so much an obstacle. Yet it played a part in the heroine's reluctance to cement her romance with the hero but shouldn't have given her being on the fringes of the aristocracy.
So I enjoyed the first half. I liked the plot. The secondary characters were interesting even the villain was interesting. Unfortunate the last half wasn't as impressive and the hero too laid back.
This reviewer received an ARC of Luck is no Lady from netgalley
Sadly after the half way point all that made this read interesting imploded and it became a chore to finish.
The problem, the hero was too beta too good too nice. To keep up with the great start the hero should have played a more active role in directing the romance instead the hero became a bystander even toward the end when the romance almost seemed to end due to his lack of action.
There was a class difference as the heroine was from nobility and the hero the illigitimate son of nobility however since the heroine's family was 1 not wealthy and 2 on the fringes of nobility that drama wasn't so much an obstacle. Yet it played a part in the heroine's reluctance to cement her romance with the hero but shouldn't have given her being on the fringes of the aristocracy.
So I enjoyed the first half. I liked the plot. The secondary characters were interesting even the villain was interesting. Unfortunate the last half wasn't as impressive and the hero too laid back.
This reviewer received an ARC of Luck is no Lady from netgalley
March 17, 2017
Although I often found Amy Sandas’s writing to be a bit mechanical in style, I enjoyed this book. I think the world she managed to create around Bentley’s was really well done, plus gambling hell settings will always be a favorite of mine. I also liked the buildup of tension and slow burn romance between Emma and Roderick. The fact that they were both extremely likable leads was a nice bonus as well. But the best part for me was the close bond that the three uniquely different Chadwick sisters shared and I look forward to reading Portia and Lily’s books.
Read
January 29, 2016DNF.
Slow, so painfully slow.
I'll put it aside for now
Slow, so painfully slow.
I'll put it aside for now
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