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Duke-Defying Daughters #1
To Lure a Proper Lady
When Lady Elizabeth Wilde and her sisters are summoned once again to their chronically anxious father’s deathbed, she’s shocked to find that his worries are at last justified. He’s terribly ill, and Lizzie suspects poison. But when she seeks help from the Bow Street Runners, her request is answered by a rough-hewn rogue known only as Dysart. Though his irreverent charm by turns shocks and captivates her, a man of Dysart’s background is an altogether inappropriate choice for a duke’s daughter—isn’t he?
Although Dysart has his reasons to disdain polite society, the promise of supplemental income from a noble’s coffers is too tempting to deny. But if Dysart means to apprehend the culprit who poisoned the duke, he’ll need to avoid any and all distractions—like the delicious swish of Lady Elizabeth’s hips. Yet as the investigation begins to unearth secrets he’d rather remain hidden, Dysart must decide at a moment’s notice whether to hold Elizabeth at arm’s length . . . or pull her dangerously close.
Although Dysart has his reasons to disdain polite society, the promise of supplemental income from a noble’s coffers is too tempting to deny. But if Dysart means to apprehend the culprit who poisoned the duke, he’ll need to avoid any and all distractions—like the delicious swish of Lady Elizabeth’s hips. Yet as the investigation begins to unearth secrets he’d rather remain hidden, Dysart must decide at a moment’s notice whether to hold Elizabeth at arm’s length . . . or pull her dangerously close.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2016
49 people are currently reading
467 people want to read
About the author
Ashlyn Macnamara
15 books207 followersAshlyn lives in the wilds of suburbia outside Montreal with her husband and two teenaged daughters. When not writing, she looks for other excuses to neglect the housework, among them knitting, reading and wasting time on the internet in the guise of doing research.
Visit http://ashlynmacnamara.net/book-table/ for more information.
Visit http://ashlynmacnamara.net/book-table/ for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
March 24, 2016
4.3 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Lady Elizabeth Wilde is the eldest of three girls and the daughter of duke, so when she begins to suspect that someone may be poisoning her father; it's up to her to take action. Hiring a Bow Street Runner to investigate sounds like the best idea but when she meets Dysart, her life really starts to take a different turn. Dysart knows all about polite society and finds the rookeries to be more pleasant and honest but when the starchy Lady comes asking for help, he takes the case. A carriage ride, shared lingering glances, and a connection that can't be denied start to make this a case Dysart won't soon forget. With two people society deems unacceptable to even share the same table, this duke's daughter and runner are beginning to want to share more than just confidences.
She is above you.
The first in a new series, To Lure a Proper Lady, was a fantastic start and introduction to the Wilde family. Our heroine, the eldest daughter Lady Elizabeth, is used to taking charge and being responsible. It seems her father has lingered in his bedchamber for years, suffering mostly from hypochondria. While Lady Elizabeth, Lizzie to her family, has been the head of the family for all intents and purposes, her character wonderfully stays away from the strong-willed (pig-headed) and brash (bratty) heroine traits that often accompany heroines authors want to portray as intelligent and leaders. Lizzie has the confidence, subtlety, and limitations (limited world view) of a woman in her position, a duke's daughter. These nuances, Lizzie can put together a house party on short notice and run a hugely staffed home like a general but has no understanding of the finances, the author wrote into the character helped give a feeling for the time period and Lizzie as an individual.
She'd learned about the man before her, but she still didn't know him.
Dysart (yes, I completely agree, the name is a struggle) starts off as a chameleon to us the readers as he adopts many personas to mask his true identity; it's clear immediately that he does this to try and keep a wedge between him and Lizzie. Along with Lizzie, we learn his true self as the story moves on. Decisions he made in his past as a young man are revealed to be quite noble if a bit overly aboveboard. As an investigator, I have to say, he's a bit wanting but as a hero, prepare to get in line. He's the bad boy from the other side of the tracks that is more hotly honorable than bad and maybe not so off limits. His backstory is a bit muddled but the way he treats and interacts with Lizzie in the present is why we're all here anyway.
To hell with the fact that she was a lady and he was hardly a gentleman.
The story thread that keeps our couple together is Lizzie hiring Dysart to help figure out if her father is being poisoned and if so, by whom? As I mentioned, Dysart doesn't do a lot to impress in this capacity. He makes a lot of lists and hems and haws over who could be guilty but I'm not sure any investigative action was taken, the answers kind of fall into his lap. What was this story's strong point and worth the price of admission was Lizzie and Dysart's chemistry. When they first meet, there is an instant spark but their coming together is gradually moved along in some pretty perfect steamy scenes (the papers flying, desk clearing scene is worth any price tag ;). For most of the book, I thought Dysart overshadowed Lizzie but towards the end, our heroine stepped up a lot.
Secondary characters did an adequate job of helping to round out the story. Lizzie's middle sister Caro weaved in and out and although I have a decent idea on who her character is, she wasn't fully flushed out. The youngest sister, Philippa, popped in for a few lines but I would have liked to have seen more of her. In fact, scenes of the sisters interacting would have added a lot to the story and characters, I missed their familial feel. Their father, crazy aunt, Pendleton (perceived enemy of Dysart), and Snowley the duke's heir all add to the story but weren't fully drawn out characters. The villain was believable but that whole storyline felt more to the peripheral with lightly sketched details.
As I mentioned the star of the show really is Dysart and Lizzie's relationship and their steamy hot scenes. Lizzie's character did feel a little uneven at times when her boldness/eagerness lightly emerged into the intimate scenes but she was never overly modern and I found myself not caring if her father was dying or not, as I wanted more scenes of Dysart and Lizzie trying to fight their attraction. This was wonderfully sweetly hot and a great start to a series that has me highly anticipating the next one.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Lady Elizabeth Wilde is the eldest of three girls and the daughter of duke, so when she begins to suspect that someone may be poisoning her father; it's up to her to take action. Hiring a Bow Street Runner to investigate sounds like the best idea but when she meets Dysart, her life really starts to take a different turn. Dysart knows all about polite society and finds the rookeries to be more pleasant and honest but when the starchy Lady comes asking for help, he takes the case. A carriage ride, shared lingering glances, and a connection that can't be denied start to make this a case Dysart won't soon forget. With two people society deems unacceptable to even share the same table, this duke's daughter and runner are beginning to want to share more than just confidences.
She is above you.
The first in a new series, To Lure a Proper Lady, was a fantastic start and introduction to the Wilde family. Our heroine, the eldest daughter Lady Elizabeth, is used to taking charge and being responsible. It seems her father has lingered in his bedchamber for years, suffering mostly from hypochondria. While Lady Elizabeth, Lizzie to her family, has been the head of the family for all intents and purposes, her character wonderfully stays away from the strong-willed (pig-headed) and brash (bratty) heroine traits that often accompany heroines authors want to portray as intelligent and leaders. Lizzie has the confidence, subtlety, and limitations (limited world view) of a woman in her position, a duke's daughter. These nuances, Lizzie can put together a house party on short notice and run a hugely staffed home like a general but has no understanding of the finances, the author wrote into the character helped give a feeling for the time period and Lizzie as an individual.
She'd learned about the man before her, but she still didn't know him.
Dysart (yes, I completely agree, the name is a struggle) starts off as a chameleon to us the readers as he adopts many personas to mask his true identity; it's clear immediately that he does this to try and keep a wedge between him and Lizzie. Along with Lizzie, we learn his true self as the story moves on. Decisions he made in his past as a young man are revealed to be quite noble if a bit overly aboveboard. As an investigator, I have to say, he's a bit wanting but as a hero, prepare to get in line. He's the bad boy from the other side of the tracks that is more hotly honorable than bad and maybe not so off limits. His backstory is a bit muddled but the way he treats and interacts with Lizzie in the present is why we're all here anyway.
To hell with the fact that she was a lady and he was hardly a gentleman.
The story thread that keeps our couple together is Lizzie hiring Dysart to help figure out if her father is being poisoned and if so, by whom? As I mentioned, Dysart doesn't do a lot to impress in this capacity. He makes a lot of lists and hems and haws over who could be guilty but I'm not sure any investigative action was taken, the answers kind of fall into his lap. What was this story's strong point and worth the price of admission was Lizzie and Dysart's chemistry. When they first meet, there is an instant spark but their coming together is gradually moved along in some pretty perfect steamy scenes (the papers flying, desk clearing scene is worth any price tag ;). For most of the book, I thought Dysart overshadowed Lizzie but towards the end, our heroine stepped up a lot.
Secondary characters did an adequate job of helping to round out the story. Lizzie's middle sister Caro weaved in and out and although I have a decent idea on who her character is, she wasn't fully flushed out. The youngest sister, Philippa, popped in for a few lines but I would have liked to have seen more of her. In fact, scenes of the sisters interacting would have added a lot to the story and characters, I missed their familial feel. Their father, crazy aunt, Pendleton (perceived enemy of Dysart), and Snowley the duke's heir all add to the story but weren't fully drawn out characters. The villain was believable but that whole storyline felt more to the peripheral with lightly sketched details.
As I mentioned the star of the show really is Dysart and Lizzie's relationship and their steamy hot scenes. Lizzie's character did feel a little uneven at times when her boldness/eagerness lightly emerged into the intimate scenes but she was never overly modern and I found myself not caring if her father was dying or not, as I wanted more scenes of Dysart and Lizzie trying to fight their attraction. This was wonderfully sweetly hot and a great start to a series that has me highly anticipating the next one.
April 30, 2016
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 because I liked Dysart so much.
The Duke of Sherrington is a valetudinarian (that’s Regency-speak for hypochondriac) who wants to see his three daughters wed before he shuffles off this mortal coil. Hence, his insistence that their annual house party take place, in hopes that some eligible gentlemen will help fulfill his wish.
Lady Elizabeth Wilde, (Lizzie) the eldest daughter, is shocked by her father’s sudden change in condition and begins to suspect that someone may be poisoning him. Intrepid Lady Elizabeth takes herself off to Bow Street to hire a runner, and there she encounters Dysart (no first name), lounging on the pavement smoking a cheroot. He happens to be the only runner available at the moment, so Lizzie engages him. Despite his scruffy appearance and insolent manner, Dysart knows something about high society, so the plan is for him to join the house party as a guest, using a pseudonym and some concocted connections to the duke.
From the moment Dysart joins Lizzie for the carriage ride to Suffolk, sparks are flying, but neither one of them will acknowledge it. I knew that I would love Dysart when I read this exchange:
But Lizzie does not want to like it; Dysart is completely unsuitable for a duke’s daughter. Besides, she is expected to marry her second cousin Snowley, her father’s fussy, fastidious heir. The thought of intimacy with him makes her shudder, but she must consider the possibility; it is her father’s fondest wish, and Lizzie is a dutiful daughter. Along with being dutiful, however, Lizzie is strong, intelligent, and brave. Due to her father’s years of illness, she is the de facto head of the household and is a substitute mother to her two younger sisters. While Lizzie is a modern character in some ways, Ashlyn Macnamara does an excellent job making her a woman of her time, although I must say that Lizzie is a good deal bolder in carnal matters that one would expect of a gently bred young lady. The sexual tension between her and Dysart is so palpable, though, that she might be forgiven her indiscretions.
Although there are plenty of secondary characters, some of whom are just there to set up the rest of the series, Dysart is the star of this book. He is taciturn, moody, clever, gallant, and hot as coals of glowing fire. (Fans of Deanna Raybourn’s Lady Julia series might be reminded Brisbane from time to time!) Clearly, he has a past, which he gradually shares with Lizzie as the investigation draws them closer; and the events of that past demonstrate just what a noble soul lies beneath the rough exterior.
Although the mystery was unexciting (until the surprisingly thrilling ending), I thoroughly enjoyed To Lure a Proper Lady and added a star to my rating just for Dysart. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
This review first appeared at Romantic Historical Reviews.
The Duke of Sherrington is a valetudinarian (that’s Regency-speak for hypochondriac) who wants to see his three daughters wed before he shuffles off this mortal coil. Hence, his insistence that their annual house party take place, in hopes that some eligible gentlemen will help fulfill his wish.
Lady Elizabeth Wilde, (Lizzie) the eldest daughter, is shocked by her father’s sudden change in condition and begins to suspect that someone may be poisoning him. Intrepid Lady Elizabeth takes herself off to Bow Street to hire a runner, and there she encounters Dysart (no first name), lounging on the pavement smoking a cheroot. He happens to be the only runner available at the moment, so Lizzie engages him. Despite his scruffy appearance and insolent manner, Dysart knows something about high society, so the plan is for him to join the house party as a guest, using a pseudonym and some concocted connections to the duke.
From the moment Dysart joins Lizzie for the carriage ride to Suffolk, sparks are flying, but neither one of them will acknowledge it. I knew that I would love Dysart when I read this exchange:
“I am Lady Elizabeth Wilde.” . . .Dysart is an enigma. He can drop his Bow Street accent and smart-arse attitude to converse like a gentlemen in a flash. He apparently has a gentleman’s wardrobe, for no mention is made of him being dressed inappropriately. He knows which fork to use. One of the guests, a nasty piece of work named Pendleton, even recognizes him and calls him “Gus.” Dysart, however, has the goods on Pendleton and threatens him with exposure to keep him silent. He roams the house at all hours investigating and he suspects everyone. From time to time, we see Dysart’s inner bad boy make an appearance; Lizzie sees it too, and she likes it.
“Are ye now?”
“Am I what?”
“Wild.”
The maid let out a gasp.
But Lizzie does not want to like it; Dysart is completely unsuitable for a duke’s daughter. Besides, she is expected to marry her second cousin Snowley, her father’s fussy, fastidious heir. The thought of intimacy with him makes her shudder, but she must consider the possibility; it is her father’s fondest wish, and Lizzie is a dutiful daughter. Along with being dutiful, however, Lizzie is strong, intelligent, and brave. Due to her father’s years of illness, she is the de facto head of the household and is a substitute mother to her two younger sisters. While Lizzie is a modern character in some ways, Ashlyn Macnamara does an excellent job making her a woman of her time, although I must say that Lizzie is a good deal bolder in carnal matters that one would expect of a gently bred young lady. The sexual tension between her and Dysart is so palpable, though, that she might be forgiven her indiscretions.
Although there are plenty of secondary characters, some of whom are just there to set up the rest of the series, Dysart is the star of this book. He is taciturn, moody, clever, gallant, and hot as coals of glowing fire. (Fans of Deanna Raybourn’s Lady Julia series might be reminded Brisbane from time to time!) Clearly, he has a past, which he gradually shares with Lizzie as the investigation draws them closer; and the events of that past demonstrate just what a noble soul lies beneath the rough exterior.
Although the mystery was unexciting (until the surprisingly thrilling ending), I thoroughly enjoyed To Lure a Proper Lady and added a star to my rating just for Dysart. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
This review first appeared at Romantic Historical Reviews.
March 23, 2016
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
To Lure a Proper Lady is a quick, humorous and sexy read - I loved Lizzie, she was definitely a proper lady in many ways, but quite forward in others...
To Lure a Proper Lady is an amazing mix of family obligations, mystery and forbidden romance, with a main character who is much stronger than she thinks. When Lizzie thinks someone is trying to poison her father, the Duke, she goes on her own to Bow Street to hire a runner, and ends up with Dysart coming to the ducal seat for a fortnight to investigate during a house-party. They are both smart, but there are too many possibilities to follow, plus the attraction they feel for each other is very difficult to put on the back burner while taking care of more pressing matters.
Because the house party has been set up to marry off the Duke's three daughters, To Lure a Proper Lady also has its share of humour, because neither of the three sisters really want to get married. Lizzie is the oldest, and expected to marry her cousin because he's the Duke's heir. Snowley, however, is both boring and a little dense, and Lizzie would go to quite extreme lengths to not marry him.
The mystery of the story thickens as To Lure a Proper Lady unfolds, and so does the romance between Dysart and Lizzie. She's quite bold for an innocent society girl, and I loved that she was so curious. Dysart was definitely doing his best to resist her, but she made that more than a little difficult. For the most part, the story is quite slow-paced, and that works very well. However, towards the end, everything speeds up before the climax of the story, and I couldn't quite read fast enough to get to the good parts I wanted. The culmination of both the mystery and the romance was dramatic, and Lizzie once more showed how strong she was.
In this new series, MacNamara expertly weaves the mystery and the romance to make an intricate whole, with well-developed characters and a solid plot. I can't wait to see what is up next in the Duke-Defying Daughters series. Written in third person perspective, from Lizzie's point of view, and with some great dialogues, the story was both enjoyable and hot!
His hands clamped down over hers, engulfing them with warmth. The roughened calluses on his palms pressed into the soft skin over the backs of her hands. She suddenly understood the dictate that young ladies wear gloves.
She closed her eyes and rested against him, breathing in the scents of male intermingled with a fleeting hint of tobacco and brandy. This. This is what I want.
She clamped her lips shut on a series of descriptive terms she might apply to Barrows and Dysart in equal measure, most of them inappropriate to pronounce in public and none of them helpful in identifying a person. a thick skull didn't show on the outside, after all.
To Lure a Proper Lady is a quick, humorous and sexy read - I loved Lizzie, she was definitely a proper lady in many ways, but quite forward in others...
To Lure a Proper Lady is an amazing mix of family obligations, mystery and forbidden romance, with a main character who is much stronger than she thinks. When Lizzie thinks someone is trying to poison her father, the Duke, she goes on her own to Bow Street to hire a runner, and ends up with Dysart coming to the ducal seat for a fortnight to investigate during a house-party. They are both smart, but there are too many possibilities to follow, plus the attraction they feel for each other is very difficult to put on the back burner while taking care of more pressing matters.
Because the house party has been set up to marry off the Duke's three daughters, To Lure a Proper Lady also has its share of humour, because neither of the three sisters really want to get married. Lizzie is the oldest, and expected to marry her cousin because he's the Duke's heir. Snowley, however, is both boring and a little dense, and Lizzie would go to quite extreme lengths to not marry him.
The mystery of the story thickens as To Lure a Proper Lady unfolds, and so does the romance between Dysart and Lizzie. She's quite bold for an innocent society girl, and I loved that she was so curious. Dysart was definitely doing his best to resist her, but she made that more than a little difficult. For the most part, the story is quite slow-paced, and that works very well. However, towards the end, everything speeds up before the climax of the story, and I couldn't quite read fast enough to get to the good parts I wanted. The culmination of both the mystery and the romance was dramatic, and Lizzie once more showed how strong she was.
In this new series, MacNamara expertly weaves the mystery and the romance to make an intricate whole, with well-developed characters and a solid plot. I can't wait to see what is up next in the Duke-Defying Daughters series. Written in third person perspective, from Lizzie's point of view, and with some great dialogues, the story was both enjoyable and hot!
His hands clamped down over hers, engulfing them with warmth. The roughened calluses on his palms pressed into the soft skin over the backs of her hands. She suddenly understood the dictate that young ladies wear gloves.
She closed her eyes and rested against him, breathing in the scents of male intermingled with a fleeting hint of tobacco and brandy. This. This is what I want.
She clamped her lips shut on a series of descriptive terms she might apply to Barrows and Dysart in equal measure, most of them inappropriate to pronounce in public and none of them helpful in identifying a person. a thick skull didn't show on the outside, after all.
July 25, 2016
To Lure a Proper Lady is the delightful story of Lady Elizabeth Wylde and Dysart. And yes, we get to the story of his name eventually, and also his real name.
Lady Elizabeth, or Lizzie, oversees the management of her father's estate, the Duke of Sherrington, since he's a bit of a hypochondriac who spends most of his days in bed. Being the eldest of three sisters, she's also the most level-headed of them who feels the burden of duty the most. When her father genuinely seems to become ill, she suspects foul play and hires a Bow Street Runner to investigate the matter further. In comes Dysart. Add to that a house party her father insists on so his daughters can find themselves suitable husbands before he dies, a slightly eccentric great-aunt, a slimy cousin once removed and heir presumptive to the dukedom, a proper villain whom I suspect will be present in the next book, a self-righteous gossip lady and we have a bit of an Agatha-Christie atmosphere.
But fear not, the mystery plot never becomes overwhelming. The story concentrates mostly on the growing chemistry between Lizzie and Dysart. One of the first things I noticed was the absence of annoying MC's! Yes, Dysart is great and Lizzie is sweet. See, the difference I made there? It's because Dysart is by far the more interesting character with the more interesting background. Dysart is a yummy hero, extremely honourable, but still rough on the edges and I loved how he could switch between slangs easily, making him either the rugged Bow Street Runner, the English Aristocrat, or a Scottish one if he so chooses. Watching him stumbling through the 'investigation' and the house party, distracted by his attraction to Lizzie, was great. Lizzie, equally distracted, tries to keep the disintegrating House party up. But hey, who can withstand a reddish haired (sigh!), rough but good looking Hero who charms his way into her thoughts and into her heart...and onto a desk. Sounds sweet? Well, it is sweet.
I've just noticed that I'm actually rewriting Kyraraker's brilliant review here.
There's only one thing I'd like to point out. I usually complain about how much unnecessary things are being thrown into a story, or how the page time could have been used better. In the case of To Lure a Proper Lady, considering it's only 250 pages long, I felt another 50 pages would have given the story a stronger context, e.g., seeing Lizzie and Dysart bouncing off each other in the company of other characters. It does happen, but their encounters appeared a bit choppy at times.
Apart from that, this is a lovely story and I'm very much looking forward to the next book in this series. And, oh, someone send Dysart a note. I'm still waiting here. Coffee, reddish hair and all...you know.
Lady Elizabeth, or Lizzie, oversees the management of her father's estate, the Duke of Sherrington, since he's a bit of a hypochondriac who spends most of his days in bed. Being the eldest of three sisters, she's also the most level-headed of them who feels the burden of duty the most. When her father genuinely seems to become ill, she suspects foul play and hires a Bow Street Runner to investigate the matter further. In comes Dysart. Add to that a house party her father insists on so his daughters can find themselves suitable husbands before he dies, a slightly eccentric great-aunt, a slimy cousin once removed and heir presumptive to the dukedom, a proper villain whom I suspect will be present in the next book, a self-righteous gossip lady and we have a bit of an Agatha-Christie atmosphere.
But fear not, the mystery plot never becomes overwhelming. The story concentrates mostly on the growing chemistry between Lizzie and Dysart. One of the first things I noticed was the absence of annoying MC's! Yes, Dysart is great and Lizzie is sweet. See, the difference I made there? It's because Dysart is by far the more interesting character with the more interesting background. Dysart is a yummy hero, extremely honourable, but still rough on the edges and I loved how he could switch between slangs easily, making him either the rugged Bow Street Runner, the English Aristocrat, or a Scottish one if he so chooses. Watching him stumbling through the 'investigation' and the house party, distracted by his attraction to Lizzie, was great. Lizzie, equally distracted, tries to keep the disintegrating House party up. But hey, who can withstand a reddish haired (sigh!), rough but good looking Hero who charms his way into her thoughts and into her heart...and onto a desk. Sounds sweet? Well, it is sweet.
I've just noticed that I'm actually rewriting Kyraraker's brilliant review here.
There's only one thing I'd like to point out. I usually complain about how much unnecessary things are being thrown into a story, or how the page time could have been used better. In the case of To Lure a Proper Lady, considering it's only 250 pages long, I felt another 50 pages would have given the story a stronger context, e.g., seeing Lizzie and Dysart bouncing off each other in the company of other characters. It does happen, but their encounters appeared a bit choppy at times.
Apart from that, this is a lovely story and I'm very much looking forward to the next book in this series. And, oh, someone send Dysart a note. I'm still waiting here. Coffee, reddish hair and all...you know.
April 6, 2016
3 stars for Dysart. Elizabeth was alright, she was what one would expect as a noble lady. But Dysart as a bow street runner was a lot more cooler than Elizabeth.
I thought the writing is not bad but found the story a little bland. The mystery element played a strong role and Dysart and Elizabeth got their stolen moments together. I skim-read the last 30%. The book as a whole was a 2 stars read but I am adding one more star for Dysart.
I also feel that the characters aren't very well developed. Both have potentials and are very likable. But I think Dysart and Elizabeth could have been more together or individually as characters.
*I received an ARC for the book from the publisher on NetGalley.
I thought the writing is not bad but found the story a little bland. The mystery element played a strong role and Dysart and Elizabeth got their stolen moments together. I skim-read the last 30%. The book as a whole was a 2 stars read but I am adding one more star for Dysart.
I also feel that the characters aren't very well developed. Both have potentials and are very likable. But I think Dysart and Elizabeth could have been more together or individually as characters.
*I received an ARC for the book from the publisher on NetGalley.
April 6, 2017
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a daughter of a duke is raised to believe she can do as she dashed well pleases, which may lead her into all manner of difficulty.
Lady Elizabeth Wilde is the proper, well-behaved, level-headed eldest daughter of the Duke of Sherrington. She has known for a long time that at some point she will have to marry her odious, dim-witted cousin Snowley (yes, that's really his name) because, as her father puts it: No one but her will be able to run the estate as well as she has been and see he doesn't ruin it when he finally inherits everything.
But then, she starts suspecting her father's illness might be something more than it seems and decides to enlists the help of a Bow Street Runner. When she meets "Dysart", her life suddenly starts to feel very dull indeed... And then her sister says something to her that keeps popping into her head:
When are you ever going to live up to the family name?
I really enjoyed this book. I loved that Lizzie was so very reasonable and level-headed (no hysterical fits, jumping to conclusion, or anything that bugged me. Which, believe you me, is not easy ^^), and "Dysart"... Well. He had his moments ofwallowing brooding, but overall, his irreverent teasing side won me over. And once I found out his secret, I really admired him. Those two were really adorable together (when he wasn't off brooding in the dark somewhere). There was a bit of drama towards the end, but not the point where I felt like it was forced.
Solid four stars, and I plan on reading the next one (and hopefully the youngest sister's story at some point) soon.
Lady Elizabeth Wilde is the proper, well-behaved, level-headed eldest daughter of the Duke of Sherrington. She has known for a long time that at some point she will have to marry her odious, dim-witted cousin Snowley (yes, that's really his name) because, as her father puts it: No one but her will be able to run the estate as well as she has been and see he doesn't ruin it when he finally inherits everything.
But then, she starts suspecting her father's illness might be something more than it seems and decides to enlists the help of a Bow Street Runner. When she meets "Dysart", her life suddenly starts to feel very dull indeed... And then her sister says something to her that keeps popping into her head:
When are you ever going to live up to the family name?
I really enjoyed this book. I loved that Lizzie was so very reasonable and level-headed (no hysterical fits, jumping to conclusion, or anything that bugged me. Which, believe you me, is not easy ^^), and "Dysart"... Well. He had his moments of
Solid four stars, and I plan on reading the next one (and hopefully the youngest sister's story at some point) soon.
April 25, 2016
3.5 stars.
Elizabeth Wilde was the eldest of Duke Sherrington’s daughters and all three of them were unmarried. She has had to become lady of the house as her father had been sick and bedridden for some time. After noticing some strange concoctions masquerading as medicine in her father’s arsenal, Lizzie suspected someone poisoning the Duke, her father.
Lizzie decided to hire a Bow Street runner to find out what was going on and who was a fault. Her meeting ended with Dysart as her helper. While Dysart initially annoyed her, Lizzie saw that Dysart possessed refinement, which lead to Lizzie finding out Dysart is more than just a bow street runner.
In fact, the more time they spend together, the closer they become and Lizzie needs to make a match that would allow her to protect her family’s estate in her father’s illness. Would love overcome family obligation?
I have to admit, the Bow street runner Dysart did not impress. I think Lizzie would have made a better runner than him. He was like Shaggy from Scooby Doo, just stumbling onto thing but not exhibiting any real skills.
As a human being, I was impressed because Dysart was honorable and sacrificed himself for someone else. For that action alone, I was rooting for him to be successful in solving the mystery and to win Lizzie’s affections. They had good chemistry and the progression of their relationship was believable. I liked this story but I didn’t love it because I found the mystery and storyline unoriginal and would have liked a little more emotional angst.
Special Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Netgalley for this book given in exchange for an honest review.
Elizabeth Wilde was the eldest of Duke Sherrington’s daughters and all three of them were unmarried. She has had to become lady of the house as her father had been sick and bedridden for some time. After noticing some strange concoctions masquerading as medicine in her father’s arsenal, Lizzie suspected someone poisoning the Duke, her father.
Lizzie decided to hire a Bow Street runner to find out what was going on and who was a fault. Her meeting ended with Dysart as her helper. While Dysart initially annoyed her, Lizzie saw that Dysart possessed refinement, which lead to Lizzie finding out Dysart is more than just a bow street runner.
In fact, the more time they spend together, the closer they become and Lizzie needs to make a match that would allow her to protect her family’s estate in her father’s illness. Would love overcome family obligation?
I have to admit, the Bow street runner Dysart did not impress. I think Lizzie would have made a better runner than him. He was like Shaggy from Scooby Doo, just stumbling onto thing but not exhibiting any real skills.
As a human being, I was impressed because Dysart was honorable and sacrificed himself for someone else. For that action alone, I was rooting for him to be successful in solving the mystery and to win Lizzie’s affections. They had good chemistry and the progression of their relationship was believable. I liked this story but I didn’t love it because I found the mystery and storyline unoriginal and would have liked a little more emotional angst.
Special Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via Netgalley for this book given in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2016
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review!
This is book one in the "Duke-Defying Daughters" series. Ashlyn Macnamara books are really good, passionate must reads. So I was glad to see this book and the new series.
Lady Elizabeth Wilde seems to be the more responsible one out of the sisters. Lizzie seems to oversea everything and tries to take charge and find out if someone is actually hurting her father. Their father has a sometimes not been truthful with his illness. But this time Lizzie thinks he is really sick and that someone is making him that way. Their father wants to see them married and would like Lizzie to marry their cousin. Lizzie deiced to try to get help from the bow street runners in seeing if there is someone responsible to hurting her father. There she meets Dysart who is a rough, rake type.. but he does come forward to help. Dysart will play a family friend at the party that Lizzie is throwing to help find the person trying to her the father.
I am really glad to have this book and hope that you will too.
This is book one in the "Duke-Defying Daughters" series. Ashlyn Macnamara books are really good, passionate must reads. So I was glad to see this book and the new series.
Lady Elizabeth Wilde seems to be the more responsible one out of the sisters. Lizzie seems to oversea everything and tries to take charge and find out if someone is actually hurting her father. Their father has a sometimes not been truthful with his illness. But this time Lizzie thinks he is really sick and that someone is making him that way. Their father wants to see them married and would like Lizzie to marry their cousin. Lizzie deiced to try to get help from the bow street runners in seeing if there is someone responsible to hurting her father. There she meets Dysart who is a rough, rake type.. but he does come forward to help. Dysart will play a family friend at the party that Lizzie is throwing to help find the person trying to her the father.
I am really glad to have this book and hope that you will too.
March 30, 2016
2.5 stars. I didn't buy the relationship between these two. Zero chemistry.
February 16, 2016
This was an excellent, addictive book. I enjoyed it profusely. It was very fun to read, I was not expecting it to be, the way it was, It had this whole mystery going on. It was also so nice watching Lizzy fall in love, she was so innocent, and curious. The man she fell in love with was awesome, and a gentleman to a fault. I would highly recommend this book, to anyone who love's a good romance, combined with a good mystery.
There was some minor language, and a couple sexual situations. I think it's a book for ages over 16.
There was some minor language, and a couple sexual situations. I think it's a book for ages over 16.
July 30, 2016
Fun, easy read with likable characters.
March 30, 2016
Lizzie is the oldest and must think of her family. With her father ill and strange incidents with the local villagers, she is expected to hostess a party so that her and her sisters can find husbands to secure their futures. Suspecting something more dire, Lizzie hires a Bow Street Runner. Dysart takes her job, keeping his own secrets, and the two become entangled. Because of differences in social standing, will they be able to give into their love and have a life together? I enjoyed this story and highly recommend it. I look forward to the next book in the series.
November 13, 2018
England 1822. 2.5 stars.
Cynical & mysterious Dysart served as the Bow Street
Runner, hired by a Duke's dtr, Lady Elizabeth, to
investigate her father's variable health (@ times acute
episodes). Was someone trying to kill the Duke?
Father pressured Lady E to wed his heir/ her bossy 2nd
cous. Snowley. The H and h attended a house party
nominally hosted by her father, in order to expose the
culprit. These 2 did not include the Duke 'in the loop'
on suspicions.
This story felt static b/c
1) of a too easily discovered perp. How swift was the H
as an investigator? Why didn't he better guard the h?
2) the dastardly trick against the Duke would most
likely have had a cumulative effect on his health?
3) the 2nd cousin seemed straight out of Hollywood
'central casting.'
4) the 2 sibs of the h mostly added irritation.
5) the H ironically showed distain for aristos.
6) nothing 'new under the sun' about this couple.
Cynical & mysterious Dysart served as the Bow Street
Runner, hired by a Duke's dtr, Lady Elizabeth, to
investigate her father's variable health (@ times acute
episodes). Was someone trying to kill the Duke?
Father pressured Lady E to wed his heir/ her bossy 2nd
cous. Snowley. The H and h attended a house party
nominally hosted by her father, in order to expose the
culprit. These 2 did not include the Duke 'in the loop'
on suspicions.
This story felt static b/c
1) of a too easily discovered perp. How swift was the H
as an investigator? Why didn't he better guard the h?
2) the dastardly trick against the Duke would most
likely have had a cumulative effect on his health?
3) the 2nd cousin seemed straight out of Hollywood
'central casting.'
4) the 2 sibs of the h mostly added irritation.
5) the H ironically showed distain for aristos.
6) nothing 'new under the sun' about this couple.
March 6, 2016
** I had an ARC of this book in return for my honest review **
This was a new author for me and I enjoyed her work.
Our hero, Dysart, is likeable throughout the book -- he's not one of those dastardly types who comes to redemption through love. I think he was a very brash and unwise young man who could have made a decision that would have served both himself and the other involved person much better in life. Anyway -- lots of very young men make unwise decisions. So, he gave up everything for the sake of another and he got nothing out of the deal. I know -- if he hadn't made that decision I wouldn't have had this lovely book to read. Eventually, he became a Bow Street Runner.
Our heroine, Lady Elizabeth Wilde, is the epitome of graciousness. She is also intelligent and level headed and is pretty much single-handedly running her father's dukedom. Since the duke has only daughters, he expects his oldest, Elizabeth, to marry her cousin -- his heir. It isn't that Elizabeth is indifferent to Snowly (yep, that's his given name), she just downright doesn't care for him -- never has liked him even when they were children.
The story begins with the three sisters being called to their father's bedside where he's convinced he's dying. Elizabeth (for some unexplained reason that wasn't made clear in the book) decides he may have been poisoned. So, Elizabeth (Lizzy) heads to London to hire a Bow Street Runner to investigate and determine if her father is being poisoned or not.
There are lots of potential bad guys and twists and turns involved in Lizzy and Dysart's journey into love and a happily ever after. I didn't really like the final resolution at the end of the book.
I hope you'll give this book a try -- I think you'll like it.
This was a new author for me and I enjoyed her work.
Our hero, Dysart, is likeable throughout the book -- he's not one of those dastardly types who comes to redemption through love. I think he was a very brash and unwise young man who could have made a decision that would have served both himself and the other involved person much better in life. Anyway -- lots of very young men make unwise decisions. So, he gave up everything for the sake of another and he got nothing out of the deal. I know -- if he hadn't made that decision I wouldn't have had this lovely book to read. Eventually, he became a Bow Street Runner.
Our heroine, Lady Elizabeth Wilde, is the epitome of graciousness. She is also intelligent and level headed and is pretty much single-handedly running her father's dukedom. Since the duke has only daughters, he expects his oldest, Elizabeth, to marry her cousin -- his heir. It isn't that Elizabeth is indifferent to Snowly (yep, that's his given name), she just downright doesn't care for him -- never has liked him even when they were children.
The story begins with the three sisters being called to their father's bedside where he's convinced he's dying. Elizabeth (for some unexplained reason that wasn't made clear in the book) decides he may have been poisoned. So, Elizabeth (Lizzy) heads to London to hire a Bow Street Runner to investigate and determine if her father is being poisoned or not.
There are lots of potential bad guys and twists and turns involved in Lizzy and Dysart's journey into love and a happily ever after. I didn't really like the final resolution at the end of the book.
I hope you'll give this book a try -- I think you'll like it.
March 30, 2016
Why did I wait so long to start reading something by this author? Once I started reading To Lure a Proper Lady I couldn’t put it down and was finished faster than I could say it’s release day!
I love my titled heroes and I tend to stay away from stories where the hero is not a noble man or at least a soldier. But the blurb caught my eye, how will these two work it out when Lady Elizabeth Wilde is the daughter of a Duke and Dysart is only a Bow Street Runner with not much to offer?
I loved the interaction between Lizzie and Dysart. There was attraction between them from the start but they knew their places very well so each decided to act accordingly and keep it civil but very business like. However it was how every one around them acted that made their relationship amusing. Dysart more than an alpha hero was extremely smart and cunning, and Lizzie had the heart in the relationship so they sort of balanced each other out. There were plenty of secondary characters, some on point, others funny, others a little too far-fetched but when everything is combined it kept a good flow and pace and the mystery sub-plot kept me guessing until the very end.
This will definitely not be my last book by Ashlyn and I will continue reading this series. 4.5 stars.
*** I received a copy of this story via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review ***
I love my titled heroes and I tend to stay away from stories where the hero is not a noble man or at least a soldier. But the blurb caught my eye, how will these two work it out when Lady Elizabeth Wilde is the daughter of a Duke and Dysart is only a Bow Street Runner with not much to offer?
I loved the interaction between Lizzie and Dysart. There was attraction between them from the start but they knew their places very well so each decided to act accordingly and keep it civil but very business like. However it was how every one around them acted that made their relationship amusing. Dysart more than an alpha hero was extremely smart and cunning, and Lizzie had the heart in the relationship so they sort of balanced each other out. There were plenty of secondary characters, some on point, others funny, others a little too far-fetched but when everything is combined it kept a good flow and pace and the mystery sub-plot kept me guessing until the very end.
This will definitely not be my last book by Ashlyn and I will continue reading this series. 4.5 stars.
*** I received a copy of this story via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review ***
February 19, 2016
This is a new author for me having read only a novella of hers that was in the anthology "All I Want for Christmas is a Duke". I saw the ARC on netgalley and liked the cover. The clip made me want to read it. (No plot spoilers follow.)
Lady Elizabeth Wilde (Lizzie), eldest daughter of the Duke of Sherrington, fears someone may be poisoning her father. As he insists on having a house party, she travels to London to hire a Bow Street Runner to protect her father and find the culprit.
Bow Street Runner, Dysart, takes her case but may be more than he seems. He agrees to pose as a Lord for the party so he can mingle with the guests. He is attracted to Lizzie but knows he needs to think of her only as a job.
There are several mysteries in this story that kept me glued to the book as I wanted to know the outcome. The other characters include Lizzie's 2 sisters, Caro and Pippa, her odious cousin, Snowley, and the guests at the house party.
I hope Caro and Pippa get their own HEAs. I wonder if Caro might tame Lord Pendleton or is he truly bad?
This book will be released March 29th and I gladly recommend it! Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me this ARC.
Lady Elizabeth Wilde (Lizzie), eldest daughter of the Duke of Sherrington, fears someone may be poisoning her father. As he insists on having a house party, she travels to London to hire a Bow Street Runner to protect her father and find the culprit.
Bow Street Runner, Dysart, takes her case but may be more than he seems. He agrees to pose as a Lord for the party so he can mingle with the guests. He is attracted to Lizzie but knows he needs to think of her only as a job.
There are several mysteries in this story that kept me glued to the book as I wanted to know the outcome. The other characters include Lizzie's 2 sisters, Caro and Pippa, her odious cousin, Snowley, and the guests at the house party.
I hope Caro and Pippa get their own HEAs. I wonder if Caro might tame Lord Pendleton or is he truly bad?
This book will be released March 29th and I gladly recommend it! Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me this ARC.
April 3, 2016
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
To Lure a Proper Lady is the first of a new series from historical romance author Ashlyn Macnamara. This book had me as soon as it was revealed that the hero would be a Bow Street Runner. Class conflict? Count me in!
Lady Elizabeth Wilde has sought out the assistance of the famed Bow Street Runners when she suspects that her father is being poisoned. Unfortunately, her first meeting of Dysart doesn't exactly demonstrate his competence. Despite her first impression, Elizabeth agrees with Dysart's plan to discover the poisoner. And Elizabeth learns that there's much more going on below the surface of Dysart's rough facade. The majority of Lure a Proper Lady takes place at Elizabeth's home during a house party her ill father demands be held. Elizabeth's father, convinced of his imminent death, would love to see his daughters settled before he shuffles off to his mortal coil. Unfortunately for Elizabeth, she is none too fond of her father's choice and much too intrigued by the mysterious Dysart and his unexpected knowledge of the ways of the upper echelon. And when, through the course of their investigation, they're thrown together again and again, it's all too clear that both are willing to cast aside their very different social statuses and act on their attraction.
For the most part, I enjoyed To Lure a Proper Lady. The premise was good and the romance between the two main characters was done well. The mystery of the poisoner didn't overwhelm the plot, nor did I expect it to in a romance. The romance was definitely the main focus of the story, as were the hang ups of the characters. In particular, it was Dysart's attitude that I found somewhat tiring. Throughout the majority of the book Dysart continually laments the fact that he's not good enough for Elizabeth. He's not of the same class; hence, they have no future together. Yeah that makes sense, but I personally felt that this concern got old. Dysart needed to get some self confidence and trust that Elizabeth knew what she was doing by getting involved with him. For me, the conflict of the classes dragged out far too long, especially when it didn't seem like all that much of an obstacle by the end of the book.
Other than wanting more meat to the class difference in the romance, I enjoyed To Lure a Proper Lady. I really enjoyed the stark differences in the seemingly proper Lady Elizabeth and the brash Dysart. They're interactions with one another were done very well and the author shows a great talent in creating romantic chemistry between her two leads. To Lure a Proper Lady is a nice, romantic read with just a hint of mystery.
January 15, 2017
...run from the Runner?
Just rereading this after having read To Tame a Wild Lady. Still enjoying it.
Dysart is all that one could wish for as a hero. A gentleman who's turned his back on society and has taken up the unusual livelihood of being a Bow Street Runner. When Lady Elizabeth Wilde confronts him at headquarters from fear that her severely incapacitated father is being slowly poisoned he accepts the case. To Lizzie he's an enigma and she finds herself drawn to him more than is seemly. Dysart is focused, thoughtful, compassionate with a healthy touch of the intelligent rogue. His meeting with Lady Elizabeth was unusual and that sounds the note for their relationship as the story develops. The Duke has ordained that a house party will happen and that his daughters are to seek husbands. He wants to die knowing that they will be settled prior to his death. He wants Lizzie to marry his heir, Lizzie's cousin, the weak insipid Lord Snowley Wilde.
Thrust back into the arms of society, assuming the role of a guest at the Dukes house party, Dysart finds himself confronted with his past, achingly attracted to Lady Elizabeth, prowling the corridors of Sherrington Manor in Suffolk, looking for answers to the question in hand, all the while trying to avoid recognition that might reveal his identity. Elizabeth is being fervently pursued by Lord Wilde much to her distress.
As the search continues, the mystery moves to a different arena and the resolution is surprising.
The attraction between Lizzie and Dysart sizzles despite their attempts at denial, to dampen their feelings existence. Events force them to reevaluate what each means to the other.
A satisfying, fast moving read.
A NetGalley ARC
Just rereading this after having read To Tame a Wild Lady. Still enjoying it.
Dysart is all that one could wish for as a hero. A gentleman who's turned his back on society and has taken up the unusual livelihood of being a Bow Street Runner. When Lady Elizabeth Wilde confronts him at headquarters from fear that her severely incapacitated father is being slowly poisoned he accepts the case. To Lizzie he's an enigma and she finds herself drawn to him more than is seemly. Dysart is focused, thoughtful, compassionate with a healthy touch of the intelligent rogue. His meeting with Lady Elizabeth was unusual and that sounds the note for their relationship as the story develops. The Duke has ordained that a house party will happen and that his daughters are to seek husbands. He wants to die knowing that they will be settled prior to his death. He wants Lizzie to marry his heir, Lizzie's cousin, the weak insipid Lord Snowley Wilde.
Thrust back into the arms of society, assuming the role of a guest at the Dukes house party, Dysart finds himself confronted with his past, achingly attracted to Lady Elizabeth, prowling the corridors of Sherrington Manor in Suffolk, looking for answers to the question in hand, all the while trying to avoid recognition that might reveal his identity. Elizabeth is being fervently pursued by Lord Wilde much to her distress.
As the search continues, the mystery moves to a different arena and the resolution is surprising.
The attraction between Lizzie and Dysart sizzles despite their attempts at denial, to dampen their feelings existence. Events force them to reevaluate what each means to the other.
A satisfying, fast moving read.
A NetGalley ARC
March 28, 2016
A great start to a new series. To Lure A Proper Lady mixes intrigue with a mystery and adds a large splash of spice between Lady Elizabeth and Dysart.
Not your typical historical romance this story was interesting from the page one. The reader will especially enjoy the first meeting between Lady Elizabeth and the Bow Street Runner Dysart, which is delivered with perfect antagonistic dialog. This dialog continues through most of the story and adds a special twist to this story.
There is a house party going on so there are quite a few characters in this book keeping the reader very busy with who said and did what. Thou not all the characters are developed as strongly as Lady Elizabeth and Dysart they flow well with the story.
The other character that stands out is Elizabeth's second cousin, Snowley who is next in line to be duke when Lady Elizabeth's papa dies. Snowley really wants to marry Elizabeth and has his heart set on making sure it happens. I am sorry I just couldn't get my emotions wrapped around him and this made me want to find devious ways for her not to marry him.
This book has a great surprise and resolution to the ending that the reader will find deeply satisfying.
I give this 4 stars and recommend it to people who want a change from their typical historical romances
AN ARC COPY WAS GIFTED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST OPINION VIA NETGALLEY.
Visit my blog for more reviews: Sportochick's Musings
Not your typical historical romance this story was interesting from the page one. The reader will especially enjoy the first meeting between Lady Elizabeth and the Bow Street Runner Dysart, which is delivered with perfect antagonistic dialog. This dialog continues through most of the story and adds a special twist to this story.
There is a house party going on so there are quite a few characters in this book keeping the reader very busy with who said and did what. Thou not all the characters are developed as strongly as Lady Elizabeth and Dysart they flow well with the story.
The other character that stands out is Elizabeth's second cousin, Snowley who is next in line to be duke when Lady Elizabeth's papa dies. Snowley really wants to marry Elizabeth and has his heart set on making sure it happens. I am sorry I just couldn't get my emotions wrapped around him and this made me want to find devious ways for her not to marry him.
This book has a great surprise and resolution to the ending that the reader will find deeply satisfying.
I give this 4 stars and recommend it to people who want a change from their typical historical romances
AN ARC COPY WAS GIFTED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST OPINION VIA NETGALLEY.
Visit my blog for more reviews: Sportochick's Musings
January 17, 2017
Ashlyn Macnamara has been an auto-buy author for me ever since her debut a few years ago. I had my ups and downs with her last series but fortunately she’s returned to form with her latest release To Lure a Proper Lady, bringing to life a hero who makes quite the impression. Full of humor, intelligence and heart this book was a winner for me.
The Duke of Sherrington has always been a bit of a hypochondriac but this time his illness seems all too real to his daughter, Lady Elizabeth Wilde. Seeing her father wasting away in his sick room is too much for her to bear, especially when his discussions with his three daughters sound like a man planning for his death. She is alarmed when he informs them of his intent to hold a house party at their home Sherrington Manor with a guest list that includes many eligible peers and gentlemen of the area. Her father is matchmaking in the most blatant way imaginable and it’s got all three Wilde sisters concerned. Lizzie’s suspicions fester about her father’s acute symptoms and on her own she questions his staff and doctor but can discover nothing. Fearing that she’s missing something critical about her father’s condition Lizzie takes the drastic step to travel to London and get the advice of an expert
Please read the full review at All About Romance
The Duke of Sherrington has always been a bit of a hypochondriac but this time his illness seems all too real to his daughter, Lady Elizabeth Wilde. Seeing her father wasting away in his sick room is too much for her to bear, especially when his discussions with his three daughters sound like a man planning for his death. She is alarmed when he informs them of his intent to hold a house party at their home Sherrington Manor with a guest list that includes many eligible peers and gentlemen of the area. Her father is matchmaking in the most blatant way imaginable and it’s got all three Wilde sisters concerned. Lizzie’s suspicions fester about her father’s acute symptoms and on her own she questions his staff and doctor but can discover nothing. Fearing that she’s missing something critical about her father’s condition Lizzie takes the drastic step to travel to London and get the advice of an expert
Please read the full review at All About Romance
March 5, 2016
To Lure A Proper Lady written by Ashlynn MacNamarra ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Lady Elizabeth Wilde suspects her hypochondriac father is really dying perhaps by poison she swings into action. She sets off to London to hire a Bow Street detective to aid her. Lizzie's encounter with Dysart a runner is quite unnerving. She has never quite met a person like him. Dysart agrees to accompany her back to her estate to investigate.
Lizzie sees Dysart as a master of disguises. He changes his mannerism to a gentleman the minute he takes on the role. Since her family is planning a large house party she introduces him as Lord Dysart. She later learns he was part of society but chose to leave..
Dysart is so very drawn to Lizzie but he feels she is above him. This is definitely a love story but the mystery of searching for the villain brings on many twists and turns which keep you on your toes. The book is a real page turner you will not want to miss. This author has totally captured the reader as she weaves the story to the conclusion. The loves scenes are really hot and the two character ignite each other in their forbidden love. This is a must read.
When Lady Elizabeth Wilde suspects her hypochondriac father is really dying perhaps by poison she swings into action. She sets off to London to hire a Bow Street detective to aid her. Lizzie's encounter with Dysart a runner is quite unnerving. She has never quite met a person like him. Dysart agrees to accompany her back to her estate to investigate.
Lizzie sees Dysart as a master of disguises. He changes his mannerism to a gentleman the minute he takes on the role. Since her family is planning a large house party she introduces him as Lord Dysart. She later learns he was part of society but chose to leave..
Dysart is so very drawn to Lizzie but he feels she is above him. This is definitely a love story but the mystery of searching for the villain brings on many twists and turns which keep you on your toes. The book is a real page turner you will not want to miss. This author has totally captured the reader as she weaves the story to the conclusion. The loves scenes are really hot and the two character ignite each other in their forbidden love. This is a must read.
April 20, 2022
3.5 Stars
Trope: Social Status Difference with a Twist , Lady X Bow Street Runner
Love Scenes: 2 scenes short but hot
Writing Style: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a light read and the characters are good, mature, sensible, likable and have chemistry.
It started with Lizzie and her sisters see their father with declining health and thought that It was just a farce to force them to marry but then Lizzie hired a Bow Street runner to investigate the suspicious health issue of their father. The mystery is somewhat intriguing enough but not really great. They were attracted to each other, Dysart dragged his sentiments too much that he was not good enough for her because of his past scandal. The house party is not entertaining also, and I wish Dysart could have made more effort to win her heart.
Trope: Social Status Difference with a Twist , Lady X Bow Street Runner
Love Scenes: 2 scenes short but hot
Writing Style: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a light read and the characters are good, mature, sensible, likable and have chemistry.
It started with Lizzie and her sisters see their father with declining health and thought that It was just a farce to force them to marry but then Lizzie hired a Bow Street runner to investigate the suspicious health issue of their father. The mystery is somewhat intriguing enough but not really great. They were attracted to each other, Dysart dragged his sentiments too much that he was not good enough for her because of his past scandal. The house party is not entertaining also, and I wish Dysart could have made more effort to win her heart.
February 12, 2016
„To Lure a Proper Lady“ by Ashlyn Macnamara has kind of a slow start but you’ll love it. It’s not my first Macnamara novel and I am sure it will not be my last one. I got this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. And this one is the first in a series called “Duke-Defying Daughters”.
In the beginning we meet three daughters, all about 20+ years old, living outside of London with their sick father. “The Duke of Sherrington lay on his deathbed. Again.” – this line shows wonderfully how the girls deal with their father’s ailing. He wants to see them married, so I make Lizzie, his eldest, throw a house party to which she shall invite all the eligible bachelors. The girls don’t want to, Lizzie is afraid that he could die while they have guests but Caro says: “Papa’s been dying for the past decade, at least. I doubt he’s planning on kicking the bucket any time soon”. The doctor doesn’t know about his sickness and soon Lizzie finds out that his colored water with sugar and some alcohol. Next to that she has to deal with the fact that the books are somehow manipulated because they have quite a few financial problems Lizzie had no clue about.
The girls are very different. Lizzie is the reliable, who takes care of the house, the estate and her father wants to see her married to her cousin Snowley. Than there is Caro, the second daughter who doesn’t care about anything but horses and riding in trousers over the meadows. And Pippa, the youngest, most silent one who likes to paint.
Lizzie thinks that somebody “helps” her father being sick, resp. keeps him ill, so she heads to New York, dressed in a fine gown, to Bow Street to find some help. There she meets Dysart. She doesn’t like him at first but he offers help, so she takes him to the estate and let him play a friend of the family. Of course Snowley suspects that there is something with Dysart but he cannot figure out what it is.
In the beginning I thought … no it cannot be another spy novel and it wasn’t. It’s a sweet romantic story with a very good 2nd storyline about the fact that only a man can be an heir because Snowley isn’t a capable heir – not in Lizzie’s eye nor her father’s. I enjoyed reading this novel a lot and it developed is a really amazing way – those small details …
I really liked the old aunt who sees everything much more clearly than the rest and has a Swedish man servant – I mean just the idea. Loved it. And Caro, who loves horses more than everything else. I didn’t feel anything for Pippa but well, she was one of so three.
Slowly the reader finds out about Dysart and his past, his family, his former life. And it is not what you except in the beginning, not at all.
Oh and it’s highly erotic … I read some of the scenes twice, I really had to and poor Dysart, I really felt compassion for him. He thinks her above him and she doesn’t care, she really doesn’t because she simply wasn’t raised this way – and that’s what I liked about Elizabeth a lot. She doesn’t think about her social stand.
It’s a must read!!
Please Ashlyn, give us more of the Sherrington girls! I cannot wait to read about Caroline!!
5*****
In the beginning we meet three daughters, all about 20+ years old, living outside of London with their sick father. “The Duke of Sherrington lay on his deathbed. Again.” – this line shows wonderfully how the girls deal with their father’s ailing. He wants to see them married, so I make Lizzie, his eldest, throw a house party to which she shall invite all the eligible bachelors. The girls don’t want to, Lizzie is afraid that he could die while they have guests but Caro says: “Papa’s been dying for the past decade, at least. I doubt he’s planning on kicking the bucket any time soon”. The doctor doesn’t know about his sickness and soon Lizzie finds out that his colored water with sugar and some alcohol. Next to that she has to deal with the fact that the books are somehow manipulated because they have quite a few financial problems Lizzie had no clue about.
The girls are very different. Lizzie is the reliable, who takes care of the house, the estate and her father wants to see her married to her cousin Snowley. Than there is Caro, the second daughter who doesn’t care about anything but horses and riding in trousers over the meadows. And Pippa, the youngest, most silent one who likes to paint.
Lizzie thinks that somebody “helps” her father being sick, resp. keeps him ill, so she heads to New York, dressed in a fine gown, to Bow Street to find some help. There she meets Dysart. She doesn’t like him at first but he offers help, so she takes him to the estate and let him play a friend of the family. Of course Snowley suspects that there is something with Dysart but he cannot figure out what it is.
In the beginning I thought … no it cannot be another spy novel and it wasn’t. It’s a sweet romantic story with a very good 2nd storyline about the fact that only a man can be an heir because Snowley isn’t a capable heir – not in Lizzie’s eye nor her father’s. I enjoyed reading this novel a lot and it developed is a really amazing way – those small details …
I really liked the old aunt who sees everything much more clearly than the rest and has a Swedish man servant – I mean just the idea. Loved it. And Caro, who loves horses more than everything else. I didn’t feel anything for Pippa but well, she was one of so three.
Slowly the reader finds out about Dysart and his past, his family, his former life. And it is not what you except in the beginning, not at all.
Oh and it’s highly erotic … I read some of the scenes twice, I really had to and poor Dysart, I really felt compassion for him. He thinks her above him and she doesn’t care, she really doesn’t because she simply wasn’t raised this way – and that’s what I liked about Elizabeth a lot. She doesn’t think about her social stand.
It’s a must read!!
Please Ashlyn, give us more of the Sherrington girls! I cannot wait to read about Caroline!!
5*****
March 5, 2016
Absolutely delicious Regency romance! Ashlyn Macnamara begins her newest series with a bang. Dangle an urgent family worry in front of the eldest of three sisters, daughters of a hypochondriac duke suddenly falling ill, and watch her scramble to find out what's what. It helps to have a skilled Bow Street runner - and that's where mystery and romance come together.
I loved the heroine, Lady Elizabeth, and hero, Dysart, a Bow Street runner with a mysterious background. They are two smart and responsible individuals who have put everyone else first in their lives for far too long. But their intelligence and dogged determination also brings them squarely up against each other. Dysart enjoys poking at Elizabeth's high status but that's clearly hiding the way in which he's afraid of becoming too entangled with this entrancing, maddening woman. All the while as they are drawn to each other, the question of who might be behind the duke's possible poisoning becomes more and more pressing!
As always, Macnamara writes not only great romance, but puts the leads into a wonderful group of engaging, sometimes maddening characters. You'll love Elizabeth's two sisters - one horse mad and another artistic - but you will split your sides over their Great-Aunt and smile at the slow revelation of the duke's own charm as a slightly dotty father. But even the most minor character is note-perfect. (Look for Sven. He needs his own book or, possibly, novella!) I appreciate the way in which a little laughter always lurks beneath the surface of this story.
This is a steamy romance, building slowly over the story to some really close connections between Lady Elizabeth and her investigator beau. There's danger, there's adventure, there's humour and there's a very intriguing happily ever after opening the door to more stories for Elizabeth's sisters. I can't wait!
I received this from the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I loved the heroine, Lady Elizabeth, and hero, Dysart, a Bow Street runner with a mysterious background. They are two smart and responsible individuals who have put everyone else first in their lives for far too long. But their intelligence and dogged determination also brings them squarely up against each other. Dysart enjoys poking at Elizabeth's high status but that's clearly hiding the way in which he's afraid of becoming too entangled with this entrancing, maddening woman. All the while as they are drawn to each other, the question of who might be behind the duke's possible poisoning becomes more and more pressing!
As always, Macnamara writes not only great romance, but puts the leads into a wonderful group of engaging, sometimes maddening characters. You'll love Elizabeth's two sisters - one horse mad and another artistic - but you will split your sides over their Great-Aunt and smile at the slow revelation of the duke's own charm as a slightly dotty father. But even the most minor character is note-perfect. (Look for Sven. He needs his own book or, possibly, novella!) I appreciate the way in which a little laughter always lurks beneath the surface of this story.
This is a steamy romance, building slowly over the story to some really close connections between Lady Elizabeth and her investigator beau. There's danger, there's adventure, there's humour and there's a very intriguing happily ever after opening the door to more stories for Elizabeth's sisters. I can't wait!
I received this from the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review.
February 17, 2016
First I should admit I requested this book from NetGalley by mistake. I got an e-mail about it that said LoveSwept, and I thought of a different line entirely. Still, I read a lot of historical fiction, and it starts with a mystery, which I like, so maybe it will work out all right...
The story itself is solid. There are plenty of suspects running around doing things that make the reader wonder about them, interpersonal relationships and revelations galore. I liked the fact that the secrets run across the generations - it's not just the younger people. And the reader find herself questioning everybody from the Duke to the stable boys.
If only the writer had avoided the "inst-lust" it would be much better book. In my opinion a gradually developing relationship is a lot more interesting than two people who look at each other and spend the rest of the book thinking "I can't have them/I can't keep my hands off". It's cliched and frankly boring. Also, the heroine's character is unclear. She's expected by her hypochondriac father to "do her duty" when she marries and she expects she will. So why does she suddenly run to London and get a Bow Street Runner to find out if her father is being poisoned? That happened a little too fast to be believable, but at least it got the story going nicely. Unfortunately, what looked to be a good twist dissolved at 20% in.
Still, most of the story was enjoyable and I ended up giving it 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3. The writing was fine, so if you like the "inst-lust" type historical romance with some actual plot attached this should be the book for you.
I received a copy of this book free in return for an honest review.
The story itself is solid. There are plenty of suspects running around doing things that make the reader wonder about them, interpersonal relationships and revelations galore. I liked the fact that the secrets run across the generations - it's not just the younger people. And the reader find herself questioning everybody from the Duke to the stable boys.
If only the writer had avoided the "inst-lust" it would be much better book. In my opinion a gradually developing relationship is a lot more interesting than two people who look at each other and spend the rest of the book thinking "I can't have them/I can't keep my hands off". It's cliched and frankly boring. Also, the heroine's character is unclear. She's expected by her hypochondriac father to "do her duty" when she marries and she expects she will. So why does she suddenly run to London and get a Bow Street Runner to find out if her father is being poisoned? That happened a little too fast to be believable, but at least it got the story going nicely. Unfortunately, what looked to be a good twist dissolved at 20% in.
Still, most of the story was enjoyable and I ended up giving it 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3. The writing was fine, so if you like the "inst-lust" type historical romance with some actual plot attached this should be the book for you.
I received a copy of this book free in return for an honest review.
July 4, 2016
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
Welcome to the sensual delights of Ms. Ashlyn MacNamara! As you can tell by her covers, Ms. MacNamara sizzles! Her historical romances are always both sensual and sexy! To Lure a Proper Lady, Book one in her brand new series, The Duke-Defying Daugthers, is no different!
But it's not all sex and sizzle, there is wonderful character development, great storylines and fun secondary characters, yep, something worth reading.
Lady Elizabeth Wilde is constantly being called to her father's "death bed" the man is a manipulator to the extreme. But this time, when called, Lizzie realizes that he really might be dying.. It seems someone is out to poison him. Not knowing who to trust Lizzie hires a Bow Street Runner and is assigned Dysert. A man she has no idea how to handle. Rough, tough and more than a little crude. Dysert is just the man for the job and believe it or not, Lizzie's heart.
Dysert hasn't led the perfect life but he's a man with his own code and he lives by it. Falling in love with a client isn't part of the code, falling in love with an aristocrat? Yeah no way.. And yet, when Dysert and Lizzie meet, sparks fly and love flourishes. What is it about this daughter of the aristocracy that calls to him?
Just wonderful, this is what we at BR call a swoonworthy book. Ms. MacNamara engages the reader almost from the get go and I for one couldn't wait to see what was coming next. Greed, corruption, class struggles all turn up in this fabulous book.
A great way to spend your time!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of To Lure a Proper Lady, provided by netgalley
Welcome to the sensual delights of Ms. Ashlyn MacNamara! As you can tell by her covers, Ms. MacNamara sizzles! Her historical romances are always both sensual and sexy! To Lure a Proper Lady, Book one in her brand new series, The Duke-Defying Daugthers, is no different!
But it's not all sex and sizzle, there is wonderful character development, great storylines and fun secondary characters, yep, something worth reading.
Lady Elizabeth Wilde is constantly being called to her father's "death bed" the man is a manipulator to the extreme. But this time, when called, Lizzie realizes that he really might be dying.. It seems someone is out to poison him. Not knowing who to trust Lizzie hires a Bow Street Runner and is assigned Dysert. A man she has no idea how to handle. Rough, tough and more than a little crude. Dysert is just the man for the job and believe it or not, Lizzie's heart.
Dysert hasn't led the perfect life but he's a man with his own code and he lives by it. Falling in love with a client isn't part of the code, falling in love with an aristocrat? Yeah no way.. And yet, when Dysert and Lizzie meet, sparks fly and love flourishes. What is it about this daughter of the aristocracy that calls to him?
Just wonderful, this is what we at BR call a swoonworthy book. Ms. MacNamara engages the reader almost from the get go and I for one couldn't wait to see what was coming next. Greed, corruption, class struggles all turn up in this fabulous book.
A great way to spend your time!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of To Lure a Proper Lady, provided by netgalley
February 4, 2016
Once Lizzie gets a taste, girl just wants more:
“But there’s more to the act, isn’t there?” She pushed herself off the table. Her skirts swished about her ankles, her bodice still hanging about her waist. “Caro may have witnessed a horse breeding and mentioned something. I rather expected . . . Well . . .”
He held up a hand. “Pray, do not explain. Yes, there is more, but I am not willing to take that risk with you.”
Dysart is a good man always willing to accommodate his woman:
“That is more than I have.” A sigh escaped her lips. “I expected to at least have a child or two before someone accused me of being a matchmaking mama.”
He chuckled, the sound wicked and enticing. “We can get started on that whenever you like."
I enjoyed this book Dysart was a sexy man.
March 3, 2016
You've likely heard someone say of their favorite actor, "They could read the phone book and keep me entertained." This is the way I feel about this author. Macnamara could write a story featuring the first three names in the phone book and keep me interested. Her stories are so wonderfully crafted that I will often reread a sentence just for the lyrical beauty. In TO LURE A PROPER LADY, I particularly liked Lady Elizabeth (Lizzie) Wilde's snappy intelligence when she goes up against Bow Street Runner Dysart (love that name), a rogue who could charm the pants off...well, just about any woman he sets his mind to. You won't be disappointed.
I received this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2016
COVER!!!! Who would not want to read this book just to keep looking at the cover? Okay, now for the story. I love Dysart – he is the ultimate gentleman but rough when needed and who does not want that in their hero? Lizzie certainly does. She hires Dysart to help figure out who might be poisoning her father but their quest brings them closer and closer until the inevitable happens. I like the mystery and it does not overwhelm the story – there are several potential suspects and made it interesting in figuring out who was the real villain.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
April 1, 2016
Lady Elizabeth (Lizzie) is the oldest of dukes daughter and manger of her father's estate, This is her story. Her father keeps getting sick (for real this time)and she starting to think someone is poisoning him. She ask a Bow Street Runner( Dysart) to look into her dads problems. Then the Dukes daughter and a Bow Street Runner meet and they feel a pull that they know they shouldn't act on but..........do. This is a mystery of who the villain? Along the way to caught them, Lizzie and Dysart can't fight the pull of attraction they feel.
I really liked this book. I like the Mystery and they way they fought the attraction they feel. It keep me turning the pages.
I'll got 4 stars.
I really liked this book. I like the Mystery and they way they fought the attraction they feel. It keep me turning the pages.
I'll got 4 stars.
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