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Imogene Farrell #1
Imogene
Reader Imogene is a raw, gritty story with strong language, graphic depictions of life in early Victorian London on the poor side of town, including strong sexual content. One family, orphaned and alone, must fight to protect each other and must lie, steal and cheat to stay alive. Imogene Farrell is the dreamer. She yearns for something better all the while knowing her destiny lies in the streets; that someday she will be a whore because it is what she must do to stay alive. She dresses as a boy but has blossomed into a woman, which has drawn the attention of two formidable enemies—the abbess Tiny Etherton and the henchman who runs the area around the Twenty Acres dock, the Scot, MacGregor. The Farrells delay the inevitable by concocting their own schemes to make money off her particular skills. But it is a gentleman of the ton has been lured into Imogene’s world and for whom she pines, knowing her attachment is impossible and heartbreaking. Jack Davenport finds the boyish hoyden a bit of fun. But what can come of it when he only wants to relieve Imogene of her virginity without encouraging her affection? The saga of Imogene Farrell continues in Book Two, Jack’s Hellion.
- GenresHistorical Romance
Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2015
67 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Lloyd
42 books158 followersHi everyone. Here's my bio but I moved to first person - it's not like I didn't write it! LOL I think romance writing is nearly as good as the real thing. Given my choice of professions, I would have preferred to be a 19th century archeologist, but I am perfectly happy living in the 21st century and comfortably writing about such romantic but inconceivably inconvenient times instead. (Just thinking about being a woman two hundred years ago makes me cringe.)
I love traveling, movies, everyone else’s novels and a good meal out with friends on Saturday night. My greatest flaw is that I believe there is such a thing as true love. Don’t tell me otherwise...please. Maybe that's really why I write to begin with.
Would love to hear about your recommendations for new historical romance writers.
Email: elizalloyd@yahoo.com
I love traveling, movies, everyone else’s novels and a good meal out with friends on Saturday night. My greatest flaw is that I believe there is such a thing as true love. Don’t tell me otherwise...please. Maybe that's really why I write to begin with.
Would love to hear about your recommendations for new historical romance writers.
Email: elizalloyd@yahoo.com
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 28, 2022
Eliza Lloyd has checked all my love boxes and I am so obsessed with these damn books! She's got herself a nice name too :)
Spoilers along the way, reader beware!
The first book is all about the Farrell siblings eking out an existence in early Victorian England. While they suffer from being poor, they don’t suffer from lack of determination or aim. They’re a crew of street rats that rely on each other and their steadfast love for one another. This, to me, was the gist driving the plot forward.
Danny, Frank, Imogene “Imo” and Charlie are a litter of kittens; all mixed up and all different. They’re a group of angry, lustful, devoted, ruthless kids and you learn to love each sibling for their own unique personalities. Imogene is the main character, and we are in her head almost the entire time. Through Imo, Eliza Lloyd takes us on an incredible journey with all the sights, smells, and tragedy that only the strongest could survive. I could practically smell the dirty streets of London, hear the prostitutes and dock workers plying their trades, taste the watered-down ale. It’s all quite effective and punches the reader right in the face.
Imogene is the dreamer of the lot, but she’s also an extremely realistic person who knows that, while she wants for greater things, the path she is on will lead to the inevitable life of prostitution. As she grows into adulthood, along with her brothers, they realize they can utilize Imo’s good looks and body to earn them coin.
“The road to whordom was well trod and Imogene Farrell seemed destined to travel down that path along with countless others.”
But these guttersnipes still have a little bit of their “mam” in them, and morals and principles all play a role in how far Imo is willing to go for food and protection. Being the smart girl she is, she learns to use the inevitable to her advantage and thus our story beings.
“She supposed for the right amount of money, she could force her will and subject her body to the foulness of her profession.”
I won’t map the entire story out, but like with most dreamers, eventually Imo broke free and created a life for herself. On her journey she learns to love, hate, and survive. She finds a man who will go down as the love her life and another that teaches her to take control of her life. I know that sounds so formula, but I didn’t think the book followed the normal blueprint, it really required me to focus…in a good way.
We start to lose steam by book #4 and things were wrapped up a little too simply for my taste, but also, Eliza Lloyd is a formidable storyteller, and you appreciate the quality of her work, regardless of if she got a little tired at the end. The main villain was a little too moustache twirling for me, but it worked. The trauma and abuse can make you feel uncomfortable, but Imo, her siblings, and her lover all help shake off the lingering mood from their previous life.
Overall, the story moved nicely, and I enjoyed the description of life on the streets in early Victorian England, the characters were well depicted- and all of that gave it gripping complexity. Highly recommend for those wanting to read a historical romance with a little more "zing" to it.
Spoilers along the way, reader beware!
The first book is all about the Farrell siblings eking out an existence in early Victorian England. While they suffer from being poor, they don’t suffer from lack of determination or aim. They’re a crew of street rats that rely on each other and their steadfast love for one another. This, to me, was the gist driving the plot forward.
Danny, Frank, Imogene “Imo” and Charlie are a litter of kittens; all mixed up and all different. They’re a group of angry, lustful, devoted, ruthless kids and you learn to love each sibling for their own unique personalities. Imogene is the main character, and we are in her head almost the entire time. Through Imo, Eliza Lloyd takes us on an incredible journey with all the sights, smells, and tragedy that only the strongest could survive. I could practically smell the dirty streets of London, hear the prostitutes and dock workers plying their trades, taste the watered-down ale. It’s all quite effective and punches the reader right in the face.
Imogene is the dreamer of the lot, but she’s also an extremely realistic person who knows that, while she wants for greater things, the path she is on will lead to the inevitable life of prostitution. As she grows into adulthood, along with her brothers, they realize they can utilize Imo’s good looks and body to earn them coin.
“The road to whordom was well trod and Imogene Farrell seemed destined to travel down that path along with countless others.”
But these guttersnipes still have a little bit of their “mam” in them, and morals and principles all play a role in how far Imo is willing to go for food and protection. Being the smart girl she is, she learns to use the inevitable to her advantage and thus our story beings.
“She supposed for the right amount of money, she could force her will and subject her body to the foulness of her profession.”
I won’t map the entire story out, but like with most dreamers, eventually Imo broke free and created a life for herself. On her journey she learns to love, hate, and survive. She finds a man who will go down as the love her life and another that teaches her to take control of her life. I know that sounds so formula, but I didn’t think the book followed the normal blueprint, it really required me to focus…in a good way.
We start to lose steam by book #4 and things were wrapped up a little too simply for my taste, but also, Eliza Lloyd is a formidable storyteller, and you appreciate the quality of her work, regardless of if she got a little tired at the end. The main villain was a little too moustache twirling for me, but it worked. The trauma and abuse can make you feel uncomfortable, but Imo, her siblings, and her lover all help shake off the lingering mood from their previous life.
Overall, the story moved nicely, and I enjoyed the description of life on the streets in early Victorian England, the characters were well depicted- and all of that gave it gripping complexity. Highly recommend for those wanting to read a historical romance with a little more "zing" to it.
Read
March 24, 2024I picked this book back up after dropping it because it made me miserable, only to be dragged down again.
Imogene is such a poor girl and the entire novel is ragebait. Her brothers pimp her out and then use the money to go to whores before Imogene ever gets a dress for her efforts.
The MMC is one of her earliest clients, but very special because he's rich and clean and also he doesn't respect her boundaries, but charmingly lmao
Rich Dick is kind of the worst and I just want to set him, Imo's brothers and all her johns on fire.
Ofc there is also beef with seriously bad news rival pimps because Imo's brothers have zero street cred.
I lost it at 75% through because I want to read romance and not a sad story about a poor abused woman who is whored out by her brothers until she finally finds a guy rich enough to be pimp and john in one :(
It may be stupid and naive but I never expected Imo to remain in her shitty little job this long. When is she upgrading to become a mistress ffs???
Sure some characters have it rough but this novel just made me want to snatch ghe heroine and nuke the place from the orbit.
The hero also gave me shivers of revulsion when he showed up, which is not a good sign.
In short, I am abandoning ship and never coming back to this depressing moloch again.
------
I made it to 15% and it was great, but some IRL trouble & anxiety have made me really sensitive to emotionally tense reads. Because I experienced some very troubling angst when thinking about the - wonderfully written and very captivating books - I am reading, I decided to pull a few books from my currently-reading pile. Imogene was warmly recommended to me by GR friends and I can absolutely see the merit. Right now I can't stomach it, though.
I will be focussing on rainbows and unicorns and books that leave me cold emotionally so my real life anxiety doesn't ruin the books I am reading.
Imogene is such a poor girl and the entire novel is ragebait. Her brothers pimp her out and then use the money to go to whores before Imogene ever gets a dress for her efforts.
The MMC is one of her earliest clients, but very special because he's rich and clean and also he doesn't respect her boundaries, but charmingly lmao
Rich Dick is kind of the worst and I just want to set him, Imo's brothers and all her johns on fire.
Ofc there is also beef with seriously bad news rival pimps because Imo's brothers have zero street cred.
I lost it at 75% through because I want to read romance and not a sad story about a poor abused woman who is whored out by her brothers until she finally finds a guy rich enough to be pimp and john in one :(
It may be stupid and naive but I never expected Imo to remain in her shitty little job this long. When is she upgrading to become a mistress ffs???
Sure some characters have it rough but this novel just made me want to snatch ghe heroine and nuke the place from the orbit.
The hero also gave me shivers of revulsion when he showed up, which is not a good sign.
In short, I am abandoning ship and never coming back to this depressing moloch again.
------
I made it to 15% and it was great, but some IRL trouble & anxiety have made me really sensitive to emotionally tense reads. Because I experienced some very troubling angst when thinking about the - wonderfully written and very captivating books - I am reading, I decided to pull a few books from my currently-reading pile. Imogene was warmly recommended to me by GR friends and I can absolutely see the merit. Right now I can't stomach it, though.
I will be focussing on rainbows and unicorns and books that leave me cold emotionally so my real life anxiety doesn't ruin the books I am reading.
October 15, 2022
I'm not gonna mark this review as having spoilers but it does. It's chalk full of so many spoilers!
I'm giving the book five stars because it's written flawlessly, it's extremely realistic and reflects the ugly reality so many people were, and still are living in.
I'm not continuing the series because while the author did a truly impressive job, there's only so much heartache I can take in one read.
*spoilers ahead*
The name Imogen means innocent maiden.
Imogen is not ignorant - but she is an innocent who's repeatedly used, abused and taken advantage of. She's being raised by two older brothers who essentially become her pimps through the use of coercion. They pretend it's her choice but it's anything but. She's groomed and cornered into a lifestyle she doesn't want, supporting her family by being a "virgin whore" because neither of the men she lives with (even though one is educated) bring in any money. I'm pretty sure it's because they spend every cent they have on prostitutes for themselves... realistic? Yes. Good fodder for a happy ending? I don't forsee that happening.
Enter Jack... we're supposed to be interested in this gross rich, pansy handed weirdo who wants a sixteen year old girl to play with his butt? I'm just... sorry, I'm not into Jack, at all. He's nasty, and weird, and scrupulous and I'm pretty sure HE is this poor child's happily ever after. 🤨
(I've read lots of historical fiction filled to the brim with awful arranged marriages, the ones I usually end up not liking are the ones where the heroes have pansy hands. 🤭)
There is sex, talk of sex, descriptions of sex acts and pining for said acts in every single paragraph of this book. It's gross, dirty, crusty, unwashed - I could basically SMELL the sewage and clammy bodies drifting off the pages.
*shudders*
Our only bright spots are Imogen and her little adopted brother Charlie, you root for them, you want them to be saved, or save themselves, but with how realistically everything went down in book one, (and with the teasers I read for the rest of the series) - I don't think I could possibly be invested in the horribly sad ever after Imogen is going to get. I think it'll be a real ending - after what she went through, what's going to happen in her future, Imogen deserves a fantastical happy ever after. Not this depressing consolation of hard cash and a broken soul.
No thanks.
But! If you are a reader who likes raw, brutal tales that are a series of horrific events followed by more unfortunate circumstances - please say yes to Imogen, her tale is unforgettable.
I'm giving the book five stars because it's written flawlessly, it's extremely realistic and reflects the ugly reality so many people were, and still are living in.
I'm not continuing the series because while the author did a truly impressive job, there's only so much heartache I can take in one read.
*spoilers ahead*
The name Imogen means innocent maiden.
Imogen is not ignorant - but she is an innocent who's repeatedly used, abused and taken advantage of. She's being raised by two older brothers who essentially become her pimps through the use of coercion. They pretend it's her choice but it's anything but. She's groomed and cornered into a lifestyle she doesn't want, supporting her family by being a "virgin whore" because neither of the men she lives with (even though one is educated) bring in any money. I'm pretty sure it's because they spend every cent they have on prostitutes for themselves... realistic? Yes. Good fodder for a happy ending? I don't forsee that happening.
Enter Jack... we're supposed to be interested in this gross rich, pansy handed weirdo who wants a sixteen year old girl to play with his butt? I'm just... sorry, I'm not into Jack, at all. He's nasty, and weird, and scrupulous and I'm pretty sure HE is this poor child's happily ever after. 🤨
(I've read lots of historical fiction filled to the brim with awful arranged marriages, the ones I usually end up not liking are the ones where the heroes have pansy hands. 🤭)
There is sex, talk of sex, descriptions of sex acts and pining for said acts in every single paragraph of this book. It's gross, dirty, crusty, unwashed - I could basically SMELL the sewage and clammy bodies drifting off the pages.
*shudders*
Our only bright spots are Imogen and her little adopted brother Charlie, you root for them, you want them to be saved, or save themselves, but with how realistically everything went down in book one, (and with the teasers I read for the rest of the series) - I don't think I could possibly be invested in the horribly sad ever after Imogen is going to get. I think it'll be a real ending - after what she went through, what's going to happen in her future, Imogen deserves a fantastical happy ever after. Not this depressing consolation of hard cash and a broken soul.
No thanks.
But! If you are a reader who likes raw, brutal tales that are a series of horrific events followed by more unfortunate circumstances - please say yes to Imogen, her tale is unforgettable.
October 5, 2022
The series was a lot of fun — I raced through it. But the first 2 books are considerably more compelling than the last 2 (which honestly have already blurred together in mind). Imogene is an incredible HR heroine tho — like a streetwise Fanny Hill.
February 3, 2017
Gah! This series is so amazing! I bought the box set and will review each book separate.
Ms. Lloyd made every single scene come to life in this book. I could smell the nastiness of the London streets, see the destitution that these kids lived in. Feel their fears, there hopes. Their banter was so real. Definitely adding this to my favorites.
New fave author!!
Ms. Lloyd made every single scene come to life in this book. I could smell the nastiness of the London streets, see the destitution that these kids lived in. Feel their fears, there hopes. Their banter was so real. Definitely adding this to my favorites.
New fave author!!
June 8, 2019
Gripping
A tale of despair and foolish hope. Imogene and her brothers have nothing but each other in London. She dreams of being something more than a gutter rat, but feels she is destined to be a whore. Then a handsome man enters her world and makes her want more. I like this girl and am willing and ready to continue this adventure with her. Not for the weak hearted. This is gutsy stuff.
A tale of despair and foolish hope. Imogene and her brothers have nothing but each other in London. She dreams of being something more than a gutter rat, but feels she is destined to be a whore. Then a handsome man enters her world and makes her want more. I like this girl and am willing and ready to continue this adventure with her. Not for the weak hearted. This is gutsy stuff.
April 28, 2019
Raw
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
If you want to know exactly how women were looked upon in the London of old, (and probably now too) read of how 1 girl supported her family. This book contains many sexual descriptions, which are very detailed. Not a book for the faint hearted. This book will tear at your heart and is not easy to read. Adults only suggested.
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
If you want to know exactly how women were looked upon in the London of old, (and probably now too) read of how 1 girl supported her family. This book contains many sexual descriptions, which are very detailed. Not a book for the faint hearted. This book will tear at your heart and is not easy to read. Adults only suggested.
March 3, 2024
I appreciated the realism and grittiness of Imogene’s world. Imogene is wise and practical about her situation. She shows a lot of insight and emotional intelligence and I feel her character is developed and portrayed well.
The author also does an excellent job of capturing the sights, smells, and complexity of Imogene’s corner of London. The overall plot, the conflict with The Scot and the madam who wants to buy Imogene are where I feel the story lacks. There are several events that are skipped over or not described thoroughly.
The author also does an excellent job of capturing the sights, smells, and complexity of Imogene’s corner of London. The overall plot, the conflict with The Scot and the madam who wants to buy Imogene are where I feel the story lacks. There are several events that are skipped over or not described thoroughly.
December 18, 2019
a sexy liza doolittle. yeah, the sex is explicit and life is tough for this little family - if you want hearts, ponies, and rainbows, don't read this. i was intrigued enough to read book 2.
added-it
March 22, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (3/22/2021)! 🎁
January 9, 2016
Loved it
I love all of Eliza Lloyd's books. She has so much talent. I recommend all of her books. Start with her Wicked series.
I love all of Eliza Lloyd's books. She has so much talent. I recommend all of her books. Start with her Wicked series.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews