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Ladies Most Unlikely #1
The Trouble with His Lordship's Trousers
In Regency London, Georgiana Hathaway has no intention of falling into the conventional trap of marriage and motherhood. She has so much more to do with her life, and a few tortuous years at 'The Particular Establishment for the Advantage of Respectable Ladies' has done nothing to change her mind. In fact, she's already taken the first steps to carve out a career, by anonymously crafting a scandalous, satirical column, called His Lordship's Trousers, for her father's newspaper.
But as the misadventures of her comical rake become the most talked-about story in London, and the naughty column earns greater popularity, it is also bound to gain critics. How much trouble can "His Lordship's Trousers" get her into? She's about to find out.
Meanwhile, "Dead Harry" Thrasher eagerly reads that wicked column every week. It is one of the few things— other than the obituaries— that make him laugh out loud these days. He lives vicariously through that fictional rake's antics, because his own life is suspended in time and he sees no reason to move forward. After all, when a man's obituary has been printed in the newspaper, not once but twice, he has a tendency to believe it. What's the point of a life over which man has no control? What, exactly, has he been saved so many times for? He's about to find out.
When Dead Harry meets Miss Hathaway, they will both find their worlds, and their long-ingrained opinions, at risk. She does not want to fall in love with a man when everybody knows the male animal only gets in the way of a girl's ambitions. And Harry may have survived a "mortal" wound, and eight hundred and fifty days stranded alone on an uncharted island, but can the very private life of this semi-recluse survive the reckless curiosity and impertinent sauce of Miss Georgiana Hathaway?
He's a naval war hero— even if he does have an aversion to decent clothing and polite behavior— so if this young woman thinks to conquer him and put his life in order, she'd better have a battle strategy. It's been a while since he enjoyed a skirmish at sea, but Harry has a feeling he'll love every moment of this one.
But as the misadventures of her comical rake become the most talked-about story in London, and the naughty column earns greater popularity, it is also bound to gain critics. How much trouble can "His Lordship's Trousers" get her into? She's about to find out.
Meanwhile, "Dead Harry" Thrasher eagerly reads that wicked column every week. It is one of the few things— other than the obituaries— that make him laugh out loud these days. He lives vicariously through that fictional rake's antics, because his own life is suspended in time and he sees no reason to move forward. After all, when a man's obituary has been printed in the newspaper, not once but twice, he has a tendency to believe it. What's the point of a life over which man has no control? What, exactly, has he been saved so many times for? He's about to find out.
When Dead Harry meets Miss Hathaway, they will both find their worlds, and their long-ingrained opinions, at risk. She does not want to fall in love with a man when everybody knows the male animal only gets in the way of a girl's ambitions. And Harry may have survived a "mortal" wound, and eight hundred and fifty days stranded alone on an uncharted island, but can the very private life of this semi-recluse survive the reckless curiosity and impertinent sauce of Miss Georgiana Hathaway?
He's a naval war hero— even if he does have an aversion to decent clothing and polite behavior— so if this young woman thinks to conquer him and put his life in order, she'd better have a battle strategy. It's been a while since he enjoyed a skirmish at sea, but Harry has a feeling he'll love every moment of this one.
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First published March 14, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 7, 2018
When Dead Harry met the Wickedest Chit, the life becomes unpredictable….
This is the most unusual (in a good way) original story I read in a long time.
And just FYI: It's Jayne Fresina of Twisted E-Publishing, LLC and not Jayne Fresina of Sourcebooks Casablanca publishing-huge difference in writing even if it's the same person!
Navy Commander and War Hero, Sir Henry Thresher, flirted with death twice. He was "mortally" wounded in the head during the Battle of 1810 and then, two years later, was shipwrecked and spent eight hundred and fifty days (850!!) stranded alone on an uncharted island. In both cases he was presumed dead and the newspaper obituaries mourned his death. But in both cases he managed to survive although not unscathed.
Georgiana was a young lady of stout bravery. She had an inquiring mind, and was not timid, easily shocked creature afraid of her own shadow. These qualities came handy during her years as a pupil at 'The Particular Establishment for the Advantage of Respectable Ladies'-school ran by a dubious headmistress who was known more for her love of gin and intimidation of her charges than for teaching them anything useful.
Can the very private life of semi-recluse Dead Harry survive the reckless curiosity and impertinent sauce of Miss Georgiana Hathaway?
This is the most unusual (in a good way) original story I read in a long time.
And just FYI: It's Jayne Fresina of Twisted E-Publishing, LLC and not Jayne Fresina of Sourcebooks Casablanca publishing-huge difference in writing even if it's the same person!
Navy Commander and War Hero, Sir Henry Thresher, flirted with death twice. He was "mortally" wounded in the head during the Battle of 1810 and then, two years later, was shipwrecked and spent eight hundred and fifty days (850!!) stranded alone on an uncharted island. In both cases he was presumed dead and the newspaper obituaries mourned his death. But in both cases he managed to survive although not unscathed.
Since he barely knew what he might do from one day to the next, his mind having sudden, unpredictable spasms and memory losses, Harry had decided to avoid Society as much as possible.
He lives a life of semi-recluse in the crumbling estate, and occupies his time constructing automated mechanical figures. One of the few things that make him laugh-out-loud these days is reading a scandalous, satirical column, called His Lordship's Trousers . Little did he know that his quiet life would be invaded by an anonymous author of the said column- Ms. Georgiana Hathaway or as Harry would call her later (and for a good reason) the Wickedest Chit . The invasion came from an unlikely source –his own aunt, Lady Bramley, a patroness of ‘The Particular Establishment for the Advantage of Respectable Ladies' boarding school. The lady decreed that the school troublemaker, Georgiana, would serve as her companion for the summer- enough time to teach her to be a lady-a project that had many unintended consequences even for such a renowned taskmaster as Lady Bramley.Georgiana was a young lady of stout bravery. She had an inquiring mind, and was not timid, easily shocked creature afraid of her own shadow. These qualities came handy during her years as a pupil at 'The Particular Establishment for the Advantage of Respectable Ladies'-school ran by a dubious headmistress who was known more for her love of gin and intimidation of her charges than for teaching them anything useful.
Can the very private life of semi-recluse Dead Harry survive the reckless curiosity and impertinent sauce of Miss Georgiana Hathaway?
This was a wonderfully entertaining, well-written character-driven story. The main characters were likable, enduring people; their romance unfolded slowly with warms and humor. The secondary characters were also well drawn. The author maintained a good balance of tongue-in-cheek without going overboard to the silly territory. There were some poignant serious moments but, please, don’t expect your normal wounded-hero-who-is-consumed-with-angst-and-loathing type of trope. In fact, be prepared for the things to appear not the way they first appear.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this new series.
September 6, 2025
3.5 to 4 stars. I enjoy Fresina's slightly quirky and lightly humorous style.
Two interesting characters - Commander Sir Henry (Harry) Thrasher, ex-navy, hero, ptsd. Georgiana, a feisty but caring young woman who helps Harry deal with his issues. Their love story is very different and very sweet. I enjoyed the gradual development of their relationship, and I particularly liked the ending with its nod to Harry's past experiences and how he was now on top of things.
Georgiana's newspaper column was funny and witty - much funnier than similar "columns" I've seen in some other HRs. I did struggle a little with . But it was definitely funny. An enjoyable read.
September 2025 BOTM for Historical Romance Book Club, 'All's Fair In Love and War' theme.
Two interesting characters - Commander Sir Henry (Harry) Thrasher, ex-navy, hero, ptsd. Georgiana, a feisty but caring young woman who helps Harry deal with his issues. Their love story is very different and very sweet. I enjoyed the gradual development of their relationship, and I particularly liked the ending with its nod to Harry's past experiences and how he was now on top of things.
Georgiana's newspaper column was funny and witty - much funnier than similar "columns" I've seen in some other HRs. I did struggle a little with . But it was definitely funny. An enjoyable read.
September 2025 BOTM for Historical Romance Book Club, 'All's Fair In Love and War' theme.
January 22, 2018
Page 60
Page 85
Oh, Harry, you’re incredible!!!
What an unusual book! I loved it and its incredible characters… even the ghost! LOL
Harry is a hero. He’s also a person who gave up his life and is living like a hermit in a house that’s falling apart in company of an elder servant and the ghost of his childhood nurse.
Georgiana is a rebel. She doesn’t want to conform to the idea the society have of a perfect lady. Words come out of her mouth without thought. And she’s not afraid to defend her very modern ideas with intelligent and very well argumented speeches! She’s young, but not stupid! For all her efforts she ends in a Jayne Eyre’s kind of school and after as a companion to the hero’s aunt.
You can only imagine what happens when those two get in close contact!!!
Georgiana wants to help Harry with getting together his two personalities. He suffers from a severe case of PTSD and while his one personality is borderline normal, even if he speaks with his ghost, the other is completely savage and roaming his home during the night without a stich of clothes on and doesn’t remember a thing about it the next day.
What a wonderful story, full of fun moments but also full of poignant ones!
It deserves a full 5 stars!
“I have an idea in mind, old chap.”
“Do treat it gently. It must be lost and afraid in such unfamiliar surroundings.” (Harry)
Page 85
“You’re breathing very hard.”
“Breathing? How dare I breathe. I shall stop at one.” (Harry)
Oh, Harry, you’re incredible!!!
What an unusual book! I loved it and its incredible characters… even the ghost! LOL
Harry is a hero. He’s also a person who gave up his life and is living like a hermit in a house that’s falling apart in company of an elder servant and the ghost of his childhood nurse.
Georgiana is a rebel. She doesn’t want to conform to the idea the society have of a perfect lady. Words come out of her mouth without thought. And she’s not afraid to defend her very modern ideas with intelligent and very well argumented speeches! She’s young, but not stupid! For all her efforts she ends in a Jayne Eyre’s kind of school and after as a companion to the hero’s aunt.
You can only imagine what happens when those two get in close contact!!!
Georgiana wants to help Harry with getting together his two personalities. He suffers from a severe case of PTSD and while his one personality is borderline normal, even if he speaks with his ghost, the other is completely savage and roaming his home during the night without a stich of clothes on and doesn’t remember a thing about it the next day.
What a wonderful story, full of fun moments but also full of poignant ones!
It deserves a full 5 stars!
January 10, 2018
What a delightful read!:)
My 2nd read of Ms. Fresina’s.
Her books always feel different, unusual and very funny too 😂🤣.
I’m absolutely one of her fan now 😘.
My 2nd read of Ms. Fresina’s.
Her books always feel different, unusual and very funny too 😂🤣.
I’m absolutely one of her fan now 😘.
October 9, 2020
3.5/5. The trouble with The Trouble with His Lordship's Trousers is that it stayed too light-hearted for my taste. Yes, there were allusions to the hero having deeper emotional issues but overall, there was more slapstick than substance. Don't get me wrong, the slapstick was exceptionally well-written but nevertheless, I need a bit more from a book to reel me in.
Georgiana at 19 is trouble in a skirt, something her last few years at a strict and oppressive finishing school has done nothing to suppress. She secretly authors a lurid, satirical weekly column while causing havoc for the headmistress with her two bosom school friends. One misjudged stunt results in her banishment from the school to pay penance as the companion for Lady Bramley, patroness of the school and the aunt of the enigmatic Dead Harry, the forbidden retired naval commander who has twice been witness to Georgiana's reckless devilries.
Sir Henry Thrasher aka Dead Harry is more dead inside than alive. He has managed to cheat death twice in the past, but these days, he has little motivation for another resurrection. Living isolated in his run-down ancestral home with only a servant or two for company, he barely remembers to eat and change clothes. The imposing Lady Bramley invades Harry's would-be mausoleum with Georgiana in tow in order to force him back to the land of the living. Once the irrepressible Georgiana makes Harry's psychological healing her new project, existing in a state of ongoing self-neglect and emotional numbness is no longer a viable possibility for him.
"...this young lady was a bombardment upon the senses."
Her conversation swerved about like a runaway cart, and he began to feel bruised from getting in the way of her wheels.
While I enjoy Georgiana's intellect and positive spirit, she does have a tendency for running headlong into trouble true to her youth and impulsive nature. In the beginning, her exuberance and earnest but over-dramatic speech was reminiscent of Anne of Green Gables, which was entertaining enough but not quite adequate material for a romantic heroine, although even excitable Anne grew up eventually and settled down. I'm not sure Georgiana matured adequately for me.
I do have a weakness for cantankerous, hermit heroes and Harry fits this description perfectly. He is not a man effusive with his words or compliments.
"You are not misshapen, Miss Hathaway, that I will admit. Your features have some favorable qualities. They are not grotesque."
Of course, much that he enjoys automatons over people, he is not the Tin Man he thinks himself to be.
Indeed, I begin to think he cares rather too much and has so many thoughts in his head that he cannot move forward."
There were aspects of the plot that did not quite make sense.
In the end, marked down for the inconsistencies and Georgiana's immaturity, but the humour was stellar.
"Lady Bramley, if I waited to be addressed by anybody of importance, it might be a very long time before I had the chance to speak. I may as well be mute and purely decorative."
"There is nothing objectionable about that idea, young lady."
"Perhaps there would not be if I was, in any way, ornamental."
"If a girl has no chance of pleasing others, she should at least please herself."
"You are the most difficult shape I ever encountered," she exclaimed, pouting with cherry-stained lips as she gazed angrily at her effort. "There is too much of you for the dratted paper, and each time I look up at you there seems to be more."
She found him popping up frequently, no matter where she was or what she was doing. Especially if his cousin Max was nearby. She concluded that he must be more fond of his cousin's company than he would ever want to admit.
Georgiana at 19 is trouble in a skirt, something her last few years at a strict and oppressive finishing school has done nothing to suppress. She secretly authors a lurid, satirical weekly column while causing havoc for the headmistress with her two bosom school friends. One misjudged stunt results in her banishment from the school to pay penance as the companion for Lady Bramley, patroness of the school and the aunt of the enigmatic Dead Harry, the forbidden retired naval commander who has twice been witness to Georgiana's reckless devilries.
Sir Henry Thrasher aka Dead Harry is more dead inside than alive. He has managed to cheat death twice in the past, but these days, he has little motivation for another resurrection. Living isolated in his run-down ancestral home with only a servant or two for company, he barely remembers to eat and change clothes. The imposing Lady Bramley invades Harry's would-be mausoleum with Georgiana in tow in order to force him back to the land of the living. Once the irrepressible Georgiana makes Harry's psychological healing her new project, existing in a state of ongoing self-neglect and emotional numbness is no longer a viable possibility for him.
"...this young lady was a bombardment upon the senses."
Her conversation swerved about like a runaway cart, and he began to feel bruised from getting in the way of her wheels.
While I enjoy Georgiana's intellect and positive spirit, she does have a tendency for running headlong into trouble true to her youth and impulsive nature. In the beginning, her exuberance and earnest but over-dramatic speech was reminiscent of Anne of Green Gables, which was entertaining enough but not quite adequate material for a romantic heroine, although even excitable Anne grew up eventually and settled down. I'm not sure Georgiana matured adequately for me.
I do have a weakness for cantankerous, hermit heroes and Harry fits this description perfectly. He is not a man effusive with his words or compliments.
"You are not misshapen, Miss Hathaway, that I will admit. Your features have some favorable qualities. They are not grotesque."
Of course, much that he enjoys automatons over people, he is not the Tin Man he thinks himself to be.
Indeed, I begin to think he cares rather too much and has so many thoughts in his head that he cannot move forward."
There were aspects of the plot that did not quite make sense.
In the end, marked down for the inconsistencies and Georgiana's immaturity, but the humour was stellar.
"Lady Bramley, if I waited to be addressed by anybody of importance, it might be a very long time before I had the chance to speak. I may as well be mute and purely decorative."
"There is nothing objectionable about that idea, young lady."
"Perhaps there would not be if I was, in any way, ornamental."
"If a girl has no chance of pleasing others, she should at least please herself."
"You are the most difficult shape I ever encountered," she exclaimed, pouting with cherry-stained lips as she gazed angrily at her effort. "There is too much of you for the dratted paper, and each time I look up at you there seems to be more."
She found him popping up frequently, no matter where she was or what she was doing. Especially if his cousin Max was nearby. She concluded that he must be more fond of his cousin's company than he would ever want to admit.
January 9, 2018
Although nowhere near as close to romance perfection as Fresina's TRUE STORY, this is still a really good read. 19-year-old Georgiana Hathaway, daughter of a newspaper owner, has a problem with restrictions and conforming to society's expectations. She wants a career, wants her freedom, wants to be able to use her very good brain, thank you very much, and to be able to speak her mind.
Well, nobody else wants that for her. She has been sent off to The Particular Establishment for the Advantage of Respectable Ladies to learn behavior modification with little to show for her years there but the antagonism of the headmistress and a budding career as the writer of a rather scandalous weekly serial, "His Lordship's Trousers", which is published anonymously in her father's newspaper (with even her father unaware of the author's identity).
And we also have "Dead" Harry Thrasher, a former Navy man, who had been declared dead twice and had his obituary written twice. Once after a "mortal wound" and once after having been lost at sea for more than two years. Although now considered a hero, Dead Harry is not the man he used to be, especially because of all that "alone" time on an island before his rescue. He can't fit himself into society's restrictive confines anymore and lives an isolated life on his estate. He also has some other problems which you will find out about as you read.
Well, obviously, these two are going to have to find each other. One may very well be just what the other needs. The relationship and the romance is beautifully developed, there's lots of warmth and humor in the story, the main and secondary characters are very nicely drawn and this is one of the most unique HRs I've read in some time. From the title, I was expecting more of a comedy, Yes, it does have some very funny moments to it and some very funny characters, but there's a seriousness to this that I hadn't been expecting but thoroughly welcomed. All in all, it's a book well written and worth reading.
In her review on Amazon, one of my favorite HR reviewers, lark, mentions a few missteps Fresina has made in the story. I'll have to add that, although I appreciate the way Fresina writes, she has the habit of confusing "lie" and "lay" and "imply" and "infer" in many of her books and does here also. Those are strange grammatical errors, considering how polished her writing is. This doesn't keep me from enjoying her work, however, and I'm looking forward to the next book in this new series.
Well, nobody else wants that for her. She has been sent off to The Particular Establishment for the Advantage of Respectable Ladies to learn behavior modification with little to show for her years there but the antagonism of the headmistress and a budding career as the writer of a rather scandalous weekly serial, "His Lordship's Trousers", which is published anonymously in her father's newspaper (with even her father unaware of the author's identity).
And we also have "Dead" Harry Thrasher, a former Navy man, who had been declared dead twice and had his obituary written twice. Once after a "mortal wound" and once after having been lost at sea for more than two years. Although now considered a hero, Dead Harry is not the man he used to be, especially because of all that "alone" time on an island before his rescue. He can't fit himself into society's restrictive confines anymore and lives an isolated life on his estate. He also has some other problems which you will find out about as you read.
Well, obviously, these two are going to have to find each other. One may very well be just what the other needs. The relationship and the romance is beautifully developed, there's lots of warmth and humor in the story, the main and secondary characters are very nicely drawn and this is one of the most unique HRs I've read in some time. From the title, I was expecting more of a comedy, Yes, it does have some very funny moments to it and some very funny characters, but there's a seriousness to this that I hadn't been expecting but thoroughly welcomed. All in all, it's a book well written and worth reading.
In her review on Amazon, one of my favorite HR reviewers, lark, mentions a few missteps Fresina has made in the story. I'll have to add that, although I appreciate the way Fresina writes, she has the habit of confusing "lie" and "lay" and "imply" and "infer" in many of her books and does here also. Those are strange grammatical errors, considering how polished her writing is. This doesn't keep me from enjoying her work, however, and I'm looking forward to the next book in this new series.
January 24, 2018
I am struggling with a fair rating here, partly because my ratings are always done within the context of what my expectations were in the first place and where it fell on that scale.
There was absolutely zero chance I was not going to read this book. And because of this great, chutzpah-having title, my expectations for its contents was pretty low. I was hoping for some silly fun, but what I actually got was a bit more than average book with engaging characters and juuuuuust enough absurdity and improbability to pay homage to that ridiculous title.
I don’t really know how to write reviews like all the reviewers I know, I’m always on the verge of or falling all the way into the spoiler vat, so I don’t want to say too much. But I can answer some questions to help you manage YOUR expectations:
1. Is this plot tightly constructed? No. You can see the strings, if that makes sense, of the author manipulating everything to make it work. It requires some pretty legitimate suspension of disbelief. Because I enjoyed spending so much time with Harry and Georgiana, I didn’t care much about it, but your mileage may vary.
2. Are their modern words or phrases? Some, but not enough to make me make an irate post on Facebook about it.
3. Are the characters’ actions and thoughts in line with the time period? I’m glad you asked! I think the author did a sneaky thing here, escaping the trap of the ~fiercely independent lady~ by making Georgiana a class below, giving her attitude a little credence. She is a mouthy little sauce pot. Harry is similarly given some extenuating circumstances for more freedom, but he’s definitely still traveling with irrational female trope circus.
4. How’s the dialogue? Fun! There’s a bit of exposition in places, but overall it’s good stuff. Harry in particular is a delight.
5. The final verdict? Here’s the thing. There’s part of this book that is completely cracked. I don’t think it happens, I don’t think it could ever happen, and if I hadn’t been so damned fond of the duo I would have rolled my eyes into eternity. It’s just SO unlikely and feels like such a forced way to move the romance along that it’s a little disappointing.
So, while the world and plot construction is probably a 3 star at absolute best, the characters are really well drawn and fun to spend time with, so I’m going for four total. And I’m definitely going to read the next one. I hope it’s sprinkled with some wackysauce too.
There was absolutely zero chance I was not going to read this book. And because of this great, chutzpah-having title, my expectations for its contents was pretty low. I was hoping for some silly fun, but what I actually got was a bit more than average book with engaging characters and juuuuuust enough absurdity and improbability to pay homage to that ridiculous title.
I don’t really know how to write reviews like all the reviewers I know, I’m always on the verge of or falling all the way into the spoiler vat, so I don’t want to say too much. But I can answer some questions to help you manage YOUR expectations:
1. Is this plot tightly constructed? No. You can see the strings, if that makes sense, of the author manipulating everything to make it work. It requires some pretty legitimate suspension of disbelief. Because I enjoyed spending so much time with Harry and Georgiana, I didn’t care much about it, but your mileage may vary.
2. Are their modern words or phrases? Some, but not enough to make me make an irate post on Facebook about it.
3. Are the characters’ actions and thoughts in line with the time period? I’m glad you asked! I think the author did a sneaky thing here, escaping the trap of the ~fiercely independent lady~ by making Georgiana a class below, giving her attitude a little credence. She is a mouthy little sauce pot. Harry is similarly given some extenuating circumstances for more freedom, but he’s definitely still traveling with irrational female trope circus.
4. How’s the dialogue? Fun! There’s a bit of exposition in places, but overall it’s good stuff. Harry in particular is a delight.
5. The final verdict? Here’s the thing. There’s part of this book that is completely cracked. I don’t think it happens, I don’t think it could ever happen, and if I hadn’t been so damned fond of the duo I would have rolled my eyes into eternity. It’s just SO unlikely and feels like such a forced way to move the romance along that it’s a little disappointing.
So, while the world and plot construction is probably a 3 star at absolute best, the characters are really well drawn and fun to spend time with, so I’m going for four total. And I’m definitely going to read the next one. I hope it’s sprinkled with some wackysauce too.
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September 22, 2025After chapter 8, I decided to DNF it for now (or, more likely, forever). I just don't like the combination of a serious topic (a damaged hero with PTSD) and a humorous writing style (due to a chaotic, clumsy heroine).
February 8, 2018
This is what I get for trusting so many overly-inflated 5-star reviews.
August 16, 2020
3.5 stars—Cheerfully irreverent Regency
A duke-free RegRom deserves celebration. But there's a lot more to enjoy in TTwHLT than the absence of dukes. Georgiana is an unexpected heroine: impulsive & outspoken to a quite outrageous degree, but also capable of empathising with the emotional maelstrom that is Dead Harry Thrasher, suffering from PTSD & desperate to be left alone with his automata and his memories. For this reader, Georgiana's fêted hi-jinks and unrealistic ambitions as a journalist were beginning to wear a bit; the book begins to come together when she turns her formidable energy on to supporting & helping Harry. Kudos to JF for a tiny plot twist at 30% that had me tearing up unexpectedly.
Incidentally, Georgiana's titillating newspaper column "His Lordship's Trousers" bears a strong resemblance to '50 Ways to Sin' in Caroline Linden's entertaining 'Scandal' series. Any recs for genuine Regency erotica welcomed (other than Jonathan: or, The Trials of Virtue obv).
I think I might need to recuperate from Jayne Fresina's enjoyably high-octane style before I tackle either of the next two books in the trilogy, but they are definitely on my TBR list.
NB 2/5 editing stars for extraordinarily poor proof-reading. I stopped highlighting homophones after a bit: 'discrete' for discreet, 'elude' for allude, 'slight' of hand for 'sleight' etc. etc. The book deserved better.
A duke-free RegRom deserves celebration. But there's a lot more to enjoy in TTwHLT than the absence of dukes. Georgiana is an unexpected heroine: impulsive & outspoken to a quite outrageous degree, but also capable of empathising with the emotional maelstrom that is Dead Harry Thrasher, suffering from PTSD & desperate to be left alone with his automata and his memories. For this reader, Georgiana's fêted hi-jinks and unrealistic ambitions as a journalist were beginning to wear a bit; the book begins to come together when she turns her formidable energy on to supporting & helping Harry. Kudos to JF for a tiny plot twist at 30% that had me tearing up unexpectedly.
Incidentally, Georgiana's titillating newspaper column "His Lordship's Trousers" bears a strong resemblance to '50 Ways to Sin' in Caroline Linden's entertaining 'Scandal' series. Any recs for genuine Regency erotica welcomed (other than Jonathan: or, The Trials of Virtue obv).
I think I might need to recuperate from Jayne Fresina's enjoyably high-octane style before I tackle either of the next two books in the trilogy, but they are definitely on my TBR list.
NB 2/5 editing stars for extraordinarily poor proof-reading. I stopped highlighting homophones after a bit: 'discrete' for discreet, 'elude' for allude, 'slight' of hand for 'sleight' etc. etc. The book deserved better.
January 10, 2023
Georgiana and Harry. The heroine is feisty, but kind. The hero has hidden depths and struggles. This story with its interesting side characters and happenings was very enjoyable to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2016
I have never read a story with two more unlikely people to fall in love. Harry is unsociable, cranky and has obvious emotional and mental problems. George is overlooked and taken for granted by her family, a plain girl with freckles and a spirit of adventure that sometimes gets her in trouble. That's what the world sees but Harry sees a woman who is just right for him and Georgie see a good man who needs to combine Henry and Harry to make a whole man again. These two would never have made anyone a good partner but for them it works. Sometimes that's just the way it is with love-what makes it magic. A wonderful book that made me laugh and made me cry. I will remember it for a long time and you will too.
January 16, 2025
Suspend belief and just enjoy
Rollicking good hysterically historical yarn. I recommend you just sit back, relax and have some of the best fun around. Highly recommended.
Rollicking good hysterically historical yarn. I recommend you just sit back, relax and have some of the best fun around. Highly recommended.
March 15, 2018
Good read!!
The beginning?
Not that fond of it. Things happen kinda slow. Really slow. Some scenes that could have been hilarious weren't. They were just fun...
But all of that changes after the first two or three chapters. The pace is still slow but now everything simply flows better. Very fond of that.
The characters were both likeable. Actually, more than that. I adored the heroine for being steadfast, a good friend, an adventurer, a woman who transcends the borders and who doesn't care about marriage or rules imposed on women. Restrictions? Not with her!
The hero was gorgeous as well. He has shut himself off from society, has suffered through hell and now he doesn't need these people. Liked how his character developed.
The plot was nice. Looking forward to the stories of the side characters :-)
The beginning?
Not that fond of it. Things happen kinda slow. Really slow. Some scenes that could have been hilarious weren't. They were just fun...
But all of that changes after the first two or three chapters. The pace is still slow but now everything simply flows better. Very fond of that.
The characters were both likeable. Actually, more than that. I adored the heroine for being steadfast, a good friend, an adventurer, a woman who transcends the borders and who doesn't care about marriage or rules imposed on women. Restrictions? Not with her!
The hero was gorgeous as well. He has shut himself off from society, has suffered through hell and now he doesn't need these people. Liked how his character developed.
The plot was nice. Looking forward to the stories of the side characters :-)
September 16, 2025
The Trouble with His Lordship's Trousers takes the grumpy/sunshine trope to extremes and it is delightful all the way. This was a very well written book and quite different from run-of-the-mill HR. For one thing, the hero is not a duke. Georgiana Hathaway is insuppressible and inventive. She is the secret author of scandalous newspaper column. Dead Harry, so named because he was pronounced dead by the military, is suffering from terrible PTSD. The country manor where he has hidden himself away is invaded by his aunt with Georgiana in tow. The book almost becomes a psychological case study of Harry but the author keeps things light in spite of the dark state of Harry's psyche. The supporting characters are entertaining and have a few surprises to offer. There's plenty of humor packed in as well.
May 8, 2023
It’s been a very long time since an author’s works have caused me to make my way from one book to the next without pause, but Jayne Fresina is doing just that. Each book is like unwrapping a delightful gift and I have yet to be disappointed. This book was no exception. I absolutely loved it. Unlike any author I’ve read before, she has the ability to cause me to feel actual deep felt, sincere emotion for a character(s). Harry caused me to chuckle and to tear up (sometimes both at the same time). He and Georgiana were made for each other. Joining Fresina’s other books that already reside on my To Be ReRead shelf.
February 6, 2025
5 stars. Yes, definitely 5 stars. I can’t remember the last time I laughed soo hard in the duration of a book. I loved the chemistry between the two leads as well as the characters development. This book is the prime example of how even the simplest of plot can shine if executed well. Hats off to Jayne Fresina and what an incredible introduction to this author for me. I knew it from the first page that this book had me hook, line and sinker.
October 21, 2020
Ok read, funny most of the time. Very different type and writing compared to author’s true story series.
Hero s as hd heroine are lovable, but one day suddenly hero is alright.
Villain plot was over the top and too unbelievable.
Hero s as hd heroine are lovable, but one day suddenly hero is alright.
Villain plot was over the top and too unbelievable.
January 30, 2018
Really enjoyed this as it was a clean romance but had some naughty parts without it being over the top.
March 12, 2021
Mixed bag, but enjoyable enough that I want to read more from this new-to-me author.
Read
April 28, 2025Dnf at 13 didn’t like neither hero’s nor heroines characterisation
April 7, 2016
This book turned out better than I expected when I first started reading it. I thought it would be a rather silly story about an immature nineteen year old in a pseudo Regency novel, but in fact the back story dealt with PTSD. The naval hero had spent over two years castaway on an island, and had serious mental problems reintegrating into society.
October 10, 2017
This is my favorite of Ms. Fresina's books! The banter was excellent, the characters were intriguing, and there was a fascinating and relevant twist at the end of chapter 8. I usually spot twists a mile away, but my mouth dropped open when I got to this one.
Read
April 21, 2016From the first few chapters this seems to be Book Club Belles version 2 with Georgina the spiritual twin of Justina Penny. But I must say I liked Wainwright the Wrong Man much more than I do Dead Harry. I'll finish this at some other time when I'm in the mood for it.
December 16, 2016
I liked the characters in this book a lot and look forward to reading the books of the other women in this series. Some parts of the story felt a little draggy but not enough to make me want to quit the book. It was a nice, quick read.
March 1, 2024
I liked this one. Two sweet oddballs who fall into intimacy and love via the path of his dual personalities drawing together with her help. Fresh and quirky writing style which suits the story. I'd like to read the Bonnet book next as I really like the title
June 13, 2018
Jayne Fresina is wickedly witty. five stars.
October 28, 2016
Funny. Would recommend.
December 8, 2016
The premise is delightful and I really enjoyed the characters. But the plot was tied up a little too easily in the end. Next, onto The Danger of Desperate Bonnets!
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