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A Singular Lady
In Megan Frampton’s debut, first published in 2005 and newly revised, a spirited heroine meets a stubborn man in a sharp duel of wit and desire.
Following the death of her father, the Honorable Titania Stanhope arrives in London to find that he has left all of his fortune to his mistress, leaving Titania and her younger brother penniless. Armed with new gowns and fierce determination, Titania decides that her only choice is to marry a wealthy man. And then she meets the equally poor—and devastatingly attractive—Earl of Oakley.
Edwin Worthington, Earl of Oakley, has just returned to London to discover he has massive wealth. But he’s wary of ladies’ interest beyond his person, so he hides his wealth under his scuffed boots and shabby clothing. When he meets Titania, he is intrigued; she is intelligent, quick, and beautiful. Could she be his countess? But then he discovers her purpose in being in London, and remains disenchanted with love.
Can Edwin and Titania discover the truth about themselves—and each other—before it’s too late?
Following the death of her father, the Honorable Titania Stanhope arrives in London to find that he has left all of his fortune to his mistress, leaving Titania and her younger brother penniless. Armed with new gowns and fierce determination, Titania decides that her only choice is to marry a wealthy man. And then she meets the equally poor—and devastatingly attractive—Earl of Oakley.
Edwin Worthington, Earl of Oakley, has just returned to London to discover he has massive wealth. But he’s wary of ladies’ interest beyond his person, so he hides his wealth under his scuffed boots and shabby clothing. When he meets Titania, he is intrigued; she is intelligent, quick, and beautiful. Could she be his countess? But then he discovers her purpose in being in London, and remains disenchanted with love.
Can Edwin and Titania discover the truth about themselves—and each other—before it’s too late?
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2005
47 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Megan Frampton
41 books1,053 followersMegan Frampton's love affair with books began when her parents moved her to a remote town in New Hampshire where there was only one television station. And then the TV broke. She devoured every book of fiction in her well-read parents' library, finding special joy in Georgette Heyer and the fairy tales collected and translated by Andrew Lang. Megan majored in English literature at Barnard College and worked in the music industry for fifteen years. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband (her former intern) and her kid.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 8, 2020
DNF 25%. Slow moving. Unremarkable characters and dialogue.
August 7, 2017
Okay, I'm not a huge reader of historical fiction, but I really liked this book.
I downloaded this book because the description made it sound like a love story I wouldn’t be able to put down. This is the first book I’ve read by Megan Frampton.
Titania’s father has just passed and left her shockingly in debt - he gave away all the money in his will. She has a clueless younger brother, several loyal employees, and a few terrible relatives who refuse to help. However, she’s much smarter than her father was and concocts a plan to save the estate, along with the jobs of all the employees.
Edwin shows up pretty early in the story and develops an interest in Titania within the first few pages. How could he not? She’s an absolute match for him intellectually. I’m always a fan of strong-willed, smart heroines. Titania isn’t the least bit impressed with the money on display as she finally gets her season. However, she knows she must find someone rich to marry in order to save the estate. Too bad Edwin isn’t rich.
There were many twists in this story and I wondered at one point if the two would ever get together. Titania and Edwin both had secrets that would keep them apart. There was his awful pride and her desire for money (which she badly needed but secretly despised). I almost stopped in the middle because the story seemed to slow (wanted to read more about the two of them together instead of her conversations with potential suitors), but…
I’m so glad I didn’t!!!!!
This book seemed well-written overall with a good flow which allowed me to read the entire book in one day. The resolution was great and made it all worthwhile.
The author did a great job making sure these characters were evenly matched and likable. It was awesome how she pitted them against the views of society. Just a note - the love scenes were a bit on the sexy side. My rating is 4.5 stars.
I downloaded this book because the description made it sound like a love story I wouldn’t be able to put down. This is the first book I’ve read by Megan Frampton.
Titania’s father has just passed and left her shockingly in debt - he gave away all the money in his will. She has a clueless younger brother, several loyal employees, and a few terrible relatives who refuse to help. However, she’s much smarter than her father was and concocts a plan to save the estate, along with the jobs of all the employees.
Edwin shows up pretty early in the story and develops an interest in Titania within the first few pages. How could he not? She’s an absolute match for him intellectually. I’m always a fan of strong-willed, smart heroines. Titania isn’t the least bit impressed with the money on display as she finally gets her season. However, she knows she must find someone rich to marry in order to save the estate. Too bad Edwin isn’t rich.
There were many twists in this story and I wondered at one point if the two would ever get together. Titania and Edwin both had secrets that would keep them apart. There was his awful pride and her desire for money (which she badly needed but secretly despised). I almost stopped in the middle because the story seemed to slow (wanted to read more about the two of them together instead of her conversations with potential suitors), but…
I’m so glad I didn’t!!!!!
This book seemed well-written overall with a good flow which allowed me to read the entire book in one day. The resolution was great and made it all worthwhile.
The author did a great job making sure these characters were evenly matched and likable. It was awesome how she pitted them against the views of society. Just a note - the love scenes were a bit on the sexy side. My rating is 4.5 stars.
January 16, 2016
This is the story of the Honorable Titania Stanhope, who heads off onto the dance floors of Society to do battle with the other marriageable ladies after her father bequeaths his entire fortune to his mistress. She decides to chronicle her "battle plans" and subsequent result in the newspaper under the name "A Singular Lady".
Edwin Worthington, Earl of Oakley, wants nothing to do with the money-grubbing young ladies of the ton who he meets. As a result, he pretends to be the penniless blacksheep of his family with no desire to marry. However, that all changes when he meets the witty, headstrong Titania.
In my opinion, this is not the best regency I have ever read, but it is still definitely worth the read. I give it four stars.
Edwin Worthington, Earl of Oakley, wants nothing to do with the money-grubbing young ladies of the ton who he meets. As a result, he pretends to be the penniless blacksheep of his family with no desire to marry. However, that all changes when he meets the witty, headstrong Titania.
In my opinion, this is not the best regency I have ever read, but it is still definitely worth the read. I give it four stars.
September 29, 2019
Inhalt
London 1813: Lady Titania Stanhope muss sich nach dem Tod ihres Vaters um die Nachlassregelung kümmern. Mit Schrecken jedoch stellt sie fest, dass dieser sein gesamtes Vermögen seiner Mätresse vermacht hat. Damit Titania und ihr kleiner Bruder das Familienanwesen behalten können und nicht mittellos dastehen, muss ein Plan her: Titania wird in London ihre erste Saison haben und sich den reichstmöglichen Gentleman angeln. Doch sie hat ihre Rechnung nicht mit ihrem eigenen Herzen gemacht - das ausgerechnet für den ebenfalls verarmten Earl of Oakley zu schlagen scheint.
Meine Meinung
Ich wollte mich mal ganz langsam an das historische Genre rantasten und dachte mir, dass eine einfach, lockere Liebesgeschichte da bestimmt gut für den Anfang ist. Mit Eine Lady mit gewissen Vorzügen habe ich nun genau das gefunden - und bin trotzdem irgendwie enttäuscht.
Die Geschichte begleitet grösstenteils Lady Titania Stanhope, die nach dem Tod des Vaters nun mittellos ist und sich schleunigst einen (reichen) Gatten angeln will. Gewisse Ausschnitte beleuchten auch den Earl of Oakley, der vorgibt, verarmt zu sein, um nicht schon wieder an eine Dame zu geraten, die ihn nur des Geldes wegen will. Dass sich ausgerechnet diese beiden ineinander verlieben, ist natürlich Programm. Ein bisschen Gefühlschaos und dergleichen ebenso.
Tatsächlich aber bietet die Geschichte darüber hinaus... gar nichts. London im Jahr 1813 kommt zu kurz, die Protagonisten fand ich ziemlich öde und die Geschichte an sich war sehr vorhersehbar und einfach irgendwie seicht. Ein wenig Humor hat das alles aufgeheitert, allen voran die von der Hauptprotagonistin verfasste Kolumne einer alleinstehenden Dame, wo sie die Suche nach einem Mann mit dem Zug in den Krieg vergleicht. Ansonsten blieb alles sehr oberflächlich und durchschaubar.
Viele gesellschaftliche Anlässe, in denen mal hier und mal da ein paar Worte mit ein paar Nebencharakteren gewechselt wird, wechseln sich ab mit Szenen, in denen Titania mit sich hadert oder der Early of Oakley sich direkt an sie ranmacht (ja, der werte Herr beschmust sie direkt und grabscht was das Zeug hält - und Titania findet das dann auch noch aufregend). Und natürlich ist Titania aussergewöhnlich, alle sind fasziniert von ihr, und sie liest gerne, und sie ist eine starke Frau. Und sie weiss, dass sie sich einen reichen Mann angeln muss resp. sie will sich opfern für ihre Familie, aber sobald sie einen entsprechen gut betuchten Herrn trifft, will sie wieder nicht mehr. Und so weiter und so fort. Zum Glück nur über etwas um die 200 Seiten.
Fazit
Sehr seichte Lektüre, vorhersehbar und oberflächlich. Die Protagonisten sind allesamt ach so speziell, und doch konnten sie mich nicht abholen. Für mich ein denkbar schlechter Start in das historische Genre. Aber ich werde es wieder versuchen.
London 1813: Lady Titania Stanhope muss sich nach dem Tod ihres Vaters um die Nachlassregelung kümmern. Mit Schrecken jedoch stellt sie fest, dass dieser sein gesamtes Vermögen seiner Mätresse vermacht hat. Damit Titania und ihr kleiner Bruder das Familienanwesen behalten können und nicht mittellos dastehen, muss ein Plan her: Titania wird in London ihre erste Saison haben und sich den reichstmöglichen Gentleman angeln. Doch sie hat ihre Rechnung nicht mit ihrem eigenen Herzen gemacht - das ausgerechnet für den ebenfalls verarmten Earl of Oakley zu schlagen scheint.
Meine Meinung
Ich wollte mich mal ganz langsam an das historische Genre rantasten und dachte mir, dass eine einfach, lockere Liebesgeschichte da bestimmt gut für den Anfang ist. Mit Eine Lady mit gewissen Vorzügen habe ich nun genau das gefunden - und bin trotzdem irgendwie enttäuscht.
Die Geschichte begleitet grösstenteils Lady Titania Stanhope, die nach dem Tod des Vaters nun mittellos ist und sich schleunigst einen (reichen) Gatten angeln will. Gewisse Ausschnitte beleuchten auch den Earl of Oakley, der vorgibt, verarmt zu sein, um nicht schon wieder an eine Dame zu geraten, die ihn nur des Geldes wegen will. Dass sich ausgerechnet diese beiden ineinander verlieben, ist natürlich Programm. Ein bisschen Gefühlschaos und dergleichen ebenso.
Tatsächlich aber bietet die Geschichte darüber hinaus... gar nichts. London im Jahr 1813 kommt zu kurz, die Protagonisten fand ich ziemlich öde und die Geschichte an sich war sehr vorhersehbar und einfach irgendwie seicht. Ein wenig Humor hat das alles aufgeheitert, allen voran die von der Hauptprotagonistin verfasste Kolumne einer alleinstehenden Dame, wo sie die Suche nach einem Mann mit dem Zug in den Krieg vergleicht. Ansonsten blieb alles sehr oberflächlich und durchschaubar.
Viele gesellschaftliche Anlässe, in denen mal hier und mal da ein paar Worte mit ein paar Nebencharakteren gewechselt wird, wechseln sich ab mit Szenen, in denen Titania mit sich hadert oder der Early of Oakley sich direkt an sie ranmacht (ja, der werte Herr beschmust sie direkt und grabscht was das Zeug hält - und Titania findet das dann auch noch aufregend). Und natürlich ist Titania aussergewöhnlich, alle sind fasziniert von ihr, und sie liest gerne, und sie ist eine starke Frau. Und sie weiss, dass sie sich einen reichen Mann angeln muss resp. sie will sich opfern für ihre Familie, aber sobald sie einen entsprechen gut betuchten Herrn trifft, will sie wieder nicht mehr. Und so weiter und so fort. Zum Glück nur über etwas um die 200 Seiten.
Fazit
Sehr seichte Lektüre, vorhersehbar und oberflächlich. Die Protagonisten sind allesamt ach so speziell, und doch konnten sie mich nicht abholen. Für mich ein denkbar schlechter Start in das historische Genre. Aber ich werde es wieder versuchen.
October 17, 2017
Spunky heroine. Decent romantic protagonist. Loose plot, with some odd unexplained plot points, sudden ending without resolution, but overall enjoyable. The biggest difference compared to most Regency/Victorian romances is that the hero realizes pretty quickly that despite his earlier error in judgment, they both love each other. A refreshing change in a relatively predictable genre.
February 15, 2017
What A Man!
Edwin, The Earl of Oakley leaves his bride at the altar, leaving him in disgrace, with his father, the Marquess. He goes to North America for five years, returns having made an oath to never marry again; considering the fact he heard his fiancee saying she was only marrying for money and title. On his return he literally bumps into Titiana, a raven haired beauty, whom has just come out as the same office he was about to go in. She finds out that she and her college age brother are broke, thanks to her dead Father leaving all of their money to his mistress right before his death! Now she has to find a way to keep their family estate for her brother, pay the servants, and keep up the tenants houses. Edwin has been burned before, he will therefore, let everyone believe that he is broke, Titiana must marry for money, in order to survive. Can she truly do that, after running into the arms of Edwin, and will he ever forgive her, if he finds out what she is truly in need of? I took off one star, because I did not like the ending, I believe there should have been more! I highly recommend! Thanks! Enjoy!
Edwin, The Earl of Oakley leaves his bride at the altar, leaving him in disgrace, with his father, the Marquess. He goes to North America for five years, returns having made an oath to never marry again; considering the fact he heard his fiancee saying she was only marrying for money and title. On his return he literally bumps into Titiana, a raven haired beauty, whom has just come out as the same office he was about to go in. She finds out that she and her college age brother are broke, thanks to her dead Father leaving all of their money to his mistress right before his death! Now she has to find a way to keep their family estate for her brother, pay the servants, and keep up the tenants houses. Edwin has been burned before, he will therefore, let everyone believe that he is broke, Titiana must marry for money, in order to survive. Can she truly do that, after running into the arms of Edwin, and will he ever forgive her, if he finds out what she is truly in need of? I took off one star, because I did not like the ending, I believe there should have been more! I highly recommend! Thanks! Enjoy!
July 13, 2011
Money drives decisions. Titania (ick, awful name!) MUST marry or lose her home, her brother's future/inheritance, etc. While she systematically hunts down prospective (rich) candidates, Titania also writes a newspaper column about her manouevers for a scandle sheet (under the pseudonym of a "Singular Lady").
Edwin and Titania fall in love, but Titania will not marry him. She must secure her family's future. Of course Edwin (estranged from his titled father and returned recently from America)is rich. But he wants to be appreciated for himself, not his money.
Misunderstandings pile up. Naturally, all ends well.
Predictable but satisfying.
Edwin and Titania fall in love, but Titania will not marry him. She must secure her family's future. Of course Edwin (estranged from his titled father and returned recently from America)is rich. But he wants to be appreciated for himself, not his money.
Misunderstandings pile up. Naturally, all ends well.
Predictable but satisfying.
March 17, 2018
Super cute. I just wished it were longer :). I had some unanswered questions at the end, and Titania, Edwin, and all the rest of the characters were all so charming and funny, I would have gladly continued to read a lot more about them.
March 10, 2017
To me, this book was okay. It all seemed shallow. The characters were okay, just not as developed as much as I like.
July 27, 2019
Die Geschichte beginnt gleich mit der schlechten Nachricht für Titania und ihrem Schlachtplan, schnell einen reichen Mann zum Heiraten zu finden. Ich fand es ganz amüsant zu lesen, wie Titania, die überhaupt kein Interesse an Mode und Bällen hat, sich auf die Jagd begibt und schon bald ein paar Verehrer vorzuweisen hat. Dabei wollte sie eigentlich aus Liebe heiraten, doch die Pflicht für ihre Familie, Angestellten und Pächtern ist ihr wichtiger.
Über Edwin kann ich eigentlich gar nicht mehr sagen als der Klappentext verrät. Ich mochte ihn, auch wenn ich ihn als ziemlich dreist und seine Übertretungen der gesellschaftlichen Werte manchmal ein bisschen als zu viel empfand.
Was für mich ein kleines Highlight in der Geschichte war, waren die kurzen Kolumnentexte, die am Anfang eines Kapitels zu finden sind. Die Jagd nach einem reichen Mann mit Kriegsstrategien zu vergleichen, las sich sehr witzig und ich fand es schade, dass die Abschnitte so kurz waren.
Die Geschichte enthält immer wieder witzige Elemente und hat am Ende eine große Überraschung parat. Insgesamt hat das Buch geliefert, was ich erwartet habe. Eine seichte Liebesgeschichte mit einer Portion Humor. Allerdings fand ich es schade, dass die Gefühle, die Leidenschaft gleich bei der ersten Berührung entstand. Schöner hätte ich es gefunden, wenn es sich langsamer entwickelt hätte.
Über Edwin kann ich eigentlich gar nicht mehr sagen als der Klappentext verrät. Ich mochte ihn, auch wenn ich ihn als ziemlich dreist und seine Übertretungen der gesellschaftlichen Werte manchmal ein bisschen als zu viel empfand.
Was für mich ein kleines Highlight in der Geschichte war, waren die kurzen Kolumnentexte, die am Anfang eines Kapitels zu finden sind. Die Jagd nach einem reichen Mann mit Kriegsstrategien zu vergleichen, las sich sehr witzig und ich fand es schade, dass die Abschnitte so kurz waren.
Die Geschichte enthält immer wieder witzige Elemente und hat am Ende eine große Überraschung parat. Insgesamt hat das Buch geliefert, was ich erwartet habe. Eine seichte Liebesgeschichte mit einer Portion Humor. Allerdings fand ich es schade, dass die Gefühle, die Leidenschaft gleich bei der ersten Berührung entstand. Schöner hätte ich es gefunden, wenn es sich langsamer entwickelt hätte.
January 1, 2022
Titania è una ragazza che è cresciuta in fretta, e che dopo la morte del padre che l'ha lasciata senza un soldo, deve trovare il modo di mandare avanti la famiglia e dare un futuro a suo fratello e sorella. Trovare un uomo ricco da sposare.
Edwin è appena tornato a Londra per entrare in possesso dell'eredità di uno zio, che lo ha reso molto ricco; diffidente verso le donne, che crede interessate solo al suo denaro, nasconde il suo stato sociale sotto vestiti logori e stivali consumati.
Tra i due scocca subito la scintilla, ma entrambi lottano perchè nell'altro non trovano le caratteristiche che cercano: lui per Titania non è ricco e lei è interessata ad un matrimonio di convenienza.
Storia non troppo originale, in alcune parti un po' noiosa
Edwin è appena tornato a Londra per entrare in possesso dell'eredità di uno zio, che lo ha reso molto ricco; diffidente verso le donne, che crede interessate solo al suo denaro, nasconde il suo stato sociale sotto vestiti logori e stivali consumati.
Tra i due scocca subito la scintilla, ma entrambi lottano perchè nell'altro non trovano le caratteristiche che cercano: lui per Titania non è ricco e lei è interessata ad un matrimonio di convenienza.
Storia non troppo originale, in alcune parti un po' noiosa
March 23, 2021
3.5
Rounded up because of Goodreads ⭐️ system
The story was incredibly entertaining, there were a lot of fun banter and interesting background characters. The writing was also very nice. However, I wasn’t quite interested by the romance, it wasn’t terribly convincing since our hero’s characterization was quite lacking. He felt very bland, even his scholarly nature, though mentioned a lot, was underdeveloped compared to the heroine’s blue stocking ways. Enjoyable read, middle of the road romance and meh steamy scenes. Worth the read though, for the plot.
No epilogue sadly😭
July 12, 2023
Pretty good book. It's fun. A bit silly. I like what Frampton was trying to do here with such an independent woman, and I'm surprised this was written so long ago. Definitely ahead of it's time. The drama was a bit over the top, but I appreciate the lighthearted tone. I wasn't particularly drawn to either of these characters, but I like them well enough.
October 22, 2016
Good wit, good writing style, but needless explicit scenes. These totally took the story away from being in the style of Georgette Heyer.
When will writers understand that a well-expressed story will hold on its own.
When will writers understand that a well-expressed story will hold on its own.
Read
August 24, 2022I couldn't finish this. The plot sounded fun but when I read/listened to the book, I kept expecting the story to get better, more engaging but really, I had to accept the fact that I simply couldn't be bothered wilth it anymore. Blame it on my cold!🤧 It makes my head as heavy as as a pumpkin. 🎃😁
February 4, 2017
Singular Lady
This was a very entertaining read. It wasn't as predictable as many Regency romances are and I wasn't able
to put it down. I read it in one sitting.
This was a very entertaining read. It wasn't as predictable as many Regency romances are and I wasn't able
to put it down. I read it in one sitting.
March 9, 2022
A nice romance story to read with a very “timely” and fortunate end that makes the main characters able to have a happily ever after.
May 4, 2023
Could’ve been a decent story if it had been fleshed out a bit more. The character development and plot felt disjointed and sparse; almost as if the book was missing every other chapter.
February 19, 2017
Good idea, having a Regency woman from the nobility chronicle attempts to marry into money (her father gave his inheritance to his mistress). She sold her chronicles to the press with anonymity.
Trouble is, those chronicles don't really enter the plot. (Sure the bad guy threatens to expose her, but that could have been dropped without changing the plot one bit). The resolution with the good guy seems to happen without plot as well.
Trouble is, those chronicles don't really enter the plot. (Sure the bad guy threatens to expose her, but that could have been dropped without changing the plot one bit). The resolution with the good guy seems to happen without plot as well.
April 12, 2014
Edwin the Earl Of Oakley spent time in America as a bear knuckle fighter. While Frampton does not call him a boxer, her description does give that impression.
The over-all plot is surpizingly sexy for a Regency era romance.
The over-all plot is surpizingly sexy for a Regency era romance.
November 13, 2021
Reread. Lighthearted, simple and short regency romp.
March 27, 2017
Fair read. Probably my fault as I'm not in the mood for reading yet.
I liked it. 3.5*
I liked it. 3.5*
historical
January 28, 2019In Megan Frampton’s debut, first published in 2005 and newly revised, a spirited heroine meets a stubborn man in a sharp duel of wit and desire.
Following the death of her father, the Honorable Titania Stanhope arrives in London to find that he has left all of his fortune to his mistress, leaving Titania and her younger brother penniless. Armed with new gowns and fierce determination, Titania decides that her only choice is to marry a wealthy man. And then she meets the equally poor—and devastatingly attractive—Earl of Oakley.
Edwin Worthington, Earl of Oakley, has just returned to London to discover he has massive wealth. But he’s wary of ladies’ interest beyond his person, so he hides his wealth under his scuffed boots and shabby clothing. When he meets Titania, he is intrigued; she is intelligent, quick, and beautiful. Could she be his countess? But then he discovers her purpose in being in London, and remains disenchanted with love.
Can Edwin and Titania discover the truth about themselves—and each other—before it’s too late?
Following the death of her father, the Honorable Titania Stanhope arrives in London to find that he has left all of his fortune to his mistress, leaving Titania and her younger brother penniless. Armed with new gowns and fierce determination, Titania decides that her only choice is to marry a wealthy man. And then she meets the equally poor—and devastatingly attractive—Earl of Oakley.
Edwin Worthington, Earl of Oakley, has just returned to London to discover he has massive wealth. But he’s wary of ladies’ interest beyond his person, so he hides his wealth under his scuffed boots and shabby clothing. When he meets Titania, he is intrigued; she is intelligent, quick, and beautiful. Could she be his countess? But then he discovers her purpose in being in London, and remains disenchanted with love.
Can Edwin and Titania discover the truth about themselves—and each other—before it’s too late?
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews