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The Lady Travelers Society #2
The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger
She must secure her future
A lady should never be obliged to think of matters financial! But when Lady Wilhelmina Bascombe’s carefree, extravagant lifestyle vanishes with the demise of her husband, her only hope lies in retrieving a family treasure—a Renaissance masterpiece currently in the hands of a cunning art collector in Venice. Thankfully, the Lady Travelers Society has orchestrated a clever plan to get Willie to Europe, leading a tour of mothers and daughters…and one curiously attentive man.
He must reclaim his heritage
Dante Augustus Montague’s one passion has long been his family’s art collection. He’s finally tracked a long-lost painting to the enchanting Lady Bascombe. Convinced that the canvas had been stolen, he will use any means to reclaim his birthright—including deception. But how long before pretend infatuation gives way to genuine desire?
Now they’re rivals for a prize that will change everything
Willie and Dante know they’re playing with fire in the magical moonlit city. Their common quest could compromise them both…or lead them to happily-ever-after.
A lady should never be obliged to think of matters financial! But when Lady Wilhelmina Bascombe’s carefree, extravagant lifestyle vanishes with the demise of her husband, her only hope lies in retrieving a family treasure—a Renaissance masterpiece currently in the hands of a cunning art collector in Venice. Thankfully, the Lady Travelers Society has orchestrated a clever plan to get Willie to Europe, leading a tour of mothers and daughters…and one curiously attentive man.
He must reclaim his heritage
Dante Augustus Montague’s one passion has long been his family’s art collection. He’s finally tracked a long-lost painting to the enchanting Lady Bascombe. Convinced that the canvas had been stolen, he will use any means to reclaim his birthright—including deception. But how long before pretend infatuation gives way to genuine desire?
Now they’re rivals for a prize that will change everything
Willie and Dante know they’re playing with fire in the magical moonlit city. Their common quest could compromise them both…or lead them to happily-ever-after.
538 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 28, 2017
152 people are currently reading
972 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Alexander
64 books1,323 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. She turned to writing full time and is still shocked it worked out.
Since the publication of her first book in 1995, she has written thirty-one full length novels and six novellas. The Perfect Wife—originally published in 1996 and reissued in March 2008—hit #1 on the New York Times list. Sixteen of her books are bestsellers hitting the New York Times, USA Today and/or Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. With books translated into more than a dozen different languages she has readers around the world and has twice been nominated for Romance's Writers of America prestigious RITA award. In 2009 she was given a Career Achievement Award from RT Bookclub and was named Historical Storyteller of the year in 2003. In 2008 she was the keynote speaker for the Romance Writers of American annual conference in San Francisco. Victoria credits much of her writing success to her experiences as a reporter.
Her years as a broadcast journalist were spent in two radically different areas of the country: Nebraska and West Virginia. In West Virginia, she covered both natural and manmade disasters. She was on the scene when a power plant construction accident in a small town left 52 men dead. She once spent the night on a mountain waiting to learn of the fate of coal miners trapped in a mine collapse. Victoria was producing a newscast when her husband (who worked at the same television station) and several other journalists were held hostage by a disturbed Vietnam veteran. In Nebraska, she reported on the farm crisis and watched people lose land that had been in their families for generations. She covered the story that was the basis of the movie BOYS DON’T CRY and once acted as the link between police and a gunman who had barricaded himself in his home. Her investigative work exposed the trucking of New York City garbage to a small town dump in rural Nebraska.
During her journalism career, Victoria covered every president from Ford to Clinton. She knows firsthand what it feels like to be surrounded by rising floodwaters and inside a burning building. She’s interviewed movie stars including Kevin Costner, ridden an elephant and flown in a governor’s helicopter. She’s covered a national political convention and Pope John Paul II’s historic visit to Denver as well as small town festivals celebrating everything from walnuts to Glen Miller. Her work was honored by numerous organizations including the Associated Press who called a feature about a firefighter’s school "story telling genius". It was the encouragement she needed to turn from news to fiction. She’s never looked back.
Victoria claims her love of romance and journalism is to due to the influence of her favorite comic book character: Lois Lane, a terrific reporter and a great heroine who pursued Superman with an unwavering determination. And why not? He was extremely well drawn.
Victoria grew up traveling the world as an Air Force brat. Today, she lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and her dogs. Victoria had two bearded collies, Sam and Louie (named from characters in one of her books). Sam (on the left), the best dog in the world for 13 ½ years, passed away in September 2010. Louie took on the position of loyal companion and did a fine job even though he doesn't understand that kitchen counter surfing is not allowed!
Now he's been joined by Reggie, also a faithful companion.
They all live happily ever after in a house under constant renovation and the accompanying parade of men in tool belts. And never ending chaos. Victoria laughs a great deal—she has to.
New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. She turned to writing full time and is still shocked it worked out.
Since the publication of her first book in 1995, she has written thirty-one full length novels and six novellas. The Perfect Wife—originally published in 1996 and reissued in March 2008—hit #1 on the New York Times list. Sixteen of her books are bestsellers hitting the New York Times, USA Today and/or Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. With books translated into more than a dozen different languages she has readers around the world and has twice been nominated for Romance's Writers of America prestigious RITA award. In 2009 she was given a Career Achievement Award from RT Bookclub and was named Historical Storyteller of the year in 2003. In 2008 she was the keynote speaker for the Romance Writers of American annual conference in San Francisco. Victoria credits much of her writing success to her experiences as a reporter.
Her years as a broadcast journalist were spent in two radically different areas of the country: Nebraska and West Virginia. In West Virginia, she covered both natural and manmade disasters. She was on the scene when a power plant construction accident in a small town left 52 men dead. She once spent the night on a mountain waiting to learn of the fate of coal miners trapped in a mine collapse. Victoria was producing a newscast when her husband (who worked at the same television station) and several other journalists were held hostage by a disturbed Vietnam veteran. In Nebraska, she reported on the farm crisis and watched people lose land that had been in their families for generations. She covered the story that was the basis of the movie BOYS DON’T CRY and once acted as the link between police and a gunman who had barricaded himself in his home. Her investigative work exposed the trucking of New York City garbage to a small town dump in rural Nebraska.
During her journalism career, Victoria covered every president from Ford to Clinton. She knows firsthand what it feels like to be surrounded by rising floodwaters and inside a burning building. She’s interviewed movie stars including Kevin Costner, ridden an elephant and flown in a governor’s helicopter. She’s covered a national political convention and Pope John Paul II’s historic visit to Denver as well as small town festivals celebrating everything from walnuts to Glen Miller. Her work was honored by numerous organizations including the Associated Press who called a feature about a firefighter’s school "story telling genius". It was the encouragement she needed to turn from news to fiction. She’s never looked back.
Victoria claims her love of romance and journalism is to due to the influence of her favorite comic book character: Lois Lane, a terrific reporter and a great heroine who pursued Superman with an unwavering determination. And why not? He was extremely well drawn.
Victoria grew up traveling the world as an Air Force brat. Today, she lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and her dogs. Victoria had two bearded collies, Sam and Louie (named from characters in one of her books). Sam (on the left), the best dog in the world for 13 ½ years, passed away in September 2010. Louie took on the position of loyal companion and did a fine job even though he doesn't understand that kitchen counter surfing is not allowed!
Now he's been joined by Reggie, also a faithful companion.
They all live happily ever after in a house under constant renovation and the accompanying parade of men in tool belts. And never ending chaos. Victoria laughs a great deal—she has to.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
December 10, 2017
4.5 stars
London. Paris. Monte Carlo. Verona and Venice. I applaud a story that gets out of London and England. VA does a lovely job describing the locales and adding historical tidbits. The main characters were compelling and likable.
Willie is a barely-acceptable, somewhat scandalous widow. Her reputation is mostly due to the life she lived with her husband, running in a fast crowd. She has been widowed for two years and finds she has no true friends her age. She has diligently worked to pay her husband's creditors and finds she has little left to live on, having sold off nearly everything of value besides her London home and a valuable painting she inherited from her grandmother. It turns out that her husband had offered the painting as collateral for a loan from an Italian collector. In order to retrieve, she signs up to lead the A Lady's Travellers Society group.
Dante is a straight-laced hero, who has been managing his family's museum of his grandfather's art collection. He discovers that one of the pieces has been replaced with a fake and trace it to Willie. He gets his sister and niece to join Willie's tour with him. Willie is surprised to have a man on her tour, and their first meeting is quite cute. When you look at actual time, they fall in love rather fast, but the way it's told does not feel rushed. This would have been a five-star read for me if it wasn't for the big misunderstanding that drug on for way too long. Thankfully, the locale and witty dialogue distract from it some.
Overall, an entertaining listen and nice love story. The narrator was good, and I look forward to the next installment.
London. Paris. Monte Carlo. Verona and Venice. I applaud a story that gets out of London and England. VA does a lovely job describing the locales and adding historical tidbits. The main characters were compelling and likable.
Willie is a barely-acceptable, somewhat scandalous widow. Her reputation is mostly due to the life she lived with her husband, running in a fast crowd. She has been widowed for two years and finds she has no true friends her age. She has diligently worked to pay her husband's creditors and finds she has little left to live on, having sold off nearly everything of value besides her London home and a valuable painting she inherited from her grandmother. It turns out that her husband had offered the painting as collateral for a loan from an Italian collector. In order to retrieve, she signs up to lead the A Lady's Travellers Society group.
Dante is a straight-laced hero, who has been managing his family's museum of his grandfather's art collection. He discovers that one of the pieces has been replaced with a fake and trace it to Willie. He gets his sister and niece to join Willie's tour with him. Willie is surprised to have a man on her tour, and their first meeting is quite cute. When you look at actual time, they fall in love rather fast, but the way it's told does not feel rushed. This would have been a five-star read for me if it wasn't for the big misunderstanding that drug on for way too long. Thankfully, the locale and witty dialogue distract from it some.
Overall, an entertaining listen and nice love story. The narrator was good, and I look forward to the next installment.
June 25, 2024
Review from 2018
I've given this an A for narration and a B for content at AudioGals. The audio edition includes the novella, The Rise and Fall of Reginald Everhart, which was issued separately in print, but I'm reviewing the audio version as published (which includes both stories).
The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger (which I’m henceforth going to refer to as LTGLDS) is book two in Victoria Alexander’s current Lady Travelers Society series, and the audiobook edition also includes the preceding novella, which is a nice bonus for listeners – who are getting one-and-a-half books for the price of one! As the events of the novella don’t relate to those of the book, it can be listened to completely independently, and I’ll touch upon it briefly at the end of this review.
In LTGLDS, we meet the widowed Lady Wilhemina Bascombe, whose husband, George, died a couple of years earlier and left her in straitened financial circumstances. Willie and George had married against the wishes of her parents, but they were happy, enjoying a carefree, somewhat extravagant lifestyle and ran with a fast set. When George died, Willie was left with debts and a less-than-pristine reputation for being daring and reckless; and although she has just about scraped together enough money to pay off his creditors, once they’re paid she will have very little left. Her one remaining hope is to liquidate her one remaining asset – a painting by the Renaissance artist, Portinari – which was given to her by her grandmother. The problem is that George used it as collateral for a loan from an art collector – an Italian count – and while Willie has just about enough money left to repay the loan, she doesn’t have enough to be able to buy passage to Venice in order to meet with the Conte di Sarifini.
Fortunately, however, her godmother is a founder member of the Lady Travelers Society (which is surely a proper noun, and should therefore be spelled in the English way, as Travellers), and she arranges for Willie to be assigned as a tour guide for a party of American ladies and their daughters who are intending to depart for the continent very shortly. Their original hostess has cried off, and the tour would have been disbanded – but the participation of a titled English Lady is a big attraction for the Americans, and the tour is quickly back on.
Mr. Dante Montague is handsome, rich, intelligent… and perhaps just a tad stuffy. An expert on art and antiquities, he devotes most of his time to the management of the museum which is his grandfather’s legacy. But the museum is small and there’s the possibility it may have to close if Dante cannot secure a big enough exhibit to garner public attention and draw the crowds. Two of the paintings displayed in the museum are part of a tryptich by the (fictional) Italian Renaissance artist, Portinari, depicting the story of Orpheus and Euridyce, but the middle canvas is missing, given years ago to Willie’s grandmother. Dante knows the painting was sold by George Bascombe and is determined to retrieve it before his widow does. When Dante learns that Willie is about to set out for Venice with a group of American travellers, he urges his sister, Rosalind, to join the party along with her daughter, Harriet. Rosalind agrees – mostly because she wants to get Harriet away from the unsuitable young man who is set on courting her – and off they go.
Dante’s plan is to befriend Willie – a plan which Rosalind quite sensibly points out is a bad one– although before very long, he finds himself becoming increasingly attracted to her, and abandoning any thoughts of mere friendship. Willie enjoys Dante’s company; he’s kind, honourable and responsible, all the things George wasn’t, and Willie can’t help herself falling for him. Before long, the two of them have fallen in love, but of course Dante’s secret – although he has long abandoned his plan of using Willie to get to the painting – still lies between them, and once it comes out, both Willie and Dante have to decide what they want more – financial independence (her), the museum (him)… or each other.
LTGLDS is a well-written, light-hearted story featuring two engaging protagonists and a likeable, nicely-drawn secondary cast. One of the author’s real strengths is her ability to write naturalistic, witty dialogue, and this book is no exception, as Willie and Dante banter and flirt their way through the first part of the story in a delightful manner. And as in the first book in the series (The Lady Travelers Guide to Scoundrels and Other Gentlemen), Ms. Alexander paints a wonderfully vivid picture of the sights and sounds of the places visited by our travellers, from the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame to the frescoed churches of Verona and the waterways and palaces of Venice. I have a caveat though, which is that these descriptions, while accurate and evocative, tend to put the brakes on in terms of the story progression, and I found myself wishing things would move a little more quickly on more than one occasion. In fact, the story is somewhat drawn out overall; it’s a simple plotline when it comes down to it, and it seemed to me there was fair bit of padding, which has brought my content grade down somewhat.
That doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the listen, because I did. It just wasn’t one of those audiobooks that compelled me to pick it up at every available opportunity.
I enjoyed The Rise and Fall of Reginald Everhart as well, possibly moreso given that the shorter length meant the author focused firmly on the romance she was creating between Dulcie Middleworth, an illustrator who catalogues the artefacts belonging to the Explorer’s Club, and Michael Shepard, a young man who is frequently in the club’s library doing research for the expedition he is going on in a month. The pair is rather adorably tongue tied around each other at first, until the Lady Travelers decide to intervene and attempt to throw Dulcie and Michael together. It’s a sweet, gently humorous story featuring a likeable central couple who face an interesting dilemma.
I’ve listened to Marian Hussey on a number of occasions and have always found her narrations to be accomplished and enjoyable, even when I’ve wished she had material of a better quality to work with. Fortunately, LTGLDSis good quality material, and it affords Ms. Hussey the opportunity to shine. In a story featuring eight or nine female characters, she is able to differentiate effectively between each of them, so that no two sound the same; there are quite a few scenes in which several (or all) of them speak, and I never had any trouble distinguishing between them. To my English ears, Ms. Hussey’s American accent is more than decent in that it sounds fairly natural and unaffected (unlike some others I’ve heard recently); and she does a good job later on in the story with the Italian accents of the Conte and Contessa di Sarafini, which are nicely judged. Her portrayal of Dante is especially good and paints him as an attractive if somewhat overly serious young man. She lowers the pitch of her voice a little and injects an element of deliberation into his speech, which fits with his being (supposedly) a little overly proper, while in the more romantic moments the deeper tone turns a little sultry, which works really well.
Ms. Hussey’s performance in the novella is every bit as good as in the full-length novel; her pacing, characterisation and differentiations are all excellent, making it a pleasure to listen to. One thing I was pleased to note is that the vocal “tick” I’d noted in some of her other performances – of almost adding an extra syllable to the ends of some words – has been eradicated, which made for a much smoother, more enjoyable listen overall.
While LTGLDS/Everheart didn’t wow me, these tales are nonetheless enjoyable and well-narrated, and could definitely fit the bill if you’re in the mood for something light-hearted, gently humorous and low on angst.
I've given this an A for narration and a B for content at AudioGals. The audio edition includes the novella, The Rise and Fall of Reginald Everhart, which was issued separately in print, but I'm reviewing the audio version as published (which includes both stories).
The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger (which I’m henceforth going to refer to as LTGLDS) is book two in Victoria Alexander’s current Lady Travelers Society series, and the audiobook edition also includes the preceding novella, which is a nice bonus for listeners – who are getting one-and-a-half books for the price of one! As the events of the novella don’t relate to those of the book, it can be listened to completely independently, and I’ll touch upon it briefly at the end of this review.
In LTGLDS, we meet the widowed Lady Wilhemina Bascombe, whose husband, George, died a couple of years earlier and left her in straitened financial circumstances. Willie and George had married against the wishes of her parents, but they were happy, enjoying a carefree, somewhat extravagant lifestyle and ran with a fast set. When George died, Willie was left with debts and a less-than-pristine reputation for being daring and reckless; and although she has just about scraped together enough money to pay off his creditors, once they’re paid she will have very little left. Her one remaining hope is to liquidate her one remaining asset – a painting by the Renaissance artist, Portinari – which was given to her by her grandmother. The problem is that George used it as collateral for a loan from an art collector – an Italian count – and while Willie has just about enough money left to repay the loan, she doesn’t have enough to be able to buy passage to Venice in order to meet with the Conte di Sarifini.
Fortunately, however, her godmother is a founder member of the Lady Travelers Society (which is surely a proper noun, and should therefore be spelled in the English way, as Travellers), and she arranges for Willie to be assigned as a tour guide for a party of American ladies and their daughters who are intending to depart for the continent very shortly. Their original hostess has cried off, and the tour would have been disbanded – but the participation of a titled English Lady is a big attraction for the Americans, and the tour is quickly back on.
Mr. Dante Montague is handsome, rich, intelligent… and perhaps just a tad stuffy. An expert on art and antiquities, he devotes most of his time to the management of the museum which is his grandfather’s legacy. But the museum is small and there’s the possibility it may have to close if Dante cannot secure a big enough exhibit to garner public attention and draw the crowds. Two of the paintings displayed in the museum are part of a tryptich by the (fictional) Italian Renaissance artist, Portinari, depicting the story of Orpheus and Euridyce, but the middle canvas is missing, given years ago to Willie’s grandmother. Dante knows the painting was sold by George Bascombe and is determined to retrieve it before his widow does. When Dante learns that Willie is about to set out for Venice with a group of American travellers, he urges his sister, Rosalind, to join the party along with her daughter, Harriet. Rosalind agrees – mostly because she wants to get Harriet away from the unsuitable young man who is set on courting her – and off they go.
Dante’s plan is to befriend Willie – a plan which Rosalind quite sensibly points out is a bad one– although before very long, he finds himself becoming increasingly attracted to her, and abandoning any thoughts of mere friendship. Willie enjoys Dante’s company; he’s kind, honourable and responsible, all the things George wasn’t, and Willie can’t help herself falling for him. Before long, the two of them have fallen in love, but of course Dante’s secret – although he has long abandoned his plan of using Willie to get to the painting – still lies between them, and once it comes out, both Willie and Dante have to decide what they want more – financial independence (her), the museum (him)… or each other.
LTGLDS is a well-written, light-hearted story featuring two engaging protagonists and a likeable, nicely-drawn secondary cast. One of the author’s real strengths is her ability to write naturalistic, witty dialogue, and this book is no exception, as Willie and Dante banter and flirt their way through the first part of the story in a delightful manner. And as in the first book in the series (The Lady Travelers Guide to Scoundrels and Other Gentlemen), Ms. Alexander paints a wonderfully vivid picture of the sights and sounds of the places visited by our travellers, from the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame to the frescoed churches of Verona and the waterways and palaces of Venice. I have a caveat though, which is that these descriptions, while accurate and evocative, tend to put the brakes on in terms of the story progression, and I found myself wishing things would move a little more quickly on more than one occasion. In fact, the story is somewhat drawn out overall; it’s a simple plotline when it comes down to it, and it seemed to me there was fair bit of padding, which has brought my content grade down somewhat.
That doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the listen, because I did. It just wasn’t one of those audiobooks that compelled me to pick it up at every available opportunity.
I enjoyed The Rise and Fall of Reginald Everhart as well, possibly moreso given that the shorter length meant the author focused firmly on the romance she was creating between Dulcie Middleworth, an illustrator who catalogues the artefacts belonging to the Explorer’s Club, and Michael Shepard, a young man who is frequently in the club’s library doing research for the expedition he is going on in a month. The pair is rather adorably tongue tied around each other at first, until the Lady Travelers decide to intervene and attempt to throw Dulcie and Michael together. It’s a sweet, gently humorous story featuring a likeable central couple who face an interesting dilemma.
I’ve listened to Marian Hussey on a number of occasions and have always found her narrations to be accomplished and enjoyable, even when I’ve wished she had material of a better quality to work with. Fortunately, LTGLDSis good quality material, and it affords Ms. Hussey the opportunity to shine. In a story featuring eight or nine female characters, she is able to differentiate effectively between each of them, so that no two sound the same; there are quite a few scenes in which several (or all) of them speak, and I never had any trouble distinguishing between them. To my English ears, Ms. Hussey’s American accent is more than decent in that it sounds fairly natural and unaffected (unlike some others I’ve heard recently); and she does a good job later on in the story with the Italian accents of the Conte and Contessa di Sarafini, which are nicely judged. Her portrayal of Dante is especially good and paints him as an attractive if somewhat overly serious young man. She lowers the pitch of her voice a little and injects an element of deliberation into his speech, which fits with his being (supposedly) a little overly proper, while in the more romantic moments the deeper tone turns a little sultry, which works really well.
Ms. Hussey’s performance in the novella is every bit as good as in the full-length novel; her pacing, characterisation and differentiations are all excellent, making it a pleasure to listen to. One thing I was pleased to note is that the vocal “tick” I’d noted in some of her other performances – of almost adding an extra syllable to the ends of some words – has been eradicated, which made for a much smoother, more enjoyable listen overall.
While LTGLDS/Everheart didn’t wow me, these tales are nonetheless enjoyable and well-narrated, and could definitely fit the bill if you’re in the mood for something light-hearted, gently humorous and low on angst.
December 22, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
Willie and her father, the Earl of Hillborough, hadn’t spoken in nearly eleven years. On occasion, she missed the father he might have been but not once did she regret the loss of the father he was.
From the look on Marian’s face one would have thought the clouds had parted and a shaft of celestial light had shone upon her. Willie wouldn’t have been at all surprised if the dulcet sounds of heavenly choirs weren’t ringing in Marian’s ears at this very moment.
Yes, well, the idea of daughters someday sounds delightful when someday is very far off. But then someday arrives and you’re living with this clever, subtly deceitful creature whose greatest joy in life is outwitting you because she thinks you are the enemy of all she wants in life. Oh, and she’s certain you’re stupid, as well…
I suppose if one is going to have a reputation it should at least be interesting.
I stopped being horribly narrow-minded about that sort of thing years ago. Mind you, I do not approve of infidelity or flagrant immorality but I have come to accept that even the best of us are fallible… Not me, of course, but most people.
My Review:
I rarely read historical fiction but this was cleverly amusing, good fun, and an educational travelogue of sorts, I pleasantly toured through Europe with first-class accommodations and a lively set of fellow travelers, without having to leave my home. I toured Paris without standing in even one line, nor was I forced to endure a screaming baby or a bratty child kicking my seat while trapped on an airplane for hours. I also learned quite a bit about art and history, and that the Eiffel Tower was expected to be a temporary structure, and my mother always scolded me for reading fiction while claiming it was a waste of time! This was my first experience reading Victoria Alexander’s work and I found it delightful amusing and well plotted. Her characters were intriguing quirky, well drawn, and wily. Despite the unexpected length and considerable time required to complete a book of 544 pages, I reveled in the refreshing change of pace of an infrequent genre and the crisp style and tone of the narrative as well as the conundrums and entertaining storylines. But my favorite parts of the book involved the amusing banter and clever exchanges between the feisty characters as they engaged in humorous battles of wit and sass as they trundled along and melded their individual agendas into a united caper.
Willie and her father, the Earl of Hillborough, hadn’t spoken in nearly eleven years. On occasion, she missed the father he might have been but not once did she regret the loss of the father he was.
From the look on Marian’s face one would have thought the clouds had parted and a shaft of celestial light had shone upon her. Willie wouldn’t have been at all surprised if the dulcet sounds of heavenly choirs weren’t ringing in Marian’s ears at this very moment.
Yes, well, the idea of daughters someday sounds delightful when someday is very far off. But then someday arrives and you’re living with this clever, subtly deceitful creature whose greatest joy in life is outwitting you because she thinks you are the enemy of all she wants in life. Oh, and she’s certain you’re stupid, as well…
I suppose if one is going to have a reputation it should at least be interesting.
I stopped being horribly narrow-minded about that sort of thing years ago. Mind you, I do not approve of infidelity or flagrant immorality but I have come to accept that even the best of us are fallible… Not me, of course, but most people.
My Review:
I rarely read historical fiction but this was cleverly amusing, good fun, and an educational travelogue of sorts, I pleasantly toured through Europe with first-class accommodations and a lively set of fellow travelers, without having to leave my home. I toured Paris without standing in even one line, nor was I forced to endure a screaming baby or a bratty child kicking my seat while trapped on an airplane for hours. I also learned quite a bit about art and history, and that the Eiffel Tower was expected to be a temporary structure, and my mother always scolded me for reading fiction while claiming it was a waste of time! This was my first experience reading Victoria Alexander’s work and I found it delightful amusing and well plotted. Her characters were intriguing quirky, well drawn, and wily. Despite the unexpected length and considerable time required to complete a book of 544 pages, I reveled in the refreshing change of pace of an infrequent genre and the crisp style and tone of the narrative as well as the conundrums and entertaining storylines. But my favorite parts of the book involved the amusing banter and clever exchanges between the feisty characters as they engaged in humorous battles of wit and sass as they trundled along and melded their individual agendas into a united caper.
November 28, 2017
The Ladies Travelers Society sets off on another grand adventure in book 2, Larceny with a Dangerous Stranger, and it is a delightful read. Victoria Alexander creates a wonderful cast of characters in which the secondary characters play a great part in the story and are just as intriguing as much as the primary characters. Willie Bascombe has been put in charge of hosting a group of mothers and daughters across Europe. However, her true purpose was to go to Venice to reclaim an important renaissance painting that was willed to her by her grandmother. Joining the group as the only male is Dante Montague. He comes along in pursuit of the same painting under the assumption that it rightfully his. Dante and Willie may not know each other’s true purpose but it doesn’t stop them from flirting with one another and falling in love. How can one not find love when one is on a grand adventure?
Lady Willie Bascombe is one a personal journey herself since the death of her husband. She’s left destitute and needs that painting to pay off debt and live a quiet life. With the help of the Travelers Society she studies hard to do an excellent job of hosting these women and their daughters, and with Dante’s help, she does a pretty good job of it. I liked Willie because she grew up from living a life of partying to being responsible for herself for once. She even helped out her younger charges and advised them to find out what they truly wanted and find a way to pursue it. I also loved the banter between Dante and Willie because neither one wanted to be bested by the other.
Dante Montague was a charming gentleman and a good businessman. Retrieving the painting for his family would be the crown jewel for his museum and would do anything to get it back. Unfortunately, his lies of omission would cost him greatly and realization would come too late. Soon both he and Willie will realize that the painting would come between them and possession of it will be at a huge cost for both of them.
This story is charming, humorous and quite romantic. The author describes quite beautifully their travel destinations and you can see them vividly as if you were there yourself. Her writing is crisp and the story flowed well from beginning to end. Victoria Alexander has a way with blending multiple characters and let the story take its course. She is an excellent storyteller and The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger is one of her best. If you are a fan of historical romance you would be amiss to not read one or all of her stories.
Review copy provided by Netgalley for a voluntary review.
Lady Willie Bascombe is one a personal journey herself since the death of her husband. She’s left destitute and needs that painting to pay off debt and live a quiet life. With the help of the Travelers Society she studies hard to do an excellent job of hosting these women and their daughters, and with Dante’s help, she does a pretty good job of it. I liked Willie because she grew up from living a life of partying to being responsible for herself for once. She even helped out her younger charges and advised them to find out what they truly wanted and find a way to pursue it. I also loved the banter between Dante and Willie because neither one wanted to be bested by the other.
Dante Montague was a charming gentleman and a good businessman. Retrieving the painting for his family would be the crown jewel for his museum and would do anything to get it back. Unfortunately, his lies of omission would cost him greatly and realization would come too late. Soon both he and Willie will realize that the painting would come between them and possession of it will be at a huge cost for both of them.
This story is charming, humorous and quite romantic. The author describes quite beautifully their travel destinations and you can see them vividly as if you were there yourself. Her writing is crisp and the story flowed well from beginning to end. Victoria Alexander has a way with blending multiple characters and let the story take its course. She is an excellent storyteller and The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger is one of her best. If you are a fan of historical romance you would be amiss to not read one or all of her stories.
Review copy provided by Netgalley for a voluntary review.
August 25, 2018
2.5 stars I read this book for the title and because I pictured this to be some kind of an adventure that would include searching for a missing painting across countries. With a dash of romance obviously. But alas, the larceny in the title only happens in the last 5% and in name only. The romance is pretty instantaneous, sweet, and a little frivolous. But I enjoyed the banter, and the characters are fun. All in all it's a fun, light read that's just a little too long and overstays its welcome 60% through.
November 17, 2017
Series: Lady Travelers Society #2
Publication Date: 11/28/17
What a delightful cast of characters this book contains. It is romantic, funny, romantic, angsty, angry, larcenous and, did I say romantic? You’ll love the secondary characters as much as you love the primary characters. Especially when you throw a handsome, dashing, intelligent, rich Marquess in just so he can try to gum up the works and keep the hero straight.
The Lady Travelers Society was founded by three lonely semi-impoverished old ladies. They are having a ball and even though they aren’t directly involved in the travel anymore, they still enjoy meddling. When Poppy’s goddaughter is widowed and left with very few funds and creditors taking the little that is left, she needs to get to Venice to retrieve a painting. The Lady Travelers can surely help!
Lady Wilhelmina Bascombe (Willie) was always impetuous, fun-loving and headstrong. She defied her father to marry the man she loved. Then, the mad-cap, jaunty, slightly scandalous marriage ends with her husband, George’s death. Her father has cut off all ties with her and her finances are in ruin. She’s managed to pay off all of George’s debts by selling all of the properties except the London townhouse. If she can retrieve her grandmother’s painting from Venice, she can live comfortably. Thanks to her godmother, she has a way to get there. She (who has never traveled outside England) is going to lead a group of American mothers and daughters on a mini-tour of Europe. What could possibly go wrong with that plan?
Dante Montague is handsome and rich – and a bit stuffy and proper. He is a businessman and the curator of his grandfather’s museum. The museum is about to fail and Dante has just learned that one of the best paintings in the collection is a fake. Someone has stolen the real one and replaced it with a fake. After investigating, he learned that the painting had been in the possession of Willie’s grandmother and later it came to Willie. Willie’s husband had used the painting as collateral for a loan. Once he found out Willie was guiding a tour to Venice, he just knew she was going to collect HIS painting – and he wanted it back! So, he managed to finagle his way onto Willie’s tour by persuading his sister and her daughter to go – so he could go along to ‘protect’ them.
You are led across Europe on a jaunty tour. The descriptions of all of the itineraries along the way are wonderful. You can smell the sea in Monte Carlo or see the lights of Paris from the top of the newly finished Eiffel Tower. Her writing is superb and the story is well paced and well researched.
I alternated between loving Dante and Willie and wanting to kick them in the rear. Both had their insecurities, their angst, their misunderstanding of the other and, of course, they had their secrets. At points I didn’t really care whether they got together or not – well – not really – but they sure did aggravate me!
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 11/28/17
What a delightful cast of characters this book contains. It is romantic, funny, romantic, angsty, angry, larcenous and, did I say romantic? You’ll love the secondary characters as much as you love the primary characters. Especially when you throw a handsome, dashing, intelligent, rich Marquess in just so he can try to gum up the works and keep the hero straight.
The Lady Travelers Society was founded by three lonely semi-impoverished old ladies. They are having a ball and even though they aren’t directly involved in the travel anymore, they still enjoy meddling. When Poppy’s goddaughter is widowed and left with very few funds and creditors taking the little that is left, she needs to get to Venice to retrieve a painting. The Lady Travelers can surely help!
Lady Wilhelmina Bascombe (Willie) was always impetuous, fun-loving and headstrong. She defied her father to marry the man she loved. Then, the mad-cap, jaunty, slightly scandalous marriage ends with her husband, George’s death. Her father has cut off all ties with her and her finances are in ruin. She’s managed to pay off all of George’s debts by selling all of the properties except the London townhouse. If she can retrieve her grandmother’s painting from Venice, she can live comfortably. Thanks to her godmother, she has a way to get there. She (who has never traveled outside England) is going to lead a group of American mothers and daughters on a mini-tour of Europe. What could possibly go wrong with that plan?
Dante Montague is handsome and rich – and a bit stuffy and proper. He is a businessman and the curator of his grandfather’s museum. The museum is about to fail and Dante has just learned that one of the best paintings in the collection is a fake. Someone has stolen the real one and replaced it with a fake. After investigating, he learned that the painting had been in the possession of Willie’s grandmother and later it came to Willie. Willie’s husband had used the painting as collateral for a loan. Once he found out Willie was guiding a tour to Venice, he just knew she was going to collect HIS painting – and he wanted it back! So, he managed to finagle his way onto Willie’s tour by persuading his sister and her daughter to go – so he could go along to ‘protect’ them.
You are led across Europe on a jaunty tour. The descriptions of all of the itineraries along the way are wonderful. You can smell the sea in Monte Carlo or see the lights of Paris from the top of the newly finished Eiffel Tower. Her writing is superb and the story is well paced and well researched.
I alternated between loving Dante and Willie and wanting to kick them in the rear. Both had their insecurities, their angst, their misunderstanding of the other and, of course, they had their secrets. At points I didn’t really care whether they got together or not – well – not really – but they sure did aggravate me!
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
March 9, 2018
I am pleasantly enjoying this series. I think I enjoyed this one better than book 1, I just really enjoyed all the characters. Not just the two leads - Dante and Willie, but the other mothers and daughters on the tour as well. Everyone was engaging, interesting and I just really enjoyed all the dynamics. .
January 26, 2018
This was a good book and I really liked the premise and the first two-thirds of the book. It was fun with the group of Americans joining Willi and Dante on their trek across Europe. There was nothing really wrong with the last third except that I felt the story was just drawn out too long. I kept thinking the conclusion was coming but then the story would take another turn and then another. For some reason I was just getting bored with the story. Also, I was hoping the whole resolution of the painting would be a little more concrete. I felt there was still a mystery with the painting at the end.
October 11, 2024
*4.5 stars ✨
November 28, 2017
Wilhelmina, Viscountess Bascome, Willie to her friends, needs to get to Venice to retrieve a valuable painting her late husband used as collateral for a loan. After his untimely death, Willie learned that they were debt ridden and she is basically penniless. When she learns about the painting, it seems like the answer to all her problems, she just needs to get to Venice. She calls on her godmother, Poppy, knowing she is a founding member of the Lady Travelers Society, hoping she will be able to help. Poppy and her friends arrange for Willie to led a tour of American women to Venice. Willie has no experience traveling - but really, how hard could it be?
Dante Montague is also on the hunt for the painting. The painting belonged to his grandfather and was recently discovered missing. Dante will do whatever is necessary to retrieve the painting and return it the family museum - a legacy left by his grandfather. He tracks the painting to Willie and convinces his sister Rosaline (Roz) and his niece Harriet (Harry) to join the tour to Venice so he can tag along and reclaim the painting.
Dante makes it his mission to befriend Willie, but soon his feeling change and he wants her in his life, but he also wants the painting and the longer he waits to tell her his true purpose, the harder it gets. He is repeatedly warned by Roz to tell Willie the truth, but he never finds the right time.
Willie is falling for Dante, hard, but she has made mistakes in the past and is not willing to make them again. When she learns his true reason for joining the tour, she is heartbroken and angry. But she is not willing to let go of the painting either.
When the reach Venice, they form a truce to retrieve the painting - but gaining the painting will most definitely cost them any chance at happiness, as neither is willing to give it up.
This book was so delightful, it is well written - I was astounded at the amount of research that must have gone into the writing of this story, the descriptions of each city were amazing and very detailed! The secondary characters were wonderful and added so much to the story without overshadowing the love story and there is an appearance by "Val" Percival, Marquess of Brookings, a lot of amusing banter, a bit of steam, betrayal, heartache, larceny, surprises and a grand romantic gesture. The road to HEA is not easy for these two - but it is quite an enjoyable journey!
This kindle edition also included the novella "The Rise and Fall of Reginald Everheart", but I will review that separately.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC provided to me by NetGalley and the author*
Dante Montague is also on the hunt for the painting. The painting belonged to his grandfather and was recently discovered missing. Dante will do whatever is necessary to retrieve the painting and return it the family museum - a legacy left by his grandfather. He tracks the painting to Willie and convinces his sister Rosaline (Roz) and his niece Harriet (Harry) to join the tour to Venice so he can tag along and reclaim the painting.
Dante makes it his mission to befriend Willie, but soon his feeling change and he wants her in his life, but he also wants the painting and the longer he waits to tell her his true purpose, the harder it gets. He is repeatedly warned by Roz to tell Willie the truth, but he never finds the right time.
Willie is falling for Dante, hard, but she has made mistakes in the past and is not willing to make them again. When she learns his true reason for joining the tour, she is heartbroken and angry. But she is not willing to let go of the painting either.
When the reach Venice, they form a truce to retrieve the painting - but gaining the painting will most definitely cost them any chance at happiness, as neither is willing to give it up.
This book was so delightful, it is well written - I was astounded at the amount of research that must have gone into the writing of this story, the descriptions of each city were amazing and very detailed! The secondary characters were wonderful and added so much to the story without overshadowing the love story and there is an appearance by "Val" Percival, Marquess of Brookings, a lot of amusing banter, a bit of steam, betrayal, heartache, larceny, surprises and a grand romantic gesture. The road to HEA is not easy for these two - but it is quite an enjoyable journey!
This kindle edition also included the novella "The Rise and Fall of Reginald Everheart", but I will review that separately.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC provided to me by NetGalley and the author*
November 27, 2017
What a marvelous tale, Willie's husband, George died two years ago. She took the two years to think, her husband left her deep in debt. Dante was the director of a very small gallery and found a painting was missing. So he started reseaching. She went on a trip to eventually end in Venice, to pay off a loan and get her picture back As expected this was just the tip of the iceberg.
She and the lady's of the Lady's Traveler Guide, had a great time and became fast friends. This is their story of their adventure. The characters were varied in age and for the time, they were right on as far as dialogue and the descriptions were equally wonderful.. The plot is a little complex, but so good. So many things happen to them. Five are adults and four are young girls, that are in a stage of rebellion, I leave that to your imagination.
The author handled everything so amazingly well. It was well written, kept your attention, and easy to read.
I received this ARC free and voluntarily reviewed it.
She and the lady's of the Lady's Traveler Guide, had a great time and became fast friends. This is their story of their adventure. The characters were varied in age and for the time, they were right on as far as dialogue and the descriptions were equally wonderful.. The plot is a little complex, but so good. So many things happen to them. Five are adults and four are young girls, that are in a stage of rebellion, I leave that to your imagination.
The author handled everything so amazingly well. It was well written, kept your attention, and easy to read.
I received this ARC free and voluntarily reviewed it.
January 18, 2018
The heroine in book 1 of this series was very difficult to like, so I'm happy to find both hero and heroine in book 2 are immediately likeable and easy to root for. While the book goes on a bit long, I enjoyed the experience of traveling Europe with a group of adults and teens, much like the tours I used to go on with students as their teacher/chaperone. Even though this is set over a hundred years in the past, those experiences with teens looking to enjoy a little independence and try their wings remains the same.
Poor Willie. If only she weren't so desperate to reclaim that painting her late husband hocked without her knowledge.
Poor Dante. If only he hadn't roped his sister and niece into going with him on this trip to reclaim the painting he believes stolen from his family, he wouldn't be the only male in a gaggle of mothers and daughters. And falling in love with the leader of the pack.
The banter between these two is the core of this book as they develop and acknowledge feelings for each other, and decide what to do about their opposing goals. I'll look forward to book 3.
Poor Willie. If only she weren't so desperate to reclaim that painting her late husband hocked without her knowledge.
Poor Dante. If only he hadn't roped his sister and niece into going with him on this trip to reclaim the painting he believes stolen from his family, he wouldn't be the only male in a gaggle of mothers and daughters. And falling in love with the leader of the pack.
The banter between these two is the core of this book as they develop and acknowledge feelings for each other, and decide what to do about their opposing goals. I'll look forward to book 3.
June 4, 2025
I enjoyed the adventure but not the MMC. Like wouldn’t have forgiven him for the horrible things he said. I would have left him in one of the cities and let him find his own way home.
October 13, 2017
The Lady Travelers society is one of my favorite series, and I loved the second book Larceny with a Dashing stranger!
As always Victoria Alexander created another brilliant, delightful and amazing romance with adorable characters.
When you read her books not only you will fall in love with heroine and hero but also you will adore the secondary characters.
This is the story of a stuffy, extraordinary intelligent still a little deceptive hero, Dante and the beautiful, scandoulos widow heroine, Willie traveling with a group of mothers and daughters to return a famous painting back to London. (of course each one has their own reason and secrets).
I loved how their journey started as a tour business but the adventures and the beautiful places brought this fun and interesting group to be ......................(you really need to read it to see what happen in the most romantic places with the funnest group of women and two stubborn but lovable hero and heroine.)
I enjoyed reading this fun, wonderful book with delightful banter between the characters. This is one those book that I want to read again and again.
Thank you
Victoria Alexander
As always Victoria Alexander created another brilliant, delightful and amazing romance with adorable characters.
When you read her books not only you will fall in love with heroine and hero but also you will adore the secondary characters.
This is the story of a stuffy, extraordinary intelligent still a little deceptive hero, Dante and the beautiful, scandoulos widow heroine, Willie traveling with a group of mothers and daughters to return a famous painting back to London. (of course each one has their own reason and secrets).
I loved how their journey started as a tour business but the adventures and the beautiful places brought this fun and interesting group to be ......................(you really need to read it to see what happen in the most romantic places with the funnest group of women and two stubborn but lovable hero and heroine.)
I enjoyed reading this fun, wonderful book with delightful banter between the characters. This is one those book that I want to read again and again.
Thank you
Victoria Alexander
December 19, 2017
3.5 stars
I'll admit, I found this story a bit slow in the beginning, but I am glad I stuck with it. It ended up being a really fun read. Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger is the second book in the Lady Travelers Society series. In a way, I wish I had read the first book because I feel like I would have gotten more background on how this society started. However, I still enjoyed the story.
Once the trip with Willie and her companions got underway, I was pulled right in and was eager to take the journey with them. I loved watching Willie and Dante fall for each other. They were really cute together and their flirtations had some laugh out loud moments. The rest of the characters added a lot of color to the tale as well. I enjoyed that aspect of the story almost as much as the romance part. The author did a wonderful job of describing late 1880s Europe. If you are looking for a fun romance with a little adventure, then definitely pick this one up. I'm going to have to go back and read the first book!
I'll admit, I found this story a bit slow in the beginning, but I am glad I stuck with it. It ended up being a really fun read. Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger is the second book in the Lady Travelers Society series. In a way, I wish I had read the first book because I feel like I would have gotten more background on how this society started. However, I still enjoyed the story.
Once the trip with Willie and her companions got underway, I was pulled right in and was eager to take the journey with them. I loved watching Willie and Dante fall for each other. They were really cute together and their flirtations had some laugh out loud moments. The rest of the characters added a lot of color to the tale as well. I enjoyed that aspect of the story almost as much as the romance part. The author did a wonderful job of describing late 1880s Europe. If you are looking for a fun romance with a little adventure, then definitely pick this one up. I'm going to have to go back and read the first book!
November 24, 2017
The Lady Travelers Society was created by 3 older women because they could. It has morphed into a service for travelers to find new and exciting adventures in Europe.
Lady Wilhelmina Bascomb is a widow who has financial problems. Her late husband left her with debts and he also stole a painting which was inherited from her grandmother. He used the painting as collateral for a loan. Willie has paid off the debts, but now in order to survive and have a future, she must get the painting and sell it. She has saved enough to pay off the loan so she needs to get to Venice and retrieve the art.
Willie led her early life just floating along. Her husband was someone who promised to take care of things but never did. Now, she has learned to accept responsibility and make decisions on her own. She is learning and no matter how difficult things become, she is beginning to enjoy her new life.
Because her godmother is one of the founding members of the Lady Travelers Society, a special trip is arranged. Willie will act as a host to a group of American mothers and daughters. Her trip will be paid for and she will be able to go to Venice and get the painting. The Americans will love being on a trip with actual nobility.
As well as Americans, there is also an English lady, Rochelle, and her daughter who are traveling along. Willie does not know it but Rochelle's brother Dante Augustus Montague will also be on the trip.
Dante is in charge of a family museum. He is a successful business man but he also is addicted to art. He has traced part of a triyptych which belonged to his grandfather. It is now in the possession of Lady Bascomb. Or it will be when she retrieves it from Venice. Dante intends to be in Venice and take possession of what he believes belongs in the museum.
Dante is an uptight business man who has separated himself from any sense of adventure or romance. His psyche was damaged by a heartless woman and he does not intend to allow that to happen again.
When Dante and Willie get together they are wonderful. The conversations are witty and humorous and at times like open warfare. They are attracted to one another, but each of them have pain from the past. The pain creates a distance between the two. Until it doesn't.
The story is wonderfully written. The plot moves forward and involves every character. The secondary characters are terrific. The American mothers as well as their daughters add a wonderful depth to the story. Rosalind and her daughter, Harriet are terrific. Harriet is determined to cause her mother pain and anxiety and she is very good at it.
Ms Alexander has created another wonderful story. Her books are always filled with humor and humans who are lovely. In this story, she has created characters who draw the reader into a tour of some of the loveliest cities in Europe. The scenery and atmosphere are very real and in fact become an important character in the story.
This is a wonderful fun book.
I received the book from the author through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.
Lady Wilhelmina Bascomb is a widow who has financial problems. Her late husband left her with debts and he also stole a painting which was inherited from her grandmother. He used the painting as collateral for a loan. Willie has paid off the debts, but now in order to survive and have a future, she must get the painting and sell it. She has saved enough to pay off the loan so she needs to get to Venice and retrieve the art.
Willie led her early life just floating along. Her husband was someone who promised to take care of things but never did. Now, she has learned to accept responsibility and make decisions on her own. She is learning and no matter how difficult things become, she is beginning to enjoy her new life.
Because her godmother is one of the founding members of the Lady Travelers Society, a special trip is arranged. Willie will act as a host to a group of American mothers and daughters. Her trip will be paid for and she will be able to go to Venice and get the painting. The Americans will love being on a trip with actual nobility.
As well as Americans, there is also an English lady, Rochelle, and her daughter who are traveling along. Willie does not know it but Rochelle's brother Dante Augustus Montague will also be on the trip.
Dante is in charge of a family museum. He is a successful business man but he also is addicted to art. He has traced part of a triyptych which belonged to his grandfather. It is now in the possession of Lady Bascomb. Or it will be when she retrieves it from Venice. Dante intends to be in Venice and take possession of what he believes belongs in the museum.
Dante is an uptight business man who has separated himself from any sense of adventure or romance. His psyche was damaged by a heartless woman and he does not intend to allow that to happen again.
When Dante and Willie get together they are wonderful. The conversations are witty and humorous and at times like open warfare. They are attracted to one another, but each of them have pain from the past. The pain creates a distance between the two. Until it doesn't.
The story is wonderfully written. The plot moves forward and involves every character. The secondary characters are terrific. The American mothers as well as their daughters add a wonderful depth to the story. Rosalind and her daughter, Harriet are terrific. Harriet is determined to cause her mother pain and anxiety and she is very good at it.
Ms Alexander has created another wonderful story. Her books are always filled with humor and humans who are lovely. In this story, she has created characters who draw the reader into a tour of some of the loveliest cities in Europe. The scenery and atmosphere are very real and in fact become an important character in the story.
This is a wonderful fun book.
I received the book from the author through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.
November 27, 2017
Publisher's Description:
Join the Lady Travelers Society in their latest romantic misadventure, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander
She must secure her future
A lady should never be obliged to think of matters financial! But when Lady Wilhelmina Bascombe's carefree, extravagant lifestyle vanishes with the demise of her husband, her only hope lies in retrieving a family treasure—a Renaissance masterpiece currently in the hands of a cunning art collector in Venice. Thankfully, the Lady Travelers Society has orchestrated a clever plan to get Willie to Europe, leading a tour of mothers and daughters…and one curiously attentive man.
He must reclaim his heritage
Dante Augustus Montague's one passion has long been his family's art collection. He's finally tracked a long-lost painting to the enchanting Lady Bascombe. Convinced that the canvas had been stolen, he will use any means to reclaim his birthright—including deception. But how long before pretend infatuation gives way to genuine desire?
Now they're rivals for a prize that will change everything
Willie and Dante know they're playing with fire in the magical moonlit city. Their common quest could compromise them both…or lead them to happily-ever-after.
My Thoughts:
This series has been a joy to read to date.
There is just enough of a comical nature along with intrigue and romance to make the reader so involved they never want to put the book down.
The characters are well drawn and the storyline is both comical and intriguing. This has been a favorite series from book # 1 and I look forward for more to come.
Lady Wilhelmina Bascombe has lived a charming existence until the death of her husband revealed the true state of her financial situation. Now she is desperate to go to Italy to recover a painting her husband had borrowed funds on.
Dante Augustus Montague is also trying to recover this same piece of art. It belonged to his family and there is no record of it ever being sold or given away.
He intends to follow Willie to Venice to take possession of what rightfully belongs to him as part of his family heritage.
How will this comical tale of mystery and romance proceed?
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3.5 of 5.0 flames.
Sparks fly when these two come together.
As usual Victoria Alexander does not fail us with her witty and intriguing story and her ability to keep the reader absorbed.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book with invitation from the author via Netgalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Join the Lady Travelers Society in their latest romantic misadventure, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander
She must secure her future
A lady should never be obliged to think of matters financial! But when Lady Wilhelmina Bascombe's carefree, extravagant lifestyle vanishes with the demise of her husband, her only hope lies in retrieving a family treasure—a Renaissance masterpiece currently in the hands of a cunning art collector in Venice. Thankfully, the Lady Travelers Society has orchestrated a clever plan to get Willie to Europe, leading a tour of mothers and daughters…and one curiously attentive man.
He must reclaim his heritage
Dante Augustus Montague's one passion has long been his family's art collection. He's finally tracked a long-lost painting to the enchanting Lady Bascombe. Convinced that the canvas had been stolen, he will use any means to reclaim his birthright—including deception. But how long before pretend infatuation gives way to genuine desire?
Now they're rivals for a prize that will change everything
Willie and Dante know they're playing with fire in the magical moonlit city. Their common quest could compromise them both…or lead them to happily-ever-after.
My Thoughts:
This series has been a joy to read to date.
There is just enough of a comical nature along with intrigue and romance to make the reader so involved they never want to put the book down.
The characters are well drawn and the storyline is both comical and intriguing. This has been a favorite series from book # 1 and I look forward for more to come.
Lady Wilhelmina Bascombe has lived a charming existence until the death of her husband revealed the true state of her financial situation. Now she is desperate to go to Italy to recover a painting her husband had borrowed funds on.
Dante Augustus Montague is also trying to recover this same piece of art. It belonged to his family and there is no record of it ever being sold or given away.
He intends to follow Willie to Venice to take possession of what rightfully belongs to him as part of his family heritage.
How will this comical tale of mystery and romance proceed?
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3.5 of 5.0 flames.
Sparks fly when these two come together.
As usual Victoria Alexander does not fail us with her witty and intriguing story and her ability to keep the reader absorbed.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book with invitation from the author via Netgalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
November 29, 2017
Just delightful!
Widowed Lady Wilhelmina Bascombe finds that all was not as smooth sailing as she thought. It seems she and her husband had partied their way through life, incurring the sort of debts that fit their new extravagant lifestyle. Having paid off most of what was owed, Willie's last hope of some monetary security is to reclaim a Renaissance painting her husband used as collateral for a loan. And that's where the Lady Travelers Society comes in. Willie has to travel to Venice to seal the deal. She will lead a tour of American women through Europe, including Paris and Venice.
Unfortunately Dante Augustus Montague is searching for a lost painting to make up a triptych that once belonged to his family's collection. The painting that belongs to Willie! The key to her future independence! Deviously, Dante has his sister and niece join the group. Dante is the surprise participant.
Willie is just a superb character, Dante is a wonderful foil for her.
I loved the American ladies and the way their friendships grew with Willie. Suddenly she is not a pariah any more. (I can see Society swishing their collective dresses and avoiding her in her time of need)
Alexander's descriptions of cities the groups visited are perfect. I was transported to both Paris and Venice with the vivid language she employs, bringing those wonderful cities to life.
This second addition to the Lady Travelers Society never wavered. It drew me on and in. Intrigue, romance, mystery and humor all wrapped up in a European montage. Fabulous!
A NetGalley ARC
Widowed Lady Wilhelmina Bascombe finds that all was not as smooth sailing as she thought. It seems she and her husband had partied their way through life, incurring the sort of debts that fit their new extravagant lifestyle. Having paid off most of what was owed, Willie's last hope of some monetary security is to reclaim a Renaissance painting her husband used as collateral for a loan. And that's where the Lady Travelers Society comes in. Willie has to travel to Venice to seal the deal. She will lead a tour of American women through Europe, including Paris and Venice.
Unfortunately Dante Augustus Montague is searching for a lost painting to make up a triptych that once belonged to his family's collection. The painting that belongs to Willie! The key to her future independence! Deviously, Dante has his sister and niece join the group. Dante is the surprise participant.
Willie is just a superb character, Dante is a wonderful foil for her.
I loved the American ladies and the way their friendships grew with Willie. Suddenly she is not a pariah any more. (I can see Society swishing their collective dresses and avoiding her in her time of need)
Alexander's descriptions of cities the groups visited are perfect. I was transported to both Paris and Venice with the vivid language she employs, bringing those wonderful cities to life.
This second addition to the Lady Travelers Society never wavered. It drew me on and in. Intrigue, romance, mystery and humor all wrapped up in a European montage. Fabulous!
A NetGalley ARC
December 8, 2017
Originally published at Reading Reality
This Lady Travelers Guide is a fitting successor to the first book in this delightful series, The Lady Travelers Guide to Scoundrels and Other Gentlemen, even though both the hero and the heroine are opposites from those in the first book.
Unlike India Prendergast, Lady Wilhelmina Bascombe is quite likeable, and more than a bit uncertain of herself. Which does not stop her from being absolutely determined to find a way to rescue her fortunes without resorting to marrying for money.
As a widow, Willie has a bit of latitude in her behavior. As the widow of a young man who seems to have had zero funds but was determined to have oodles of fun, Willie has few means at her disposal, particularly after she paid off her late husband’s many (many) debts.
She may have eloped with George in a cloud of scandal, but she’s discovered over the two years since his death that she doesn’t miss him very much. And she’s outgrown the constant thrill-seeking that used to be their existence. But she does miss all the friends she thought she had.
And where Derek Saunders certainly had lived up to being the “scoundrel” of the title in that first book, Dante Montague has become a bit too staid and respectable for his sister Rosalind’s comfort. Not that respectability isn’t a good thing, but it seems as if Dante has lost the spirit of fun that he used to have, between managing his investments and managing the down-at-heels art museum he inherited.
But Willie and Dante have something in common, something that is going to bring them together, and very nearly tear them apart.
Once upon a time, Dante’s grandfather owned a beautiful triptych of paintings by one of Titian’s students. And dear grandfather either gave the center painting in the set to Willie’s grandmother – or Willie’s grandmother stole it.
Willie’s late and less-and-less lamented husband pawned it to an Italian collector. She plans to go to Venice to pay back the loan and redeem her painting, so that she can sell it for enough to provide her with financial independence.
But Willie is pretty much flat broke, and the only way she can manage the trip to Venice is to take over as tour host for one of the tours arranged by her godmother’s little enterprise, the Lady Travelers Society.
Dante wants to take back what he believes is “his” painting, and the only way he can do that is to follow Willie to Venice. He contacts the brilliantly idiotic scheme to accompany his sister and her daughter on the Lady Travelers Society tour.
And that’s where everything goes terribly right and horribly wrong, all at the same time. Even before they are forced to flee Venice one step ahead of the polizia.
Escape Rating B+: As Dante discovers, it is impossible not to like Willie Bascombe. Her life was completely overthrown, but she is determined to make the best of the situation that she admits she stuck herself in. George was charming, but neither steady nor trustworthy. Sooner or later, they would have come to financial grief, with or without his death.
Willie is independent, whether she wants to be or not, and she is determined to make the most of it. Not by remarrying for money, but by finding a way to achieve independence on her own. She’s having a difficult time of it, and she’s finding out she has more inner strength and resources than she ever imagined. And that independence can be very, very hard.
One of the lovely bits of this story is the way that the women on Willie’s tour band together and develop a true and sincere friendship, in spite of their many differences. That they all end up first fostering Willie’s relationship with Dante and then uniting against the common enemy is a terrific testimonial to the power of real friendship.
Dante is used to being in control. His investments are successful because he does his research and controls his emotions. While he may have done his research on Willie, he is never, ever in charge of his emotions. Part of what makes the story so much fun is the way that Dante’s sister Rosalind manages to burst his bubble at every turn. She’s his older sister, he’s being a complete idiot, and she relishes calling him on it, while still making it clear that she loves him in his idiocy, even though she refuses to save him from the folly of his own actions.
This is my second book in a row to feature Paris as a setting. In this case, a big chunk of the tour is set in Paris during the time of the 1889 World’s Fair, when the Eiffel Tower was new and a marvel of the world. The descriptions of Paris in general and the Tower in particular are lyrical and moving. It’s astonishing to think that the icon of Paris was originally intended to be a temporary structure.
At the end, this story surprisingly reminded me of the famous short story, The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry. Each tries to give the other something that they once wanted desperately but no longer need. The little bit of mystery at the end is the icing on a very fine cake.
There’s one more book in this series at least so far. The Lady Travelers Guide to Deception with an Unlikely Earl will be published next May. And it looks like another treat!
This Lady Travelers Guide is a fitting successor to the first book in this delightful series, The Lady Travelers Guide to Scoundrels and Other Gentlemen, even though both the hero and the heroine are opposites from those in the first book.
Unlike India Prendergast, Lady Wilhelmina Bascombe is quite likeable, and more than a bit uncertain of herself. Which does not stop her from being absolutely determined to find a way to rescue her fortunes without resorting to marrying for money.
As a widow, Willie has a bit of latitude in her behavior. As the widow of a young man who seems to have had zero funds but was determined to have oodles of fun, Willie has few means at her disposal, particularly after she paid off her late husband’s many (many) debts.
She may have eloped with George in a cloud of scandal, but she’s discovered over the two years since his death that she doesn’t miss him very much. And she’s outgrown the constant thrill-seeking that used to be their existence. But she does miss all the friends she thought she had.
And where Derek Saunders certainly had lived up to being the “scoundrel” of the title in that first book, Dante Montague has become a bit too staid and respectable for his sister Rosalind’s comfort. Not that respectability isn’t a good thing, but it seems as if Dante has lost the spirit of fun that he used to have, between managing his investments and managing the down-at-heels art museum he inherited.
But Willie and Dante have something in common, something that is going to bring them together, and very nearly tear them apart.
Once upon a time, Dante’s grandfather owned a beautiful triptych of paintings by one of Titian’s students. And dear grandfather either gave the center painting in the set to Willie’s grandmother – or Willie’s grandmother stole it.
Willie’s late and less-and-less lamented husband pawned it to an Italian collector. She plans to go to Venice to pay back the loan and redeem her painting, so that she can sell it for enough to provide her with financial independence.
But Willie is pretty much flat broke, and the only way she can manage the trip to Venice is to take over as tour host for one of the tours arranged by her godmother’s little enterprise, the Lady Travelers Society.
Dante wants to take back what he believes is “his” painting, and the only way he can do that is to follow Willie to Venice. He contacts the brilliantly idiotic scheme to accompany his sister and her daughter on the Lady Travelers Society tour.
And that’s where everything goes terribly right and horribly wrong, all at the same time. Even before they are forced to flee Venice one step ahead of the polizia.
Escape Rating B+: As Dante discovers, it is impossible not to like Willie Bascombe. Her life was completely overthrown, but she is determined to make the best of the situation that she admits she stuck herself in. George was charming, but neither steady nor trustworthy. Sooner or later, they would have come to financial grief, with or without his death.
Willie is independent, whether she wants to be or not, and she is determined to make the most of it. Not by remarrying for money, but by finding a way to achieve independence on her own. She’s having a difficult time of it, and she’s finding out she has more inner strength and resources than she ever imagined. And that independence can be very, very hard.
One of the lovely bits of this story is the way that the women on Willie’s tour band together and develop a true and sincere friendship, in spite of their many differences. That they all end up first fostering Willie’s relationship with Dante and then uniting against the common enemy is a terrific testimonial to the power of real friendship.
Dante is used to being in control. His investments are successful because he does his research and controls his emotions. While he may have done his research on Willie, he is never, ever in charge of his emotions. Part of what makes the story so much fun is the way that Dante’s sister Rosalind manages to burst his bubble at every turn. She’s his older sister, he’s being a complete idiot, and she relishes calling him on it, while still making it clear that she loves him in his idiocy, even though she refuses to save him from the folly of his own actions.
This is my second book in a row to feature Paris as a setting. In this case, a big chunk of the tour is set in Paris during the time of the 1889 World’s Fair, when the Eiffel Tower was new and a marvel of the world. The descriptions of Paris in general and the Tower in particular are lyrical and moving. It’s astonishing to think that the icon of Paris was originally intended to be a temporary structure.
At the end, this story surprisingly reminded me of the famous short story, The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry. Each tries to give the other something that they once wanted desperately but no longer need. The little bit of mystery at the end is the icing on a very fine cake.
There’s one more book in this series at least so far. The Lady Travelers Guide to Deception with an Unlikely Earl will be published next May. And it looks like another treat!
December 14, 2017
Victoria Alexander can write; I’ve read a few of her stories and every time it amazes me how much I enjoy her stories. She puts a lot of work in the research which is show how exact and colorful she describes all the places characters visit.
Everything about this historical romance worked for me. From the way Willie had to grow up when her husband died and leaves her with debt
and then is “forced” to go on this great journey to help her change her life. Willie and Dante were a great combination. They banter was funny, the connection and chemistry was felt the more time they spent together. I think that special something to this story were the American mothers and daughters.
I could just picture myself walking along side them and having a witty conversation or simply observing the way they interacted amongst them.
I don’t remember the last time I read a historical romance that held me to my seat and wouldn’t let go until I read the last line. It reminded me how much I love and how much I miss reading this type of books.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Everything about this historical romance worked for me. From the way Willie had to grow up when her husband died and leaves her with debt
and then is “forced” to go on this great journey to help her change her life. Willie and Dante were a great combination. They banter was funny, the connection and chemistry was felt the more time they spent together. I think that special something to this story were the American mothers and daughters.
I could just picture myself walking along side them and having a witty conversation or simply observing the way they interacted amongst them.
I don’t remember the last time I read a historical romance that held me to my seat and wouldn’t let go until I read the last line. It reminded me how much I love and how much I miss reading this type of books.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
June 15, 2023
The first 60% of this book was excellent. The continuing metamorphosis of Willie from an irresponsible good-time girl to actualized adult made me like and admire her. The relationship between Willie and Dante was carefully and believably built. There was a just-right mix of thought, action, and dialogue, humor and romance and travelogue. Then Willie discovered Dante’s underlying motivation for being on the tour—which he most certainly should have revealed to her by then—but, instead of having an adult conversation, she turned into a childish, spoiled, self-serving drama queen veering from sulking to vindictive in a cloud of hurt and anger. So much for adulting. So much for true love—it vanished in a nanosecond. Incredulously, Dante then began saying and doing the most stupid thing possible in every situation. ???? The entire rest of the book was filled by nonsensical stubbornness, a strangely boring caper, and a ridiculous grand gesture conclusion involving gondolas in a drawing room. I’m out.
November 24, 2017
I was lucky enough to be given an advanced reader copy of this book, which does not affect my review. Loved this book! It had a unique plot, another madcap Lady Traveler's adventure. This time, it involved Willie, who has weaseled her way into being a guide, so that she can get to Europe and reclaim a painting that her late husband pawned. In her tour, she has American mothers and their daughters, as well as an English mother and her daughter. Dante "tags along" with his sister and niece, as he believes his family are the rightful owners of the very same painting. Willie is unaware that Dante knows she is after the painting or that he has any connection to it. There is a lot of adventure and humor, involving all of the characters on the trip (and a pivotal part by Val from the first book), and of course a romance between Dante and Willie, which will naturally have its highs and lows, twists and turns. This was a fairly lengthy novel, but well worth reading to the surprising ending.
November 25, 2017
Lady Wilhelmina Bascombe lived a carefree, somewhat wild life until her husband died. Then it all came crashing down. It wasn't that she truly loved her husband but she also didn't know how truly in debt they were. The only way she can dig herself out of the hole is to retrieve a priceless family artifact that her husband used as a lien on a loan.
Her family friends arrange to have her lead a tour of mothers and daughters on the Continent. A cover that will help her hide her true purpose in going to Italy. Too bad one of the tour group's number is actually a man, one who is interested in the painting for his own purposes.
Her family friends arrange to have her lead a tour of mothers and daughters on the Continent. A cover that will help her hide her true purpose in going to Italy. Too bad one of the tour group's number is actually a man, one who is interested in the painting for his own purposes.
December 29, 2018
I got this as part of a gift labelled "the worst Santa could find". Apparently my sister-in-law doesn't know that I can source my own trashy books, and that this one is delightful.
There's a great character arc for both the hero and the heroine. Neither have epic amounts of childhood trauma, but have to make changes to become worthy of each other.
The travel setting is interesting and fun, and I love the way that the women support each other and become fast friends.
I would definitely read more in this series.
There's a great character arc for both the hero and the heroine. Neither have epic amounts of childhood trauma, but have to make changes to become worthy of each other.
The travel setting is interesting and fun, and I love the way that the women support each other and become fast friends.
I would definitely read more in this series.
February 1, 2018
An interesting premise that ultimately felt long and a little stale after a while. I would have much preferred more banter and romance then discussions of paintings and worried inner monologues from our two main characters.
February 22, 2018
3.5 stars.
Quite an engaging listen. Probably shouldn't have done it back to back with Book 1 as there were a lot of similar themes - the little secrets kept by the H/h, the Paris sights and the trust issue. Although I think it's perfectly normal not being completely honest with someone you've just met.
It's a bit of a travelogue once the trip continued from Paris, with stops in Monte Carlo, Genoa, Verona until the main destination of Venice. For me, it was like reliving my own Eurorail travels.
I thought it did drag a bit towards the end when both H/h won't budge from their stance about the ownership of the painting. But all in all, a satisfactory ending with a hint of mystery.
Quite an engaging listen. Probably shouldn't have done it back to back with Book 1 as there were a lot of similar themes - the little secrets kept by the H/h, the Paris sights and the trust issue. Although I think it's perfectly normal not being completely honest with someone you've just met.
It's a bit of a travelogue once the trip continued from Paris, with stops in Monte Carlo, Genoa, Verona until the main destination of Venice. For me, it was like reliving my own Eurorail travels.
I thought it did drag a bit towards the end when both H/h won't budge from their stance about the ownership of the painting. But all in all, a satisfactory ending with a hint of mystery.
December 3, 2018
Fun and over-the-top. The real world doesn't work this way, but that's okay. If you like some romance, banter, and a little mystery set in the 1880s Europe, and you need a little levity and escape, here's your next read.
August 11, 2019
Hangoskönyv. Nagyon bájos, imádtam!
December 27, 2023
The hero and heroine's conversation were way too boring for me.
February 2, 2025
I got 25% through the book and absolutely nothing had happened. I gave up.
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