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Not My Idea
"Lucas, you must return home."
Twenty two year old Lucas Bywood abandons his Grand Tour in response to those words from his father. Everything is not well at home and he finds himself in a bit of a fix. A little warning that his father had made tentative arrangements for his marriage would have been nice but Luke really wishes it had been anyone other than the young lady chosen. After all, Phoebe Ramsey had always been an annoyance and any time they had spent together had resulted in physical injuries for one of them.
Just when Luke thinks he's escaped that particular future, he finds himself courting a young woman he doesn’t want, a furious best friend who wants a duel to satisfy honor, and the responsibility of finding who and why someone had caused an accident for his mother.
This was not his idea of what the summer was going to be like.
Twenty two year old Lucas Bywood abandons his Grand Tour in response to those words from his father. Everything is not well at home and he finds himself in a bit of a fix. A little warning that his father had made tentative arrangements for his marriage would have been nice but Luke really wishes it had been anyone other than the young lady chosen. After all, Phoebe Ramsey had always been an annoyance and any time they had spent together had resulted in physical injuries for one of them.
Just when Luke thinks he's escaped that particular future, he finds himself courting a young woman he doesn’t want, a furious best friend who wants a duel to satisfy honor, and the responsibility of finding who and why someone had caused an accident for his mother.
This was not his idea of what the summer was going to be like.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2017
78 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Bethany Swafford
36 books90 followersFor as long as she can remember, Bethany Swafford has loved reading books. That love of words extended to writing as she grew older, and when it became more difficult to find a ‘clean’ book, she determined to write her own. Among her favorite authors is Jane Austen, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Georgette Heyer.
When she doesn’t have pen to paper (or fingertips to laptop keyboard), she can generally be found with a book in hand. In her spare time, Bethany reviews books for a book site called More Than A Review.
When she doesn’t have pen to paper (or fingertips to laptop keyboard), she can generally be found with a book in hand. In her spare time, Bethany reviews books for a book site called More Than A Review.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 20, 2017
Lucas Bywood is the second son of a British Lord, meaning he will not inherit the estate and is free to carve his own path. So he decides to go on a Grand Tour of Europe to broaden his mind and experiences. His trip is in full swing when his father calls him home for some unnamed emergency. Apparently, Lucas is supposed to marry the neighbor girl he grew up with and never liked. But she is in love with someone else, so he will be able to get out of it ... right?
Not My Idea is a cute historical romance by Bethany Swafford. It is told solely from the point of view of Lucas as he tries to handle the increasingly difficult situations thrown at him. It is not so much a romance as the story of a man living and growing through those situations, and it is definitely an interesting book.
Not My Idea takes a different look at reputations 1800s England than I'm used to reading. Other books usually look at the tarnished reputations of young men and women put in supposedly compromising situations that forces them to marry or makes the whole town shun them. This book is a little different, to say the least. Lucas, in contrast to his character, develops a reputation for not being dependable. So when he gets put in the wrong place at the wrong time ... a lot of drama occurs. It's interesting and different.
I enjoyed Not My Idea and recommend it as an interesting historical fiction.
I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Not My Idea is a cute historical romance by Bethany Swafford. It is told solely from the point of view of Lucas as he tries to handle the increasingly difficult situations thrown at him. It is not so much a romance as the story of a man living and growing through those situations, and it is definitely an interesting book.
Not My Idea takes a different look at reputations 1800s England than I'm used to reading. Other books usually look at the tarnished reputations of young men and women put in supposedly compromising situations that forces them to marry or makes the whole town shun them. This book is a little different, to say the least. Lucas, in contrast to his character, develops a reputation for not being dependable. So when he gets put in the wrong place at the wrong time ... a lot of drama occurs. It's interesting and different.
I enjoyed Not My Idea and recommend it as an interesting historical fiction.
I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
July 4, 2017
STORY-LINE NOT MY IDEA BY BETHANY SWAFFORD:
In Not My Idea, set in 1814 Regency England, the reader finds Lucas Bywood returning home from touring of the continent. Receiving a note from his father stating he must return home, he rushes back to England. He returns to find his father and their neighbor, Mr. Ramsey, had betrothed him as a child to his daughter, Phoebe. This will not do; they fought and scrapped as children. Lucas even received a broken arm during one of their fights. Talking to Phoebe and her friend, Miss Darkin, Lucas found Phoebe's in love with his best friend, Miles. Two fathers insisting they marry, and his best friend in love with Phoebe, what a mess. This is not what he expected when he returned home. Far from a relaxing visit with his family, he has a situation to resolve amicably for everyone.
His older brother, George, has married a woman Lucas can not stand. Rosamund's stuck up, rude, and obnoxious; he can't understand why George married her. Even more troubling, he finds his active mother bedridden from a riding accident which seems not an accident at all. Come along with Swafford's characters as they travel the tricky road of love. My regency romance book review of Not My Idea follows.
CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:
Ah, Regency England, a fine time period for love. Swafford created a sweet clean Regency romance in Not My Idea. A strong, independent, handsome man, unwilling to let his father harass him into marriage, they butt heads. He finds Phoebe has changed during his absence into a beautiful young woman who he still considers silly. Then Swafford added in the fact Phoebe did not want to marry him anymore than he wanted to marry her. She has her sights set on Miles. By the way, you have Phoebe's lovely friend, Miss Darkin, thrown into the mix. What a tangled web. So, how will it all shake out? Will Lucas and Phoebe succumb to their fathers wishes or will they hold fast to their decision? What a mess their fathers created.
Swafford fleshed out her characters skillfully. Lucas' regard and caring for his mother, showed a different side of him. Rather than a gad-about, he's a loving son who always felt he's a disappointment to George and his father. Even the wealthy have insecurities. To say I disliked Rosamund would be an understatement; what a character and her brother was no better. However, I thought George full of himself also. With well-developed characters, Swafford created a solid story with a few twists and interfering families.
In concluding my romance book review of Not My Idea, I found a solid clean romance with well-developed characters and pacing in line with the length of the book. I would not hesitate to buy this book for a friend; great for an afternoon of light reading.
NOT MY IDEA RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4
FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:
In addition, I received this book Not My Idea from the author. I chose to voluntarily review the book with an honest review for this romance book. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and under my name, are my opinions. No one influenced my voluntary romance book review of Not My Idea.
In Not My Idea, set in 1814 Regency England, the reader finds Lucas Bywood returning home from touring of the continent. Receiving a note from his father stating he must return home, he rushes back to England. He returns to find his father and their neighbor, Mr. Ramsey, had betrothed him as a child to his daughter, Phoebe. This will not do; they fought and scrapped as children. Lucas even received a broken arm during one of their fights. Talking to Phoebe and her friend, Miss Darkin, Lucas found Phoebe's in love with his best friend, Miles. Two fathers insisting they marry, and his best friend in love with Phoebe, what a mess. This is not what he expected when he returned home. Far from a relaxing visit with his family, he has a situation to resolve amicably for everyone.
His older brother, George, has married a woman Lucas can not stand. Rosamund's stuck up, rude, and obnoxious; he can't understand why George married her. Even more troubling, he finds his active mother bedridden from a riding accident which seems not an accident at all. Come along with Swafford's characters as they travel the tricky road of love. My regency romance book review of Not My Idea follows.
CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, DEVELOPMENT:
Ah, Regency England, a fine time period for love. Swafford created a sweet clean Regency romance in Not My Idea. A strong, independent, handsome man, unwilling to let his father harass him into marriage, they butt heads. He finds Phoebe has changed during his absence into a beautiful young woman who he still considers silly. Then Swafford added in the fact Phoebe did not want to marry him anymore than he wanted to marry her. She has her sights set on Miles. By the way, you have Phoebe's lovely friend, Miss Darkin, thrown into the mix. What a tangled web. So, how will it all shake out? Will Lucas and Phoebe succumb to their fathers wishes or will they hold fast to their decision? What a mess their fathers created.
Swafford fleshed out her characters skillfully. Lucas' regard and caring for his mother, showed a different side of him. Rather than a gad-about, he's a loving son who always felt he's a disappointment to George and his father. Even the wealthy have insecurities. To say I disliked Rosamund would be an understatement; what a character and her brother was no better. However, I thought George full of himself also. With well-developed characters, Swafford created a solid story with a few twists and interfering families.
In concluding my romance book review of Not My Idea, I found a solid clean romance with well-developed characters and pacing in line with the length of the book. I would not hesitate to buy this book for a friend; great for an afternoon of light reading.
NOT MY IDEA RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4
FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:
In addition, I received this book Not My Idea from the author. I chose to voluntarily review the book with an honest review for this romance book. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and under my name, are my opinions. No one influenced my voluntary romance book review of Not My Idea.
July 21, 2017
Lucas Bywood is quickly summoned home from his world tour only to find things are amiss. Not only are things not right but he soon discovers he is betrothed to his life-long childhood nemesis Phoebe Ramsay. While trying to conceive a plan to get out of his future predicament he unravels a big mystery among his family and friends.
I found this story to be a light-hearted Regency mystery. I enjoyed Lucas and found myself feeling frustrated at all the unfortunate events happening to him. Most Regency novels I read are viewed from the female perspective, but I quite liked reading the story from Lucas’ perspective. He is very likable and patient with all that happens to him.
Once I started I could not put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next. This book is very clean and full of fun.
*Please note I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I found this story to be a light-hearted Regency mystery. I enjoyed Lucas and found myself feeling frustrated at all the unfortunate events happening to him. Most Regency novels I read are viewed from the female perspective, but I quite liked reading the story from Lucas’ perspective. He is very likable and patient with all that happens to him.
Once I started I could not put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next. This book is very clean and full of fun.
*Please note I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 19, 2017
A light, entertaining, and enjoyable read, Bethany Swafford’s Not My Idea, book one in the A Gentleman of Misfortune series, is a story that readers will be delighted with. Filled with fun characters, a bit of mischief, and of course romance, Swafford delights her readers with her storytelling. Readers will not want to miss this new series from Swafford, for they will be hooked from page one and will not want to put the book down until the story concludes.
Genre: historical, regency, romance
Publisher: Clean Reads
Publication date: June 27, 2017
Number of pages: 221
A review copy of this novel was provided by Loving the Book. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Genre: historical, regency, romance
Publisher: Clean Reads
Publication date: June 27, 2017
Number of pages: 221
A review copy of this novel was provided by Loving the Book. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
November 8, 2017
3.5/5.0
This clean regency romance stands out from the pack with its perspective — the tale is told entirely from Lucas' point of view.
Read full review in the 2017 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
This clean regency romance stands out from the pack with its perspective — the tale is told entirely from Lucas' point of view.
Read full review in the 2017 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 18, 2017
I loved poor Lucas. This book was written in first person. This second son was ordered home, and once he arrived it seemed like everyone was against him. No matter what he did, it was never right in the eyes of most of his family. Notice I said most. There was some family dynamics that got me to wondering if there was a conspiracy not only against Lucas, or Luke, but also against his strongest ally, his mother. There was his fiance he abhorred, his friend that left me wondering about him and his sister-in-law I would have loved to strangle--right along with her husband, Luke's brother.
The characters were well-written, and I felt as if I was Lucas. I empathized with him from beginning to end. The story moved at a fast pace with Lucas being hit with something new to deal with every time he turned around. There was a sweet romantic interest that was not really resolved, which left me wondering if there is a sequel in the works, another romance that was (thankfully!), but the story was almost more of a who-done-it than a suspenseful romance.
This was an enjoyable book to read, one I didn’t want to put down until I reached the end. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good regency story, especially one that is full of action and character-driven.
The characters were well-written, and I felt as if I was Lucas. I empathized with him from beginning to end. The story moved at a fast pace with Lucas being hit with something new to deal with every time he turned around. There was a sweet romantic interest that was not really resolved, which left me wondering if there is a sequel in the works, another romance that was (thankfully!), but the story was almost more of a who-done-it than a suspenseful romance.
This was an enjoyable book to read, one I didn’t want to put down until I reached the end. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good regency story, especially one that is full of action and character-driven.
June 29, 2023
He still has a mystery to solve and a lady to charm.
This one is a bit different as it is the male pov story. Lucas is viewed by his family one way when he really isn’t that way at all. His father and brother are pretty much jerks. His sister-in-law is a piece of work and his mother is a delight. Coming home he finds things are very upsetting and he would like to get to the bottom of some of it. He has a friend who causes problems too. It was an interesting story on how Lucas makes his way through all the road blocks he seems to face. I enjoyed the story as I said I found it different and a bit refreshing. Since the mystery is not solved this is kind of a cliffhanger but really the first part of the story is complete. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
This one is a bit different as it is the male pov story. Lucas is viewed by his family one way when he really isn’t that way at all. His father and brother are pretty much jerks. His sister-in-law is a piece of work and his mother is a delight. Coming home he finds things are very upsetting and he would like to get to the bottom of some of it. He has a friend who causes problems too. It was an interesting story on how Lucas makes his way through all the road blocks he seems to face. I enjoyed the story as I said I found it different and a bit refreshing. Since the mystery is not solved this is kind of a cliffhanger but really the first part of the story is complete. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
July 3, 2023
Well written, full of intrigue, suspense, drama, love, action and strong characters. Life has a way of going against Lucas - from his family, his friends and neighbors. Lucas gets a letter from his father stating he needs to come home as soon as possible. Lucas cuts short his travels to return to only find out that his mother has been hurt in a riding accident and not doing well. Both his father and brother start to blame him for everything. He learns that years ago he is promised to a girl to marry that he doesn't even like or love. His friend , Miles, has been in love with her. Together they make a plan to break one engagement and then have the real couple marry. Has lots of action in this book , from a highway man to someone digging holes to achieve that people are hurt when riding and a neighbor who has lots to hide. Will keep you reading to figure out who did it and why. Makes you want more. Would recommend this book to other and hope this writer keeps writing more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2017
This is the first book I have read by this author and was very glad I did! This book was told in first person by our main character Lucas Bywood. Lucas, twenty two. has just returned home early from his grand tour by his father's request due to his mothers bad health. Therein starts the story that finds Lucas engaged by arranged marriage to Phoebe, a childhood friend or terror as he liked to refer! The story precedes full of mystery and misunderstandings that challenges Lucas's integrity. This is a delightful story that kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next'. The twist and turns bring the story to an end, but leaves it open for several more books to come in this series. I look forward to find out what happens next and think you will really enjoy reading this story!
July 6, 2023
Craziness Let Loose . . .
Traveling abroad, Lucas Bywood gets a summons home from his father. His mother has had a suspicious riding accident. Lucas was pledged a long time ago to marry a woman he doesn’t like and who wants another man (his friend). His father is forcing him to honor that arranged marriage. Somehow everyone seems to blame Lucas for their troubles! It would have been a good idea to take off on another trip before further chaos erupts! Will he resolve all of these issues? Will he find any answers to some of the stranger ones?
There are a number of unpleasant characters in this story. It makes me grateful for the few good ones! Grab your copy and see what answers Lucas comes up with. The story will continue in the next book, so there is more to come!
Traveling abroad, Lucas Bywood gets a summons home from his father. His mother has had a suspicious riding accident. Lucas was pledged a long time ago to marry a woman he doesn’t like and who wants another man (his friend). His father is forcing him to honor that arranged marriage. Somehow everyone seems to blame Lucas for their troubles! It would have been a good idea to take off on another trip before further chaos erupts! Will he resolve all of these issues? Will he find any answers to some of the stranger ones?
There are a number of unpleasant characters in this story. It makes me grateful for the few good ones! Grab your copy and see what answers Lucas comes up with. The story will continue in the next book, so there is more to come!
May 9, 2018
A question I have before reading any romance:
Not much in the way of physical romance (yay!), but there is lots of emotional tension. And a potential for actual romance. By which I mean learning about someone, wanting to know more, and getting involved in a relationship--none of that "oh his (descriptor) (descriptor) abs and his (descriptor)(comparison) eyes (verb) me."
I usually like romance when it's on the side; a sub-genre. When it's the focus, I find myself wanting to slap (or hit with a truck) everyone because ohmygosh communication people. You still love her, tell her you like the dress and it reminds you of when you used to date and you wish it could still happen. She feels the same way. Problem solved.
In this story, there is miscommunication, but it's due to character quirks/lack of intelligence, not contrived blech.
This was a very fun read.
Lucas' reaction to the arrangements:
The adults' reactions to his protests:
There was no murder. I'm kind of holding out hope, though, because this is just book 1 in the series. Why am I so hung up on that? Because it felt like a game of CLUE, and it just isn't CLUE unless someone dies. :P
Also, Rosamund.
If that gal doesn't kill someone (purposely or accidentally), I will be utterly surprised. She seems very...desperate...conniving...and willing to do whatever it takes to mar Lucas' name and establish herself as head of the household. Or maybe that's just Lucas' biased viewpoint? We shall see...
Not much in the way of physical romance (yay!), but there is lots of emotional tension. And a potential for actual romance. By which I mean learning about someone, wanting to know more, and getting involved in a relationship--none of that "oh his (descriptor) (descriptor) abs and his (descriptor)(comparison) eyes (verb) me."
I usually like romance when it's on the side; a sub-genre. When it's the focus, I find myself wanting to slap (or hit with a truck) everyone because ohmygosh communication people. You still love her, tell her you like the dress and it reminds you of when you used to date and you wish it could still happen. She feels the same way. Problem solved.
In this story, there is miscommunication, but it's due to character quirks/lack of intelligence, not contrived blech.
This was a very fun read.
Lucas' reaction to the arrangements:
The adults' reactions to his protests:
There was no murder. I'm kind of holding out hope, though, because this is just book 1 in the series. Why am I so hung up on that? Because it felt like a game of CLUE, and it just isn't CLUE unless someone dies. :P
Also, Rosamund.
If that gal doesn't kill someone (purposely or accidentally), I will be utterly surprised. She seems very...desperate...conniving...and willing to do whatever it takes to mar Lucas' name and establish herself as head of the household. Or maybe that's just Lucas' biased viewpoint? We shall see...
September 29, 2017
Lucas (aka Luke) has just returned home to Bywood Hall, the family estate. He’s been on a grand tour of Europe. As the second son, he is not expected to take over his father’s estate. With his own inheritance, he has the means with which to travel. His father cut his trip short and he has returned home to find out why. But the home he returns to is in such disorder: his mother is bedridden after a traumatic riding accident; his older brother, George, has married a very despicable woman, and, as usual, Lucas is a big disappointment to his father. To top it off, he discovers that his hand has been promised in marriage to a silly young woman, one he never liked as a child and one he definitely doesn’t like now. Things couldn’t get any more complicated, except there is the ring and the best friend, Miles, who causes all sorts of problems.
Families can be difficult at the best of times. For a wealthy family of the early nineteenth-century, family is very much like politics. In a Jane Austen type of drama, where the merits of family and society continually clash, Bethany Swafford’s romance novel, “Not My Idea”, drips with conflict and mystery. The reader can’t help but like the protagonist, Lucas; they can’t help but relate with him, feel his misery, his entrapment, his conflicting emotions. The author has a propensity for descriptive narrative, characterization and plot development, mixed in with a little bit of mystery, suspense, drama and a touch of humor. A very enjoyable and compelling read.
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite.
Families can be difficult at the best of times. For a wealthy family of the early nineteenth-century, family is very much like politics. In a Jane Austen type of drama, where the merits of family and society continually clash, Bethany Swafford’s romance novel, “Not My Idea”, drips with conflict and mystery. The reader can’t help but like the protagonist, Lucas; they can’t help but relate with him, feel his misery, his entrapment, his conflicting emotions. The author has a propensity for descriptive narrative, characterization and plot development, mixed in with a little bit of mystery, suspense, drama and a touch of humor. A very enjoyable and compelling read.
Reviewed for Readers' Favorite.
July 30, 2017
Not my Idea, by Bethany Swafford is a darling story full of mischief and daring situations for Luke, the second son of a well-known and upstanding family. He inherits a fortune from his uncle and decides to go traveling. When finally he come home, in response to a summons from his father, he discovers many things, some good and many not so good. An accident has left his mother bedridden, his sister is engaged and his brother married to the most stuck up and opinionated woman. She causes many problems and is the cause of Luke's short temper. All blows up in their faces when Luke is charged by her as the highwaymen that stole her ring.
I enjoyed the story and the pace. It is a delightful and clean romance. I recommend it to all readers who enjoy historical novels. They will find Not my Idea, by Bethany Swafford a great addition to their collection. It is quite refreshing to read a historical tale where the story is told by the male protagonist. this is most uncommon, but very welcome. It is a new and different take on romance and it lets you know his perspective all the way through. A most enjoyable tale.
I enjoyed the story and the pace. It is a delightful and clean romance. I recommend it to all readers who enjoy historical novels. They will find Not my Idea, by Bethany Swafford a great addition to their collection. It is quite refreshing to read a historical tale where the story is told by the male protagonist. this is most uncommon, but very welcome. It is a new and different take on romance and it lets you know his perspective all the way through. A most enjoyable tale.
July 22, 2017
A clean and fun Regency romance, mostly from the hero's perspective which was quite refreshing. So often the stories are from her point of view but this follows Luke as he's called home from his Grand Tour into several baffling mysteries.
I could understand Luke's frustrations between that frigid psycho his brother married, Pheobe flipping back and forth and trying to play all the fields at once, the mercurial moods of the man who was supposed to be his best friend. There's a lot of humour in this as well as mystery, romance and exasperation.
And John Ward is back again.
If you've not read Bethany's work before, don't worry you'll be lost because of my sentence about Mr. Ward. He is in Chaotic Courtship as well and steers the stories a little but each book stands fully and thoroughly on its own pages. So you can read this without missing anything. But if you've read the other book, his appearance is just an amusing overlay.
I hope that we see Olivia again and learn if once the dust settles, how things fared for this crazy family.
I could understand Luke's frustrations between that frigid psycho his brother married, Pheobe flipping back and forth and trying to play all the fields at once, the mercurial moods of the man who was supposed to be his best friend. There's a lot of humour in this as well as mystery, romance and exasperation.
And John Ward is back again.
If you've not read Bethany's work before, don't worry you'll be lost because of my sentence about Mr. Ward. He is in Chaotic Courtship as well and steers the stories a little but each book stands fully and thoroughly on its own pages. So you can read this without missing anything. But if you've read the other book, his appearance is just an amusing overlay.
I hope that we see Olivia again and learn if once the dust settles, how things fared for this crazy family.
July 4, 2023
Lucas is traveling abroad when he gets summoned home. Once he returns to his family’s country estate, he learns that his mother is slowly recovering from a suspicious riding accident, his brother has married an extremely unpleasant woman, and his father has arranged a betrothal between his neighbor Phoebe and himself. It just so happens that Phoebe doesn’t want to marry Lucas any more than he wants to marry her. She is in love with Lucas’ best friend Miles. And so the stage is set for an entertaining tale that will have you shaking your head and thinking ‘now what?’ For a family that claims they want Lucas to stop traveling and stay closer to home, they certainly do everything in their power to push him away. The characters are varied and well described. Rosamund, Lucus’s sister-in-law is poison, and elicits a strong reader reaction…. and I found myself hoping that karma would pay her a visit really soon Then there’s Phoebe who is not the brightest bulb on the tree, and Miles who is so crazy about her that he can’t think straight. Add to that big brother George, who takes his wife’s side and is quick to judge Lucas and find him lacking, and a father who desperately wants the arranged marriage to take place, and you have nonstop conflict. His mother, Sophia and Ward are the only people who see things as they really are and offer support. This story is quick-paced, very entertaining and leaves an opening for a sequel. Loved it!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 23, 2025
This book almost has too much going on until one realizes that all plot elements cannot be told in one novel. Lucas has a controlling, hostile family that views him with disdain. A second son, Lucas, inherited from a relative, invested wisely, and took himself off on a Grand Tour. He is called back home as the story begins.
His father and Mr. Ramsey, a long-time neighbor and personal friend, made a legal betrothal between Lucas Bywood and one of the Ramsey daughters many years ago. Neither of the children involved was consulted or informed. The first time Lucas hears of it is when his father calls him home.
This story reads well, and the plot moves at a great pace. However, the individual characters need some improvement. I almost couldn't continue reading because of the negative vibes constantly emanating from the Bywood family (except for Lucas' mother). Even if I were 22 years old, like Lucas, I would have found a way to leave the miserable twits to their own devices.
A Gentleman of Misfortune
**1) Not My Idea
2) Best Laid Plans
3) A Sibling’s Interference
His father and Mr. Ramsey, a long-time neighbor and personal friend, made a legal betrothal between Lucas Bywood and one of the Ramsey daughters many years ago. Neither of the children involved was consulted or informed. The first time Lucas hears of it is when his father calls him home.
This story reads well, and the plot moves at a great pace. However, the individual characters need some improvement. I almost couldn't continue reading because of the negative vibes constantly emanating from the Bywood family (except for Lucas' mother). Even if I were 22 years old, like Lucas, I would have found a way to leave the miserable twits to their own devices.
A Gentleman of Misfortune
**1) Not My Idea
2) Best Laid Plans
3) A Sibling’s Interference
September 12, 2025
A Perfect Homecoming for Confusion! Great Read!
Stafford delivers a most entertaining about Lucas living a (comedic) nightmare upon his return home. The dinner scene 70% in was hilarious, but the whole story from the POV of Lucas was skillfully delivered for any age. Characters are fleshed out enough that it's easy to identify those who are bright, needing correction, witless or just totally unlikable. I liked Lucas a lot and totally sympathized with his complete confusion.
This was free on promotion bit my review is heartily and freely given. The book is suitable for teens and adults and free from sex, swears and graphic violence. There is no cliffhanger ending but does continue on to another book thus, it isn't a standalone story for romance but you could easily st at the point where Lucas both survives and is enlightened. I have to admit this was a very entertaining read and recommend this author.
Stafford delivers a most entertaining about Lucas living a (comedic) nightmare upon his return home. The dinner scene 70% in was hilarious, but the whole story from the POV of Lucas was skillfully delivered for any age. Characters are fleshed out enough that it's easy to identify those who are bright, needing correction, witless or just totally unlikable. I liked Lucas a lot and totally sympathized with his complete confusion.
This was free on promotion bit my review is heartily and freely given. The book is suitable for teens and adults and free from sex, swears and graphic violence. There is no cliffhanger ending but does continue on to another book thus, it isn't a standalone story for romance but you could easily st at the point where Lucas both survives and is enlightened. I have to admit this was a very entertaining read and recommend this author.
September 25, 2017
What a fun (funny?) story! From the first page, Bethany Swafford weaves a tale that so outlandish and wonderful, it's hard to put down. Poor Lucas, he's called home urgently from his grand tour only to discover that his mother's sick and he's been engaged to a woman he can't stand. To make matters worse, the lady in question doesn't want him, but also doesn't want to call off the engagement. Add to that his best friend's in love with her, and vice versa, but instead of stepping in and asking for her hand himself, he's content to sit by and fume at Lucas for being betrothed. Throw in a deliberate accident, robbery, and some rather ridiculous shenanigans, and it's a great read. While not the typical romance, it does have some sweet moments, and some familiar faces, and I can't wait to read more by this author!
July 6, 2024
Surprisingly, because I would almost never read a Regency mystery/romance, I found this book very entertaining, perhaps because it is told entirely from the point of view of the young hero, second son and family scapegoat, Lucas. There were actually several threads to the mystery to be unraveled: his mother's accident and subsequent illness; the inexplicable behavior of his not-quite-reliable "best" friend. The romance is definitely an understated thread to the entire story, and rather deliciously done. The book is well-written, and the characters are vivid. All in all, a perfect escapist book with which to while away a few hours.
April 20, 2025
Very British. I had to stop and think what was being said. That is one of the reasons to read this story. A lot of. What? But it comes together nicely. A very close family trying to keep promises, even if the promises were t told to them as it affected their whole life.
July 5, 2025
Evasion
A quirky involved romantic triangle with a little bit of everything thrown in for good measure. horse racing, theft,intrigue,misunderstandings but as with all good tails everything comes to the right conclusion in the end
A quirky involved romantic triangle with a little bit of everything thrown in for good measure. horse racing, theft,intrigue,misunderstandings but as with all good tails everything comes to the right conclusion in the end
July 8, 2024
well done
A well written and quite believable story and family dynamics quite pertinent to today. Well worth anyone’s time and attention
A well written and quite believable story and family dynamics quite pertinent to today. Well worth anyone’s time and attention
June 28, 2025
Rather silly
I did finish it despite a poor story and grammatical errors and typos.
A light frivolous holiday read which neither informs or entrrtains.
I did finish it despite a poor story and grammatical errors and typos.
A light frivolous holiday read which neither informs or entrrtains.
July 31, 2025
The overall plot was interesting but for me, just my opinion, there was way too much superfluous detail and description, burying the story. I skipped many pages to get back to the plot.
September 15, 2025
Loved it! Well written, well crafted characters, humorous, believable. Terrific book!
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