Lady Lorena Cullip is the definition in Mr. Samuel Johnson's English Dictionary for the word: curious.
.
One might also find her name under 1- scandalous 2- disastrous, 3- slightly mad.
.
But the latest rumors about the lady have all of London holding their breaths.
She's begun a Spinster's Society.
.
Who'd have ever thought the daughter of a duke could have so much fun?
. In Lorena's opinion, no one is more attractive than Emmett Starr, the Earl of Ashwick. She's been in love with him for years but mishaps always occur whenever they are in the vicinity of one another for too long.
Like that small incident when she burned his London townhouse to the ground... But that doesn't stop the earl from wanting her now more than ever, and he intends to have her.
If one looked up Ashwick in Mr. Johnson's dictionary, they'd find: arrogant, aggressive, authoritative, and ... after Lorena gives her body and soul over to the temptation of all that is him... addictive.
Suddenly, being a spinster doesn't hold any of its previous appeal. In fact, Lorena barely remember her name, much less what her society is actually called.
But what will a life with the earl mean for the future of her new club? Perhaps, it's time for Mr. Johnson to give 'spinster' a new meaning...
A lovely, entertaining book by a new-to-me author. I actually believe she is a fairly new author as well and you can see that in the polish and flow of the book and some of the societal norms she missed for the time period. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
The main characters are like pyrotechnics – every time they are in the vicinity of one another some disaster or another happens and the sparks fly. Yes, disasters from the mundane falling flat to burning an entire townhouse down. There are no dull times when these two are around.
I believe this will be part of a series, and I’m not clear what the series will be about – I assume that it will include either the Spinster’s Society ladies or the group of ten gentlemen known as the Men of Nashwood. Nashwood was a tavern, close to Oxford, that the young men had more or less taken over when they moved to Oxford to complete their education.
Emmett Starr is the Earl of Ashwick and a member of the Men of Nashwood. His early life was a very sad one. Both parents were cold and uncaring and his mother even actively disliked him. No reason for it – it was just who they were. So, when he became a member of the Men of Nashwood, it became his family. He felt especially welcomed and at home when he visited the family of Francis Cullip, heir to the Duke of Valdeston. They were a warm and loving family who welcomed Emmett with open arms. The very first time Emmett saw the daughter of the house, he was totally besotted and from that point on, in his mind she belonged to him.
Lady Lorena Cullip was raised in a warm and loving home – though it was nearly penniless. She was a sweet and caring young lady who always wanted to make others feel safe and comfortable and she was very gifted at doing that. She was also very curious and mischievous. Around Emmett, she seems to trip over her own feet – she burns him with coffee, sticks him with a toga pin and – oh yes – she burns his house down.
I won’t give you a twist-by-turn description of the book because you can get that from the book blurb. I will tell you that I did enjoy the story itself, but if you are a historical fan, some of the details will make you cringe. For instance – Lorena is living alone in her own townhouse (she’s maybe 19-20 years old) with no chaperone or even any servants. That just isn’t done.
"I requested and received this 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."
"Lady Lorena’s Spinster’s Society" by Charlotte Stone is the first novel in " The Spinster’s Society Series". Lady Lorena is in the process of ending her year of mourning after her parents' death when she is invited to a party at Emmett Starr, the Earl of Ashwick's townhouse. Not only does she feel conflicted about going, but she is hopelessly attracted to him and when ever they are together disaster always strikes. This time is no exception. Events are set into motion and end with Lady Lorena being blamed for burning down his townhouse. Determined to make things right and to not have to owe Ashwick anything Lady Lorena and her friends set out to find the person who actually burnt down his house. Overall, I enjoyed reading this novel. However, I wish that I waited until there were more books to read in this series. I hope that there is a novel for each of Lorena's brother's friends because they all sound like they need to find their special spinster lady.
This is the first book I read by Charlotte stone, I thought it was so funny had me laughing out loud. I love the romance between Lady Lorena and Lord Ashwick such a cute story 5 stars for me.
Lady Lorena Cullip is the definition in Mr. Samuel Johnson's English Dictionary for the word: curious.
One might also find her name under 1.scandalous
2.disastrous,
3.slightly mad
But the latest rumors about the lady have all of London holding their breaths.
She's begun a Spinster's Society.
Who'd have ever thought the daughter of a duke could have so much fun?
In Lorena's opinion, no one is more attractive than Emmett Starr, the Earl of Ashwick. She's been in love with him for years but mishaps always occur whenever they are in the vicinity of one another for too long.
Like that small incident when she burned his London townhouse to the ground... But that doesn't stop the earl from wanting her now more than ever, and he intends to have her.
If one looked up Ashwick in Mr. Johnson's dictionary, they'd find:
1.arrogant,
2.aggressive,
3.authoritative,
4.and ... after Lorena gives her body and soul over to the temptation of all that is him... addictive.
Suddenly, being a spinster doesn't hold any of its previous appeal. In fact, Lorena barely remember her name, much less what her society is actually called.
But what will a life with the earl mean for the future of her new club? Perhaps, it's time for Mr. Johnson to give 'spinster' a new meaning...
My Thoughts:
Wow!
This is a great beginning to a new series and although only mildly sensual or sexual in nature it is without a doubt one of the best I have read by this author.
I have come to expect a sweet/clean regency romance from this author and any of her pseudonyms. Although warned in advance, in case it was not to my taste it has a surprisingly sensual nature and is comical at the most unlikely times.
O.K., so she burned his London Townhouse to the ground.
But that doesn't stop him from wanting her. With no London home now, Emmett simply moves in next door to her staying with her brother, the Duke.
With every mishap and occurrence the man only seems to want her more. Lorena has loved and wanted Emmett for what seems like forever but decided a long time ago that it simply was not meant to be.
Can this seemingly jinxed couple come together as they are obviously meant to be?
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3.25 of 5.0 flames.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title from the author to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily
Couldnt put it down!! Absolutely one of the best books I've read lately. I honestly have to say this was the type of book I've been hoping to find. Its fun and entertaining. It caught my attention from the start. Lady Lorena and the Earl of Ashwick, Emmett Starr. A match made in friendship. Lady Lorena is surrounded by her brother, Francis' friends who are all known as the most handsome group of men around, the Nashwood Brothers. Her brother's friend, Ashwick has definately caught her attention. We all love a good story about a spinster but Charlotte Stone is bringing us a Spinsters' Society. We have many wonderful books to look forward to between the Spinsters' Society and the Nashwood Brothers. I for one can not wait.
This is a hard book to review. The entire time I was reading it I kept saying "This is ridiculous!" to myself. But I kept reading it, and I finished it. Take from that what you will.
Honestly, this is actually a fun, light and charming regency romance story. It's filled with characters who will alternately infuriate you and charm you, and there are some clever twists and turns added to the plot that make this a bit more than just scenes on the way to the HEA.
I was annoyed by all the men in this book trying to order the women around, but then I reminded myself that the era they all lived in was one where that was the norm. You can't fault the characters for doing exactly what everything in their world tells them is not only their right, but actually their responsibility when it came to women. At least the annoyance was offset a bit because none of the women in this book pay the least attention to any of the dictates the men give them, and THAT was tremendously FUN, especially as the women get themselves into some hilarious scrapes along the way.
Like I said at the beginning this is a romance story, and as long as you go into it understanding what you're getting, and like this genre, this is a fun book to read. It would be perfect for a beach or cottage read, or a rainy Sunday lying on the couch. I enjoyed this and might even pick up others in this series. Particularly Sophia and Maura are characters whose stories I'd enjoy learning more about.
Lady Lorena’s Spinster’s Society ( The Spinster’s Society) (A Regency Romance Book) by Charlotte Stone is a delightful Regency Romance. A great beginning to a new, promising and entertaining series.
Emmett Starr, the Earl of Ashwick whose a member of the Men of Nashwood Club. Lady Lorena Cullip is curious, scandalous and very disastrous to one's health and valuables. With all that said, she is fun, a temptress, and has an honestly about her that draws you to her and her antics. It especially seems whenever she's around Emmett, diaster is sure to follow. A fun story, very entertaining, but loving, and dangerous. The hero and heroine have a chemistry that soon sparks into a passionate love, if they can survive long enough.
Well written with an engaging and entertaining cast of characters. The plot moves rather quickly, flows seamlessly and effortlessly.
I found this story to be fun, while, reminding readers love is acceptance, forgiveness, seeing ones imperfections and still loving them, that beauty is from within and the power of undeniable love. Emmett loved Lorena undeniably, passionately and with all their imperfections, they may just find a HEA. I loved Emmett and Lorena's story. A perfect beginning to a new story. I enjoy Charlotte Stone's characterizations, her details, and how she weaves Regency Romance into more than a fairytale. If you're looking for a fun, but entertaining Regency read, this is definitely the one. Be aware, while most of her stories are clean this one has some mild sensuality and some violence. Another powerful read by Charlotte Stone!
Lady Lorena's Spinter's Society is a book about true love and how it never fails. The love story between Emmett and Lorena is endearing, steamy, but endearing nonetheless.
Lady Lorena Cullip ventures out in society, after a long break, because she is invited to attend the party of the man she has always loved, Emmett Starr, the Earl of Ashwick. Unfortunately while she is there, she spies a man robbing Emmett. She chases the robber and as he flees he knocks over a candle and Emmett's townhouse burns down. Emmett is used to Lorena's curiosity and the unfortunate results of it. The two have had mishaps every time they are together dating back to their teenage years. Emmett has been smitten with Lorena since he first saw her and he intends to make Lorena his wife. But the scandal of Lorena burning down Emmett's home only makes her feel as if society is looking down upon her. Especially Emmett's mother.
Lorena is convinced she is going to become a spinster so she and three of her friends form a club called the Spinster's Society. It is made up of other women who like Lorena, who have had trouble with the opposite sex. But Lorena's trouble with the opposite sex is about to come to an end. When she and Emmett begin a physical relationship, Lorena is hooked. Emmett proposes but Lorena has yet to say yes because she feels she must catch the culprit that robbed his home. When Emmett's friends find out Lorena is going to become a spinster, Emmett suddenly has competition to win her hand.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading many more books by Charlotte Stone. I really liked the characters and the underlying truth that true love endures.
This is the first regency romance book that I have ever read. I usually read mysteries and thrillers. With that being said, I enjoyed this book very much. Despite a few minor editing issues, the author weaves a captivating tale that flows well.
Miss Lorena has been in love with the Earl of Ashwick since her debut, which ended in disaster. Since then, their meetings always seem to find one disaster after another. But, their attraction for each other cannot be denied.
When her parents die, Lorena and her brother Francis, have lost much of their family wealth, due largely in part to their father's poor financial skills. The siblings live next door from each other with limited furniture or belongings. A year after their parents death, Ashwick returns to seek out Lorena, and to help his friend, Francis, if he'll allow. Lorena believes that Ashwick's intentions are simply those seeking payment, since it appears that she burned down his house during a previous meeting. Lorena has no idea the depths of Ashwick's attraction to her...
This is definitely for a mature audience. I was asked to read this title by the author for purposes of review.
On how I loved this story and can't wait for the next in the series. Last Lorena truly won my heart. I loved that are was not perfect but Emmet thought her to just do for him only. It was truly amazing they did not "kill" each other what with all the mishaps that happened to them. The story had me going through so many emotions and best of all was the laughter that came through. The friendship in the story was just amazing as well as the other characters in the story. I whole heartedly recommend this story as it leaves you wanting more. The Nashwood "Brothers" are just the most amazing men to be introduced, kind of like the Cynister men in Stephanie Laurent's series. Charlotte Stone has truly out done herself with this new series.
I adored this book in a new series about The Spinster's Society. Lady Lorena is beautiful, adorable and well loved by family and friends. Ashwick is arrogant and has never known the love of a family until he meets the Men of Nashwood. Complete opposites, there is a disaster every time they meet. Fate and love sometimes has a way of changing the course of two people. Lorena is protected by her brother and the Men of Nashwood. They are all handsome and charming and would do most anything to ensure Lorena's happiness. Many times during the book they made me laugh with their antics. All of the characters in this book are delightful. The storyline is fascinating with mystery, passion, love, charm and innovation. As with all of Ms. Stone's books, once I started, I found that I could not put it down until The End. With the numerous characters, I am hopeful that this series continues for a long time. There are many stories to tell!
It seems every time Lady Lorena is near the Earl of Ashwick disaster happens!! When Lorena is invited to a ball at his home she never imagined that she would be chasing a thief. When the thief adsconded out the window he knocked over a candelabra that burns down the Earls house. Lorena is devistated and desides she will never marry and starts the Spinster Society with her friend Genie and Cousin. Lord Ashwick is not hearing any of this and is determined to marry the woman he loves!! Lorena is determined to find the culprit to clear her name but doesn't realize what kind of danger she can put herself in. A wonderful, funny, passion filled book!! A home run by the author.
A young Lady who is loved by her brother's friends from school. One man in particular caught her interest right away but she always seemed to make a fool of herself whenever he is near. As a result she feels she will never marry and along with some friends founds a group of spinsters.
This was a fun, well-written Regency Romance. Lady Lorena Cullip has known the Earl of Ashwick for years, as he is a close friend of her brother's. Sparks fly between them, but disasters occur whenever they are around each other. After the latest catastrophe Lady Lorena declares she will never marry and now she is the lead member of a Spinster's Society. The Earl has very different plans and decides it's time Lady Lorena learns the truth. I really enjoyed this story. It was fast-paced and the main characters were realistic. I look forward to reading other books by this author.
This is my first Charlotte Stone book and she didn't disappoint me. Her book about Lady Loretta and the Earl of Ashwood is filled with love, laugher, drama and suspense. Loretta and her friends form a spinster society since they think they won't get married. She has been in love with Emmett since her brother brought him home from college but something always gets in the way to their romance. The Earl and his friends have formed a group called the Men of Nashwood because they don't want to get married, add a quirky butler, a missing treasure, and you have a great read.
I finished reading Lady Lorena's Spinster Society this weekend. This is a new to me author and I really couldn't be happier to have found her. The pace of the book picked up almost immediately drawing you into Lady Lorena's world. The romantic pull between the H/H is such that you can feel it right off the bat. Character development was good with some very unique and fun individuals. I cannot wait to read the next spinster in the society!
If you haven't read Charlotte Stone yet, you might want to start with this new series. It almost seems like the two main characters were not meant to be...with one disaster after another...but you never know what love can fix. Each character has an unique strength....looking forward to the next stories!
This is a new series from one of my favorite writer! I have great hopes for a lot of books from this author! Emmett and Lorena are the beginning, goodness what a couple! HOT! The women in the Spinster's Society and the Nashwood Brothers are in for good times and great stories!
Lady Lorena Cullip and Emmett Starr, the Earl of Ashwick are a match made in disaster! Though they find themselves in more than one awkward situation there is no denying the chemistry between these two characters!
Lorena knows instantly that Ashwick is the only man for her, but time and pain intrudes and blinds her faith that he could feel the same.
While she mourns the loss of her parents Ashwick waits patiently. She owes him after all!
Lady Lorena’s Spinster Society is packed full of friendships, both within the Men of Nashwood’s circle and the Spinsters, steamy romance and just the right amount of mystery. Ms. Stone has created a written world that draws you in and holds your attention until the very last sentence. This is only the first book in a series that I cannot wait to read – already I am guessing as to which couple will find love next; which Spinster will capture the heart of a Nashwood man?
This is definitely not your typical historical romance; it is much more fun!
Sparks fly, literally! I mean, she burns the house down! Two people who can't be near each other without a disaster occurring, but can't live without each other. She's determined not to marry, he's determined to marry her. What else could go wrong. Read the book and find out. A fun, Regency romance!
I just want to start off by saying that I really wanted to enjoy this book. I am intrigued by the idea of a group of women who have seemingly decided to swear off marriage in a period when marriage was often the end all/be all of women.
The concept was not done justice. The eponymous society isn’t even formed until half way through the book. But that is not the problem I have with the book. I thought it had a hard time grasping onto the concept that it was a Georgian/Regency romance. I do not think that every historical romance writer needs to know the most minute detail about the time period in which it is set (which the cover artist clearly missed and the women on the cover had quite a nice blowout that would not be fashionable for at least another two centuries). There were very strict standards for propriety and they are all but thrown out the window. For example Ashwick kisses Lorena on the throat in full view of a room full of people which also includes her brother.
Also for most of the first third of the book I was very confused about the time line. It seemed to randomly jump back and forth in time. And honestly there were so many different characters that it was difficult to keep track of. I really wanted to enjoy this books but just couldn’t quite get into it. Sorry
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
...from the waking nightmare of our daily lives, as we watch the U.S. being destroyed by a third grade bully. But this book was so poorly written, I kept having to go back to figure out what the author was trying to say. When the Aunt enters the story, all of a sudden the main character's name changes. Who is Laura? Also, it's just badly written. If that seems harsh, too bad. This should have been edited by a professional. It's written in an American voice and not a very bright one. It makes me angry when I see something so obviously raw go to print. It could have been polished into something worth reading, not this is why romance novels get disparaged as a genre
This was an amazing book. It will make you laugh, smile, mad and cry. This is a new author for me and the first book I read by her and I could not put the book down. I love the way the book flowed in her writing.
Lorena and Emmett story was full of love, they meet at a house party given my her brother every summer, when she was young and every time they were together something would happen but he fell in love with her on first site and at one of the last party he was going fishing with her brother and other friends from school and Emmett when looking for a pie and Lorena wouldn't let him take it because it was for dinner they made a bet he would leave the pie for a kiss but he would choose where he kissed her.
As the story starts and the relationship grows he always tells her to kiss him, she had forgotten about the bet and assumes he is asking for permission to take over but he is saving that kiss.
As she has come out of morning from her parents death things start to change, her Aunt and cousin move in for a long stay, she goes to a party at Emmetts house with her best friend and while admiring the art work and to avoid him they see someone steel from him and they follow him and as he escapes he knocks over a candle and the house burns down and they all believe Lorena was a fault.
Emmett had to rescue her from the fire and once he sets her down he tells her you owe me and walks away to deal with the fire and she thinks she owes him because of the fire and she sets out with her friends with who she started the spinster society there first business is to catch the real thief so she can marry her true love with nothing hanging over her head. this is where the adventure begins and the item stolen was a gift from Lorena.............
Lorena us determined she will never marry as her father left her without a dowry. Her brother lives in the Valdeston Townhouse, with Windows boarded, little to no furniture, no servants. She has secretly loved Ashwick for years. Ashwick has secretly loved her in return, but it seems a catastrophe occurs whenever they are together. I loved this book as well as all the men of Nashwood. The downside was some editing errors, some pronoun words out of context. Using she when talking about a man was too obvious a mistake. A few sentences didn't make sense. Overall, I enjoyed this story & the humor in the book!!
When I first chose to read this book I did so because of the title which intrigued me, but this story totally blew me away. It is so cleverly written and the words to describe it that come to mind immediately are mischief, adventure, good guys who would do anything for Lorena and of course there have to be some bad guys too and lets not forget the absolutely horrid mother/mother-in-law. Most important would be the love and romance brewing between Lady Lorena and the Earl of Ashwick. I totally loved this story and am thrilled to learn that it is part of a series. Well done Charlotte Stone and thank you for this uplifting and entertaining story. You have a new fan!
This is the first in a series of ten (?) related novels dealing with the Spinster's Society and the men of Nashwood. Today (5/4/18) I completed my fourth reading of this novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and look forward to reading the rest of the series as they come out. The chatacters are well developed and the plot moves right along giving small hints to what is coming in future installments. (I cannot wait for Julian's story to unfold, as he is the one that intrigues me most.) The 0nly drawback is the lack of final editing ( my personal pet peeve) which detracts from the flow of story.`
Loved this story and am hoping Ms. Stone continues this series. Starting a Spinster society and throwing in a handsome powerful group of men of a brotherhood is different than most romance stories I have read. Lorena is fearless and stands up for herself. A great character trait in a heroine. Emmett Star is an unusual name for this time period. His character was powerful and dominant from the start but in good ways. Loved all the supporting characters and highly recommend this book as a quick fun read.
This author has a lot of potential, but desperately needs an editor.
So the biggest problem with this story is the lack of a central conflict. The plot meanders from one little vignette to another without anything really tying together. They both start the story in love with each other, so there is no obstacle there.
I also thought the heroine was inconsistent. Her personality seemed to change with every scene.
Finally, there was some bad female anatomy. The hymen is at the entrance of the vagina.
I loved this book so much! Glad I found this wonderful new author. This was a book I couldn't put down and didn't want it to end, it was that good.
The hero and heroine of the story are just so amazing together and separately. I fell in love with all the recurring characters too(except for Ashwick's awful mother & cousin) and can't wait to read more of this series.