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Lost Lords #1
Finding Lord Farlisle
From Award-Winning Australian author Cassandra Dean comes the first book in her eagerly anticipated new Regency romance series, Lost Lords.
The boy she never forgot
Lady Alexandra Torrence knows she's odd. Fascinated by spirits, she sets out to investigate rumours of a ghost at Waithe Hall, the haunt of her childhood. Its shuttered corridors stir her own ghosts: memories of the friend she’d lost. Maxim had been her childhood playmate, her kindred spirit, the boy she was beginning to love …but then he'd abandoned her, only to be lost at sea. She never expected to stumble upon a handsome and rough-hewn man who had made the Hall his home, a man she is shocked to discover is Maxim: alive, older...and with no memory of her.
The girl he finally remembers
Eleven years ago, a shipwreck robbed Lord Maxim Farlisle of his memory. Finally remembering himself, he journeys to his childhood home to find Waithe Hall shut and deserted. Unwilling to face what remains of his family, Maxim makes his home in the abandoned hall only to have a determined beauty invade his uneasy peace. This woman insists he remember her and slowly, he does. Once, he and Alexandra had been inseparable, beloved friends who were growing into something more…but the reasons he left still exist, and how can he offer her a broken man?
As the two rediscover their connection, the promise of young love burns into an overwhelming passion. But the time apart has scarred them both—will they discover a love that binds them together, or will the past tear them apart forever?
The boy she never forgot
Lady Alexandra Torrence knows she's odd. Fascinated by spirits, she sets out to investigate rumours of a ghost at Waithe Hall, the haunt of her childhood. Its shuttered corridors stir her own ghosts: memories of the friend she’d lost. Maxim had been her childhood playmate, her kindred spirit, the boy she was beginning to love …but then he'd abandoned her, only to be lost at sea. She never expected to stumble upon a handsome and rough-hewn man who had made the Hall his home, a man she is shocked to discover is Maxim: alive, older...and with no memory of her.
The girl he finally remembers
Eleven years ago, a shipwreck robbed Lord Maxim Farlisle of his memory. Finally remembering himself, he journeys to his childhood home to find Waithe Hall shut and deserted. Unwilling to face what remains of his family, Maxim makes his home in the abandoned hall only to have a determined beauty invade his uneasy peace. This woman insists he remember her and slowly, he does. Once, he and Alexandra had been inseparable, beloved friends who were growing into something more…but the reasons he left still exist, and how can he offer her a broken man?
As the two rediscover their connection, the promise of young love burns into an overwhelming passion. But the time apart has scarred them both—will they discover a love that binds them together, or will the past tear them apart forever?
ebook
First published November 27, 2018
About the author
Cassandra Dean
41 books193 followersCassandra Dean is an award-winning author of historical and fantasy romance. She grew up daydreaming, inventing fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures. Once she learned to read (First phrase – To the Beach. True story), she was never without a book, reading of other people’s fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures.
Cassandra is proud to call South Australia her home, where she regularly cheers on her AFL football team and creates her next tale.
Visit Cassandra’s website at http://cassandradean.com
Join Cassandra’s mailing list at http://cassandradean.com/extras/subsc...
Be sure to follow Cassandra on BookBub for the latest on sales: https://bit.ly/3rzSIpu
Follow Cassandra on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassandra... and on Twitter @authorCassDean
Contact Cassandra at cassandra@cassandradean.com
Cassandra is proud to call South Australia her home, where she regularly cheers on her AFL football team and creates her next tale.
Visit Cassandra’s website at http://cassandradean.com
Join Cassandra’s mailing list at http://cassandradean.com/extras/subsc...
Be sure to follow Cassandra on BookBub for the latest on sales: https://bit.ly/3rzSIpu
Follow Cassandra on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCassandra... and on Twitter @authorCassDean
Contact Cassandra at cassandra@cassandradean.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
December 16, 2024
Nice story about a missing Lord. Childhood friend reunite after 13 years. Alexandra has morned her friend Maxim , having been told he was lost at sea. Then she finds him alive hiding in his family mansion. They rekindle their friendship,
The epilogue jumps 16 years, with a story that was , what happened there 😱. Just wondering if there was a reason for it. (Future story) maybe 🤔
The epilogue jumps 16 years, with a story that was , what happened there 😱. Just wondering if there was a reason for it. (Future story) maybe 🤔
January 19, 2021
I really hate slamming writers, but what happened here? This book jumps to the epilogue without any time spend on the resolution, and you feel like you end up with half a book! I knew this was a novella going in, but I've read novellas before that were able to establish character, setting, and create a decent plot with a satisfying resolution. This book spends most of the time describing the characters' inner thoughts, then rushes to an abrupt end.
Spoilers ahead:
The story starts off with a decent idea and atmosphere, although both hero and heroine behave as if they're really modern-day 18 and 19 years old, not nineteenth-century 25 and 26. They're reunited after some head-scratching growliness by the hero (you would have thought he would have wanted to see someone from his past who could help him.). But you learn about what the H has been through: kicked out of Eton and a falling out with his father, a shipwreck, amnesia, laboring as a servant in America. Then you learn the challenges he's facing, namely that he is dyslexic and terrified of his brothers' reaction and fitting in with the Ton. The h vows to try to get him help and talks him into getting back in touch with his family.
Then-it's over??
Everything takes place over five days in the same location. I assumed this book would end with a cliffhanger, because nothing is really resolved, other than H/h having sex several times and talk of marriage. There's some nonsense involving a search for ghosts and missing keys, but that's really a MacGuffin. You're waiting to meet the other family members, see their reaction to H being alive, etc. But the epilogue jumps forward years!
Note to authors: please don't establish characters, give them a conflict to draw the reader in, and then not resolve the plot in any kind of manner other than a brief summary that takes place years later. I consider that a cheat.
Spoilers ahead:
The story starts off with a decent idea and atmosphere, although both hero and heroine behave as if they're really modern-day 18 and 19 years old, not nineteenth-century 25 and 26. They're reunited after some head-scratching growliness by the hero (you would have thought he would have wanted to see someone from his past who could help him.). But you learn about what the H has been through: kicked out of Eton and a falling out with his father, a shipwreck, amnesia, laboring as a servant in America. Then you learn the challenges he's facing, namely that he is dyslexic and terrified of his brothers' reaction and fitting in with the Ton. The h vows to try to get him help and talks him into getting back in touch with his family.
Then-it's over??
Everything takes place over five days in the same location. I assumed this book would end with a cliffhanger, because nothing is really resolved, other than H/h having sex several times and talk of marriage. There's some nonsense involving a search for ghosts and missing keys, but that's really a MacGuffin. You're waiting to meet the other family members, see their reaction to H being alive, etc. But the epilogue jumps forward years!
Note to authors: please don't establish characters, give them a conflict to draw the reader in, and then not resolve the plot in any kind of manner other than a brief summary that takes place years later. I consider that a cheat.
March 12, 2019
"The ghosts of Waithe Hall beckoned..."
Short, sweet, and sexy! Finding Lord Farlise was a delicious morsel of a book that I had a blast reading!
Lady Alexandra Torrence steals away to Waithe Hall after hearing reports of strange happenings at the abandoned manor. She is reluctant to be there since it was the home of her childhood friend who vanished 11 years ago, but she is on a quest to begin her new career as a ghost hunter. However, what she finds at the manor was not what she expected at all! What follows...well, you'll just have to read it and see.
Clocking in around 80 pages, Finding Lord Farlisle was a fabulous Historical Romance novella. I loved the banter between Maxim & Alexandra, and their romance was believable and sweet. Let's just take a moment to admire that name....Maxim...a most swoon-worthy name, I must say!
I am very excited for the next books in the series - Rescuing Lord Roxwaithe and Stealing Lord Stephen. Highly recommended!
Short, sweet, and sexy! Finding Lord Farlise was a delicious morsel of a book that I had a blast reading!
Lady Alexandra Torrence steals away to Waithe Hall after hearing reports of strange happenings at the abandoned manor. She is reluctant to be there since it was the home of her childhood friend who vanished 11 years ago, but she is on a quest to begin her new career as a ghost hunter. However, what she finds at the manor was not what she expected at all! What follows...well, you'll just have to read it and see.
Clocking in around 80 pages, Finding Lord Farlisle was a fabulous Historical Romance novella. I loved the banter between Maxim & Alexandra, and their romance was believable and sweet. Let's just take a moment to admire that name....Maxim...a most swoon-worthy name, I must say!
I am very excited for the next books in the series - Rescuing Lord Roxwaithe and Stealing Lord Stephen. Highly recommended!
March 23, 2022
Lady Alexandra has always been fascinated by ghosts. When she hears of something strange going on in their neighbor’s estate, she decides to investigate. But a big surprise is awaiting for her there, something that will change her entire life…
Lord Maxim has returned to his childhood home with a faulty memory and a secret to hide. And he doesn’t need a strange girl who claims she was once his best friend to intrude upon his desire for solitude…
Such a wonderful, sweet short novel! And by sweet I mean engaging, charming, heart-warming and not closed door, because there’s no lack of spicy scenes in this book and they are so very emotional, full of real love between the characters. Alexandra and Maxim are soul mates and the author made a wonderful job at describing their feelings for each other. As always, I was captivated by her writing and I regretted that this novel was so short! Look forward to reading the other books of the series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lord Maxim has returned to his childhood home with a faulty memory and a secret to hide. And he doesn’t need a strange girl who claims she was once his best friend to intrude upon his desire for solitude…
Such a wonderful, sweet short novel! And by sweet I mean engaging, charming, heart-warming and not closed door, because there’s no lack of spicy scenes in this book and they are so very emotional, full of real love between the characters. Alexandra and Maxim are soul mates and the author made a wonderful job at describing their feelings for each other. As always, I was captivated by her writing and I regretted that this novel was so short! Look forward to reading the other books of the series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 6, 2019
This is a new to me author and it was a lovely read. I enjoyed the chance for Maxim and Alexandra to find each other again and find their HEA. This was an interesting approach to finding a lost friend and love. I found Alexandra very intriguing, her independence and matter of fact way of dealing with her “investigation.” Maxim was charming and it was fun watching him rediscover his past and grab hold of a future he was not sure he deserved or was worthy of. Ms. Dean’s use of dyslexia to humble Maxim was well done and Alexandra’s acceptance of and decision to help him find someone to help him was delightful.
While we saw into the future with the epilogue, I hope the reunion is covered in coming stories. I am looking forward to the stories of Maxim’s brothers.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I rated this 3.5 stars and rounded up.
While we saw into the future with the epilogue, I hope the reunion is covered in coming stories. I am looking forward to the stories of Maxim’s brothers.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I rated this 3.5 stars and rounded up.
May 25, 2020
Regency with a Gothic Twist
While this takes place in the late Regency, it is certainly not a standard Regency romance. It starts with a Gothic feel, as our heroine lets herself into an abandoned neighboring estate hoping to do some paranormal research. She has had an interest in paraphysical phenomena, as it may have been called back then, and she has received word that there are strange goings-on here. She grew up next door, knowing the children very well including her best friend Maxim, who is her senior only by one year. The descriptions of her in the house definitely had a Gothic feel to them, which becomes even more so when her former best friend, believed to be dead for 11 years after his ship foundered, suddenly appears in the house alive though much changed, including his only partially intact memory.
The author does some very interesting things here. For instance, everything except for the epilogue is just what happens between the two characters, our hero and heroine. Other characters are mentioned, but we don't see anybody else until the epilogue. So this means that the rest of the story has to do with two main elements, these old friends getting to know each other again while more of his memory returns (and their rediscovered love for each other) and their attempt to figure out what might be going on with the strange things that the villagers have been seeing. This really puts the spotlight on the romance and how their feelings are towards each other are at different parts of the book. I liked that intense spotlight on the romance. All in all, I found this an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfantaticreviews.com
While this takes place in the late Regency, it is certainly not a standard Regency romance. It starts with a Gothic feel, as our heroine lets herself into an abandoned neighboring estate hoping to do some paranormal research. She has had an interest in paraphysical phenomena, as it may have been called back then, and she has received word that there are strange goings-on here. She grew up next door, knowing the children very well including her best friend Maxim, who is her senior only by one year. The descriptions of her in the house definitely had a Gothic feel to them, which becomes even more so when her former best friend, believed to be dead for 11 years after his ship foundered, suddenly appears in the house alive though much changed, including his only partially intact memory.
The author does some very interesting things here. For instance, everything except for the epilogue is just what happens between the two characters, our hero and heroine. Other characters are mentioned, but we don't see anybody else until the epilogue. So this means that the rest of the story has to do with two main elements, these old friends getting to know each other again while more of his memory returns (and their rediscovered love for each other) and their attempt to figure out what might be going on with the strange things that the villagers have been seeing. This really puts the spotlight on the romance and how their feelings are towards each other are at different parts of the book. I liked that intense spotlight on the romance. All in all, I found this an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfantaticreviews.com
February 3, 2022
Ok, I'm not sure where to go from here. It's like the author lost the plot and didn't know where to go. The story ended abruptly and then you had the epilogue. It's like several chapters had been ripped from the book. I actually did think that. A pity I did sort of enjoy reading it.
March 5, 2019
I love a short read when I have been reading some heavier material, so this novella really hit the spot. It was absolutely perfect, which is really hard to do when you are trying to fit a good story into about 90ish pages, but Cassandra Dean did just that.
Lady Alexandra is at Waithe Hall to investigate ghosts, only she found Maxim who was her childhood friend when she gets there. Maxim has lost his memory when he was shipwrecked.
As he spends time with Alexandra his memory starts to return. Maxim starts remembering her and he starts falling for Alexandra too.
First let me say, Maxim = 💕 . If I were the type of person to have book boyfriends, Maxim would definitely be it. He's very flawed. I'm guessing through some of the things alluded to in the story that Maxim is dyslexic. However dyslexia wasn't first recognized until 1896, which makes my heart break even more for Maxim.
Lady Alexandra is wonderful too. She's smart and quirky and its so obvious that this is really a friends to lovers story in the best way possible. I also love that Alexandra's friendship builds Maxim up.
I fell in love with this story instantly. It was short sweet and and just up my alley. This is a book you shouldn't pass up.
I can't wait to read more of Cassandra's stories.
Lady Alexandra is at Waithe Hall to investigate ghosts, only she found Maxim who was her childhood friend when she gets there. Maxim has lost his memory when he was shipwrecked.
As he spends time with Alexandra his memory starts to return. Maxim starts remembering her and he starts falling for Alexandra too.
First let me say, Maxim = 💕 . If I were the type of person to have book boyfriends, Maxim would definitely be it. He's very flawed. I'm guessing through some of the things alluded to in the story that Maxim is dyslexic. However dyslexia wasn't first recognized until 1896, which makes my heart break even more for Maxim.
Lady Alexandra is wonderful too. She's smart and quirky and its so obvious that this is really a friends to lovers story in the best way possible. I also love that Alexandra's friendship builds Maxim up.
I fell in love with this story instantly. It was short sweet and and just up my alley. This is a book you shouldn't pass up.
I can't wait to read more of Cassandra's stories.
June 28, 2020
4.25 STARS
This is my first novel by this author and I will be reading more of her work.
She starts the story about a lost love and you can feel in your soul the anguish at losing her friend at 14. It unravels perfectly when she discovers he is alive, but with little memory.
The H slowly starts to remember little by little and he can feel the connection. The romance builds slowly and when they make love (outside marriage), it is full of passion. Heat level 2.5 of 5 several times.
Three things left me wanting to know more. I wanted to read the reaction of the H's brother's when they discovered he is alive. Did they discover something to help him with his reading (dyslexia - though no name for it at this time)? What did they do for income - surely not her ghost hunting skills?
There is an epilogue that was 16 years in the future. I was nice, but wanted to know more. Other than that, this was a 5 star review, if it addressed what I already mentioned.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance, great banter and some spice. I received this free from Bookfunnel. I am voluntarily leaving a review and all opinions are my own. (ljb)
This is my first novel by this author and I will be reading more of her work.
She starts the story about a lost love and you can feel in your soul the anguish at losing her friend at 14. It unravels perfectly when she discovers he is alive, but with little memory.
The H slowly starts to remember little by little and he can feel the connection. The romance builds slowly and when they make love (outside marriage), it is full of passion. Heat level 2.5 of 5 several times.
Three things left me wanting to know more. I wanted to read the reaction of the H's brother's when they discovered he is alive. Did they discover something to help him with his reading (dyslexia - though no name for it at this time)? What did they do for income - surely not her ghost hunting skills?
There is an epilogue that was 16 years in the future. I was nice, but wanted to know more. Other than that, this was a 5 star review, if it addressed what I already mentioned.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance, great banter and some spice. I received this free from Bookfunnel. I am voluntarily leaving a review and all opinions are my own. (ljb)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2022
This book is one that I am on the roll that is awesome. I love this book. ti is really steamy and awesome. I love the characters a lot.
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.
October 10, 2019
Loved it! This is a feel good second chance romance. Predictable, but oh so sweet. The chemistry between these two was wonderful.
January 7, 2024
I really, really like Cassandra Dean's writing. I really, really like her curious, reckless, spunky heroines and her delicious, damaged, self-loathing heroes. Her stories are unusual and original. But too short! This should have been a banquet, but it felt more like a late-night snack.
February 27, 2019
Finding Lord Farlisle is the first book I have read by Cassandra Dean. I thought this historical romance was a great read. The vivid details and descriptions sent me back in time to nineteenth century England. The plot is intriguing with a few twists and turns. I never knew what would happen next.
I am giving Finding Lord Farlisle four and a half stars. I highly recommend it to other readers who enjoy historical romance. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future. Fabulous read!
I received this book from the author. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I am giving Finding Lord Farlisle four and a half stars. I highly recommend it to other readers who enjoy historical romance. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future. Fabulous read!
I received this book from the author. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
March 8, 2019
I love you! I know! - Review of Finding Lord Farlisle.
Lady Alexandra Torrence is a socialite who is deemed odd to the Ton. Alexandra has always been fascinated by ghosts. She and her best friend Lord Maxim Farlisle have chased these said ghosts since they were children. Lady Alexandra sadly lost Lord Maxim when he left to find his own life and ends up missing for ten years. On a stormy night, alone Alexandra takes it upon herself to investigate an old abandoned estate which she believes a ghost is haunting. The said ghost is a housekeeper who is still looking for her hidden keys to set her spirit free. Instead of a ghost, she finds her best friend from childhood Lord Maxim Farlisle. Only he is not the same young man Alexandra knew. He is a beaten down, tired and abused a grown man, who's lost his memory and barely remembers Alexandra. Alexandra reignites his memory and warms up to Alexandra. They return to ghost hunting as they did when they were children only to find they are now very sexually attracted to each other. Will they give to this attention? You will have to read this wonderful book to find out. I absolutely enjoyed this book. It was so simple and yet so engrossing. It kept my attention all the way through. I loved the writer's style. It read like a one-act play. It was so visual. The love scenes were described as sweet and tender and loving and not vulgar. The dialogue was sharp and very funny. I loved their banter and arguing. Maxim and Alexandra argued in the middle of making love. Lol. I laughed out loud while reading this book. My only complaint is it was much too short. Lol. I will definitely read more from this author and recommend this book greatly. I received this book as an ARC by Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
Lady Alexandra Torrence is a socialite who is deemed odd to the Ton. Alexandra has always been fascinated by ghosts. She and her best friend Lord Maxim Farlisle have chased these said ghosts since they were children. Lady Alexandra sadly lost Lord Maxim when he left to find his own life and ends up missing for ten years. On a stormy night, alone Alexandra takes it upon herself to investigate an old abandoned estate which she believes a ghost is haunting. The said ghost is a housekeeper who is still looking for her hidden keys to set her spirit free. Instead of a ghost, she finds her best friend from childhood Lord Maxim Farlisle. Only he is not the same young man Alexandra knew. He is a beaten down, tired and abused a grown man, who's lost his memory and barely remembers Alexandra. Alexandra reignites his memory and warms up to Alexandra. They return to ghost hunting as they did when they were children only to find they are now very sexually attracted to each other. Will they give to this attention? You will have to read this wonderful book to find out. I absolutely enjoyed this book. It was so simple and yet so engrossing. It kept my attention all the way through. I loved the writer's style. It read like a one-act play. It was so visual. The love scenes were described as sweet and tender and loving and not vulgar. The dialogue was sharp and very funny. I loved their banter and arguing. Maxim and Alexandra argued in the middle of making love. Lol. I laughed out loud while reading this book. My only complaint is it was much too short. Lol. I will definitely read more from this author and recommend this book greatly. I received this book as an ARC by Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2024
Utterly Delightful
Very romantic 💕 An intrepid ghost researcher returns to the closed home of childhood friends to investigate the reports of ghostly sightings. What, or more accurately WHO she finds is her childhood sweetheart returned from the dead.
As they rediscover each other & his memories clarify & return, so their love surfaces again.
Highly recommended
Very romantic 💕 An intrepid ghost researcher returns to the closed home of childhood friends to investigate the reports of ghostly sightings. What, or more accurately WHO she finds is her childhood sweetheart returned from the dead.
As they rediscover each other & his memories clarify & return, so their love surfaces again.
Highly recommended
February 9, 2019
What a beautiful well written second chance story. Lord Maxim Farlisle lost his memory in a shipwreck eleven years ago and has finally come home after remembering. But instead of letting what is left of his family know he has come back he lives in the deserted Waithe Hall his deserted family home. Lady Alexandra Torrence decides to investigate the estate imagine her surprise when she finds her childhood friend living there. I enjoyed reading the story between these two. I would recommend this book. I received a copy of this book through Reading Alley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
April 12, 2022
Lady Alexandra is today what we’d call a ghost hunter. In the absence of her neighbor at Waithe Hall, she decided to spend some time there to find the truth about mysterious lights that have been reported. It brings back so many memories of her youth spent there with her best friend Maxim, that she is believing he really is there. The pain is real. Maxim mysteriously left his home at the age of 15. Reports surfaced that he had died. Alexandra has mourned his loss for 10 years.
This is a story of how rash actions of immaturity can affect your life. Everyone makes mustakes, but Maxim ran off to America—then amnesia has him in its grip for 10 years. He remembers enough that he comes back home to Waith Hall.
I liked that Alexandra’s parents didn’t force her to marry and she was able to search for spirits and write articles. She is supportive of Maxim’s reading disability and he supports her choice of work.
I found it a little confusing that Maxim isn’t referred to at all as Lord Fairlisle in the book, therefore, I gave 4 stars . Also could have had more steam .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a story of how rash actions of immaturity can affect your life. Everyone makes mustakes, but Maxim ran off to America—then amnesia has him in its grip for 10 years. He remembers enough that he comes back home to Waith Hall.
I liked that Alexandra’s parents didn’t force her to marry and she was able to search for spirits and write articles. She is supportive of Maxim’s reading disability and he supports her choice of work.
I found it a little confusing that Maxim isn’t referred to at all as Lord Fairlisle in the book, therefore, I gave 4 stars . Also could have had more steam .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2020
I so enjoyed this delightful short story by Cassandra Dean!! When I had read the blurb and noticed the mention of ghosts and spirits, I couldn't resist getting this book because I've always had a fascination with ghost stories and such, just like Alexandra:)
When Alexandra goes to Waithe Hall to investigate rumors of a ghost, the last thing she expects is to find Maxim there.....the boy she had loved and thought dead the last 11 years. After a shipwreck accident, Maxim has been wandering around, having only some memories of his past. He does remember a golden haired girl and there she is, standing right in front of him! As memories return, the two of them grasp this second chance at love.
I really liked the way Alexandra handled Maxim's not being able to read or write properly (due to what we call Dyslexia today) and told him she'd get him some help with that. All these years he had felt "stupid" and "broken" because of it. Just another little part of the story:)
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
When Alexandra goes to Waithe Hall to investigate rumors of a ghost, the last thing she expects is to find Maxim there.....the boy she had loved and thought dead the last 11 years. After a shipwreck accident, Maxim has been wandering around, having only some memories of his past. He does remember a golden haired girl and there she is, standing right in front of him! As memories return, the two of them grasp this second chance at love.
I really liked the way Alexandra handled Maxim's not being able to read or write properly (due to what we call Dyslexia today) and told him she'd get him some help with that. All these years he had felt "stupid" and "broken" because of it. Just another little part of the story:)
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 28, 2021
SHE IS SEARCHING FOR A SET OF KEYS AND A GHOST
Alexandra 25 and is a spiritualist she investigates mysterious happenings.
There have been reports of some strange happening be at Waithe Hall ,this was the home of her childhood sweetheart who was killed at sea Maxim, she has he at forgotten him.
This is a good read an wonderful love story.
THE ONE THING I DID NOT ENJOY WAS THE EPILOGUE - FROM THE LAST PAGE OF THE BOOK the first PAGE OF THE EPILOGUE WAS THIRTEEN YEARS LATER WITH TWO 13YR OLD GIRLS CHARLOTTE AND HOLLY PLAYING CRICKET.
I wanted be there when Maxim met his brother's and how it all went when they went back so a ittle disappointed.
Alexandra 25 and is a spiritualist she investigates mysterious happenings.
There have been reports of some strange happening be at Waithe Hall ,this was the home of her childhood sweetheart who was killed at sea Maxim, she has he at forgotten him.
This is a good read an wonderful love story.
THE ONE THING I DID NOT ENJOY WAS THE EPILOGUE - FROM THE LAST PAGE OF THE BOOK the first PAGE OF THE EPILOGUE WAS THIRTEEN YEARS LATER WITH TWO 13YR OLD GIRLS CHARLOTTE AND HOLLY PLAYING CRICKET.
I wanted be there when Maxim met his brother's and how it all went when they went back so a ittle disappointed.
January 8, 2019
For so many years after a shipwreck he didn't remember anything. As it happens by the time he gets home his manor is shut down and deserted. But with nowhere else what do you do but move in. Along comes a girl you knew and had something with long years ago. But she is hunting ghosts. Some people are beyond curious. Can they rebuild what they had and more? I received a review copy and voluntarily review it.
September 18, 2021
So it's short. But like the length was appropriate for the pace and development. If the amnesia was played up more it would make for a nice, longer story. The h's job was a bit silly and seemed out of place for the time period. You don't quite get the passion and deep connection between the characters because of the length, but the relationship was extremely sweet!
January 12, 2021
Pointless story and the romance was blah
August 9, 2021
1.5 stars is all, really.
January 2, 2022
A nice enough story
May 7, 2022
This book has it's ups and downs, it was an enjoyable book to read and the characters were interesting.
January 22, 2019
As reviewed at TRR: https://www.theromancereviews.com/vie...
Lady Alexandra Torrence has always been considered a bit odd. Her current passion is writing articles about her investigations into psychic phenomena. She has heard rumors of ghostly lights in Waithe Hall, the estate next to hers, and she intends to see what she can find out. Though Waithe Hall is currently uninhabited, it’s the home of the Farlisles, close friends of her own family. Years ago, Maxim Farlisle, was her best friend and constant companion, until he went to sea and perished in a wreck. As Alexandra enters the home she knows as well as her own, she’s overwhelmed by memories of Maxim, and her grief at losing him hits her all over again, though eleven years have passed.
After a bitter altercation with his father, young Maxim left home in a temper. He went to sea, only to be victim of a wreck that left him without his memory. In the intervening years, he worked as a servant, then a sailor. Eventually pieces of his memory came back – he realized he belonged in England and began to work his way home. He actually spotted one of his brothers in London, but hesitated to contact him because of his confusion. Max decided to return to Waithe Hall, and hide out in the deserted home of his childhood.
When Alexandra encounters Maxim, she knows he’s not a ghost, but is indeed her long lost childhood friend, long presumed dead. She flings herself into his arms, only to coldly be told to leave the house, as he seems to not know who she is. While a nasty rainstorm prevents Alexandra from leaving, she begins to slowly ease her way into Maxim’s confidence, and soon he’s more at ease around her.
Over the course of the next several days, more memories come back to Maxim, good ones of Alexandra, as well as the painful ones of his father. FINDING LORD FARLISLE is a very short and sweet novella, which features the reconciliation of two childhood friends turning into a passionate love. Alexandra and Maxim can both be considered odd, or misfits, yet they fit each other perfectly. This charming romance can be read in about an hour, and features a happy glimpse into the future, via an epilogue, one of my very favorite things.
Lady Alexandra Torrence has always been considered a bit odd. Her current passion is writing articles about her investigations into psychic phenomena. She has heard rumors of ghostly lights in Waithe Hall, the estate next to hers, and she intends to see what she can find out. Though Waithe Hall is currently uninhabited, it’s the home of the Farlisles, close friends of her own family. Years ago, Maxim Farlisle, was her best friend and constant companion, until he went to sea and perished in a wreck. As Alexandra enters the home she knows as well as her own, she’s overwhelmed by memories of Maxim, and her grief at losing him hits her all over again, though eleven years have passed.
After a bitter altercation with his father, young Maxim left home in a temper. He went to sea, only to be victim of a wreck that left him without his memory. In the intervening years, he worked as a servant, then a sailor. Eventually pieces of his memory came back – he realized he belonged in England and began to work his way home. He actually spotted one of his brothers in London, but hesitated to contact him because of his confusion. Max decided to return to Waithe Hall, and hide out in the deserted home of his childhood.
When Alexandra encounters Maxim, she knows he’s not a ghost, but is indeed her long lost childhood friend, long presumed dead. She flings herself into his arms, only to coldly be told to leave the house, as he seems to not know who she is. While a nasty rainstorm prevents Alexandra from leaving, she begins to slowly ease her way into Maxim’s confidence, and soon he’s more at ease around her.
Over the course of the next several days, more memories come back to Maxim, good ones of Alexandra, as well as the painful ones of his father. FINDING LORD FARLISLE is a very short and sweet novella, which features the reconciliation of two childhood friends turning into a passionate love. Alexandra and Maxim can both be considered odd, or misfits, yet they fit each other perfectly. This charming romance can be read in about an hour, and features a happy glimpse into the future, via an epilogue, one of my very favorite things.
July 17, 2022
Award-winning author Cassandra Dean's Finding Lord Farlisle is a dramatic, emotional and passionate historical romance that stirs the senses and touches the heart.
Lady Alexandra Torrence is not like most other young women of her class. Rather than balls, gowns and parties, she has always been fascinated by spirits - which is why she is keen to investigate rumors of a ghost at her old childhood haunt, Waithe Hall. The corridors of the hall reverberate with memories for Alexandra of her childhood friend Maxim, the boy whom she had grown to love, but who had been tragically lost at sea. Alexandra believed Max to be dead - so she's flabbergasted when she finds out that he's very much alive, all grown up and living at the Hall!
A shipwreck had destroyed Lord Maxim Farlisle's life and robbed him of his memory eleven years ago. When his past had no longer been shrouded in mystery, Maxim had returned back to Waithe Hall and found his childhood home dark, desolate and abandoned. Unable to face his family, Maxim decides to keep the world at bay - until a beautiful young woman invades his space. A beautiful young woman whom he remembers having started to fall in love with eleven years ago - Alexandra!
With fate having thrown the two of them together again, long-buried feelings quickly resurface for Alexandra and Maxim. Will they find the courage to take a chance on love? Or will the pain they suffered in their pasts condemn them to a lonely future?
I've never read Cassandra Dean's books before, but after enjoying Finding Lord Farlisle, I certainly intend to remedy that. A poignant and compelling historical romance about love lost and found, facing up to old ghosts and healing from the past, Finding Lord Farlisle is an engaging historical romance readers will love.
Alexandra and Maxim's love story tugs at the heartstrings and readers will be hooked from start to finish.
Cassandra Dean is a very gifted writer of historical romance and readers will not want to miss Finding Lord Farlisle.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lady Alexandra Torrence is not like most other young women of her class. Rather than balls, gowns and parties, she has always been fascinated by spirits - which is why she is keen to investigate rumors of a ghost at her old childhood haunt, Waithe Hall. The corridors of the hall reverberate with memories for Alexandra of her childhood friend Maxim, the boy whom she had grown to love, but who had been tragically lost at sea. Alexandra believed Max to be dead - so she's flabbergasted when she finds out that he's very much alive, all grown up and living at the Hall!
A shipwreck had destroyed Lord Maxim Farlisle's life and robbed him of his memory eleven years ago. When his past had no longer been shrouded in mystery, Maxim had returned back to Waithe Hall and found his childhood home dark, desolate and abandoned. Unable to face his family, Maxim decides to keep the world at bay - until a beautiful young woman invades his space. A beautiful young woman whom he remembers having started to fall in love with eleven years ago - Alexandra!
With fate having thrown the two of them together again, long-buried feelings quickly resurface for Alexandra and Maxim. Will they find the courage to take a chance on love? Or will the pain they suffered in their pasts condemn them to a lonely future?
I've never read Cassandra Dean's books before, but after enjoying Finding Lord Farlisle, I certainly intend to remedy that. A poignant and compelling historical romance about love lost and found, facing up to old ghosts and healing from the past, Finding Lord Farlisle is an engaging historical romance readers will love.
Alexandra and Maxim's love story tugs at the heartstrings and readers will be hooked from start to finish.
Cassandra Dean is a very gifted writer of historical romance and readers will not want to miss Finding Lord Farlisle.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2023
Immediately as I sit to write my review the lyrics to "Everlasting Love" pop into my head. I'll spare you the lyrics. In a sense, the song encapsulates Max and Alexandra's love story. In my humble opinion, I consider this a novella due to the length of the book. I think this would be a 5 star novel if the story was a little longer. There are quite a few things that occur off-screen either as part of the backstory or alluded to have occurred off-screen and in the conclusion. I understand this is a series so perhaps more will be revealed about the couple in the upcoming novels.
Interestingly, the couple never leave the manor nor do they interact with others (the epilogue is told from a different perspective). The romantic relationship develops quickly. Personality wise, I liked Max but had a hard time relating to Alexandra. She had her moments but isn't my favorite historical romance heroine nor is she the worst.
Overall, I enjoyed the novella. If you are wondering how steamy - I'd rate it a 2 - 2 1/2. The couple does "get it on" as our chum Al Green would say but are not explicitly detailed (there is some detail otherwise it would be off-screen).
I look forward to reading the rest of the series and went ahead and purchased the next book. I recommend Finding Lord Farlisle to anyone looking for a light historical romance with a lovely duo wandering about a manor, find-and-seek, and an HEA because "real love lasts forever." Sorry, I couldn't resist.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Interestingly, the couple never leave the manor nor do they interact with others (the epilogue is told from a different perspective). The romantic relationship develops quickly. Personality wise, I liked Max but had a hard time relating to Alexandra. She had her moments but isn't my favorite historical romance heroine nor is she the worst.
Overall, I enjoyed the novella. If you are wondering how steamy - I'd rate it a 2 - 2 1/2. The couple does "get it on" as our chum Al Green would say but are not explicitly detailed (there is some detail otherwise it would be off-screen).
I look forward to reading the rest of the series and went ahead and purchased the next book. I recommend Finding Lord Farlisle to anyone looking for a light historical romance with a lovely duo wandering about a manor, find-and-seek, and an HEA because "real love lasts forever." Sorry, I couldn't resist.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2023
This tale is about Lady Alexandra, eldest daughter of a marquess, and Lord Maxim, third son of an earl. Growing up on neighbouring estates, they had always been best friends. One day Maxim, aged 15, takes off after a fight with his father. And when the news reaches both families the ship he was on, was lost at sea, they assume him dead. She’d grieved her friend, but the memories never faded. She missed him terribly and his ghost stayed with her over the years.
Eleven years go by and Alexandra, still unmarried at 25 and fascinated by spirits and ghosts, returns to Northumberland to investigate strange sightings on her neighbours country estate. To her amazement and great joy the ghost that finds her in the shuttered and abandoned hall, is none other than her long lost friend. Only he doesn’t seem to remember her.
Stuck together in his home due to the pouring rain, they go on a quest to resolve the mystery of an old tale the stablemaster told them when they were little. Along the way they discover more than only his long lost memory…
📚 This novella was a fun and quick read. I loved the way Alexandra was determined not to allow the holes in Maxim’s memory and his grumpy disposition to interfere with their reunion. She patiently stands by her friend who has become a rather handsome and impressive man, and helps trigger his memory. Even after all these years their souls were still connected, and it was lovely to see this connection develop into a beautiful and steamy romance.
I’m very much looking forward to reading the next books in this series!
Eleven years go by and Alexandra, still unmarried at 25 and fascinated by spirits and ghosts, returns to Northumberland to investigate strange sightings on her neighbours country estate. To her amazement and great joy the ghost that finds her in the shuttered and abandoned hall, is none other than her long lost friend. Only he doesn’t seem to remember her.
Stuck together in his home due to the pouring rain, they go on a quest to resolve the mystery of an old tale the stablemaster told them when they were little. Along the way they discover more than only his long lost memory…
📚 This novella was a fun and quick read. I loved the way Alexandra was determined not to allow the holes in Maxim’s memory and his grumpy disposition to interfere with their reunion. She patiently stands by her friend who has become a rather handsome and impressive man, and helps trigger his memory. Even after all these years their souls were still connected, and it was lovely to see this connection develop into a beautiful and steamy romance.
I’m very much looking forward to reading the next books in this series!
January 11, 2019
There are a few twists but the author explains it all. I am lucky to have been given this to read. It was definitely worth the time.I really enjoyed this but it was to short. She went to Waithe Hall to do some ghost investigations. The house had been deserted and holland covers covered everything. Lady Alexandra Torrence had loved without reservation and missed him even more. She was looking into the tale that Timmons, the groom had told them. There was housekeeper that had lost her keys and had caused a massacre. As she started her investigation of the rooms first, there was a loud bang and she jumped. When she went into the library the chair was uncovered, recent ashes in the fireplace and a stack of books on a chair, it was making her uneasy. The library door was thrown open and banged into the wall behind it. She almost screamed. She kept looking in the shadows of the door and a man was standing there. Maxim, she yelled, all thought him dead.
The characters were so realistic seeming but were well developed. The book was interesting, well thought out and easy to read. There are a few twists but the author explains it all. I am lucky to have been given this to read. It was definitely worth the time. I really enjoyed this but it was to short.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
The characters were so realistic seeming but were well developed. The book was interesting, well thought out and easy to read. There are a few twists but the author explains it all. I am lucky to have been given this to read. It was definitely worth the time. I really enjoyed this but it was to short.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
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