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Haverston Family #1

by Alissa Johnson

Лорд Гидиън Хаверстън иска да оправи неправдите, причинени от неговото семейство. Затова, когато обещава на младата Уинифред Блайт парите, които мащехата му не ѝ е изпращала през годините, той очаква да бъде посрещнат като герой. Но ситуацията се оказва много по-сложна, отколкото Гидиън очаква, а задачата да опитоми недоверчивата Уинифред – много по-примамлива.


"Тази любовна история, разказана с чувство за хумор, е съкровище, което ще задоволи онези копнежи за сладка и гореща любовна история с много романтика."
Romantic Times

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Historical Fiction, Adult, Regency Romance

240 pages, Paperback

First published June 7, 2011

About the author

Alissa Johnson lives in the rolling hills of the Ozarks, where she is hard at work on her next romance.

Reviews

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was perfect for me. Seriously, perfect. I loved everything about it from the charming writing to the delightful characters. It was dead on for my mood and was much appreciated after my predominantly mediocre book luck in May.

The hero, Gideon, was such a doll. He had some issues from the past, but he didn’t let that ruin his whole personality. He’s cheerful and funny and gets enjoyment from making other people laugh. He’s drawn to Winnefred, but he isn’t the kind of guy to take something he doesn’t think he can keep. He tries very hard to be a good boy with her and I had nothing but respect for him. We still felt the tension between them, and we got to see Winnefred’s confusion and Gideon’s difficulty with his decision, but how can I not love a guy that thinks about what’s best for everyone in the situation, not just himself?

Winnefred is just as awesome as Gideon. She has fears and insecurities from her past that try to take over if given half the chance, but she is a strong character and doesn’t let them get the best of her. She may draw into herself after being hurt—and I love the way the author describes Winnefred in some scenes where she’s trying to get Gideon to open up about what’s troubling him—but she never runs. She’s willing to put her own heartache aside to help those that she considers a friend.

When these two come together it is absolutely delightful. They become honest to goodness friends and while they’re both attracted to each other, they don’t let that get in the way of their enjoyment in being friends. There is nothing I love more than great dialogue and a genuine friendship between the hero and heroine.

"What you are, Winnefred," he told her with a grin, "is seasick."

If he'd told her she was the Queen of Sheba, she wouldn't have been more shocked. She gaped at him, absolutely speechless.

"Who'd have thought?" Gideon reached for her slice of cheese and ate it whole. "Our Winnefred has a delicate constitution."

She found her voice again. "Delicate."

"As the petals of an orchid," he crooned poetically and--in her opinion--stupidly. "As a single snowflake in spring."

Something like a laugh escaped her throat. "Snowflake."

"Precisely." He took a bite of bread. "The ton's chaises will certainly be put to good use this season. Lilly's explained how to execute a proper swoon, I hope? Because it won't do for you to go flipping over the backs of furniture haphazardly. There's an art to it--"

"I have never swooned in my life." Though it had been a near thing only a few moments ago.

"Looked to me as if it were a near thing only--"

"Have we anything besides watered beer?" she asked quickly.

How could I not be charmed by that?

The attraction between them is lower key than a lot of the HRs out there today, but I felt the tension throughout and was very pleased that the author never rushed that connection. By the time they came together I was absolutely convinced that they were completely gone for each other. They had come to fit so well that I had no doubts about the strength of their feelings and the longevity of their relationship.

In addition to Winnefred and Gideon’s romance, we also got a brief secondary romance. I was expecting them to be built into a story of their own, so I was pretty surprised to see their arc wrapped up in this book. I thought their connection was sweet and that their storyline never took away from the main romance. I really wouldn’t have minded a closer look at their second chance romance, but I also wasn’t disappointed that we didn’t. I guess the author struck a nice balance there.

Nearly a Lady was a character and dialogue driven book. There were no subplots or random events to take away from the unfolding romance between Winnefred and Gideon. If you’re not a fan of that style then I’m not sure if you would be completely satisfied by this book. I, personally, love that style and adore getting such an intense look at the hero and heroine and their relationship. I was completely wowed by this and cannot wait until her next book is released. Hopefully I’ll love it just as much!

Favorite Quote:

"Did you expect me to believe that?" he asked in a dangerously soft voice.

"I don't know what you mean."

"Oh, you do." He took a step toward her. "You most certainly do."

She began to back up without thinking, and he moved forward in return. Slowly, steadily he stalked her across the room.

"Do you think me a jester, Winnefred?"

"What?"

"A fool to poke fun at because I've made you laugh a time or two?"

"No. I--"

"Harmless then, because I kissed you in the moonlight and let you go?"

"I never--"

"Is it the limp? The cane?" In a move so fast it took her breath away, he swept forward and pinned her to the wall. "Did you think I couldn't catch you?"

Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen.

*For a sneak peek of the book, check out the Tempting Teaser on Fiction Vixen*

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ stars – Historical/Regency Romance

Books like this lovely, heartwarming gem make me grateful for Goodreads, which has enabled me to make such great friends who share my passion for romance and happily ever afters and to discover so many wonderful new-to-me authors.

Nearly a Lady is such a delightful, beautiful, emotional, sweet story that’s all the more powerful because of its quiet, honest simplicity and endearing characters who steal your heart. The genuine friendship and tender, gradual romance between generous, guarded, tortured war veteran hero Gideon and quirky, iron-willed, compassionate country maiden Winnefred is one of the most engaging and touching I’ve read in a while.

Winnefred, who’d much prefer strolling in the countryside with her beloved pet goat Claire than promenading in crowded ballrooms of the ton, is a plucky, funny, utterly lovable, and unforgettable heroine. And she and her reluctant protector and hero, Gideon, are absolutely enchanting together and perfect for each other in every way. Their relationship reminded me a little of Beatrix and Christopher from Lisa Kleypas’s Love in the Afternoon...both feature a spirited, eccentric, nature-and-animal-loving heroine and PTSD-suffering war veteran hero...but Nearly a Lady has a charming splendor all its own.

The secondary romance between Winnefred’s best friend Lilly and Gideon’s brother Lucien was yummy icing on the already delicious cake, and even though I was somewhat surprised and a tad disappointed that it was wrapped up in this, it was still a nice addition to the story.

This is a truly remarkable reminder of how sometimes the simplest stories can be the most affecting and of why I love romance and HEAs so much. 5 sweetly satisfied stars!

Favorite passages:

Gideon’s appraisal of Winnefred’s unique charms:

He didn’t want another man seeing—really seeing—Winnefred.

Whether she was in a complicated ball gown or a simple dress, he was the only man who truly saw her. He knew that beneath the fragile silk was the steel spine of a woman who’d confronted a thief in her stable and beaten him to the ground. He knew that behind the soft smile was the unconquerable will that had kept two women alive on five pounds a year. Well-rehearsed manners hid a brash tongue, and the excuse of a headache would keep quiet the fact she was graceless as a lumbering army. Only he knew the simple, wild beauty of her. It was a treasure he wanted to hoard. She was a secret he wanted to keep all to himself.

He was being unreasonable and he knew it. But even as he berated himself for being a dog in the manger, he scowled as Winnefred laughed at something Gratley said. And he wasn’t sure if it was better or worse when Gratley laughed at something Winnefred said in return. He only knew he didn’t like it.

Gideon’s honest, vulnerable, sigh-worthy declaration:

“Do you want to be?”
“In love with you?” He straightened, took a chance, and reached for her hand. The flame grew a little brighter when she didn’t pull away. “Yes. It terrifies me. The idea of children terrifies me. The thought that something might happen to you, that I might let something happen to you, absolutely terrifies me, and always will.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “I wouldn’t be rid of that fear for any price. Because to lose it would be to lose you, and the possibility of our children. I . . . I want it—you and children and every moment of fear and happiness that comes with being in love. I want it. All of it.”

[Addie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nearly a Lady is beautiful in its simplicity as a historical romance. It's about two people getting to know each other and falling in love. There is no need for madcap adventures, a cruel villain, an extraneous mystery plot, chandelier-swinging sex scenes, or convoluted excuses for the couple to spend time together. Instead, this story is organic in its development. And I appreciated that. The characters are those who you might have seen before in Regency romance, but they seem more authentic here, stripped of their pretensions, and more like real people.

Winnefred has issues with her self-worth, and who could blame her? With a father who barely noticed her (shoving her off on governesses who had no idea what to do with her), and a long-dead mother. Her father asked his friend to watch out for her as an afterthought on his deathbed. This friend wasn't exactly thrilled to be saddled with the care of a young girl, but felt honor-bound to keep his promise. He too banished her out of his mind to far away Scotland, and through his inattention, allowed his wife to cheat Winnefred out of most of her allowance so that she only had five pounds a year to live off of. So it's understandable that she isn't predisposed to trust Gideon, her erstwhile guardian's son, when he shows up at Murdoch House, claiming to be there for her assistance. However, Gideon shows how tried and true he is, that he's worthy of her trust, her friendship, and her heart.

Gideon is not without issues. In a way, his issues are probably more damaging. He suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder after a tragic battle on the ship which he captained in the Royal Navy. He lost several members of his crew, and takes personal responsibility for their deaths. To the degree that he deeply fears being responsible for anyone. His plan is to escort Winnefred and her companion, Lily, to London, see them taken care of until his brother, the Marquess of Engsly returns, and to go on to his relatively responsibility-free life. He doesn't expect this refreshingly genuine and unpretentious young woman to carve a place in his heart and his life. He doesn't want the responsibility of a wife, but soon he can't imagine life without Winnefred in it, to stay.

I can see why this book is highly rated. The writing is very good, and the relationship between Winnefred and Gideon is so rich and honest, infectiously so. You can see their love blossom as they go from strangers to friends, and fall in love before the journey is over. And on that path to love, they struggle with each other's emotional walls in a way that resonated with me. I found their emotional journey very enjoyable to read about.

Nearly a Lady is a book for readers who want something real, with a bond between the couple that is deep and emotional; for readers looking for the opportunity to see that love relationship grow from a tiny seed to a rich, full bloom over the course of the novel. I would recommend this to historical romance readers jaded with all the shenanigans and devices that can often be overused in the genre. It's easy to get tired of the 'same old thing' because it doesn't deliver, and forget why you read a genre in the first place. When it comes to romance, the joy is watching the process of a couple falling in love, and the wonderful little moments along that path. This book delivers that joy.

Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars

[Linda (NOT RECEIVING NOTIFICATIONS) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I were to judge Nearly a Lady by the opening pages, I would be hard pressed not to award it five stars. I relished the funny moments with snarky humor and cherished those little snippets that made me smile.

The plot quickly gave way to a richer, lighter fare with an offshoot of seriousness. It reminded me of Julia Quinn’s earlier stories with a likeable heroine and wonderful hero.

I enjoyed the many conversations between Miss Winnefred Blythe and Lord Gideon Haverston. He was a tortured soul with responsibilities who finally met his heart’s desire. Only he did not know that yet. Happily, I found his forthcoming journey and friendship with Freddie endearing.

Ms. Johnson has a special knack for characterization. Gideon and Freddie were identifiable and accessible. I found their honesty, including their faults, refreshing. From an intriguing beginning to a wonderful finish, it’s easy to see why Nearly a Lady has become a favorite of so many readers.

[RLbooks (in and out) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

Primarily a lighthearted read with a vein of deeper emotions running through it. A couple of triggers in this one including PTSD, recollections of war and loss of sailors (including child sailors), and mentions of abandonment.

Written in third person, dual POV. No ow drama, tiny amount of om drama when h receives friendly interest from an om and it stirs up H’s jealousy. H is experienced (no history given) and h is inexperienced in everything.

Some tropes/themes:
🐐 Independent FMC
🐐 Preparation for a(n unwanted) London season
🐐 Temporary guardian/ward kind of situation
🐐 Good humored MMC except when he’s stern
🐐 MMC uses a cane
🐐 MMC in self-denial because of trauma
🐐 Adorable animal companion (probably easy to guess given the emoji use)
🐐 Strong female friendship
🐐 Secondary romance between side characters

The prologue of the book is the Marquess of Engsly effectively chasing his fleeing step-mother around Europe. She’s cheated the estate and at first he thinks he’s uncovered another false charity, except it’s actually a ward who lives in Scotland and was likely cheated out of the full living expenses owed to her. So the Marquess opts to send his brother to follow up on the situation, because he’s still trying to locate the step-mother AND a mysterious “Rose”.

Gideon (H) is said brother, previously a ship’s captain in the war, now in Scotland. Winnefred (h) is the ward having eked out an existence on the estate she was sent to. They have a delightful meet cute when she and her companion think Gideon’s a thief, hold him at gunpoint, and bash him over the head. The companion, Lilly, recognizes him (sort of) post-bashing and once he comes to, they establish that he’s there to make things right.

Winnefred is perfectly happy in Scotland, on this small estate running about in trousers with her animals, however she agrees to a London season to make Lilly happy. As they prepare over the course of a few weeks (because Winnefred isn’t precisely demure or lady-like - she’s damn resourceful though), Gideon and Winnefred have an attraction that flourishes. Both main characters end up nudged out of their comfort zones given that Winnefred is giving up her safe space and Gideon is forced to take responsibility for other people when he swore he never would again. The book is character-focused, with lovable characters, and a slower pace.

Winnefred’s very developed as a character and Gideon's also felt fleshed out and genuine. I was a little confused on his background, I couldn’t recall if his age was mentioned, but it seemed like he was too young to have the history he did. It's his personality that shined in this story. I also really liked how Winnefred had to process how she felt around him, whether it was attraction or something else, and what she wanted to do about it. That's also a two way street because Winnefred is irresistible to Gideon (admittedly when he wishes he could resist the draw). He appreciates her to her core and their chemistry is lovely.

There’s a bit of her applying pressure to him in a way because whenever he feels too tempted, he tries to put distance between them since he’s determined not to marry because of that background trauma. I did have a hard time with feeling like he was too passive when not being prompted by external forces, despite a couple initiated kisses. I just think if his healing progressed more evenly throughout the story it would have felt more balanced, esp since he’s a bit stuck up until late in the book when he finally gets an epiphany.

There are some great scenes throughout of the care that both mains show each other, the humor they sometimes share, and sweet spoiling types of instances. Also moments of angst and confusion to keep it from being too sugary. The romance is slow burn and slow to build with a good foundation of trust that’s built first and connection flowing into physical intimacy. Mostly kisses and one scene that’s not very explicit, which does occur after the “I’m never getting married” but before any “what does this mean” discussions.

The secondary romance is easy to guess early on and while most of those characters’ time together is told rather than shown, it was sweet too and their HEA felt well-deserved. The side characters overall were excellent with a couple of intriguing mentions, one that apparently is the H for the next book in the series. Also, Claire the goat was stupendous, just saying.

The climax is appropriately dramatic given the build-up with Gideon’s fears, Winnefred’s independence, and all that sizzle between them. I did think the end was rushed, but it’s got a good bit that also works for it, like the epilogue. It’s a solidly HEA ending that wraps up both the primary and secondary romances in a nice way. Not sure if these characters continue in the series as side characters, but I’d guess so. I don’t know if I’ll continue but I don’t regret picking this up and I see why it has such strong reviews.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Gideon and Winnefred. This story was a delight from beginning to end and I look forward to continuing with this author's work. I first discovered Alissa Johnson when I bought The Christmas Dance on sale and then I found all her books on Amazon Prime Reading...what a deal! I'm now going to read everything :)

Winnefred is a woman with a spine of steel, an excellent grasp of the absurd, a devotion to strays (human and animal), and a weak stomach (motion sickness? I can empathize). It is a blend of vulnerability and strength that I couldn't get enough of. I adored this heroine. She was funny, caring, and quirky. She doesn't fit into the ton, and she doesn't want to. She is who she is, and she is perfectly happy with that. How refreshing.

Gideon is a man with some demons to fight. Like Winnefred, his sense of humor is balanced and he has an endless capacity to care for others. His only weak spot is figuring out how to accept the responsibility for someone else. It drove me nuts sometimes how he would put up walls between himself and Winnefred, but because both characters were likable, I never got overly annoyed. And when Winnefred finally lets him have a piece of her mind, well, the moment was perfect.

The story mostly takes place in a small home in Scotland, but there is some time in London towards the end. It is strongly character driven and it delves into family ties, the bond between friends, and what it means to truly accept who you are. I loved the elegant writing style, the pacing, and the dialogue.

I highly recommend this book. Simply lovely.

[BJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely romance with a traumatised Hero and a very kind heroine. H is grieving an awful loss and is tasked to find the h, as a member of his family stole from her. She is a great heroine, deeply caring of others and selfless. The writing has a nice level of angst, and I really liked the h's character. She survived by being practical, and she's very funny. Great intro the series.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lord Gideon Haverston has been assigned the task of righting his stepmother’s wrong against his father’s ward, Miss Winnefred Blythe. He expected to be greeted as her hero when he promises her repayment of the money that was stolen from her over the years, instead he is assaulted when they don’t recognise him, and thinks him there to either hurt or steal from them. And then after that matter is cleared up, he has the difficult task of trying to win Winnefred’s trust. What he refuses to do, what he promised himself after returning from war to never do again, is be responsible for anyone else. But keeping to his promise is very difficult when the unusual Winnefred is so very tempting.

Winnefred is tired of being someone’s burden. Everyone is always making her someone else’s responsibility, making her feel unwanted and unloved. At thirteen she was made the ward of Gideon’s father, who sent her to Murdoch House so that she won’t be in anyone’s way. Lilly Ilestone who was assigned as her governess, her caretaker, has become her best friend, and for thirteen years they have looked after themselves, trying to survive on the little money they received from Gideon’s stepmother. Murdoch House has become her home where she can just be herself. Gardening, fixing fencing and looking after their animals. She has never fit in society, because being a proper lady is difficult when all she wants to be is outside taking care of her home. Now suddenly her life is upended when Gideon promises to take her and Lilly to London so that they can have a season. And because Winnefred knows how much Lilly has sacrificed to take care of her, and how much she misses London, she agrees to go, knowing that she won’t fit in, and would have to try her hardest to change who she is. But she can’t help developing feelings for the charming Gideon, who makes her feel safe.

For the most part I really enjoyed this very sweet romance. Winnefred is a tomboy, and I loved that about her. She's outspoken, hardworking and so very empathetic, always taking in strays and trying to take care of the less fortunate.

I liked Gideon from the beginning. He was sweet and funny and charming. And so very broken after his time at war. He blames himself for the men he lost, questioning his methods, thinking that he could have done something to have saved them. And the loss he has endured has made him unwilling to care for anyone again, which I could understand. Seeing him enchanted by Winnefred, trying his best to stay out of her way, but unable to stop thinking of her was endearing.

The romance was very slow building since Gideon tried his best to ignore what he felt for Winnefred, and tried to keep himself away from her. I enjoyed their romance, but then Gideon’s continued refusal of giving into what he felt for Winnefred, and pushing her away constantly started to annoy me. His actions made Winnefred question herself, made her think that if she could change into a proper lady that perhaps he would care for her, love her. And that really annoyed me. I didn’t like that the bold Winnefred that I loved wanted to change herself to please a man. Ugh. For me Gideon’s issues kept him from realising the truth way too long. His epiphany only came at the very end, after he hurt Winnefred, and that just made me angry.

The secondary romance of Lilly was very sweet, and I enjoyed it.

This was an enjoyable romance, which I would have loved had the push-pull actions of Gideon not gone on as long as they did.

[Tenley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dare you (the historical romance fan) to read a novel by Ms. Johnson and not enjoy it. Seriously, her books are delightful.

The heroines are all somewhat the same in the four or five books I've read by Alissa Johnson. All of her leading ladies are independent, kind and charmingly quirky. In this book, Winnefred is all of those things in spades. She is fabulous in every which way.

I would have liked some more grovel moments from Gideon, but overall, this was a very enjoyable read.

[[Aengell]]

4 stars

Wow, that was a nice HR for once.

The story begins with our hero, Gideon, the brother of a marquess, being sent to the lowlands of Scotland by said marquess brother to check up on a long forgotten ward. The ward, Winnefred, or Freddie, has lived on a rural farm for 12 years, along with her companion Lilly.
So Gideon finds himself knocked down by a feisty girl in pants, and afterwards has to explain why his family let girl in pants aka Freddie and Lilly live near starvation for so long.

You see, the story isn't anything near boring. Now, it is a Historical Romance so there is a bit of a London season, some scandal, a few problems concerning the rank, aka Cinderella-effect...
But still: the story itself is so cute and endearing, that I really felt like reading a HR for the first time. It's a fluffy, quirky business with some meltingly good quotes here and there, and a narrative voice that strikes the mood of the time the story is set in.

The characters are all more than one-dimensional, and although Freddie was a bit too naive/child-ish (as opposed to childish) for my tastes sometimes, she made up for it by her witty banter with Gideon, and she was at least believable, which can't be said of many other HR-heroines.
Gideon is another matter altogether. His character came very close to a the hero, his humorous and witty side complemented his dark moods and trauma from his days as a captain at sea just so well that it blended together into the the perfect hero.
Also, there's a second plot evolving around Lilly, which was too sweet for words, and ... well, I'll better leave it that.

This one had been on my TBR-pile for so long, that it took my dear friend Ash's suggestion of a Buddy Read to get me to it, and I'm so glad I gave it a chance.

[Diana~ (Kiss Me Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so many emotions while reading this Nearly a Lady by Alissa Johnson. First, it started out as sweetness because I adore the friendship between Winnefred and Gideon. It was so cute and they were meant to be together from the very start. Then, there was heartbreak because while these two are friends, they're also unconsciously falling in love with each other... and Gideon refuses to let that happen. And finally, peacefulness because the ending was worth all of the rollercoaster of emotions that any reader while reading this book will encounter. It's just the perfect book to bring you back to the historical romance genre for anyone who's having a difficult time going back.

I'm pretty sure you get of the gist of the plot from the summary so I will skip that and go right into the characters. Lord Gideon Haverston is one heck of a tortured hero. Every time we get to peek inside his mind and emotions, I always feel like crying because while he wants to court Winnefred and give her whatever she wants... he also tells himself that he can never have her. There were many times in the book where I wanted to tell him to just go for it and move on from his guilt. But even though Gideon is classified as a tortured hero, his entire personality consists of being cheerful and very humorous. It's definitely a nice change of heroes from other romance novels! It's so heartbreaking because of the circumstances that his stepmother had put Winnefred in, he constantly wants to spoil her and buy things for her. The fact that he tries so hard to detach himself from her yet he can't help but be near her is so sad. It's a contradiction in itself and as a result, he's torturing himself.

Winnefred Blythe is pretty much the other half to Gideon. Their romance was just so touching because while being a wonderful and kickass heroine, she also has insecurities of her own. For example, not being good enough as in terms of being a 'lady' and disappointing her best friend, Lilly. I loved her character because she never gives up in whatever she wants and it's just that kind of determination that will eventually win Gideon's heart! And thankfully, he realizes his error in the end or he would have lost her forever. Oh! I forgot to mention that there was also a secondary romance to this book? It's actually Winnefred's best friend, Lilly and Gideon's brother, Lord Engsly. The author doesn't go much into detail about these two... except for the fact that they had a past together. Overall, I totally loved this book and it's definitely something that all romance lovers shouldn't miss out on! 5/5 stars!

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars.

Historical romance at it's finest and one that stroked favourably on everything that I love about HR.

Winnefred was a darling heroine; having grown up in less that auspicious circumstances, I found her remarkably courageous, bright, witty and entertaining. She wasn't prone to fits of sullenness or bitchiness at all, her sunny disposition was a constant throughout the entire book. And though she was an innocent who grew up on what could be referred to as a farm, she knew exactly what she wanted and strove to achieve it, especially where Gideon was concerned.

Gideon was not the sort of hero that I usually prefer (I do so love a good alpha). But his charm, good humour and effervescence immediately won me over. He had good sense (much like Freddie) and didn't hesitate in using it. His steadfast manner in doing right by Winnefred & Lilly and working through conflict with a minimum of fuss was a real winner for me.

Gideon's internal struggle to come to terms with his feelings for Winnefred was endearing but even more so was Winnefred's forthright approach to her feelings for him. Her courage to fight for him had me cheering at the same time as (to quote Winnefred) wanting to give Gideon a solid punch to the face. But before his denial and heroics start becoming too frustrating, BAM he shows his seething jealousy and proves his affection for all players to see. It still takes him a little longer to work out what he'll do about them but the pair got there in the end and that's all that matters.

Good Stuff:
- The dialogue in the book was razor sharp and had me constantly chuckling out loud. I loved that Winnefred and Lilly felt comfortable with Gideon right from the very beginning therefore allowing the banter to flow naturally.
- Winnefred falling so sweetly for Gideon and catching herself watching him, craving his company and missing him when he was stubbornly pushing himself into exile.
- The friendship between Gideon and Winnefred was a real joy to read. I love it when the hero and heroine can be friends and plod along together nice and comfortably. It allowed the sexual tension to sizzle slowly and ensured that the reader was holding their breath waiting for it to explode.
- The writing was really exceptionally good stuff and there was absolutely nothing I could fault whatsoever.
- No misunderstandings that carried out for chapters on end! Love!

Bad Stuff:
- Nothing bad at all but if there was one thing missing it was the lack of sexy times. And only because I'm the sort of girl that loves and craves it in my romance.


Also as a side note, at the end there was a preview for Johnson's next novel due in December - An Unexpected Gentleman... looks like another winner!

[ꕥ Ange_Lives_To_Read ꕥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in what I would call, approvingly, a Faux Trilogy but I read it last. It really doesn’t matter which order you read The Haverston family series in, because they are all wonderful and have almost nothing to do with each other.

In this novel we have the Gideon and Winifred (Freddie) love story. Also Lily and Lord Haverston; they get almost no time and I think probably were intended to have their own book but the author needed a trilogy and already had another book ready, hence my Faux Trilogy theory.

Anyway, Freddie and Lily were great characters. The story of how these two women kept their farm going and managed to survive on almost no money after being wronged by the previous Lord Haverston was really different and interesting unto itself. Gideon was a lovable but damaged hero. (I did wonder a bit about his situation – he seem to have endless supply of money, but I understood that younger sons were normally not considered a great catch. Maybe he made a bunch of money as a naval officer, like Captain Wentworth from Persuasion, which is also how he became so damaged.)

There were some really funny moments in this book, and some that brought tears to my eyes. At no point did I feel like hurling the book across the room because the heroine was so stupid. I can’t recommend this series enough

[Nefise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this so much!
The chemistry and friendship between H/h is wonderful. The dialogs , the progress and the storyline...

I haven't felt emotions for so long time in historical romance. I've just remembered again, why I love this genre very much :)

I can't believe myself, why I waited so much for reading Ms Johnson's books. I'll read other books of the author's as soon.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally reviewed here @ Angieville

Nearly a Lady has been quietly languishing on my TBR pile for months now. I'm afraid that cover had something to do with it (she says sheepishly after making and breaking her 110th resolution not to judge a book by its . . . well). Uninspiring cover aside (but seriously, I just don't like the look of them and really that's far too much lavender for my taste and . . . well), it lingered in the back of my mind all this time for no discernible reason except that I read the ebook sample and liked that the heroine threatens to shoot the hero with her rifle in the opening lines. Sadly, the determinedly full price ebook combined with a lack of an available hard copy locally kept me from giving Alissa Johnson's writing a try. Until I needed something the other night, that is. And that girl with the rifle started calling my name. I am so very glad I listened, because this engaging historical is as lovely as they come.

Winnifred (Freddie) Blythe has not a single delusion of grandeur. She knows exactly who she is and where she belongs. And that is a girl no one has ever much wanted (with the exception of her longtime friend and governess Lilly) and on a forgotten farm in the backwoods of Scotland. And Freddie is happy with this life. Though they have next to nothing, she and Lily have learned to cope, even taking in mending jobs for the inmates at the local prison. Their calm, if somewhat desperate, lot is thrown into chaos when Lord Gideon Haverston arrives on their doorstep to right the wrongs his horrible stepmother did Freddie these past twelve years by cheating her out of the annuity his father promised her upon her father's death. One of the walking wounded, Gideon is a former Royal Navy ship captain home from the war and determined to hide the post traumatic stress he deals with on a daily basis. When Lilly insists Freddie be given a proper London season, Gideon feels honor-bound to make it happen. The more time he spends in Freddie's company, however, the more convinced he becomes he must get the women to London and get out immediately after. He can tell Freddie is developing a fondness for him, and the feeling is more than returned. But the nature of what happened on his ship, the Perseverance, make it imperative that Gideon never be responsible for anyone. Ever again.

You know how you go into some books knowing exactly what you're going to get and being perfectly okay with that? I thought I knew what I was getting with Nearly a Lady. I thought I would be getting a perfectly respectable amount of light Regency fluff, competently written and hopefully engaging enough to see me through to the end. And if we could avoid any over-the-top silliness or grand misunderstandings, so much the better. What I wound up getting was quite a bit more than those admittedly mundane expectations. Color me absolutely delighted and ordering my own paperback copy before I even neared the halfway mark. Throughout the book, both Freddie and Gideon resist being shoehorned into any of the usual genre tropes. She is wonderfully strong and uncouth, monumentally uninterested in a London season but willing to do that and more for the sake of her best friend. He is titled and genuinely charming, absolutely set on doing the right thing but suffering from no illusions that the hero role he finds himself playing is anything other than a role (and a very temporary one at that). Together they induce a surprisingly wide and strong range of feelings on the part of the reader. The loveliest of all the lovely things about Freddie is that she is ultimately unashamed of herself and she speaks her mind. She respects Gideon's privacy and sensibilities, but she draws the line at letting him get away with dissembling when it comes to the emotions he broadcasts and the ones he actually claims. And I just wanted to throw her a high five every single time. The loveliest thing among yes, a very many lovely things about Gideon is that he is honest with himself and he calls Freddie out as well (in his disarming, occasionally maddening Gideon way) when it comes to her flyaway temper and what exactly she sees in that mirror she is forced to hold up when faced with societal expectations. The bottom line is I never tired of them, I always respected them, and I swallowed tears more than once at the obstacles between them and happiness.

Here, a representative conversation between the two, in which their individual strengths, their humor, and the nature of their wonderful, burgeoning friendship is evident:

She considered him quietly. He hadn't shouted, or cursed, or even snapped at her. His voice had remained perfectly even. But the authority—in the tone, in the words—was all but palpable.

She took the seat across from him, suddenly fascinated. "I've been wondering how you managed to captain a ship for all those years. I was beginning to suspect you injured your leg during a bout of mutiny."

"Delighted to have satisfied your curiosity," he answered in the same unforgiving voice. "Your reasons, Winnefred. I'll have them now."

She sat up straighter in her chair. "I am not a sailor aboard your ship to be ordered about. And my reasons are none of your business."

"On the contrary, and to my considerable frustration at the moment, you, and everything you do, are my concern until I deliver you into the care of my aunt."

The mention of frustration at having to care for her until he could hand her over to someone else made her heart stutter and the edges of her vision turn red. It was an irrational and disproportionate reaction to an offhand comment, she knew, but she was helpless to stem the anger. She'd had her fill of being delivered from one person to the next as a child.

Her eyes narrowed to slits. "I have no interest in being anyone's burden, Gideon. And I will not be passed between members of the Haverston family like an inconvenient head cold."

She rose from her seat and turned to leave, but Gideon stood and caught her hand before she could escape.

"Sit down," he said softly.

"No." She tugged her arm. "Let go."

"Winnefred, please."

She stopped pulling at his plea but didn't resume her seat.

Gideon gave her arm a gentle squeeze. "My frustration is with this particular conversation, not with you. I apologize for my poor choice of words."

"The conversation is with me."

"It is not our first disagreement." He gave her a disarming smile. "Can we not settle this one as we have others?"

"I haven't a rifle to hit you with."

"We'll make do."

Throughout this book, whenever things reached a point in a conversation where less nuanced, less dynamic characters would have fallen back on tiresome histrionics or predictable obtuseness, these two consistently remained both true to themselves and anxiously concerned for the other. They somehow managed to be sensible and fall wildly in love at the same time. It was a terribly satisfying experience accompanying them on their journey.

One last favorite passage:

How had things gone so terribly wrong? She wasn't supposed to be returning to Murdoch House in defeat, and she most certainly was not supposed to be returning alone.

Lilly should be there. And Gideon. High-handed, muleheaded, wonderful Gideon. She'd never admitted it, not even to herself, but a part of her had expected him to come back to Murdoch House with her. Or perhaps it was more accurate to say that no part of her had been able to imagine going back without him.

Sigh.

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too slow-paced for me at times. I did enjoy the characters but I wished for more to happen. To keep the momentum going. Sadly, it was too slow for me to enjoy.

[Zumbagirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/4 stars
For some reason, I could not get into this book. I really enjoyed An Unexpected Gentleman but this one didn't set the world on fire. I'm not a fan of the tortured hero and Gideon would fit that description. He's probably suffering from PTSD and has both emotional and physical scars. I also don't like heroes that play the I can't get married/I can't have children/I can't forgive myself card. There are two love stories here and the other couple was a better match, imo. There was some pretty good groveling at the end. The heroine, Freddie, was likeable. It was a good story, though, and I do like Ms. Johnson's writing style.

[CJ - It's only a Paper Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.8

It has been a severely long time in which I have read a historical romance and felt like I could relate to the characters, like I was totally absorbed in the storyline and invested in the outcome.

This was that book.

I'm not going to give you a review here. Nay, I will instead point you to a review that is better than anything I could write about this book.

Isn't that Lazy CJ?

Yes. Yes it is.

But it's also right.

Catherine's Review

My only qualm is that the ending felt a tad rushed and I wish that the secondary characters had been developed more. I really want to know what happened in that parlor!!!!

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a lovely find, a second chance in life given to two women whom life has spared nothing.
It was essentially Winnefred Blythe’s journey to her HEA, a rather bumpy road.
Freddie never wanted to leave her dear small countryside in Scotland, but to please her only friend, she is willing. She is like that, always thinking to the others before herself.
Most of her life she has been a burden, a charge passed from one to another, until she was forgotten, so when Lord Gideon Haverston décides it is time his family rights the wrong they did to her, she refuses to become his charge. She will agree to be his friend or more but not an expense. It was funny to watch Freddie struggles with the rules and etiquette, openly sharing her difficulties and her lack of understanding of what is done or not but also it was nice to see that nothing could crush her spirit.
Well, except Gideon’s rebuff.
Gideon suffers from a heavy guilt, he is alive and not his men, why he keeps people at arm’s length. By doing this, he harms Winnefred, he tries to stay clear and far from her but he is also drawn to her. So he hurts her to ward her off.
He plays a game of cat and mouse so when it blew off his face, he does not know how to react properly.
I would have loved more groveling, Freddie was the persistant one, having faith in their story, she went after what she wanted when Gideon played hot and cold with her.
But in all, it was a great story of healing for them both.

[Ренета Кирова · Rating 3 out of 5]

Не е от най-добрите исторически любовни романи, но си починах с него.
Уинифред живее в Шотландия под опеката на богати настойници, но получава от тях само жълти стотинки, докато новият маркиз Енгслей не разбира за измамата спрямо нея и изпраща брат си да оправи положението. Пристигайки в имението в Шотландия, лорд Гидиън е ступан от Лили и Фреди, понеже го вземат за крадец. Постепенно той спечелва доверието им и им обещава сезон в Лондон, за да си намерят съпрузи. Само че между него и наивната госпожица Уинифред Блайт започват да прехвърчат искри. Е, не ги усетих много тези искри, героинята се опитваше да бъде горда и смела, но на авторката не ѝ се е удало да опише чувствата на героите си. Образите им не бяха забележими с нищо за мен. Въпреки това, обичам този жанр и отвреме навреме си прочитам някоя книга заради романтиката.

[Saly · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read by this author and so delightful. The hero is making amends for the sins of his father and stepmother. The heroine happens to be an abandoned ward who has made do with so little. I absolutely loved every moment of this. The hero was great, so was the heroine.

[oitb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one. Alissa Johnson was a new-to-me author this year and it seems like she's been inactive for a while, but I really love her writing. She's got such an economy with words and her writing has this crystalline quality to it — poetic, but not flowery.

[Caz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book. It's warm and funny and sexy, the characters are engaging and well-rounded and I'm always a sucker for a romance in which the romantic feelings evolve from friendship.

Winnefred (odd spelling!) has been passed from pillar to post all her life, and is thus no stranger to rejection. Gideon is sent to find her by his brother in order to make financial restitution for money that was due to her as his father's ward, and their relationship doesn't get off to a great start, as she and her friend Lilly whack him on the head and tie him up, believing him to be an intruder!

After that mnisunderstanding is corrected, Winnefred and Gideon strike up a warm friendship, even though it's clear that they are both attracted to one another from the off. I liked the way that Winnefred, especially, was so open with herself about it; there was no missish self-deception or denial, or a sense of feeling that she shouldn't be longing to be kissed by a handsome man!

I have to say that the one thing in all of it that struck a vaguely false note were Gideon's reasons for hanging back from allowing himself to enter into a relationship with Winnefred. His experiences during the war and how they made him eschew any responsibilties for other people, while they may be understandable, seemed a little too easily overcome.

And if I have one complaint about the book it's this. And it's not just about this book; it's something I think often about books which are set in this period written by American authors. Please, please - authors and editors - could you take care to use "pavement" instead of "sidewalk" and "autumn" instead of "fall"? And when the heroine is wondering whether she should help herself to breakfast, don't have her wondering whether to "fix herself a plate". I've had lots of discussions with friends and readers from both sides of the Pond. Some think I'm being perfectly reasonable and others that I'm being needlessly pedantic. But things like this take me right out of the story - and when I'm enjoying something as much as I enjoyed this book, it felt like having a bucket of cold water thrown over me mid-sentence!

That said, I've still given Nearly a Lady 5 stars. It's beautifully written, the banter between the hero and heroine sparkles, and it's nice to read a romance that doesn't depend on a villanous plot or turn on a Big Misunderstanding and in which the romance is organic. I'll definitely be seeking out other titles by Alissa Johnson.

[Yue · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started out great, somewhat sweet, along the lines of Traditional Regency Romance. I thought Gideon was a nice hero, kind, down-to-Earth, with a good sense of humor, etc. And Winnifred seemed to be a headstrong woman, not a girly, silly child. And besides, I like romances in little towns more than in high society.

But this story dragged on and on and on. Winnifred and Lilly preparing themselves to be presented in society. Gideon feeling more and more attracted to Winnifred. Then the journey to London. Pages and pages of Winnifred feeling sick, Gideon feeling protective of her, etc. Then in London, Winnifred behaving herself like a petulant child, pressing Gideon, while wimpy Gideon falling for Winnifred but with all the "oh, I can't have her" crap. Gosh! I hate this kind of melodrama. Add to that that annoying Gideon acts hot and cold with her, kisses her then regrets it, and again with the whole "we can't we together". While it is true that his past is sad, his actions were ridiculous. I've read numerous novels with heroes with a sad past (Carla Kelly has the best scarred heroes) and none of them were so eye-rolling like stupid Gideon. Worst, he tells her one day they will never marry, and next day, while she (immaturely) flirts with some other guy, Gideon gets stupidly jealous, with the whole caveman mentality of "she is MINE!".

Which leads to another hateful trope that I hate so much. The possessiveness leads to, of course, one night of passion. Hypocrite Gideon. And there I was, disappointed to infinity since this wasn't as clean I was hoping. Of course next day, stupid Gideon regrets everything but the "right thing to do is get married" bs, and immature Winnifred is all "I won't marry you because you don't love me!". YAWN.

Around the middle of the story I was more interested in Lilly and her old love Lucien, Gideon's big brother. Lilly certainly was more lady-like and more mature, and Lucien wasn't a wimpy loser who "wanted to make things right". The two main characters were boring and bring unnecessary melodrama. Not recommended, there are thousands of books with the same premise and same annoying H and h.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was what I've come to expect from Alissa Johnson. It was engagingly written and peppered with witty banter. The plot was simple. Unlike any of the books in the Providence series by this author, the h was never in any danger. I liked that this was just a story about a man and a woman becoming friends and then falling in love.

Unfortunately, I did not like the H in this story. He tried hard to be selfless in the beginning. He wanted to leave the h alone, knowing that he could never care about her the way that she deserved. However, he failed in the end by deciding that he was going to pay her lots of attention. He knew that she was interested in him and he decided that would seek her out, give her expensive jewelry, knowing that all of these acts would give her the wrong impression. Then, at the end of the Season, he planned on never seeing her again. Not cool. He only thinks about enjoying her company and getting to spoil her with gifts, never once thinking about how he was playing with the h's emotions. Don't get me wrong. He wasn't a bad guy, per se. He just wasn't much of a hero.

Overall, this book reminded me of Destined to Last. The H has a similar kind of hang up about emotions, but he at least intended on marrying the h all along. I didn't like how the h in this story kept letting herself be vulnerable to the H. She didn't show much spine until the very end. I think she should have made the H work harder for her belief in him and his love.

[Ursula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me preface this review with the fact that I really like Alissa Johnson. I like her writing stye and she has a way of fleshing out characters so that they become very real. Sometimes I find she tends to have the heroes all tortured or conflicted and has the heroine"saving" him, which is a bit annoying- the other way around is good, too!
In this story, the first in a trilogy, our hero Gideon is traumatised by what happened on the ship under his command during the war. Meanwhile, our heroine Winifred (Freddie) struggles to make ends meet on an isolated, run-down farm in Scotland. She lives with her former governess and has learned to farm, grow her own food and generally make do. So when Gideon arrives, ready to hand over some money that had been owed by his family to Freddie but stolen by his wild and irresponsible mother, she is in heaven. Gideon worries about the two women and ends up staying longer than he intended, (he wanted to pay up and get out) and love takes its natural course.
Except it is not that simple, and Johnson ably describes the struggles and fears that both protagonists face when contemplating their relationship. I guess in the end I got a bit annoyed that Freddie had to do so much of the running while Gideon wrestled with his (misplaced) guilt. I like my heroes to work a bit harder to win the girl, but maybe I am just the mean, unforgiving type!!
Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the MCs were truly lovely people who deserved their HEA.

[Ilze · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book epitomizes why I love to read historical romance! Purely character-driven, with 2 wonderful characters for the story - Gideon, the PTSD-affected ex-naval captain, and Winnefred, the brave, honest, resourceful, beautiful and funny heroine he discovers in a gardener's cottage in Scotland.

Excellent 5-star reviews by Rane, Catherine and a few others reflect my feelings about this book exactly. Loved it!

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in Alissa Johnson's Haverston Family series. Alissa Johnson is quickly climbing to the top of my most loved historical romance writers. She has a way of creating wonderful characters and delightful and witty banter that keeps you glued to the pages. This one was very close to a 5 star for me. I did feel it trying to lag on me but it picked back up and carried me to the end.

[Keertana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 Stars

LOVED this. So, so, so, so much. Exactly what I needed, actually. :)