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A True Lady
Every girl wants the attention of Lord Louis Bennett. He's gorgeous, very wealthy, and charming to boot. Having him for a husband is a dream come true for all the upper-class women in London, so when he holds a ball to find his significant other, everyone who attends is vying for his attention.
But there's one girl who needs it more than anyone else. Clara, the courtesan who's out for revenge.
While the rest of the world thinks that Lord Bennett is a dream come true, she knows different. His enemies have told her the truth about him and he's a man who deserves to have his reputation ruined...
So why can't she quite bring herself to do it? What's stopping her from doing what she’s been told is right, and what'll earn her enough money to love for the rest of her life. Something's getting in her way, and she needs to work out what before Lord Bennett's enemies turn on her too, putting her right in the firing line of danger.
But there's one girl who needs it more than anyone else. Clara, the courtesan who's out for revenge.
While the rest of the world thinks that Lord Bennett is a dream come true, she knows different. His enemies have told her the truth about him and he's a man who deserves to have his reputation ruined...
So why can't she quite bring herself to do it? What's stopping her from doing what she’s been told is right, and what'll earn her enough money to love for the rest of her life. Something's getting in her way, and she needs to work out what before Lord Bennett's enemies turn on her too, putting her right in the firing line of danger.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2022
205 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Hanna Hamilton
123 books127 followersHanna Hamilton has been fascinated with the Regency era ever since she was a young teen, first discovering historical romance novels by famous authors such as Jane Austen and Lisa Kleypas. She believes that love was just so much more magical back then, more like a fairy tale. She always daydreamed about finding love herself that way, but since that is impossible in the twenty-first century, she decided to write about it instead!
Born in Texas, Hanna Hamilton obtained a degree in Creative Writing and has worked as a literature teacher before becoming a novelist. When she isn’t writing, Hanna likes to explore the countryside with her husband and two children, gaining inspiration from the natural world around her.
So, come on a journey into love, confusion, and redemption all within the Regency era. Hanna hopes that you will enjoy immersing yourself into her novels and that you too will find a love for old-fashioned romance, just as she has.
Facebook page: http://facebook.com/hannahamiltonauthor
Born in Texas, Hanna Hamilton obtained a degree in Creative Writing and has worked as a literature teacher before becoming a novelist. When she isn’t writing, Hanna likes to explore the countryside with her husband and two children, gaining inspiration from the natural world around her.
So, come on a journey into love, confusion, and redemption all within the Regency era. Hanna hopes that you will enjoy immersing yourself into her novels and that you too will find a love for old-fashioned romance, just as she has.
Facebook page: http://facebook.com/hannahamiltonauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
October 29, 2017
I really hate leaving one-star reviews but this book just...I can't justify it any higher. The storyline is intriguing but it feels like the bare-bones plot of a novel being pitched to an executive. There is no depth, nothing below the surface. The story is told, not shown, with poor description and a very flimsy knowledge of the time period. Even the language is more modern than should be acceptable. This made glaring errors like typos blatantly obvious.
The story also suffers from one of my greatest pet peeves while writing: changing POV with no indication it is doing so. It isn't as bad as some I've seen (changing mid-paragraph), but leaping from one POV to another without any breaks throws off the storytelling and trips the reader up as to where they are and who they are following.
This is my second book by Hanna and I was only able to give the other one 3 stars (as I recall, I liked the story there too). Hanna definitely comes up with some fun storylines but her execution needs work.
I will try another of her books to see if it improves.
The story also suffers from one of my greatest pet peeves while writing: changing POV with no indication it is doing so. It isn't as bad as some I've seen (changing mid-paragraph), but leaping from one POV to another without any breaks throws off the storytelling and trips the reader up as to where they are and who they are following.
This is my second book by Hanna and I was only able to give the other one 3 stars (as I recall, I liked the story there too). Hanna definitely comes up with some fun storylines but her execution needs work.
I will try another of her books to see if it improves.
November 1, 2017
Lord Louis Bennett is looking for a wife, and at a ball arranged for that purpose he meets prostitute Clara and falls in love.
For me the plot was just too implausible with too many modern idioms. In the plot there was mention of a train station, but the first train station in London was 1837, definitely not Regency London.
For me the plot was just too implausible with too many modern idioms. In the plot there was mention of a train station, but the first train station in London was 1837, definitely not Regency London.
November 22, 2017
In spite of her lowly beginnings and a nobleman's desire for revenge for an imagined slight, Louis and his true love eventually reach their HEA. A lovely way to spend a few hours. (I voluntarily reviewed this free ebook. )
March 3, 2018
A wonderful way to spend a few hours living in another world. Louis is a Duke looking for a wife, Clara just happens along although she not in his class. Delightful story.
September 3, 2022
Short and sweet. It pays to be honest.
November 5, 2024
This is a must-read book . Love, romance, betrayal, revenge, and happiness ever after. Strong characters with flaws.
You will not want to put put it down. A one day read kinda book .
You will not want to put put it down. A one day read kinda book .
February 19, 2019
A quick Post Regency Era read that has true love and honesty winning out over a misguided revenge plot.
I received the book from Bookfunnel⛅
The Opinions expressed here are my own.
I received the book from Bookfunnel⛅
The Opinions expressed here are my own.
April 6, 2018
Regency romances are my favorite right now and this story is a quite unsuccessful attempt at the genre. Not only is the plot ridiculously implausible - nobleman falls head over heels in love with a prostitute after one ball, really? - the language and behaviors don't ring true to the period at all. How many parents would happily accept their son's choice of this particular bride? Trains did not exist in Regency England. The villain's motivations are simply stupid. This was my first, and last, Hanna Hamilton story.
March 2, 2018
It's clean. But...I did see some strike-throughs in random places throughout the book. (At least three places that I can remember!) An editor or proof-reader should have caught this before it went to print. I'm sorry, but this is not the most professional looking book I've seen. It's weak in content. The plot is "eh okay", but it's nothing like other Regency era books that I've read.
Having said all this, I doubt I'll read another Hanna Hamilton novel.
Having said all this, I doubt I'll read another Hanna Hamilton novel.
January 5, 2019
I received this from the author in exchange for an honest review. I guess the story was okay but it had some glaring historical issues. One, Clara was at a ball without an escort that just never would have happened also they really weren’t allowed to talk to each other without an introduction. That was driving me crazy and it made the story fall flat from me.
July 26, 2018
It was a fairy tail, too unbelievable. Maybe there is love at first sight but there has to be more than one dance and the hero decides the mystery woman is the girl of his dreams. There was not enough character development. Or even characters.
November 3, 2017
A True Lady is an exciting regency romance novel. I must confess that when it comes to historical lovers I tend to look for highlander novels or books set in the time of King Arthur. Nevertheless, I am quite pleased I gave this book a chance. It tells the story of Lord Louis Bennett, a handsome, wealthy and charming noble who believes it is time to settle down for good and start his own family. Honestly, some scenes at this book screamed Cinderella, specially the ball organized to select his bride to be. Also, the fact that every high-class lady is fighting with tooth and claws to get his attention. At the very least he has some sense in himself, he rejected materialistic ladies from power-hungry families. However, as can be expected, rejection always comes hand in hand with vengeance.
What I loved the most about this novel is the enemies to lovers theme it includes. Clara, a courtesan, is hired by the vengeful family of one rejected bride candidate. She will be given a lot of money for, according to them, putting a rude and cruel man on his place. She just needs to get him in a compromising position and shame him in front of the whole world. Easy enough, right? Especially when Clara has the look and charms to have him wrapped around her little finger? Nonetheless, something keeps stopping her from “taking off his mask”, therefore, ruining his reputation.
I loved Lord Bennett’s character, especially at the end of the book. I so don’t want to spoil anything so I’ll just tell you it was a beautiful and true fairy tale happy ending. However, all the thrilling, hurtful and exciting details of how the HEA took place will be kept a secret. Otherwise, I would never forgive myself for spoiling such a unique and captivating plot. All I as out of you is that you give Clara a chance. Yes, she accepted a bargain to ruin a reputation for money, but hear her reasons and try to put yourself on her shoes. She will show you her true worth along the novel and I assure you, you will care for her as much as Lord Bennett.
Reviewer of Romance Authors That Rock
4 ❤
What I loved the most about this novel is the enemies to lovers theme it includes. Clara, a courtesan, is hired by the vengeful family of one rejected bride candidate. She will be given a lot of money for, according to them, putting a rude and cruel man on his place. She just needs to get him in a compromising position and shame him in front of the whole world. Easy enough, right? Especially when Clara has the look and charms to have him wrapped around her little finger? Nonetheless, something keeps stopping her from “taking off his mask”, therefore, ruining his reputation.
I loved Lord Bennett’s character, especially at the end of the book. I so don’t want to spoil anything so I’ll just tell you it was a beautiful and true fairy tale happy ending. However, all the thrilling, hurtful and exciting details of how the HEA took place will be kept a secret. Otherwise, I would never forgive myself for spoiling such a unique and captivating plot. All I as out of you is that you give Clara a chance. Yes, she accepted a bargain to ruin a reputation for money, but hear her reasons and try to put yourself on her shoes. She will show you her true worth along the novel and I assure you, you will care for her as much as Lord Bennett.
Reviewer of Romance Authors That Rock
4 ❤
November 30, 2018
My review today is on the Historical Romance, A True Lady. This is the first book of Hanna's that I have read. I really enjoyed this book; it is kind of a Cinderella story. This book is well written, heart warming, and full of surprises. I know you will love it.
Clara is an orphan; forced to leave her father's farm penniless. She now lives in the city as a courtesan, it's the only way she can survive. She is at an opera when a lord approaches her with a proposition. His daughter has been insulted by a lord who refused to marry his precious daughter now he wants to destroy him by getting him into a compromising situation in front of his peers. The man offers her enough money to keep her well off for a long time. She can be free of this life she is forced to live. She agrees but once she meets him she knows she can't destroy this decent men. In only one night she falls for him. The lord offers more money. Can she do it?
Lord Louis Bennet is every young girls dream come true. He knows it is time for him to marry. His father had arranged a marriage with his friends daughter but he soon realized she is not the one he wants to spend his life with and refuses to marry her. He wants a marriage based on love. He throws a ball with all the eligible women. One woman catches his eye. She takes his breath away. He manages to dance with her twice then takes her out to the garden. He is about to share a kiss when she runs off and leaves him standing alone. All he know is her first name. This is the woman he wants to marry.
A journey to find his beloved. These two souls are struggling to survive an angry man who is out for revenge. God has a plan for these two, a good plan and not for evil. God can always bring a happy ending.
Clara is an orphan; forced to leave her father's farm penniless. She now lives in the city as a courtesan, it's the only way she can survive. She is at an opera when a lord approaches her with a proposition. His daughter has been insulted by a lord who refused to marry his precious daughter now he wants to destroy him by getting him into a compromising situation in front of his peers. The man offers her enough money to keep her well off for a long time. She can be free of this life she is forced to live. She agrees but once she meets him she knows she can't destroy this decent men. In only one night she falls for him. The lord offers more money. Can she do it?
Lord Louis Bennet is every young girls dream come true. He knows it is time for him to marry. His father had arranged a marriage with his friends daughter but he soon realized she is not the one he wants to spend his life with and refuses to marry her. He wants a marriage based on love. He throws a ball with all the eligible women. One woman catches his eye. She takes his breath away. He manages to dance with her twice then takes her out to the garden. He is about to share a kiss when she runs off and leaves him standing alone. All he know is her first name. This is the woman he wants to marry.
A journey to find his beloved. These two souls are struggling to survive an angry man who is out for revenge. God has a plan for these two, a good plan and not for evil. God can always bring a happy ending.
December 6, 2017
I really enjoyed A True Lady. It is a short book but I enjoyed it from start to end.
Lord Louis Bennett decides he is ready to marry. He has rejected his father's choice for a bride and wants to select his own bride. At a ball at his home he meets Clara. The connection between the two of them could not be denied. What Louis does not know is that Clara is a prostitute and is there because the father of the girl that Louis rejected wants revenge. He has offered Clara money to try and get Louis in a compromising position so that his reputation could be ruined. But Clara could not do it. She could not go through with the revenge plot. Once she met Louis she realized he was too kind for her to damage him. When she is threatened for not going through with the plot, she decides to tell Louis the entire story and knows he will hate her. But she has fallen in love with him and he has fallen in love with her. Louis tells her to leave to protect herself from the danger that is facing her. But as soon as she leaves, Louis realizes he loves her no matter what. But Clara is not able to make it to safety she is kidnapped. Louis fears he will never see her again and he is heart broken. But will help come from an unlikely source? Sure does!
Lord Louis Bennett decides he is ready to marry. He has rejected his father's choice for a bride and wants to select his own bride. At a ball at his home he meets Clara. The connection between the two of them could not be denied. What Louis does not know is that Clara is a prostitute and is there because the father of the girl that Louis rejected wants revenge. He has offered Clara money to try and get Louis in a compromising position so that his reputation could be ruined. But Clara could not do it. She could not go through with the revenge plot. Once she met Louis she realized he was too kind for her to damage him. When she is threatened for not going through with the plot, she decides to tell Louis the entire story and knows he will hate her. But she has fallen in love with him and he has fallen in love with her. Louis tells her to leave to protect herself from the danger that is facing her. But as soon as she leaves, Louis realizes he loves her no matter what. But Clara is not able to make it to safety she is kidnapped. Louis fears he will never see her again and he is heart broken. But will help come from an unlikely source? Sure does!
February 6, 2018
Well written book with great storyline and plot. A sweet book that has great romance. The story is true to it's time period and the language is also. I like when an author has made research about the time period they want to write the story in.
Sometimes it was a very heavy read because of the lack of depth in the story but absolutely worth the time. It is instalove and attraction.
A story about finding out where you belong.
There is drama, family issues, passion, emotions and some twists. Instant attraction. I like the supporting characters. They are both very strong and also emotional.
Nice chemistry and passion. I like the main characters and how they develop. The story flows nicely and it is very captivating from first to last chapter. The author has delivered a story that is worth the read!
I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Sometimes it was a very heavy read because of the lack of depth in the story but absolutely worth the time. It is instalove and attraction.
A story about finding out where you belong.
There is drama, family issues, passion, emotions and some twists. Instant attraction. I like the supporting characters. They are both very strong and also emotional.
Nice chemistry and passion. I like the main characters and how they develop. The story flows nicely and it is very captivating from first to last chapter. The author has delivered a story that is worth the read!
I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
October 10, 2017
It takes you back to when love between the social classes was NOT acceptable. Lord Louis Bennett is looking for his wife. Finally ready to settle down and begin his family is the only thing he sees as needing to be done before he takes over the responsibilities from his father and the estate. His father had made an arranged marriage with Lord John Irving’s daughter. But Lord Bennett refuses to marry for anything but love. Lord Irving hires Clara to get Lord Bennett in a compromising situation at the ball in order to humiliate Lord Bennett and his family as he feels his daughter had been humiliated by the refusal. What transpires is so much fun. I really enjoyed reading this historical romance from Ms. Hamilton. I know you will too!
ARC read in exchange for honest review.
ARC read in exchange for honest review.
June 29, 2018
"A True Lady" was a fresh breath of air. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that for once, a woman's reputation is not being called into question for morally ethic improprieties. The only negative thing that I can think of, off the top of my head, was the fact that Hanna Hamilton only provided this site for being able to have a review.
In this novel, we find a young man- wrongfully accused for a variety of actions, trying to find his place in a society where he knows he does not belong. A few story-lines over, enter in a young woman, determined to seek revenge on behalf of her generous benefactor. 'A lady of the night,' such as herself, should never be found within the presence of a gentleman, or is that right where she belongs?
In this novel, we find a young man- wrongfully accused for a variety of actions, trying to find his place in a society where he knows he does not belong. A few story-lines over, enter in a young woman, determined to seek revenge on behalf of her generous benefactor. 'A lady of the night,' such as herself, should never be found within the presence of a gentleman, or is that right where she belongs?
October 7, 2025
Nice commute or carpool read!
I received this via online book service and was little Apprehensive but this was the little historical romance that could. I found it refreshing that the main character wasn't storybook attractive but instead seemed like someone I would see everyday. The parents were very Reminiscent of parents of the present as they made decisions not in her best interests. The love interest wasn't described as a traditional handsome which I appreciate. However his generation trauma was annoying but understandable.
I enjoyed this and appreciate the length of this story. I would definitely read something else by this author especially if she continues to make her character pop.
I received this via online book service and was little Apprehensive but this was the little historical romance that could. I found it refreshing that the main character wasn't storybook attractive but instead seemed like someone I would see everyday. The parents were very Reminiscent of parents of the present as they made decisions not in her best interests. The love interest wasn't described as a traditional handsome which I appreciate. However his generation trauma was annoying but understandable.
I enjoyed this and appreciate the length of this story. I would definitely read something else by this author especially if she continues to make her character pop.
October 5, 2017
Brought down to a Courtesan level by life's trials, Clara was ready to make money, until it meant harming a man she had just met and had this positive attraction towards. Something, in her line of work, she emotionally didn't allow.
Because she couldn't go through with the agreement, she knew that she would be dire straights, as the person who had pushed her into this situation, was someone who should not be crossed.
This is a Regency romance, packed full with emotional turmoil and drama. I have enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to those liking the Regency era.
Because she couldn't go through with the agreement, she knew that she would be dire straights, as the person who had pushed her into this situation, was someone who should not be crossed.
This is a Regency romance, packed full with emotional turmoil and drama. I have enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to those liking the Regency era.
October 6, 2017
Headline: I have voluntarily read and reviewed and ARC version of A True Lady by Hanna Hamilton.
I will be honest with you. My normal choice of genre is contemporary romance. Aka much steamier than this type of book. But I must say, this book still gave me all the feels. Even today, women want to imagine what it would be like to be courted.
Clara and Louis' story was wonderful. How quickly and intensely the fell for each other, the drama and then the wonderfully sweet happy ending. I would recommend this book. Even for those of you who like the steamy like me. This was a welcome change. Happy reading!
I will be honest with you. My normal choice of genre is contemporary romance. Aka much steamier than this type of book. But I must say, this book still gave me all the feels. Even today, women want to imagine what it would be like to be courted.
Clara and Louis' story was wonderful. How quickly and intensely the fell for each other, the drama and then the wonderfully sweet happy ending. I would recommend this book. Even for those of you who like the steamy like me. This was a welcome change. Happy reading!
July 27, 2022
This book was engaging and easy to read, but I found some of the characters' behavior unbelievable or unsupported. The heroine's parents were very quick to turn against the duke who was the heroine's fake suitor, even though they were very impressed with him initially. And they treated her very coldly when they were forcing her to marry a horrible man, only to say they loved her and ask her forgiveness later. I liked the hero and the heroine and their romance was sweet, but I thought the hero fixed himself rather easily to get to the happy ending. Overall, though, it was an enjoyable story.
August 9, 2022
First of all the blurb here in GR it is wrong.
The story is about a fake courtship ending in a true marriage between the wallflower daughter of a Baron and a scarred and aloof Duke.
If you are looking for an irrational H you are well served, describing him as mercurial is quite generous. Anyway the main characters were nice in general with good chemistry but the other characters were stereotypical if not caricatural and the end was so rushed I assume the author had a strict page limits.
To read the extended epilogue I should have subscribed the newsletter which is something I do not really like so I passed on it.
All in all an ok reading but nothing which I will remind.
The story is about a fake courtship ending in a true marriage between the wallflower daughter of a Baron and a scarred and aloof Duke.
If you are looking for an irrational H you are well served, describing him as mercurial is quite generous. Anyway the main characters were nice in general with good chemistry but the other characters were stereotypical if not caricatural and the end was so rushed I assume the author had a strict page limits.
To read the extended epilogue I should have subscribed the newsletter which is something I do not really like so I passed on it.
All in all an ok reading but nothing which I will remind.
November 18, 2018
Overall I liked this book, but to be truthful, a member of the aristocracy that found out he was with a courtesan, I rather think that he would be angry and feel like he was made a fool of. I don't really think he would just decide to marry her. There were certain lines during the Regency period that they couldn't cross. I felt that this was not fictionally credible. That was probably the only thing that I didn't like. That being said, I like the premise of the story and I was happy about the outcome.
September 3, 2020
Most ladies of the evening were "happy" where they are in life. When this one is offered first 100 pounds then 500 to smear a lord, she agrees with the deal. As she interacts with the Duke, she detests what she has agreed to, and grows feelings for him. It all came about when the Duke decides that he does not want to marry a girl whose father wants the two be married. The father has NOT consulted with his daughter.
January 13, 2025
poor research into the time and…
So many things wrong. Multiple current phrases that would not have been used at the time. Careless errors like Amanda sitting down on a metal chair, then falling over on a wooden chair as the wasp stung her. Playing backgammon but chess pieces spilled. Then there were the horrible parents. Their behavior was so bad it was unbelievable. Can’t imagine reading anything else from this author.
So many things wrong. Multiple current phrases that would not have been used at the time. Careless errors like Amanda sitting down on a metal chair, then falling over on a wooden chair as the wasp stung her. Playing backgammon but chess pieces spilled. Then there were the horrible parents. Their behavior was so bad it was unbelievable. Can’t imagine reading anything else from this author.
February 12, 2025
Interestingly, the book I read, While it had the same title, author, and cover art, had nothing to do with Clara and Louis. Instead it was the story of Derek and Amanda. I am fascinated by. why an author would have two different stories with the same title. Unfortunately, my version of the book was merely a sample masquerading as a full novel. The rest of the book is easily available however. I enjoyed this so far I would be keen to read further.
October 8, 2025
A Regency era romance whereby a 25-year-old, Amanda's parents are forcing her marriage hand. With sympathy Duke Derek offers to fake court her but is scared away when she starts to fall for him. In the meantime, her parents signs a contract with a known abusive titled rogue who learns her family just came into money. Can Duke Derek save her? For those who enjoy this genre despite having a singular plot and a predictable conclusion.
January 12, 2018
I've received an ARC and am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I loved this book!!!
A lovely fast read, that warmed my heart!
I loved Clara and her ability to truly see and recognise a good heart!
And Louis was a wonderful counterpart! Funny and lovable!
They were just right for each other, even if society rules would disagree...
I love it when true love wins!!!!
I highly recommend!
I loved this book!!!
A lovely fast read, that warmed my heart!
I loved Clara and her ability to truly see and recognise a good heart!
And Louis was a wonderful counterpart! Funny and lovable!
They were just right for each other, even if society rules would disagree...
I love it when true love wins!!!!
I highly recommend!
August 19, 2018
This is a somewhat different Regency romance with a sweet ending. Clara and Louis meet at a party thrown for him to find a bride, but Clara is not a Lady. Will Louis love her anyway? There are some interesting events and I had to finish it all in one sitting. Really enjoyable reading!
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews