A Lady Dark as Gold

by Emma Linfield

She could crush him, break him apart, and he would let her...

When her betrothed tries to make unsavory advances on her, Lady Lydia Goresnarl seeks refuge in the most unlikely of places: the manor of a man she cut ties with years ago.

Confident in his position and himself, Edmund Covendew, Marquess of Netherwater, is no longer fazed by anything. That is until the day the love that shattered him appears on his doorstep, begging for help.

When Lydia's whereabouts reach her father's ears, she must make a choice: stay with the love of her life, or flee and free him from the scandal that follows her. A scandal that just might grip her before she has the chance to save Edmund from a terrible fate.

Genres: Historical Romance

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 12, 2021

About the author

Emma Linfield has always been passionate about historical romances. Ever fascinated with the world of Regency England and being utmost inspired by Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s work, she decided she wanted to write her own stories. Stories of love and tradition being mixed in the most appealing way for every hopeless romantic, much like herself.

Born and raised in Southern California, Emma Linfield has a degree in Creative Writing and English Literature, and she has been working as a freelance writer for the past 10 years. When she isn’t writing, Emma loves spending her time with her own prince charming and two beautiful children, all the while enjoying the famous Californian sun and ocean.

So, hop on to this exciting journey of Dukes, Earls and true love with Emma and find pleasure in the old fashioned world of Regency - an Era of pure romance, elegance and high fashion!

(Source: Official Website)

Reviews

[Gail · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I've read and enjoyed several of Ms. Linfield's previous books, I did not care for this one at all. It seemed rambling and confusing, and I really don't understand the title "A Lady Dark as Gold"--what does it mean in context to the book?
Several inconsistencies begin in chapter 1. When Lydia first arrives in the middle of the night, having run in the rain, "She didn't sit on the seat", then in the very next paragraph, we're told "She sat there" and finally when Edmund enters the room, we're told he saw "The shape of a woman crouched on the hearth" (which is it??). Several other inconsistencies followed in the book.
And even though Lydia's running from danger, exactly what is the "danger" other than a scandalous reputation? It seems to me, in order to no longer risk a scandalous reputation, as Lydia's and Edmund's feelings grew for 1 another, all they had to do is wed--end of danger!
The couple mostly went all over London or the country (all the while Lydia was supposed to be in hiding for fear of being recognized). To avoid being recognized out in public, they decide to exchange clothes with the hired help!?! A change of clothes makes one unrecognizable?? Unbelievable!
As a Marquess, doesn't Edmund have work to do?? It seemed all he and Lydia did was eat, have tea (always tea), take a walk, and rest or sleep. And since they constantly refer back to their childhood relationship, we're told that Lydia is a love that once "shattered" Edmund. Wouldn't they talk about why she left him and how he was shattered?
There was also too much repetition in the narrative, and there wasn't really any "story" to the story. Edmund seems like a wimp, never knowing what to do, and Lydia is so smart she can come up with all of these hairbrained ideas.
I don't recall ever giving a book a 1 star review, and so I'm saddened to have to give it here. Hopefully the next book will be better. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have given my honest opinion in this review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Lydia Goresnarl and Edmund Covendew, Marquess of Netherwater, have known each other since they were small children and were always there for each other. Her father had promised her hand in marriage to the Earl of Sageley. She didn't like him at all. Lydia, her father, and the Earl were all sitting together talking when her father got called away and Lydia was left alone with the Earl. He made advances to her and she went to her bed-chamber very afraid. She could not marry that man and she knew she had to get away. Where would she go? There was only one place she would feel safe and that was at Edmund's. He was shocked to see her in his house but he agreed to let her stay there as long as she needed to. That was the start of what you might refer to as a three-ring circus. Edmond was involved with a lady. What was she going to say? Would the servants keep her secret and not gossip? Is it safe for her to remain in London? Should she go to her uncle's in Scotland? What was she going to do for clothes? She only had one dress packed in her bag and the one she was wearing. Come along on this ride and find out what happens. Characters are fleshed out, the plot is well constructed and the story is well written. It held my interest from beginning to end. There were times I couldn't put the book down.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.

[Sharon · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have read many books by this author and I loved them. Unfortunately this is not one of them. She use to be true to the Regency period but she is straying from that. She is very close to becoming a writer of steamy books. I am very disappointed with her and I can not in good conscience recommend this book to those who prefer sweet clean and wholesome books. Even though I was given a copy of this book by the author, it in no way influenced my opinion and this is my honest review.

[Anita Devers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different story line .

This book is a breath of fresh air after reading all the ones that seem to be continuous. I enjoy your books and this one was a delight.
I hope you don't mind a comment that seems to be spread over all historical novels. I have listened to a lot of books lately and frankly the way they say some words is an insult. You don't notice it as much if you read the book but listen to one and you will see what I am referring to.

[susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very nice story I found it to be different take on an awful situation it was funny and sad at the same time

[Cecelia Gardon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book

Well written. Good intrigue. I really thought they were too mouse at first but the characters came through. I loved their exploits.

[Wendy Plumacher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boring

I could not get into this book. It had so many holes, it was not coherent. I gave it 3 stars for effort.

[Maria Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marriage that her father had promised but she disliked him as she had known him since they were children
Will she find away to stop this

[djaccarino58gmail,com · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet quick read.

I enjoyed most of it. They sure drank a lot of tea!!!😆 I wondered why they never mentioned anyone's mothers. I wish there had been some mystery. It was very wholesome.