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Lie With Me
In this gender-bending lesbian romance, (set in Georgian England but reading like a contemporary novel) things aren’t always as they seem.
The Countess Maryam Wyndham’s solicitor has been siphoning her late husband’s estate into his own pockets and now she finds herself destitute. One last asset, Skylark Manor, stands between her and homelessness and she must sell it to the highest bidder so she can take care of her three young children.
The man who wants Skylark the most is the Marquis Julien D’Avenant, a half-English half-French aristocrat who fled the bloodbath in France after the revolution and has lived in near-seclusion since his return to England. When he does come out in public, he causes a stir. His nose is a beak, his face is slashed, and he dresses in an immaculately-tailored version of the long trousers worn by the working class revolutionaries who stormed the Bastille.
One look at the extraordinary D’Avenant takes Lady Maryam’s breath away. He has an air of wildness about him, a feral streak, a shimmering, shifting countenance. D’Avenant is an anarchist with eyes the colour of lapis lazuli. But as the owner of Edgemere Estate, which surrounds Skylark, he says her property isn’t worth anywhere near what her solicitor says she can get for it.
When she decides to go see the distant estate for herself, D’Avenant impulsively invites Lady Maryam and her children to stay at Edgemere while she does so. It is only on cooler consideration that D’Avenant realizes that opening his home to this beautiful stranger could destroy everything he has built over the past ten years.
Because D’Avenant is not who he says he is.
====
Book length = 51,554 words
Sexuality = tame, euphemistic
This books reads like a contemporary novel.
Mature lead characters, including a single mother.
The Countess Maryam Wyndham’s solicitor has been siphoning her late husband’s estate into his own pockets and now she finds herself destitute. One last asset, Skylark Manor, stands between her and homelessness and she must sell it to the highest bidder so she can take care of her three young children.
The man who wants Skylark the most is the Marquis Julien D’Avenant, a half-English half-French aristocrat who fled the bloodbath in France after the revolution and has lived in near-seclusion since his return to England. When he does come out in public, he causes a stir. His nose is a beak, his face is slashed, and he dresses in an immaculately-tailored version of the long trousers worn by the working class revolutionaries who stormed the Bastille.
One look at the extraordinary D’Avenant takes Lady Maryam’s breath away. He has an air of wildness about him, a feral streak, a shimmering, shifting countenance. D’Avenant is an anarchist with eyes the colour of lapis lazuli. But as the owner of Edgemere Estate, which surrounds Skylark, he says her property isn’t worth anywhere near what her solicitor says she can get for it.
When she decides to go see the distant estate for herself, D’Avenant impulsively invites Lady Maryam and her children to stay at Edgemere while she does so. It is only on cooler consideration that D’Avenant realizes that opening his home to this beautiful stranger could destroy everything he has built over the past ten years.
Because D’Avenant is not who he says he is.
====
Book length = 51,554 words
Sexuality = tame, euphemistic
This books reads like a contemporary novel.
Mature lead characters, including a single mother.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2021
14 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Spencer
6 books17 followersI am the author of the following works of fiction:
- The Life Bestowed, a sapphic romance featuring mature characters and intended for a mature readership. It is the second in the Prince Edward County series, set in Canada. Two years in the writing, professionally edited, and sensitivity-read by trans women, this new book was released on February 6, 2024 on Amazon.
Tagline: Is a future possible when the past hasn't been healed?
- The Hum of Bees, a sapphic romance featuring mature characters and intended for a mature readership. Winner of a 2022 Goldie Award for Contemporary Fiction. Published Nov. 2021. Contemporary Canadian. First in the Prince Edward County series.
Tagline: Can a fragile recluse and a public figure caught up in a media storm find love?
- Lie With Me, a sweet, woman-disguised-as-a-man sapphic romance set in pre-Regency England. Published June 2021. Lie With Me is a Sheena's Favourite on The Lesbian Review.
Tagline: A penniless Countess. A rich Marquis. A grand deception.
The above books are all available on Amazon worldwide.
Works in Progress:
A sapphic trilogy, I'll Get You Home. This is a rewritten, sapphic version of Day Three, which is the love story between a combat photographer and the TV producer who hires her to produce a documentary. Spending three hellish days under fire, they discover that getting home again is just as challenging as surviving war. Set in the recent past (1994) in a Balkan war zone modelled after the Siege of Sarajevo, the first third of the story is set abroad and the remainder is set in Washington, D.C. and Maine, USA.
Tagline: Surviving war takes courage. Getting home takes love.
- The Life Bestowed, a sapphic romance featuring mature characters and intended for a mature readership. It is the second in the Prince Edward County series, set in Canada. Two years in the writing, professionally edited, and sensitivity-read by trans women, this new book was released on February 6, 2024 on Amazon.
Tagline: Is a future possible when the past hasn't been healed?
- The Hum of Bees, a sapphic romance featuring mature characters and intended for a mature readership. Winner of a 2022 Goldie Award for Contemporary Fiction. Published Nov. 2021. Contemporary Canadian. First in the Prince Edward County series.
Tagline: Can a fragile recluse and a public figure caught up in a media storm find love?
- Lie With Me, a sweet, woman-disguised-as-a-man sapphic romance set in pre-Regency England. Published June 2021. Lie With Me is a Sheena's Favourite on The Lesbian Review.
Tagline: A penniless Countess. A rich Marquis. A grand deception.
The above books are all available on Amazon worldwide.
Works in Progress:
A sapphic trilogy, I'll Get You Home. This is a rewritten, sapphic version of Day Three, which is the love story between a combat photographer and the TV producer who hires her to produce a documentary. Spending three hellish days under fire, they discover that getting home again is just as challenging as surviving war. Set in the recent past (1994) in a Balkan war zone modelled after the Siege of Sarajevo, the first third of the story is set abroad and the remainder is set in Washington, D.C. and Maine, USA.
Tagline: Surviving war takes courage. Getting home takes love.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 18, 2022
4 stars
This was a nice historical romance. Nothing too fact-heavy, but still avoided any anachronisms I could detect, which is impressive in itself.
This was a nice historical romance. Nothing too fact-heavy, but still avoided any anachronisms I could detect, which is impressive in itself.
October 24, 2022
The second book that filled the January lull in my review reading - this one prompted by notice of the author's new book The Hum of Bees.
Lie with Me blends the storyline of change in the personal lives of Maryam and D'Avenant with deviousness, hope, redemption and love and how that courageous change affects all aspects of life as they know it when lies lay bare. It also shows how estate management handled with foresight can be better for all concerned. Another book that IMHO deserves more exposure and I can't recommend it enough.
Completely engrossed from the start, I read through the night. I loved the storyline, descriptions and language - fiction, the best escape from real life. Our lead characters in this romance are Marquis Julien D'Avenant, mysterious and rich with striking facial features and Countess Maryam Wyndham in dire need of financial aid and a roof for her family. A tale of slow romance, secrets, intrigue, impulsiveness, courage, loss and sorrow that starts with Maryam (unknowingly cheated by her solicitor/executor of her late husband's estate) having to sell off the remaining asset Skylark Manor which lies in the midst of D'Avenant's estate lands. A first meeting and a spark of interest is lit confounding both parties. Julien wants the property which was once part of the D'Avenant lands but will only pay a fair price and an invitation is extended for Maryam to see with clear eyes just what Skylark Manor is worth. What ensues is unexpected. Three children open a frozen, scarred heart and a young mother wanting security and independence is meshed with a band of loyal servants and their employer the intriguing Marquis. A stay extended, knowledge imparted and emotions grow along with confusion then peril strikes and secrets are revealed. I read avidly hoping for a HEA.
Highly recommend with 5 plus stars - easily on my re-read shelf.
Lie with Me blends the storyline of change in the personal lives of Maryam and D'Avenant with deviousness, hope, redemption and love and how that courageous change affects all aspects of life as they know it when lies lay bare. It also shows how estate management handled with foresight can be better for all concerned. Another book that IMHO deserves more exposure and I can't recommend it enough.
Completely engrossed from the start, I read through the night. I loved the storyline, descriptions and language - fiction, the best escape from real life. Our lead characters in this romance are Marquis Julien D'Avenant, mysterious and rich with striking facial features and Countess Maryam Wyndham in dire need of financial aid and a roof for her family. A tale of slow romance, secrets, intrigue, impulsiveness, courage, loss and sorrow that starts with Maryam (unknowingly cheated by her solicitor/executor of her late husband's estate) having to sell off the remaining asset Skylark Manor which lies in the midst of D'Avenant's estate lands. A first meeting and a spark of interest is lit confounding both parties. Julien wants the property which was once part of the D'Avenant lands but will only pay a fair price and an invitation is extended for Maryam to see with clear eyes just what Skylark Manor is worth. What ensues is unexpected. Three children open a frozen, scarred heart and a young mother wanting security and independence is meshed with a band of loyal servants and their employer the intriguing Marquis. A stay extended, knowledge imparted and emotions grow along with confusion then peril strikes and secrets are revealed. I read avidly hoping for a HEA.
Highly recommend with 5 plus stars - easily on my re-read shelf.
June 15, 2021
I liked this one
This is my first book I have read from this author, not sure if it's a debut or not. Overall, I enjoyed the book. The story was well written. The characters were very likable. I really enjoyed the children and the interactions with the staff. Overall, very good and I look forward to more by this author.
Despite that, I thought the love scene was lacking significantly. Now, that's not to say the chemistry between the characters was not there, it was, although maybe could have been ramped up a bit more with a longer story, but the two leads were great. The intimate scene was happened in line a paragraph and was so quick I pretty much missed it. I didnt know it happened until I read the next paragraph where they talk about it. I also would have liked to see more interaction of the two with the town but that's just me being picky.
If you've got the money in your book budget, enjoy historic time pieces this one might be one for you.
This is my first book I have read from this author, not sure if it's a debut or not. Overall, I enjoyed the book. The story was well written. The characters were very likable. I really enjoyed the children and the interactions with the staff. Overall, very good and I look forward to more by this author.
Despite that, I thought the love scene was lacking significantly. Now, that's not to say the chemistry between the characters was not there, it was, although maybe could have been ramped up a bit more with a longer story, but the two leads were great. The intimate scene was happened in line a paragraph and was so quick I pretty much missed it. I didnt know it happened until I read the next paragraph where they talk about it. I also would have liked to see more interaction of the two with the town but that's just me being picky.
If you've got the money in your book budget, enjoy historic time pieces this one might be one for you.
August 19, 2022
The idea of a woman posing as male to secure an inheritance for herself has been explored before, Georgette Heyer put an extra twist on it with two siblings male and female exchanging roles in "Masqueraders" and I am sure there is one by Barbara cartland, too. "Mascarade" by Lena Clarke so far was my favourite along pretty much the same lines as here, because it is in French. Yet the difference here is, that the charater development of Lady Maryam Wyndham is very well worked as is the one of 'Marquis' D'Avenant.
The romance is slow and the plot not overly complicated but character driven, what I like a lot, and very sweet, when it finally comes to a head. Therefore it certainly warrants 4.5 stars rounded up. It really is a must read for lovers of historical sapphic fiction.
The romance is slow and the plot not overly complicated but character driven, what I like a lot, and very sweet, when it finally comes to a head. Therefore it certainly warrants 4.5 stars rounded up. It really is a must read for lovers of historical sapphic fiction.
November 6, 2022
Patricia Spencer did a nice job of creating an interesting little world in England at the turn of the 18th century. The plight of women is the backdrop for a sweet love story between a widow with three young children and a wealthy landowner masquerading as a man. The supporting characters are nicely rendered, too.
Why 4 stars?
"You don't really end a story. You abandon a story." That's how prolific novelist Percival Everett (author of 33 books) put it in a recent interview. Here, Spencer made the unfortunate decision to abandon the story precipitously. Readers of sapphic romance will be accustomed to a certain narrative progression, with a grande finale sexual crescendo scene. Spencer departs from this tradition, saying au revoir to her readers immediately before that customary scene. As other GR reviewers have commented, this book needed just a few more chapters to leave its readers feeling complete.
I do like Spencer's writing quite a lot, and I recommend her next novel, The Hum of Bees.
Why 4 stars?
"You don't really end a story. You abandon a story." That's how prolific novelist Percival Everett (author of 33 books) put it in a recent interview. Here, Spencer made the unfortunate decision to abandon the story precipitously. Readers of sapphic romance will be accustomed to a certain narrative progression, with a grande finale sexual crescendo scene. Spencer departs from this tradition, saying au revoir to her readers immediately before that customary scene. As other GR reviewers have commented, this book needed just a few more chapters to leave its readers feeling complete.
I do like Spencer's writing quite a lot, and I recommend her next novel, The Hum of Bees.
February 24, 2022
love loved it!
This was such a remarkable story. This is one of my favorite time periods for lesbian romance. I love the syntax and period word/phrase usage that aren’t todays norm. This story features a cast of strong women loving and caring for each other. The romance and love with the newest edition to the family just makes perfect sense. I would love to see an epilogue about their lives, the children and their combined fortunes.
What’s missing for me? Sex. I wanted to see Lord D’Avenant and Lady Windhym celebrate their love more than what was provided. It would have been nice to see them explore one another and show physical/sexual love between them. So that means the book needed a few more chapters to feel full.
I hope there are more books to come in this era. Please!
This was such a remarkable story. This is one of my favorite time periods for lesbian romance. I love the syntax and period word/phrase usage that aren’t todays norm. This story features a cast of strong women loving and caring for each other. The romance and love with the newest edition to the family just makes perfect sense. I would love to see an epilogue about their lives, the children and their combined fortunes.
What’s missing for me? Sex. I wanted to see Lord D’Avenant and Lady Windhym celebrate their love more than what was provided. It would have been nice to see them explore one another and show physical/sexual love between them. So that means the book needed a few more chapters to feel full.
I hope there are more books to come in this era. Please!
September 6, 2021
I loved this book. I'm very particular about historical fiction, as anachronisms set my teeth on edge, but this novel really rang true - the language, the setting ... the only thing I didn't like is the use of French words, because you really have to know the language to do that, otherwise you use the wrong words and it sounds really bizarre. But overall - a really good read
April 25, 2024
First let me say that this is the third book that I’ve read by Patricia Spencer, although it was written before the other two, which are set in contemporary settings rather than historical. All three are well worth reading for the rich characters as well as the story, so pick up the other two if you haven’t read them yet. A reader will soon understand the clever dual meaning of the title, “Lie With Me”—this is not only a romance, but the telling of a woman who must pretend to be a man in order to oversee an estate that many depend on in pre-regency England. This is a woman who has survived a revolution and has not come out unscathed, either emotionally or physically, making for a captivating character, flaws and all. The attention to the time period works well, educational and believable while not overwhelming. The second main character is a strong, intelligent woman who is also fighting for her family as a marginalized woman. The author does a fantastic job of creating a totally believable developing relationship between the two main characters, even with the secrets that one carries. The supporting entourage of characters enriched the novel, from the older generation to the children, all creating an authentic and entertaining family dynamic. I can’t finish this review without reemphasizing that this book is well worth acquiring not only for the entertainment factor, but also because the author has managed to integrate the historical aspects in a manner that will leave you better educated.
September 11, 2025
I wanted something different after finishing the Cash Braddock quartet and this historical romance definitely delivered. It’s set in the years soon after the French Revolution (so, early 1800’s) as French former aristocrat Julianne D’Avenant has fled France (but carries the scars of the Revolution both internally and externally). She and a small group of friends have rebuilt a life in England (where her family were also nobles with property). In order to be able to live and work on the family estate she has to present herself as Lord Julian D’Avenant, (one of her deceased brothers). Julianne finds having to maintain the facade of who she really is burdensome, especially when she meets and becomes involved in the life of the widowed Countess of Wyndham, Maryam, and her 3 children.
This was really well done with Julianne teaching Maryam how to form her own independence, developing a very sweet bond with the children and gradually falling in love too. Similarly, Maryam finds herself drawn to Julianne but doesn’t know the secret she hides…
You know that everything is going to be revealed but don’t know how Maryam will react when the truth becomes apparent…
As others have said, my only regret was that the ending was a little abrupt. I felt an Epilogue would have fitted very nicely given events to come when this ends. Apart from that, this is a very enjoyable historical tale.
This was really well done with Julianne teaching Maryam how to form her own independence, developing a very sweet bond with the children and gradually falling in love too. Similarly, Maryam finds herself drawn to Julianne but doesn’t know the secret she hides…
You know that everything is going to be revealed but don’t know how Maryam will react when the truth becomes apparent…
As others have said, my only regret was that the ending was a little abrupt. I felt an Epilogue would have fitted very nicely given events to come when this ends. Apart from that, this is a very enjoyable historical tale.
October 17, 2023
Great historical romance, a woman masquerading as her brother in order to survive in pre-regency England.
Some moments of wit (I would appreciate more) and some heart-breakingly sad ones. All in all, this is a well-written story with quite a solid historical setting and great characters, both the MCs and the supporting entourage.
An epilogue would have done some justice to the readers who waited so long for this union. Maybe a year after the wedding or something like that.
T&T:
Tropes: woman disguised as man, forced proximity, rich girl/poor girl, hurt/comfort, single mom, slow burn
Triggers: drowning accident, rebels killing aristocrats, PTSD, open-door sex scene
Rating: 4 stars
Some moments of wit (I would appreciate more) and some heart-breakingly sad ones. All in all, this is a well-written story with quite a solid historical setting and great characters, both the MCs and the supporting entourage.
An epilogue would have done some justice to the readers who waited so long for this union. Maybe a year after the wedding or something like that.
T&T:
Tropes: woman disguised as man, forced proximity, rich girl/poor girl, hurt/comfort, single mom, slow burn
Triggers: drowning accident, rebels killing aristocrats, PTSD, open-door sex scene
Rating: 4 stars
February 1, 2022
Julien...Julianne
Great period piece showing the lengths a woman will go to survive. No matter the Country, history shows women treated as "less than"...often not even permitted to own property or benefit from the laws of men. I am always happy to find authors who highlight a a female rancher, a lord, a soldier who must don a disguise to follow a dream, express freedom and independence or...simply avoid abuse and stay alive. So many women, especially women who loved women DID take on a male persona even at the risk of being punished or killed. That takes strength and courage to a higher level. Thank you for a love story that shares this.
Great period piece showing the lengths a woman will go to survive. No matter the Country, history shows women treated as "less than"...often not even permitted to own property or benefit from the laws of men. I am always happy to find authors who highlight a a female rancher, a lord, a soldier who must don a disguise to follow a dream, express freedom and independence or...simply avoid abuse and stay alive. So many women, especially women who loved women DID take on a male persona even at the risk of being punished or killed. That takes strength and courage to a higher level. Thank you for a love story that shares this.
May 16, 2022
This was a good read, which featured my soon becoming favorite genre of women cross-dressing as men to survive in a historic setting that denies the same liberties as men.
The book was a breath of fresh air and I enjoyed every aspect of it. However, there were several situations which were loosely tied up, such as with Maryam's solicitor. He was scrapped out of the picture without even a conclusion to what had happened to him.
The ending was also quite rushed, in my opinion, not that I disliked it. It was very fulfilling and I loved how Maryam and Julianne had a happy ending.
Overall, a good read.
The book was a breath of fresh air and I enjoyed every aspect of it. However, there were several situations which were loosely tied up, such as with Maryam's solicitor. He was scrapped out of the picture without even a conclusion to what had happened to him.
The ending was also quite rushed, in my opinion, not that I disliked it. It was very fulfilling and I loved how Maryam and Julianne had a happy ending.
Overall, a good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2021
Oh dear, what an exquisite read! I loved every singe second I spent reading this. D'Aventant and Maryam is a match made in heaven. I have no other words but praises.. okay, maybe it was a bit short and I wanted to read more and some words didn't fit the Georgian setting but this was just outstanding - also the author did say this is written like a contemporary novel. If you're looking for a great historical lesfic, this fits the bill and then some. Loved the 18th century backdrop and Patricia Spencer did a tremendous job in the world-building. Go read it!
March 1, 2023
Great hidden gender story.
The book was great, was not as expected. Thought they would jump to the conclusion of marriage from the start. But was pleasantly surprised when that didn't happened and was eager to see how that would come about.
Would love to read some sequels, maybe even a prequel.
The story was quick read, a bit choppy with the days and who was the pov narrative for character switches. But once you get used to that you did a nice read.
I do wish it was longer for a more in-depth characters and growth.
Would recommend if your into the hidden gender stories.
The book was great, was not as expected. Thought they would jump to the conclusion of marriage from the start. But was pleasantly surprised when that didn't happened and was eager to see how that would come about.
Would love to read some sequels, maybe even a prequel.
The story was quick read, a bit choppy with the days and who was the pov narrative for character switches. But once you get used to that you did a nice read.
I do wish it was longer for a more in-depth characters and growth.
Would recommend if your into the hidden gender stories.
September 15, 2021
Very good historical read
I really enjoyed this book historical read with a lesbian hero. A women living as a man to help herself and other women is a hero in my book. Sweet romance added to the mix and very well written characters is a win in my book. Thanks for a very good read.
I really enjoyed this book historical read with a lesbian hero. A women living as a man to help herself and other women is a hero in my book. Sweet romance added to the mix and very well written characters is a win in my book. Thanks for a very good read.
December 29, 2021
When will book 2 will be ready?First I taught I bought a straight book but something make me keep reading ,life in that time was very hard for women who love women beautiful writing
Beautiful book the love between women in those time was very hard we have come a long way, book 2 please
Beautiful book the love between women in those time was very hard we have come a long way, book 2 please
October 5, 2021
Fascinating historical romance
Struggle of women to survive in the male-dominated English society at the turn of the 19th century - with the added burden/ blessing of great lesbian romance in spite of popular opinion against them.
Struggle of women to survive in the male-dominated English society at the turn of the 19th century - with the added burden/ blessing of great lesbian romance in spite of popular opinion against them.
May 5, 2022
4 stars. Beautiful writing and a wonderful cast of characters. It’s really short but manages to pack a lot of heart into it. The romance was lovely and I liked that both characters were mature. I’m interested in reading more by this author.
April 25, 2024
A very good romance
This disguised as a man, historical romance is quite sweet really. The main characters are good and fairly well developed. Of course the secondary characters who are women are more likable than the stereotypical villain. This is a fun and fast read.
This disguised as a man, historical romance is quite sweet really. The main characters are good and fairly well developed. Of course the secondary characters who are women are more likable than the stereotypical villain. This is a fun and fast read.
September 22, 2021
Oh so sweet
My only complaint is that the story is too short! Another 200 or so pages, and I would probably been satisfied with this very sweet love story.
My only complaint is that the story is too short! Another 200 or so pages, and I would probably been satisfied with this very sweet love story.
December 25, 2021
Refreshing
Just what I have been looking for in a historical romance. Could not put it down. Can’t wait to read more.
Just what I have been looking for in a historical romance. Could not put it down. Can’t wait to read more.
January 11, 2022
Well done
I enjoyed this historical romance. I was happy to read a novel that wasn’t full of angst on its way to the happy ending.
I enjoyed this historical romance. I was happy to read a novel that wasn’t full of angst on its way to the happy ending.
March 27, 2022
Loved it
I do love a good queer historical romance and this one was great. I loved the little family Julianne had created and how she helped the villagers.
It would have been nice to be a bit longer and have an epilogue.
I do love a good queer historical romance and this one was great. I loved the little family Julianne had created and how she helped the villagers.
It would have been nice to be a bit longer and have an epilogue.
December 31, 2023
4.5⭐️
Historical fiction that imagines a hero with a big secret and well written characters that you will come to love.
Historical fiction that imagines a hero with a big secret and well written characters that you will come to love.
October 22, 2021
I just loved this romance.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews