The Mysterious Miss Lydia

School of Charm #9

by Maggie Dallen

Miss Lydia might be shy, but she's also clever. So clever, in fact, that one might suspect she's up to no good...

The nice young gentleman she meets in the park certainly believes she's hiding something. He mistakes her reticence for something devious. And now suddenly this very bookish, quiet young miss is something she never expected to be...mysterious.

But it's the nice young gentleman who's truly keeping secrets. And he might not be as nice as he'd seemed. Soon the two are playing a game of cat and mouse...and only the most clever and mysterious can win.

Genres: Romance, Historical, Audiobook, Historical Romance, Regency, Novella, Ebooks

156 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 8, 2022

Reviews

[Helen Gaye Brewster · Rating 4 out of 5]

All of the School of Charm books are sweet and this one is, too. Lydia has been sent to the school because she is so shy she can barely speak. But when she meets Lord Galena, she begins to find her voice. As for him, Lord Galena falls in love as soon as he sees her. He never thought he was the kind of man to fall in love, but Lydia quickly changes his mind.

This whole series is perfect for when you need a quick HEA read. They’re exactly what they’re supposed to be, so if you’re looking for thought-provoking literature this isn’t what you want. But if you like Regency romance and need a fun, bright spot in your day, jump right in.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Miss Lydia Baker is painfully shy, but she's also clever. So clever, in fact, that one might suspect she's up to no good. The nice young gentleman she meets in the park certainly believes she's hiding something. He mistakes her reticence for something devious. And now suddenly this very bookish, quiet young miss is something she never expected to be...mysterious. Luke Hogan, Viscount Galena never expected to be his father's heir but now he is after his brother was killed in a duel but he's loathe to give up his work in espionage especially when there seems to be a traitor.
Another absolutely delightful novella, which I read in a sitting, wonderful characters & a well paced story had me engrossed from cover to cover. I loved both Luke & Lydia, he’s fining it hard to accept he's now the heir & she's so tongue tied & retiring. I loved their attraction which was immediate & how he was so patient with her & quickly learned the way to make her feel more comfortable. Mistaken identities, traitors & learning to live added to my enjoyment but the real joy was seeing Lydia come alive
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming romance, in which the heroine is burdened with crippling shyness, to the extent that she finds it almost impossible to say two words together. Yet, despite the circumstances in which Luke, Lord Galena, discovers her hiding away, he feels protective towards her and realizes that he has to tread gently. A case of mistaken identity puts Luke on the back foot and at odds with Lydia's father, but it does not lessen his need to speak with her. Inadvertently Luke finds a way in which to get Lydia to communicate with him, and in so doing discovers that she is the key to him solving a mystery. Luke is a delightful hero and his patience with Lydia's affliction won me over. It was also wonderful to see Lydia unfurl and come into her own as Luke gave her the validation she so desperately needed. The novel comes to a good conclusion with justice being served, and with the possibility of further romance in the future. I received a copy of this sweet novel as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book in the series. A short & sweet fluffy Regency romance, with a bit of intrigue and adventure, and a female main character who finds her strength. It was a little like Georgette Heyer’s novels but a lot fluffier and faster paced. I do wish the editing was better and that there was more detail. It would have been much better with more details in terms of world building.
I recommend reading the previous books in the series, and if you like completeness I also recommend reading the Sweet Romance series that precedes this series.

[Naomi]

Horrific.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The School of Charm series by Maggie Dallen is a sweet and satisfying collection of quick reads that are perfect for young readers starting to explore romance. Each story features lovable, relatable characters and follows a light, predictable arc—but in a way that feels cozy and comforting rather than stale.

What I appreciate most is how age-appropriate the content is. There's nothing more than kissing, and the relationships are respectful, kind, and rooted in good friendships. As a parent of tweens just beginning to show interest in romance books, this series has been a fantastic find. The stories provide just enough emotional depth and romantic spark without diving into territory they’re not quite ready for.

I’m giving the series 4 stars—not because anything was lacking, but simply because I usually reserve 5 stars for books I want to reread or that truly wow me. These are quick, sweet reads that I highly recommend—especially if, like me, you started with more intense romance novels at a young age (Flowers in the Attic, anyone?) and are looking for something gentler for your own kids.

[Alisha Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miss Lydia finds her voice while interacting with an intriguing man, whereas her father, mother, and spoiled sister Imogen all belittle and think they know best who Lydia is and who she should marry. But Lydia's intriguing man turns out to be Lord Galena (Luke), who Imogen has claimed vocally as her own. Luke thinks Lydia is the traitor the Home Office is trying to find and is unwilling to relinquish his previous duties for his new Viscount role that his brother had been raised to do prior to his passing. I enjoyed reading Luke and Lydia story where Lydia, with Luke's encouragement being the final boost to take risks Lydia, needs to find her voice and "coming into her own" (Miss Farthington). Lydia was taught while sick during her childhood to be scared for her life. Luke likes that Lydia is "an intelligent, well-read, kind young woman.. who actually thought before she spoke." Lydia has dreamed of having an adventure like the characters in the books she reads, and through meeting Luke, she has her unexpected adventure with Luke there to protect her.

[Danielle Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

well written clean series

I have finished 9 of the books in this series.

I felt the stories improved a bit as the series continued. Maggie’s writing is very smooth and flowed naturally which is very important in all stories.

I enjoyed the last couple stories more than the first few since there was an added bit of adventure in them.

Definitely worth reading. They are relatively short novels but not as short as a novella.
Happy reading!

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Often when stories claim to star a shy character, they do a poor job of actually making them shy and showing what that looks like and feels like. But I was thoroughly impressed with how Lydia was really truly shy. Her struggles to speak and the pain it caused her were well considered and made an important aspect of the story. I enjoyed how sweet the romance was as well and how he was able to see her and help her through her troubles with shyness. Overall a lovely story!

[Roslyn Stillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What another wonderful read. I love these sweet romantic reads. This one had some adventure in it. The heroines are always quiet strong girls with a wonderfully strong and generous hero. There is nothing in these stories that you won’t enjoy. Now to look forward to the next. I received this as an ARC and freely give my review.

[Stephen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story for the series

This is anther great story full of suspense and emotion, that is a brilliant addition to the series. All the wonderful characters are amazingly crafted and have some insecurities as well as a mystery to overcome. A very entertaining and captivating read.

[Roxanna Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great read .....right until the ending?

This book was going along swimmingly, great characters, great plot! Everything was great until I found out that that author forgot to write an ending. "You're mine! I will see you tomorrow!" kind of ending. I felt like Lydia deserved so much more!

[Ally Nelsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a really good sweet historical romance.
Just swoon.

If you are looking for some epic romance, with plot heavy intrigue, you aren’t going to want to read this. But if you want a quick read with sweet, well written characters with a dash of insta-love, cuddle up for an afternoon because you will enjoy this book!

[BlueJeansAndTeacups · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke and Lydia's tale of mistaken identity, intrigue and romance was a delight to read. Each of these books has the similar theme of live at first sight, but each story is vastly different and unique which I have appreciated!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I purchased the collection for an amazing sale price directly from the author. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Miss Lydia was so sweet. She didn't speak much at the beginning, when she was quite shy, but seemed to get better when she met Luke. She spoke to him, kissed him and said she loved him right back. What a lovely story, and as always with this author, an enjoyable experience. 5☆

[Ted Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet romance and savy spies pull together

The sweet romance builds. The spying and treason build. The elements of friendship bring life to the characters. The story builds to a satisfying conclusion.

[Kimberly Borup · Rating 5 out of 5]

a Regency Romance

There s something I just love about Maggie Dallin’s books. Clean stories filled with real characters as the lead. There is always growth in the characters and of course, a happy romantic ending. Loved it.

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rate this 4.5 stars. Lydia grows so much in this one and I love how she is allowed to grow. Given a safe space. This was one story where I wished there was more length to it because I was enjoying the interaction between the characters.

[Moey17 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok read, my least favorite of the series, but still entertaining.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke- worked for the crown but now has responsibilities since older brother has passed.
Lydia- shy beyond normality, but smarter than appears.
I enjoyed reading this intriguing story of spies and romance. Their story has a delightful hea.
Ama

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, wholesome little romance novel that made me smile.

[Kaziah Mustard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, lighthearted, wholesome read.

[Ashley Lavering · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick but delightful read! I truly enjoyed the characters and was entertained by their interactions. Clean romance.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming story.

[BreAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 absolutely adored this book! I just wish there was an epilogue.

[JLA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, fast read with a unique plot. No spice.

[Sam Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. Now off to read the last in the series

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Lydia as a character and found her loss of words when talking to actual people relatable. It was a quick clean read.

[Becca Kirkman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a cute series! If you need a sweet little romance, this is what you need to read! I really need something light and uplifting.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another sweet romance with a touch of intrigue. Have very much enjoyed reading this series.