Lord Sidley's Last Season

by Sherry Lynn Ferguson

Marian Ware's future seems settled. For two years she's been engaged to a naval lieutenant, now due home within weeks. But before she weds, Marian accepts her cousins' invitation to join them in town for the social season. Lady Formsby has generously arranged for Marian to study with the masters at the Royal Academy. As a dedicated painter, Marian can be relied upon to provide steady, sensible company to her impulsive younger cousin Katie, who has been relishing her debut. All of London is thrilled with Napoleon's abdication and the celebratory visits of foreign princes. Yet Lord Sidley's return from the war has created an equal sensation. The earl's looks, charm, and dashing reputation intrigue both cousins. Katie vows to marry Sidley, and indeed, as the last of his family, he must choose a bride. But there is another reason for the widespread fascination with Lord Sidley's Season. And Marian soon discovers how easily plans, and hearts, can be overturned.

Genres: Romance, Regency, Historical Romance, Historical, Regency Romance, Historical Fiction, Clean Romance

232 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a light, bright, clever Regency, with a charming hero, rational heroine -- something rarely found! -- and a believable setting. The witty conversation flies every time hero and heroine meet. These two so clearly belong together. Reminds me of some of the older classic romantic comedy films.

[Ilze · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very very nice light read. Ferguson captures the language, behaviour and speech of the Regency era beautifully, along with lovely characterizations.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful! This book sold me on this author...cute, clean and clever...I hope to read more from her!

12-15-12. Just reread and loved it all over again!!

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

Marian Ware is in London for a few weeks staying with relatives and studying art while she awaits the return of her naval officer fiance, Lieutenant William Reese. Marian is shocked at the ton gossip about Lord Sidley. The new Lord Sidley returned wounded from fighting on the Peninsula, where his older brother died, and is said to be on death's door. Ton gossip says Lord Sidley is spending is nights as days and participating in a dissipated lifestyle while he piles up creditors' bills. When Marian first meets Sidley, she's shocked to discover a strong, handsome man but perplexed by his teasing behavior. Lord Sidley knows he's not dying but finds it great fun to pretend he is. He believes it will save him from a marriage to a silly young girl. For some reason he finds himself drawn to, and teasing, Miss Ware. His best laid plans go awry when his aunt invites a few young marriage-minded misses to his home, including Marian's Aunt Edith and cousins, Edgar and Katherine. Sidley makes sure Marian is on the guest list as well. Marian's cousin Katherine is determined to get a proposal out of Lord Sidley and best the other young ladies who are dying to marry the Earl only to become wealthy widows shortly thereafter! When she's invited with her family to a country house party at Lord Sidley's estate, he commissions her to paint him. Marian tries to focus on her painting, but the more time she spends with the Earl, the more she's confused by his behavior and her reaction to her behavior. Should she continue with a marriage to a childhood friend where she would be buried in the country and her art would be treated as a hobby? Lord Sidley doesn't think so. He believes Marian has great talent and is determined to support her. He's determined to keep her from making a big mistake, but his mischievous behavior may have ruined his chances.

The only reason I rate this 3 1/2 stars is because the story is a bit shallow. There's hints of backstory but not enough is developed. There's also not a good reason for the hero and heroine to be interested in each other as early as they are. I can see Lord Sidley's attraction to Marian once he finds out about her interest in art, but he seems interested even before that. I liked the later interactions between the hero and the heroine. Their relationship builds nicely as they get to know each other. The misunderstanding works well for the plot and I think it was perfectly justified. I like how Lord Sidley has friends to counsel him and not just aid him in stupid behavior. There's an interesting slight plot twist towards the end that allows us (and Marian) to see Lord Sidley as he really is. Marian was a bit stupid about her feelings and needed some help to push her in the right direction. There's a predictable plot twist in her story too. It actually surprised me because I was expecting something close to what happened but not exactly. I really liked that Marian is a painter. It provided a different aspect of Regency life that isn't well known. The author did her research on female painters of the era and seemed to know her painting technique. There were a few secondary plot threads that I thought deserved to be finished or picked up in another novel. T
I liked Marian because she's a bit older than most of the young ladies and more poor, she's a bit more steady. I love her devotion to her painting. It makes her a unique heroine. She's also very kind and caring without bring too perfect. She has her flaws, mainly her hasty judgement and quick temper. She doesn't have much of a sense of humor. I don't like to be teased so I don't blame her for getting prickly with Lord Sidley at times. Plus, his intentions weren't clear to her, which made her uncomfortable. She's not as lively as Elizabeth Bennet but I think they could be friends.

I liked Sidley for all he's a tease. He's thoughtful and caring. I especially like the way he believes in Marian and supports her. He teases but it's just his way of making friends and keeping his real feelings hidden. He's only 29 but feels much older due to life experiences and he doesn't seem to let anyone close to him except for a few select people. He's good to his aunt and we never actually see Lord Sidley participate in any sort of rakish behavior.

This is a pleasant, forgettable read.

Female painters mentioned in the book:
Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun






Angelica Kauffman

[Tamarynn Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book! Couldn't put it down. Love the regency era and this was a fun and easy read.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book =D I definitely recommend that you read it if you ran out of Jane Austen books to read as well as the Bronte Sister =D

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I thought it was a very well paced regency romp. Liked Sidley and Marian very much.

[Mary - Buried Under Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable, sweet read, but good heavens I really wanted the characters to confess their love to each other already! They almost missed their happily-ever-after due to cowardice. The last 60% was a skirt along the surface of "I think you know that I love you, but I can't be sure, and I'm afraid to tell you I love you." T_T

[Mars · Rating 5 out of 5]

A light and entertaining story with no regency silliness here, except maybe from Sidley himself on occasion. The heroine is sensible and I loved the conversations between Sidley and her, his friends, and relations. Probably one of my favorites.

[Namera [The Literary Invertebrate] · Rating 4 out of 5]

ONE LINE REVIEW

Cute little historical romance in the style of Georgette Heyer, but with some glaring and unforgivable Americanisms (e.g. 'fall' instead of 'autumn', which is the most egregious one).

[Blog] - [Bookstagram]

[Lyuda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice traditional regency story with very likable characters and some very funny lines. The author was true to the period which was very gratifying. Why 3 stars? The story conflicts resolved too quickly and neatly. There were too many secondary characters that destructed from the main story line. Although I loved both main characters, I wish the author portrayed them in more depth as they and their circumstances deserved.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very amusing Regency. Sidley's swoon-worthy.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, sweet and funny. So you have to buy into the deception, but a lot of classic plots ask for the same. A quick read but totally satisfying.

[Emmy B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had mixed feelings about this novel. On the one hand, it is a clean, regency romance, without very many glaring historical inaccuracies or absurdities that seem out of sync with the time and place it is set. On the other hand, I am pretty sure I will forget the whole book tomorrow.

The things I liked:
- though not laugh out loud funny, it is mildly amusing
- the author makes some attempt to make the characters sound authentic for the place and period
- Lord Sidley is an interesting hero
- the heroine and hero speak to one another a lot (with that I mean that all too often romantic storylines depend on two characters being thrown together and things happening to them, but very few actually spend time talking and therefore forging a bond. Here the heroine and hero speak a lot, and their dialogue is, at times, kind of witty.)

The things I didn't like:
- nothing happened, there is literally no plot at all (I know these novels don't tend to have traditional plots, but they should have character arcs, and be filled with vignettes, which each furthers our understanding of the people, their relationships and may serve a comedic purpose. This was also absent here.)
- insta-lusting (the heroine hears someone speak of the hero and is immediately fascinated and thinks of little else. The hero spots her somewhere and is in love. I mean, I have seen it done worse, but I simply detest this trope and find the relationship progression from this super unrealistic starting point always disappointing)
- side characters are filler (rather than charm the reader with their portion of the story, the side characters exist only to speak to the hero and heroine of their feelings and then to have the author tell us what happened to them. Their particular wants, needs, hang ups or idiocies never interfere with the 'plot' so they are basically there so that the novel is not populated by only the hero and heroine)
- the heroine is dull (she is passive, anxious and boring. It is absolutely incomprehensible what interests the far more worthwhile Lord Sidley in her. I suppose she is meant to be kind of pretty, but as nobody else seems to admire her over much even this is questionable. She paints well, but then he is head over heels before he knows that. Altogether following her around in this novel was an exercise in patience, as I kept thinking to myself 'do something!'. When her fiance comes to so conveniently break off their engagement, she only wishes him well, and is mildly annoyed. This is a huge deal for a lady at the time, she herself seems to be aware that it might mean her social ruin, yet she lets him off just like that? He married another woman while still engaged to her, I mean come on! And then the hero, a few scenes later, speaks of her candour and honesty - you can see he's blinded in his infatuation, since she is none of those things, neither to others nor to herself. She lacks courage and spunk or any other defining characteristic that would justify the author's choice of her as the heroine. Lady Katherine would have been a better choice, since the story of the novel could have her grow out of her affectations and conceit for example. Instead we have the perfectly dull Miss Ware, who is perfect, who paints perfectly, who understands Lord Sidley perfectly, and who is such a perfect martyr - yawn!)
- the resolution is disappointing (so the set up is basically that Lord Sidley, eccentric but popular man of the ton, falls in love with a modest, grey mouse of a painter and pursues her in a flirtation he can't control. She returns the feeling but is engaged. That is therefore the central conflict of the book: for Marian to find out that she indeed loves a man who is not her fiance, and that this engagement must somehow end before the lovers can be together. One of the things that interests readers of regency romances, I think, or at least it does me, are constraints that society puts on people - things that cannot be said or done, and how that affects even simple set ups like this one. It is therefore very disappointing when Marian just suddenly realises she is in love with Sidley and decides to break off her engagement, like it's no biggie, and then her fiance spares her even that little bit of effort by coming home from sea showing himself to be both a) married and b) a jerk! So basically neither of our heroes needs do anything at all to come together, and so the obstacle was not ever really an obstacle and by the end you just feel kind of deflated.)
- silly misunderstandings (usually I hate misunderstandings in novels because they delay a resolution you know is coming and sometimes take tediously long to do so. Here they do not take very long, so that's a good thing, but they are extremely silly. Lord Sidley pretends he is very ill, Marian discovers and very suddenly confronts him. This, I suppose, would still wash, but the intensity of her anger is just so weird. They are not, after all, close friends and if she truly cared for him she'd feel more relief than anger, and the whole just doesn't ring very true. It's like the author just wanted to be rid of that part of the story - and she did. Soon enough Marian is no longer angry, we are told in one sentence that the ton knows Lord Sidley is recovered, and ta-da, that's it. Or Marian's engagement being broken - she is too embarrassed to tell Sidley, but is perfectly at ease telling his aunt. And he knows but he doesn't say anything either, for no reason at all. Altogether it's just weird, like these things came out of the plot and the author didn't know what to do with them, so she sweeps them aside just like that.)

I know the section of things I disliked is longer than the one listing things I liked, but I would still give this book three stars, as comparing it to other regency novels by contemporary writers this one was not bad. It's no Georgette Heyer, alas, but it has its moments.

[Luli · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can find this review in English below.


Esta historia ha sido un poco rara. Pero me ha gustado, así que la voy a llamar original, en vez de rara ;)

Pues por un lado está Kate, una dama muy de su época, que está pasando una temporada en Londres con unos familiares y de camino está ampliando sus conocimientos en pintura, un arte que le apasiona. Es un personaje amable, inteligente, razonable y prudente. Una delicia aunque casi que roza el aburrimiento.

Por otro lado tenemos a Lord Sidley, un personaje singular y muy original. Nunca antes había leído nada semejante. Las razones que justifican su comportamiento son, como poco, peculiares, pero supongo que de alguna manera retorcida, podría ser posible. Para no dar muchas pistas, hay por ahí un soberano malentendido que deja a entender que se está muriendo y él no lo niega sino que lo promueve. Esto da lugar a momentos increíblemente irracionales pero originales, aunque dudo que sean del gusto de todos.

Así que hay están nuestros dos protagonistas, atraídos el uno por el otro de una manera bastante real y realista y siempre respetando las convenciones sociales… es encantador ver cómo poco a poco se van enamorando y sobre todo cómo superan los obstáculos (ella está prometida a otro) que los separan.

Algunos secundarios son encantadores, un par de ellos excesivos, pero en general han enriquecido la historia.

Mi única (y gran) pega es que después de estar 231 páginas esperando a su merecido HEA, la autora se lo ventila en un pis pas. Nada de epílogo ni nada similar. Ha sido rápido, brusco y breve. Un epílogo, por favor, para quedarnos con la sensación de que la historia ha terminado bien. Mi sensación ha sido la de ¿Ya está? Y he vuelto a leer la escena para asimilarla…


***

This story has been a bit weird. But I liked it, so I'll call it original, instead of weird ;)

We had Kate, a lady of her time, who is spending a season in London with relatives and is expanding her knowledge in painting, an art that she is passionate about. She is a kind, intelligent, reasonable and sensible character. A delightful character although is almost borderline boring.

And we have Lord Sidley, a unique and very original character. I've never read anything like him before. The reasons that justify his behavior are, at least, peculiar, but I suppose that in a somehow twisted way, it could be possible. I don´t want to give many clues, but there is a sovereign misunderstanding that lets everybody believe that he is dying and not only he does not deny it but promotes it. This gives rise to incredibly irrational but original moments, although I doubt they are going to be to everybody's liking.

So there are the MC´s, attracted to each other in a very real and realistic way and always respecting social conventions ... it is lovely to see how they gradually fall in love and how they overcome the obstacles (she is promised to another man) that separate them.

Some secondary characters are charming, a couple of them excessive, but in general, they have enriched the story.

My only (and great) problem was that after 231 pages waiting for their well-deserved HEA, the author wraps up it in a heartbeat. Neither epilogue nor anything similar. The end was quick, abrupt and brief. Dear authors, an epilogue pretty please, that left us with the feeling that the story has ended well. My feeling has been some like Already? And I've read the scene again to assimilate it …

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable

I found this story to be both witty and heartwarming.
If you're fan of Jane Austen this is a must read.

[Heidi (MinxyD14) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took an age and some expense to locate this hardcover book and have it shipped from the US; however, it was well worth it. It is a very good read that I could not put down. I honestly believe other readers looking for detailed, historically accurate and clean regency novels would also enjoy it.

My only criticism, which made it 4* for me, is similar to other reviewers. It lacked depth in the characters' backstories. An epilogue would be a nice treat as well. The characters are mostly likeable, but I felt left with many questions about why they acted the way they did and what happens next. All in all, it was still one I would recommend. Hopefully, someone who knows of these things might consider releasing it on kindle to a broader audience.

[Joelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a nice story I suppose. I’m not exactly sure why he fell in love with girl as opposed to someone else. The author never really explained what it was that made her stand out as special. I felt that their relationship overall was often enigmatic and that both of them were needlessly obtuse in many instances.
However there were a few cute scenes. I did like the hero for the most part.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another sweet regency romance by Sherry Lynn Ferguson. I enjoy the details in her books that prove she does her research. Even better, it is a fun quick read.

[Loren · Rating 5 out of 5]

REad this New Yr's eve and found it very amusing and satisfying. Recommended for imagining a visit to a country house party!

[Heli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely plot, hero and heroine. My only wish is that this could have been longer...

[Maria F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite reads. It's a quiet story with not much action or plot twists, although there is tension. It's a light read that does not delve very deeply into each character's psyche nor tries to overexplain anything to the reader. Perhaps because of that it's charming and captures feelings and connections very realistically.

Sidley is one of my favorite characters. He carries a lot of grief: came back from the war wounded and lost almost his entire family. These tragedies have left marks, but he isn’t dark or brooding—quite the opposite. His rebellious streak shows as insolence and humor. He toys with people and amuses himself with everyday absurdities. One of my favorite lines, regarding fornune tellers, is when Sidley says that he would not be able to bear so well what has befallen his family had he known it all before. He lets society believe every rumor, whether it's that he is very ill or has already spent his fortune, so he can live with fewer restrictions. His tendency to let things take their course and just lean back and relax drives the plot.

Marian’s character is a bit harder for me to pin down. She is an artist, reserved and contemplative. In her drawings she can capture that "something" about people or atmospheres. Mariane has a bit of a temper, and is Sidley that often sparkes it. As a "poor" relation from the country, she can seem a bit tight-laced, but perhaps that’s to be expected. This also contrasts with Sidley's Devil may care attitude.

The story is very simple. Marian is spending a few weeks with her aunt and cousins in London. She is engaged to a longtime friend, a soldier away from the country, who couldn't be a worse match for her and honestly, they don't care much for each other and he marries someone else. There, she meets Lord Sidley, whom her silly cousin is bent on marrying. The entire family spends a few weeks at Sidley’s estate, where Marian will paint his portrait. Sidley also invited other eligible ladies who aim to be the next countess.

To me, a non-expert, this feels very realistic and era-appropriate. It also captures that unique connection between two people, the push-pull that carries more than lust when two minds complement each other.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded to 4.

I'm glad I went with my gut and resisted reading this right on the heels of another gem by Sherry Lynn Ferguson. I've done it before- ODing on an author or a specific genre and unable to enjoy or give due respect to the last book. I read quite a few books before this one that were completely different so I was really hopeful I would enjoy this as much as I enjoyed her other books.

This book does seem to follow the Sherry Lynn Ferguson formula. If you enjoyed Quiet Meg,Merely A Mister, or Major Lord David, you will enjoy this one as well. It's quite proper and clean, has just the right amount of angst and witty banter, and a slow burn romance between two worthy characters. I believe the historical details are pretty accurate, but she writes in a more modern style, much more readable then, say, Georgette Heyer, and much, much more fun for me.

My only issue with Ms. Ferguson still stands after reading this book. She doesn't give the reader nearly enough story after the MCs resolve their problems. A la Heyer, the resolution comes at 99%. It's a bit frustrating. Other than that, I enjoyed this immensely. I am waiting on reading The Honorable Marksley as that is the last Ferguson book that I haven't read. I hope this author publishes more in the future.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a reasonable attempt at fairly accurate historical writing, a la Georgette Heyer, but failed somewhat in its attempt; a bit like the Curate's egg, it was good and bad in places. I hasten to add not all the time, it seemed to go in fits and starts, especially it seems around 80 to 90% when the pleasing set of the language took a nose dive. After that, it seemed to go up a notch or two. However, the ending was going along fairly well, but then just seemed to finish, and then was rushed right at the very, very end.

I therefore deducted 1 star for the erratic behaviour. I was delighted to find that 'gotten' did not appear to the best of my knowledge, and therefore no stars lost for that. Additionally, there was a matter of the 'House Guard' which felt a little uncomfortably expressed (more details on my blog) which coloured my view of the overall rating.

I have downloaded some of the author's other titles to see how they measure up, and for this title I have awarded 3 stars; give it a go and see how you get on with it.

[Mikaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Underwhelming climax, dull characters. I enjoyed the start where Sidley seemed eccentric and kooky but both hero and heroine ended up as interesting as nail clippings. The thing about novels that are character- rather than plot-driven is that you need good characters. Honestly, the only person remotely interesting was Vaughn who figured for about a millisecond. For the first time in my life I sympathize with those heathens who call period drama ‘boring’. The characters experienced no personal growth, no revelations, no real difficulties. There were virtues of writing and dialogue but I’m too exhausted by wading through all that to extol them.

I’d say ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ but I’m actually pretty sure it is you, so...

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story. I loved Lord Sidley's character, he was, well, a character. I didn't enjoy it as much as Ferguson's "Quiet Meg", but a quick, cute, clean regency read.

Love the regency period. They can accomplish in looks and words what today's people have to do with touching and kisses.

Moral Note: A couple of "oh gosh's".

[Mo · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 1/2 stars

This book was all over the place. I frequently found myself wondering "Where did THAT come from"?

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book immensely. it was a light quick read.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick, delightful read!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming and witty, sweet regency.