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Unrepentant Scoundrels #1
Lord Lightning
An electrifying debut from a fresh and exciting new talent, Lord Lightning introduces author Jenny Brown to lucky historical romance fans—especially those who love the lush, dark, and sensual romantic fiction of Loretta Chase, Anna Campbell, and Mary Balogh. Lord Lightning is a magnificent beginning to Brown’s Lords of the Seventh House Series—in which each of the heroes is a different sign of the Zodiac—mixing passion and seduction with a pinch of the paranormal. In this fabulous Regency Era-set tale, a handsome, cold-hearted rake insists that the beautiful astrologer whose predictions drove away his mistress take her place in his bed.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 23, 2010
504 people are currently reading
583 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Brown
7 books57 followersJenny Brown has been a singer-songwriter, software developer, stay-at-home-mom, website designer, and the author of several bestselling Business and Health books and historical novels. She has also penned a dramatic memoir about the years she spent in one of the best-known 1960s communes. Along the way she received a graduate degree in history, where she studied how to write compelling biography with bestselling biographer Stephen B. Oates. Whether writing songs, nonfiction, or novels, her goal has always been to give readers an experience that will linger in their minds, long after they've moved on.
Though Jenny's novels are categorized as Regency Historical Romance they are very different from most other books in the genre. You won't find ballrooms filled with debutantes lusting for wealthy dukes in her books or paragraphs filled with anachronisms and snarky 21st century prose. She fell in love with the genre reading books by Laura Kinsale, Mary Balogh, Loretta Chase, and Courtney Milan and writes in the same tradition.
Her main characters are often outcasts or rebels. Her heroes have a long way to go before they become the loving men her heroines deserve. Her heroines are strong, adventurous women who take control of their own fate but must do so within the limitations of the society they were born into.
Readers of historical fiction appreciate that her books are written with respect for the language, history, and culture of the period in which they are set.
Though Jenny's novels are categorized as Regency Historical Romance they are very different from most other books in the genre. You won't find ballrooms filled with debutantes lusting for wealthy dukes in her books or paragraphs filled with anachronisms and snarky 21st century prose. She fell in love with the genre reading books by Laura Kinsale, Mary Balogh, Loretta Chase, and Courtney Milan and writes in the same tradition.
Her main characters are often outcasts or rebels. Her heroes have a long way to go before they become the loving men her heroines deserve. Her heroines are strong, adventurous women who take control of their own fate but must do so within the limitations of the society they were born into.
Readers of historical fiction appreciate that her books are written with respect for the language, history, and culture of the period in which they are set.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
May 6, 2011
I was really looking forward to this book, because my Goodreads friends whose taste are very similar to mine enjoyed it. For some reason, it just did not do anything for me and I read very quickly / skimmed through most of it after the first 100 pages. I felt like there were a few times where if things had been done differently then I could have liked it, but in the end the whole of it didn't click with me.
Both the hero and heroine were very interesting at the beginning and I was quickly pulled into the story. Unfortunately, my interest and affection for them began to wane pretty quickly. The hero, Edward, was immature, self-centered, odd, and annoying. In some ways he reminded me of Caire in Elizabeth Hoyt's Wicked Intentions - but in the sense that he was trying to be like that type of guy, but couldn't pull it off, instead appearing like a young boy playing dress up (for the record, I loved Caire).
In the end though, it was Eliza, the heroine, who really drove me up the wall. I really liked her at the beginning: 29, a spinster, freckled redhead, odd - I mean how could I not? I love those type of heroines! Her personality was not at all clearly defined though for me. She's spinsterish and has no experience with men ... yet then finds it exciting to wear slutty clothes, bare her breasts, and act completely inappropriate at a dinner table - has to play the part, so might as well enjoy it I guess? She is sensible and sees through Edward, is not taken in ... yet thinks that first night that she can sleep with him because the signs say he'll fall in love with her ... but no, she has to hold herself apart, he doesn't want her to have illusions and he's right ... but he's not, because he's actually vulnerable and needs her and on and on. So much angst and back and forth I could not handle it. She was like a moody chameleon.
The secondary characters were also unbelievably horrid. His mother is a completely evil shrew, the dead half of his family was just as bad, and a lot of the other characters were more like odd caricatures - Mrs. Atwater and the magistrate for example.
My rating is 2 stars because it did have promise and I felt that with a better heroine, I might have been able to overlook Edward at the beginning, since he does undergo a transformation by the end. Other people whom I trust have written such glowing reviews though, that while this is definitely my opinion and I feel strongly about it, there must be something that I just missed the boat on.
Astrology Series
Book 1 - Lord Lightning
Book 2 - Star Crossed Seduction (expected release is Aug 30, 2011)
Both the hero and heroine were very interesting at the beginning and I was quickly pulled into the story. Unfortunately, my interest and affection for them began to wane pretty quickly. The hero, Edward, was immature, self-centered, odd, and annoying. In some ways he reminded me of Caire in Elizabeth Hoyt's Wicked Intentions - but in the sense that he was trying to be like that type of guy, but couldn't pull it off, instead appearing like a young boy playing dress up (for the record, I loved Caire).
In the end though, it was Eliza, the heroine, who really drove me up the wall. I really liked her at the beginning: 29, a spinster, freckled redhead, odd - I mean how could I not? I love those type of heroines! Her personality was not at all clearly defined though for me. She's spinsterish and has no experience with men ... yet then finds it exciting to wear slutty clothes, bare her breasts, and act completely inappropriate at a dinner table - has to play the part, so might as well enjoy it I guess? She is sensible and sees through Edward, is not taken in ... yet thinks that first night that she can sleep with him because the signs say he'll fall in love with her ... but no, she has to hold herself apart, he doesn't want her to have illusions and he's right ... but he's not, because he's actually vulnerable and needs her and on and on. So much angst and back and forth I could not handle it. She was like a moody chameleon.
The secondary characters were also unbelievably horrid. His mother is a completely evil shrew, the dead half of his family was just as bad, and a lot of the other characters were more like odd caricatures - Mrs. Atwater and the magistrate for example.
My rating is 2 stars because it did have promise and I felt that with a better heroine, I might have been able to overlook Edward at the beginning, since he does undergo a transformation by the end. Other people whom I trust have written such glowing reviews though, that while this is definitely my opinion and I feel strongly about it, there must be something that I just missed the boat on.
Astrology Series
Book 1 - Lord Lightning
Book 2 - Star Crossed Seduction (expected release is Aug 30, 2011)
November 11, 2010
Yes, I know, another romance novel but one with a surprising cast of characters that are not your typical romance stereotypes.
Sure, you have to have your penniless/innocent heroine from the early 1800s but she is far from the "twist-your-ankle"/"help me!" damsel in distress that usually turns my head in disgust. When her good for nothing father suddenly appears in her life and then just as quickly spends the rest of her small dowry before being thrown into a debtors prison, Eliza Farrell sucks it up and uses her skill in astrological fortune telling to try and make enough to save her most precious possessions; her books and yes, her father. The fact that Eliza would do what she could to save her books and not only that but she is also a big fan of Jane Austen, had me cheering for her from the get go.
When Eliza consults the stars and unknowingly describes the infamous rake, womanizer & emotionally unavailable yet seriously hot Lord Edward "Lord Lightning" Hartwood as being "capable of great, passionate love", among other things...in his hearing... her destiny is changed forever. Determined to teach Eliza a lesson for convincing his mistress to leave him and prove her wrong about her characterization of him, Lord Hartwood strikes a bargain with Eliza...
If Eliza accompanies Lord Hartwood to his mother's house for a fortnight as a replacement mistress to help him fulfill the conditions in his dead brother's inheritance will, Lord Hartwood will not only save Eliza's books but pay for her father's release and then give her further funds to do with what she wishes at the end of their contract. The only conditions are that they will not sleep together, Eliza must not fall in love with Lord Hartwood and that she stops trying to find redeeming qualities in Lord Lightning. Eliza, confident in her assessment of Lord Hartwood's character and in her own acting skills, agrees. How hard can it be right?
Throw in a evil/conniving mother from hell, a few scandalous scenes, some interesting exchanges and a couple of family secrets revealed, what follows is a quite entertaining series of events which proves Lord Hartwood and Eliza have no idea what they have gotten themselves into. Lord Hartwood begins to realise Eliza is far from the usual delicate ladies he had known before and Eliza catches glimpses of a kind, caring man hiding behind the mysterious facade that is Lord Lightning, much to Lord Hartwood's surprise and possible horror. Hilarious!!!
Corniness was kept to a minimal and even though my surprising need for revenge wasn't quite satisfied enough (you'll have to read to find out why), overall it wasn't a bad read and I wouldn't mind reading it again.
Note: Received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Sure, you have to have your penniless/innocent heroine from the early 1800s but she is far from the "twist-your-ankle"/"help me!" damsel in distress that usually turns my head in disgust. When her good for nothing father suddenly appears in her life and then just as quickly spends the rest of her small dowry before being thrown into a debtors prison, Eliza Farrell sucks it up and uses her skill in astrological fortune telling to try and make enough to save her most precious possessions; her books and yes, her father. The fact that Eliza would do what she could to save her books and not only that but she is also a big fan of Jane Austen, had me cheering for her from the get go.
When Eliza consults the stars and unknowingly describes the infamous rake, womanizer & emotionally unavailable yet seriously hot Lord Edward "Lord Lightning" Hartwood as being "capable of great, passionate love", among other things...in his hearing... her destiny is changed forever. Determined to teach Eliza a lesson for convincing his mistress to leave him and prove her wrong about her characterization of him, Lord Hartwood strikes a bargain with Eliza...
If Eliza accompanies Lord Hartwood to his mother's house for a fortnight as a replacement mistress to help him fulfill the conditions in his dead brother's inheritance will, Lord Hartwood will not only save Eliza's books but pay for her father's release and then give her further funds to do with what she wishes at the end of their contract. The only conditions are that they will not sleep together, Eliza must not fall in love with Lord Hartwood and that she stops trying to find redeeming qualities in Lord Lightning. Eliza, confident in her assessment of Lord Hartwood's character and in her own acting skills, agrees. How hard can it be right?
Throw in a evil/conniving mother from hell, a few scandalous scenes, some interesting exchanges and a couple of family secrets revealed, what follows is a quite entertaining series of events which proves Lord Hartwood and Eliza have no idea what they have gotten themselves into. Lord Hartwood begins to realise Eliza is far from the usual delicate ladies he had known before and Eliza catches glimpses of a kind, caring man hiding behind the mysterious facade that is Lord Lightning, much to Lord Hartwood's surprise and possible horror. Hilarious!!!
Corniness was kept to a minimal and even though my surprising need for revenge wasn't quite satisfied enough (you'll have to read to find out why), overall it wasn't a bad read and I wouldn't mind reading it again.
Note: Received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2019
A fun read. This novel is intelligent and well-written, but could use a few more characters. The couple's emotional struggles, misunderstandings, and changing moods are absorbing and well drawn, but because the few other characters are unsympathetic and undeveloped, the duo's alternating inner turmoil gets kind of exhausting. Still, a promising debut.
May 31, 2019
A HISTORICAL ROMANCE ABOUT ASTROLOGY SET IN BRIGHTON
July 9, 2010
Although this book will not appear in print for another three months, I had the fortune of reading it in manuscript form a couple years ago. I'm very glad to see it coming out, although I'm disappointed with the cover they saddled it with (go to Amazon and see what I mean). The following is an excerpt from my initial feedback to the author:
Telling fortunes seems very much in keeping with what I imagine of the era in which this is set. And the idea of accuracy in such things will surely provoke interest in many readers. I think all well-written fiction in which a character wields some such gift has an advantage. (Leif Enger's Peace Like a River comes to mind.) Eliza's inner doubts and striving to do well make it all the more believable (and make her easy to identify with), especially when she begins questioning whether she should have given more weight to Uranus in her calculations. You do show a lot of arcane knowledge of the subject!
As you no doubt know, the writing is very good. More importantly, the story itself, as it unfolds, is captivating and just keeps building momentum as it goes along. The inner complexity of the main characters, too, is wonderfully handled (their stray thoughts and aborted impulses, their ways of sorting out problems). There's even strategically placed humor...
The remaking of Eliza into a mistress of course echoes the Pygmalion story, which you surely have in mind. What I particularly like about this story, however, is its redemptive nature. Fairly early on, it becomes evident that Lord Hartwood is at least as much in need of rescue as is Eliza, and that despite their expectations the two of them will be good for each other. I read entirely too few stories that take such an upbeat direction.
Telling fortunes seems very much in keeping with what I imagine of the era in which this is set. And the idea of accuracy in such things will surely provoke interest in many readers. I think all well-written fiction in which a character wields some such gift has an advantage. (Leif Enger's Peace Like a River comes to mind.) Eliza's inner doubts and striving to do well make it all the more believable (and make her easy to identify with), especially when she begins questioning whether she should have given more weight to Uranus in her calculations. You do show a lot of arcane knowledge of the subject!
As you no doubt know, the writing is very good. More importantly, the story itself, as it unfolds, is captivating and just keeps building momentum as it goes along. The inner complexity of the main characters, too, is wonderfully handled (their stray thoughts and aborted impulses, their ways of sorting out problems). There's even strategically placed humor...
The remaking of Eliza into a mistress of course echoes the Pygmalion story, which you surely have in mind. What I particularly like about this story, however, is its redemptive nature. Fairly early on, it becomes evident that Lord Hartwood is at least as much in need of rescue as is Eliza, and that despite their expectations the two of them will be good for each other. I read entirely too few stories that take such an upbeat direction.
October 13, 2010
I'm going four, not five, only because of the ending. I am so sick of authors not letting bad people be bad and the heroes forgiving them everything and loving them right away. If they did horrible, horrible things for the hero's entire life, then let them remain bad. Especially between a mother/child relationship. Feeling guilty over cheating is NO EXCUSE for leaving scars on a child. And yet, we are expected to believe that at the end, he forgave his mother to the point of harboring no ill feelings toward her? So let's set the situation up:
1) abusive, hateful mother
2) purposely ruined his life and his engagement
3) had heroine imprisoned wrongly
4) heroine was almost raped and sold to brothel in prison
5) hero is so magnanimous that he can forgive all that because her guilt was enough reason to understand her actions
WTF??? I loved this book. I loved everything about it even the very, very detailed astrological descriptions. Until the end. I have two words for the hero (author): "Man up!!"
1) abusive, hateful mother
2) purposely ruined his life and his engagement
3) had heroine imprisoned wrongly
4) heroine was almost raped and sold to brothel in prison
5) hero is so magnanimous that he can forgive all that because her guilt was enough reason to understand her actions
WTF??? I loved this book. I loved everything about it even the very, very detailed astrological descriptions. Until the end. I have two words for the hero (author): "Man up!!"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2011
It was ok. Too Much Sex. And very silly descriptions. I mean, come on. Luxuriant orbs? Twirling nipples?
Read
April 5, 2019Although I have absolutely no belief in astrology etc, that didn't put me off reading this novel.
I liked the way Edward was portrayed as damaged and outwardly cold, but really someone who was vulnerable and looking for real love. However, the actual plot about Edward needing a mistress when he went to stay at his mother's house didn't sound real to me and Eliza was all too quick to fall madly in lust.
I was also surprised that 'mistresses' were not expected to be able to read, or to have decent table manners. Whores, yes, but surely mistresses were of better 'quality'?
The real objection I had to the story was the ending.
A little too much insta-lust and sex for me. The cover is dreadful but the astrology aspect was more fun than I had expected.
I liked the way Edward was portrayed as damaged and outwardly cold, but really someone who was vulnerable and looking for real love. However, the actual plot about Edward needing a mistress when he went to stay at his mother's house didn't sound real to me and Eliza was all too quick to fall madly in lust.
I was also surprised that 'mistresses' were not expected to be able to read, or to have decent table manners. Whores, yes, but surely mistresses were of better 'quality'?
The real objection I had to the story was the ending.
A little too much insta-lust and sex for me. The cover is dreadful but the astrology aspect was more fun than I had expected.
November 22, 2019
A fun read
This is a fun read, even if it gets off to a preposterous start. The astrology adds an interesting element to the story and the characters are solid. Recommended for fans of the genre.
This is a fun read, even if it gets off to a preposterous start. The astrology adds an interesting element to the story and the characters are solid. Recommended for fans of the genre.
April 12, 2019
What an absolutely fun and interesting read. It's romantic - just what you'd expect. It comes out alright in the end - who doesn't love a happy ending? But from the beginning to the end, it is a deliciously exciting ride. If you love historical fiction, a great romance and a kind of mystery with a happy ending - you really do not want to miss this book.
This is the first time reading anything by Jenny Brown. She writes beautifully and I will read more!!
This is the first time reading anything by Jenny Brown. She writes beautifully and I will read more!!
March 18, 2014
This book had a lot of potential, but I feel that, with the way the author presented everything, she took away most of the magic the book would have had otherwise.
First of all, I didn't like that the astrology aspect was presented in such a mathematical way.
I know there is a lot of science to it, but I wish things had been a lot more mystical and spiritual.
Also, I must say that, apart from my hatred for Edward's mother, I didn't feel anything strongly. Nothing just wowed me, like I expect to happen in a good book.
I liked Eliza, the heroine. She was a strong, proud, clever woman and that's always something to love.
I also loved that she was so obviously passionate about astrology and books. I think those who are able to show that much emotion about things like may seem boring or ridiculous to others are always to be admired.
Sure, I felt sorry for Edward. He took the terms 'tortured hero' to another level, with the guilt he felt over his past actions and the actions of his father and older brother, the rejection he suffered and the open hatred his mother showed him.
She was such an effin' sadistic bitch, taking that much pleasure in openly hurting her son. And for what? You find out in the end all that was because Edward was a constant reminder of her past mistake.
Bitch, please! Like your son is to blame that you were a hussy and chose to cavorte with an actor, cuckolding your husband and effectively killing a marriage that was already dead anyway, since your husband didn't give a flying fuck about you and had more than his fare share of mistresses himself.
And what really pissed me off was that she wasn't even punished in the end. I'm not going to talk about death, but living in poverty would sure be a fit punishment. But no. The old hag got to live in blissful comfort, sucking her son's money, until the day she kicked the bucket.
I would have liked some justice here, please. And an epilogue. I wanted to see a bit of Edward and Eliza's life together.
April 9, 2019
This was a regency romance with a twist. I got it because it was free and I'm going through a Regency romance phase. It was an interesting book because it had astrology in it, which is something I don't know much about. I got tired of the constant discussion of how the astrology charts are created, who's in what house, and what everything meant. While it was an unique twist, I could've used less astrology and more romance. I just thought the ways the H, the h and the mother acted seemed a bit odd and I was having trouble figuring out their motives and reasons for acting the way they did. At times it seemed inconsistent and there seemed to be a few too many 'aha!' moments where inspiration or understanding would suddenly occur. I'd say this was a more intellectual book, with everyone spending a lot of time explaining themselves and their thinking process. I thought I'd buy the next book just to see but at $10, it was too much when I'm not sure if it will be any more enjoyable.
April 12, 2019
Not bad!
For all the ridiculous romance novels so eagerly consumed by the reading public, this one is actually pretty good. The plot here is not so predictable as to make it boring and the astrology aspect made some difference.
The year is 1803 and the setting is Britain. The characters are well described and developed. Although I'm not a great fan of the regency romance novels, I would recommend to those that are. Some funny moments.
For all the ridiculous romance novels so eagerly consumed by the reading public, this one is actually pretty good. The plot here is not so predictable as to make it boring and the astrology aspect made some difference.
The year is 1803 and the setting is Britain. The characters are well described and developed. Although I'm not a great fan of the regency romance novels, I would recommend to those that are. Some funny moments.
July 7, 2019
This is not my usual genre, but I enjoyed it. I read it because Jenny Brown is also Jenny Ruhl, whose interesting and intelligent non-fiction writing about diabetes has changed my eating habits and improved my health. It's always fun to see somebody you know in a different context, putting on their superhero cape or transforming into their alter ego. Not surprisingly, her fiction writing is also interesting and intelligent.
November 25, 2010
I love the way this book interweaves romance, history, and astrology. The heroine is resourceful without being super-powered, and the hero is both dangerous and thoughtful. The interactions between them just zing from the first to the end, as Lord Lightning is alternately admiring and appalled of his new "mistress's" lack of artifice.
This a great "meaty" historical romance!
This a great "meaty" historical romance!
April 13, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book. There were so many twists and turns. Right when you think it will go one way, it turns and goes another. I haven't read a regency romance that I've enjoyed more. This was my first read by Ms. Brown but I'm not done. On to the next.
March 15, 2019
4 to 4 1/2 stars
October 22, 2010
This was a wonderful read! I read it over 2 nights.
April 8, 2019
Their futures were written in the stars.
Edward Neville, Lord Hartwood (aka Lord Lightning) is proud of his unrepentant libertine reputation. He is self-absorbed and driven by his own agenda. He is definitely not a peer to be crossed. Which is why Eliza Farrell, a 29 year old unrepentant spinster- slash-astrologer, finds herself alone in a carriage with Lord Lightning heading for his London townhouse. She has just unknowingly sabotaged Lord Lightning's agenda.
I almost didn't download this book because of the negative reviews. However, I'm glad that I followed my own seasoned instincts. Not only was the story of Lord Lightning original, but Jenny Brown did a marvelous job of morphing Edward and Eliza from their flawed characters into their better characters. I enjoyed being in each characters head as they schemed and interacted with each other, and as they slowly began to understand and respect each other.
All in all, this was an enjoyable read, even for one such as I who is not into astrology. The writing was good, the dialogue sparkled, the descriptions were very visual, the villain was believable, and the ending was very happy. Since I personally like an epilogue at the end of a novel, I was disappointed that the author did not take their HEA ending just that one step further. Otherwise, I really liked this book.
Content alert: There is some light swearing (da**, he**) and a few uses of Go*, but otherwise there are no hardcore vulgarities. There is some very passionate kissing, and there is one artfully described bedroom scene. Lastly, there is an inept attempted rape that is not too descriptive.
FYI: I also posted this review on Amazon (as Rural Reader) and with BookBub.
Edward Neville, Lord Hartwood (aka Lord Lightning) is proud of his unrepentant libertine reputation. He is self-absorbed and driven by his own agenda. He is definitely not a peer to be crossed. Which is why Eliza Farrell, a 29 year old unrepentant spinster- slash-astrologer, finds herself alone in a carriage with Lord Lightning heading for his London townhouse. She has just unknowingly sabotaged Lord Lightning's agenda.
I almost didn't download this book because of the negative reviews. However, I'm glad that I followed my own seasoned instincts. Not only was the story of Lord Lightning original, but Jenny Brown did a marvelous job of morphing Edward and Eliza from their flawed characters into their better characters. I enjoyed being in each characters head as they schemed and interacted with each other, and as they slowly began to understand and respect each other.
All in all, this was an enjoyable read, even for one such as I who is not into astrology. The writing was good, the dialogue sparkled, the descriptions were very visual, the villain was believable, and the ending was very happy. Since I personally like an epilogue at the end of a novel, I was disappointed that the author did not take their HEA ending just that one step further. Otherwise, I really liked this book.
Content alert: There is some light swearing (da**, he**) and a few uses of Go*, but otherwise there are no hardcore vulgarities. There is some very passionate kissing, and there is one artfully described bedroom scene. Lastly, there is an inept attempted rape that is not too descriptive.
FYI: I also posted this review on Amazon (as Rural Reader) and with BookBub.
October 20, 2020
3.5 Very enjoyable. I like the overarching theme of forgiveness as part of allowing love into your heart. There were some moments that really pushed my suspension of disbelief to its limits, such as the degree of his mother’s cruelty and how far he took things at the dinner party.
While this started out as a fake lovers trope and seemed to be set up as being about a sexual relationship leading to a more genuine one, it was a fake out. Our rake couldn’t bring himself, in good conscience to seduce the virgin and instead this ended up more of a friends to lovers story as Eliza was able to draw Edward out from behind his facade with her nonjudgmental nature and willingness to just listen to his struggles with his mother.
I was really on the brink of 4* here, I can’t quite pinpoint what is holding me back except that a 4* romance is really a very favorite for me in that genre, and this just didn’t quite get there. I wasn’t quite invested enough in the characters, I think, to give the 4* rating.
The degree to which the author researched astrology should be commended. However, I can’t say that that aspect of the story improved it for me. If anything I found myself skimming over Eliza’s readings. I typically devour anything in an HR that potentially leads me to further research, but this is not something that interests me on any level.
While this started out as a fake lovers trope and seemed to be set up as being about a sexual relationship leading to a more genuine one, it was a fake out. Our rake couldn’t bring himself, in good conscience to seduce the virgin and instead this ended up more of a friends to lovers story as Eliza was able to draw Edward out from behind his facade with her nonjudgmental nature and willingness to just listen to his struggles with his mother.
I was really on the brink of 4* here, I can’t quite pinpoint what is holding me back except that a 4* romance is really a very favorite for me in that genre, and this just didn’t quite get there. I wasn’t quite invested enough in the characters, I think, to give the 4* rating.
The degree to which the author researched astrology should be commended. However, I can’t say that that aspect of the story improved it for me. If anything I found myself skimming over Eliza’s readings. I typically devour anything in an HR that potentially leads me to further research, but this is not something that interests me on any level.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2019
Needed Something
Needed a maid. Explain to me please how a country miss who at age 29 has never even wore stays is dressing herself and doing her own hair to pass herself off as a fashionable courtesan.
Needed a grown up hero. The dinner scene where he brings his mistress and his dead father's mistress to his mother's table was particularly ugly. I get it . Mom's a bitch. Cut your losses and move on. You're wallowing in self pity. Get it together and try and move on to healthy relationships. You're boring and juvenile.
Needed a heroine with some common sense. Astrology can only take you so far ( or Christianity, Judism or the Hari Krishna for that matter). Lift your head up out of your charts Eliza and look around. You're surrounded by totally horrid people from the hero on down. Sell the necklace and take off for America. You can open a tea room and read charts on the side. Surely you'd be happier.
Hopefully the h did just that. This was a dnf for me. At the rate it was going the h was going to wind up marrying this jerk. The jerk was going to wind up forgiving mom. Even hea's have there limits.
Needed a maid. Explain to me please how a country miss who at age 29 has never even wore stays is dressing herself and doing her own hair to pass herself off as a fashionable courtesan.
Needed a grown up hero. The dinner scene where he brings his mistress and his dead father's mistress to his mother's table was particularly ugly. I get it . Mom's a bitch. Cut your losses and move on. You're wallowing in self pity. Get it together and try and move on to healthy relationships. You're boring and juvenile.
Needed a heroine with some common sense. Astrology can only take you so far ( or Christianity, Judism or the Hari Krishna for that matter). Lift your head up out of your charts Eliza and look around. You're surrounded by totally horrid people from the hero on down. Sell the necklace and take off for America. You can open a tea room and read charts on the side. Surely you'd be happier.
Hopefully the h did just that. This was a dnf for me. At the rate it was going the h was going to wind up marrying this jerk. The jerk was going to wind up forgiving mom. Even hea's have there limits.
March 8, 2019
WHAT'S YOUR HOROSCOPE READING, DEARIE?
Jenny Brown gets 4 STARS for her terrific Regency Historical Romance, Lord Lightning. It is a wonderful introspective by Lord Lightning as to his inner character as compared to Eliza's. (Which he compares always to other women, first.) Going on it also is a wonderful introspective by Eliza as to her inner character as compared to Edward's. (Comparing herself to her mother when she was young.) Then together they were compared to the books on which the horoscopes were determined. Blurb is great. Just a well written witty book on a Regency man & woman really both taking hard looks at themselves while trying to convince each other something totally different from the truth, yet forming a delightful and close friendship together. Something they really didn't have.
WARNING: 17 & Up SEXUAL CONTENT: YES
Jenny Brown gets 4 STARS for her terrific Regency Historical Romance, Lord Lightning. It is a wonderful introspective by Lord Lightning as to his inner character as compared to Eliza's. (Which he compares always to other women, first.) Going on it also is a wonderful introspective by Eliza as to her inner character as compared to Edward's. (Comparing herself to her mother when she was young.) Then together they were compared to the books on which the horoscopes were determined. Blurb is great. Just a well written witty book on a Regency man & woman really both taking hard looks at themselves while trying to convince each other something totally different from the truth, yet forming a delightful and close friendship together. Something they really didn't have.
WARNING: 17 & Up SEXUAL CONTENT: YES
April 8, 2019
Truly original and very compelling
I couldn't stop reading this wonderful story. I started mid-afternoon and finished in the wee hours of the next day. It's so refreshing to discover an author with such a unfettered imagination. Eliza, the heroine and an accomplished astrologer, is a delight. She's 29 and a bluestocking spinster by choice. Or so she believes, until she becomes entangled with the notorious Lord Lightning, whose facade is equally complex. Their interactions are intense, intelligent, deeply psychological and, of course, fraught with unexpected love. The plot and settings are equally unique - no fussing over gowns and which balls to intend - but rather the story starts in the backstage of a London theatre before moving to seaside Brighton, where a supporting cast of unusual, complicated and perverse characters makes things even more interesting.
I couldn't stop reading this wonderful story. I started mid-afternoon and finished in the wee hours of the next day. It's so refreshing to discover an author with such a unfettered imagination. Eliza, the heroine and an accomplished astrologer, is a delight. She's 29 and a bluestocking spinster by choice. Or so she believes, until she becomes entangled with the notorious Lord Lightning, whose facade is equally complex. Their interactions are intense, intelligent, deeply psychological and, of course, fraught with unexpected love. The plot and settings are equally unique - no fussing over gowns and which balls to intend - but rather the story starts in the backstage of a London theatre before moving to seaside Brighton, where a supporting cast of unusual, complicated and perverse characters makes things even more interesting.
May 15, 2019
Written in the stars
Eliza Farrell is an accomplished astrologist who is meeting her first client. This is important because the payment she has been promised is desperately needed. The actress she is meeting is not interested in stars; she wants her fortune told. Should she take the planned trip with his lordship or should she accept the lead role she has been offered?
Yes, the actress refuses to pay her, so she is destitute as well as homeless. Lord Lightning is furious because the actress has refused him, so he abducts Eliza. She is responsible for ruining his plans, so she must be his mistress instead. He must spend two weeks with his mother who hates him in order to claim his inheritance, and Eliza must accompany him.
This is really an excellent story with some meat on its bones and characters with depth, full of secrets and revelations.
35
Eliza Farrell is an accomplished astrologist who is meeting her first client. This is important because the payment she has been promised is desperately needed. The actress she is meeting is not interested in stars; she wants her fortune told. Should she take the planned trip with his lordship or should she accept the lead role she has been offered?
Yes, the actress refuses to pay her, so she is destitute as well as homeless. Lord Lightning is furious because the actress has refused him, so he abducts Eliza. She is responsible for ruining his plans, so she must be his mistress instead. He must spend two weeks with his mother who hates him in order to claim his inheritance, and Eliza must accompany him.
This is really an excellent story with some meat on its bones and characters with depth, full of secrets and revelations.
35
July 13, 2025
ah, é legal.
eu adoro livros com muito diálogo. os protagonistas conversam bastante, se conhecendo, se aproximando. é isso que eu mais gosto de livros de romance, a parte de tentar entender como o casal se apaixona. mas aqui o amor chega rápido demais, quase antes da protagonista saber qualquer coisa sobre o cara lá.
aí o fim vem com muitas transformações mágicas, foi meio difícil de engolir. por isso não dei uma nota mais alta. parecia um conto de fadas! exagerado demais, sabe?
a parte da astrologia é interessante, mas o livro se apoia demais nisso e explica coisas que não tinha nada a ver, ficou demais. pulei várias partes com isso, pq no fim eu já não tava mais aguentando.
no fim juntando a parte boa com a ruim, dá um livro ok.
o hot é pouquíssimo e meia boca, eu achei 1/5
eu adoro livros com muito diálogo. os protagonistas conversam bastante, se conhecendo, se aproximando. é isso que eu mais gosto de livros de romance, a parte de tentar entender como o casal se apaixona. mas aqui o amor chega rápido demais, quase antes da protagonista saber qualquer coisa sobre o cara lá.
aí o fim vem com muitas transformações mágicas, foi meio difícil de engolir. por isso não dei uma nota mais alta. parecia um conto de fadas! exagerado demais, sabe?
a parte da astrologia é interessante, mas o livro se apoia demais nisso e explica coisas que não tinha nada a ver, ficou demais. pulei várias partes com isso, pq no fim eu já não tava mais aguentando.
no fim juntando a parte boa com a ruim, dá um livro ok.
o hot é pouquíssimo e meia boca, eu achei 1/5
April 11, 2019
New to me author
This is my first book by this author. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the read. You can tell the author did her astrology homework. The included astrology references were just enough for my taste — providing enough details to legitimize the heroine as a serious professional, but not so much that I was bored with their inclusion. The hero is a man capable of great love who was bullied by his mother throughout his childhood. The result is a man as profligate as he can accomplish in order to spite his mother. When he stumbles upon the heroine things begin to change. The end result is a HEA truly worthy of them both.
This is my first book by this author. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the read. You can tell the author did her astrology homework. The included astrology references were just enough for my taste — providing enough details to legitimize the heroine as a serious professional, but not so much that I was bored with their inclusion. The hero is a man capable of great love who was bullied by his mother throughout his childhood. The result is a man as profligate as he can accomplish in order to spite his mother. When he stumbles upon the heroine things begin to change. The end result is a HEA truly worthy of them both.
April 26, 2019
I really must remember to avoid this author in the future
This was one of the more ridiculous books I have read in the last 12 months. I actually skimmed it to the end reading only five words to a page. It just went on and on with drivel. I felt I had been kidnapped by a mad fortune teller who was trying to brainwash me. As to the rest of the story it was total rubbish. Definitely not an author I will be following.
This was one of the more ridiculous books I have read in the last 12 months. I actually skimmed it to the end reading only five words to a page. It just went on and on with drivel. I felt I had been kidnapped by a mad fortune teller who was trying to brainwash me. As to the rest of the story it was total rubbish. Definitely not an author I will be following.
November 25, 2019
The use of astrology made it better than I would have thought.
Although the story was typical... the hero and heroine... somewhat "basic"... and the story almost run of the mill, the author managed to make it interesting by her deep knowledge and use of astrology.
She made the occupation of astrologist, in this time, come alive by making the reader aware of what it took to read birth charts... and by making the process and telling interesting.
:)
Although the story was typical... the hero and heroine... somewhat "basic"... and the story almost run of the mill, the author managed to make it interesting by her deep knowledge and use of astrology.
She made the occupation of astrologist, in this time, come alive by making the reader aware of what it took to read birth charts... and by making the process and telling interesting.
:)
December 23, 2019
Very interesting read. I was looking for something a little different from my normal genre without completely getting away from it. I love my regencies. This book fit the bill it is also my first by Jenny Brown and I look forward to reading the next in the Unrepentant Scoundrels Series. Also if your curious about astrology during this time period, the early 1800’s there’s food for thought in the End Note.
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