Book Review for Redeeming Lord Nash by Trisha Messmer

I received a free ARC. This does not impact my review.

Redeeming Lord Nash, by Trisha Messmer, is a historical romance about a rogue aristocrat who falls in love with an American woman, and through a series of fortunate events, finds the courage to confront past mistakes. Lord Nash Talbot is given an ultimatum by his older brother Roland; either marry in three months or risk being cut off from his inheritance. Nash decides to “court” Lady Honoria as a way to continue saving money so that he is able to live without his brother’s support, as well as to stave off any unwanted female attention. Meanwhile, Ms. Adalyn Lovelace is a medical prodigy studying under the care of her father. After deciding to work with the Hope Clinic to provide medical support to those in need, she meets the dark and handsome Lord Nash, whom she is inexplicably drawn to. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While the romance isn’t necessarily drama free, I liked how supportive Priscilla and Lady Honoria are of Nash and Adalyn.  Moreover, although the men in the book try to protect women’s innocence, these ladies are a lot more devious than they’re given credit for. After all, back then it was easier for a woman to hide behind the pride of a man, get away with all sorts of scandalous affairs. It’s what’s caused Nash to repeatedly underestimate Adalyn time and time again. Moreover, although Adalyn has offered to support him, as a way to show her devotion to him, Nash’s pride gets in the way too often. It reminds me of my own husband, and while annoying at times, it’s also pretty charming.

Beyond the relationship, I like how Nash and Adalyn discuss important topics that, for me personally, should be hashed out. I liked how Nash taught Fingers how to dance, and how he imagined taking her under his wing. I especially loved how they handle their clashing value; Adalyn represents equality in all things, regardless of gender and socioeconomic status, whereas Nash comes from a world of order and hierarchy. I feel this is what prompted Nash to go to America, not as a way to escape his reputation, but to carve a life for himself that he knows he can’t have in England (well, he could but it’d be very hard). I like how relatable Adalyn is, and how, in spite of her feelings for Nash, she refuses to allow them to get in the way of her practicing medicine. And in spite of his rather dark reputation, I enjoy seeing Nash support Adalyn through everything. 

Something I also appreciated in the book was Messmer’s discussion of Nash’s learning capabilities. I’m a former teacher, and I remember a lot of students who were embarrassed that they weren’t able to read or write as well as their other peers. And in Nash’s society, the consequences can be devastating; another burden he has to carry. 

That being said, there were somethings I felt were out of place, such as the sudden “murder” plot. Other than this, due to emotionally mature relationship Adalyn and Nash enjoy and the supportive environment around them, I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.