The Gallant Guardian

by Evelyn Richardson

A beautiful orphan girl resents the intrusion of a wealthy lord sent to protect her and her younger brother. After all, they could certainly look after themselves much better than any bachelor nobleman. Her fiercely independent nature is soon tamed by his charm and dashing good looks, wearing her defenses down until the only feeling that remains is her desire for him both in her body and soul...but can their love survive the possible scandal their passion will surely ignite?

Genres: Historical Romance, Regency, Historical, Romance, Traditional Regency, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 1, 1998

About the author

Even before studying eighteenth-century literature in graduate school, Evelyn Richardson decided she would prefer to have lived between 1775 and 1830. Now living in Boston, she enjoys access to the primary sources that allow her to explore the specific details of the period and immerse herself in the same journals that her heroines enjoyed.

Reviews

[Catsalive · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet tale with likeable characters, if a little silly on occasion. Maximilian Stanforth, Lord Lydon, becomes guardian to Charlotte & William Winterbourne, much to his dismay. Neither Max nor Charlotte has any intention of changing their lifestyles if they have any say in the matter, but love will have its way. apparently..

[Naksed · Rating 3 out of 5]

An uber-sweet, chaste, Regency romance that I appreciated all the more having recently finished the horror that was Karen Robards' Forbidden Love. The Gallant Guardian, by Evelyn Richardson, is a similar guardian-ward story that the Regency romance genre is saturated with, but it is really one of the better ones that I have read. Fans of traditional HR with low angst, and a real sense of the historical setting, will enjoy this. The emotional build-up between the protagonists was slowly and realistically stoked, giving us a conclusion that, while it lacked the fireworks and swashbuckling that some HRs thrive on, was nevertheless deeply satisfying.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maximillian Stanforth, Marquess of Lydon is shocked to receive an imperious summons by his new ward, Lady Charlotte Winterbourne, for he did not know he had a ward, let alone two wards, as Charlotte's letter suggests. Not wanting to be bothered with children, Max allows his solicitor to deal with the situation until Charlotte shows up on his doorstep and Max discovers she's not a child, but an intrepid young woman who is determined to keep her slimy relatives from locking away her "simple" brother and taking over the estate. Max decides to visit Harcourt and his wards and takes a liking to young William and bonds with the boy over their shared love of horses. Charlotte too intrigues Max and he is awed by how she has been able to care for her brother and look after the estate for her long-absent father. Max, unused to any any sort of family feeling is touched by the devotion the siblings have for one another and finds himself captivated by Charlotte and anxious to protect her body and soul. However, Charlotte is not used to help and has a hard time accepting Max's loving attention. While the story's ending is predictable, the plot reveals more depth than most Regency Romances. At first it seemed like the story was going to be cliched because of the wording and plot situations, but once I got into it, I found myself feeling for the characters. The backstory in this novel is rather sad and I found myself nearly in tears by the end. Max's way of showing Charlotte that they are meant to be together would have won me over! This is an unusual story and I recommend it to those who like more substance in their Regencies.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not big on dialogue, I didn't have a problem with that as evidenced by the 4.5 stars, but I know some people do. The book would have been 5, but I didn't care for the ongoing mistresses subplot. Max realizes he's been in love with Charlotte since they met, but goes through two mistresses and a random actress in the meantime.

[Nightwitch · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping that I would find a really charming classic regency here - something like Joan Wolf or something - but instead I was just bored, bored, bored. Nothing offensive or problematic, really, but it just kept going in a vague Austen-ish pastiche, without the wit or charm.

[Mlsco41 Robison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun little story

Fun and easy read. Like all of this authors stories, the heroine is smart and unaware of her appeal. The hero is a man of the world, never intending to marry, and a string of mistresses.

[Laura Bernheim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very charming. Rose McPhilemy does a nice job with the audiobook presentation.

[HistoricalHussy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the interactions between the marquis and his wards, one of whom has some intellectual challenges.

But the villains are allowed to get away with everything scotfree.

[Alessandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

""

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regency