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Westin Legacy #1
Living London
What if you found yourself waking up two hundred years in the past? What if you wore the gowns and waltzed around Almacks? What if you found out first hand just how dangerous a rake could be, or how much fun? For Jocelyn Westin, this is her reality. But reading all the historical fiction in the world could never have prepared her for what it would be like to be “Living London.”
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2013
9 people are currently reading
686 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Vayden
42 books481 followersKristin's inspiration for the romance she writes comes from her tall, dark and handsome husband with killer blue eyes. With five children to chase, she is never at a loss for someone to kiss, something to cook or some mess to clean but she loves every moment of it! She loves to make soap, sauerkraut, sourdough bread and gluten free muffins. Life is full of blessings and she praises God for the blessed and abundant life He's given her.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 20, 2013
I loved this book. I always wanted to live in London, meet a Rake and experience a Season! Through Kristin's book she has made it possible for anyone to enjoy being that person for a bit. You will fall in love with the characters and Kristin leaves you wanting more.
February 25, 2014
Y'all, Kristin Vayden has wrecked me.
WRECKED. ME.
Living London is not your typical time traveling romance whatsoever. I am a huge fan of time traveling romances, if they are done right that is, and Ms. Vayden has knocked it out of the park, rating right up there with Jude Deveraux, who to this writer is one of the best authors in time travel romance.
What I loved most about this is the fact that Jocelyn adapted so quickly to her surroundings. There was no simpering or crying or being angry over the turn of events; she just adapted and went about life as if she had always lived this sumptuous life in Regency England as the belle of the social ton.
I have to say that I've always wondered why they refer to themselves as "the ton" as it just doesn't make sense to me, but at times I realized that authors can subtly make you realize that they are a ton of idiots.
Pun included. You're welcome.
Oh Lord Ashby. He is seriously in the running to be Regency book boyfriend. Though he is at war with the thought that the ton {of idiots} may see his union with Jocelyn as him being a gold digger, he can't help but want to continue their friendship such as it may be.
See, Jocelyn has "amnesia" and can't remember anyone.
Except that Lord Ashby appeared to her in a dream.
Arynna...oh I wanted to take her over my knee, paddle her bum, and hang her up to dry. It was a shock to this reviewer that such a sweet author who writes just the sweetest character could come up with someone as vile and hateful as Arynna. There just wasn't really anything to her "game" other than she wanted Amelia and Jocelyn to be jealous. Because, you know, she wasn't so obvious in her machinations whatsoever.
Pft.
I adored Amelia for being the consummate best friend and always looking out for Jocelyn, especially when she couldn't "remember" anything. Reg is amusing, but you don't get to really see him much. I do hope that one day he will have a book of his own.
Lord Rake is seriously in the lead over Lord Ashby as RBB. Seriously.
If I had one complaint it would be that the ending seemed so rushed. The conflict was over, everyone was happy and that's that. I can't say anymore as it would give things away, alas.
There is the first chapter of Surviving Scotland, the second book in this series, at the end. I highly recommend reading it and buying it at the same time because you are going to NEED, not want, but NEED to read the sequel.
NEED. Speaking of, I'm off to read about Elle!
WRECKED. ME.
Living London is not your typical time traveling romance whatsoever. I am a huge fan of time traveling romances, if they are done right that is, and Ms. Vayden has knocked it out of the park, rating right up there with Jude Deveraux, who to this writer is one of the best authors in time travel romance.
What I loved most about this is the fact that Jocelyn adapted so quickly to her surroundings. There was no simpering or crying or being angry over the turn of events; she just adapted and went about life as if she had always lived this sumptuous life in Regency England as the belle of the social ton.
I have to say that I've always wondered why they refer to themselves as "the ton" as it just doesn't make sense to me, but at times I realized that authors can subtly make you realize that they are a ton of idiots.
Pun included. You're welcome.
Oh Lord Ashby. He is seriously in the running to be Regency book boyfriend. Though he is at war with the thought that the ton {of idiots} may see his union with Jocelyn as him being a gold digger, he can't help but want to continue their friendship such as it may be.
See, Jocelyn has "amnesia" and can't remember anyone.
Except that Lord Ashby appeared to her in a dream.
Arynna...oh I wanted to take her over my knee, paddle her bum, and hang her up to dry. It was a shock to this reviewer that such a sweet author who writes just the sweetest character could come up with someone as vile and hateful as Arynna. There just wasn't really anything to her "game" other than she wanted Amelia and Jocelyn to be jealous. Because, you know, she wasn't so obvious in her machinations whatsoever.
Pft.
I adored Amelia for being the consummate best friend and always looking out for Jocelyn, especially when she couldn't "remember" anything. Reg is amusing, but you don't get to really see him much. I do hope that one day he will have a book of his own.
Lord Rake is seriously in the lead over Lord Ashby as RBB. Seriously.
If I had one complaint it would be that the ending seemed so rushed. The conflict was over, everyone was happy and that's that. I can't say anymore as it would give things away, alas.
There is the first chapter of Surviving Scotland, the second book in this series, at the end. I highly recommend reading it and buying it at the same time because you are going to NEED, not want, but NEED to read the sequel.
NEED. Speaking of, I'm off to read about Elle!
December 20, 2013
I fell in love with Living London! Kristin Vayden takes a time travel theme to a whole new level! Joselyn feels all alone after her grandmother passes away. She has been so reclusive throughout her life, really on hanging out with her grandmother (her parents are deceased, no siblings), that she never really became close with anyone. And then she finds this confusing note from her grandma and she falls asleep and wakes up in regency London!!! It is incredible really because it is more like she 'fell' through time than traveled intentionally there. And people know her there! She has her own house and servants....how can she exist in regency London and back in her own time? Add into the mix a very handsome man that seems familiar to Joselyn and you have such an intriguing story you will not be able to put it down! Everything is not always as easy as you think it might be in London, what will Joselyn do? Hurry and pick up Living London and read an amazing story you will not soon forget!
(This is a clean/sweet romance)
(This is a clean/sweet romance)
September 11, 2013
So I obviously read these in the wrong order, since I read Surviving Scotland first. Doesn't even matter, it makes no difference since the stories can stand alone. The references in the second book were not confusing because I hadn't read the first.
It is usually a silly idea for me to read similar stories from the same author back to back. I tend to trudge through the second book, regardless of how much I enjoyed the first. But in this case, I could actually go for a third. Seriously. It was the exact same formula as the first story I read, but it's such a cute and sweet story that I'm gobbling it up like blackberry cobbler.
Very light-hearted, romantic, and fun. Don't expect purple prose or a lot of depth. But if you don't enjoy it, then... well, that would suck for you, cuz I loved it.
It is usually a silly idea for me to read similar stories from the same author back to back. I tend to trudge through the second book, regardless of how much I enjoyed the first. But in this case, I could actually go for a third. Seriously. It was the exact same formula as the first story I read, but it's such a cute and sweet story that I'm gobbling it up like blackberry cobbler.
Very light-hearted, romantic, and fun. Don't expect purple prose or a lot of depth. But if you don't enjoy it, then... well, that would suck for you, cuz I loved it.
March 17, 2013
Thanks to the parting gift her grandmother left her, Jocelyn goes back in time straight into Regency London. There she has to try to fit in and remember the life she was supposed to be leading if she had indeed been raised in that era. Here she learns that it’s so important to play by the rules and the accepted doings of the whole society. Wouldn’t that be difficult when you have right in front of you the man of your dreams?
Full review at Cuzinlogic:
http://cuzinlogic.com/2013/03/living-...
Full review at Cuzinlogic:
http://cuzinlogic.com/2013/03/living-...
March 3, 2013
sorry, this is really borring!
My heart really hurts to speak badly of an author who publishes a few books, I love books more unknown, but this book I can't read, it's very boring!
The main character is shallow, the story is linear, without any surprising event, the autor could in many hours use a Cliffhanger (OMFG, she loses her memory and some people present themselves to her as his acquaintances, because nobody lied to her, why??)
My heart really hurts to speak badly of an author who publishes a few books, I love books more unknown, but this book I can't read, it's very boring!
The main character is shallow, the story is linear, without any surprising event, the autor could in many hours use a Cliffhanger (OMFG, she loses her memory and some people present themselves to her as his acquaintances, because nobody lied to her, why??)
August 30, 2022
DNF at 25%. There is no substance or storyline to this book.
December 31, 2019
Es un secreto a voces que soy una fan inconfundible de los viajes en el tiempo. En este caso, se trata de una lectura ágil, que te encontrarás empezando y terminando sin darte apenas cuenta.
Curiosamente, parecía una lectura sin más pero incluso ahora cuando estoy escribiendo esta reseña, casi nueve meses después de haberlo leído, soy capaz de recordar con mucha claridad la historia, lo que no me sucede con otros títulos que pasan sin pena ni gloria y se olvidan casi en el mismo instante y que sólo eres capaz de recordar, y no siempre, una vez que vuelves a releerlos creyendo que nunca habían pasado por tus manos.
Curiosamente, parecía una lectura sin más pero incluso ahora cuando estoy escribiendo esta reseña, casi nueve meses después de haberlo leído, soy capaz de recordar con mucha claridad la historia, lo que no me sucede con otros títulos que pasan sin pena ni gloria y se olvidan casi en el mismo instante y que sólo eres capaz de recordar, y no siempre, una vez que vuelves a releerlos creyendo que nunca habían pasado por tus manos.
January 13, 2021
I loved this short travel in time romance. It is one of my favorite romances as the two characters get to know one another. I feel like it was a little too quick, but I appreciated the sweetness of the romance and that there were no love triangles or explicit sex scenes.
There is another short work called "Surviving Scotland" if you are wanting to read another short travel in time romance. This one I feel like lost some of the sweet romance, but it is a cute one nonetheless.
There is another short work called "Surviving Scotland" if you are wanting to read another short travel in time romance. This one I feel like lost some of the sweet romance, but it is a cute one nonetheless.
March 27, 2018
4 stars though very predictable & a little too "clean" for me
July 9, 2016
Reviewed by Julie
Book provided by the publisher
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
This is a really enjoyable time travel/ historical romance set in regency period London. Jocelyn Westin, with a gentle nudge from her grandmother, finds herself thrown back in time to an era she has always found interesting.
She must confess she has no memory so all bets are off when it comes to regency manners, dress and customs. Thankfully, Jocelyn has a little help in that area. It doesn’t take her long to get her bearings, thanks to her grandmother, who prepared her for this, and thanks to all those historical romance novels she read.
With a certain very handsome Lord Ashby coming to her rescue and then checks in on her frequently, Jocelyn finds herself living out her ultimate fantasy, just like in one of her regency period romance novels…. until reality sets in and it’s no longer fun and games.
Who amongst us regency romance readers hasn’t at one time or another fantasized about living in that era, wearing those fabulous gowns, attending Almacks, dancing the waltz with a real live handsome rake, being a member of ton, having someone do your hair etc? It sounds like it would be fun, at least for awhile. Jocelyn actually gets to do just that and it suits her. I loved the way she compared things from the present with things from the past. They way men spoke, carried themselves, their masculinity, and manners. I also loved the details about the food, the uncomfortable clothing, the hats, all of which stuck with the historical accuracy. Jocelyn is from the future and although she gets a crash course in regency manners, she still slips in a modern phrase or two. In any other circumstance, this would have irritated me to no end, but in this instance it worked and was actually funny, since those in the past were often puzzled by her vernacular.
The romance is just perfect. Ashby has always loved Jocelyn but because of her wealth, he never acted upon it because he feared people would think he only wanted her money. But, with Jocelyn’s “memory loss”, he has found himself able to start things over with her with a clean slate. But, things don’t always go the way Jocelyn hopes and she begins to wonder if perhaps she should abandon London and go home. A few tears will be shed, and a few issues will need to be resolved, but London just may be where Jocelyn will find her happy ever after.
This story is very, very light in nature, no super heavy drama or high angst here. Still, the author did an outstanding job of paying homage to this era and I say it’s about time regency was written with the authenticity this one had. There was no course language, the romance was sweet, the details were accurate, and the time travel added a special touch to the story, making it simply magical.
Book provided by the publisher
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
This is a really enjoyable time travel/ historical romance set in regency period London. Jocelyn Westin, with a gentle nudge from her grandmother, finds herself thrown back in time to an era she has always found interesting.
She must confess she has no memory so all bets are off when it comes to regency manners, dress and customs. Thankfully, Jocelyn has a little help in that area. It doesn’t take her long to get her bearings, thanks to her grandmother, who prepared her for this, and thanks to all those historical romance novels she read.
With a certain very handsome Lord Ashby coming to her rescue and then checks in on her frequently, Jocelyn finds herself living out her ultimate fantasy, just like in one of her regency period romance novels…. until reality sets in and it’s no longer fun and games.
Who amongst us regency romance readers hasn’t at one time or another fantasized about living in that era, wearing those fabulous gowns, attending Almacks, dancing the waltz with a real live handsome rake, being a member of ton, having someone do your hair etc? It sounds like it would be fun, at least for awhile. Jocelyn actually gets to do just that and it suits her. I loved the way she compared things from the present with things from the past. They way men spoke, carried themselves, their masculinity, and manners. I also loved the details about the food, the uncomfortable clothing, the hats, all of which stuck with the historical accuracy. Jocelyn is from the future and although she gets a crash course in regency manners, she still slips in a modern phrase or two. In any other circumstance, this would have irritated me to no end, but in this instance it worked and was actually funny, since those in the past were often puzzled by her vernacular.
The romance is just perfect. Ashby has always loved Jocelyn but because of her wealth, he never acted upon it because he feared people would think he only wanted her money. But, with Jocelyn’s “memory loss”, he has found himself able to start things over with her with a clean slate. But, things don’t always go the way Jocelyn hopes and she begins to wonder if perhaps she should abandon London and go home. A few tears will be shed, and a few issues will need to be resolved, but London just may be where Jocelyn will find her happy ever after.
This story is very, very light in nature, no super heavy drama or high angst here. Still, the author did an outstanding job of paying homage to this era and I say it’s about time regency was written with the authenticity this one had. There was no course language, the romance was sweet, the details were accurate, and the time travel added a special touch to the story, making it simply magical.
July 26, 2013
Living London was light, fun, and very entertaining. Jocelyn thinks of herself as an expert in Regency, until she finds herself trying to live it. The etiquette lessons and countless changes of clothes for various affairs (which all include the dreaded corset) weren't what she expected. Through the whole experience Jocelyn finds a handful of close friends that are willing to guide her through the many pitfalls of London's ton. With a romantic lovestory flowing gently along until it causes a huge scandal that leaves society shocked and thrilled at the juicy gossip.
While this wasn't the most memorable read of the year, it was one of the most fun. There was a lot of substance for an almost novella (just a little longer), but it was a little too happy go lucky for me to give too many more stars. I do like a little more drama.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/...
While this wasn't the most memorable read of the year, it was one of the most fun. There was a lot of substance for an almost novella (just a little longer), but it was a little too happy go lucky for me to give too many more stars. I do like a little more drama.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/...
March 6, 2013
So a good author friend of mine (Rachel Van Dyken) suggested that I read this lovely book...I have to say she definitly has great taste! I adored the story line and characters and I agree with another reviewer I hope this is the start to a series! Jocelyn was being prepared by her grandmother but she didnt really understand or know what for...all the tea parties, the dances certainly didnt fit in with todays times! After her Nanna's death she reads a cryptic note telling her that everything was about to change...After putting on a dress and going to bed she wakes up in 1814 London! Having to sort her way thru balls, manners, and doing what is expected she discovers who her true friends are, but when a rival threatens to take everything away will she stay or leave it all behind to return to her own time? Oh man this was a good book...thanks Rachel!
June 5, 2015
This was a pretty cute read. Nothing heavy and rather quick to get through. Not much conflict or intricate plot. It's a story about a girl who time travels to regency london and has a perfect life as an enormously wealthy heiress who is in love with (and loved in return) but the perfect English Lord. Did i mention a lot of the things are "perfect". The last few chapters try to add a little drama, which was not really necessary since the rest of the book was lowkey.
I'd recommend this to time travel fans for a light beach read. Don't expect to have much invested in the characters or the plot, frankly. Which isn't necessarily a negative. A cute story is always a good break from the drama-heavy genre that is historical/romance lit.
I'd recommend this to time travel fans for a light beach read. Don't expect to have much invested in the characters or the plot, frankly. Which isn't necessarily a negative. A cute story is always a good break from the drama-heavy genre that is historical/romance lit.
March 7, 2013
This is a cute story of a girl who travels back in time to experience London and the ton. The ton proves to be as fickle as we could expect them to be. Jocelyn makes friends and discovers love. She is enchanted by her surroundings, then disenchanted also. It was a fun read. Not quite as squeaky clean as I might of liked, but then I can be quite picky in this area.
June 26, 2014
Interesting premise; but left with unanswered questions. Thought Jocelyn would be more outspoken with Arrynna and the rest of the ton. It also did not explain if her grandmother was also a traveler in time. Lord Morgan was a dashin hero but his back story was also not provided as t their previous relationship and his financial situation. An OK read.
May 5, 2015
Enjoyable
I did enjoy this book, but it only got three stars because a) the crisis was very contrived, b) the book is poorly edited.in one chapter, in my edition, a paragraph was repeated.
It is very light reading with pleasant characters but lacks the wit of an Austen or a Heyer.
I did enjoy this book, but it only got three stars because a) the crisis was very contrived, b) the book is poorly edited.in one chapter, in my edition, a paragraph was repeated.
It is very light reading with pleasant characters but lacks the wit of an Austen or a Heyer.
January 16, 2016
I enjoy time travelling stories and this one in Regency London sounded rather interesting. Unfortunately the best part of these books is the confront between the modern attitudes and knowledge and the older ones and in that respect this book fell flat. The story is also very predictable and I felt no empathy with none of the characters. Fortunately it's a small book so a small waste of time.
April 3, 2013
Jocelyn and Morgan. A sweet story. The set up takes a bit too long in the beginning, I think, but once she is back in time things pick up. There isn't much conflict to the story, but I would still read a follow up about the granddaughter.
July 25, 2015
Time travel is always interesting to me - the fact that her Nana had done the same was an interesting twist as was her Nana preparing her with the ways of old London including dance, accents...thoroughly entertaining book & with a happy ending - the best.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2015
I had wanted a good time-travel romance and this was on several of my recommendation lists and I decided to give it a shot. This came across more as a body swap than strictly time travel but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I cannot wait to read book 2.
March 29, 2013
I love it! :D Will there be any sequel? I want to know Elle's story. I hope so. :)
July 10, 2013
This is the first book I read by this author and I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed the story and it is one I will re-read.
March 16, 2014
Love it. I felt like I was in the regency England. Good descriptions, good characters, different plot. Very interesting. It was a turn page. Read in about 8 hours.
January 19, 2015
My review for Living London will appear on the Romancing the Book Blog in the very near future. Very cute book!
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March 5, 2022DNF
MEH NOT MY THING. I AM A FAN OF ANGST, SEXUAL TENSION AND TORTURED HERO.
THIS HAD NONE.
IT WAS ALL ROSES AND FAIRYTALES...BAH TOO SWEET FOR MY DEMENTED TASTE.
MEH NOT MY THING. I AM A FAN OF ANGST, SEXUAL TENSION AND TORTURED HERO.
THIS HAD NONE.
IT WAS ALL ROSES AND FAIRYTALES...BAH TOO SWEET FOR MY DEMENTED TASTE.
July 28, 2016
Nice story, but can't stop thinking that there are like at list 100 pages missing. It lacks aN development and in the end it could have been much more everything.
July 6, 2017
Maybe 2.5. I was drawn in by the time travel aspect of the story. I liked that once she realized she had traveled through time, she tried to fit in. (That is a pet peeve of mine in other books--when the traveler doesn't try to adapt.) The last fourth or so of the book just fizzled for me, to the point that I don't think this is an author for me (tainfm2016).
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews