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Rescued: A Jo and Laurie prelude
“Which young lady are you making a cake of yourself over this time, Laurie?”
The voice belonged to the most handsome and arrogant of Theodore Lawrence’s friends.
“The same one as always,” Laurie replied. His eyes had not left Jo since he entered the ballroom.
His friend scoffed. “Of all the ladies you could have, why her, my poor fool?”
“It’s always been her,” Laurie replied simply.
“Is she not the girl you once rescued from drowning?”
“She is the woman who rescued me ,” Laurie said, his fingers curling into fists. Why am I friends with this oaf?
“She did? When?” Said oaf raised a questioning eyebrow.
“Every day,” Laurie murmured. “And now, I need her to save me again.”
He should march over to her, and ask her to dance. Ask her to save him from this torment. Ask her to marry him.
Except.
He had ruined everything the night before.
The night when he had almost kissed her.
Theodore Augustus Lawrence, Lord Lowry, or simply ‘Laurie’ to those who have the misfortune to know him, has been in love with his best friend for years. But now they are no longer children, playacting at swordfights, climbing trees, and swimming in creeks under the stars.
Now, they are each expected to take their places in society. For Josephine St. Claire, or simply ‘Jo’ to her sisters and Laurie, that will mean marriage. To someone else.
And the very thought makes Laurie feel as if he is submerged underwater with no hope of rescue. He can’t go on like this. He needs to speak to her about his feelings, and it needs to be soon. He cannot bear the torment of wanting her any longer.
But a little voice in his head keeps
What if she is not ready?
What if she only wants to be your friend?
What if she rejects you?
And if the little voice is right… Who will rescue him then?
This is Laurie’s book. And it is going to be as chaotic, gorgeous, heart-breaking and full of sunshine as the man himself.
Bring tissues
AUTHOR’S NOTE TO
Rescued is a Jo and Laurie prelude. This is the story of Jo and Laurie retold, but it is not the whole story. This short book is not a standalone, even though it does end in a very satisfactory manner (Laurie would agree wholeheartedly).
But please, dear reader, be The story of Rescued concludes in Rejected, so start this journey into Regency London and the hearts of two very sad, very lost and very much in love young people, at your own risk.
If you have already read Rejected, then this short book, Rescued, can be considered its prequel.
You think you know what happens afterwards.
The voice belonged to the most handsome and arrogant of Theodore Lawrence’s friends.
“The same one as always,” Laurie replied. His eyes had not left Jo since he entered the ballroom.
His friend scoffed. “Of all the ladies you could have, why her, my poor fool?”
“It’s always been her,” Laurie replied simply.
“Is she not the girl you once rescued from drowning?”
“She is the woman who rescued me ,” Laurie said, his fingers curling into fists. Why am I friends with this oaf?
“She did? When?” Said oaf raised a questioning eyebrow.
“Every day,” Laurie murmured. “And now, I need her to save me again.”
He should march over to her, and ask her to dance. Ask her to save him from this torment. Ask her to marry him.
Except.
He had ruined everything the night before.
The night when he had almost kissed her.
Theodore Augustus Lawrence, Lord Lowry, or simply ‘Laurie’ to those who have the misfortune to know him, has been in love with his best friend for years. But now they are no longer children, playacting at swordfights, climbing trees, and swimming in creeks under the stars.
Now, they are each expected to take their places in society. For Josephine St. Claire, or simply ‘Jo’ to her sisters and Laurie, that will mean marriage. To someone else.
And the very thought makes Laurie feel as if he is submerged underwater with no hope of rescue. He can’t go on like this. He needs to speak to her about his feelings, and it needs to be soon. He cannot bear the torment of wanting her any longer.
But a little voice in his head keeps
What if she is not ready?
What if she only wants to be your friend?
What if she rejects you?
And if the little voice is right… Who will rescue him then?
This is Laurie’s book. And it is going to be as chaotic, gorgeous, heart-breaking and full of sunshine as the man himself.
Bring tissues
AUTHOR’S NOTE TO
Rescued is a Jo and Laurie prelude. This is the story of Jo and Laurie retold, but it is not the whole story. This short book is not a standalone, even though it does end in a very satisfactory manner (Laurie would agree wholeheartedly).
But please, dear reader, be The story of Rescued concludes in Rejected, so start this journey into Regency London and the hearts of two very sad, very lost and very much in love young people, at your own risk.
If you have already read Rejected, then this short book, Rescued, can be considered its prequel.
You think you know what happens afterwards.
132 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2025
27 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
M.C. Frank
37 books552 followers Welcome to the world of M.C. FRANK's books, where characters aren't going to have an easy time of it: They will find themselves in icy-cold dystopian worlds where kissing is forbidden (among other things), or in green forests ruled by evil Sheriffs. If they're in Jane Austen's England, they have to be running away from a traumatic childhood, or if they are in our contemporary world, they're scared they'll die before they have finished high school. That sort of thing.
Don't worry, though, she knows we all need a little hope and joy in our lives, so there's a good dose of those as well in everything she writes.
M.C. Frank (writer, reader, designer, physicist and teacher, to name a few) has been living in a world of stories ever since she can remember (that's before she knew how to write). She started writing them down when she could no longer stand the characters in her head screaming at her to give them life, and while those first scribblings weren't exactly good (nor were they books, although she insisted on calling them that), they were enough for her to discover her passion in life.
She got her university degree in physics a few years ago (yes, she's like Sheldon, only a bit crazier!) and is now free to pursue her love of reading and writing, as well her free-lance job as editor-in-chief. She lives with her 'dude' in a home filled with candles, laptops and notebooks, where she rearranges her overflowing bookshelves every time she feels stressed.
Which is often, since (as you might have noticed) she doesn't pick the easiest subjects for her novels.
Learn more about her and her New Adult, Young Adult, scifi, Greek mythology and historical novels at mcfrankauthor.com
Website: mcfrankauthor.com
Twitter: @mcfrank_author
Instagram: @mcfrank_author
Tumblr: @litlereddoll
Facebook Page: M.C. Frank
Goodreads: M.C. Frank
Youtube: M.C. Frank
Don't worry, though, she knows we all need a little hope and joy in our lives, so there's a good dose of those as well in everything she writes.
M.C. Frank (writer, reader, designer, physicist and teacher, to name a few) has been living in a world of stories ever since she can remember (that's before she knew how to write). She started writing them down when she could no longer stand the characters in her head screaming at her to give them life, and while those first scribblings weren't exactly good (nor were they books, although she insisted on calling them that), they were enough for her to discover her passion in life.
She got her university degree in physics a few years ago (yes, she's like Sheldon, only a bit crazier!) and is now free to pursue her love of reading and writing, as well her free-lance job as editor-in-chief. She lives with her 'dude' in a home filled with candles, laptops and notebooks, where she rearranges her overflowing bookshelves every time she feels stressed.
Which is often, since (as you might have noticed) she doesn't pick the easiest subjects for her novels.
Learn more about her and her New Adult, Young Adult, scifi, Greek mythology and historical novels at mcfrankauthor.com
Website: mcfrankauthor.com
Twitter: @mcfrank_author
Instagram: @mcfrank_author
Tumblr: @litlereddoll
Facebook Page: M.C. Frank
Goodreads: M.C. Frank
Youtube: M.C. Frank
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5 rounded up)
Rescued is a beautiful, heartwarming read about love, longing, and the fear of rejection. Laurie is a wonderfully complex character, his emotions are raw and real, making it easy to connect with his inner turmoil as he grapples with his feelings for Jo.
The chemistry between them is palpable, even though much of the story revolves around Laurie’s struggle to face his emotions. The novella captures the quiet, tender moments of love in a way that feels both timeless and deeply human.
It’s a short, quick read, but one that packs an emotional punch. One thing to keep in mind: while the ending is satisfying, it's part of a larger picture.
A half-star off because the pacing can feel a little slow at times, especially with all of Laurie’s internal monologues, but the emotional payoff is worth it.
Perfect for fans of slow-burn romance, longing glances, and Regency drama. Definitely bring tissues!
Thank you StoryOrigin for the advanced copy
Rescued is a beautiful, heartwarming read about love, longing, and the fear of rejection. Laurie is a wonderfully complex character, his emotions are raw and real, making it easy to connect with his inner turmoil as he grapples with his feelings for Jo.
The chemistry between them is palpable, even though much of the story revolves around Laurie’s struggle to face his emotions. The novella captures the quiet, tender moments of love in a way that feels both timeless and deeply human.
It’s a short, quick read, but one that packs an emotional punch. One thing to keep in mind: while the ending is satisfying, it's part of a larger picture.
A half-star off because the pacing can feel a little slow at times, especially with all of Laurie’s internal monologues, but the emotional payoff is worth it.
Perfect for fans of slow-burn romance, longing glances, and Regency drama. Definitely bring tissues!
Thank you StoryOrigin for the advanced copy
July 16, 2025
I received a ARC copy from the author but wasn’t required to post a review. This is my honest, voluntary impression after reading it.
I’d dare say 99 percent of us have found ourselves in the situation that Laurie finds himself in. For 5 years at least his feelings toward his best friend have changed since a fateful evening and he fantasizes how he will sweep her off her feet with his proclamation of love towards her! Sadly fear and rejection tell him not to do it so he remains in silent
agony.
I know how he feels because I experienced those same feelings and fears a few times myself in my life.
The not knowing or the telling only to have your hopes and dreams crushed by the one you love.
This book goes through Laurie’s feelings toward Jo and like I said I can totally relate to it since I have also experienced it.
Love and its feelings can mess one up when you try and find the person you want to spend your life with.
Uncertainty yes but do you take the plunge and express your feelings to him or her or keep them buried afraid of rejection and humiliation if she doesn’t feel the same way you do?
I enjoyed this all too real snapshot of the conflict most all of us go through and recommend this book as one you will also probably relate to!
It does continue on in the book Rejected so you can read about Laurie and Jo’s continued story towards either a happily ever after or a parting of the ways.
I’d dare say 99 percent of us have found ourselves in the situation that Laurie finds himself in. For 5 years at least his feelings toward his best friend have changed since a fateful evening and he fantasizes how he will sweep her off her feet with his proclamation of love towards her! Sadly fear and rejection tell him not to do it so he remains in silent
agony.
I know how he feels because I experienced those same feelings and fears a few times myself in my life.
The not knowing or the telling only to have your hopes and dreams crushed by the one you love.
This book goes through Laurie’s feelings toward Jo and like I said I can totally relate to it since I have also experienced it.
Love and its feelings can mess one up when you try and find the person you want to spend your life with.
Uncertainty yes but do you take the plunge and express your feelings to him or her or keep them buried afraid of rejection and humiliation if she doesn’t feel the same way you do?
I enjoyed this all too real snapshot of the conflict most all of us go through and recommend this book as one you will also probably relate to!
It does continue on in the book Rejected so you can read about Laurie and Jo’s continued story towards either a happily ever after or a parting of the ways.
July 13, 2025
Chick lit from a male point of view
I recall reading that Jane Austen never wrote dialogue between or among men when females were not present, as she had absolutely no idea of what they spoke nor how they spoke of it. So, it’s very refreshing to have a man’s perspective on this much-loved tale filled with females and their coming-of-age woes.
Fave line:
‘She moves through the world like she was born to rewrite it.’
May we each find a love that even the walls perk up and notice…
I have two more in this series and look forward to more by this author.
I recall reading that Jane Austen never wrote dialogue between or among men when females were not present, as she had absolutely no idea of what they spoke nor how they spoke of it. So, it’s very refreshing to have a man’s perspective on this much-loved tale filled with females and their coming-of-age woes.
Fave line:
‘She moves through the world like she was born to rewrite it.’
May we each find a love that even the walls perk up and notice…
I have two more in this series and look forward to more by this author.
July 15, 2025
❤️A very beautiful prequel!!
Lord Lowry "Laurie" watched Josephine St. Claire "Jo" from afar and couldn't help but admire the beauty of this young woman he knew so well...
----
A very beautiful prequel that so beautifully recounts the completely hopeless and unspoken love Laurie feels for Jo!
The feelings described are particularly heightened.
It's a captivating and very gripping read!
I deeply regret not having been able to read this prequel before the next volume of "Rejected," which would have allowed me to appreciate this moving and passionate story even more.
A must-read!!
Lord Lowry "Laurie" watched Josephine St. Claire "Jo" from afar and couldn't help but admire the beauty of this young woman he knew so well...
----
A very beautiful prequel that so beautifully recounts the completely hopeless and unspoken love Laurie feels for Jo!
The feelings described are particularly heightened.
It's a captivating and very gripping read!
I deeply regret not having been able to read this prequel before the next volume of "Rejected," which would have allowed me to appreciate this moving and passionate story even more.
A must-read!!
October 1, 2025
A fun short30-min read of Regency retelling of Little Women - from Laurie’s POV
Having already read Rejected, I quite enjoyed this little ditty - if Little Women were set in Regency England - told from Laurie’s POV. Especially the Easter eggs to the author’s other books and a few familiar phrases from popular movies caught my eye as well, tee-hee. So angsty - Laurie pining after Jo and her being oblivious. A lovely short story prequel, perfect to whip your appetite as to what happens next in Rejected.
Recommended for lovers of angsty upper YA clean Regency short stories.
Having already read Rejected, I quite enjoyed this little ditty - if Little Women were set in Regency England - told from Laurie’s POV. Especially the Easter eggs to the author’s other books and a few familiar phrases from popular movies caught my eye as well, tee-hee. So angsty - Laurie pining after Jo and her being oblivious. A lovely short story prequel, perfect to whip your appetite as to what happens next in Rejected.
Recommended for lovers of angsty upper YA clean Regency short stories.
June 30, 2025
This was a cute little prequel about Jo and Laurie (you can read more about them in Rejected). There is a current day ballroom scene (Meg's, Jo's sister's, wedding) interspersed with a previous time where Jo jumped into a river to save her sister. Together, the stories set up a "where we are now" for their main storyline. There's not a ton of action, but it does provide plenty of context for Rejected and somewhat deepens the relationship between Jo and Laurie.
July 15, 2025
Who rescues whom? Will you even know by the end of the story?
It’s teenage angst to the max at the end of the teenage years. A whole lot of self doubt is expressed to himself by Laurie. He makes significant decisions but doesn’t follow through as he told himself he would. He both knows himself well and doesn’t know himself at all. You want to be the friend that coaches and encourages him, not the friend who is denigrating him. It’s a difficult life in his head.
It’s teenage angst to the max at the end of the teenage years. A whole lot of self doubt is expressed to himself by Laurie. He makes significant decisions but doesn’t follow through as he told himself he would. He both knows himself well and doesn’t know himself at all. You want to be the friend that coaches and encourages him, not the friend who is denigrating him. It’s a difficult life in his head.
July 16, 2025
what ifs
My heart went out to Laurie right from the start, it´s difficult when a relationship is about to shift from friendship to love, of course you fear losing a friend when things go wrong, but isn´t it better to give things a try instead of letting a chance at love and happiness pass you by instead of all the what ifs? Still I understand it takes a lot of courage to find out if your feelings are reprocicated.
My heart went out to Laurie right from the start, it´s difficult when a relationship is about to shift from friendship to love, of course you fear losing a friend when things go wrong, but isn´t it better to give things a try instead of letting a chance at love and happiness pass you by instead of all the what ifs? Still I understand it takes a lot of courage to find out if your feelings are reprocicated.
July 3, 2025
I enjoyed this book. I liked that this story of Theodore Augustus Lawrence, Lord Lowry ("Laurie") and Josephine St. Claire ("Jo") was *almost* told from Leopold, Lord Ingram's point of view, but not quite. That would have been insufferable. As it was, this book zeroed in on one scene, a small scene in terms of time, but not in importance to Laurie.
July 12, 2025
A short but passionate read of Laurie's undying love for Jo and his memories of when it all began. It gives you an insight into the way he feels about Jo and the fear of Rejection should he pluck up the courage to tell her.
July 23, 2025
I loved this quick introduction to an alternate version of Jo and Laurie, from Jane Austen’s Little Women. This beautifully sets the scene for Rejected. Written from Laurie’s POV and full of intricate imagery, flowing emotion and typical dramatic-ness of the Regency era.
July 12, 2025
Lovelorn
He is so in love and she really doesn’t see it. Romantic story, interesting people and situations. I very much enjoyed reading it.
He is so in love and she really doesn’t see it. Romantic story, interesting people and situations. I very much enjoyed reading it.
July 25, 2025
Fantastic story!! Pulled me in in the first chapter and never let me go. Well detailed storyline. Lots of action packed scenes. A must read book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews