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The Penningtons #3
A Lady Without a Lord
A viscount convinced he’s a failure
For years, Theodosius Pennington has tried to forget his myriad shortcomings by indulging in wine, women, and witty bonhomie. But now that he’s inherited the title of Viscount Saybrook, it’s time to stop ignoring his responsibilities. Finding the perfect husband for his headstrong younger sister seems a good first step. Until, that is, his sister’s dowry goes missing . . .
A lady determined she’ll succeed
Harriot Atherton is trying to keep a secret: it is she, not her steward father, who maintains the Saybrook account books. But Harry’s precarious balancing act begins to totter when the irresponsible new viscount unexpectedly returns to Lincolnshire, the painfully awkward boy of her childhood now a charming yet vulnerable man. Unfortunately, Theo is also claiming financial malfeasance. Can her father’s wandering wits be responsible for the lost funds? Or is she?
As unlikely attraction flairs between dutiful Harry and playful Theo, each learns there is far more to the other than devoted daughter and happy-go-lucky lord. But if Harry succeeds at protecting her father, discovering the missing money, and keeping all her secrets, will she be in danger of failing at something equally important—finding love?
For years, Theodosius Pennington has tried to forget his myriad shortcomings by indulging in wine, women, and witty bonhomie. But now that he’s inherited the title of Viscount Saybrook, it’s time to stop ignoring his responsibilities. Finding the perfect husband for his headstrong younger sister seems a good first step. Until, that is, his sister’s dowry goes missing . . .
A lady determined she’ll succeed
Harriot Atherton is trying to keep a secret: it is she, not her steward father, who maintains the Saybrook account books. But Harry’s precarious balancing act begins to totter when the irresponsible new viscount unexpectedly returns to Lincolnshire, the painfully awkward boy of her childhood now a charming yet vulnerable man. Unfortunately, Theo is also claiming financial malfeasance. Can her father’s wandering wits be responsible for the lost funds? Or is she?
As unlikely attraction flairs between dutiful Harry and playful Theo, each learns there is far more to the other than devoted daughter and happy-go-lucky lord. But if Harry succeeds at protecting her father, discovering the missing money, and keeping all her secrets, will she be in danger of failing at something equally important—finding love?
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2017
10 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Bliss Bennet
9 books100 followersBliss Bennet writes smart, edgy novels for readers who love history as much as they love romance.
Despite being born and bred in New England, Bliss finds herself fascinated by the history of that country across the pond, particularly the politically-volatile period known as the English Regency. Though she’s visited Britain several times, Bliss continues to make her home in New England, along with her husband and ever-growing piles of research books.
Despite being born and bred in New England, Bliss finds herself fascinated by the history of that country across the pond, particularly the politically-volatile period known as the English Regency. Though she’s visited Britain several times, Bliss continues to make her home in New England, along with her husband and ever-growing piles of research books.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 23, 2017
I've given this a B+ at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars.
This third book in Bliss Bennet’s series about the Pennington siblings turns its attention to the eldest, Theodosius (Theo), who became Viscount Saybrook on the death of his father just over a year earlier. On the surface, it’s a simple story about childhood friends coming together after a number of years and starting to see each other in a different light, but there’s a lot more to it than that. One of the things I have enjoyed about this author’s other books is the way she has incorporated a sound historical background into the story in a subtle and informative way. The previous book, A Man without a Mistress, featured a couple who were very involved in politics, and here, Ms. Bennet takes a look at the importance of community, the responsibility of landowners towards their dependents, and throws in a dash of local politics without any of that overshadowing the development of the romance or the personal issues faced by both protagonists.
Since inheriting his title, the new viscount has made no move to assume the responsibilities that go with it, or to visit his estate, preferring instead to continue to live it up in London, bedding beautiful women and carousing with his many friends and acquaintances. But the recent marriage of his sister (in A Man Without a Mistress), suddenly brings Theo’s unfettered existence to an end; a meeting with his solicitor in order to arrange the payment of Sybilla’s dowry reveals that something is badly wrong with the family finances, and he realises that if he’s to do right by his sister and her new husband – who are intending to use the money to finance his bid to enter parliament – Theo will have to leave London, head to Lincolnshire and try to find out what has happened to the missing money.
He is not an uncaring man. He knows he has people depending on him, but told himself he was doing the right thing by leaving things in the very capable hands of his father’s – now his – steward, Mr. Atherton. Theo has never had a head for numbers; in fact, his father believed him to be little more than an imbecile because Theo struggled with even the most basic of calculations as a boy, and his father’s disgust very quickly turned to disapproval of practically everything else about his heir. So when he was old enough, Theo decided he might as well live down to expectations and took himself off to London where he very soon acquired himself a reputation as a cheerful, good-hearted wastrel.
One of the first people Theo sees on his return home is Harriot – Harry – Atherton, the steward’s daughter. Theo and Harry practically grew up together, and it was Theo who gave Harry her very first kiss when they were both in their teens. Not long after that, Harry went to live with her aunt in Brighton, where she was expected to make a suitable match, but she has recently returned – unwed – and confused and humiliated by the young man she had expected to offer for her.
But her feelings of rejection are nothing compared to the dismay she experiences on discovering the great change that has come over her father. He has become forgetful, aggressive and confused – we would today recognise the signs of dementia – and over the past year, it’s Harry who has been doing most of the administrative work for the Saybrook estate. The account books were a mess and Harry persuaded her father to allow her to transcribe for him – although in fact she is doing the accounts herself, and the many letters she sent Theo – which he ignored – purporting to be from her father, were actually hers. She can’t afford for the newly arrived viscount to discover the truth about her father for fear he will lose not only his situation, but the respect of the tenants and villagers; or worse, be committed to an asylum for the insane.
Theo is pleasantly surprised to find Harry home – and more surprised to discover that she’s turned into a quietly attractive young woman. Harry is similarly struck by Theo, the awkward, unhappy boy she remembers having grown into a handsome, charismatic and vital man. They quickly fall back into the ways of their old friendship, talking about anything and everything (almost), and affectionately teasing one another – although that teasing is now laced with a strong undercurrent of a mutual attraction they both do their best to ignore. A steward’s daughter is not a suitable match for a peer, and besides, a man as good-looking and charming as Theo can have any woman he wants – but working together to solve the problems brought about by the mismanaged funds, or to resolve disputes among the community keeps the pair in close proximity and eventually their feelings become impossible to ignore.
Theo and Harry are likeable, attractive and fully-rounded characters whose flaws and insecurities make them seem that much more real. Theo is completely adorable; a loveable rogue who has spent so long believing himself to be the idiot his father kept insisting he was that he fails to see that his intelligence is of a completely different, yet equally valid kind, and that he is gifted in other ways. There’s a lovely moment when Harry’s eyes are opened to what I can only call Theo’s amazing ‘people skills’ after he is called upon to take a position regarding a local dispute:
“Do you think just anyone can walk into a room of squabbling gentlemen and create accord amongst them with a few well-chosen words? It’s an admirable talent, that.”
Harry is the sort of heroine who is very easy to relate to in that she is a caretaker; she is intent on doing the best for everyone around her and completely ignores her own wishes and desires in the process. She wants to look after her father, even though, in his illness, he treats her unkindly; she wants to preserve his health and to prevent Theo discovering that he is no longer capable of doing his job even as she wants to help Theo – although the two things are not really compatible. But she has to learn that perhaps sometimes, her instinct to protect those closest to her is not always in their best interests and may even, in some cases, lead her to act contrary to what is right.
Harry and Theo make a terrific couple whose similar aims and outlook on life leaves the reader in no doubt that their HEA will last long after their wedding. Theo’s journey from a man full of self-doubt to one who is prepared to accept his weaknesses and work to compensate for them is well told, and his charming self-deprecation and vulnerability make him a very appealing hero. Ms. Bennet does a terrific job of showing the ins and outs of life on a country estate in the early nineteenth century, and her writing is accomplished, warm and nicely laced with humour. The hints she drops about the next story (to feature the remaining Pennington sibling, Benedict) are intriguing and I am definitely going to be snapping up A Sinner Without a Saint as soon as it’s available.
This third book in Bliss Bennet’s series about the Pennington siblings turns its attention to the eldest, Theodosius (Theo), who became Viscount Saybrook on the death of his father just over a year earlier. On the surface, it’s a simple story about childhood friends coming together after a number of years and starting to see each other in a different light, but there’s a lot more to it than that. One of the things I have enjoyed about this author’s other books is the way she has incorporated a sound historical background into the story in a subtle and informative way. The previous book, A Man without a Mistress, featured a couple who were very involved in politics, and here, Ms. Bennet takes a look at the importance of community, the responsibility of landowners towards their dependents, and throws in a dash of local politics without any of that overshadowing the development of the romance or the personal issues faced by both protagonists.
Since inheriting his title, the new viscount has made no move to assume the responsibilities that go with it, or to visit his estate, preferring instead to continue to live it up in London, bedding beautiful women and carousing with his many friends and acquaintances. But the recent marriage of his sister (in A Man Without a Mistress), suddenly brings Theo’s unfettered existence to an end; a meeting with his solicitor in order to arrange the payment of Sybilla’s dowry reveals that something is badly wrong with the family finances, and he realises that if he’s to do right by his sister and her new husband – who are intending to use the money to finance his bid to enter parliament – Theo will have to leave London, head to Lincolnshire and try to find out what has happened to the missing money.
He is not an uncaring man. He knows he has people depending on him, but told himself he was doing the right thing by leaving things in the very capable hands of his father’s – now his – steward, Mr. Atherton. Theo has never had a head for numbers; in fact, his father believed him to be little more than an imbecile because Theo struggled with even the most basic of calculations as a boy, and his father’s disgust very quickly turned to disapproval of practically everything else about his heir. So when he was old enough, Theo decided he might as well live down to expectations and took himself off to London where he very soon acquired himself a reputation as a cheerful, good-hearted wastrel.
One of the first people Theo sees on his return home is Harriot – Harry – Atherton, the steward’s daughter. Theo and Harry practically grew up together, and it was Theo who gave Harry her very first kiss when they were both in their teens. Not long after that, Harry went to live with her aunt in Brighton, where she was expected to make a suitable match, but she has recently returned – unwed – and confused and humiliated by the young man she had expected to offer for her.
But her feelings of rejection are nothing compared to the dismay she experiences on discovering the great change that has come over her father. He has become forgetful, aggressive and confused – we would today recognise the signs of dementia – and over the past year, it’s Harry who has been doing most of the administrative work for the Saybrook estate. The account books were a mess and Harry persuaded her father to allow her to transcribe for him – although in fact she is doing the accounts herself, and the many letters she sent Theo – which he ignored – purporting to be from her father, were actually hers. She can’t afford for the newly arrived viscount to discover the truth about her father for fear he will lose not only his situation, but the respect of the tenants and villagers; or worse, be committed to an asylum for the insane.
Theo is pleasantly surprised to find Harry home – and more surprised to discover that she’s turned into a quietly attractive young woman. Harry is similarly struck by Theo, the awkward, unhappy boy she remembers having grown into a handsome, charismatic and vital man. They quickly fall back into the ways of their old friendship, talking about anything and everything (almost), and affectionately teasing one another – although that teasing is now laced with a strong undercurrent of a mutual attraction they both do their best to ignore. A steward’s daughter is not a suitable match for a peer, and besides, a man as good-looking and charming as Theo can have any woman he wants – but working together to solve the problems brought about by the mismanaged funds, or to resolve disputes among the community keeps the pair in close proximity and eventually their feelings become impossible to ignore.
Theo and Harry are likeable, attractive and fully-rounded characters whose flaws and insecurities make them seem that much more real. Theo is completely adorable; a loveable rogue who has spent so long believing himself to be the idiot his father kept insisting he was that he fails to see that his intelligence is of a completely different, yet equally valid kind, and that he is gifted in other ways. There’s a lovely moment when Harry’s eyes are opened to what I can only call Theo’s amazing ‘people skills’ after he is called upon to take a position regarding a local dispute:
“Do you think just anyone can walk into a room of squabbling gentlemen and create accord amongst them with a few well-chosen words? It’s an admirable talent, that.”
Harry is the sort of heroine who is very easy to relate to in that she is a caretaker; she is intent on doing the best for everyone around her and completely ignores her own wishes and desires in the process. She wants to look after her father, even though, in his illness, he treats her unkindly; she wants to preserve his health and to prevent Theo discovering that he is no longer capable of doing his job even as she wants to help Theo – although the two things are not really compatible. But she has to learn that perhaps sometimes, her instinct to protect those closest to her is not always in their best interests and may even, in some cases, lead her to act contrary to what is right.
Harry and Theo make a terrific couple whose similar aims and outlook on life leaves the reader in no doubt that their HEA will last long after their wedding. Theo’s journey from a man full of self-doubt to one who is prepared to accept his weaknesses and work to compensate for them is well told, and his charming self-deprecation and vulnerability make him a very appealing hero. Ms. Bennet does a terrific job of showing the ins and outs of life on a country estate in the early nineteenth century, and her writing is accomplished, warm and nicely laced with humour. The hints she drops about the next story (to feature the remaining Pennington sibling, Benedict) are intriguing and I am definitely going to be snapping up A Sinner Without a Saint as soon as it’s available.
March 8, 2017
A Lady Without a Lord is the third in Bliss Bennet’s Penningtons series and the first book I’ve read by this author. The story she’s created has a lot of good character moments that kept me reading from cover to cover; however her distinctive writing style was a bit harder to engage with.
Lord Theophilius Pennington is charming, witty and always makes a good impression on everyone – except the members of his family. Growing up as heir, Theo was pressured from an early age to take an interest in the family’s properties as well as follow his father into the political arena. Unfortunately, difficulties with numeracy gave Theo’s family the impression that he was lazy or not suited to the tasks required of a future viscount. When their father died, Theo’s younger sister Sibilla worked to maintain the family’s political activism by marring a man whose drive for social change mirrored her own ambitions. Meanwhile Theo was content to allow his land steward to manage the books and keep him informed of problems while he lived a carefree life in London. Everything changes when it’s time to pay out Sibilla’s dowry and it’s discovered that the Pennington family accounts are barely solvent. Hoping to hide this new problem from his sister, Theo swears his new brother-in-law to secrecy while he makes an emergency trip to meet with his steward for an explanation.
Miss Harriot Atherton is surprised and just the smallest bit alarmed when the new Lord Saybrook comes back to his estate wanting to meet immediately with her father. Mr. Atherton is the long serving steward for the Pennington family but for the last year it’s really been Harry keeping accounts and reporting everything in her father’s name. She has been hiding the fact that her father’s mind has been slipping and he can no longer manage his responsibilities without help. When Harry learns that Theo’s unannounced visit to the country is motivated by the shocking loss of over four thousand pounds, she is scared that her father’s disability will be discovered as well as her own interference in the running of the estate.
Please read the full review at Romantic Historical Reviews
Lord Theophilius Pennington is charming, witty and always makes a good impression on everyone – except the members of his family. Growing up as heir, Theo was pressured from an early age to take an interest in the family’s properties as well as follow his father into the political arena. Unfortunately, difficulties with numeracy gave Theo’s family the impression that he was lazy or not suited to the tasks required of a future viscount. When their father died, Theo’s younger sister Sibilla worked to maintain the family’s political activism by marring a man whose drive for social change mirrored her own ambitions. Meanwhile Theo was content to allow his land steward to manage the books and keep him informed of problems while he lived a carefree life in London. Everything changes when it’s time to pay out Sibilla’s dowry and it’s discovered that the Pennington family accounts are barely solvent. Hoping to hide this new problem from his sister, Theo swears his new brother-in-law to secrecy while he makes an emergency trip to meet with his steward for an explanation.
Miss Harriot Atherton is surprised and just the smallest bit alarmed when the new Lord Saybrook comes back to his estate wanting to meet immediately with her father. Mr. Atherton is the long serving steward for the Pennington family but for the last year it’s really been Harry keeping accounts and reporting everything in her father’s name. She has been hiding the fact that her father’s mind has been slipping and he can no longer manage his responsibilities without help. When Harry learns that Theo’s unannounced visit to the country is motivated by the shocking loss of over four thousand pounds, she is scared that her father’s disability will be discovered as well as her own interference in the running of the estate.
Please read the full review at Romantic Historical Reviews
February 16, 2017
A LADY WITHOUT A LORD by Bliss Bennet is a delightful Regency Romance. Book in the "Pennigntons", series. but can be read as a stand alone. However, readers may find they would enjoy learning more of the Penningtons, by reading Book 1, "A Lady Without a Rogue" and " A Man Without a Mistress", however, not necessary to thoroughly enjoyed " A Lady Without a Lord". Set against the backdrop of Lincolnshire, England.
Theophilius Pennington, a Earl, with a learning disability, who thinks he's undeserving and convinced he's a failure. Harriot Atherton she is the one, not her steward father, who maintains the Saybrook account books. What a secret! Harry is dutiful, but irresponsible and Theo is the dutiful daughter and very playful. When, Harry learns his sister's dowry has disappeared, he travels to Lincolnshire to learn who is the culprit. Could it possibly be his childhood friend, Theo, or her father's diminishing wits.
Steady paced, adventure filled, with engaging characters, and a well thought out storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed watching playful Theo and the vulnerable Harry comes to terms with their growing attraction. There was so much more to this couple than the happy-go-lucky Earl and the devoted daughter. Will they find there HEA, and true love, or will all be lost to Theo's secret, finding the real culprit, and the missing money?
An enjoyable and satisfying read! Strongly recommended for fans of Regency Romance, were the hero has a learning disability and the power of love, healing and the strength of family. A was very intrigued and am looking forward to what's next. I had no complaints on this fantastic read! I enjoyed Theo and Harry's story!
Ms. Bennet has written a well thought out, well balanced and extremely delightful tale of love, romance and growth. Powerful and compelling! Well done!
I received a complimentary copy.
Rating: 4.5
Heat Rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
Theophilius Pennington, a Earl, with a learning disability, who thinks he's undeserving and convinced he's a failure. Harriot Atherton she is the one, not her steward father, who maintains the Saybrook account books. What a secret! Harry is dutiful, but irresponsible and Theo is the dutiful daughter and very playful. When, Harry learns his sister's dowry has disappeared, he travels to Lincolnshire to learn who is the culprit. Could it possibly be his childhood friend, Theo, or her father's diminishing wits.
Steady paced, adventure filled, with engaging characters, and a well thought out storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed watching playful Theo and the vulnerable Harry comes to terms with their growing attraction. There was so much more to this couple than the happy-go-lucky Earl and the devoted daughter. Will they find there HEA, and true love, or will all be lost to Theo's secret, finding the real culprit, and the missing money?
An enjoyable and satisfying read! Strongly recommended for fans of Regency Romance, were the hero has a learning disability and the power of love, healing and the strength of family. A was very intrigued and am looking forward to what's next. I had no complaints on this fantastic read! I enjoyed Theo and Harry's story!
Ms. Bennet has written a well thought out, well balanced and extremely delightful tale of love, romance and growth. Powerful and compelling! Well done!
I received a complimentary copy.
Rating: 4.5
Heat Rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
February 6, 2017
Author review
This was a difficult book for me to write, as its main character, Theo Pennington, is my opposite in almost every way: an extroverted, spontaneous entertainer who tends to flit from one thing to the next, without really finishing anything. I had to stop and ask myself before I wrote each scene: what would I do? Now, make Theo do the opposite!
Theo's also struggling with some family baggage, a learning disability (in a time period before learning differences were even recognized), and a sizable chunk of his sister's money that's gone missing on his watch. And with some recalcitrant sheep...
This was a difficult book for me to write, as its main character, Theo Pennington, is my opposite in almost every way: an extroverted, spontaneous entertainer who tends to flit from one thing to the next, without really finishing anything. I had to stop and ask myself before I wrote each scene: what would I do? Now, make Theo do the opposite!
Theo's also struggling with some family baggage, a learning disability (in a time period before learning differences were even recognized), and a sizable chunk of his sister's money that's gone missing on his watch. And with some recalcitrant sheep...
March 8, 2021
More a 3.5
There were several intriguing and complex situations happening here, which made the story a captivating one.
I just think the writing style could have been a little more engaging...
There were several intriguing and complex situations happening here, which made the story a captivating one.
I just think the writing style could have been a little more engaging...
March 14, 2017
As was with most heirs of the time, Theo's future was set. The responsibility of caring for the people on his family lands, taking his place in the political arena, and marrying well rest heavily on his shoulders. Unfortunately, he prefers London to the country, entertaining beautiful women than seeing to his tenants, and making merry with his friends than making sure his estate is financially well. All of this comes to an abrupt halt when his sister marries and he finds he cannot account for her dowry.
The journey home isn't one he wants to make but knows it's necessary. The family steward will know what's going on and, hopefully, he can make sense of the missing money and go on with his life.
Except he doesn't because he finds he can't.
It isn't the missing money that keeps him in Saybrook, though figuring out what happened to it remains his priority. It's his tenants and one very grown up Harriot Atherton, daughter of the family steward, that does.
Harriot, or Harry as she is fondly called, is perplexed by Theo's arrival. Though they practically grew up together, shared their first kiss together, their social standings do not allow them more than friendship. Which is quite sad. Because Theo is a different man with Harriot. Not only does he see his responsibilities clearly, he becomes involved in them. He talks to her about local issues, and she's more than willing to discuss the estate with him.
But their newly renewed friendship isn't entirely built on honesty. It wasn't commonplace for a woman to deal with numbers or understand the financial workings of an estate. Harriot did because she convinced her father to let her do it. He isn't the steward he used to be. His mind is slipping away. Errors are being made. To save her father from potentially being put into an asylum, and hoping not arouse suspicion from tenants and the new viscount, Harriot assumes her father's responsibilities and puts the books to rights.
If Theo had remained in London, if his sister's dowry were readily available, Harriot's secret would have been safe. He didn't, it wasn't, and now she's struggling to keep her secret without jeopardizing the relationship she's building with Theo.
While I enjoyed the friendship between Theo and Harriot, I struggled with their more-than-friendship attraction. At times it felt cool, definitely more in the friend zone, but there were moments when sparks flew, changing it to warm. But the intensity I thought would happen, didn't. It's not to say they weren't a good match. Many great love stories begin as great friendships. Perhaps I wasn't reading as deeply as I should have. Perhaps it wasn't there to begin with. I would have loved to watch those sparks smolder until an inferno exploded between them.
What I loved was how Theo and Harriot came into themselves. Theo slides from being a good-hearted wastrel to a responsible heir, who uses his charm and wit--once used to bed whomever he wanted in London--to deal with certain situations on the homestead. His friendly manner makes him approachable when his title alone would frighten many. Harriot is, by nature I think, a caretaker. She gives of herself to so many, her father included, that her own wants and needs are sometimes set aside. The insecurity she has about being with Theo--she doesn't consider herself as beautiful or charming or alluring as the women of London--fades as she sees herself through Theo's eyes. Her intelligence is not to be hidden, her patience is to be admired. As a whole, their lives are changed for the better because of what they see and find in one another.
Despite my feelings about the heat of their relationship, there is no denying the strength of their relationship. Their love is sincere. In a time when marriages were arranged for political and/or financial gain, this is an accomplishment that cannot be ignored. It eludes to the passion that burns between them even if I can't see it.
4.5*
Complimentary copy received from publisher
The journey home isn't one he wants to make but knows it's necessary. The family steward will know what's going on and, hopefully, he can make sense of the missing money and go on with his life.
Except he doesn't because he finds he can't.
It isn't the missing money that keeps him in Saybrook, though figuring out what happened to it remains his priority. It's his tenants and one very grown up Harriot Atherton, daughter of the family steward, that does.
Harriot, or Harry as she is fondly called, is perplexed by Theo's arrival. Though they practically grew up together, shared their first kiss together, their social standings do not allow them more than friendship. Which is quite sad. Because Theo is a different man with Harriot. Not only does he see his responsibilities clearly, he becomes involved in them. He talks to her about local issues, and she's more than willing to discuss the estate with him.
But their newly renewed friendship isn't entirely built on honesty. It wasn't commonplace for a woman to deal with numbers or understand the financial workings of an estate. Harriot did because she convinced her father to let her do it. He isn't the steward he used to be. His mind is slipping away. Errors are being made. To save her father from potentially being put into an asylum, and hoping not arouse suspicion from tenants and the new viscount, Harriot assumes her father's responsibilities and puts the books to rights.
If Theo had remained in London, if his sister's dowry were readily available, Harriot's secret would have been safe. He didn't, it wasn't, and now she's struggling to keep her secret without jeopardizing the relationship she's building with Theo.
While I enjoyed the friendship between Theo and Harriot, I struggled with their more-than-friendship attraction. At times it felt cool, definitely more in the friend zone, but there were moments when sparks flew, changing it to warm. But the intensity I thought would happen, didn't. It's not to say they weren't a good match. Many great love stories begin as great friendships. Perhaps I wasn't reading as deeply as I should have. Perhaps it wasn't there to begin with. I would have loved to watch those sparks smolder until an inferno exploded between them.
What I loved was how Theo and Harriot came into themselves. Theo slides from being a good-hearted wastrel to a responsible heir, who uses his charm and wit--once used to bed whomever he wanted in London--to deal with certain situations on the homestead. His friendly manner makes him approachable when his title alone would frighten many. Harriot is, by nature I think, a caretaker. She gives of herself to so many, her father included, that her own wants and needs are sometimes set aside. The insecurity she has about being with Theo--she doesn't consider herself as beautiful or charming or alluring as the women of London--fades as she sees herself through Theo's eyes. Her intelligence is not to be hidden, her patience is to be admired. As a whole, their lives are changed for the better because of what they see and find in one another.
Despite my feelings about the heat of their relationship, there is no denying the strength of their relationship. Their love is sincere. In a time when marriages were arranged for political and/or financial gain, this is an accomplishment that cannot be ignored. It eludes to the passion that burns between them even if I can't see it.
4.5*
Complimentary copy received from publisher
June 3, 2017
3.5/5.0
“A Lady Without a Lord” is a well written and entertaining story.
Read full review in the 2017 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
“A Lady Without a Lord” is a well written and entertaining story.
Read full review in the 2017 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
August 30, 2022
Takes place in 1822 in England
July 24, 2023
Audiobook
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