Letty’s lost everything but one friend, and her horse. She desperately needs to convince the fierce baronet to buy any horse but hers. Now she's causing her own problems, because she cannot stop touching a man she'd been prepared to hate.
The only way Sir Michael Grantley knows how to be the baronet of Roseford is to do what his father did. But he's not his father, he's a salty ex-sailor who lost half a leg in the war and has a far worse temper than his father ever did. Struggling to fill his father's role, he's desperate to get outdoors again - but for that he needs a biddable horse he can ride. He's not prepared for the horse to come with a woman who wants her own life... and who decides that the key to her future is helping him ride again.
Letty has never been anything even close to a lady. Sir Michael imagines that the lady of Roseford Manor will be like his mother: calm and elegant. Neither of them can resist the one person they ought to refuse.
A sensual, engrossing, enchanting romance between two people who can't keep their hands off one another.
Not Like a Lady is a historical regency romance novel with steamy moments and sweet ones, of about 300 pages. It includes a woman with a knack for saying what she thinks and no talent for needlework, a gallant if grumpy baronet, and a Happily Ever After!
Not Like a Lady is a standalone book! but if you enjoyed it, stay tuned for The Countess Invention... Or jump straight to Anthony's story in Crown of Hearts!
Judith Lynne writes rule-breaking romances with love around every corner. Her characters tend to have deep convictions, electric pleasures, and, sometimes, weaponry.
She loves to write stories where characters are shaken by life, shaken down to their core, put out their hand… and love is there.
A history nerd with too many degrees, Judith Lynne lives in Ohio with a truly adorable spouse, an apartment-sized domestic jungle, and a misgendered turtle. Also an award-winning science fiction author and screenwriter, she writes passionate Regency romances with a rich sense of place and time.
Letty couldn't remember her late mom & her dad was a thief. She and her brother-like servant Anthony delivered a horse (she'd raised from birth onward) to the hero, Sir Michael, a former Naval officer, now a baronet. He lost his right leg in wartime.
Sweet Letty was not taught manners or propriety. At times she was a "loose cannon" verbally, at others she came across as too bossy in Michael's household. She needed to grow up. Michael gave a mixed message RE his amorous attention, but ultimately he deserved a better woman. She came across as too focused on herself and the aforementioned horse.
I really liked the book. A wounded veteran who lost his leg in the war meets a beautiful damsel in distress who has a magical horse that he can ride. And they all live happily ever after. Can't wait to read about Anthony. New author for me and I very very enjoyed it.
“Anthony, did you really think we would ever go home?”
He sat silently for a moment…
She nodded. “I think you are cleverer than I am, and you must have had the same thought I had.”
“I doubt it.”
“Then I’ll say it. There was nothing left in that house for him to sell but me.”
Until this conversation occurred, I thought I had picked up a piece of inconsequential fluff with a childlike heroine and was considering dnf’ing, but that last line intrigued me enough to continue reading.
The book did turn out to be a fairy tale, but it had some warmth and charm and interesting characters, especially Anthony. It won’t leave a lasting impression, but was pleasant enough if you can get past all the improbabilities.
I love Regency-era romances and I'm a horsewoman, so when I read an excerpt of this story where Letty expresses a greater degree of comfort with her horse than mixing with society, I knew I would enjoy this story--and I was right! There's so much to love about this story!
Take one Letty Stapleton--raised in an unconventional household by a thief and a scoundrel--and deprive her of the one thing she holds dear--her horse. Add in Sir Michael Grantley, a former naval officer invalided home and now a baronet. Sprinkle in a helping of unique and interesting secondary characters and you have the recipe for a truly delightful tale. Letty is amusingly forthright, but it's just this sort of blunt practicality that Sir Michael (and his household) needs. (I especially appreciated the fact Sir Michael was "just" a baronet--as fun as it is to have stories featuring Dukes, this felt much more right for the circumstances of both characters!
I don't want to give any spoilers--it would be easy to do while I list the things that made this Regency stand out from the pack for me. But let's just say I appreciated the realism of the circumstances Sir Michael had to overcome, and Letty's frank appreciation of him in any form. The specter of her father lingering in the background creates tension leading you to expect a certain kind of heroic resolution, and yet while Sir Michael's declaration is every bit as satisfying as one could desire, I thoroughly enjoyed the fact we *didn't* get the kind of 'rescuing' that circumstances might dictate. I also got a feel for certain characters who might get their own follow up stories, which made me cheer inside. So yay for Not Like a Lady!
Thoroughly enjoyable. Judith Lynn artfully weaves the modern idea of a strong independent woman into the tapestry of the British Regency period. She ticks all the boxes: romance, intrigue, action and more romance.
Thank you Voracious Readers for allowing me the chance to sample this wonderful novel.
I really enjoyed "Not Like a Lady." Letty is a character who is just so wonderfully bright and optimistic, it is impossible not to fall in love with her, as I think everyone ends up being. She feels so deeply and is completely unabashed about her feelings. It is contagious to everyone she meets, because of just how honest it is. She thinks she has nothing, but she offers to those who earn her trust her most precious asset, herself. A person who loves and is deeply loyal to the point she inspires it herself.
I loved Michael, despite being such a young character (at least for me), he has such a way about him that makes me think he's lived more lives than anyone so young should. I love how in losing a part of himself, he learned to lose what was holding him back from forming his own path. He is a person who knows the rules of society but can also see their cruelty; he doesn't try to appease anyone. It is what makes it all the more wonderful to see him gain his wings. He is also refreshingly unapologetic.
My respects to Ms. Judith Lynne for making each character even the horse Maggie such a treat, and for letting us feel through her characters. The style of writing is so frank and sweet. I laughed so much during this read and I was so happy to be able to laugh and enjoy along with the characters as I did. The premise which for me was quite original and had me hooked. I love how both characters are so blatantly expressive about their feelings and desires, even if it is only to themselves,
That said, I will admit, without spoiling anything, my curiosity has been officially peaked regarding Anthony, and I honestly hope we visit this mysteriously wonderful character more in the future.
Unconventional almost lady meets reluctant Baronet and sparks fly. Judith Lynne gives us a tale of Lettie, the daughter of a criminal who is forced to hand over her pet horse to the wounded war vet who bought her. She manages to stay on to help train said horse to accommodate her new one legged master. He’s trying to find his way in life just as much as she is and though the try (not too hard mind you) to resist each other, we all know how that ends. Lynne does a fine job keeping you story flowing and makes you root for the hero and heroine. But just who is Anthony, really? Hope there is another book with his name on it. Great read.
Great original! Characters are unique, as is the plot.
The language is refreshingly efficient while staying within the parameters of the period. The characters are all engaging and delightfully different. I will definitely be looking for more of this authors work.
Absolutely delightful. Determined young woman in unhelpful circumstances, unconventionally dashing young love interest, interesting setting and characters, and delicious writing. Judith Lynne is true to the genre and yet transforms it. Can’t wait to read her next book!
I loved everything about this story , Letty was an inspiration everyone around her loved her , her passion for helping others and training horses was beautiful. This story is so well written I loved it !!
One of the best historical romance that I have read in a while. A well woven tale involving a feisty and passionate female and a temperamental but caring male that turns into a steamy and sweet romance. Thoroughly captivating.
There was just something unique about this book. I was captivated by the characters, the story, and the humor. Letty and Michael were just so fun to follow.
This was a wonderful story with interesting characters. Enjoyed the old housekeeper and the way she fit into the story. Good epilogue that made me smile.
I picked this up as the hero is an amputee. Sir Michael Grantley has returned from war after losing part of his leg and is struggling to adjust to life as a lord and learning how to ride a horse again. He has not had succeeded as the last two horses would not cooperate as he tries to lift himself with ropes tied to a tree to mount the horse. He buys a third horse off a man and is surprised to see two individuals in tow with the horse, Leticia Stapleton “Letty” is determined to convince the buyer that he does not need her previous horse, Maggie, she trained her and has formed a bond with the animal. Along with her is her childhood best friend, Anthony, a groomsman and half French.
Twenty one year old Letty has not had much of her own all her life as her father has cheated many others by promising to pay for items and services but then disappears, many items in their house have been sold to try and help Letty and Anthony live.
She sees why she cannot convince Michael to change his mind and instead decided to help him learn to ride Maggie with his challenges and adjustments.
Michael has been corresponding with an inventor in London who has helped him craft a rolling cart as a mobility aid and now a saddle with add ons to help. The inventor’s book is the next one in the series which interestingly, I read before this one. He uses crutches, a wooden prosthetic leg and a cane at times. It was interesting to see how he has managed to form routines to allow himself independence in shaving and dressing himself.
There is clearly attraction between the two but it is improper. They go back and forth between flirting, kissing and the. Backing away and rejecting each other and regretting it. That annoyed me. I liked how Letty accepts Michael and his challenges and tries to help him achieve his goal.
She wants to be a horse trainer or at least be useful and work but she realises that the role of women in this country and time are limited as she converses with Michael and Anthony seperately. She becomes the mistress of the house by managing it and helping to improve the running of it: finding a secretary for Michael, improving the design of the wash tub so the cook does not further strain her back, getting cats for the stable to help with the mice, ordering a pair of gloves for Michael to help him when he is mounting his horse, by then I was thinking he should make her his wife.
I found it strange that Anthony calls her “princess”. I did like that there was a person of colour in one of the supporting characters of Virginia Diaz De La Pena.
The drama is that her father is looking for her and soon they discover that he has been using the cottage that Michael's house keeper/ chaperone for Letty resides at, Anthony, Michael and the magistrate work to locate him and protect Letty. The relationships that are present and formed throughout the story were heart warming to see especially with how Anthony views Letty as his sister.
There was something interesting about the commentary in Michael's head about why he did not realise he was falling in love with Letty as he did not realise his parents (later in life for his father) were in love. I liked the way she shook up his life and brought happiness and support to his home and the people around him. She is not versed in the way the high society operates and the expectations put on others (as seen in the awkwardness of their one and only dinner party) but she conducted herself well and I do like a hero that stands up for his lady. He did have some good declarations of love.
Tropes: sunshine-grump, different social class, size difference (short, petite heroine-tall hero), care taking (she soothes abrasions on his stump from wearing his wooden prosthetic)
Representation: - Heroine is plus sized - Hero is an amputee - Hero uses multiple mobility aids - Female side character is a person of colour, Latinx
What a surprise. This well written novel has everything: great characters, a good storyline, excellent editing and an author who holds your interest until the last page. The heroine is not the usual 'Lady' and she is a skilled horse trainer. She does not avoid work and only wants to remain free and independent of her criminal father. The H is a wounded sailor who has to quit wallowing in self pity to begin to heal and regain his life. The h is his mentor and motivator. Together they heal each other, develop a loving relationship and take on those who would criticize and demean their relationship.
Classic Regency Style with Steam I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Letty is definitely "not like a lady," though she is gentry. That's ok, though, because Sir Michael is not like other lords. He finds her compelling right from the start; it just takes him a really long time to get his head out of his *bleep* and realize that he loves her. I got this book free from a Kindle sale, I am reviewing because I think people should read it and it's not in KU. I have purchased the next book in the series because it looks really interesting.
Overall, Not Like a Lady by Judith Lynne is an entertaining read.
I liked the feisty heroine. She was quirky and brave, but with a lack of confidence in social settings. The hero had his likable moments, but he also had a number of clueless moments. The writing was easy to follow, but sometimes slowed due to internal dialogue. The plot was simple, but it could have been improved with a twist or two. The ending was just okay.
Content 411: In addition to secular swearing and religious expletives, this book also contains described sex scenes.
This was my first... checks Wikipedia: Regency Historical Romance? I feel not in an adequate position to submit a rating, i.e. stars, as I am not familiar with the genre at all. I've read and enjoyed Jane Eyre, this is a different kettle of fish. But I did enjoy the read, improving my vocabulary and collection of euphemisms, and never felt insulted by the writing. (I insult easily that way.) Will read the follow-up book. (For personal reasons.)
A great regency romance story. Letty is a strong female character not brought up as per societal expectations and therefore very refreshing conversationalist. I read this book quickly as the writing flowed well and to be honest I was in the mood for a romance story; which this book delivered brilliantly. Really recommend this authors book as there were nuances within the story that made the usual plot line interesting. Received a complimentary copy of the book from Voracious Readers Only
Interesting plot - horse training for people with special needs. The heroine is sweet insecure girl, and the H is an amputee. He was smitten but treated her poorly and almost ruined her. She's basically homeless, abused by her father and didn't know to expect more from a gentleman. I liked seeing her gain confidence in herself, and how she made friends with people around her. The horse training didn't quite work for me, but I liked this book.
Letty and Anthony were family. Maggie, Letty's pet horse, has been sold by her father and she and Anthony are delivering the horse to her new owner as the story opens. When Letty meets the new owner, Michael, she finds she is unable to try to keep her horse from him. I liked the story plot and found that the culture of the times made for some involved plot work-arounds. I would recommend the book to those who enjoy Victorian, romantic fiction, with a HEA ending.
This is a perfectly written historical romance novel. Letty comes to bring Sir Michael her horse when her father sells it to him. She has spent years training Maggie and doesn't want to give her up to a stranger. When she meets Sir Michael she decides she will have to leave Maggie with him but not until she has trained him in how to manage her beloved pet. There is humor and romance and a bit of a twist, and I couldn't put it down!
Really enjoyed this story. I read the second book in this series first and got a glimpse of Letty and Michael. It was nice to see that Michael had a softer side than that presented in book 2 and that Letty had the strength to stand-up-to and manage Michael’s brusqueness. The smooth writing style, great pacing, and entertaining plot held my attention throughout the entire book. Lynne is quickly becoming one of my favourite historical romance writers.
Interesting story about a female horse trainer, the horse and a man. The three of them give us an interesting story with all kinds of emotions mixed into it. I particularly liked Lettie. She is gutsy and knows what she wants or doesn't want in life. Michael is struggling to come to terms with the loss of his leg and when Lettie comes into his life it is like a light goes off in his head but he struggles to deal with that too. Lots of angst in this story but worth reading.
Considering her upbringing Letty has a surprisingly upbeat personality but her father selling her beloved horse is a step too far and she accompanies the horse in the hope that she can dissuade Sir Michael from accepting her. Unfortunately she discovers that Michael is in need of a horse as well trained as Maggie and stays on in order to help them bond and work together. Unfortunately Letty starts to fall for Michael but knows that her father’s reputation makes her unsuitable to be his wife.