I received an ARC from the author/publisher via Hidden Gems. I am voluntarily posting a review.
Lady August continues two “grand” traditions (curses?) that have contributed to my embitterment to new-to-me Regency romance authors: the “illustrated cover” and the “emotionally stunted hero.” As for the former, it stings primarily because I was drawn to the cover art by Leni Kauffmann, whose art really stands out among the pack. Although a “cover buy” (or whatever the equivalent is for review copies) with little consideration for the content is always going to be a gamble, as I’ve often found out.
Meanwhile, the latter had me feel like I was reading an updated version of The Duke and I without the really problematic stuff (or really any of the scores of books where the hero has an unrealistically large chip on his shoulder and you just want to drop-kick him into the 21st century and drag him to therapy). While I was excited Brooks actually had a profession instead of being another lord, my excitement dimmed with his first declaration he would never marry; and then repeated it, rubbing it in so you know what the plot twist making him marry is going to be. And the reasoning was so weird, like he’d seen his parents’ marriage fail due to his father being horrible, and he’d also seen other marriages fall apart. But by making that choice, he’s proving the point of the “nature vs. nurture” debate. He has good intentions, and if he tries, he has the potential to persevere. Sure, some follow in the destructive paths of their parents, but others go in the opposite direction character wise without refusing to live their life.
And of course, his past plays a role in influencing the Big Misunderstanding with August…at that point, I didn’t even know if I wanted them together, which is horrible to say about a romance.
There are some good elements here. August is a lovely heroine, and I feel like she had a lot of potential, especially with her shadowy background. I rooted for her to triumph against her former lover and “wicked stepmother,” and I did appreciate that Brooks looked out for her in that regard…I just feel like them getting together was a mistake, or at least the way it happened was.
I do think Becky Michaels has talent, as I found the story engaging enough to read in an afternoon, and there are some other little subplots that intrigued me, making me hope we haven’t seen the last of these characters. And even if not, I am totally willing to give her another chance if the premise appeals to me more. I just have a massive bone to pick with this specific character archetype. However, I do realize that archetype is featured so often because it’s popular with readers, so I think if that’s your catnip, you’ll love this book.