London, 1884Accused of being involved in her father’s bankruptcy and wanted by the police, Pearl finds herself penniless and jobless. Her father disappeared, leaving her alone to sort out a financial mess she doesn’t know anything about. Heck, she doesn’t even understand what her charges are.Desperate, she asks for a job to Miss Cherrywood, the head of a secret society—The Wayward … Ladies—dedicated to aid women in need.
The job Miss Cherrywood offers is simple, but borders to felony. Pearl is supposed to impersonate Miss Amelia whose parents wish her to meet brooding and short-tempered Lord Christopher Lyon, Earl of Gladstone. Lacking the courage to disobey her parents and to reject Christopher, Amelia begs Pearl to help her. Pearl isn’t exactly eager to add more crimes to her already growing list. But Christopher—whose best friend is a former business partner of her father—might be her only chance to learn in what trouble her father is and to find him.
Lord Christopher Lyon doesn’t want to meet any woman, especially this Miss Amelia whose mother keeps writing letters to him, guaranteeing that he and her precious daughter are a perfect match. Not likely. Which woman would find a temperamental, disfigured soldier, just returned from war, interesting? On top of that, he’s investigating a financial fraud that has destroyed his friend’s finances. He doesn’t have time for meeting ladies.
Determined to find her father and clear her name, Pearl accepts to play the part of Miss Amelia and beard the Lyon in his den.
** Historical romance for adults. This is a standalone novel with a HEA**
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Once I started reading I could not stop. This is most of my favorite things wrapped up into one beautifully written book. Pearl travels to Lord Christopher’s estate after accepting a proposition to pretend to be another young woman. Pearl, hoping to find out about her missing father and a whole bunch of money that has disappeared with him & ends up finding romance. I am truly looking forward to the second book in this series. This is the second book I have read from this amazing author.
I received an ARC of this book through Booksprout.
This review is completely my own unbiased, honest opinion.
I have received no compensation for posting this review.
This is the story of Pearl and Christopher. She travels to Lord Christopher’s estate under a guise, but is really looking for her father. There are so many layers and subplots in this story that make this such an interesting read. I enjoyed the mystery, drama, and romance in this story. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A fast paced mystery novel, that stole the show and my heart! First of all, I love Victorian era books and this one stayed pretty true to course, including the potential scandals and the possible outcomes for an aristocratic woman during that time. With a ‘villainous’ chaperone, a thriving father, layers of lies and budding love with every breath and fluttered eyelash, this story brings you to a world of drama and adventure leaving you wanting more. Beware this book ends with a happy ending;)
Lord Christopher Lyon is assisting in the investigation of a fraud scheme that stole a large sum of money from a number of unsuspecting investors, some who were Lord Lyon’s army friends. Miss Pearl Blackmoore-Smith, the destitute daughter of the principal in the scheme, travels to Lord Lyon’s estate impersonating a girl whose parents want her to marry Lord Lyon. She is also there to find out about her missing father who she does not think is guilty. During the course of her stay she, as her impersonation of Amelia, becomes smitten with Lord Lyon. Pearl and Lord Lyon and they are intimate. She falls in love with him. The story ends with a satisfactory solution to the defrauded funds as well as a romantic HEA.
This book has wonderful characters and a compelling story with mystery, romance, drama, and passion. I am excited that this is the first of Ms. Russell’s “The Wayward Ladies” series and look forward to nest adventure.
I think this was a very good and entertaining book. I liked the characters Pearl and Christopher and the plot is original.
This book is the first in a series and
I would love to read more about the Wayward Ladies. I recommend it for readers who love historical romance like I do.
I received this Arc via Booksprout and this review is my honest opinion.
Another gem from Barbara Russell. She’s fast becoming one of my favorite authors.
Pearl goes undercover for more than one legitimate reason. She needs a job. She wants to find out the truth about her father. But the grouchy Earl of Gladstone was never supposed to touch her heart.
This book is full of emotion, humor, and the kind of banter that makes my heart sing. I highly recommend it.