The Perfect Lady

A triumphant first book in series

This is a beautifully written first book in what promises to be a great series. The plot is full of emotional twists and turns, with the main character’s having to navigate a very tumultuous journey, on their way to a joyous end. This is a clean historical romance

The Perfect Lady is the first of a series of 12. I would have given a 5 star rating if this author had a better proof reader. Missing words, switched characters, translating passages was very annoying. I loved the books however and hated reaching the end of number 12. I read until the wee hours of the morning more than once to see the results of the wars between good and evil.

From the first crash of the splintering tavern door to the last page, this book captures the reader’s attention and does not let go!
PLOT: A wounded ‘aristocrat’ tumbled against the door, and “Betty” discovers he is injured and bleeding. As the inn is full, she has John, another servant, help her take the injured man to her own bed and run for the doctor. This kindness on her part is well rewarded by the gentleman, who, as it later turns out, is a General and the second son of a Duke.
How “Betty” came to be working in such a place, when her speech and conduct both indicate a woman of some breeding, is a mystery the General intends to solve. When Betty reveals to him she is really Lady Beatrix Gillingham, daughter of a deceased earl who had lost his fortune prior to his death, the General imposed upon his sister to sponsor Beatrix for a season so Beatrix might find a suitable husband and be relieved of the nightmare her life had become after her father’s death.
We watch as the General, Hero Curbain, tries to be supportive of Beatrix without putting himself forward as a potential suitor, as he fully intends to leave for India. He feels certain he will attain Field Marshall status, a goal towards which he had been working. However, as Beatrix is transformed from a simple barmaid to a Lady of substance taking her first season, it becomes more difficult for Hero to put aside his admiration of and developing feelings for Beatrix.
Complications arise to dampen the happiness of the couple: Hero’s father is dying, with the death expected shortly; Beatrix’s brother and his “friend” who had stabbed him in a bizarre attempt to make Beatrix marry HIM (Anthony) was years ago, suddenly appear in London and coerce Beatrix into thinking she has no option but to give in to Anthony’s extortion and marry him.
Will Beatrix be forced to marry Anthony? Will Hero’s father die before any of his sons marry and present him with an heir? Will Hero leave for India and leave Beatrix to face a future with a man she is afraid of and has not respect for? Will Hero continue to place his military career ahead of everything else and leave his family as soon as his father dies? This delicate love story faces peril after peril. The strength of character of Beatrix, Hero, Hero’s father and brothers help all to face these trials with courage and ultimately prevail.
CRITIQUE: This clean story is well written. The story, although unique, was believable, and most touching at times. The precarious state of a pretty unmarried woman in Regency London was well portrayed. As “Betty”, Beatrix pretended to be married to a soldier fighting on the continent to stave off unwanted advances, most especially from her employer. Being a working girl in a tavern meant she constantly had to watch the customers and escape unsavory situations involving them as well. Yet, Beatrix did not give in to self pity, nor did she use her “assets” for material gain thus risking the loss of her self-respect. I would LIKE to think that any young woman could survive as did “Betty”, but realistically, that was likely rare. Nevertheless, it is a good example for young people to look to, as to how to conduct themselves when facing difficult life situations. The HEA ending gives a satisfying finish to this story, which will linger in your thoughts.

The Perfect Lady by Deborah Wilson was my first exposure to this author and it won’t be my last. The story was rather good with some intrigue involved. Two very interesting and wonderful main characters. Honor is the theme throughout the story. The Perfect Lady was a perfect romance! Overall rating: 4 1/2 stars

I love this book! I think I’ve found another favorite author! What a beautiful story of honor, perseverance and whole hearted love! This is the first book in this series, so I’m really hoping that the few questions I still have from this story will be filled out in the following books. Now I’m off to read the next book: The Perfect Gentleman.

An act of kindness leads to opening the way to a wonderful new life with opportunities that Beatrix never thought she would see again. General Hero Curbain is smitten with the beauty that saved his life, but has no intention of settling down as he is planning to go off soldiering after his leave is over. As Beatrix rediscovers her way in genteel society she also finds her heart longing for Hero. Unfortunately, secrets can never be kept indefinitely and her past comes back to haunt her. Hero is a wonderful man and one that any woman could fall in love with. Beatrix, whilst being grateful for all he is doing for her, does not take anything for granted. This is a charming and clean story set in a era where women were bargaining chips with very little choice over their destiny. The book is well written with an easy style, and can be read by most age groups.