The Luckiest Lady In London
Author: Sherry Thomas
Reviewer: Ang
Rating: A-, 4 Stars
What I’m Talking About:
One of the things I love about a Sherry Thomas book is that the author always gives us characters with well-developed back-stories complete with realistic issues, quirks, and intellectual interests. Her heroes are deeply flawed and her heroines are smart, funny and all enjoy pursuits outside of searching for the best catch of the season. The Luckiest Lady in London did not disappoint in any of these regards.
Not unlike Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, The Luckiest Lady in London plot revolves around Louisa’s search for a husband worth at least 5,000 pounds a year, who would be willing to support both her and her epileptic sister. The man she stumbles on, however, is worth MUCH more in terms of pounds per year and issues to overcome. Felix, a dashingly handsome and charming marquess, who is deeply scarred by a dark and desperately cold childhood, is far deeper and multifaceted than Society believes him to be. Louisa picks up on this right away, fueling the story wonderfully. Their courtship and romance (which take place in stages throughout the book) are both difficult and enchanting while remaining realistic and entertaining. Thomas paints a lovely picture of believable characters that I came to know and enjoy throughout the novel. Their path to self-discovery, emotional healing, love, and ultimately their happily-ever-after is filled with bumps, primarily of their own making, and the resolution, although abrupt, is well-earned.
Another thing I enjoyed about the novel was the complete candor between Felix and Louisa. Despite their issues, or maybe because of them, they break down typical society barriers right away, beginning with Felix proposing Louisa become his mistress, which allow for very improper but entertaining conversations to take place. Her sexual attraction and Felix’s growing obsession were a refreshing change to many of the previous books I’ve read. I also enjoyed that it was Felix dealing with the baggage and hurts of the past rather than Louisa. It gave an interesting and fresh perspective on a time-old plot line.
My only issue with the book, and the only thing that dropped my rating, was the ending. I felt it was too abrupt. Thankfully Thomas was able to band-aid it with a decent epilogue.
Overall I would have to say the reason I enjoyed this book so much is because in addition to being well-written and entertaining in the traditional historical romance sense, I found it to be intellectual and cleaver as well as colorful, sweet and snarky. If you are looking for a book that examines realistic relationship issues and how we as people often hurt those we love because we haven’t learned to love ourselves, you will enjoy this book. I did.
4 stars: Enjoyed – strongly recommend (A-)
About the Book:
Felix Rivendale, the Marquess of Wrenworth, is The Ideal Gentleman, a man all men want to be and all women want to possess. Felix himself almost believes this golden image. But underneath is a damaged soul soothed only by public adulation.
Louisa Cantwell needs to marry well to support her sisters. She does not, however, want Lord Wrenworth—though he seems inexplicably interested in her. She mistrusts his outward perfection and the praise he garners everywhere he goes.But when he is the only man to propose at the end of the London season, she reluctantly accepts.
Louisa does not understand her husband’s mysterious purposes, but she cannot deny the pleasure her body takes in his touch. Nor can she deny the pull this magnetic man exerts upon her. But does she dare to fall in love with a man so full of dark secrets, anyone of which could devastate her, if she were to get any closer?
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Publisher: Berkley
ISBN: #978-0425268889
Genre: Historical Romance
Format(s): Paperback (304 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/NetGalley
Purchase Info:
The Luckiest Lady in London
