Lady Be Good
My Rating: five-stars
Published by: Simon and Schuster on July 28th 2015
Genres: Romance, Historical, Romance, HEA, Cliffhanger Free
ISBN: 9781476741406
ASIN: B00P434BKS
Pages: 400
Series: Rules for the Reckless Series #3
The third searing novel in the Rules for the Reckless series by Meredith Duran, the USA TODAY bestselling author of sexy and evocative Regency romances in the tradition of Sarah MacLean.
CATCHING THE LADY RED-HANDED Born to a family of infamous criminals, Lilah Marshall has left behind her past and made herself into the perfect lady. Working as a hostess at Everleigh's, London’s premier auction house, she leads a life full of art, culture, and virtue. All her dreams are within reach—until a gorgeous and enigmatic viscount catches her in the act of one last, very reluctant theft.
CHASING ONE RED-HOT PASSION Christian “Kit” Stratton, Viscount Palmer, is society's most dashing war hero. But Kit’s easy smiles hide a dark secret: he is haunted by a madman’s vow to destroy anyone he loves. When his hunt for the enemy leads to Everleigh’s Auction Rooms, he compels Lilah to help him. But one tempting touch may be their undoing—for what Kit needs threatens all Lilah holds dear, and losing her may destroy Kit.
I was pleasantly surprised by Meredith Duran’s Lady Be Good. I haven’t read many historical romances in the last ten years or so. I’m not sure why. I used to read them a lot as a teen and in my twenties. But for some reason I just… stopped. I think It probably has a lot to do with writing YA and NA. That’s what I tend to read. Which is a pity because I used to enjoy historical romances quite a bit.
I love the way the language flows, proper and almost stiff, but beautiful at the same time. I love the clothes and the way the heroes tend to be bad boys, but also loving, and gentlemanly. And I love how the heroines are always strong.
Lady Be Good is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Duran, although it’s the third book in her Rules for the Reckless series. But I had no problem understanding it. It works nicely as a standalone. Even so, I will more than likely go back and read the first two books in the series.
Lily/Lilah is a perfect heroine. She’s likeable, but flawed. She wants desperately to be a proper lady. To make something of her life. Readers can’t help but root for her. Christian is a proper gentleman (although, not behind closed doors.) and a Viscount. He’s also revered as a war hero, making him a celebrity—but he doesn’t picture himself a hero.
Then there’s the antagonist. I’ve thought a lot about his part of the book. There’s one clear antagonist: Bolkhov. The Russian madman intent on hurting anyone Christian has ever cared for. He’s certainly fits the bill. But I think in this book there is another antagonist, as well. Something that isn’t tangible, but still played a large role in the characters’ lives: society. Or rather, social classes. It skewed the way Lily thought of herself. And made Christian feel like a performer playing a part. I liked reading how both storylines played out.
Secondary characters are sometimes some of my favorites. Even in my own writing I have certain secondary characters I love. And Ms. Duran gave me some great ones in Lady Be Good. Catherine and Nick. She’s an ice queen who’s really just misunderstood and he’s a criminal who’s… well, a criminal, but has a lot of redeeming qualities. I loved them both!
Duran’s writing style flowed easily. She captured the beauty of historical fiction’s language nicely. Mechanics were stellar and pacing was great. I really don’t have anything negative to say in that regard.
Bottom line: Lady Be Good reminded me why I used to love historical romances. Easily five stars. I thoroughly enjoyed it and read it in one day. I have no doubt that I’ll pick up another of Meredith Duran’s books in the future.
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