The Luckiest Lady in London

Here I am, thinking that I've never reread this, to find I indeed have. It's remains spectacular, a book I think that should be a study in how to develop a manipulative, cruel hero and a motivated, ambitious heroine. Somehow you are hoping for them. It's just masterful.

I forgot much more of this than I remembered, but that is my reading way. There's a reason rereads are great for me.

And this is frankly just what I needed. I'm thinking I need another reread now! As I said to my reading buddy I don't know what spells this author casts (I do, she's excellent with motivation) but I would rage quit near any other book with this hero's behaviors (not to mention some other heroes of hers) and yet her books are all alone on a weird little show more shelf....
reminding me that in a capable author's hands, there's no such thing as can't/won't for me. Execution, baby.

Original review:

Good grief, this book is fan-flipping-tastic. I've never read Sherry Thomas before, and right off the bat, she earns a favorite spot on my shelf. The first historical romance to go there, if I'm not mistaken.

I was so invested in and so adored this couple. The dirty talk was off the charts. The sweet talk was unreal. The writing was substantive.The characters had depth and believability.

I'm so glad this was recommended to me! show less

I have never read a book by Sherry Thomas before. You can now bet your sweet patooties I will be snatching up as many of her books I can find.

You want a smart, realistic, and willing to sacrifice for her family but NOT martyr herself heroine?

DONE.

You want a closed off, hidden, Ideal Gentleman, with a delicious sense of humor hero?

DONE.

You want a non-forced storyline of two people navigating personal issues involving trust, love, and learning to reveal and grow together?

DONE.

From the banter that was intelligent, engaging, push/pull, and sexual (Oh my dearies, the sexual banter;) to the emotional strife of fear and of revealing love and oneself, Felix and Louisa never failed to make me smile, heat me up, and produce watery eyes.

The one show more disappointment was the very abrupt ending. I could have read epilogue after epilogue about this couple.

A very delightful historical.

(Elicited the same feelings I had while reading Connie Brockway's "The Bridal Favor". I did find Brockway's to have more emotional punch and storyline however, and rated it 5stars) show less

Felix Rivendale, Marquess of Wrendale, is known as the Ideal Gentleman, but his personality is a facade to hide a hurt man looking for adulation and love. The one woman who seems to see past his fake appearance is Louisa Cantwell, probably because she also maintains a false personality. Hers is because she needs to marry a rich man to keep her family safe. Neither wants to let the other know too much about their real self, but are fascinated with how much the other can discern.
I really like romances built on internal conflicts and personal growth, and that's what Ms. Thomas has provided here. There's very little in the way of exterior entanglements, only a slow-burning romance as the two realize that the other is exactly what each need. show more I like that they have common interests in the study of astronomy. It provides a strong basis for their relationship to build upon.
It's fun to watch these two manipulative and pragmatic people swept off their feet by forces neither expected or understand. This is a very satisfying romance. show less

Felix Rivendale, the Marquess of Wrenworth, is The Ideal Gentleman, but after a childhood being used as a pawn by his mother against his father, he has sworn he won't be made weak by love.

Louisa Cantwell's mother has an annuity that supports her and her daughters - but that will end with her death, and it's up to Louisa to provide for their family, including beloved younger sister Matilda, who has epilepsy.

Louisa plans to use her one London season to make a sensible match that will allow her to support her sisters; Lord Wrenworth would be an impossible catch. Yet she desires him, and seems to see through his "Ideal Gentleman" facade; and he desires her as well, even offering to make her his mistress and pay her well. Louisa holds out show more for marriage, and incredibly, her gamble pays off - but will either of them let down their guard enough for their marriage to be a loving one?

Had to pause while watching season 1 of Bridgerton, kept getting the storylines/characters confused.

Quotes

"I have come to London to help my family, not to martyr myself." (53)

...he seemed to like her more for her flaws than for any virtues she might possess. (64)

The entire aim of his adult life had been getting what he wanted, exactly the way he wanted it....He was still trying to turn the situation to his benefit, when what he ought to do was first become the kind of man who deserved her. (240) show less

I have had Thomas on my list for a while: I am always seeing glowing reviews. Pity I didn't get to her sooner. This introduction makes me think I will not only gobble everything else up, it seems highly probable that she'll soon be on the beloved list of rereads. Hot, but sweet withal. Strong historical grounding without getting weighed down under detail. And also nerding out on science.

Library copy.

This is well written. The events are believable, the characters make sense, their struggles are engaging. I like that even when you can tell that a character is making a mistake, you can still see how it makes perfect sense to them given their background. There's good insight into their internal struggles overall. I've been hearing about this author for years, and finally got ahold of one, and I'm so pleased. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more.

Audiobook, listened to this eight hour book in one day.

I'm not sure I like audiobooks, or maybe I just shouldn't binge a whole one in one day?

This was on a list of books Emily Henry did for Elle magazine under "...has a sex scene that will make you blush:" I would argue that most of the book could make you blush, not just one scene. I've read spicier romances, but it is up there on the list. However, it is a pretty typical historic romance. (S)