Multi-published author Julie Beard has
garnered herself the well-deserved reputation as being
not only one of America's favorite
authors but also for
being an exceptional storyteller. In her latest novel, "My
Fair Lord", she lets us experience a bit of the old Gothic
Romance that was once so popular while at the same time weaving
an erotic romance through Regency England. Ghost stories thrive
in this story, as do mysterious happenings, dangerous liaisons
and a generous helping of humor.
Caroline Wainwright must marry if she is to
save her home, Fallingate Manor, which was left to her by
her mother on her death. But the will had a codicil. If Caroline
was not wed by her 25th birthday the manor would revert to
her brother, George, whose self-centered wife, Prudence, can't
wait to get Caroline out so she can start redecorating. The
house will become her own daughter's inheritance. Caroline
loves the house and the lifestyle that comes with it. The
mines left to her as part of the estate are doing quite well
and keep Caroline in the lap of luxury. But her independence
is threatened by this codicil. Several suitors are chosen
by George, who has thought to fill each of their heads with
ghostly tales of manor hauntings. It's not long before each
of these suitors finds themselves running for their very lives,
not being able to spend even one night in the house. As Caroline
reaches the last week of her 24th year it's her "Uncle
Teddy" who comes to the rescue. He will find a man for
Caroline to marry, if only for a short time. An arrangement
will be made that will make this chosen man very rich for
his agreement to pose as Caroline's husband to fool George.
What Caroline doesn't count on is falling in love with the
rogue who is chosen.
Lucas Davin is a shiftless thief with a reputation
for being one of the sharpest pickpockets in all of London.
When he finds himself in jail and facing a hanging for horse
thievery he jumps at the chance to pose as a rich heiress's
husband to save his neck. What follows his release from prison
is something he is quite unprepared for. But Lucas's no nonsense
and realistic views of what is going on around him start him
thinking and investigating the truth to the hauntings, and
the true desires of his own heart.
In true Julie Beard style, this book will
grab you from the first page. There is a wonderful sense of
place and time throughout the story. Characters are well developed
and interesting. The story is strongly plot driven but equally
character motivated. Pages turn quickly not because it's an
easy read, but because the story pulls you in and keeps you
there. The deeper you get into story the harder the book is
to put down. The character of "Uncle Teddy" keeps
humor flowing through the story as much as Caroline Wainwright's
fun-loving personality. Lucas Davin is the serious side to
the story, which keeps the book well grounded.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has
a love of the Regency period, historicals and books with equal
measures of humor, mystery and love. I would especially recommend
this book, and any of Julie Beard's books, to anyone who just
wants a great read.
