LADY CHARLOTTE ALWAYS GETS HER MAN

A lady escapes a dangerous betrothal and discovers a new life elsewhere in London.

Like many women of her time, Lady Charlotte Lovett is informed about her engagement, rather than given a choice in the matter, though it’s unusual that her mother waited to tell her until they’re at the fitting for a gown for her betrothal ball. Upon realizing her parents have matched her with an unnerving and possibly murderous heir to a dukedom, she runs away, still wearing her gown. In a panic, she turns to the only person she can think of to help her—Hannah Wick, an estranged cousin who owns a coffeehouse—and thus makes the jump from the constrained world of the aristocracy into a much more interesting side of London. Once ensconced in Hannah’s coffeehouse, Charlotte encounters a man she doesn’t expect: Dr. Matthew Talbot, best friend of her beloved twin brother, Alexander, but also the younger brother of her erstwhile fiance. He has been secretly besotted with her for years, though so traumatized by abuse from his family that he believes himself far beneath her. The first in a new series from Marsh will thrill fans of smart, complex historical romances as long as they don’t mind a story liberally speckled with humorous moments, including repeated interludes centering on a rather vulgar parrot. Though Marsh admits, in an author’s note, to taking some liberties with historical details, the story is grounded in the less glamorous elements of the era, including England’s involvement in the slave trade, the role of kidnapping in indentured servitude, and the “beautiful, caged bird” status of privileged women. Though occasionally bogged down by cliche, this is ultimately a well-plotted and enjoyable story that will be in good company on a growing list of historical romances that explore life in London beyond the fancy dresses and masquerade balls.

A promising start to an intriguing new historical romance series.