A Well-Trained Lady

A Sweet Regency Romance

De: Jess Heileman

Narrado por: Janna Fox

Everything has changed. Except her heart.
Arabella Godwin is an Incomparable in London Society—elegant, wealthy, and meticulously trained. Yet, she has nothing to show for her efforts aside from her pretentious reputation and a collection of disappointed suitors. When her plan to secure a promising offer of marriage is temporarily delayed, she must bide her time in the company of an estranged childhood friend—the much-too-endearing, but regrettably untitled, Augustus Brundage.

As the friends’ tattered relationship returns to familiarity, Arabella must prevent herself from fully regressing into the carefree, impressionable young lady who once foolishly trusted Augustus with her heart. To make the same mistake again would ruin everything she has worked for—and certainly more.

But can a heart be so easily trained?

Heat Level:Mild/Sweet

©2020 Jess Heileman (P)2024 Vagabond Publishing, LLC.

Love finds a way

I enjoyed the relationship between the two main characters very much. The mother is definitely a witch and I'm glad the father finally found his big boy pants and put them on in the end! fun and entertaining story I have enjoyed this whole series. I just wish I knew the title of the song that is sug acapella by whatever the characters.

Striking

This one stuck with me more than most. It took a bit for me to get into, but it picked up and eventually swept me away. Looking back, I’m thoroughly impressed with how well Jess Heileman developed both the story and characters. I might have had some points of frustration going through it (especially around some of Bella’s ridiculous decisions), but it’s extremely well written.

This book led my emotions all over the place. From joy and humor to hurt and outrage. I’d go from cheering on the characters, to wanting to scream through the pages at them. How I despised Bella’s mother. How I adored Augustus. How my heart ached for Ruth and Bella.

There is a light air of mystery as we discover the story surrounding Ruth’s past. There’s also excellent dialogue, with lots of witty and playful interactions between the characters. I was often surprised and impressed with the MC’s willingness to clear up emotions and misunderstandings with straight-forward conversation. Despite everything, they actually have a fairly healthy relationship, which was nice to see.

The ending was fully satisfying. It was a little rocky getting there, but it pulled together beautifully. I found myself ending the final page with the quiet contentment that comes from finishing a great and satisfying book.

Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or on-page violence. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses, though a man tries to compromise a female character (and is stopped). There is no mention of faith or God.

Trigger warnings - the brutal death of both parents, including mentions of suicide (all prior to the main storyline); an extremely manipulative and evil mother; a few references to a physically abusive father/husband