Everything a Lady Is Not

Bow Street Beaus Series, Book 1

De: Sawyer North

Narrado por: Carmen Rose

Lucy Locket, the long lost granddaughter of a duchess, has never been a part of Society. One day, she was living a secluded life as the prisoner of a criminal, and the next day she was an heiress in a world she did not even remotely understand. She can't curtsy, she doesn't hide her emotions, she's too clever by far. But in three months, she must marry a suitor with a royally bestowed title, or she forfeits a fortune—leaving her and the duchess in dire straits.

All Henry Beaumont wants is to prove himself to Society and step outside of his half-brother's shadow. So when the duchess asks him for a personal favor involving her newly found granddaughter—with a hefty thank you reward—he leaps at the opportunity.

It seems as if Lucy is trading one prison for another. Henry has now become a permanent fixture as her charming yet iron-fisted taskmaster and tutor in the ways of High Society. Lucy and Henry spar in an epic battle of wills—and even rapiers. But Lucy's past and her surprising, undeniable feelings for Henry may doom their undertaking if he declares his love for her . . . because without a title, he can never be hers.

Contains mature themes.

©2020 Sawyer North (P)2023 Tantor

A bit boring

Too much emphasis on “proper” behavior and customs. That is pretty much the entire story.

wonderful story

This is a story of adventure, drama and love! Very well written and read by Carmen Rose!!

Good plot, writing needs work.

This book was more like a 3.5, but I rounded up to 4 because I don’t like giving a negative review to a book that has much potential.

Plot = 5 stars. In it, a child is rescued by the highwayman who had inadvertently caused her father‘s death. The highwayman, “Sir Steadman“, protects young Lucy, educates her, and makes his ward. At age 20, with the assistance a Bow Street runner (the hero), she leaves that life to return to her place in society as the long lost granddaughter of a Duchess.

Characters = 4. Lucy is close to a 5. Henry, the hero, is more like a 3 (too much insecurity and internal whining). The Duchess was a good character, and Sir Steadman, the highwaymen, was the most interesting character of all.

Writing = 3. Author Sawyer North’s writing didn’t always do her character Lucy justice. One minute Lucy was confident and witty, and in the next she was dejected and fleeing from the table in tears. This kind of inconsistency happened repeatedly. It was especially annoying because Lucy had the makings a great heroine.
I would have found Henry more appealing if the author had given him a little more confidence and a lot more charm.

Narration = 5. Carmen Rose did an excellent job.

Conclusion: If you can focus on the plot, ignore Lucy‘s inconsistencies, and imagine Henry with a little more backbone, you will likely enjoy this book.