The Lady Travelers Guide to Happily Ever After - Victoria Alexander (HQN - Sept 2019)

Series: Lady Travelers Society (Book 4)

Before there was a Lady Travelers Society, there was just one lady traveler…

Some marry for love. Some marry for money. But Violet Hagen's quick wedding to irresponsible James Branham, heir to the Earl of Ellsworth, was to avoid scandal.

Though her heart was broken when she learned James never wanted marriage or her, Violet found consolation in traveling the world, at his expense -- finding adventure and enjoying an unconventional, independent life. And strenuously avoiding her husband.

But when James inherits the earldom it comes with a catch -- Violet. To receive his legacy he and Violet must live together as husband and wife, convincing society that they are reconciled. It's a preposterous notion, complicated by the fact that Violet is no longer the quiet, meek woman he married. But then he's not the same man either.

Chasing Violet across Europe to earn her trust and prove his worth, James realizes with each passing day that a marriage begun in haste may be enjoyed at leisure. And that nothing may be as scandalous -- or as perfect -- as falling hopelessly in love. Especially with your wife.

This was a fun book and probably my favorite of the series. Although it is the fourth and final book, chronologically it is the first as it takes place before the others and before the Lady Travelers Society was founded. The founding members do have a part in this story, but not as much as in the others.

In this book, we have Violet and James. It opens with their attendance at the ball where James's engagement is to be announced. Instead, he is caught kissing Violet, ending his engagement and forcing him to marry Violet to avoid scandal. The morning after their wedding, Violet overhears James tell his uncle that he's not ready for marriage and he only married her to save her from ruin. Heartbroken because she was in love with him when he suggests that they live separately and live their lives as before, she agrees - with two stipulations. She wants the money to be able to travel, and she never wants to see him again.

Six years later, they are brought back together by Uncle Richard's death. James inherits the title, but Richard had a stipulation in his will. James and Violet were to live together for three years, be seen together in public, appear happy, create no scandals, and not spend any more than two weeks apart during any year. If they do not, both will lose everything.

I loved watching Violet and James get to know each other again. Both have changed a lot in the six years they've been apart. James grew up, leaving his irresponsible ways behind him. He learned the things he needed to know as Ellsworth's heir, and discovered that he enjoyed what he was doing. Violet is no longer the quiet girl who blends into the background. Her travels gave her new confidence in herself, and she likes standing on her own two feet. Before Richard's death, James understood the mistakes he made and realized that he wanted Violet back in his life. Now he needs to convince her of that fact. Standing in the way are the rumors that have followed each of them in the years they've been apart.

Violet isn't in any hurry to forgive James for breaking her heart. She will live by the rules, but keep her heart protected. In the meantime, she is determined to make him atone for his mistakes. In the beginning, they stay in England and take their place in society. Violet is nervous, fearing that she will return to the mouse she used to be. It is pretty clear she has nothing to worry about, especially during an especially satisfying confrontation with her mother and sister. Violet holds her own quite well, and though she didn't appreciate it at the time, James also weighs in with unexpected zeal. James uses all his charm to show Violet that he's changed, and she realizes that she's in danger of falling for him all over again.

Determined to get back to the life where she is comfortable, Violet gives James an ultimatum. He comes with her on her travels or forfeits his inheritance. I felt a little bit bad for James as he had a good reason for not liking to travel, but it was also crucial for him to see Violet in her element. An eye-opening conversation with his friend Marcus made James realize that before he could win Violet's heart he had to regain her trust. I had so much fun watching their travels from France to Italy to Greece. In each place, James gained new insight into the woman he married. It was fun to see his misconceptions overcome one by one, and see the truth behind each of them. Violet also began to understand that James underwent his own transformation and slowly began to trust him again. Their conversations were great, with a good combination of fun and seriousness. But just as things are looking up for them, someone from Violet's past shows up with a revelation that rocks Violet's growing feelings for James. A heartbreaking confrontation is followed by some soul-searching on Violet's part. James also goes through some self-examination but has a little more trouble getting to where he can fix his mistakes. The ending was great, and I loved the epilogue.

I also enjoyed the secondary characters of Marcus, James's friend and lawyer, and Chloe, Violet's companion/secretary and friend. Marcus does a good job as the voice of reason, keeping James on track and trying to keep him from trouble. Chloe is firmly on Violet's side, and her dislike of James is apparent. The interactions between Marcus and Chloe were terrific and made a nice contrast with James and Violet. Also, Effie, Poppy, and Gwen had their important role as arbiters of whether James and Violet fulfilled the conditions of Richard's will.

Another thing I enjoyed was the author's descriptions of the places Violet and James visited. They were detailed and vivid enough that I felt as though I was there. I liked that it wasn't just the well-known locations; there was also a feeling of everyday reality.

 

The Lady Travelers Guide to Deception with an Unlikely Earl - Victoria Alexander (HQN - Nov 2018)

Series: Lady Travelers Society (Book 3)

Harry Armstrong has spent years in Egypt, recovering relics and disregarding rules. Now he's back in England with a new title and a new purpose: penning his exploits. But his efforts are overshadowed by London's favorite writer about Egypt -- a woman they call The Queen of the Desert, of all things. Worse, her stories -- serialized in newspapers and reprinted in books -- are complete rubbish.

Miss Sidney Honeywell didn't set out to deceive anyone. It's not her fault readers assumed her Tales of a Lady Adventurer in Egypt were real! Admitting her inadvertent deception now would destroy her reputation and her livelihood. But when the Earl of Brenton challenges her to travel to Egypt to prove her expertise, accompanied by his dashing, arrogant nephew, what choice does she have but to pack her bags?

With the matchmaking founders of the Lady Travelers Society in tow, Harry is determined to expose Sidney's secret. But the truth might not be as great a revelation as discovering that love can strike even the most stubborn of hearts.

Another fun journey with the Lady Travelers Society, and like the previous book, our intrepid travelers are not quite what they seem. Sidney has been writing her adventure stories about Egypt for some time, using her grandmother's journals for inspiration. They are wildly popular, and she discovered too late that people believe that they are her adventures. To confess the truth would destroy her reputation and her only source of income. When the Earl of Brenton accuses her of writing rubbish and maligns her knowledge, she accepts his challenge to prove it with a trip to Egypt, accompanied by his nephew.

Harry Armstrong, the "nephew" in question, is actually the earl himself. After twenty years in Egypt, making like Indiana Jones, he returned to take up his new responsibilities as earl. Part of his plan is to write about his time in Egypt, but no one is interested in his writing when they can read "Mrs. Gordon's." He's confident he can gather enough evidence to prove her a fraud.

I felt a bit badly for Sidney at the beginning. Her deceptions were not her choice but forced on her by her publisher and the times. Also, the public war of words with the earl wasn't hers, but the well-meaning interference of her Aunt Effie and her friends, Poppy and Gwen. Sidney was furious when she found out about it, but she also wasn't about to roll over and play dead. Though it took a little prodding from the old ladies, she was determined to prove him wrong.

Harry did not make a good first impression. It was clear that his motivating factor was jealousy that Sidney's writings were popular and his were rejected time and again for being dull and dry. He redeemed himself slightly with his worry that he was potentially ruining an old lady supplementing her pension, but his refusal to back down didn't help his case.

The journey is sponsored by Sidney's publisher, who has a lot riding on the outcome. If she is proved a fraud, it won't look good for him. He will also be stuck publishing Harry's book, which isn't nearly as good as Sidney's. There's an amusing scene where Effie manages to get the publisher to include the three ladies in the trip as Sidney's chaperones. Mr. Cadwallender also sends along a reporter as an impartial witness and to write about whatever the results are.

From the moment the journey began, the sparks flew between Harry and Sidney. He makes it clear that he doesn't believe she has ever been to Egypt, based mainly on her "rosy" depiction of the places and events. For him, if you don't include the bad, you don't know what you're talking about - which explains his dreadful writing. Of course, he's right, she has never set foot in the country, but she has studied extensively and has her grandmother's journals. And she never intended people to believe they were completely factual. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Sidney confound Harry with her knowledge and confuse him with her unbridled enthusiasm. It was fun to see him attempt to trip her up, and her stay just on the right side of giving herself away. In this she was helped along by the three ladies.

I liked the development of the relationship between Harry and Sidney. It didn't take long for him to become thoroughly intrigued by her contradictions and drawn into her enthusiasm. It begins to bring back the memories of his early days when life was more adventurous and considerably more fun. One of my favorite things is that Harry and Sidney are equal in intelligence and quickly develop respect for each other's abilities. Harry also becomes unexpectedly protective of Sidney, adding a bit of stress to his daily life. Sidney is wholly independent and tends to go off on her own, unconscious of the dangers. The harem scene was especially fun.

The feelings between Harry and Sidney have a better chance to grow when they put their animosity aside to investigate an intriguing antiquity. Harry's somewhat disreputable past comes back to bite him when he is "encouraged" to retrieve an ancient medallion from an unscrupulous American. I laughed out loud at the way Sidney inserted herself in the process and then took it over. Their teamwork is impressive, with each bringing something vital to the table. The resolution of the mystery was exciting with a couple of unexpected twists. One added an extra layer of danger, and the other a solution to a mystery and a problem. There were a couple of minor obstacles to overcome before they could get their happy ending - not the least of which was finally admitting the truth to each other. There was a nice little O. Henry twist to that event. The epilogue was lovely.

Once again, Poppy, Effie, and Gwen are vital parts of the story. They frequently give the impression of being ditzy, but they are very cunning when they want to be. I loved seeing them try to show Sidney the importance of knowing the details of her fictional past, especially when those details can trip her up. There's also a hilarious scene as they attempt sex education so that the "widow" won't be taken unawares. Harry's problems with "the old ladies" were myriad as they frequently got on his nerves, but also entertained him. The morning after scene in Sidney's room was hysterical. One of the things I loved best was that the founders of the Lady Travelers Society finally got to do some traveling of their own and that they embraced it with such fervor.

 

The Dance Before Christmas - Victoria Alexander (HQN - Oct 2018)

Series: Lady Travelers Society (Book 2.5)

Miss Anabel Snelling needs a fiancé, and fast. If her father, Sir Archibald, has his way, she’ll be married in time for Christmas—to a man she doesn’t love. That’s why she and her aunt have concocted a brilliant plan to hire an American actor to play the role of her suitor. But the charming Wesley Grant is playing the part a little too well, and Anabel is in danger of falling for him. What Anabel doesn’t know is Wesley is not the actor her aunt hired. Still, what kind of a gentleman would he be if he didn’t come to her rescue? He has a new plan of his own—win Anabel’s heart…for real.

This was a short, fun story about a mistaken identity that leads to love. Anabel is in a pickle. She will soon be twenty-one, and her father has decided it's time she was married, and who better than a childhood friend of hers and son of his friend. The problem is, Anabel thinks of Douglas as a friend and a brother, and she wants to marry for love. So she and her aunt have hired an actor to play the part of her suitor.

Wesley came to England to meet with the leaders of the Explorers Club, hoping to interest them in his new chronometer. Instead, he found himself helping out a damsel in distress. He is intrigued by her story and charmed by Anabel herself, and quite willing to pretend to be the actor in question.

Anabel and Wesley's first encounter was fun. He has sort of crashed the ball, using his uncle's invitation, to meet the chairman of the Explorers Club. As he is pondering his next move, he is accosted by Anabel, who mistakes him for her actor. She goes on and on about the job, barely letting Wesley get in a word. He is quickly intrigued by Anabel and noting her connection to the man he wants to talk to, figures that helping her would also help him. He did not expect to fall hard and fast for her. Anabel is also taken aback by her reaction to him, not expecting to be attracted to an actor of all people.

I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop. Wesley and Anabel have more in common than either suspected, and it wasn't long before their connection started to grow. It was aided and abetted by Poppy, Gwen, and Effie, who served as chaperones on the couple's outings. Those who have read The Riseand Fall of Reginald Everheart will recognize the name that Wesley's alter ego uses. The ladies get involved because of it, and their assistance provides some laugh-out-loud moments. It isn't long before Wesley feels guilty about the deception and fears Anabel's reaction to the truth. He wants Anabel for himself, as himself, and isn't quite sure how to make it happen. Anabel has fallen just as hard for Wesley, who she believes is a penniless actor. I liked her confidence in her feelings and her belief that Wesley's actor profession is not an insurmountable obstacle. The ending was terrific. The ladies' creativity is called into service once again as they find a way to resolve all the issues. I was also quite impressed with Anabel's reaction to all of the revelations.

The Rise and Fall of Reginald Everheart - Victoria Alexander (HQN - Nov 2017)

Series: Lady Travelers Society (Book 1.5)

Unmarried and dedicated to illustrating the Explorers Club’s artifacts, Dulcie Middleworth is running out of prospects. Spinsterhood’s a tragedy for the daughter of a viscount, but London’s most eligible maiden has a secret: she’s already in love. But to confess an attraction to charming explorer Michael Shepard? Not when the man has no wish to marry and his heart’s desire lies in adventure abroad.

Surely such a predicament calls for a matchmaker of Poppy Fitzhew-Wellmore’s caliber! And calls as well for a romantic rival—the legendary figment of Poppy’s imagination Reginald Everheart—to nudge Michael’s affections in Dulcie’s direction. But what to do when everyone demands to meet the famously infamous suitor who doesn’t really exist?

Short, sweet story of love in the library. Dulcie is on the shelf according to society's leaders. Instead of hunting for a husband, she spends her time in the library at the Explorers Club illustrating their artifacts. What they don't know is that she is already in love with the man who sits on the other side of the library, wannabe explorer Michael Shepard. It's a hopeless love as he has made it clear that he does not intend to marry.

I enjoyed the progress of the relationship between Dulcie and Michael. They spent months in the same space, intrigued by each other but never exchanging more than polite pleasantries. That doesn't stop them from watching each other, noting the little things that tug on their hearts. Dulcie's mother is determined to marry her off and constantly pushes one particular suitor forward. But Dulcie wants to marry for love, and Preston Drummond doesn't appeal in the slightest. Michael is intrigued and attracted to Dulcie, but long ago decided that a man who disappears for months or years at a time has no business subjecting a wife to that lifestyle. When Preston's attentions become more pointed, Michael can't let Dulcie be fooled into accepting the man. However, his attempt to help is not well received, and the resulting scene causes sparks to fly.

Poppy and her friends believe it is evident that Dulcie and Michael belong together and that they just need a little help to see it. Poppy resurrects an intrepid explorer from her past, one Reginald Everheart. He is very nearly perfect - and wholly a product of her imagination. With the help of Gwen and Effie, Poppy uses Reginald's "attentions" to Dulcie to provoke Michael's jealousy and motivate him toward accepting his feelings. The sparks continue to fly as Michael keeps saying things that rile Dulcie's independent nature. It takes advice from the experienced older ladies to get both Dulcie and Michael to realize that with love, anything is possible.

There were quite a few scenes that had me laughing out loud. Dulcie's rejections of Preston's proposals were great, as he had so much trouble believing anyone would turn him down. The scene with the arrival of the artifact from Reginald that Dulcie was to draw was hysterical, thanks to Michael's reaction to the baboon's "attributes." It was also fun to see Poppy and friends stumble over their invention in a case of "too many cooks."

 

The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger - Victoria Alexander (HQN - Dec 2017)

Series: Lady Travelers Society (Book 2)

She must secure her future

A lady should never be obliged to think of matters financial! But when Lady Wilhelmina Bascombe's carefree, extravagant lifestyle vanishes with the demise of her husband, her only hope lies in retrieving a family treasure -- a Renaissance masterpiece currently in the hands of a cunning art collector in Venice. Thankfully, the Lady Travelers Society has orchestrated a clever plan to get Willie to Europe, leading a tour of mothers and daughters…and one curiously attentive man.

He must reclaim his heritage

Dante Augustus Montague's one passion has long been his family's art collection. He's finally tracked a long-lost painting to the enchanting Lady Bascombe. Convinced that the canvas had been stolen, he will use any means to reclaim his birthright -- including deception. But how long before pretend infatuation gives way to genuine desire?

Now they're rivals for a prize that will change everything

Willie and Dante know they're playing with fire in the magical moonlit city. Their common quest could compromise them both…or lead them to happily-ever-after.

This is a fun book to read, with an abundance of interesting characters. The most interesting were Willie and Dante. Willie is a young widow in financial difficulties. She and her husband had been part of a fast set, and before his death, he ran up quite a lot of debt. By selling everything possible, Willie paid off George's debts, but there is little left for her. If she can get to Venice and pay off the last loan, she can retrieve a family heirloom, sell it, and have enough to live on for a reasonable amount of time. Her godmother offers Willie the job of hosting a tour for the Lady Travelers Society which will get her to Venice. Willie has never set foot outside England, but how hard can it be to lead two American women and their daughters, an Englishwoman and her daughter, and the Englishwoman's brother.

There is more to Dane Montague than Willie knows. From a long line of art-loving men, Dante recently became the director of his grandfather's little known art gallery. He spent years in the study of art and business and is determined to make a success of his grandfather's legacy. His best option is to locate and retrieve a missing painting from a famous trio of artwork that he believes was stolen, which he has traced to Willie. He will do anything to get it back, including inveigle himself into the tour group.

I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the relationship between Dante and Willie. Their first meeting set the tone, with amusing banter and obvious sparks between them. Dante finds himself unexpectedly intrigued by Willie, who is not at all what he expected. He's a bit wary as he was burned by another woman who turned out to be not what she seemed either. Willie is equally drawn to Dante but is also cautious. She has learned from the mistakes of the past and doesn't intend to repeat them. Dante plans to use the time to befriend Willie and therefore keep track of her and ultimately the painting. He doesn't expect to actually like her, and it throws him entirely out of kilter. I loved watching their friendship develop as they discover how much they enjoy being together.

Dante is caught in a dilemma. The stronger his feelings grow for Willie, the guiltier he feels about his deception. He knows he needs to tell her the truth, but he keeps putting it off. His sister regularly scolds him about it, warning him of what will happen if he doesn't tell her. When the truth finally comes out, it's even worse than he expected. I ached for both of them. Willie feels used and betrayed, and the loss of her trust in the man she came to love was heartbreaking. I hurt for Dante too. He loves her deeply and regrets his mistakes. Unfortunately, both of them are incredibly stubborn, and the painting becomes an insurmountable obstacle. There's a brief truce involving the actual retrieval of the painting, but it continues to come between them. There are some exciting twists in the resolution of the problem before Willie and Dante find their way back together. I loved Dante's grand romantic gesture. It was sweet and over the top, as well as showing his vulnerable side. The epilogue was great, though it did contain a bit of mystery I'd love to have the answer to.

The secondary characters were fantastic and a huge part of the story itself. The friendship that developed between Willie and Roz, Jane, and Marian was fantastic. I loved how it showed the changes that Willie experienced as she embraced her new life. Their support of her when she had her troubles with Dante was fun to watch. They also looked out for her and provided some much-needed advice to Dante. They were instrumental in retrieving the painting in an unexpected way. I enjoyed their relationships with their daughters, which weren't all that different than similar relationships today. The daughters were great, each with their quirks and issues. The story of the unsuitable suitor was an excellent addition, and I liked the method Dante used to deal with it. The brief appearance of the Marquess of Brookings was hilarious, and I laughed out loud at the scenes where he "helped" move Willie's relationship with Dante along.

Another important "character" in the book is the travel itself. I loved the details of the Paris Exhibition and the Eiffel Tower and the shopping at Worth. The scene at Notre Dame was especially poignant considering the recent fire there. I enjoyed the trivia from Genoa and Verona, and the descriptions of Venice were vivid. I loved the changes in Willie as she coped with all the challenges that arose during the traveling, and the difference it made in the way she saw herself.