Say You'll Be My Lady

December 6, 2021
A gentlemanly former boxer meets his match in a stubborn socialite in Pembrooke’s diverting second Unconventional Ladies of Mayfair romance (after Not the Kind of Earl You Mary). Lady Serena Wynter is dedicated to righting injustices through her social club. Though at 23 she’s given up hopes of matrimony and motherhood, she’s keen to strike up a dalliance with her handsome, sweet-natured friend Charles Townshend. Charles is attracted to beautiful, fiercely independent Serena, but declines her advances, fearing their connection will damage her reputation due to their class differences and his unsavory family history. His concern is heightened when Serena takes in Jem, a homeless boy, who soon becomes attached to them both—and whose presence in their lives could spark malicious gossip. But headstrong Serena will not be deterred from her quest to find Jem a forever family—or from her mission to seduce Charles. Pembrooke fills this emotional tale with sparkling dialogue and well-drawn characters working to balance reason and desire. Regency romance fans will delight at Pembrooke’s strong female protagonist who rises above societal limitations and expectations. Agent: Rebecca Strauss, DeFiore and Co.

December 15, 2021
An upright gentleman's idea of honor is challenged when he's attracted by a resolutely unconventional lady. Since Lady Serena Wynter has already loved and lost, she cares little for social mores and chooses to dedicate herself to social causes instead. As one of the founders of the Wednesday Afternoon Social Club, she spearheads several of the club's ventures. Charles Townshend, a Member of Parliament and former boxer, has always been attracted to Serena for her devotion and passion, but he often argues with her about the risks she takes while pursuing the causes dear to her. Although they frequently cross swords, Serena and Charles are close friends. Just when Serena finally feels ready to acknowledge their mutual attraction, Charles, already leery of the class differences that separate them, is rocked by revelations about his past. Serena must convince Charles that the factors pushing them apart pale in comparison to the inexorable pull they feel toward each other. The second book of the Unconventional Ladies of Mayfair trilogy traces the growth and evolution of the society comprising unconventional women that was established in the first installment. Serena's trauma is handled with empathy and understanding, but Charles' problems receive a perfunctory treatment and remain unresolved. Serena's past explains the passion and dedication she exhibits toward certain causes, but Pembrooke misses several beautiful opportunities to underline the connections between the spirited heroine's previous traumas and her present proclivities. Several threads linking Serena's experiences with those of the women around her also remain underdeveloped. But strong friendships between the like-minded women of the Wednesday Afternoon Social Club form the emotional core of the story. An undemanding Regency-era romance more reminiscent of a fun costume drama than an immersive period film.

COPYRIGHT(2021) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

January 1, 2022

The second in Pembrooke's "Unconventional Ladies of Mayfair" series (after Not the Kind of Earl You Marry) follows Lady Serena Wynter, a leader of the Wednesday Afternoon Social Club and a woman determined to live life on her own terms. Charles Townshend is her dearest friend--rather ironic, since he's also the person in her life who is most likely to follow society's rules. Serena has a tempting proposition for him, but Charles's adherence to society's strictures comes from a secret in his past that he believes will forever cast a shadow over the future. Can Serena convince him that love is worth taking a chance, or will his past always haunt him? For all of Serena's unconventionality, Pembrooke's writing has a charming flavor to it that is reminiscent of authors such as Mary Balogh and Grace Burrowes. The characters and situations here still feel true to their time period. VERDICT Readers who are anxiously awaiting the next season of Bridgerton will enjoy this one, and those who enjoyed the first in the series will not want to miss it.--Rebecca Moe

Copyright 2022 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.