Audible Book Review: Dorothy: A Madcap Regency Romance by Anya Wylde

This is a light, "madcap" romance.

Dorothy: A Madcap Regency Romance
The Fairweather Sisters, Book 3
By: Anya Wylde
Narrated by: Deryn Oliver

Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins
Release date: 12-30-20
Publisher: Anya Wylde
Genre: Comedy, Regency Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
Anya Wylde is back with yet another Fairweather sister novel full of comedy, adventure, and, of course, toe-curling romance.
The Fairweather sisters adore each other and always stand by one another. But when circumstances force Dorothy May Fairweather to marry Lord William Edmund Huxley - the man her best friend is in love with and the Duke’s arch enemy - things change.
With her one foolish mistake, Dorothy manages to vex all those that mean the most to her. Now all alone and miserable, Dorothy has to win back her sisters, the duke, her in-laws and her breathtakingly handsome new husband.
©2016 Anya Wylde (P)2020 Anya Wylde

Review:
Dorothy feels that she is the least attractive of the Fairweather sisters. She has had three whole seasons without landing a suitable marriage proposal. Finally, she has found a man to love. Her sisters are thrilled, even when they learn who the man is.

Dorothy’s best friend, Kitty, agrees to help Dorothy win the man of her dreams. Dorothy met Kitty’s beau interest, Lord William Edmund Huxley, when Dorothy stumbled in front of his carriage. He is one of the most handsome and marriageable men in ton. He was very kind and helpful to Dorothy, but her brother-in-law has a feud with Huxley. At the next social outing Kitty and Dorothy agree to talk to the man the other is interested in to try to encourage the man’s interest in their friend. Although Huxley is polite to Dorothy, he objects to her efforts to put Kitty in his path.

After the event, Kitty strangely avoids Dorothy for several days. She appears one morning acting distressed and upset. The next thing they learn that Kitty has gone missing. Dorothy is sure that she has suffered at the hands of Huxley. In an effort to find out information Dorothy sneaks into Huxley’s home and ends up in a compromising situation that she never intended. To protect his own family from scandal, Huxley proclaims Dorothy to be his affianced. Now everyone is angry with her.

Dorothy doesn’t have any way out of the rushed marriage. She knows that she isn’t welcome by Huxley’s step-mother and half-sister. Dorothy discovers all sorts of strange occupants in Huxley’s home and she secretly adds an orphaned boy with the help of the staff. Although the staff was initially standoffish, Dorothy’s sweet actions begin to win them over.

Still, Dorothy is frustrated by the sense of attraction with her husband which he keeps denying as he pushes her away. She struggles with depression wondering if she will have to live her life alone, without the love of a husband and without the support of her family. What surprising events can change her stressed situation? The family warmth is lovely, and they won’t ignore Dorothy’s distress too long.

Anya Wylde consistently delivers fun, “madcap” stories with likable characters, sweet romance and an easy read. Certainly there are situations that might cause an eye roll but I liked Dorothy, even with her clumsy exuberance. Huxley is a great character who is willing to sing to soothe his distraught bride. It was a puzzle till the end to understand his reluctance to accept and share love.

Although this is book three in the series, I felt it read fine as a stand-alone. I realized that I have book one, Penelope, in my Kindle library and I hope to pull that up to read this year. I recommend this story and this author to readers who enjoy easy reading, fun Regency romance.

Audio Notes: Deryn Oliver does a lovely job with the narration including sweet singing! The overall audio presentation is charming.

Source: February 2021 Author Code. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook and Author goals.

Book Review: Death Of An Aristocrat (A Lucy Anne Trotter Mystery) by Anya Wylde

This is a truly fun romp!

Death Of An Aristocrat (A Lucy Anne Trotter Mystery): A Laugh Out Loud Cozy Mystery
by Anya Wylde

File Size: 576 KB
Print Length: 208 pages
Publication Date: February 28, 2020
Sold by: Amazon.com Services LLC
Language: English
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Regency, Woman Sleuth
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

The gossip columns can talk of nothing else, and even the Regent is intrigued. The murder of Lord Beazley at Gopshall Manor has caused a sensation, and the fact that two sweet governesses could have done it has further tickled the nations bloodthirsty soul. Lucy Anne Trotter, who stands accused, steals a horse and hurtles off to convince the only man in the country who can save her bacon— the national hero and the most handsome man in England, Lord William Hartell Adair. With him by her side, she sets out to discover the Gopshall family’s secrets and the murderer. In true Anya Wylde style, plenty of madness, kisses and burning breeches make an appearance. It’s a carriage ride not to be missed.

Review:
Sweet Lucy Anne Trotter has been struggling as a governess of five unruly children at Gopshall Manor. When a visiting Lord is found murdered, Lucy becomes the first suspect. Lucy steals a horse and pushes through a snowstorm to reach the one man she knows who can help, Lord Adair. Lucy has previously helped Adair solve one murder in a home where she was serving (Murder at Rudhall Manor). Most women stumble over themselves or faint at the sight of the most handsome Lord Adair. Lucy isn’t awed by Adair as she doesn’t have any misguided thoughts that he could find her interesting. Lucy just knows Adair is a national hero who knows how to solve crimes. Lord Adair has taken a special interest in protecting Lucy but that doesn’t mean he wants to take her on as an assistant.

Lord Adair tells Lucy to suspect everyone. Initially, she doesn’t even trust the other sweet governess, Jane. Jane is watching the children of the manor’s younger son, Lord Claybrook, with whom she has been developing a warm relationship. It is easy to try to blame the crime on the two outsider governesses but soon they team up to help investigate in the hope of saving their own necks. Impulsive, looney Lucy rubs off a bit on quiet Jane who gets bold enough to follow suspects and sneak into rooms. The pair begin to uncover clues but they are putting themselves in danger as they proceed.

The zaniness of Ms. Lucy and the exaggerated regency setting are such fun. I enjoy Lucy’s antics and her relationship with Lord Adair. The romance between Jane and Lord Claybrook added a side element. There are other interesting (and appalling characters) with varied motives. Some have alibis that can be confirmed… or not.

There are a few editing errors so my rating isn't a full 5 star. I recommend this author for quick, fun reading and I recommend this story as a clear, delightful romp.

Source: Supplied by Author 2020. This qualifies for 2020 Author Review goal.

Book Review: Murder At Rudhall Manor (A Humorous Murder Mystery) by Anya Wylde

This story tells the madcap crazy antics of Miss Lucy Anne Trotter trying to prove she is not a murderer or thief.

Murder At Rudhall Manor (A Humorous Murder Mystery)
by Anya Wylde

• File Size: 904 KB
• Print Length: 224 pages
• Publication Date: June 15, 2014
• ASIN: B00L1HYMJQ

Genre: Humor, Mystery
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

A murder and a theft have been committed at Rudhall Manor. A box of jewels has vanished and Lord Sedley, a lusty old aristocrat, has been stabbed six times in the chest.
It is all very mysterious, and the Sedley family and the servants have decided that Miss Lucy Anne Trotter, a recently employed governess, is to blame for the unfortunate events.
The legendary and wickedly handsome Marquis, Lord William Adair, learns of the matter and decides to uncover the truth.
Lucy, however, has little faith in blue blooded creatures—even if they possess dashing good looks— and, accompanied by two naughty pugs and a moody raven, decides to investigate and unmask the killer herself.
But the hunt for the killer turns out to be far more complicated than she anticipates—what with snooty servants, warts in odd places, mixed up love affairs, agitated chickens and dreadful disguises ruining her plans.
Soon she begins to wonder if, for once, she is in over her head….

Review:
Lucy Anne’s headmistress at the orphanage knows that Lucy has a big heart and has been a diligent student. She would make a good addition to the orphanage staff, even if her exuberant behavior sometimes gets the best of her. But Lucy was insistent on taking a position as a governess for two young wards of an aristocratic Lord. Lucy didn’t realize the type of household she was getting into. There was the stingy, lusty master whom Lucy rebuked, the bitter, demanding wife, an older son who has a menagerie of animals, another son who is out incurring debt, a snippy daughter who wants a season in London and Lucy’s two lively charges, a niece and nephew. Oh - and let's not forget the ghost of Aunt Sedley!

Lucy, as the newest employee, is the easiest suspect for a jewel theft that occurs the same day that Lord Sedley is murdered. The family and the servants are quick to presume her guilt even though they are more concerned about the missing jewelry than the murder.

The eccentric, legendary Lord Adair floats into town and is asked to investigate the crimes. Lucy has to crawl through the crowd to see him face to face. He is beautiful, just as the legends say, and although Lucy appreciates his handsome features she doesn’t trust him, as an aristocrat, to prove the innocence of a servant such as herself. Lucy determines that she will do whatever it takes to uncover the truth herself.

It is clear from the outset that this story is not your usual conservative (or even racy) regency historical. The characters are quirky enough, but the household becomes even more zany with a baboon, pug puppies, a raven that likes to sit on Lucy’s bonnet and more. Lucy’s attempts at spying are absolutely outrageous, including a misguided, ridiculous disguise and a hunt in the hen house. The whole effect is very quickly seen as a madcap romp. There were a few scattered clues to the identity of the murderer but I didn’t get it until just before it was revealed.

If you are a reader looking for a sexy historical romance - look elsewhere. But if you want to take a break from serious reading and enjoy laughter and an entertaining mystery, do try this cute story - it’s a hoot! I would be glad to read more of Miss Lucy's madcap adventures.

I received this from the author for an honest review. Thank you Anya for a very fun interlude.

Book Review: The Wicked Wager by Anya Wylde

This cute story has an interesting and fun premise and goes from masquerade to murder.

The Wicked Wager (A Regency Murder Mystery & Romance)
by Anya Wylde

• File Size: 455 KB
• Print Length: 233 pages
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B008UWBJB4

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: August 7, 2012
The infamous rake, Lord Richard Hamilton, has finally chosen his bride—the very appropriate Miss Emma Grey.
The ton approves, Lord Grey is pleased, Lady Grey delighted, and Emma is over the moon, but her uncle, (the blasted) Duke of Arden opposes the match, and Emma is ordered to move to the duke’s estate to think things over.
Richard Hamilton refuses to take things lying down and concocts a plan. A plan that should have brought the lovers together and had them married within a month. It was a simple matter of masquerading as the duke’s gardener, compromising the lady, and then having the duke rush them off to Gretna Green.
Alas, he underestimates the duke’s intelligence and the tangled situation on the estate—never had he imagined that compromising a lady could be so difficult.
His endeavours lead to a comedy of errors, charades, and knotty love affairs. Yet he forges ahead in spite of pesky house guests, a flea bitten mattress, his lovesick best friend, and a blackmailer.
Just when things seem to be going well, someone is murdered (very inconvenient), and he happens to be one of the suspects (extremely inconvenient).
His simple plan for winning the wager suddenly becomes … a tad complicated.

Review:
Lord Richard Hamilton has a reputation as a rake but one evening he stumbles onto an outspoken beauty ... and instantly falls in love. Emma Grey is beautiful and lively. She is also a dutiful young woman prepared to follow her families’ requirement of scheduling the wedding a few months away. That is difficult enough for Richard but he refuses to wait a year which is now the plan according to Emma’s Uncle, the Duke of Arden.

Emma is set to go live with her Uncle while she contemplates if this marriage is really suitable. Richard wants to prove that he is smarter than the Duke and that Emma should submit to his instructions rather than the Duke’s.  He makes a wager that he can masquerade as a gardner under the Duke’s nose for a month without being found out. This way he can be close to Emma and spend time with her. If he fails to last a month, he will wait the year if he must. If he succeeds then he will proceed to convince the Duke to let him marry Emma right away, even if it means compromising her.

The scenario leaves itself open to the old adage: “oh what a web we weave when first we practice to deceive!” One masquerade leads to another as Richard calls in a friend to pose as Richard himself when the Duke invites Emma’s fiancé (Richard) to visit the estate. This brings more lies to juggle. What Richard didn’t expect is a Duke who prides himself on knowing what is going on with the people and servants in his household.

Emma and Richard discover a blackmailing scheme and increased tension in the house. Richard's friend wants to reveal himself because he has fallen in love with Emma’s cousin. Before the young people can sort things out, there is a murder and they all become suspects.  At this point Duke Arden takes control of the investigation with a private agent at his side.

I really enjoyed the wacky mischief that Richard instigates. I also liked how Ms. Wylde uses a technique of Agatha Christie to pursue the solution of the crime. The Duke interviews each of the suspects and then gathers everyone together to reveal motives, opportunity and likelihood of guilt. The writing is light and breezes along nicely. The mystery gives added interest to the zany masquerade and sweet romance. I hope you will pick this book up to enjoy.

Words noted:
     Cute, Richard - Scamp, conflicted charade, sweet.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Richard realizes life is different for the servant class:

He wondered how people managed daily without any assets. Every day would be a struggle if one always had to depend on one’s wit rather than one’s looks or name.  Location 655.

Richard was accustomed to mischief:

His brilliant ideas of gluing teachers to chairs, putting spiders in desks, and bribing servants for treats, to name a few, bought him the loyalty and love of his classmates. Location 1007.

I received the eBook from the Author for an honest review.

NOTE:  The Wicked Wager (A Regency Murder Mystery & Romanc ) is now Free for Amazon Prime Members and will be free for everyone November 1 – 5! I hope you will pick this book up to enjoy.

Author Bio 
Anya Wylde lives in Ireland along with her husband and a fat French poodle (now on a diet). She can cook a mean curry, and her idea of exercise is occasionally stretching her toes. She holds a degree in English literature and adores reading and writing.