Once Upon a Lady
Addie Jo Ryleigh
Historical Regency
Respectable Lady Katherine Baxton, striving to meet the requirements of her station, has become the ultimate dutiful daughter. And now, the Duke of Blackthorn’s betrothed. Far from a love match, Kate is nevertheless determined to do as expected and marry.
That all changes the night she panics at her impending future and runs, stumbling upon a private grove, a mysterious tree . . . and a half-naked man.
The youngest son of a viscount widely thought to have purchased his title, Jackson Cooper demonstrates his disdain for the aristocracy by affording himself every luxury available—drinking, wenching, and gambling—while eschewing anything representing the ton. Jackson has little care for his reputation and no desire to marry. His escape from London is all but complete.
Until fate—in the form of a beautiful, mysterious lady—interrupts his plans, enticing him with the very thing he never wanted.
Uncaged Review: Lady Katherine has always been the dutiful daughter. Her announcement on her betrothal to a Duke is expected within her family and Society, even though it is not a love match.
When she runs off, she happens upon a mysterious tree, and a man. Jackson Cooper is a rake, he’s the son of a Viscount, and never attends Society functions. But when his father demands he find a wife or lose his allowance, Jackson only needs to delay him a bit to get his plan in motion of buying into a shipping business which will bring him independence from his father.
Everything the both of these people believe for their futures is thrown for a loop when they meet. They are drawn to each other – and can’t stay away from each other.
I liked the characters, even the secondary supporting cast and even though this is a shorter book, the author does a nice job. My biggest gripe is the ending. This book could easily have gone on for another chapter or two. Reviewed by Cyrene
4 Stars
