In 1835 London, companion Vivian Bradish daringly pursues her dream of being a writer by researching and notating her ailing employer’s new book–A Guide to London for Fearless Women. Posing as a mark, Viv boldly enters a street known for pickpockets. When she’s attacked, she accidentally shoots the handsome gentleman who aids her. She brings the wounded stranger to her employer’s home for medical aid, but they are caught in a compromising situation, threatening Viv’s position and dreams.
Her would-be rescuer, Lark, was once a Lost Boy, part of a gang of street urchins and pickpockets rescued by the Duke of Wenlocke. Reformed, he’s now Edward Larkin, posing as a gentleman and searching for clues to his past. Meeting Viv is unexpected, and to save her position in the household, he proposes a fake betrothal.
To “court her,” Lark promises to guide her through the streets of the London she’s never seen so she can finish the book, never dreaming his impulse to help Viv will lead him to his lost family.
PJ's Thoughts:
Is it pure coincidence that I received an advance copy of this book shortly before visiting London for the first time? I think not. Reading this story about a young woman writing a walking guide to London for fearless women while, for the first time in my life, actually walking London was pure pleasure. I just wish I could have had her full guide at hand. And a Lark of my own to be my personal guide wouldn't have hurt either!
This feel-good first book in Kate Moore's new The Duke's Men series reeled me in within the first few pages and kept me invested in Viv's and Lark's story until the very end. Moore brought these characters to life in such a way that they felt real to me. I loved all of the peaks and valleys of their slow, endearing journey to love, from their rather startling first encounter, to a fake engagement, to an unexpected betrayal, and more. Viv's intrepid spirit and thirst for knowledge made me want to explore London with her while Lark's search for his past and determination to be a better man just made me want to hug him. I pulled so hard for these two.
I am fully invested in Moore's lost boys who are now the Duke's men and am already looking forward to more books in this new series. If you enjoy your historical romance with plenty of adventure, lively characters, emotional depth, personal growth, and sweet romance, give The Lady and the Thief a try. I loved it.
It was meant to be! Sounds good for a new series.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review and the introduction to a new to me author as well as the beginning of a series which sounds exciting. Any time that Lost Boys can be found and then succeed in life is a good time. And as for first visits to London, I envy you. I know that it was serendipity for your timing - visit - book - and the entire perfect coming together of all that was good. Life can be lovely.
ReplyDeleteThis is a book and a series I will definitely will be reading. I was able to read a short excerpt and I love her style of writing. I am overdue for a good historical read.
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