Lady Phoebe Hunt never anticipated returning from exile. A fatal choice drove her from England, but the death of her father—and the revelation of his debts—has brought her home. Once she settles her father’s estate, she will return to America, where she has reinvented herself. There’s no reason to remain, not even for one gravitationally challenged but deliciously tempting entrepreneur: Sam Fenley.
Samuel Fenley is all ambition. Rising from shop boy to wealthy investor, he’s left knocking on doors that open only for those with a title. Unless he buys the damned door itself—and the estate that goes with it. Sam offers to relieve Phoebe of her burdens, but is her crumbling mansion all Sam wants? Or is it the Lady herself?
When threats from Phoebe’s past spark new dangers, Sam and Phoebe discover that neither is what the other expected. Standing on the edge of disaster, the disgraced Ice Queen will have to decide if she wants to forge through life alone, or let an unlikely hero melt her heart.
The Lady Sparks A Flame by Elizabeth Everett is the second book in her Damsels of Discovery series. These dovetail off her first series which centered around the lady scientists of Athena’s Retreat. I love when authors do this and I find myself getting comfortable with old friends again. This book supplies that and so much more making a quite enjoyable five star read.
We are reintroduced to Sam Finley who is a charmer with a Midas touch and Lady Phoebe Hart who returns to England from her banishment to the Americas for her part in a deadly bombing. At first glance, it is hard to see how these two could ever fall in love. He is optimistic and gregarious. She is wound so tight and views the world with suspicion and dread. Sam Finley comes from a large, loud and joyous family. Lady Phoebe's mother and sister, like Phoebe, bear the scars of a horrible husband and father. Phoebe spent her childhood getting the brunt of her father’s punishments while protecting her younger sister.
Lady Phoebe has no time for love or anything right now. She has her no good father’s debts to settle. To do so she must sell everything or enough to see her mother and sister made comfortable. Lucky for her Sam, along with his other varied business interests can help her do that. As a result, they journey to her neglected family home to make those assessments. The sooner this is all taken care of the quicker she can leave behind all her unpleasant memories and return to America.
Sam, however, is in no hurry to get away from her. He has always had a tendre for her and their close proximity is just the ticket. He works his charms to seemingly no avail. But soon cracks can be seen in her armour and she lets him in little by little until it becomes too much. It's not so much that she doubts his love but how can anyone love her when her own father couldn’t. Sam has his work cut out for him.
I encourage you to pick up a copy of The Lady Sparks A Flame and see how Sam resorts to making a big splash to prove his love. If you’ve never read a book by Elizabeth Everett you can read this one as a stand alone. It has great dialog and banter. There are some dark pieces to the book which may be triggering for some but the author provides a brief warning in the beginning of the book which is very helpful and enlightening.
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Readers, have you read any of Elizabeth Everett's books?
One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, March 26 will receive a print copy of The Lady Sparks A Flame.
*U.S. only
*Must be 18
I have not read any of the books in this series. The description and review have sparked my interest.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this author before but now that I know about this captivating, intriguing and memorable novel I surely will.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read anything by this author yet - I like series & connected characters, but would love to try this one since Santa says it can be read as a stand alone.
ReplyDeleteI read her Secret Scientists of London series and absolutely loved all 3 of them! I
ReplyDeleteMs Everett is a new to me author. But, this review and your comments have given me the incentive to find what I have been missing. I like series which connect characters and provide a history. All that gives a good foundation for a story. Thanks for the review and the introduction to Ms Everett.
ReplyDeleteI've not yet read any of her books. I remember hearing about the lady scientists of Athena’s Retreat, but never got to read them. Thank you for the review. This does sound like a book and series I would enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI'm familiar with her books, but I haven't read any.
ReplyDeleteI read and loved her debut!
ReplyDeleteShe's a new-to-me author I'm now eager to get to know! Thanks for the exciting review.
ReplyDeleteNever read any of her books. This sounds like a great book!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed The Love Remedy, first book in this series. This story looks just as good!
ReplyDelete