Customer Reviews

The The Lady Flees Her Lord

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

THREE QUICK POINTS:
* Point 1: The descriptions were lush and beautiful. I felt as though I were in the 19th century countryside along with them and experiencing everything they were experiencing.

* Point 2: There were huge flaws in the character development. Lucinda (Lady Denbigh) is an intelligent and strong-willed woman who somehow manages not to do the first thing most intelligent and strong-willed women would do after fleeing Lord Denbigh and it rang false. Hugo has the weakest "fear" that rang even more false than Lucinda's actions.

* Point 3: This book was written and edited in stages. As I was reading, I'd go through long stretches without a single noticeable grammatical or spelling error, then I'd come to a patch where there was literally one every other page. It was quite easy to figure out which sections were done at different times.

SHORT SYNOPSIS:
Set in 19th century England, the story starts in London and then shifts to the countryside, when Lucinda (Lady Denbigh) escapes from her physically and emotionally abusive husband before she can be made into a prostitute at a party.

After a child is abandoned in her care, Lady Denbigh takes up residence in a home on Lord Wanstead's property. When he returns from the war, he's a grumpy man laden with guilt (to put it mildly), but he's instantly attracted to Lucinda's strong carriage. Despite doing everything in his power to avoid a romance with her, their feelings for one another are too strong and spicy carnal pleasures ensue.

Since bliss rarely lasts forever, theirs comes to an abrupt end when Wanstead inadvertently finds out Lucinda's secret and Wanstead is forced to reveal his and both are faced with difficult decisions to make.

MY THOUGHTS:
The book started out smoothly with Lucinda trying to flee her home. During the set up, we're shown that Lucinda is a strong woman who is a little self-conscious because of the continued verbal and physical abuse issued by her husband, Lord Denbigh.

The descriptions were lush; it rendered the scene so clearly that you could almost feel the grass between your toes and the cool country air blowing across your face.

No, the descriptions and prose are not what I had a problem with at all. My gripes arose due to ponderous character flaws in the two main characters.

Lucinda admittedly came from a happy, healthy family who loved and cared about her. Yet, when she fled Denbigh, she didn't try to get in contact with them. The question kept nagging at me: Why not? Based on the information given, they would certainly have helped her had she gone to them, and Lucinda is not a weak-willed or stupid woman. She's painted as a strong woman who can hold her own in games of skill and strategy. Aside from this, her character was well developed. I liked her, but I would have liked her more if she had tried to contact her family. (It would have been more plausible had she tried to contact her family and failed.)

Hugo (who may have been Hugh at some point--at least according to the Freudian slip made on page 216), having returned from the war was feeling incredibly guilty about the deaths of his mother and his Spanish wife. Constantly he's talking about how guilty and bad he feels. The first couple of times he eluded to it, it sparked curiosity, but as it continued on it became annoying. At one point (about 200 pages in), I actually opened my mouth and told him to either spill the beans or shut up about his having "killed" these two woman (not to sound insensitive or anything). Then, when his big secret is revealed, I truly wanted to fling the book against the wall. Rather than beat up an otherwise good book, I decided to roll my eyes and sigh instead.

Barring those two transgressions, the book was a quick and entertaining read. It was a nice way to pass an evening while sipping on a glass of wine and enjoying some chocolate delights. (As the dedication implies.)

Lucinda runs away from her husband after he tells her that she has to 'entertain' his good friend at an up coming house party. She picks up an orphan and some widow's weeds and makes her way to Kent posing as a war widow. All too soon her new landlord returns and decides he is in lust with the buxom widow. Thus begins our tale. The beginning is very very strong and I found myself really cheering for Lucinda and Hugo, but after about the half way point things start to go down hill.

This is a personal pet peeve of mine and I know it won't bother others but I have to warn those it will bother. I strongly dislike when historic heros ask their lady love to live with them as their mistress. In that time period that would make Lucinda nothing more than a whore, and being she was gently raised, and raising her adopted daughter Sophia, I can't fathom why Lucinda would begin to accept moving in with him, or why it would enter into his mind to ask. Talk about teaching your child how to be disrespected by men. I know our modern view is much different but to ask her to live with him unmarried is just an insult, just as if a man expected his wife to stop working and take care of him is an insult in a contemporary set novel.

His questionable honor, based on his view of keeping Lucinda as a mistress made it hard for me to believe Hugo would get so angry about concealing Lucinda's location from her heel of a husband. It went against his honor to break the law hiding a wife from her lawful husband but asking a respectable woman to shack up with him didn't put any dings in his honor? Also Hugo's behavior later in the book I found . . . annoying. I don't think he was acting out of character but I disliked that Hugo lived down to his character instead of living up to it, making Lucinda humble herself after all she had suffered from her husband, something I didn't enjoy reading. And I am sorry to say their last love scene was just, well ridiculous. Not the writing or anything like that, but it just went so far out of Lucinda's character as to almost be laughable.

Basically what I liked was Lucinda, Sophia and the sundry of town folks, the 1st half of the book, and a real tangible problem to keep the two lovers apart, which let's face it is not always present. What I disliked was Hugo asking her to shack up with him, the fact that there had to be more issues than Lucinda being married to keep them apart (seriously redundant), and some of Hugo's behavior towards the end of the book. But my number one biggest problem is I never really believed they were in love. They obviously were fond of each other and attracted but neither of them did anything to prove their love, and Hugo's reason for avoiding marriage is so inconsequential to 18th century life as to make me wonder if he felt much of anything for her is so little a problem would keep them apart. Even after I read the whole thing, I still find it unconvincing.

A really strong start, but bogged down by a wishy washy hero in the 2nd half that really makes this one a dud, at least compared with all the promise the 1st have showed. But check this out if you are more forgiving of hero's than I am or love stories with plus sizes gals. 3 stars.

A regency historical pairing a runaway countess (Lucinda) posing as a military widow, with a penniless lord (Hugo) who recently returned to his rundown country estate after 10 years of war in France. Overall it was fast and enjoyable read but it had a few parts that frustrated me.

The story itself is simple; Lucinda has fled London and the emotional and physical abuse of a horrible husband. Hugo is instantly attracted to her and is set on having a physical affair. In the day-to-day adventures of life in the small village, she keeps crossing paths with Hugo until their passions sweep them away.

The story kept me engaged, but I found myself getting upset with the hero and heroine for different things. For the heroine, I understood her need to lie about her identity, and I can even look past the fact that she was `cheating' on her husband as that behavior was more acceptable and typical for that era. But her continued lack of honesty with Hugo, and then her seemingly lack of remorse for it, set my nerves a blaze. I didn't hate Lucinda, but in the end I didn't like her either. And as hero's go, Hugo was only OK too. I think this is where the story really fell short, as he is a hero type I normally would love but we never got to fall in love with him. We didn't really get to know him as a person, and the author did one thing that drives me nuts: she gave him a plot device where he blames himself for something that anyone with any common sense knows was completely out of his control and not his fault.

This book does have it strengths and the story is quite compelling in many places, but it missed the potential of being so much more. I can't say I'd recommend this one to all historical romance fans, especially to those readers who do not abide a cheating hero or heroine under any circumstances, but the writing was good and the story different from what is typically published.

Lady Lucinda Denbigh has been married to her husband for a long time. What started out as a marriage of love, at least to Lucinda, has turned into a marriage of horrific proportions. Never a small girl to start with, Lucinda is constantly being ridiculed by her husband over her weight, her looks, and her inability to get pregnant. Physically abusive to her, Lucinda's husband drinks a lot and spends a good bit of time away from home. When he comes home after a particularly nasty bout of drinking, Lucinda knows it is only a matter of time before he demands his husbandly rights. Rights she no longer plans to allow him because when he passes out, she flees her lord and runs away into the night. Lucinda plans to secret herself in the country posing as a widow with the hopes of never having to deal with her abusive husband again.

Lord Hugo Wanstead is a tormented and wounded man, both physically and mentally. He wants nothing more than retire to his estate and heal from his wounds. His beloved wife was killed in the war in which he fought and Hugo's conscience won't allow him to forgive himself for putting her in harm's way. When he finally returns to his estate, he finds it in near ruins and a widow living the Dower House, Hugo sees red and wants her gone. There is just one catch - the lovely widow is the only person who is paying monies on time and if there is one thing Hugo needs for his estate it is the money she is bringing in for rent. As time passes Hugo realizes another thing - the widow holds his attention more and more and he finds himself wanting to explore their feelings for each other.

Fate is cruel mistress however. Lucinda's husband finds her and not only does he want her back, he sets forth a plan to make her return to him and his perverted ways. Hugo will have to search for his new love and find her before her hateful and cruel husband harms her.

THE LADY FLEES HER LORD is chock full of intrigue and suspenseful plotting. Lucinda escaped her husband with little more than the clothes on her back, yet, she was strong and courageous in my eyes and was able to pick herself up and take care of herself. Emotional abuse is a tough thing to deal with and Lucinda, while hurt, handled it and was able to finally believe in herself that she was beautiful. I love the process in which Lucinda had to go through to finally believe in herself. It was realistically written, that's for sure.

Hugo is unable to forgive himself for the deaths of his wife and mother and as such, experiences nightmares and finds himself only able to sleep after drowning his sorrows in alcohol. When he inadvertently meets Lucinda, the sorrow he feels comes across as anger when he finds her living in the Dower House of his estate. Wanting her gone and prepared to tell her that very fact, Hugo begins to realize that in his anger, he is finally feeling something after such a very long time. I didn't like how his anger let his mouth run at times but I also understood his pain. His falling in love with Lucinda, his desire of her, was beautifully written and very sensuous.

If there was one thing I did not like about THE LADY FLEES HER LORD it would have to be Lord Denbigh. I loathed and despised this character. I hated him with a passion and wanted him to die. Bloodthirsty thoughts, I know, but in my emotions being that strong, I knew that Ms. Young had perfectly characterized this infuriating and evil man. He was the devil incarnate and more than once I found myself yelling at him out loud while reading.

THE LADY FLEES HER LORD takes the reader away to the English countryside. Glimpses of the setting help give this novel a regency feel. Historical romance is meant to be exactly how Ms. Young portrayed it. Intense, emotional, and just a very good story. I loved every single word of this exquisite book!

***Natalie S. for Wild on Books***

Lady Lucinda Denbigh is a plump, statuesque woman who is constantly abused physically and mentally from her husband. He only married Lucinda for her allowance and an heir. She has yet to produce the heir, so he abuses her as he believes she is barren.

However, one day, in the dead of the night, she escapes and runs away. As she is waiting for the train, a young misfortunate woman heaves her young daughter into Lucinda's arms, asking her to watch the child while she goes to apply for a job. Soon, Lucinda finds that the woman just left, leaving the child Lucinda's responsibility. She names the child, Sophia, and instantly falls in love with her.

She finds a home to rent , and begins to make new friends in the small town. She changes her name and is careful what she reveals about herself, so her husband doesn't find her. Her landlord, Lord Hugo Wanstead, is fresh home after being gone for years. He has a battle wound that won't heal and finds his solace in brandy. When he meets Lucinda, he is besotted.


Together, they create fireworks. Before long, though, Lucinda's past catches up with her, and she is not sure if she and Hugo's relationship will be strong enough to withstand the heat.

This is a wonderful book. Beautiful historical background with two characters who just are not perfect. It makes the story so much more real when you can relate to them. Highly recommend, and I look forward to reading more from this author.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the heroine's courage in being able to leave her abuser which from personal experience I know is a hard thing to do. The hardest part for me personally is recovering mentally from the abuse I have suffered, but this Lady's story inspired me and gives me hope. I feel more determined than ever to not let abuse ruin the rest of my life. I enjoyed the romance between "Mrs. Graham" and Hugh and the way they healed each other.
I was quite surprised by the Duke of Vale's role in the book. I despised him until his true nature is revealed. (spoiler alert) I felt though that he should find his own happiness for his caring, and rescue of Lady Denbigh. I did feel bad that he went to all that effort for her and he basically got nothing in return for his efforts because she had already fallen for Hugh in the meantime. I understand their romance but I do have to say that I felt the Duke did more for her than Hugh in terms of getting her away from her abuser. He was too caught up in getting her away from him to be able to woo her like Hugh was doing in the meantime. So that part I felt bad about. Otherwise, it was a good and inspiring story.

I enjoyed this book so much. It was wonderful to read about a strong woman who doesn't let abuse deefine her. Hugo, wow what a man.

Lady Lucinda Denbigh has been married to her husband for a long time. What started out as a marriage of love, at least to Lucinda, has turned into a marriage of horrific proportions. Never a small girl to start with, Lucinda is constantly being ridiculed by her husband over her weight, her looks, and her inability to get pregnant. Physically abusive to her, Lucinda's husband drinks a lot and spends a good bit of time away from home. When he comes home after a particularly nasty bout of drinking, Lucinda knows it is only a matter of time before he demands his husbandly rights. Rights she no longer plans to allow him because when he passes out, she flees her lord and runs away into the night. Lucinda plans to secret herself in the country posing as a widow with the hopes of never having to deal with her abusive husband again.

Lord Hugo Wanstead is a tormented and wounded man, both physically and mentally. He wants nothing more than retire to his estate and heal from his wounds. His beloved wife was killed in the war in which he fought and Hugo's conscience won't allow him to forgive himself for putting her in harm's way. When he finally returns to his estate, he finds it in near ruins and a widow living the Dower House, Hugo sees red and wants her gone. There is just one catch - the lovely widow is the only person who is paying monies on time and if there is one thing Hugo needs for his estate it is the money she is bringing in for rent. As time passes Hugo realizes another thing - the widow holds his attention more and more and he finds himself wanting to explore their feelings for each other.

Fate is cruel mistress however. Lucinda's husband finds her and not only does he want her back, he sets forth a plan to make her return to him and his perverted ways. Hugo will have to search for his new love and find her before her hateful and cruel husband harms her.

THE LADY FLEES HER LORD is chock full of intrigue and suspenseful plotting. Lucinda escaped her husband with little more than the clothes on her back, yet, she was strong and courageous in my eyes and was able to pick herself up and take care of herself. Emotional abuse is a tough thing to deal with and Lucinda, while hurt, handled it and was able to finally believe in herself that she was beautiful. I love the process in which Lucinda had to go through to finally believe in herself. It was realistically written, that's for sure.

Hugo is unable to forgive himself for the deaths of his wife and mother and as such, experiences nightmares and finds himself only able to sleep after drowning his sorrows in alcohol. When he inadvertently meets Lucinda, the sorrow he feels comes across as anger when he finds her living in the Dower House of his estate. Wanting her gone and prepared to tell her that very fact, Hugo begins to realize that in his anger, he is finally feeling something after such a very long time. I didn't like how his anger let his mouth run at times but I also understood his pain. His falling in love with Lucinda, his desire of her, was beautifully written and very sensuous.

If there was one thing I did not like about THE LADY FLEES HER LORD it would have to be Lord Denbigh. I loathed and despised this character. I hated him with a passion and wanted him to die. Bloodthirsty thoughts, I know, but in my emotions being that strong, I knew that Ms. Young had perfectly characterized this infuriating and evil man. He was the devil incarnate and more than once I found myself yelling at him out loud while reading.

THE LADY FLEES HER LORD takes the reader away to the English countryside. Glimpses of the setting help give this novel a regency feel. Historical romance is meant to be exactly how Ms. Young portrayed it. Intense, emotional, and just a very good story. I loved every single word of this exquisite book!

***Natalie S. for Wild on Books***

I enjoyed this book very much. Michele's grasp of Regency life and the world is excellent. Her hero and heroine are flawed, not the typical perfect specimens in looks or action, but that is what makes them so intriguing. I loved seeing Lucinda grow in her strength. Yes, it can get annoying when the main characters continue to misunderstand and not communicate, but that is typical Regency drama, and Michele presents that very well. You rout for both of these people and the ending is fulfilling in all ways. A very satisfying read that I highly recommend.

Back of the book:

She's desperate for peace and safety...
Lucinda, Lady Denbigh, is running from a husband who physically and emotionally abuses her because she is unfashionably plump and has failed to produce an heir. Posing as a widow, she seeks refuge in he the quiet countryside.

He's returned from the wards, wounded and tomented...
Lord Hugo Wanstead, with a wound that won't heal, and his mother's and Spanish wife's deaths on his conscience, finds his estate impoverished, his sleep torn by nightmares, and brandy his only solace. When he meets Lucinda, he finds her beautiful--- body and soul --- and thinks she just might give him something to live for...

Together they can begin to heal, but not until she is free from her violent past...

*

This book was an amazing story of 2 people living different lives brought together during harsh and difficult times. I loved how the author, Michele Ann Young, wrote about 2 'out of the norm' main characters. Lucinda is a larger sized woman wanting to be loved, but her husband is so cruel and condescending that she finds she has to leave him to really live. Hugo is tormented by his past and having been in the war. His mood is dark, but he is a lonely man just wanting to be left alone with his bourbon. From deception to emotional fireworks to forgiveness, this book has everything. The romantic tension between Lucinda and Hugo kept me reading the book and I didn't want to put it down! The buildup of whether the two end up together is filled with enough twists and turns you'll never be sure until the very end. I'm looking forward to reading more books by Michele Ann Young.