Customer Reviews

The Lord and the Wayward Lady (Harlequin Historical)

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I've never read Louise Allen before and I was pleasantly surprised. Her voice makes it easy to sink into the book and her characterizations are fully-realized without page after page of introspection. Nell is a sweet and industrious heroine who is only looking to make a living while she dreams impossible dreams in her shabby one-room home. Marcus is a take-charge hero who has a tendency to jump to conclusions and they're invariably wrong. So the question is, will he see the error of his ways in time for a happy ending? Since it's a romance I think you can figure that part out...

The Lord and the Wayward Lady is an entertaining read and a good start to the Silk and Scandal series. ~ Renee, [...]

This is the opening book in an eight book Harlequin series - "Silk and Scandal" - with each book written by a different author (except for Louise Allen and Christine Merrill who write two apiece). The series is off to a strong start with an intriguing mystery surrounding an old murder case for which perhaps the wrong man was convicted. Nell Latham is the daughter of the man convicted and hung for the murder. Marcus Carlow, Viscount Stanegate, is the son of the man who was the chief witness against Nell's father. Now twenty years later, a mysterious stranger, trying to dredge up the past for nefarious reasons, contrives for Nell and Marcus' paths to cross. They are unaware of their common history and become involved with each other before they realize the connection....then things become rather complicated!

This story grabbed my interest from the start and never let it go. The Carlow family presents a winning ensemble, and Nell is a dynamic addition to the mix. I enjoyed watching Nell and Marcus alternatively feed and fight their feelings for each other while various family members looked on with knowing smiles. The mystery component is weighty and compelling, and I was particularly curious as to who could be behind the persistent threats. Nell was sometimes difficult, but the interchanges between her and Marcus were easy to enjoy...their protective feelings towards one another quite endearing. I look forward to the next installment, "Paying the Virgin's Price", by Christine Merrill.