This is such a beautiful historical romance full of richness with this society world we in. I love how you paired to how you spend the rest of you life with and based on your richness. If you loved Bridgetown you love this book. I loved the characters the writing the story setting of this world. Loved every paged.

One of my favourite tropes within period romance is a wallflower finally being seen, and that sums this book up. But Tre doesn't just start to see her because of her beauty but because of her intelligence, her fierce passion for intrigue and investigating scandals and mysteries.

Tre has his own issues to deal with and his insecurities, but Mary is a welcomed bright light that accepts him for who he is and they are perfect for each other, once they work through their fears.


I really loved the time jumps, it gave us that sense of how these characters grew within their romance and within themselves. A lot of regency romances can be more of a meet and wed within a year, again this is true to the time period but when reading in modern day, it feels more realistic to love through time.

I really enjoyed this and would love to read more from Sarah!

Set in the Victorian period, Mary is a worry to her parents. They want her married off but are struggling to find her a husband. When she meets Tre a connection develops. Mary is strong minded and not a stereotypical woman for this period. I loved her mystery solving abilities A great read for those who love Bridgerton.

This book was slower-paced than I expected, but it was still enjoyable. I very much liked the main characters Trefusis and Mary. They worked well together as a couple falling in love and as investigators of crimes with neither scenario overshadowing the other.

Marguerite Kaye's part in the writing of this book is evident because of the wealth of knowledge she brings thanks to the research she puts into her stories. The description of the people, the places, and the clothes all help to paint a picture so you can easily imagine yourself there amongst the characters.

The collaboration between Marguerite and Sarah works well and if you haven't read the first book in this series, Her Heart for a Compass, then you ought to. Of course, I recommend that you read this book too. You won't be disappointed.

Mary is cut from a different cloth to the other women in society - she wants a purpose beyond matrimony and motherhood. She is an endearing, ballsy, vulnerable and endlessly likeable. Her character's development was wonderful to watch, and felt totally plausible given the passage of time covered in the book.
Tre is struggling with an illness he finds shameful and keeping it, and many other things, secret. He is stoic, charming, commanding and gentle. I really enjoyed the dynamic that he had with Mary throughout the story, but I particularly enjoyed seeing how their relationship with each other developed over the span of the several years that the story covered.
The real touches of historical accuracy added depth to the story and were clearly very well researched. They helped me to completely immerse myself in the world that the author created.
The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is that it felt a little slow to start for me; to the point where I read the first 10% and then went off and read something else before revisiting the rest of the story.

A fictional and charming account of the lives of Lady Mary Montagu Douglas Scott and Colonel Walter Trefusis prior to their marriage. The former wants to be more than a wife and mother, she wants to be useful but not in the limelight and the other suffers from PTSD in an era when it was looked upon with distain. I could have wished that there was months, rather than years between their meetings, but I did find the story enjoyable and the historical notes at the back of the book were fascinating.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I did enjoy this story, it’s not a quick romance but takes several years before Lady Mary and Colonel Trefusis (Tre) come to terms with what they really want. Lady Mary didn’t want to just become a wife and mother, she wanted to find a place for herself where she could feel useful. Mary had begun success solving small mysteries for people she knew and Tre had helped her in this. The more time they spent together affected how they felt about each other. However, neither were prepared to commit. Tre suffered from debilitating headaches that he saw as a weakness, plus he, too, was trying to find satisfying work to do. I did like the character of Tre’s aunt Louisa, she told things as they were and had some very good advice for both Mary and her mother. I found the author’s notes very interesting. This was an engaging read with likeable characters and mysteries to solve. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a historical romance set in Victorian times
Involving mystery and some serious crimes!
It has characters who actually lived in those days
But the events are fictional portrayals.

Lady Mary likes to watch and disappear from view
Seeing how others relate and what they do.
She abhors the spotlight, preferring hiding in plain sight,
Observant and skilled at putting wrongs to right.

Colonel Walter Trefusis is a guest at her family home
With plans and secrets of his very own.
The two form an alliance to help to solve a crime
Will it lead to anything more despite their limited time?

A lady wanting more than only being someone's wife,
Wanting to find a way to make something of her life.
Fighting expectations is difficult for her though,
Finding more about herself will help her have a go.

With mystery and intrigue and self discovery, too,
Historical facts are woven all the way through.
A skilful blend of fact and fiction, too,
Creates this story I recommend to you.

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

Wallflower Lady Mary Montagu Douglas Scott has a secret. Moving effortlessly unnoticed amongst the ballrooms and palaces of Queen Victoria, her sharp intelligence and keen powers of observation allow her to quietly solve society crimes – coming to the rescue of those whose pride and fortune is at stake. Overlooked and underestimated, Mary finds missing money, recovers stolen jewellery and saves reputations. When she meets Colonel Walter Trefusis, an unlikely and spirited alliance is formed. But Mary has more than met her match in her sleuthing partner. As she battles the expectations of society and her family, Mary must follow her heart – whatever the cost
A well written interesting read, which combined the skill & experience of Marguerite Kaye with the lifestyle experience of The Duchess of York, a slow burn romance, which took second place to the plight of women in the Victorian era. I enjoyed the book but found I read it over a period of about a week, delving in from time to time whilst reading other books. I was interested in Walter & Mary’s journey to a HEA but didn’t find it engrossing & to be honest was more interested in the historical detail
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The mysteries and intrigue's were right up my street. I found it gripping and didn't want to put it down. The only thing I would say is it was quite long perhaps just on the verge of being too long since it too the couple 5 whole years to get together. The author and how much involvement she had on the writing didn't really matter to me more important was that I liked the story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you to Netgalley who provided me with this advanced copy of A Most Intriguing Lady by Sarah Ferguson.
This is the first book of I have read by her and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Not only is it an easy read in the romance genre, but it also features intriguing historical facts. The author's skilful blending of setting, era, and storyline made for a captivating and engaging read.

Enjoyable and easy to read. Very descriptive and included some great humour. Romance between Lady Mary and Tre was rather slow to progress.
I was pleasantly surprised how well written the book was.
Where I question the storyline is about Lady Mary who lived a restrictive life was able to remove herself without a proper explanation to work as a detective in the way she did.

Having read good reviews of her 1st book, when given the chance of the ARC I thought it was a good opportunity to read her 2nd book with the intention of buying her 1st. Sadly despite a few attempts I could not get into it. Sorry gave up.

Exceeded my expectations!!!
My first book from Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and it was hugely enjoyable and pleasingly well researched.
The story pivots around Mary born into aristocracy, and how she deals with the life she is given. Her small rebellions and ways of breaking the rules unnoticed were brilliant. I was immersed and drawn in by page 2!
The characters, life and times of England in the latter part of the 19th century were well described, depicted and observed, especially showing a woman’s lot from all walks of life, from a servant, to a taken for granted wife. Gosh - No spoilers here, it’s better to enjoy the tale as it unfolds! Dancing, elaborate dinners, shooting and gentrified life reminiscent of Bridgerton and Downtown.
The background at the end of the book was really helpful with both characters and the places and backdrops used which cemented the real life possibilities from this story.
I loved the beauty of a woman coming into her own in her early twenties, this showed great sensitivity, insight and courage in the writing.
Interesting, well observed, sensitive and candid…. Yes and a bit raunchy! All you want from a modern day Mills & Boon!
Thank you NetGalley and Mills & Boon for the early read!! Can’t wait for the next book!

A nice, interesting story that was full of historic detail. The characters were nicely written and the story flowed well but it just didn't grip me and make me eager to read it!

3.5 ⭐

A Most Intriguing Lady was not the story I was expecting but in the best possible way. Differing slightly from the usual Mills and Boon romance novel, the love affair between the books two central characters, Lady Mary Montagu Douglas Scott and Colonel Walter Trefusis, is the definition of a slow-burn yet takes somewhat of a back seat.

Instead of focusing wholely on romance, Sarah Ferguson chooses, instead to focus on bringing to life the "forgotten" women of the Victorian era. Amongst all the limitations and expectations placed upon women at that time, The Duchess of York has played around with the facts and created some what of a sleuth with her heroine, Lady Mary.

The plot, which is as fun as it is full of rich historical detail, follows Lady Mary as she dares to go against the grain, choosing not to settle for becoming just a wife, but seeks to find her equal. Enter Trefusis, who falls for Lady Mary almost immediately after meeting her - with a penchant for solving crimes and acting on a whim, Mary is a most intriguing lady, indeed!

The book proceeds to focus heavily on the society crimes they solve together and on female empowerment, which makes for such a fascinating read. As a reader, you watch as the pair rebel, fall in love, overcome hurdles and ultimately get their happily ever after - a satisfying and rewarding end to such a evocative tale. I look forward to reading the next book! 📖💕

I received this ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was so easy to read and i ended up turning the pages effortlessly, some books I feel are very complicated and you can get lost and lose track of the characters but this wasn’t one of them.

I loved Lady Mary she had modern ways and thoughts about women that was ahead of her time but she found ways around it and had a good time regardless of her restrictions.

I enjoyed the mystery solving and the romance element but felt like it could go even further.

All in all in was an enjoyable read for Historical Fiction lovers.

All in all, I enjoyed A Most Intriguing Lady, especially the protagonist’s desire of empowerment and independence and not wanting to be simply someone’s wife. Her relationship with the male protagonist, the love interest, is well-developed and I appreciated how they take their time to sort out their lives before committing to each other. While, there is a mystery theme (Mary, the protagonist, becomes a sort of detective among the aristocracy) that is a nice touch and makes for a few entertaining storylines and I enjoyed the historical authenticity, I found the plot a little slow-paced and not very intriguing or captivating.

3.5⭐

I do love a bit of historical romance /fiction. I just felt for me this time it was bit slow I found it bit hard to get into .

The plot to the story is good and the characters are good .just don't think it was for me this time

I'm giving it 2 stars .

A good read.I always enjoy historical novels but didn't read the first one by this author where some of these characters featured but it didn't make this any less likable. Mary was a very strong, brave woman and her relationship with Tre was very believable and the story was interesting with plenty of period drama which resonated with the times. I enjoyed it and think it will appeal to lovers of historical fiction