Member Reviews
This was my first book by Charlie Lane and I really enjoyed it! It's the fourth book in this series but I didn't have a hard time following.
Gwendolyn and Jackson were really great together. I loved how sweet and passionate their relationship was. I will definitely need to read the rest of this series!
An interesting topic to write about - I believe that even though bigamy was illegal in the early 19th century, it was, nonetheless quite common. Although, perhaps, not amongst the Ton. After all, they knew everyone in their circle.
And of course, the woman would be blamed, even if innocent.
My only real criticism, would be that the book was slow and needed shortening. A sharper style would have moved the pace along.
Charlie Lane is one of my favourite historical authors, and I always e joy her storie.s
Fourth book in the Cavendish Family series. Really interesting characters and an unusual storyline. Lots to solve,secrets to uncover before a happy ending.
i am very happy to have discovered this author and will seek more books in the series. The plot was good and i liked the characterization. it was an enjoyable read.
Many thanks to the author and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.
The fourth book in the Cavendish Family Series. Jackson Cavendish has loved Miss Gwendolyn Smith for the last six years but she hides a secret. I enjoyed seeing how much he loved and accepted her even with what she hides, these two just belonged together. The story is well written with some angst, it was well worth reading. I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and Amazon downloads and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Charlie Lane for access to this delightful and cozy romance arc!!
4.5/5 stars!!
This is my first Charlie Lane book, and it was just so so so sweet! I know now that this is the fourth in a series, but it really didn't take anything away from getting to know these characters. I could absolutely get involved with these two lovebirds and didn't feel like I was missing anything from the secondary characters. It just made me want to read the other books!
I loved Gwendolyn and Jackson together. Going from coworkers to friends to being madly in love - who couldn't love this?? I love love love how sweet and protective Jackson is, and so patient while Gwendolyn works through her past fears and trauma.
If you're looking for a cozy feel good historical romance, then look no further 💕
This is a sloooooow burn so brace yourself or be warned if that is not your cup of tea. It is a true friends to lovers that takes place over the course of years. Charlie Lane is a fantastic author with really a heartfelt style and I can’t wait to read more from her
Charlie Lane is definitely a gem in the historical romance world. Lane's writing is delicious and lovely. Love a Lady at Midnight is such a charming romance with beautifully rounded characters. This novel really highlights the fact that romances are written and read to walk the journey of the love story, because we all know that we are going to get a happily ever after. If you have not had the opportunity to pick up a Charlie Lane novel yet, you absolutely must and while this is a fourth book in her Cavendish series, it absolutely can be read as a stand alone.
The heart and movement of this novel is very much embedded in the relationship between our hero and heroine who have been working together for six years and both in love with the other for as long. Past secrets keep our heroine from truly embracing her feelings and the hero out of respect for her follows her lead. This novel really focuses on the heroine's journey of becoming the strong and confident woman she is meant to be. The hero is steady and sexy, he is able to anticipate the heroine's needs, he is always on her side, and he is always willing to compromise and shift to the situation. The heroine is strong and talented and smart and with the patience and kindness of the hero she is able to truly grown and become a true version of herself. The foundation that these two build with each other is healthy and strong, their trust of the other is what makes their love blossom and endure.
Definitely pick this novel up, I can not recommend it or Charlie Lane more!
I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I was really intrigued by the blurb and cover on this book and have been meaning to read one of Charlie Lane's books for a while now. It was a strong start on the first chapter, and there was a nice push and pull to Gwendolyn and Jackson, but then things started to go a little downhill for me. First of all, the way the first chapter is written you would believe that they don't know each other at all. That he just sees her, is attracted to her, and follows her. That's not the case. They are friends and Jackson has been in love with her for years, but after a night of passion together, Gwendolyn puts back up the wall she uses to protect herself. That sort of threw me for a loop, but I let that go. Then the story got super slow, and I found myself really struggling with the pacing and the writing that by the end of it I was just completely over it. There was nothing new or different about this story, and it felt like tons of other historical romances out there with nothing to stand out to me at all. I will probably forget most of it within a few days. I am not sure if I would pick up another by her.
A women with secrets and a mysterious past came into the Cavendish lives six years ago. Gwendolyn Smith is blessed to have found the Cavendish and given a home and job she loves.. She is also cursed that due to her past she has no hope for the future.
Jackson working for his uncle as his assistant/ researcher has also worked along side Gwendolyn who has the same type of position. No matter what he tries to gain her favor she doesn’t acknowledge him, except one night at a masquerade ball and an unforgettable night of passion. Which of course she does not admit too. When she receives a unreadable letter her past has found her, but will she run and hide again or find the strength to meet it with the help of Jackson.
I can see how women of that time period would have treated the way Gwendolyn was. I didn’t read the previous books in the series, which would have probably help with some of the background of the MC. At times her hiding her secrets seemed to drag and is there really such a patient wonderful man like Jackson? My opinion of course. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #LoveaLadyatMidnight
Gwendolyn Smith stowed away on a ship with explorer Baron Eadon and his nephew, Jackson Cavendish. For six years they traveled for research and academics. Now they are back in England. Gwendolyn has secrets. Too many people in England remember the scandal. When threatened with exposure, she instinctively wants to run, because revealing her secrets may hurt the ones she loves. Jackson won't give up on convincing her to stay, but knows she may leave him with a broken heart. I felt sorry for Jackson with the will she, won't she leading him on. I wouldn't blame him if he gave up. The ending was really anticlimactic considering Gwendolyn's anxiety.
Heat level 3. I recommend reading the extended prequel in the Sunflower Season anthology.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
The story of the leading couple has its moments were they make some exciting moments entertaining. The book feels like a fast read for me. Perhaps the book is a quick read for historical romance readers. The characters are entertaining for me. I enjoyed reading their interactions with the leading characters. Jackson’s twin brothers are my favorite character. How them two are married I have not a clue. The book has its fun moments. This Isa good read.
I just reviewed Love a Lady at Midnight by Charlie Lane. #LoveaLadyatMidnight #NetGalley
I have enjoyed this series and grabbed the book once I saw on NetGalley. It’s a very good story and finish for the Cavendish family. I will read more on this series if written. Enjoy!
Charlie Lane’s newest was just a joy to read.
A lady with a secret and a past
A man who adores her but can’t get her to see him as a…man
Intrigue and Regency. What could be more fun.
I’ll admit I was worried a bit about what exactly Gwen’s horrible secret could be. But when it was revealed, my heart bled for her.
Jackson, though, is a man of his word, honorable, and thoroughly in love, so I knew nothing could keep these two apart.
Loved the book. Thanks Netgalley for allowing me a sneak peek.
5 stars and can’t wait for the next one!
Books like this deserve more recognition, the author present a story when is supposed that is clear, like "they like each other, they can't be together, they know it, now how am i going to write the 80% towards the end" i was scared but Charlie did it so well that it surprised me, at the end the characters had changed but in a way that gives you a sense of satisfaction about the characters.
This was a well-written, entertaining Regency romance. It was sweet, fun steamy and held my interest. I wanted to find out what would happen. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.
Jackson and Gwendolyn have worked together for six years assisting his uncle. Over time, they fell in love, but Gwendolyn has resisted Jackson’s every effort to make their relationship permanent. She has secrets from which she runs, and is afraid they will hurt Jackson. This is an entertaining story with a heartwarming romance and an intriguing mystery. The characters are interesting. The Cavendish family is a delight as usual. Jackson and Gwendolyn have been a perfect couple for years, and their future will be happy if they can work through the secrets in her past. Wonderful story, great series.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Once in a while, you pick up a book that makes you wonder who this author is, and why you haven't had the opportunity to fall in love with them before-- and then be glad that you haven't, because now you can go and read everything else they've ever written and fall in love over and over again. This month Charlie Lane is that author for me, and this little gem of a book was a delightful introduction to her and her work.
The basic premise of Love a Lady at Midnight is simple enough: Gwendolyn and Jackson have been working together for 6 years. They've been in love with one another for most of that time, though he's a great deal more obvious about it than she is. The book opens with them finally indulging their more carnal desires before taking a huge step backwards, despite it being obvious to everyone, including both of them, that they are mad for one another. Gwendolyn steps back because she's running from a past of accidental bigamy and is terrified of hurting Jackson and his family if this comes to light. Jackson only steps back because he knows Gwendolyn wants that-- he doesn't know why.
Where Lane really shines compared to other authors in the historical romance genre is in her characterizations. Gwendolyn and Jackson are the chef's kiss of historical romance characters. Jackson is wildly passionate, but also steady-- he knows what he wants, he sticks to what he wants, and he is willing to do anything to get it. But he's also able to change his plans and adapt when it seems necessary, without sacrificing any of the passion and emotion that make him so wonderful. He's incredibly patient, loyal, and devoted, which is exactly what Gwendolyn needs.
For her part Gwendolyn is an extremely intelligent, strong, and talented woman, but she's so haunted by her past that when the book opens she's a shell of who she could be. Watching her gain confidence and come into her own as a woman who is unafraid to face who she is, what she's done, and what she wants is an incredibly rewarding experience. The reactions of those around her to her past were masterfully done, and no minor character was wasted in this book. From the innocent questions of children about Gwendolyn and Jackson's obvious unresolved sexual tension to the truly heart-warming relationship between Jackson's uncle and aunt everyone played their part exquisitely and left me with warm feelings not only toward Gwendolyn and Jackson, but toward everyone else too.
The romance was incredibly well executed. You could really feel the years of history between these two characters, and how much deeper and sweeter all of that history made their connection. I also loved that the hero was a virgin-- I'm not a big fan of that trope, but Lane didn't unnecessarily lean into it, it was just presented as a fact, and he was a fully competent lover regardless.
I won't lie-- the ending here is obvious almost before the story has begun, but it doesn't even matter because it's SO delightful watching both Gwen and Jackson do the hard work necessary to get their happy ending.
I'd recommend this to anyone who loves historical romance, you won't be disappointed by this poignant love story.
Shadows, secrets, and Jackson Cavendish—all things Miss Gwendolyn Smith runs from. She’s determined to live a life of obscurity, studying dusty tomes. When a letter arrives that threatens her secrets and Jackson tells her he’s done waiting, she must choose face her past and gain a future or continue running from both. Mr. Jackson Cavendish has chased Gwendolyn for six years but only caught her once. In Paris at midnight. He’ll never forget what she felt like in his arms. And he’s determined to repeat the experience. Every night for the rest of their lives.
The fourth book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own I feel that to fully appreciate it the series would be best read in order. A well written book that flowed well & the characters were well portrayed. I loved Jackson who never gave up on Gwen, he was so caring, understanding, loving & above all patient. I had a harder time loving Gwen who I felt had got things out of proportion but once she moved forward I loved the change in her. I loved their journey to a HEA, which certainly wasn’t easy as there were twists & surprises along the way but it did make for an interesting read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is a story that starts our very slow to me, but then it begins to tell some of the secrets. Miss Gwendolyn Smith is a lady with many secrets and she holds them close to her heart. The Cavendish family hired her six years ago without any question after finding her as a stoweaway on their ship while on a expedition to India as a secrertary.. Mr. Jackson Cavendish has loved Gweny from almost the moment he saw her on his uncle's ship. Gweny keep her life private and never shared anything from her past. When several people act as if they know he,, Gweny get nervous and decides she needs to leave her employment with the Cavendish family and go somewher else. What will Jackson do now? Will Gweny ever share her secrets? Will there be a HEA? Read this sad, but interesting story to find those answers and even more. Beware there are some "steamy" parts to this story.