An amazing story , a diamond maybe the best book I read so far in 2024 . Isabella has suffer so much in so young age . Her husband of one year was wounded at war and died at her hands few hours later . After a year of been depression she takes her life in her own hands and wants a taste of what is to be in control . She has made a list of thing she wants to achieve and only needs a man to help her . Captain Leo Winterton has been in love with Isabella since she was married and now that she asks him to help with her list he accepts . She only gives them few weeks but he wants horever . She believes that she will betray her first husband memory if she fell in love with another man . Will Leo convince her that she deserves a second chance to love ?
I received this book from netgalley and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .

Title: What the Lady Wants

Author: Emma Orchard
Genre: Historical, Regency, Romance

Rating: ★★★★☆

Autumn, 1816...
Lady Isabella Ashby is mourning the death of her beloved husband, two years past. Despite being young and beautiful, she plans to leave London, return to her parents' Yorkshire house, and retire from society before the year ends. But before she resigns herself to widowhood, she wants one last taste of life...

What the Lady Wants is a delightful Regency romance filled with forbidden love, daring escapades, and the heartwarming journey of a woman rediscovering her joy and passion for life.

What I Loved:

A Heartfelt Journey: Emma Orchard's What the Lady Wants is a delightful journey into the world of Regency romance, filled with longing, scandal, and undeniable chemistry. Lady Isabella Ashby, grieving the loss of her husband, is a character whose pain and resilience resonated deeply with me. Her determination to experience life one last time before retreating into widowhood is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

The Scandalous List: One of the most intriguing aspects of the story is Isabella's secret list. The idea of a widow with a list of daring experiences she wants to fulfil before leaving society is both thrilling and touching. It adds a layer of excitement and tension, as the potential for scandal looms over every item she checks off. This list is not just a plot device but a window into Isabella's soul, revealing her desire to reclaim her life and joy, even if only briefly.

Captain Leo Winterton: Captain Leo Winterton is the perfect match for Isabella. His honourable nature and secret love for her create a compelling dynamic. When Isabella proposes her scandalous plan to him, his internal struggle between desire and duty is beautifully portrayed. Leo's genuine love and the way he supports Isabella, even in her most audacious moments, made me root for their romance wholeheartedly.

The Dance of Impropriety: The tension between propriety and passion is masterfully handled. Orchard captures the essence of Regency society's strict norms while allowing her characters to push against these boundaries. The result is a series of exhilarating and tender moments that kept me eagerly turning the pages. The way Isabella and Leo navigate their growing feelings amidst the threat of societal ruin adds depth to their relationship.

A Story of Love and Redemption: Ultimately, What the Lady Wants is a story about love's power to heal and redeem. Isabella's journey from grief to joy, aided by Leo's unwavering support, is a testament to the resilience of the human heart. The slow-burning romance, filled with witty banter and heartfelt confessions, makes their eventual union all the more satisfying.

What the Lady Wants is a beautifully written, emotionally charged romance that explores the courage it takes to seek happiness in the face of loss and societal expectations. Emma Orchard's tale of Isabella and Leo is one that will stay with you long after the final page.


Thank you to The Publisher Boldwood Books ,The Author Emma Orchard & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

5 stars

We met Isabella in the previous book. She had lost her husband and met the Duke (who looked very similar to Ash) as he came out from his wedding. Isabella had probably suffered a nervous breakdown and was recuperating with her parents. The Duke's sister Blanche invites Isabella to London as part of her rehabilitation and it's here that Isabella decides to take control of her life. She misses the physical part of her marriage and thinks she'd like to have one last passionate affair before she resigns herself to widowhood. She'd met Leo and liked him so she propioses they work through her list of amorous encounters. Isabella checks whether he is in love with her as she doesn't want to lead him on. Leo lies and says he is in love with the heroine of book 1. This leads to problems later down the line.

Good descriptions and realistic romance, even though there's quite a bit of angst for both of them. We see the hero/heroine from book 1 and Lady Jane etc from book 2. I recommend !

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.