Never a Lady

What a great combination! This was a well written story that had me hooked from the beginning. It contains a lot of this author's trademark humor and was an entertaining and emotional read as well. The attraction between the H/H was there from the beginning and there was good tension between the two. The relationship between the brothers Nathan and Colin was a nice touch to the story. Well written and fun read.

Colin Oliver, Viscount Sutton has come to London on a mission. Feelings of melancholy and doom coupled with reaching the age of his mother's death have him prompted him to get down to business to wed and secure his title by producing an heir. Several times Colin had been to London before, always looking for face so memorable but only glimpsed for a scant moment four years before. Prepared to abandon his search for that elusive dream he was astounded when across the ballroom floor he got his first glimpse of the newest toast of the ton, the famous fortune teller and saw the face that haunted him. Madame Alexandra Larchmont knew how fleeting the novelty of her fortune-telling would be as an amusement for the ton. It was imperative she earn as much as possible in order to save what children she could from the vermin ridden streets of London. Spying Colin, the face of her dreams across the ballroom floor was a shock and in her efforts to hide she unwittingly overheard plans being made to commit murder. The only person that might be able to help would be Colin, the one person who could expose her for a fake. When it appears Colin doesn't recall that monumental moment of four years ago, and in spite of the folly of spending more time in his company, Alexandra cannot leave when his cards show him to be in danger. However, the real danger was in Alexandra becoming more and more susceptible to the impossible yearnings of her heart. *** I've long been a fan of Ms. D'Alessandro's and her most recent Regency NEVER A LADY only cements my admiration for this vibrant wordsmith who's charismatic prose is a guarantee of providing the utmost in reading entertainment. She fashions her main protagonists with depth of personality making them seem larger than life and in this example the reader will be totally captivated by Alexandra, a product of the mean streets of London who makes it her mission to save as many of the unfortunate children as she can. Colin is fashioned with the undeniable stamp of an honorable gentleman who had been captivated by the dirty face of young girl who had once tried to pick his pockets. He'd let her slip away once and had suffered years of torment in wishing he knew what had happened to her; if she had managed to survive. While the romance and sensual elements were the prominent plot to this story, the mystery of who, what and why someone was to be murdered helped to keep the pace lively and the story rushing towards it's inevitable climax. Moreover, in addition to keeping the richness of this well-rounded story D'Allessandro inserts a plethora of engaging secondary characters including the very cunning six year old Robbie, Colin's brother Nathan, and a boot chewing dog aptly named B.C. All in all, a totally enchanting read that is sure to please. Marilyn Rondeau, Official Reviewer for THE MYSTIC CASTLE

Colin Oliver, Viscount Sutton, left his countryside estate in Cornwall for London. Recently, Colin has been having the feeling of impending doom. Recalling that his own mother died at the same age he currently is, Colin decides it is time to find a bride and provide heirs for the family line. Thus the unwanted, but necessary, trip to London is done. What Colin does not expect is to find a face from his past. Madame Alexandra Larchmont may be the most sought after fortune teller for all the Society parties lately, but four years ago she had been a thief who tried to pick his pockets. Since the night she escaped him, Colin feared for the unknown girl's fate. The question now is whether she has really changed her ways or if she is using her talent of reading cards to gain entry into the homes of the upper crust. The cards have warned Alexandra for years about a certain man that would enter her life and turn it upside down. Yet she never expects to see him at a London soiree. In trying to slip away unnoticed, she ends up overhearing an assassination plot. Trying to stay out of danger, but unable to sit by and do nothing, Alexandra leaves the host of the party an anonymous letter, explaining what she had overheard. Later, when Alexandra learns the host has been murdered, she rightfully fears for her own life. The only person she can turn to is Lord Sutton. It does not seem as though the gentleman recalls their encounter four years ago, but the longer she stays in his presence, the higher the odds that he will remember her. Even worse, the man may figure out just how much she yearns for his touch. ***** Author Jacquie D'Alessandro has yet to disappoint me with any of her romantic and suspense filled tales. Until the unlikely day occurs of D'Alessandro suddenly getting writer's block so badly that she totally flops in story telling (Heaven Forbid!), I will remain one of her biggest fans. Once again, all the characters in the story are very well developed and totally believable. The main and secondary characters are so detailed that each seem to have their very own personality and little quirks. I not only came to care for the main characters, but also all the secondary and a few of the background characters as well. (Little Robbie is a perfect example.) Wimpy, fainting, and useless females need not apply to be in any D'Alessandro novel. The same can be said for stiff, recherché, and boring men. Excellent and highly recommended reading! ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

This was my first book by Jacquie D'Alessandro and it was superb. I loved her humorous writing style and her frequent jaw-dropping love scenes. The story is a tale of romance between two lovers, Colin Oliver Viscount Sutton & Alexandra Larchmont- a common fortune teller. They are head-over-heels for eachother but cannot pursue it because of past secrets, murderous plots, social rules, and other events. The relationship between Colin & Alexandra ensures that there is never a dull moment in this delightful romp. However, the story would have been more satisfying if it had an epilogue- for that I give it 4 1/2 stars. Alexandra agrees to marry Colin and then the book just ends. It would have been nice to see if Colin does the things that he promised to Alexandra and also to see if she accomplishes her dream of helping under priveledged children. But, for my first Jacquie D'Alessandro book it was a great read that now has me wanting to read her other books. Two thumbs up for Never A Lady- a well deserved 4 1/2 stars.

I purchased this book because it got great reviews. I was one of the best romance novels that I have read. The characters just jump off the pages and their interaction is simply marvelous.