Don’t Give Up If You Like Stubbornness (But I Don’t)

This paranormal romance is rather confusing to start with but interesting characters (who pop up later in the series as well) make it worth reading.
UPDATE: Finished the series. Meh. In general, too much miscommunication and stubbornness between romantic MCs, which is just plain frustrating. ( )

THE REVIEW
Let me start by saying that I adore everything that comes out of Tracy Sumner’s pencil. I open one of her books with caution because I know I am going to be lost to the world she has created within its pages until the last page. The Lady is Trouble was difficult for me; for the first several chapters I felt lost to the plot and a little confused. I was immediately sucked in like I usually am after only one chapter!

BUT, I know better than to give up and I pushed through my confusion and about 40% into the book, I was able to understand the characters better and their background and was instantly invested in their HEA! The story, series actually, takes place in Victorian England around a group of people with paranormal abilities. All of whom are treated poorly by their families and society.

Julian Alexander, Viscount Beauchamp, has the paranormal ability to touch an object and be transported to the owners world. With his mother gone, his father tried to beat the visions out of him until he ran away to the gutters of London. He lived a dangerous life until he was rescued by a man who wanted to study his powers and help him understand them. He avoided his father until his death, when he was forced to take up the title.

Lady Elizabeth Piper Scott is the granddaughter of Julian’s rescuer and has the ability to heal people and soften the affects of others powers. When Julian arrives at Piper’s home, their chemistry is instant and undeniable. For years, they spend all their time together and develop a very close bond, even while Julian continues his education at university. However, when her grandfather is killed by intruders seeking his book of research, with his dying breath, he warns Julian that Piper is not for him. Julian takes up the mantle as Pipers guardian and immediately sweeps her and puts her in hiding in the country.

Three years later and Piper is bored and hurt and restless. Julian has shut her out and left her to solitude and she is much to lonely to stay that way. With the death of her guardian, she decides to take matters into her own hands. Julian and Piper are forced back together and their chemistry is still undeniable! Julian is determined to fight it to keep her safe, whereas Piper isn’t taking no for an answer.

And that’s where the story really picked up for me; I started to understand their backstory more and more which helped me invest in their HEA and I finished the book within hours! Although, I was a little disappointed at the climax of the story when Piper was in danger, Julian and Piper’s angsty romance made up for the lack. The side characters were great and I am so excited for the next story!

TROPES
Historical Romance, Victorian Era, Country Life, Artist Hero, Damaged/Tortured Hero, Grumpy Hero, Orphan Hero, Protective Hero, Titled Hero, Aggressive Heroine, American Heroine, Damaged/Tortured Heroine, Hoyden Heroine, Orphan Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Angst Romance, Caught Between Duty & Love, Forbidden Romance, Second Chance Romance, Unrequited Love, Heroine in Danger, Suspense/Danger/Murder, Byronic/Brooding Hero, Outdoor Steam, Could-Get-Caught Steam, Desk Steam, Four Star, Three Flame ( )

I agree with other reviewers that the story is like x-men set in 1860s England, which is an intriguing premise and lots of fun in many ways. But so much has already gone on before the start of the book that it felt like entering a series at book 2 or more. We gradually learn some of what has happened in the past, but by the end much remains unexplained. This was doubly frustrating given that I liked the peripheral characters and would have enjoyed reading more about their backstories and abilities.

In addition, the setting didn't feel very authentic to me. I was bemused, for example, by Piper hearing cardinals (an American species of bird not found naturally in England) singing outside her window. At a later point, wind blows across "the open savannah" (again, in England). Perhaps I’m being pedantic but I think these kinds of details can really help or hinder in creating a sense of place.

I think someone who likes steamy paranormal romances with Mr Darcy-type heroes may enjoy this. But if you’re looking for something with a strong historical setting, and are detail-oriented, you may not be satisfied.

I received a copy from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review. ( )

The Lady is Trouble by Tracy Sumner is a historical romance, set in Victorian England. The characters we meet are both interesting with their own hopes and dreams, as well as reasons for why they are outcasts in a society that they should both be a major part of.



What I loved about The Lady is Trouble: the characters are distinct. They have laid out reasons and expectations, and both of them have voices which are very different from each other, without overwhelming the storyline. The buildup does not fall flat, and doesn't leave you without knowing what happens in the end. The chemistry between the characters didn't feel forced and felt as though it had always been there, as well as continued to build up throughout the story arc. I appreciated the consensual aspects of the relationship, including her being given the opportunity to say yes or no as she saw fit.



What I was bothered by: There are some things that are questionable as far as historical accuracy goes. While I understand that there is a need to use words that we understand when it comes to other eras, it does spoil the setting in some ways that quickly pull you out of the action, which isn't much but it is there. I had a few issues with how quickly the sexual relationship occurred and how quickly she discovers that she is pregnant, but overall it didn't pull me out of the story or feel exaggerated in any way.



Overall: The Lady is Trouble is a fun, quick read, and the characters do feel real. While there are some things that are a little problematic when it comes to language, they are so few and far between that they almost have no bearing on the story itself. I appreciated the dynamics and would have loved to have stayed with the characters a little longer.



If you like historical fiction, especially regency romances, then you might enjoy The Lady is Trouble.



Review courtesy of Reedsy ( )

The Lady is Trouble by Tracy Sumner
League of Lords #1

In 1854 London there is a man working hard to create a safe place for those with “gifts” that usually see them in hiding or ensconced in insane asylums. As children the gifted child is often considered to have evil within and beating or torturing it out seems the best way to deal with the situation...I mean...evil would leave if it was uncomfortable in its host, right? The man who has a vision of a better place for these people with paranormal abilities is being set up by Viscount Julian Alexander – Lord Beauchamp. Further into the book I found that there were those that came before him that also were working to find a solution for the gifted.

Anyway...Julian is focused on his goal, collecting those that he finds and sending them to this safe haven and also dealing with the personal conflict of needing to protect and keep safe Lady Piper Scott while also feeling very strong rather positive lusty emotions for her. And, as the lady is equally if not more positively and lustily inclined toward Julian and not willing to wait any longer has ended up in London trying to get his attention and THAT is where this story begins...with him coming to find/rescue her (again?).

What I liked:
* It was different
* The paranormal elements
* Piper’s strength and ability to see what she wanted and go after it
* Julian’s protective nature – also liked him a LOT when he let his hair down...or took off his apparel
* The supporting characters that may get books of their own
* The possibilities for the series
* The thread of the “evil” person out to cause strife

What I didn’t like or thought could have been better or clearer:
* Perhaps a prologue that would have given a bit of a hint to what the book was about
* Using the current terms for each paranormal gift with a glossary might have helped as each person/gift was introduced
* A bit more backstory for the main characters

Did I enjoy this book? For the most part, yes
Would I read more in the series? Yes
Do I believe there is potential for the series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars ( )