The blurb:
His disguise fooled everyone, even her.
Lady Cecily wants to live in London, not in the country. However, until her daughter weds, she is stuck; so Lady Cecily schemes to get Vanessa to the altar. Anyone will do! Miss Vanessa Lester is level-headed and heart-whole, until she comes face to face with a wounded smuggler. A moonlit night, the kiss of a handsome rogue, and her heart is lost.
Written by: Gayle Buck
First published: 2015
My thoughts
Hmm, what to say about this book? First up, I should mention that it is quite long – 260 pages – and yet most of the action, including the romance (!) doesn’t happen until the 70% mark.
So if you’re someone who prefers fast paced books, with lots of action, particularly the romantic type of action, then best to put this book back. But if you like slow-burn romance and a plot that’s driven by conversation (think Georgette Heyer or Joan Smith) then I think you’ll like Lady Cecily’s Scheme.
(Is this a good spot to point out that Lady C is actually not the heroine of this Regency romance? It’s a bit confusing I know but the heroine is actually her daughter Vanessa).
Anyway although Vanessa is young (only 19) she’s sensible and level-headed whilst I’d classify the hero as more of a gentle hero even though ultimately he does of course end up doing great, heroic deeds.
Gayle Buck’s writing can be deceiving – her style is so lyrical and yes, gentle and slow (again reminiscent of Heyer and Smith) that I keep thinking her books are from quite a few years (if not decades) ago. Lady Cecily’s Scheme was first published in 2015 though which I guess explains why Vanessa not only starts out as a sensible woman, but stays sensible even after she falls in love.
I can’t abide those heroines who start out as independent, capable women and then somehow can’t even think for themselves after ‘the romance’ hits them. There’s a great bit in this book where Vanessa is in danger, but no… no more otherwise ‘spoilers sweetie’. You’ll just have to read it to find out what I mean.
There are a few typos and grammatical errors – I particularly love how France became Prance, adding a bit of unexpected levity to an otherwise serious scene. But these were small and didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the book. I don’t think they’ll diminish anyone else’s enjoyment either.
Ultimately though I guess you want to know – did I feel the HEA was right? Was I left with a warm and fuzzy feeling or wishing I could get my money back?
Yes, I do think the HEA was right. I can see Vanessa and her hero settling down quite nicely into a marriage that is founded on respect, friendship and equal contributions by both partners.
Whilst I don’t think I was left with a particularly warm and fuzzy feeling thanks to the shortened period in which the actual romance took place, I definitely don’t want my money back. I’ve re-read this book quite a few times and continue to enjoy it every time I read it.
Ultimately this is a Recommend from me and if you’re interested in trying it out you can buy Lady Cecily’s Scheme here on Amazon.