Review by New York Times Review
"When you fancy a man," Felix Rivendale instructs Louisa Cantwell in Thomas's historical romance, "you want The Ideal Gentleman." Felix naturally has himself in mind for the role, having carefully constructed his persona over the years to hide his wicked core - a core that, once discovered, drives Louisa to lustful distraction: "The more he revealed himself to be dangerous and warped, the more she fell under his spell." When readers fancy a romance novel, they want something emotional and erotic and engaging, but in "The Luckiest Lady in London," they, like Louisa, will find themselves drawn to something altogether different. The Chinese-born Thomas is known for a lush style that demonstrates her love of her second language, and this novel edges into historical fiction with its transporting prose even as it delivers on heat and emotion and a well-earned happily ever after. Thomas serves up a classic romance story line - Louisa is an impoverished and devoted older sister, on the hunt for a wealthy husband to ensure the security of her family, and Felix is a wealthy scoundrel who has vowed to marry only when he must, and never for love. The two are altogether wrong for each other until, of course, they are altogether right - something readers will see long before the characters do, which makes their courtship, too-quick marriage and inevitable love that much more rewarding. The sex isn't bad, either. "Quick," a houseguest exclaims during one apt scene. "The fireworks are about to start."
Copyright (c) The New York Times Company [February 9, 2014]
Review by Booklist Review
*Starred Review* Louisa Cantwell knows that she must marry someone with a great deal of money, but she can't bring much in terms of pedigree, dowry, or even beauty to the matrimonial bargaining table. However, with the help of some figure-enhancing devices, a pleasing personality, and the innate gift for knowing exactly how to flatter a man, Louisa manages to snare at least two potential suitors. Felix Rivendale, Marquess of Wrenworth, accepts the fact that he must eventually marry. But he keeps avoiding the inevitable because he has yet to meet a woman who truly fascinates him. Then he meets Louisa. She assumes that Felix, known in society as the Ideal Gentleman, is way out of her league, so she is more than a bit puzzled when he extends a proposal to her. She is less surprised when she discovers that the proposal has nothing to do with marriage. With scintillating wit and sophisticated sensuality, RITA Award-winning Thomas (Tempting the Bride, 2012) launches an entrancing new historical trilogy. Handling characterization, pacing, and setting with perfect finesse, Thomas has created a romance that is pure magic.--Charles, John Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Thomas (Tempting the Bride) emphasizes the pitfalls of the aristocratic marriage bargaining game in Victorian England with this stellar trilogy launch. Felix Rivendale, Lord Wrenworth, is often called the Ideal Gentleman for his looks, wealth, and manners. He's far above the reach of Louisa Cantwell, who must find a wealthy husband to help provide for her mother and four sisters. They meet at a ball and Felix is intrigued when Louisa unintentionally reveals her "infatuation" with him-and then just as clearly shuts it off. Their encounters, mostly carefully orchestrated by Felix, are full of sparkling wit and sensuous innuendo. While Louisa believes that she is falling in love with Felix, she knows better than to trust him, as he does nothing without a self-serving purpose. Thomas's characters are intelligent and multidimensional, and each scene is expertly crafted and rich in details. Readers will be immersed in the story from the very first page until the breathtaking conclusion. Agent: Kristin Nelson, Nelson Literary Agency. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
Felix Rivendale, orphaned and the new Marquess of Wrenworth at 17, is emotionally scarred by the outwardly perfect but insidiously poisonous family environment in which he was raised owing to his mother's enduring bitterness at being forced into an unwanted marriage. Felix vows to outdo his mother in social perfection and never repeat his father's mistake of falling victim to love. By the age of 25, Felix is one of London's most eligible bachelors and is convinced he'll never be tempted by that emotion. Then he encounters Louisa Cantwell, a woman who refuses to act as he expects, fascinates him beyond reason, and seals his fate. Verdict Deep, insightful character development, a beautifully unwrapped love story that evolves in tantalizing detail, a backstory that is both heartbreaking and infuriating, and conflicted protagonists who take over your heart make this a thought-provoking, flawlessly written romance. One to savor-and remember. Thomas (Tempting the Bride) lives in Austin, TX.-Kristin Ramsdell, libn. emeritus, California State Univ.-East Bay (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Felix Rivendale, Lord Wrenworth, has spent his adult life burnishing his reputation as the most sought-after gentleman in England, so he is flummoxed when Louisa Cantwell--an unknown nobody--captures his attention and his interest; he's not concerned about his heart, however, since he's convinced he doesn't have one. Every man and woman in London is besotted with Lord Wrenworth, considered by one and all to be The Ideal Gentleman. So lofty are his wealth, manner and reputation that Louisa, attending her first season at age 24 and with almost nothing to recommend her beyond her wit, even temper and formidable preparation, has never even truly considered him as a possible catch. Yet, astonishingly, in one breathtaking and heartbreaking moment, she meets him and catches his attention, simultaneously convincing herself that he remains unattainable yet wishing with all her heart he wasn't. From that moment, Louisa and Felix enter into a seductive courtship that quietly breaks many straight-laced Victorian rules without anyone knowing about it, keeping them explosively attracted to each other. Louisa is always suspicious of Felix's motives, and Felix is determined to protect himself from anyone's capacity to get close enough to see beneath his purposefully constructed perfection. This becomes even more problematic once he actually offers for her and makes her his wife. Thomas delivers a masterpiece of attraction, seduction, mistrust and masks, beguiling readers with two people who are so perfect for each other, they can't even trust their own emotions, since they both know how deceptive and dangerous the other can be. A beautifully written, exquisitely seductive, powerfully romantic gem of a romance.]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
