The New York Times Book Review - Sarah MacLean
…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 and Felix] 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.
Publishers Weekly
★ 09/30/2013
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.)
From the Publisher
Praise for The Luckiest Lady in London
Chosen as One of 2013's Best Romances by Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews
Chosen as One of 2013's Best Love Stories by NPR
“Thomas is known for a lush style…[and] transporting prose even as [she] delivers on heat and emotion and a well-earned happily ever after.” —The New York Times Book Review
"A masterpiece...A beautifully written, exquisitely seductive, powerfully romantic gem of a romance.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Stellar....Thomas's characters are intelligent and multidimensional, and each scene is espertly crafted and rich in details. Readers will be immersed in the story from the very first page until the breathtaking conclusion."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Thomas continues to be a refreshing voice in the genre with her lively plots, witty dialogue and intelligent characters. She compels readers to think, feel, laugh – and, ultimately, heave a deep sigh of satisfaction.”—RT Book Reviews (Top Pick!)
Further praise for the novels of Sherry Thomas
“One of the rising stars of historical romance.” —Booklist
“THOMAS…HAS MADE A NAME FOR HERSELF WITH HER EXQUISITE USE OF LANGUAGE.” —Library Journal
“Sherry Thomas…is a rebel, a rule-breaker, and, above all, a romantic…[Her] writing is nothing short of a revelation.”—Lisa Kleypas, New York Times bestselling author
“Ravishingly sinful, intelligent, and addictive. An amazing debut.”—Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author
“Enchanting…An extraordinary, unputdownable love story.”—Jane Feather, New York Times bestselling author
“Sublime…An irresistible literary treat.”—Chicago Tribune
“Sherry Thomas’s captivating debut novel will leave readers breathless. Intelligent, witty, sexy, and peopled with wonderful characters…and sharp, clever dialogue.”—The Romance Reader
“Thomas makes a dazzling debut with a beautifully written, sizzling, captivating love story...Her compelling tale of love betrayed and then reborn will make you sigh with pleasure.”—RT Book Reviews
“Deft plotting and sparkling characters…Steamy and smart.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Thomas tantalizes readers…An enchanting, thought-provoking story of love lost and ultimately reclaimed. Lively banter, electric sexual tension, and an unusual premise make this stunning debut all the more refreshing.”—Library Journal (starred review)
“Historical romance the way I love it.”—All About Romance
“Big, dramatic, and romantic.”—Dear Author
Sherry Thomas's accolades for her previous novels include:
• Best Romances of 2010, Kirkus Reviews
• Best Romances of 2012, Library Journal
• # 10 in Top Romances Since 1970 List Dear Author
• Top Read of 2009, All About Romance
From the Publisher - AUDIO COMMENTARY
"Thomas's characters are intelligent and multidimensional, and each scene is expertly crafted and rich in details." —Publishers Weekly Starred Review
APRIL 2014 - AudioFile
Corrie James's lofty British accent perfectly embodies the characters who populate this historical romance. Handsome but distant Felix Rivendale, a marquess dubbed "The Ideal Gentleman,"can’t help pursuing the feisty but impoverished—and, thus,unacceptable—Louisa Cantwell. Louisa must marry to help support her family and can't imagine why the most sought after bachelor in London is interested in making sure she isn't interested in anyone else. James performs each of the principals well, demonstrating a wide vocal range and admirable acting skills. The story is clever and tender in places, humorous and somber in others. A.C.P. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2013-11-01
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.
