The Footman and I

While I love the story in sum, I think the writing could be improved on. There are no glaring issues with grammar or spelling, but the pacing felt off. I had to get used to the style of action and dialog as well. I still happily recommend it to anyone who wants to laugh and root for the couple. Both leading lady and man are enjoyable characters with fleshed out profiles!

Delightful mad-cap Regency romp! I loved all the layers at play in this story! We have the lords-disguised-as-servants, the intelligent young lady with a mother straight out of a Jane Austen novel, a hot-button political issue that delineates class structure, and a house party that brings everyone under one roof for several eventful weeks. Lucas wants to find a woman who will love him for himself, not his money or title, so he figures if he's disguised at his friend's house party he'll be able to see how the various young ladies treat the servants in their midst and how they act when they're not actively husband-hunting. Frances is forced to attend by her marriage-minded mother, who needs to betroth her to the odious Sir Reginald. Finding a friend and a confidant in the footman was not in her plans, but she's enraptured by the first man to treat her as an intellectual equal instead of a beautiful ornament. As much fun as the book was to read, the underlying emotional and political issues provide a solid substance to the story, reminding us that the stakes were high for women who were not granted the freedom to determine their own destiny. Lucas is a man of honor, so the deception is especially hard for him to maintain, especially once his connection with Frances becomes all-consuming. Insightful, honest self-evaluation - along with the help of the friends who joined him in this charade - leads them both to a joyous HEA that also leaves the door wide open for the ensuing stories of his friends. Every bit of this story is perfectly paced and expertly presented. I was completely absorbed and loved every page. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Lucas Drake is now the Earl of Kendall after his brother unexpectedly passes away. Lucas is tired of every eligible female along with their mother's trying to snag him. He just wants to marry for love and comes up with a plan while drinking with his best friends.....pretend he is a servant at his friend, Clayton's summer house party. This way he can secretly watch the females and see if there could be any possible connections. The last thing that Miss Frances Wharton wants to do is get married....especially to the pompous idiot her mother has picked out for her. Frances would much rather fight for the poor and she is determined to speak to the Earl of Kendall regarding his dumb Employment Bill that hurts the poor and only helps the landowners. When Frances gets invited to Viscount Clayton's summer party she believes she will finally be able to speak to the Earl of Kendall. Upon Frances arrival, she is taken by the footman, Lucas, who helps with her things. All throughout the week, Frances finds herself drawn to Lucas and wishes she were a servant so she would be free to be with him. Little does she know, but the Earl is smitten with her too! Just when it looks like Lucas and Frances are going to get their happy ending, everything comes crashing down. It will take a huge leap of faith by both Lucas and Frances to find their happiness but when they finally both jump in, it will all be worth it! I just adored this story. I loved the premise of the entire series and can't wait to read all the other books. I really loved Frances. She was such a head strong female who knew what she wanted in life. I really enjoyed Lucas too. I loved how he started to realize what the life a servant really meant. It was fun watching these two fall in love and I look forward to reading the rest of the series!