Romance, clean; period; Series, but standalone read
This was by far my favorite of all of Sarah Eden's period novels. I related well to the characters and their honest, genuine emotions. This novel features two series that are blended together, and loved how it pulled these two series together. S.E. really characterized these characters well and put me in their heads with their insecurities, foibles, faults, and of course, and more importantly for me, their thoughts and emotions. Pleasure to read, lovely chemistry, and of course, always a pleasure to revisit these two families in these two series. It was lovely to see more of the Jonquil mother's point of view, and witness her beautiful heart and character.

I love the Lancaster and Jonquil families. How wonderful to get many of them together in one story! The addition of Arabella to the House party as the not quite Jonquil sister was the perfect complement to Linus’ feelings of not quite fitting into his family and new role. This book was a great addition the the whole saga and now I need to go back and reread them all again!

Oh my heart! I loved this one! Arabella and Linus find something special in each other, but their quick friendship develops into something more so slowly that I was filled with anticipation the entire book. New readers might be a little overwhelmed by all the characters in the Jonquil and Hawthorne families and their connections, but fans of the author will absolutely love seeing more about all their favorites, and it's more than just cameo appearances. There are significant scenes and subplots with Adam and Persephone, Phillip and Sorrel, Mater, Artemis, and especially the youngest Jonquil brother, Charlie. Linus's compassion for Charlie and his genuine friendship with the struggling young man showed his admirable personality and he also benefited with a stronger sense of belonging and purpose. Arabella is also struggling to find her place in new circumstances, and Linus's friendship is like a ray of sunshine in a caring but busy family. Their banter was so natural and full of humor, it was a pleasure to read. I really connected with these characters and highly recommend the book!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Loving Lieutenant Lancaster is a sweet romance which brings together the Lancaster and the Jonquil families from previous books. However, this story follows Arabella Hampton and Linus Lancaster whose romance develops slowly and gently, with the characters of past making their appearance throughout. It was lovely to see these two characters develop from the beginning such that I felt a closeness to them by the end. Linus, with his gentle nature towards Arabella and children makes a perfect match for the kind, good-natured Arabella.
This is such a great read that I look forward to the next instalment in this series.
I received an advanced review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

"Loving Lieutenant Lancaster" is a Regency romance set in 1816 in England. It's the fourth book in the series, but you don't need to read the previous books to understand this one. Arabella was orphaned when a small child and grew up feeling unwanted. She longs to be a part of a loving family but expects to spend her life on the outskirts, never really belonging anywhere. Linus had to leave his sisters when he was young and joined the navy with his brother. He watched his brother die in battle and still grieves. He's come home but hardly knows his sisters. He must eventually take his place running the family estate, but it was something he was never trained to do.

I like that the story shows how our upbringing can shape how we view ourselves and others. Arabella and Linus were both kind, caring people who were drawn to those characteristics in the other. Linus drew Arabella out and helped her engage with others. Arabella helped Linus find the courage to face his future and his grief. But since both have other suitors, they're uncertain if they're just friends or if the other also desires a future together. The historical details about the politics, social manners, and such were woven into the story. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this novel.

Arabella is an orphan, brought up unwillingly by a most unpleasant aunt and uncle, and had her childhood made bearable by the loving attention of the family on the nearby estate, particularly the earl. But she could never be truly part of the family, and now he is dead. However, the dowager has invited her to be her companion, and things seem to be looking up. If only she could ever truly belong... Linus Lancaster, late of the Navy, is home to take a job he never wanted - the charge of an estate that should have been his brother's, if his brother had not been killed at sea. Can he learn to find joy in a job that he never wanted and overcome the ghosts that surround him?

When these two meet at a house party, they form a club of outcasts. But rumours, an over-friendly surgeon, distance and the varied plans of intrusive family members threaten any chance of happiness they might have...

This was my first book by the author, but I hope it won't be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed the gradual unfolding of the relationship between the two main characters, but the antics and actions of the other members of the cast were just as entertaining (the 'eel' and the 'minnow'!). The exploration of family and what it means to belong, as well as how easy it can be to feel an outsider, was particularly good. A mix of tenderness and humour, with well-managed dialogue and overall good writing, I would happily recommend this book.

Characters: A varied collection, all interesting, and several showing growth over the book. Generally interesting and well-painted.
Storyline: Flowed nicely and was enjoyable.
Content and language: Clean, no issues noted with either language or content.
Message: No religious content, themes of family and belonging.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

So fun seeing the Lancaster cast and the Jonquil cast come together for a houseparty! I loved seeing these two families come together, it was like a reunion of sorts. As much as I loved seeing all these characters together, I did think it took away from Linus and Arabella's story a bit. I would have liked to see them together more. Overall, it was a fun addition to the Lancaster/Jonquil series.

Linus Lancaster, having spent years at sea, isn't entirely sure what to do as a gentleman. When his brother-in-law, Adam, the infamous Duke of Kielder, insists that Linus accompany him to a house party hosted by the dandy Philip, the Earl of Lampton, in order to make the trip tolerable (or, at least to keep Adam from strangling his annoying host), it gives Linus an excuse to avoid the estate he never wanted to inherit, since it should have gone to his now-deceased older brother and best friend. He soon comes to realize his sisters see this house party as an opportunity to find him a match. As he dodges their attempts, Linus finds a friend in Arabella, the dowager Lady Lampton's companion. Both used to being on the fringes in the lives of those around them, they soon come to the center of each other's lives.

Ah! I have been waiting forever to see a meeting between the Duke of Kielder and the Earl of Lampton--and this was better than I could have imagined. Loved it. That said, even though I've been eager for that particular plotline, it didn't overshadow Linus's and Arabella's story. They are both sweet and kind, and I truly enjoyed watching their friendship blossom love. True to form, Sarah Eden gives you deep characters that you wish were real, scenes and comments that will have you snorting with laughter, and polished writing. Fantastic read; lots of fun.

You probably could read this as a stand-alone, but it's much better if you're read the previous books in the two series it ties together (The Lancaster Family and The Jonquil Brothers) to fully appreciate its awesomeness.