So this book definitely was not for me. The characters felt like they had no connection. And I just didn't buy their romance. It really didn't feel like they were in love, and I couldn't even imagine that they were in love anyways. The characters also just felt flat for me.

After reading the blurb for this book I was greatly intrigued. I thought that this sounded like a very clever and emotional romance. After reading it though I admit to feeling a bit let down. I did feel that the story delivered as promised. It was how some things played out that bugged me. As for the highs: I really liked Lucy, the story concept had a fun feel to it and the sort of fairy tale air to Lucy's history had great appeal for me. As for the lows: Henry. I wanted to like him. I truly did. But in my opinion he was no hero. I hated that the man you were supposed to want Lucy to be with never had her back. Not only was he romantic interest, he was supposed to be her friend! Still, if this doesn't bother you, this was not a bad read. I am choosing to post a sincere review.

The best thing about this story is the characters. I absolutely loved both Lucy and Henry. That's not all, though. It had many sweet and funny moments that will make you laugh. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to all historical fiction readers.
I also loved the fact that it's not like any other historical fiction I have read. It's unique and original which makes it even better. Overall, I loved this book and I think it is definitely a must-read kind of story.

Everything a Lady is Not by Sawyer North is the first book in the Bow Street Beaus. (First, I have to say that it should be Beaux, not Beaus).
It presents the story of Lucy Locket, the lost granddaughter of a duchess, and of Henry Beaumont, a member of the high society. The story needs to be read as a satire of what is expected in a lady. Lucy grew up out of society and needs to learn how to behave properly in it. Henry is there to help her.
The story is pretty funny. I really liked what Sawyer North did with it. I liked it but didn't love it. By that I mean that it's worth the read, but don't expect it to be a 5 stars!

Lucy Locket has gone from being a prisoner of a criminal to discovering that she is an heiress. However, her life so far, has not prepared her for being a well-born lady, given that she lacks all the finer qualities – the ability to curtsey and say all the right things. However, she has only three months, to become the proper lady if she is to inherit a fortune. Henry Beaumont, feels obliged to assist Lucy and her grandmother, given that he has been the one to remove Lucy from the life she once knew. Yet, the more that he trains Lucy to become what society expects, the more that he finds himself loving all of the qualities that Lucy must hide. However, Henry may never be enough for Lucy, having been ostracised from the family home by his brother.
The character of Lucy is delightful, who says what she thinks but becomes so very clever at being sarcastic to those petty women of the ton. She is refreshing in her attitude and Henry, is the perfect match for her. I loved their conversations especially as Henry strives to make Lucy into a lady. The dowager Duchess is also a great personality, giving her full support to Lucy, despite the trials of her instruction. Whilst the romance was slow to start, this made it all the more realistic when their true feelings are revealed.
I highly recommend ‘Everything a Lady is Not’ and look forward to more books in the series. I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

A very fun historical romp with a unique plot and characters.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I was intrigued by Sawyer North’s work when I first heard about it, especially since there are very few cishet male romance authors, and I’m always looking for more new historical romance authors to follow. However, while I think this story had a lot of potential, it failed to really deliver.

The writing is solid, and I do think with time and growth, North could become a more engaging writer. However, the plot and characters overall just felt very vanilla and lifeless, as if he was going through the motions, based on what he had read in the past.

Granted, this is just my perspective, still feeling relatively jaded about a lot of historical romance, and the mix of reviews I’ve read suggest a mix of opinions from positive to the more critical. So, if this book interests you at all, I recommend giving it a try for yourself.

The first book in the Bow Street Beaus series by Sawyer North is titled Everything a Lady is Not. A fast-paced historical romance that is sure to take you away. The characters are comical and relatable. Lucy & Henry are two peas in a pod, both out of their elements for entirely different reasons. They were thrust into a situation that they have to endure, which shows their courage and determination. Everything a Lady is Not is a lovely quick read that is sure to keep you entertained and leave you waiting for the next book in the series.

So unique and entertaining.
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I love the character Lucy in the story. She’s rough and tough and absolutely nothing like the lady she’s supposed to be. But that’s a part of her charm and you really can commiserate with her as she struggles to learn the proper etiquette.

The author really gives it her all when it comes to Lucy and her personality. She has a great sense of humor and it’s loaded with sarcasm and I just love the way she stands up to the snobs.

Henry is enamored with her but just really doesn’t realize it. He has his job cut out for him. I’m just frustrated at the choices that must be made for Lucy. He is kind and sweet but has his own sense of humor with a sense of loyalty and commitment that is perfect for her.

This is actually a clean romance. While it is printed under the “Scandalous” label at the publishing house, it is not. This story is built on friendship, wit, a strong backbone, and a slow burn. Just wish there was a bit of passion here. That would have leveled this book up a notch for me.

Overall, a delightful trip to the Regency era with a surprising author.

3.5 Stars
Lucy Locket, the long lost granddaughter of a duchess, has never been a part of Society. She does not embody the typical qualities of a well-born lady...at all. She can't curtsy, she doesn’t hide her emotions, she’s too clever by far. But in three months, she must marry a suitor with a royally-bestowed title, or she forfeits a fortune—leaving her and the duchess in dire straits. All Henry Beaumont wants is to prove himself to Society and step outside of his half-brother’s shadow. So when the duchess asks him for a personal favour involving her newly found granddaughter—with a hefty thank you reward at the end—he leaps at the opportunity.
This is the second book I’ve read by the author & the first in a new series. A well written book that held my interest all the way through. I liked both Henry & Margaret / Lucy, their verbal banter was entertaining & I could believe that they fell in love, I also liked that they’d met as youngsters before Lucy's life was torn apart. The thing that did annoy me was the way a debutante behaved towards a Duchess, if a young woman had behaved in such a manner she would have been given the cut direct from society – that said I loved how Lucy verbally humiliated her in the end. An interesting read that I found entertaining & fun
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Everything a Lady is Not by Sawyer North

The book is comical, but Lucy & Henry are two peas in a pod. They are both out of their elements for entirely different reasons. Henry has been downtrodden and berated by a despotic jealous older half-brother. Henry has more character, honesty, loyalty and gumption in his little finger.
Lucy was raised by a semi-criminal with a background of societal birth. Lucy had training and education, but more geared that of a younger son than an lady her actual society ties, which has been kept mum for her safety from cutthroats and black guards!
Lucy and Henry were thrust into a situation that he had to guide her or should we say he had to endure hours of bleakness to prepare her for a launch to take her proper place finally amongst the viperous ton!

Oh, how the adventures of tongue awaits you on this perilous journey for Lucy & Henry! The author keeps the drama entertaining and even some intrigue will await you!
I enjoyed his book immensely!

Thank you to the authors and publishers for their hard work producing books for us the readers.

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.

If Anastasia and My Fair Lady had a baby it would be this book - and I do mean that as a compliment. I really enjoyed watching Henry and Lucy's relationship grow and transform throughout the book. I also enjoyed the relationship between Lucy and her grandmother - they were exactly what the other needed in their lives and their love for one another really showed how much had been missing during the years they were separated. A big part of me wished that Lucy's father hadn't died because I would have liked to have seen them be reunited. Henry's backstory was a little dramatic, but I was willing to overlook it because I did like him as a character. The only two things that I really was not a fan of with this book were Lady Isabella (for someone who has obviously had more than one Season and was not yet married she seemed a little too cruel toward Lucy) and the part with Bow Street maybe arresting and charging Lucy (she's a close relation to a duke, I'm sure that would have kept her out of trouble). Other than that, I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be keeping an eye out for the future books in this series..

A witty and snappy read. From the first moment Lucy and Henry meet as children they have used words as sword play. When they meet as adults they have only sharpened their skills. The story is fast paced as they have a limited time to get Lucy prepared to face society. Henry as the unenviable task of being her tutor. With the mean girls and other roadblocks in their way navigating becomes treacherous. There is also the feelings they have for each other that they are both desperately trying to deny. It takes a little faith to reach for that happy ending.

Will they come out unscathed when confronted with the worst Society has to offer ...

As it is my first read by this author, when I checked his work, I then discovered he was a male romance writer, I was quite surprised as my reading of this book never let it transpired. I do not often read romance written by men, not by choice more by lack of offer. Plus a historical romance, even better by its rarity.

While I adored the heroes’ silly banters, my mood often switched on the upset side when Lucy first ran straight into the many traps set for her or when I felt Henry kind of failed her by not standing for her. But it was also their journey, the one adventure in their life where if they faltered, the outcome could be far from enjoyable.

They met once when they were only child and shared instantly a tight bond.
Then they finally crossed roads again some 10 years later.
From there begins a retelling of Pygmalion with the hero a bow street horse patroller turned professor having in charge to model a Eliza Doolittle, named Lucy raised by highwaymen, in a perfect society lady.

« “I am satisfied as to your credentials, Mr. Beaumont, nanny-at-large and itinerant wet nurse. Where shall we begin?” »

Their relationship becomes from there a match of will and wits. Until others stepped in to add fuel on the embers, it was at this moment their relationship switched, when he more than failed her, as he kind of walked away, abandoning her to the wolves who awaited in the shadows to pounce and shred her to pieces. And while she stood her ground, she was only a novice at the Ton’s game of butchering one’s personality behind false smiles and barbs thrown as quips.
As despite his many flaws, Henri is a kind and caring man, he saw his fault and decided to turn the tables to put Lucy on an leveled ground to help her progress.

« In a land that prizes delicacy above fortitude and demureness above intelligence, she stands squarely on the wrong side of the fence and quite without a key to the gate. »

I just would have liked for them to realize their feeling a bit earlier than in the last pages and for Henry to share his plans with her.
Yet, it is a much entertaining read, a clean one for those who does not like their stories on the steamy side.
4.5 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Entangled, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

This was real fun :D! And the writer is a guy that decided to write regency romance? Gender progress is always progress, I guess. Anyway, the pacing was fast and mostly felt nice enough for me to enjoy it. I found myself grinning through most of it. If life is hard and 2020’s harder, do yourself a favor and read this.

Henry Beaumont, the second son of an Earl and Bow Street Runner is tasked with helping the lost granddaughter of a Duke with her introduction to the ton. He is your regular hero with a dark childhood. As for Lucy, thought dead as a child, was raised by a notorious highwayman for the past 11 years. Some of Henry’s lines reminded me of Emma’s Mr. Knightley at times (this is as high a praise as I can make). And Lucy was witty and smart, with a strong personality (my kind of heroine), and tries her best dealing with her new place in society, the need to find a titled husband within the next three months and her growing feelings for the annoying man training her. Their relationship was very cute and adorable. I would have loved a larger epilogue to see deeper into their HEA.

If fact-checking regency culture and chaperones and all those things are what you love to do, you might want to sit this one out, but it was not an issue for me. It did not take itself seriously, and managed the balance well... it was wacky at times, in the best sense, (something like the Princess Bride). The dialogues are so good, that the pages just kept turning. Hope you like it too.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have been provided with a review copy of Everything a Lady is Not from NetGalley for an impartial review. This book was just so easy to get lost in. I completely got lost in the story and I just loved getting to see these new characters come together. I just absolutely love this story and I just didn’t want to put it down. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

IT WAS SHORT - THAT WAS THE BEST THING ABOUT IT

No, this was not for me. I didn't capture, didn't speak to me. I couldn't connect with the story, the characters or the romance.

👎 WHAT I DISLIKED 👎

Dynamic: Lucy and Henry are our two main characters. They have known each other since they were children, but where separated and met up again under precarious circumstances. We're supposed to believe that they feel in love upon meeting up again. But honestly, I just felt like the dynamic between them was strange and off-putting. I didn't buy into the idea of them being in love.

Dialogue: It was just weird, stilted and weird.

I received a free copy from net galley in exchange for an honest review. Overall I liked this book. There were some things that irritated my however which is what makes this 3 stars instead of 4.

Lucy has been raised by thrives since she was kidnapped however now that she has been reunited with her grandmother, the duchess, it is her opportunity to regain her place in society and a fortune.

Henry is a bow street runner who captured Lucy but now has been hired by the duchess to transform her granddaughter into a lady so she can marry in 3 months time or lose her fortune.

I liked Lucy for the most part with an unconventional upbringing she was fun and interesting. I also liked how Henry was mesmerized by her. I will even buy Henry's tragic tale but the secondary characters passed me off.

First we has Henry repeatedly flirting and speaking with woman hellbent on humiliating Lucy as every turn. I get the Ton is a small group but batch does not need to be invited. Second, I get that Lucy isn't a typical lady and there is deadline to get her married but really let's scrap the bottom of the barrel knowing she will be miserable with any of the suitors for money she won't even be able to control. Ugh.

4 stars for Lucy and even Henry and their relationship but I am taking away a star because come on associate with better people.

A Lady in Training
Everything a Lady is Not is an interesting, dramatic, very fast paced romance. Lady Margaret Huntington aka. Lucy Locket, and Henry Beaumont are both born into unfortunate situations. They first meet as children, both outcasts in their own families, like their favorite book Robinson Crusoe. Lucy and Henry meet again in a less auspicious way, as they trade salty insults. I can say it is the first time I have read bone box used as a synonym for a dirty mouth. Henry is cold, and often sarcastic toward Lucy’s predicament. It takes Lucy sharing her questionable kidnapping, to earn Henry’s sympathy. Lucy does assume a little too early that Henry respects and values her, which is a blow to her already lagging confidence. Though, Lucy is at first petulant, she does have a backbone when it comes to the inequality of gender roles, and Henry has the decency to agree with her. Together they overcome the hypocrisy of society, to learn they are best suited for each other. There are a few historical errors mainly with historical clothing. Overall, this book is a good start in writing historical romance.

4.5 Stars!

Born the second son from a second wife, Henry Beaumont is cast out from his home as soon as his older brother takes on the family title. Thankfully, his older sister is more than happy to raise Henry alongside her own children. On one occasion, a girl comes to visit his sister’s home with her father. The brief connection over Robinson Crusoe left a lasting impression. Over a decade later, Henry meets the girl again, except this time everything has changed.

Mr. North brings forth a brilliant plot in the first book in his new Bow Street Beau’s series. He gives us a Pygmalion-type story wherein the lost granddaughter of a duchess needs his expert help to become a lady. Lucy is a fantastically refreshing character in that she sees how hypocritical the rules of the upper ten thousand are. There is a whole conversation where she points all of this out. I was actually cheering her on aloud as I read. I love it when I can get that involved in a story!

While the love story of Henry and Lucy is a slow burn, there is more than enough intrigue to keep you flipping the pages. Plus, since this is the first in the series, we are introduced to a host of secondary characters. While there are two other Bow Street Beaus, there is also The Dowager Duchess of Ramsbury. She is an absolute firecracker as Lucy’s grandmother. While she is only related to Lucy, I hope Mr. North will include her in upcoming stories.

I highly recommend Everything a Lady is Not and can’t wait for more of this series. If you want to check out more of Mr. North’s historical romance, give Fair Weather Enemies a read.

I received Everything a Lady is Not for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.