Member Reviews
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Miss Joanna Dalrymple's life turned around when her father inherited a fortune, and she was launched into society. The first gentleman she meets is Gareth, Lord Reade, who catches her eye, and intrigues her, though he has no intention of marrying yet. Reade is hiding something though, the fact that he is an agent for the crown, and being with someone, especially after what he experienced at Waterloo, is too much for him. But Reade can't stop thinking about Joanna, and when it seems that she is involved in his most recent case, can he separate his feelings from his work?
This was a quick read, and the added plot line of the intrigue of the missing girls kept me hooked. I liked Joanna and Reade together, though I don't think their chemistry was as good as it could be. There were sweet moments between them, and I did like that he believed in her strength as they knew each other more. A nice Regency read.
Loved Gareth and Joanna's story. It is a delightful story that pulled me in and kept me there throughout the novel. Most of the story moved at a fast pace, although there were one or two slow spots. I found the characters well-developed and the plot engaging. Fun read!
This book was a quick read. I liked the characters but wish that they were introduced earlier in the story. At times the plot seemed to move at a slow pace.
The book was very easy and quick read, read it in one sitting. The story was cute and Joanna was an alright character. The chemistry was a little so and so for my taste, but it was sort of cute anyhow.
I enjoyed reading this book. Imagine going from a life in trade into society. There are bound to be some bumps along the way. Then finding a man that draws Miss Joanna attention and he is not interested. But as the story develops; romance does blossom and the characters are not whom you would expect. Or are they?
Historical romance with more interesting characters than some. A lively plot,very descriptive and lots of surprises.
Romance and Peril
When Joanna went to London, she thought she might find love. She had no idea that she would find danger in polite society. It turned out that not everyone was who they seemed. There was one man who caught her eye, but he was surrounded by mystery. Gareth had no intention of falling in love. He was on a mission to catch ruthless criminals, and Joanna got in the way. He felt obligated to protect her, but could his feelings go beyond protectiveness, and would he acknowledge them before it was too late? If you like Regency romance with a dash of suspense, danger, and intrigue, you might enjoy this story.
I liked the way Jo was introduced as a country girl and you get to know her from there. Good way to start a story. She is very personable. Jo gets to London with her father and aunt and the fun begins. A few suitors, bad people, new friends and heartache. You think Gareth is a good guy but then maybe he's not. Was hooked right from the beginning.
Introducing Miss Joanna by Maggi Andersen is the second in the Once a Wallflower series. Joanna Dalrymple was a little old to be making her debut her father had recently inherited a fortune and wanted it for her. He was a simple merchant but he had married into nobility, although his wife's family had disinherited both she and her sister for the slight. So with the inheritance and the proceeds from selling his business, they made their way to London. Mr. Dalrymple had hired a woman to ease their way into society and she was doing it well, as invitations began to arrive. Joanna met a man she really liked, Baron Reade. Everyone told her it was not possible, including Reade. She met another man. She didn't' like him as much but he seemed more practical. She was on the lookout for fortune hunters and he didn't seem to be one, a Mr. Gregson. Many other things were going on as Joanna quickly made friends. Things go complicated, fast.
The story line in this book was quite good. Things the reader didn't see coming continued to pop up. The plot was fascinating and well done. Joanna was a bright girl, but sometimes ever that doesn't help. She didn't wait for someone to rescue her; she did it herself. She was a terrific character. Reade was a little different, a little darker, more closed off, but when he decided, that was it. This was a clever book, which kept the reader engaged. It was frightening and exposed people for the deceitful and criminal sorts they were. I recommend it.
I was invited to read Introducing Miss Joanna by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #introducingmissjoanna
Miss Joanna Dalrymple’s father is determined that his daughter make her way in society, as was her mother’s wishes. Yet Jo has decided that her husband will be a quiet gentleman, allowing her father to live with them and agrees to Mr Ollerton’s pursuit. Yet her interest has been sparked by Gareth, Baron Reade, who is an agent for the crown, investigating the disappearance of several women. When Jo’s life appears to be in danger, Reade’s feelings for her can no longer he denied.
This was an entertaining read with two enjoyable characters. Jo’s good nature wins everyone over and whilst her independent spirit is frustrating for Reade, he is always respectful and protective of Jo. He is the perfect hero, conflicted with a darker side to him. There were several twists to this storyline, making it all the more enjoyable, as it didn’t become predictable. A sweet romance intertwined with a good pace.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
In this suspenseful Regency romance, the heroine is a down-to-earth young lady whose father is in trade, whilst the hero is a hard-bitten soldier who survived the war. When Joanna's father announces that he is finally able to fulfill his late wife's dream to give Joanna a London season and see her happily settled in marriage, he is ecstatic. Joanna is excited at the prospect but she quickly comes to realise that it is going to take more than a little effort to brush off the dust of her small town. Catching Baron's Reade's attention, there is an immediate attraction between them, and Reade discovers himself being enchanted by the outspoken and practical young lady. Knowing that he has no intention of marrying, given his dark moods and past history, Reade thinks he can easily set thoughts of Jo aside. Discovering her in the midst of a volatile situation changes all that and when Reade realises that Jo seems to be the target of the vile plot that is being played out, he becomes protective of her. I love the main characters in this book, Reade's protectiveness towards Jo and even when he is frustrated with her independent sorties, he remains respectful and listens to her. Jo is a woman one can easily identify with in that she is kind, observant, and cannot be taken for a fool. Both she and her father easily win society over with their lack of artifice and as the plot thickens, I found myself trusting that Reade would reach Jo in time. This is a well written novel with a good plot that comes to a very satisfactory ending. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
After her father inherited some money Miss Joanna Dalrymple is getting London season to find a husband. She meets the dark and brooding handsome Lord Reade a man of many secrets. Reade finds her attractive, but he’s not the marring type, but he vows to keep her safe when she seems to be involved with the Virdens, a couple under suspicion by the crown. He’s investigating the disappearances of several young women and who may have been sold to brothels and the slave markets at the request of the Prince Regent. The instigation becomes personal when Joanna’s friend is kidnapped and she’s in danger. I have voluntarily read and reviewed these excellent story.
***Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
This Regency romance is not the best I've ever read. It had suspense and romance, but it fell a little flat. The characters did not feel fleshed out and their romance felt forced.
Miss Joanna Dalrymple's father inherits a fortune and is finally able to give his daughter the season he always knew her mother wanted her to have. Jo quickly learns her first dress she wears to a ball that she brought from the country does not quite meet London's standards.
Joanna is introduced to the intriguing Baron Gareth Reade by her new friend, Letty Cartwright. Gareth works for the Home Office and is trying to solve the mysterious disappearances of young women around London. When one of Joanna's friends ends of missing she turns to Gareth for help.
I really enjoyed the book. There was plenty of action to keep my attention, and it took a while to determine which character(s) was the worst villain.
Miss Joanna Dalrymple is off to London. She never imagined that she would have a coming our Season, but as her father’s circumstances have drastically changed, she will have a chance to choose a titled husband. Lord Reade is instantly attracted to her and as he is on a very secret mission for England, is not in a position to court her. When Joanna’s maid mysteriously disappears, she begins to understand how dangerous it can be in London.
When a friend is abducted, she asks Reade for his help in locating her. The two of them disagree on at least one of her choices of a possible husband, as Reade doesn’t want to admit his feelings for her. But that changes when he believes Joanna to be in imminent danger. Suddenly, loving another and receiving that love in return is all that he wishes in life.
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A book that has both tense and sweet moments, not to mention the romance that blossoms between the two lead characters.
Very good storyline and enjoyable to read with excellent secondary characters.
I found the plot held my attention quite well,
Loved how the kidnapping scenes unfolded, very tense, and I look forward to more from the series.
I’ve read some of Maggi’s books before and always found them to be good , this was no exception.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
When Miss Joanna Dalrymple’s father inherits a fortune from a relative, he sells his haberdashery determines that Jo shall have her dream of having a season. He leases a townhouse in Mayfair for the Season and engages a lady to ease their way into Society. At her first ball, Jo makes a new friend, Letitia Cartwright, who introduces her to the baron, Lord Reade. Jo learns from Letty that Reade is not looking to marry, so when the elegant Mr. Ollerton, pursues her, Jo welcomes his advances. Gareth, Baron Reade, is an agent for the crown, & at the request of the Prince Regent is investigating the disappearances of several young women. The lovely redhead, Miss Joanna Dalrymple, has captured Reade’s attention. Trouble is, Joanna, a forthright young lady, becomes increasingly difficult to ignore. Especially when it appears she might be in danger.
An entertaining read that held my interest all the way through, I love a romance that also has a mystery. There were twists & turns I wasn’t expecting but which added to my enjoyment. I loved Jo who was kind, caring & a loyal friend. Gareth was the tortured war veteran trying to ease his guilt. I really liked the slow burn romance. A well written captivating read.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Joanna Dalrymple is looking forward to her first season in London. Since her father inherited money it's made her an heiress. At her first ball she meets the mysterious Lord Reade. A man of secrets, Jo doesn't see him as the marrying, settling down type of gentleman. As their paths keep crossing to the dark side of London, Reade sees a stronger woman than he thought and she sees him as the hero he doesn't see.
A complex web of villains keep the story moving at a good pace.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I enjoyed the tone and author voice of this book. Joanna was delightful. Reade was kind of boring in the opening chapters, because he didn't actually DO anything until the third scene in his point of view.
The pacing of the book was uneven. While it got off to a good start, it didn't hold my interest. I'm not sure why the author chose to wait so long for the hero and heroine to officially meet. Maybe that was intended to increase suspense. But for me, a romance doesn't get interesting until the hero and heroine meet.
This is a good story, but I just found it too slow. I'm sure the book would appeal to readers with more patience than me.
I very much enjoyed Introducing Miss Joanna! I got pulled into the story quite easily, and all the mystery and intrigue kept me hooked. I really liked the mystery/criminal work, and Jo’s tenacity in helping those around her. I wish the romance had had a little more tension to pull the slow burn along, but overall this was a very enjoyable read.