After watching Bridgerton, I'd have to say my interest in regency romance rose exponentially. Finding authors like Kate Pembrooke have allowed me to continue this "obsession"!

I love reading about fierce, independent women and Lady Serena Wynter wasn't an exception. This forbidden love is perfect for those readers who found Lady Whistledown's scandalous papers juicy and exciting! No, this book isn't related to the Bridgerton clan, but it's definitely something you'll enjoy!

I love these ladies in the Wednesday afternoon social group, i believe i got the name correct. The way they are educating and helping each other but also others is inspiring, and the fact that they aren't rebelling against societal norms just for fun, but this is who they are and they accomplish a lot together.

Past this, the couple was not my favorite though i did love Serena and her boldness while appreciating Charles didn't want to change her at all. This friends to lovers romance was so slow burn i wanted to shake them both to get on with it. But in the end they did indeed get on with it and there were many happy endings all around. Although i didn't get to see Serena accidentally dump a punch bowl over Mrs. Avery's head so that was sad.

#netgalley #sayyoullbemylady

I loved this sweet, slow burn friends-to-lovers romance! Serena was the strong, independent heroine I love and Charles was such a sweet cinnamon roll! Jem was also a delight. Sometimes kids in romances can be distractingly precocious, but I thought he was very realistic. A great read!

Lady Serena Wynter just wants to live life her own way, and if that means courting scandal at times, so be it. She uses her position and time to work on charitable causes with the ladies of her Wednesday Afternoon Social Club and is content with her life. But there is one man who Serena considers to be her dearest friend of all, and her feelings for him are rapidly becoming something more than friendship, and she suspects his feelings are similar, even if he is too honorable to act on them.

Charles Townshend, a boxer turned MP and a perfect gentleman, tries his best to temper some of Serena’s more reckless tendencies out of his fear of her putting herself in danger. His feelings for Serena go well beyond friendship but a scandalous family secret means he’ll never try to take things further with her and risk sullying her reputation. Fortunately, Serena has no intention of allowing Charles’ tendency to stick to propriety to stand between them.

This book has got to be the slowest burn I’ve read in some time, but honestly, I liked Charles and Serena so much that I didn’t really mind. They were both charming and easy to root for and I loved that Serena talked some sense into Charles when he tried to denigrate himself for others’ mistakes. She wouldn’t settle for anything less than everything from him and I found it really refreshing that it was the heroine pursuing the hero in this story. That said, I loved the dual narration of this one and I might not have enjoyed the story quite so much if I had simply read it and not also listened. Having the two narrators definitely helped bring both the story and the characters to life for me, pulling me into the story and making their longing/pining for each other more real and believable. Charles was frustrating in his insistence on the impossibility of these two being together, but his sweetness and the solidity of the friendship between these two, not to mention Serena’s refusal to give up on him, made the long wait worthwhile. I liked this book rather more than the first and I look forward to seeing which character will get their HEA next.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and its audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Kate Pembrooke is a new fave author of mine. Her books are not like other historical romances. But the characters are usually fun and charming. I loved her debut novel and fell in love with this friends-to-lovers story for different reasons.

Lady Serena Wynters is a bluestocking and a part of the ladies' social club that takes on social causes. She's pretty feisty and bold but also a society darling. I loved her strong character and commitment to being herself. She's also friends with Charles Townshend, gentleman, and secretary to a parliament member. They have a bit of an unconventional friendship that is encouraged by everyone including the Earl of Huntington, Serena's father. When Serena decides that Charles and she should be lovers, she pursues him with a single-minded purpose.

There was so much to love about this book. I loved that Serena was the pursuer, it made the story unique. Charles has valid reasons why he doesn't think they should be together and Serena hasn't quite figured out how she feels about him. I loved that Charlotte and William from book 1 were their friends, I also loved that rag-tag group of friends in general. I almost wish we could see Edwina's story.

There is a bit of steam but they don't get together till the end. I don't usually love friends-to-lovers so was dreading this book a bit, but when I got into it, I couldn't put it down. I just really loved the back and forth between Charles and Serena, I also loved that Charles loved Serena's boldness and independence. He was accepting of her and that made it all the sweeter. I can't wait for the next in this series!

This is a friends-to-lovers regency romance book that follows Lady Serena Wynter and her friend Charles Townshend. The book can be read as a standalone, I haven't read the first in this series and I was able to understand everything that was going on. I didn't feel like I was missing anything by not having read the first one which is always great!

Lady Serena is an absolute firebolt. She's bold and daring, willing to do whatever is necessary to help those less fortunate than her, and she goes after what she wants with abandon. I appreciate a strong female lead and this book gives just that! Charles is a very protective man, with a high sense of propriety. He always wants to do right by Serena, protecting her from anything that could hurt her including herself. As separate characters, I did like them both, but together, I felt like there was something missing. I almost liked them better as friends than as a romantic couple.

I felt like much of this book was "telling" rather than "showing" which is great sometimes, but not for a whole book. The plot had some really interesting parts but I feel like they weren't put together in the greatest way - I ended up enjoying the read overall though! Oh and I loved Jem - such a sweet character! I could see the outcome for him from a mile away and I loved it! Any scene with him in it was entertaining!

I do plan to continue reading this series - I have a feeling the next book focuses on a "reformed rake" trope which I LOVE so I'll definitely check it out!

Lady Serena Wynter is a spinster who had her chance at love long ago, now she is happy to meet with her women’s group and plan good deeds around the city for the less fortunate.

When her idea to house and care for unwed pregnant women doesn’t make the list of charities to be supported by the women’s group, Serena decides to make it happen on her own… On her own, until her friend, Charles Townsend steps int assist.

Charles and Serena’s friendship grows through their mutual work and the arrival of an unexpected house guest at Lady Serena’s, whom is quite taken by Charles… Lady Serena starts to feel attracted to Charles, and since they are both, from her knowledge not looking for a spouse- she proposes an affair… But our Mr Charles Townsend is a stand up gentleman, so he could never dream of stepping above his station with Lady Serena, due to his station and family history…

From the cover I had anticipated a ladies man pursuing our heroine… I was wrong! 
And that’s ok! From the written detailed internal dialogue and character actions, to the voicing and cadence of the characters- the story unfolded to tell one of a friendship between two people not really looking for marriage.… but soon our spinster heroine’s head is turned and she decides that a seduction would not be amiss!

The journey for Charles and Serena to find a future together was a true delight!

Say You’ll be My Lady by Kate Pembrooke was released February 22, 2022.

Thanks so much to Forever Romance and Grand Central Publishing for gifting me with my review copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

‘Lady Serena Wynter doesn’t mind flirting with a bit of scandal—she’s determined to ignore society’s strictures and live life on her own fiercely independent terms. These days, she chooses to pour her passions into charitable causes with the vibrant group of ladies in her Wednesday Afternoon Social Club. But there is one man who stirs Serena’s deepest emotions, one who’s irresistibly handsome, infuriatingly circumspect, and too honorable for his own good...

Charles Townshend, former boxer and consummate gentleman, worries Serena’s reckless nature will earn her the ton’s scorn…or put her in serious danger. Though Charles isn’t immune to the attraction between them, a shocking family secret prevents him from ever acting on his desires. But it seems Lady Serena doesn’t intend to let his penchant for propriety stand in the way of a mutually satisfying dalliance.’
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3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 stars.

Review to follow.

Say You’ll Be My Lady is the second book in Kate Pambrooke’s debut series, The Unconventional Ladies of Mayfair and is a historical romance.

Although this is the second book in the series, it can also serve very well as a stand-alone book. The Afternoon Social Club, of which Serena is a member and which we were introduced to in the first book, is prevalent during this story, but it’s very clear what type of club it is and what it stands for and starting here will not inhibit your enjoying the book.

I liked the two main characters, especially Charles, they were a good match. But despite the attraction and affection they held for one another, I didn’t find the push and pull between them that compelling. I believe that is because it felt to me that there was a bit more telling than showing going on here. I thought the premise was good and I enjoyed the plot, but I have mixed feelings about it. It felt to me that the threads of plot lines were dropped and picked up through out the book in a manner that affected the pacing.

Overall I liked the book, I don't regret reading it and will continue on with the series, however this isn’t a book I plan on rereading.
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I would like to thank NetGalley and Forever(Grand Central Publishing for sharing an eARC of Say You’ll Be My Lady by Kate Pembrooke with me. This is my honest review.

Say You’ll be My Lady by Kate Pembrooke, book two in The Gilded Age Heiresses series, is a friends-to-lovers and opposites-attract tale about two people figuring out where they belong. This story takes a deeper look into the minds and hearts of Charles, a proper gentleman who lives by the rules, and Serena, who seems born to break the rules. Despite a strong magnetic attraction and sizzling chemistry between Charles and Serena, the secrets they are both hiding from their past gets in the way of anything more than friends happening between them. In addition, Charles strongly believes that Serena is above him in class and stature, causing him to deny his feelings for her. Add in a homeless, foundling, Jem, who Serena and Charles bring into Serena’s home, and you have an enjoyable tale of two people who have a lot to overcome.

Ms. Pembrooke wrote a friends-to-lovers and opposites-attract story filled with parental pressure, respect, passion and romance that should not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with respect, chemistry, wonderful banter, and secondary characters to give Serena and Charles a happy future together, along with Jem. I highly recommend Say You’ll be My Lady to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

This was a bit too slow moving for me, a lot happened off page that would have enhanced the story. There were also a lot of characters to keep track of and I found it distracting from the plot. overall just ok for me.

Second in the Unconventional Ladies of Mayfair series, SAY YOU'LL BE MY LADY offers a friends-to-lovers tale that runs a bit slow yet still will entrance fans of histfic romance. I love this kind of trope and found the slow burn approach a perfect pace. What a fun romance!

Thanks to the author, #ReadForeverPub, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.

Pub Date 22 Feb 2022
#SayYoullBeMyLady #NetGalley

Ever since Bridgerton I have fall in love with Regency romance and this does not disappoint. This book has everything I love in a regency Romance. An independent woman in a time where independence is frowned upon. Opposites attract and the rules of the Ton lead this book and I was all in!
Thank you @readforeverpub for an advanced copy

I really enjoyed the first book on this series and was looking forward to this one. Alas, it didn't win me over. The beginning felt slow and I wasn't connecting with the characters.
That being said, this disconnect could definitely be a 'me' thing. I hope this book wins fans, but I'm giving it 3 stars.

This is a lovely friends to lovers romance!

Two people too misguided and stubborn to admit that what they feel is far weightier than friendship, finally give in to the feelings they have buried.

Charles is the rock to Serena's existence.. He grounds her, and always makes sure she laughs. He makes sure she doesn't take herself too seriously, and encourages her to see all of the perspectives in a situation before she gives in to impulse or recklessness.

Serena is Charles' sunshine. Her laughter and her teasing always warm him. His busy life and parliamentary responsibilities leave him with little time for diversion. But he will spend every free moment he has with Serena if she'll let him.

I absolutely adored Kate Pembrooke’s debut novel, Not the Kind of Earl You Marry. So when I came across Say You’ll Be My Lady, the next book in The Unconventional Ladies of Mayfair series, I knew I had to give it a read.

Say You’ll Be My Lady follows Serena and Charles. Serena is the daughter of an earl and is leading a pretty independent life. She thrives working on charitable causes with her friends and has an unusually close friendship with Charles. But she’s starting to develop feelings for him and can’t seem to break through his walls.

Charles, on the other hand, has loved Serena for ages, but seeing as he’s a mere mister and “not good enough” for her, he’s determined to be happy with just a friendship. But they are constantly thrown together, and Serena is just determined for more…

I really enjoyed all the interactions between Serena and Charles. There are all those emotions simmering under the surface, but first and foremost, there is friendship. It was beautiful to watch the relationship evolve to something more. The author threw in enough conflict to make things even more interesting, and of course, there was a satisfying happily ever after to wrap things up.

The secondary characters were all compelling, especially the other ladies in the Wednesday Afternoon Social Club. It’s refreshing to read about ladies of that time who aren’t content to live and behave as society dictates. Add in the fact that they genuinely want to help those less fortunate than themselves while also improving themselves was a nice touch.

Say You’ll Be My Lady was a fun historical romance with accessible characters and a well-developed romance. I couldn’t put the book down, and I can’t wait to revisit this series when the next book, Sweet Dreams are Made of Dukes, is released.

Rule breaker vs Rule follower.

I quite like it when the lady is a rule breaker and the gentleman is a rule follower.
Serena is just fine with breaking the rules. Charles lives by the strict rules.
Though he is quite fascinated by Serena. I quite liked Charles.
Recommend.

Lady Serena Winters has no desire to marry. After the death of her fiancé in the Napoleonic Wars, she immersed herself in charity work. As a duke's daughter, she wants for nothing. And certainly not a husband who would curtail her choices.

Charles is a gentleman in every sense of the word. He's loved Serena in secret for more years than he can count. Even if his station weren't beneath hers, a family secret makes a marriage between them impossible.

Still, he's determined to protect her when her charity work takes her to the seedier parts of town. The more time they spend together, the stronger the sparks between them become. When Serena suggests an affair, will Charles's honor allow him to give in to his feelings?

I love a good friends-to-lovers story. And I enjoyed that Serena was the instigator in this relationship. Throw in the subplot with the orphaned boy, and I am hooked.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

While this book didn’t really work for me as a whole, I really love the premise of this series as it follows ladies of society that are part of the Wednesday Afternoon Social Club. It’s such a fun twist on their version of a gentleman’s club.

One of the reasons I struggled with this book is how it felt that Serena was trying to almost force Charles into a relationship. If the scripts were flipped, I believe I would feel the same way.

This book is definitely a slow burn, and I am left with some lingering questions that weren’t answered in the book. Both regarding things that happened to Charles and something that was very important to Serena early in the book, was just forgotten.

This couple was so much fun!
They reminded me of Lizzie and Darcy actually, if they started as friends with a secret crush.
The story starts really slow and it takes a while for the plot to reveal itself.
Despite this I did enjoy the story.
This is a character driven story, so if you’re not a fan of them I don’t know if you would like this.
Tropes include class differences, friends to lovers, and secret crush.

If you’re a fan of Regency romance with a feisty heroine and a swoon-worthy love interest, Say You’ll be My Lady by Kate Pembrooke is the book for you!

This is a fun and quick read and full of all the things we romance lovers appreciate. I found it perfect for February!!

I immediately was immersed in the lifestyle and social activities of the characters which was so much fun and I enjoyed the plot and side stories. Definitely an entertaining and enjoyable read!