Such a good cozy mystery with romance and adventure! The strong female main character is likable and independent. Very reminiscent of the Evie Dunmoor League of Extraordinary Women series in the best way possible. Highly recommend!

I wasn't too sure about the book after seeing the title, but from the start this is a great book. You don't think about a cozy mystery set in Regency times but it is a hoot! You really felt like what it was like for a woman in that time period. The mystery was expertly woven into the story and I hope there are more books in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this book! I appreciate it more than you know.

I did DNF this book at about 35% due to not being able to get into it. I tried so hard to like the characters and get into the spirit of the "Bridgerton" vibes, but I couldn't get past how slow it was.

If you have read Bridgerton, I have heard that this is relatively close to the same style. For no, I will stick to fantasy, True Crime, and Mystery as my go-to's. Hopefully, I can expand my interests soon to include books like this.

This book starts strong - the author clearly has a good backgound in the time period in which she's writing. The language and characterizations are well pitched and Petra is a magnetic heroine. From there, I think it gets overwhelmed by too large a cast. clunky exposition, and character monologuing in the style of bad melodrama. I'm optimistic thought that future novels from this author could build from the strong groundwork that was apparent at the begin with a little more refining.

I really wanted to like this book, the plot sounded so thrilling. Alas, I just couldn't get into it. Not my cup of tea.

I just reviewed Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally. #NetGalley

I tried, I really did. I just couldn't get into it. Plot? Is there one? If there was, I couldn't find it.
I don't mean to be cruel, but I have hundreds of books waiting to be read, and I just couldn't try and bond with this book anymore. If I don't bond with it by the fourth chapter, after the second attempt...nope, sorry.

4 stars

Fun read! Lady Petra has decided she does not want to be married and live her life as a single woman. Thankfully when her mother passed away, she was endowed with the funds and means to do so. She stumbles upon a curious set of events where wives in her society are turning up dead. As she works to figure out the details, she could be the next victim.

Fun mystery set in the Regency era of the early 1800s. Would read again.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Nov. 14, 2023
“Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord” is a historical fiction novel by Celeste Connally. The author has other novels under another name, but she is new to me, and this was one heck of an introduction!
Petra Forsyth’s fiancée and love dies in a tragic accident just before they’re about to be married, leaving Petra heartbroken. Since the death of her mother left Petra an independently wealthy woman, she vows to stay single forever, much to the chagrin of her high society friends and family. When Petra hears that a close friend of hers has died as a result of “melancholia”, she is shocked and refuses to believe the news, especially when she hears rumours that her friend was seen just recently, very much alive. A new doctor is in town with big secrets, and Petra finds herself in terrible danger as she continues to investigate why women around her are disappearing.
Petra is spunky, independent and fiery and I loved every bit of her! As a woman in Victorian England who refuses to go along with social norms placed on women at that time, she runs the risk of ruining her family’s reputation as well as her own, but she continues to go against what’s expected of her in order to help her friends. There is absolutely nothing about Petra to dislike and I cheered for her from the outset.
Petra narrates the novel, and there are many high-society characters, so be prepared for numerous mentions of “Lord and Lady” this and “Baron” this and that. Once you can sort through them and determine who is really worth paying attention to, Connally has you hooked.
This is the first novel in a series and if you did not know that at the beginning, you will definitely figure it out by the end, as the conclusion drops a hint of things to come. The novel flows brilliantly, and each chapter leaves just enough of a teaser that I had to keep turning the pages. To ensure the novel hits a thought-provoking and emotional note, Connally includes the asylum plotline, where “women of suspicious character” who “dare to go against societal norms” are committed against their will. “Lady” will sit uncomfortably with readers in certain parts, and it is this hauntingly realistic reminder of our history that makes the novel all the more engaging.
“Lady” will give you “Bridgerton” vibes, with a little bit of Agatha Christie thrown in (and how is that a bad thing)? I eagerly anticipate more from Connally, and definitely- MORE PETRA!

This is the perfect read for a rainy day and a mug of tea. This would perfectly be described with "Downton Abbey" (my favorite show) combined with a cozy mystery. This was very fun and quick read too. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is the first installment in a new Regency-era mystery series. I thought it was pretty good, especially the second half. The first half gave a lot of details about the characters, but as the story went on the plot line picked up. When Lady Petra Forsyth's friend Gwen mysteriously disappears (her husband says she has died), Lady Petra begins to investigate what really happened to her. Her investigation leads her to an evil man, Mr. Drysdale, and an asylum for women. There seems to be the beginning of a romance with her childhood friend, Duncan. I liked the cliffhanger at the end-looking forward to the next book in this series.

I felt like it got off to a slow start, but when the story got going, it really got going! Lady Petra and her various friends are so SO entertaining. Smart writing, a creepy AF villain, and a charming cast of characters. And with that cliffhanger, I can’t wait to see what they get up to next!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally is one of those books that stays with you long after you turn the last page.
Not only is it brilliantly written, with sympathetic and relatable characters despite the fact that it is set so long in the past, but the mystery itself is compelling and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout.
Lady Petra Forsyth is a woman before her time, presenting a problem for many of the men in society's upper crust, who believe fiercely that women should stay in their place and are threatened by any inkling of independence from the women in their lives. Petra's journey of discovery regarding the actions of these selfish men is emotionally gripping, and the descriptions of the gaslighting and mistreatment of women who the men are supposed to be protecting hit home for anyone in this time who may have experienced even just a fraction of this behaviour.
I read this book on the edge of my seat, actually worrying for Petra's future and rooting for her and her friends as though they were friends of my own.
I am extremely grateful to #NetGalley for the ARC of #ActLikeaLadyThinkLikeaLord, and to the author for writing such a fabulous book.

I did not finish this book. I got through the first three chapters and hadn’t been captured in the plot or characters enough to speed through the rest. Instead, I skipped through the first half of the book and gave up after reading the last two chapters. I was hoping the ending would be intriguing so I would want to go back and read all the in between, but no. It just didn’t entertain me. There is a considerable amount of info dump in the beginning, lots of internal explanations, and just very slow overall. Some of the content is also very misogynistic and was not appealing to read.

I received a copy via NetGalley of this eARC in exchange for my review.

Not my usual genre since I was a teenager but I was invited to read the book and thought I would give it a try. I just couldn't relate to the characters and all their machinations. I am glad the heroine stood up for herself but my goodness all the hoopla involved! If you like this time periodit is well written and you'll love the book. Just not my cup of tea anymore as it takes too long to get to the point. I was provided a complementary copy and was under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

I loved this book! I will definitely recommend it. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Following the death of her beloved fiancé, Lady Petra has declared she has no intention to marry. During her trip to London, she learns of the deaths of two friends under questionable circumstances. However, one suddenly is claimed to have been seen. So the mystery begins. Lady Petra begins investigating leading to a suspenseful series of events in which she defies the role the ton has set for her. I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this book, but as I read more I became engrossed in the story. It is a skillfully woven mystery with a bit of tension and a tease of romance.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this with only the requirement for an honest review.

ACT LIKE A LADY, THINK LIKE A LORD, written by Celeste Connally, is an enjoyable Regency-era mystery novel. Twenty-four-year-old Lady Petra Forsyth is an independent, headstrong woman. It has been three years since her fiancé died, right before their intended wedding, and she has proclaimed that she will never marry. When Lady Petra has misgivings about a friend’s death, her unfettered spirit comes to light as she searches for the truth.

ACT LIKE A LADY, THINK LIKE A LORD is set in the Regency Era, years earlier than Downton Abby’s Edwardian Era, but Petra reminds me of Downton Abby’s Lady Mary. Petra is a wonderful character, and I can definitely see the future of a series with Lady Petra as the protagonist. Thank you, St. Martins Press and NetGalley, for giving me the opportunity to read and review an advance reader copy of ACT LIKE A LADY, THINK LIKE A LORD.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord is a delightful Regency-era mystery featuring Lady Petra Forsyth, a free-thinking, independent woman who knows how to get out of trouble almost as easily as she gets into it. Celeste Connally has assembled a fascinating cast of characters around Lady Petra, and I for one hope to see more of them! Highly recommended.

This book is great! It’s a lot in one- romance and mystery. I thought Petra was a great main character. Great dialogue and fast paced. Very interesting plot. A must read!

Act like a lady, think like a lord is the story of Lady Petra, who despite a tragic backstory has the fortune of independence due to an inheritance left to her by her mother. This independence gives her the courage to declare she will remain a spinster and never marry after her fiancé, and true love died tragically right before their wedding. She continues to enjoy the life of an upper aristocrat in the Ton and while at a ball, learns of the tragic death of a dear friend weeks before. After hearing from a former servant of her friend that he had seen her alive two days ago, Lady Petra begins to think there is more going on than meets the eye. Not to mention her former best friend, who left her when she needed them most has returned after three years and continues to vex her.

What follows is a wonderful mystery filled with wit and humor. This book also has a great feminist quality bringing light to the fact that at the time women were no more than the property of the men in their lives.

I pretty much love any book set in or near the regency era, but add in a mystery and a romance and you’ve got the recipe for a fantastic book!

It wasn’t five star for me only because I felt like the relationship between Duncan and Lady Petra could have had more depth…The beginning of the book had A LOT of world building and I would have loved some more stories of their friendship in the past…That being said I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a heroine born in the wrong time, mysteries and the regency era with a touch of romance.