Katy Moran's "My Lady's Secrets" embarks on a daring journey through historical fiction, espionage, and a touch of romance, all while weaving in the presence of Lord Byron. However, in its attempt to encompass so many themes and genres, the novel occasionally loses focus, leaving the reader somewhat overwhelmed.

The narrative begins in medias res, thrusting readers into a world teeming with intrigue and complex characters. Yet, despite this abrupt beginning, the story struggles to find its footing as numerous characters enter the scene without sufficient introduction. As a result, understanding the dynamics between them becomes a challenge, hindering the reader's immersion. The retrospective sections exploring Cressida's past evoke a picaresque quality reminiscent of Defoe's Moll Flanders. these stories could have been revealed more elaborately and gradually. Such an approach would have allowed for a deeper exploration of her inner struggles and motivations. Gradually unfolding her backstory would have urged the reader to develop a stronger connection with Cressida and a deeper understanding of her actions.

One of the novel's shortcomings lies in its titular promise. While the title hints at a focus on the maid, the narrative primarily employs a conventional third-person perspective. This missed opportunity leaves readers longing for a more intimate exploration of the maid's role and insights.

Despite its flaws, "My Lady's Secrets" is not without merit. Moran's intricate plotting and historical detail showcase her skill as a writer, and the inclusion of Lord Byron adds a touch of literary flair to the narrative.

Special thanks to Katy Moran, Aria and Aries publisher, and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The story and the Characters were well written. The romance had me sat on the edge of my seat anticipating what will happen next. The story kept me interested the whole time. The writing was beautiful!

I really enjoyed this book! Definitely was not what I was expecting, but in a good way. I also quite like the dual POV aspect of it.

The only negative I have to say about this book is the fact it jumps quite a bit between a few chapters. It does take a second to figure out what is happening in a specific chapter but half of the chapters do not jump.

I was really excited about this book until I remembered how much Lord Byron annoys me. There is so much we know about him, but we always focus on the flights of fancy and not what a miserable person he is. I had to DNF this book, as I couldn't get into the story and couldn't force myself to get through it.

This book is probably going to be among my top 10 favourite books I read in 2024. It has my full recommendations. I hope everyone loves it as much as I did!

Thank you to Katy Morgan, Aria and Aries publisher and NetGalley for letting me give my honest review of this book.

I, unfortunately, had to dnf this one around the 50% mark. The story for me felt all over the place and was not invested in the characters. I usually try not to dnf arcs but I could not continue past this point.

As a reader, I was immediately drawn into the world of Regency England in "My Lady's Secrets" by Katy Moran. The tumultuous relationship between Cressida and Greville was captivating from the start. I found myself rooting for them to find their way back to each other despite their past betrayals.
The addition of the infamous Lord Byron added an extra layer of intrigue to the story, and I enjoyed seeing how his presence influenced the dynamics between the characters. The fast-paced plot kept me hooked from beginning to end, with plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing.
I appreciated the attention to historical detail in the novel, from the lavish house parties in the Scottish Highlands to the strict societal expectations placed on women like Cressida. The author did a fantastic job of immersing me in the world of Regency England, complete with its scandals, secrets, and forbidden romances.
Overall, "My Lady's Secrets" was a delightful read that provided a fresh take on the classic Regency romance genre.

I started to read and felt as if I needed to catch up. Events were on the page that I had no context for. I checked to see if my copy missing a vital first chapter, but it wasn’t. Action burst onto the page, but it failed to engage me, as I needed to situate the characters first. For me this complicated story could have worked if more of the setup had preceded the action.

This story just wasn’t really for me, I’m certain others may enjoy it but unfortunately I just couldn’t find myself interested in the story, despite being intrigued by the description and looking forward to reading it.

I am a big fan of Katy Moran's work, I love her unique voice and the way she fully captures and indices your attention and imagination while reading and this is no different!

It's a unique and compelling story, it's a little confusing, to begin with, but once I got into the flow of the plot and its twists I started to relax into the story. It's intriguing and will certainly keep you on your toes while reading. there are a lot of characters I know some readers find lots of characters a little off-putting, again it takes a little settle into the flow of the plot and to get to know each of the characters but I really enjoyed it!

True that this book could be classed as 'Marmite' I don't think it will be everyone's cup of tea, but to be honest, not every book works for everyone does it? If you've read and loved Moran's work before you know what to expect from her writing and how she spins a story so for loyal readers, this will be another winner, I loved it and will be purchasing a copy!

Overall, an intriguing and fun story with some great characters, all I can say for those still unsure is to give it a go!

This is an extraordinary novel - beautifully written, with the sort of vivid world-building I’d normally associate with fantasy rather than Regency fiction. I think the only other book. I’ve read that brings the period to life with the same intensity and complexity is Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. After a while I realised what I was reminded of - it’s the work of Dorothy Dunnett, the Niccolo books and the Lymond Chronicles: complicated, angry, imperfect people hurting each other terribly against a superbly researched historical setting. There are inevitable echoes of Georgette Heyer, but Katy Moran goes much darker and deeper. Bridgerton this is not, nor is it a Regency romance. Don’t read it as one and you won’t be disappointed.

This novel definitely delivers on the promise of  secrecy. Every character is besieged by their own personal mysteries and those of the people around them (which not only breach the private sphere, but jauntily cross into the political too). Ensconced in the events of the Peninsular War, Cressida - the protagonist - her husband - Greville - and his messy family try to navigate their duty to the Crown and to themselves with what I can only describe as roaring success.

The slowest slow burn in the history of the trope, it takes many chapters to find out why the two main characters are thrown into the opportunity to rekindle their passion for each other. And at every turn they still hide away from themselves and their beloved (although they're not likely to admit it). It was refreshing to read a historical fiction (with romantic tendencies) set in the Regency period but away from balls and luxuriant gardens, whose characters take on the historical events head on (starting with the Luddites and ending with Napoleon).

However, the carnival of characters with their own personal stories and histories and plot lines was not always the easiest to follow. I sometimes found myself re-reading sections to make sure I had not missed a segue into someone's backstory and more often than not wishing there were more chapters entirely dedicated to Cressida and Greville's history rather than having to snatch up tidbits here and there. This leads me to wish the plot was better divided between history and personal drama rather than constantly merging the two. I did not feel particularly drawn in by any of the many characters despite them all having characteristics that would normally make me root for them (exhibit a, a very strong minded and capable female protagonist).

Overall, a delightfully researched novel that has a little something for everyone.

I recently had the pleasure of delving into this book, and I am beyond impressed with the mesmerizing world that the author has crafted. From start to finish, the intricate plot weaves a tapestry of suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

One of the standout features of this book is undoubtedly its characters. Each one is meticulously developed, breathing life into the narrative with their unique personalities, motivations, and flaws. The protagonists are not just names on paper; they are relatable, complex individuals with whom readers can form a genuine connection. The antagonist, too, is not a mere foil but a multi-dimensional force that adds depth to the story. The author's ability to create such well-rounded characters is a testament to their storytelling prowess.

The plot unfolds seamlessly, drawing the reader into a richly layered narrative that expertly balances tension, drama, and moments of poignant reflection. The pacing is impeccable, maintaining a perfect rhythm that keeps the reader engaged without sacrificing the depth of the story. The author skillfully navigates through various plot arcs, interweaving them with finesse to create a cohesive and satisfying whole.

What sets this book apart is its ability to tackle profound themes while maintaining an accessible and engaging narrative. The book seamlessly combines suspense and emotional depth, making it a truly immersive experience. The author's prose is both elegant and evocative, painting vivid imagery that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.

As I reached the conclusion, I found myself yearning for more from this talented author. Their ability to craft a gripping plot and bring characters to life is truly commendable. I eagerly anticipate future works and would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any reader who appreciates a masterfully told tale. If you're searching for a book that seamlessly blends captivating characters with a compelling plot, this is a shining example. I can't wait to explore more literary worlds crafted by this exceptional storyteller.

As a lover of historical fiction, I was very intrigued by this book, however I found it felt too modern for me. Too much Mr and Mrs Smith, and not enough Austen.

A romantic adventure novel with a strong, misundertood female protagonist at the centre. Cressida felt so real and relatable because of her flaws and I was rooting for her and Grenville throughout. It kept me on my toes and I really enjoyed the read!

The synopsis sounded interesting. The novel just wasn't.

I appreciate the strong female MC. A lot of research went into the book and it shows. Both things that should make this the perfect historical (romance) novel for me. Yet...

The story starts with an action packed chapters that made me wish I had read the first book(s) in the series only to realise this is a standalone. It was confusing and nothing seemed to make sense. The historical background information was thrown in with snippets of the actual plot and snippets of the many characters' backstories. Further adding to the confusion was that each character has more than one name, which made it seem like many more characters populated the first chapters. I know it's period appropriate but not helpful when I try to get my bearings and want to get to know the two MCs and start rooting for them.

By 30% of the story I had an idea where this was going, but still felt like I was missing information. Since I neither cared for either Cressida nor Greville, or Lord Byron, or the historical background, or Cressida following the army (I can read that up in a textbook, this novel did not add to my understanding of the historical facts), I started skimming the rest of the novel.

The resolution between the two MCs, who for two intelligent people really don't know how to talk to each other, was too simple for my taste. After all the secrecy and miscommunication I was hoping for a big bang rather than a tiny fizz that resolved their whole load of problems. Not to mention that their whole load of problems and by that the plot of the novel could have been avoided if the two of them had actually talked to each other from the start.

1.5 stars rounded up to 2

DNF @ 10%. I am surprised at how quickly I was able to determine that this wasn't for me. Usually when I DNF something this quick it is because the writing style is not working for me. In the case of My Lady's Secrets it was not the writing style. I found the writing style to be a serviceable and straightforward prose that was easy to read. My problem was with the neck break speed which the backstory was given. I didn't expect a historical fiction romance to have so much exposition dumped on the reader so rapidly. If all the backstory had been slowly revealed it probably would have let me settle into the story and characters a little easier. I also found that there were a lot of scenes that seemed like they were solely there for a shock value. It just didn't suit my tastes. I am still trying to find a subgenre of romance that works for me, but this wasn't it.

Step into the enchanting atmosphere of 19th century Scottish coastal charm with this compelling story that is a blend of politics, social drama and personal intrigue. Imagine a lavish ball where love, betrayal, and ambition unfold like a captivating soap opera. The characters, like puzzle pieces, navigate power struggles and complicated relationships. The author vividly paints the coastal scenery and dives into the characters' emotions, creating a cinematic experience with unexpected twists and turns. Prepare yourself for a relaxing yet thrilling read that combines fun and gripping storytelling, making it a truly remarkable and moving journey through the complexities of human life.

I personally liked how each of the characters underwent significant changes, the interactions between them were good, although for me as an Indonesian reader, I had a little trouble with some of the terms, but overall I could understand the content of this novel.

Thank you NetGalley, Katy Moran & Head Zeus Publishing for the wonderful opportunity to be one of My Lady Secret's ARC readers.

Sadly this title disappointed me! I've rounded up because I would give it a 2.5. Starting with the things I did enjoy, The character of Cressida, i suspended my disbelief about the likelihood of an aristocratic women ending up as a camp follower, because I enjoyed seeing that world. Honestly, if this novel had been purely about Greville and Cressida and the fallout over their marriage and continental adventures I probably would have loved it more. Those two had great chemistry and i enjoyed the ups and downs of their relationship. The fact that Cressida worries so much about telling Greville about her big secret, and then never ends up telling him did annoy me, she spends the whole novel keeping him at a distance because of it and then we never see that payoff.

I had some issues with the plot. I felt confused at multiple points in the novel- the first scene of Arthur and Greville I had to re-read several times as i wasn't getting to grips with the info dumping. I ended up being extremely grateful that the details of the Irish plot were being told to me by the characters at the end. I think it comes down to never being fully invested in it because the characters I had bonded with had nothing to do with it, they were the observers who had to involve themselves to help out because they had family who stood to lose everything, and i think it would have been different had we also been following Jaime for example. In general i had an issue with a lot of the dialogue, it was pulling me out of the story because it felt really unnatural and for my benefit a lot of the time rather than because it was something these characters would actually say. So much potential but for me it wasn't realised.

Did not finish at 20% of the book - the premise was very interesting and I appreciated the character foundation of the main woman character, but ultimately the plot and story were not compelling. I did flip to the end to see if the ending might interest me in continuing to read the middle, but alas not. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy!